Tesla Motors is now taking orders for the Model S, an all electric family sedan that carries seven people and travels 300 miles per charge. The Model S, which carries its charger onboard, can be recharged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet, with the latter taking only 45 minutes.[more...]
Hyundai shows pictures of their innovative plug-in hybrid concept car. The Hyundai BLUE-WILL, has exceptionally advanced technology crammed inside its striking bodyshell. Recycled PET soft drink bottles were used to make the material for the headlamp bezels while use has also been made of bio-plastics: PLA for the interior while PA11 was specified for the engine cover. These materials are made from plants extract rather than fossil fuels and are bio-degradable. [more...]
Progress can not be stopped, especially when it is dashing forward in such a broad and powerful way. The automobile refiner JE DESIGN converts the current Porsche Cayenne (Type 957) into the PROGRESSOR and shows which potential can be release from the serial Porsche. [more...]
Porsche introduces a new SUV exclusive series - the Cayenne GTS Porsche Design Edition 3. This special edition will be limited to just one thousand numbered units. With this new model, the Cayenne is continuing the innovative design line already initiated successfully with the Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1 and the Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2. [more...]
The Roadster version of the Murciélago will offer an uprated 6.5 litre V12 engine that produces 650 hp (478 kW) along with permanent four-wheel drive: hence the model’s LP 650-4 moniker. With 660 Nm of torque, top performance is at 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 3.4 seconds. The top speed is around 330 Km/h (205mph). [more...]
The latest creation of Arden is the Arden AJ 21, which was developed on Jaguar XF basis. This wildcat will thrill you, with a stronger engine, extensive aerodynamic modifications and elegant interior. It will offer a genuinely Jaguar pleasure with an individual Arden mark. [more...]
Volkswagen created a Barbie® doll VW Beetle to celebrate the 50th Birthday with an ultimate Barbie® dream convertible car. The life-size pink Malibu Barbie™ New Beetle convertible made its debut at Barbie® doll’s Malibu Dream House® exclusive birthday celebration. [more...]
It all started in the U.S. with introduction of the Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series late last year; a luxury sports coupe that pushed the envelope of the standard version and gave even more power, performance, and exclusivity to even fewer people. The first car in the Black Series lineup was an overnight success, with hard-core enthusiasts the world over craving one for their own garage. In fact, the majority of the 350 cars bound for the U.S. were already spoken for even before they landed on American soil.
Then, earlier this year came rumors and spy photos of a new Black Series --- this version based on the venerable Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG. Motor Trend's very own Todd Lassa was among the first to confirm the car's existence after it was shown to him and a handful of other journalists at the 2008 New York auto show this past March, and now we have the full details on the latest bad-boy Benz. And what details they are. [more...]
As you can see from the image above, the Nissan GT-R is an absolutely staggering beast. Huge amounts of power, a reasonable price point (for all the technology) and a hand built engine. It’s one very special car indeed. Nissan though have decided to make it better for Europe: [more...]
Elegance, discreet sportiness and understatement have always been the distinguishing features of English cars. Thirty years ago, the tuning specialist, Arden from Krefeld, couldn’t resist the appeal of these vehicles. For years, he has been the place to go for customers who wish for more emphasis on the typical characteristics, as well as a customisation of their Jaguar or Range Rover. [more...]
Whereas optimum performance for racetracks, lateral acceleration and grip in all situations are the focus of apollo, apollo sport and apollo race, the apollo speed is aimed at an exclusive high speed clientel. Its domain is the mastery of highest speeds. Thanks to polished aerodynamics the drive side values of the speed are far above those of the competition. [more...]
The Protocar Lampo is only a showcar that can convince passive and even skeptic decision makers that modern electric vehicles allow the greatest driving pleasure, and showing that battery driven vehicles represent the most suitable short-term solution. [more...]
The Geneva Motor Show will see the comeback of an intriguing product idea when Mercedes-Benz presents the Coupé range in the new E-Class. Just three months after the presentation of the Saloon, the brand is therefore launching a new highlight in the new model series while continuing a tradition that has repeatedly met with great enthusiasm throughout the history of the E-Class. [more...]
Unmistakeable design characterises the latest Techart program for the 911 Porsche models from mod. 09, presented as a world premiere at the Geneva Auto-Salon 2009. Based on the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet 2009 model, the design highlights the aesthetics, sportiness and dynamics of the vehicle.
The optimum: Techart Aerokit I
The elegant exterior design comprises components which create a sense of fully formed sportiness and balanced aerodynamic driving. The elegant front spoiler blends in seamlessly with the form of the bumper and exudes pure sportiness. Power optimising sill panels emphasise the elongated side lines and add a touch of the dynamic to the flanks of the vehicle. The deep sitting rear diffuser as well as the wing profile of the rear spoiler define this sovereign look.
Delicate decorative detailing, headlight and mirror trims, a roof spoiler in carbon or PU-RIM material and air outlet grills integrated into the front apron complete this spirited appearance.
Individual down to the very last detail: the interior
A wide range of different leather furnishings, matching colour 3-spoke airbag sports wheel, aluminium pedals and decorative borders are just some of the furnishing options available. There are virtually no limits to individual design, as far as the Techart manufacturers are concerned. The silver-coloured accenting appears on the dashboard, decorative door trims, infotainment system panel, central console, seat back covers and clothes hooks.
After last year’s record braking lap at the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife, the official Pagani representatives from Hong Kong made their special request for the most radical road legal Zonda ever, the Zonda Cinque. Limited to just 5 (Cinque) pieces the production is already sold out.
Technology
In order to satisfy the downforce requirements of 750kg at 300kph, the Cinque features a new larger front splitter, a new adjustable rear wing as well as a modified underbody and rear diffuser. New intakes for brake ducts increase the airflow to brake disks and wheelhubs.
The air scoop on the central monococque feeds the 678hp Mercedes-AMG V12 powerplant. Up to 780Nm are unleashed on the bespoke Pirelli Pzero tyres. For the first time ever in a Zonda a sequential 6 speed gearbox is installed. The adaptive gearbox demands no compromises from the driver, offering lightning fast gearshifts and comfortable use in heavy traffic.
Having become a public issue only recently, fuel economy and efficiency have been grappled with since the mid 1990s at Pagani, its engineers constantly developing new technologies and materials to reduce the weight of their cars.
A new composite fibre, carbon-titanium, a development by Pagani, has been purposely created for the Zonda Cinque and will find its use in future generations of Pagani vehicles. Forged monoblock aluminium wheels, bolts and nuts are realised in titanium to significantly reduce the unsprung masses. The fully adjustable ergal shock absorbers with titanium springs have been developed at Öhlins according to the latest technologies and to the Pagani specifications.
Interior
While maintaining the level of refinement usual for Pagani cars, the interior reveals the sporty pretensions. Leather racing seats developed by Toora with 4-point seatbelts are surrounded by carbon fibre laminated Cr-Mo roll-bars. The ergonomic shift paddles behind the steering wheel as the rest of the controls have been studied to offer highest levels of precision for a deep immersion into the driving pleasure.
Driven by passion and following the renowned automotive tradition of Modena and the Renaissance concepts of art and science by Leonardo Da Vinci, another automotive sculpture is born at the Pagani Ateilier, the 1 million (+ tax) Zonda Cinque with its unmistakable, bespoke livery is reserved for five lucky owners, guaranteeing unique emotions every time they will get near it.
Flash back to the Geneva Motor Show in 1998, where Peugeot’s vision of driving pleasure took on a new form in the shape of the 20? concept car generating emotion, admiration and desire. Memories of the elegant 401, 601 and 402 “Eclipse” models of the 1930s were stirred, reviving Peugeot’s close association with a motoring concept based on driving as the mood takes you, in coupé or cabriolet confi guration, through the magic of a retractable rigid roof that folds into the The years 2000 and 2003 saw this expertise developed further with the 206 CC “2+2” and the 307 CC with four full size seats, popularising a concept which was considered elitist accessible to the all in the 21st Century. The successors to that fi rst generation have already appeared, with the 207 CC and now the 308 CC, which received its premiere at the Paris Motor Show. By the end of November 2008, Peugeot had produced some 650,000 coupé cabriolets for enthusiasts of this lifestyle motoring concept, making Peugeot the world leader in this body style.
Since the launch of the 307 CC in 2003, the structure of the lifestyle market in the M1 segment has undergone a number of profound changes. Recently, cabriolets with a retractable rigid roof have become more popular than vehicles with a more vulnerable “soft top”. For the majority of customers, the 307 CC is the household’s main car. It is chosen for its clever design and for its elegance, but is also greatly appreciated in daily use for its comfort, specifi cation and ride quality.
The 308 has already replaced the 307 hatchback and SW versions, offering all the benefi ts of its successor while at the same time imposing its new identity, modern feel and strong personality. In the same vein, the 308 CC with its four full-size seats capitalises on all the original benefi ts of the 308, but still embodies the 307 CC with Peugeot’s coupé cabriolet expertise. Attracting customers by touching their “emotional chord” through its attractive design : “a cabriolet for all seasons”, the 308 CC is one of the stars of the Geneva Motor Show.
With its balanced forms, both in coupé and cabriolet confi gurations, the 308 CC cuts an elegant fi gure: modern and dynamic, with a graphic style emphasised even further by light refl ecting contours – an exceptional vehicle with a strong temperament that clearly shows its allegiance to the world of prestige coupé cabriolets; Low-slung, with an aerodynamically positioned front windscreen, a deeply profi led lower front panel, generously sculpted sides with chrome bead decorating the windows, prominent haunches, an original bootlid and spectacular LED rear lights featuring curtain of red light technology, the 308 CC is certainly not lacking in personality.
The exclusive passenger compartment has an undeniable personality, creating the impression of a “Grand Touring” car. The sculpted front seats with their integral head restraints have an inbuilt “Airwave” warm air diffuser which provides warm air around the occupants neck. The rear seats mirror this distinctive design and offer rear accommodation that is surprisingly generous for a cabriolet.
The door panels also have an exclusive design, incorporating an elegant and robust metallic inner door handle. The sports steering wheel, special fi nish of the instrument panel and the black lacquer centre console complete this sylish up-market theme.
In terms of the “sporty” or “haute couture” feel of the car, the 308 CC is trimme with dynamic fabrics, leather or the excusite “integral leather” trim. This now extends to the entire passenger compartment which is rare in this segment. In Black, Vintage or Beige, the attractive interior trims differ according to the range of body colours: fashionable Pearlescent White, subtle Terre d’ombre (dark brown) with an orange spangled effect, and also the established favourites: blue, red, black and grey are available. Meticulously designed to enhance the day-to-day comfort and convenience of its occupants, the 308 CC offers a multitude of “everyday” benefi ts oriented to the best coupé cabriolet lifestyle.
A fully automatic retractable roof
Taking centre stage, the fully automatic retractable roof can transform in 20 seconds and its operation can be viewed on the colour display, turning the car into a dynamic coupé or an elegant cabriolet according to the mood of its occupants.
In harmony with the seasons…
The cabriolet confi guration can even be enjoyed in cold weather, whether it’s making the most of early spring, saying no to winter or driving with the roof down in beautiful snow bound landscapes. Peugeot offers all these pleasures to the occupants of the 308 CC, thanks to its protective architecture, its intelligent air conditioning (which adapts its operation to the cabriolet body shape), heated seats, its windstop and… its remarkable “Airwave” system built into the front seats, which acts like a scarf by diffusing warm air that can be adjusted for temperature, fl ow and direction.
Excellent vibration damping
Inside the 308 CC an excellent structural rigidity reduces any vibrations that might affect steering, rear vision or seat comfort. This is the result of carefully placed structural reinforcements: through specifi c dampers and structural bracing… In short, the 308 CC offers a highly rigid structure and excellent vibration damping demonstrating Peugeot’s coupé cabriolet expertise.
Low interior noise levels
An indispensable ingredient of comfort and convenience inside the car, the low interior noise levels of the 308 CC in its coupé configuration will clearly set the vehicle apart from its competitors.
Space all around
As a coupé cabriolet with four full size seats, the 308 CC benefi ts from wider wheel tracks and a wider body compared to the 307 CC, as well as a front seat structure which offers both generous leg room to the rear occupants and provides a good amount of space to all occupants of the vehicle.
The 308 CC is designed to create a real sensation of tranquillity in the passenger compartment…
The structure is robust and designed to withstand and dissipate front and side impact energy. It is also supplemented by innovative and intelligent means of restraint that the cabriolet body shape dictates. They include a chest/pelvis side airbag built into the front seats and exclusively a side head airbag which is a world fi rst, guaranteeing effective protection of all vital parts of the body regardless of seat position.
Within a few milliseconds of the risk of a rollover being detected (less than the time taken to blink an eye), rear active “pop-up” pyrotechnic roll-over protection bars create a passenger survival cell with the strengthened windscreen pillars designed for this eventuality. Further typical CC features and equipment testifying to the ability of the 308 CC to anticipate its occupants’ needs include…
LED courtesy lighting in the door mirrors.
… and not forgetting a usable boot with dedicated storage spaces (including one under the boot carpet for the optional windstop), laid out to resemble a presentation box. Its capacity (VDA method) is 403 dm3 in the coupé confi guration and 226 dm3 under the windstop in the cabriolet confi guration (or 465 litres and 266 litres respectively in “liquid” equivalent).
Two dynamic and fl exible engines
Two dynamic and fl exible engines power the 308 CC through a six speed manual gearbox… unless an automatic gearbox is preferred… They are a 1.6 litre THP 110 kW (150 bhp) turbocharged direct injection petrol engine with a torque of 240 Nm at 1,400 rpm, and a 2.0 litre HDi FAP Euro 5 103 kW (140 bhp) diesel engine with a torque of 320 Nm at 2,000 rpm, both very economical and environmentally-friendly.
Effi cient road holding
The 308 CC combines motoring enjoyment with effi cient road holding… The wide wheel tracks, the lowered ride height and high-performance suspension specially developed for this body style give the 308 CC excellent potential, together with a real sense of security for the driver. The large 302×26 mm disc brakes are an equal match to the performance of the engines. This is combined with an ESP system that watches over the occupants at all times.
Heartbeat Motors Capone – the Chevrolet HHR is now available with exclusive old-school design and with optional eco-friendly LPG autogas power. The five-door sets itself apart with its two-tone exterior paint and stainless-steel applications. But that’s not all: Its 2.4-liter four-cylinder 16-valve engine produces 170 hp / 125 kW and can run on gasoline or on low-cost eco-friendly LPG autogas.
The station wagon is available with a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic transmission. A leather interior and hi-fi system are part of the standard equipment as is an extensive safety package that includes driver and front passenger as well as side airbags. Special requests can be fulfilled with the extensive Heartbeat Motors customization program.
What makes this model truly special is the fact that HHR owners can buy the components individually at authorized Chevrolet dealers. The Heartbeat MOTORS HHR Capone itself is also available at all authorized Chevrolet dealers.
The two-tone exterior makes the Heartbeat Motors Capone a striking eye catcher. The special model is available in the color combinations of Sunburst Orange / Chicago Cream, Black / Chicago Cream, Imperial Blue / Chicago Cream und Dark Grey / Chicago Cream. The sophisticated color concept emphasizes the classic design of the Chevrolet HHR that itself is reminiscent of the car design of the late Forties.
The Heartbeat Motors designers lend the five-door even more unmistakable classic looks with a sophisticated concept of high-gloss polished stainless-steel components. The Heartbeat Motors front tube guard attaches to the underside of the front bumper and serves more than just visual purposes: The sturdy accessory protects the front apron from damages from curbs and other obstacles.
The sides of the Chevrolet HHR are upgraded with Heartbeat Motors rocker panels. These sparkling high-gloss stainless-steel components protect the lower sides from minor collision damage.
Eco-friendly and affordable: These are the two most important characteristics of the Heartbeat Motors LPG autogas conversion of the Capone, available for 2,990 Euros. The dual drive technology allows drivers to use LPG auto gas or gasoline. At 0.65 Euros per liter of LPG autogas the exclusive HHR special model is not just exceptionally economical to drive but also runs cleaner than the production car: Using LPG reduces CO2 emissions by more than ten percent.
The Heartbeat Motors Chevrolet HHR Capone special model rolls standard on 17-inch light-alloy wheels. Heartbeat Motors also offers custom-tailored five-spoke wheels in size 8Jx18 with size 215/45 R 18 tires. The Heartbeat motors ride-height lowering by some 30 millimeters is especially calibrated for use with these low-profile tires.
