August 3, 2011
Sweet looking concept car. It has kind of a future sports car / Tron look going on. I want one. The good news is that they might actually be making it. Here's some of the details:
The concept car BMW Vision EfficientDynamics created excitement and very positive feedback at the IAA 2009. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics made ??it clear that an emotional sports car with the fuel economy of a small car is no contradiction and could soon be reality.
After successful initial testing of the vehicle concept, the decision for a series-production vehicle was quickly made. The BMW i8 Concept is the next step in the evolution of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. The result: The most progressive and innovative sports car of its time. Its innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric drive system from the BMW i3 Concept – fitted over its front axle – with a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW/220 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at the rear. Working in tandem, they allow the two drive systems to display their respective talents to the full, delivering the performance of a sports car but the fuel consumption of a small car.
Acceleration of 0 to 62 mph in under five seconds combined with fuel consumption in the European cycle of under three liters per 100 kilometers (approx. 94 mpg imp) are figures currently beyond the capability of any vehicle powered by a combustion engine of comparable performance. Thanks to its large lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from a domestic power supply, the BMW i8 Concept can travel to approx. 20 miles on electric power alone. Added to which, the 2+2-seater offers enough space for four people, giving it a high level of everyday practicality.
The LifeDrive architecture of the BMW i8 Concept has been carefully adapted to enhance the vehicle's sports car character, and therefore to deliver unbeatable performance and excellent driving dynamics. The motor in the front axle module and combustion engine at the rear are connected by an "energy tunnel", which houses the high-voltage battery. This gives the car a low centre of gravity – and the dynamic benefits that come with it. The positioning of the electric motor and engine over their respective axles and the space-saving and well-balanced packaging of all components result in an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.
You can read a lot more about it, and see a video, or at the BMW site HERE.
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July 28, 2011
This is a great idea, and I really like that they didn't just stick to the iPhone. Here's the details:
eDestination is an exclusive online tool that allows you to enter destinations into your Lexus Navigation System without being anywhere near your vehicle. Simply visit the eDestination page to search for locations you'd like to visit. You can save up to 200 destinations and organize them in up to 20 folders. Once your destinations are saved, you can add notes to each destination, name the folders and send them wirelessly to your vehicle's Navigation System. Require even more mobility? Download the complimentary Lexus Enform Mobile app for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry devices. It features a mobile version of eDestination, allowing you to set and send destinations from virtually anywhere.
You can watch the short video over at the Lexus site HERE.
Posted by Ghostshark under Cars,Electronics | Comments (0)
July 28, 2011
Great sweepstakes here. Nice long trip (for a sweepstakes anyway), SEMA should be awesome, a stay in a nice hotel, and lots of cash. Ten grand to be exact. That would translate to a hell of a lot of fun in Sin City. Here's the details:
One Grand Prize: A 5-day, 4-night trip for the winner and one guest to Las Vegas, NV to attend the 2011 SEMA Show on November 1st through November 4th 2011. Prize includes round-trip, coach class air transportation from a major Gateway airport nearest the winner's home, double-occupancy hotel accommodations at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, transportation to and from airport and $10,000 PayPal cash deposit.
You do have to head over to Ebay and do a little voting, but it's not that hard. Also, since you're going out to this years SEMA show, you have to take the trip November 1 – 4, 2011. Not a horrible problem to have though.
The sweepstakes runs until September 30, 2011, and you can enter it by clicking HERE.
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July 13, 2011
Nice looking car, but the main thing is the 800hp that will get you from zero to 62mph in 3.7 seconds. I wonder if the backseat is even remotely comfortable. Anyway, here's the details:
With the 800-hp (788-bhp) / 588-kW BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo twelve-cylinder high-capacity engine in the body of the open-top Mercedes E-Class BRABUS further expands the legendary E V12 family. Like its brethren, the BRABUS E V12 Cabriolet is a high-performance automobile of superlatives: the special model reaches a top speed of up to 370 km/h (231 mph) and is the world’s most powerful and fastest four-seater cabriolet. It is built to order starting at EUR 478,000.
In building this supercar the BRABUS engineers drew upon the know-how gained from building numerous E V12 sedans and coupes. Precision work was required to implant the BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo engine and a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission in the engine bay of the E-Class Cabriolet.
The most powerful engine in the BRABUS lineup is based on the three-valve V12 engine of the current Mercedes S 600 model. The company’s engine-building shop reengineers this engine in all aspects. A special crankshaft with longer stroke and larger pistons in conjunction with increased cylinder bore bumps displacement from standard 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cu. in.). Further modifications to the engine’s inner workings include cylinder heads optimized for mixture flow and sports camshafts.
The engine peripherals are reworked just as extensively: Two special exhaust manifolds with integrated larger turbochargers ensure a more efficient turbocharging process. The BRABUS biturbo system is rounded out with four water-to-air intercoolers which also make a crucial contribution to the exceptional power yield. The stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with four tailpipes was created specifically for the E-Class Cabriolet. The intake side was also completely redesigned: Under the custom-built hood with integrated carbon-fiber ram-air hood scoop is a completely newly developed intake manifold.
The perfect interaction of all performance-increasing measures is coordinated by newly programmed mapping for the electronic engine management system.
The BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo powertrain, lubricated with high-tech lubricants from technology partner ARAL, transforms the four-seater convertible into the most powerful and fastest of its kind in the world. 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), limited electronically in the car to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft), are as unique as the driving performance this car delivers.
The power cabriolet is equipped with a BRABUS high-performance limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent, and sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds. After 9.9 seconds the exclusive automobile already reaches a speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). The 300-km/h (186-mph) barrier shatters after 23.9 seconds. Depending on the final-drive ratio the BRABUS 800 E V12 Cabriolet has a top speed of up to 370 km/h (231 mph).
Sophisticated aerodynamic properties are essential for directional stability and active safety in a car capable of attaining such enormous speeds. The sporty yet elegant BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement components were fine-tuned in the wind tunnel, and like in Formula 1 racing they are made from ultra-light yet high-strength carbon fiber.
The BRABUS front apron is shaped to reduce lift on the front axle and to guide a maximum amount of cooling air to the radiators and front brakes of the V12 model. Air outlets in the sides route the hot air away from the heat exchangers as quickly as possible. LED daytime running lights integrated into the apron give the E V12 Cabriolet an unmistakable appearance that can be quickly identified even in the rearview mirror.
For further improved directional stability at extremely high speeds and to further increase cornering speeds, BRABUS widens the body of the E-Class Cabriolet. Newly designed front sport fenders widen the track and allow the installation of ultra-wide 9.5Jx19 wheels mounted with size 265/30 ZR 19 tires.
Special carbon-fiber rear fender flares add 60 millimeters (2.4 inches) to the width of the BRABUS E V12 Cabriolet. They create space for ten-inch wide wheels mounted with high-performance tires up to size 295/30 ZR 19, supplied by technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.
Professional engineering work was also invested into every detail of the suspension: special suspension components were custom-designed for the front and rear axle of the BRABUS E V12 Cabriolet. They provide a much wider range of individual suspension settings. These components are joined by a BRABUS coil-over suspension calibrated to the higher engine weight. The suspension was developed together with Bilstein and features ten selectable settings for bound and rebound front and back. The ride height can also be adjusted by up to 35 millimeters to suit each driver’s personal preferences.
The BRABUS high-performance brake system easily masters the car’s incredible performance. It features 380 x 37 millimeter (15.0 x 1.45 in.), vented and grooved steel brake discs and 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the front axle. The rear stops on 360 x 28 millimeter (14.2 x 1.1 in.) discs with 6-piston aluminum fixed calipers.
Naturally the BRABUS E V12 Cabriolet also features an especially exclusive interior. The first vehicle of the small-series production run, which celebrated its public debut at BRABUS Middle East in Dubai, the company’s own branch in the United Arab Emirates, breaks the mold in this area as well. The cockpit is clad in a perfectly finished combination of lipstick-red and black leather.
The ergonomically shaped BRABUS steering wheel and inlays made from genuine carbon fiber on dashboard, center console and side trim add sporty highlights. The speedometer with 400-km/h (250-mph) dial bears witness to the unique performance potential of the open-top four-seater car even while it is standing still.
You can check out more about it by clicking HERE.
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July 7, 2011
This thing is pretty cool. I have no idea what one would cost, but it would probably be worth it. They only make 12 a year, so it's probably not going to be cheap. Here's the details:
Shadow Hawk, a name synonymous with the comic book super hero is now a brand of vehicles with extraordinary capabilities. Shadow Hawk Vehicles has conquered a triad of disciplines–performance, adventure and security–which has never been achieved in a single vehicle…until now. Complexity with fundamental clarity of design is accomplished without compromise. Everything you have understood about vehicle performance will need to be re-thought. The Shadow Hawks are what we have all wanted but thought we could not have. They are high performance road machines and off road vehicles with nearly unlimited versatility. They are armored vehicles with craftsmanship and engineering greatness.
The Hawks are only built to order. Production is set at 12 Hawks a year. The limited production numbers will not only ensure exclusivity, it will empower you to entertain full customization. The Shadow Hawks will be built to your exact specifications and taste. There is simply no other vehicle that approaches the Shadow Hawks. Life in a vehicle has never been so complete.
Our most conservative Super Terrain Vehicle, the Steel Hawk, combines engineering magnificence with unmatched craftsmanship. The vehicle is both exotic and practical. The Steel Hawk uses a 6.6 liter, V8 turbo engine producing 360 horsepower and 650 foot pounds of torque. It is encased in a 3/16 inch 4130 Chromolly monocoque design that yields an overall vehicle weight of approximately 5,900 pounds.
You can check out all the pictures, and get more information, HERE.
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July 6, 2011
This was originally only a concept car to celebrate its 75th birthday. However, Jaguar has decided to produce 250 of these awesome looking machines.
The all wheel drive C-X75 runs on a 4-cylinder gasoline engine with forced induction, and a pair of electric motors. That doesn't sound like a whole lot, but it's projected numbers are impressive. Its 0-60mph time should be less than three seconds, and it should get up to 100mph in about six seconds. Overall top speed should be in excess of 200 mph, but who knows if it's 201 or 230. Since it does have a couple of electric motors in it, the C-X75 can run for 30 miles or more, before the gasoline engine kicks in.
Of course, since they only plan on making 250 of them, it's going to cost. Estimated price $1.4 to $1.9 million.
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June 16, 2011
This is a modified car, obviously, and it will run you $80,000 if your interested. It does have some pretty impressive stats on it. Here's all of the details:
Empowered by a highly modified, supercharged V8 the produces an intimidating 704hp and 695 lbs-ft of torque at 11psi boost! Also adding to its substantial performance is a highly modified suspension, chassis, exhaust system, brakes and fuel system. It even sports a racing, Intimidator shifter that is built from one solid piece of aluminum, is grooved for improved grip and is anodized black with a 3 on top as well as an Intimidator logo down the shaft. But power isn’t the only thing that will make this car monumental. Its appearance carries definite cues from the race cars that Dale Earnhardt used during his reign of Intimidation. Cues like a racing inspired, aluminum blade spoiler with support braces and a more modern racing splitter with support braces for improved downforce. To push more air to the monster of an engine, as well as to give it an even more threatening look, a front induction hood with a raised cowl is installed. Finishing off the look is chrome plated Intimidator badges, a classic looking heritage grille, menacing afterburner tail lamps, 6LE Designs White Faced Gauges and chromed wheels with Intimidator engraved on a spoke. Suited for the straights of the track but will easily own the streets, this car is sure to live up to its name and Intimidate everyone that spots it in their mirrors!
You can check out a lot more pictures of it, over at the Intimidator Camaro site HERE.
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June 9, 2011
The BMW 328 Hommage was created to celebrate the original 328's 75th birthday. The car weighs a mere 1,720 pounds, and has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. It's not exactly a speedster, but that's not the point. What it is, is a unique and beautiful looking car.
You can see more pictures of the car over at AutoBlog HERE.
You can also read the press release below.
Read more…
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May 18, 2011
Jaguar has teamed up with Williams F1 to create this new hybrid. The car will have an all electric range of about 31 miles, and deliver incredibly low CO2 emissions. After that, it's your normal supercar. It has a 0-60mph time of about 3 seconds, and a top speed of over 200mph.
The downside to all of this, as with most supercars, is that only 250 of them will be made, and each of them will cost around $1.1 million USD.
You can check it out over at the Jag site HERE.
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May 5, 2011
Man would I love to have one of these. Of course it's pricey as all hell, coming in at a starting price of $199,000. Also, there's doesn't seem to be any details on top speed or a 0-60 time, but you have to think this thing can move. Here's a little of the details:
MSN Autos recently named the 1967 Shelby G.T.500 the "ultimate muscle car." The Shelby G.T.500CR Venom model starts with a legend, and injects it with modern supercar technology: a 770 horsepower supercharged engine, advanced multi-link race car inspired suspension, an oppulant interior and modern turn-key reliability.
Every Shelby G.T.500CR is coachbuilt at our facility located in Oklahoma. Modern amenities include authentic Shelby Performance Parts, rack and pinion steering, race inspired suspension, oversized disc brakes, and more. Engines are hand assembled out of the finest parts available, and with nearly 800 horsepower on tap the Venom model offers supercar performance.
For a lot more pictures of this beautiful car, and all of the specs, you can head over to the Classic Recreations site HERE.
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