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Sunday, December 5, 2010
Venturi, the company that is self-proclaimed as having produced “the first production electric sports car in automobile history,” successfully taps into the ultra-rich’s unending pursuit of exclusivity. By only building 25 units a year, they can charge $400,000 for each of their high-performance, all-electric luxury sports cars. Somehow oddly fitting, their first EV is called the Fetish
Before building only new electric vehicles, Venturi catered to a similarly wealthy clientele by manufacturing mid-engine sports cars. The Fetish, Venuturi’s first EV effort, appeared in concept form at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, and from there made the rounds at other events before the beginning of its production run in 2004. Similar to other electric-powered concept or show cars, the Fetish was designed to overcome the public’s often negative opinion that electric cars lack performance, style and range. They have only been marginally successful in their efforts. Although the 330 horsepower carbon-fiber Fetish can reach 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, top speed is a paltry 112 mph. That’s certainly plenty of power for most EVs, or most any other car for that matter, but with a supercar price tag, you’d expect a similar super car punch in performance. What Venturi counts on is that there are at least 25 eco-conscious billionaires ready to plunk down 400 grand a year to be seen in the attractive Fetish. And when all is said and done, despite Venturi’s sports car building history, it is their ability to build long range electric vehicles that has made them money. In the case of the Fetish, when fully-charged it can go 220 miles before needing to be juiced up again. A rapid battery charge is also available, which yields about one mile of driving for every minute of power that it is allowed to take in. The ability to go 220 miles on one charge is largely the result of weight, or more accurately, the lack of weight of the Fetish at only 2,425 pounds. Other technological advances include a wireless information system developed between Venturi and partner, Intel that remotely monitors the energy storage status to conveniently update an owner that may be at work or at home waiting for the car to be charged. As expensive as the Fetish is, delivery from Monaco to your destination, according to Venturi, is the buyer’s responsibility.Thursday, October 14, 2010
Bentley has presented several days ago new generation of coupe Continental GT, and already today appears information that Englishmen work over one model. It is a question about a four-door coupe. Now such body type becomes more and more popular, and it is not only at Mercedes-Benz or Audi, but also at Porsche and Aston Martin. Therefore in Bentley don't want to lose a new piece of the market.
The most interesting, new four-door coupe from Bentley can become most cheap car in a modeling ruler of the company. According to some information, the base price of this car will be about 140 000 usd. Agree, for Bentley it is absolutely inexpensive (truth, it is not necessary to forget about taxes which can increase considerably final cost of model).
According to some information, at the heart of a four-door coupe Bentley the increased platform from Audi A6 of a new generation thanks to what the weight of the car will make only 1700 kg (for comparison Continental GT weighs on 500 kg more). Well and under a car cowl there will be 4,0-liter motor V8 with a turbo-supercharging which will be created by joint efforts of engineers Audi and Bentley.
Ford prepares to present absolutely new generation of the smallest model under name Ka only in 2014. However journalists from English magazine AutoExpress have managed to learn something about the new car.
At creation of new generation Ford Ka the main attention will be given to design. Ford management plans to make from Ka one of the most stylish cars in the market. And for this purpose without risky experiments with appearance not possible to manage such car. According to AutoExpress, serial Ka will be made in style concept Start which has been shown in April of this year on a showroom in Beijing. And Ka will be equipped too with the petrol motor in volume of 1,0 l from ruler EcoBoost which capacity will makes from 85 h.p. to 125 h.p. depending on adjustment.
Apparently, at the heart of following generation of Ford Ka there will be a new platform which will be created by joint efforts of engineers Ford and Fiat.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Hyundai announced recently that it will show a Rhys Millen Racing version of the Equus at the 2010 SEMA Auto Show next month. The RMR Signature Edition Equus will include exterior, interior and performance upgrades that will enhance the already luxurious sedan.
Exterior changes to the Equus include front chin and rear deck spoilers, carbon mirrors and a two-tone carbon fiber and "Red Bull Racing blue" paint job, plus 21-inch HRE wheels.
A new intake and exhaust system add 30 hp, for a total of 415 hp from the 4.6-liter V-8, while 14-inch front brake discs bring things to a halt. It’s not our cup of tea—we’d have attached the Korean-market hood ornament and called it a day—but it should be right at home among the bewinged and neon-lighted creations that dominate SEMA.
The car also gets two-tone carbon-fiber mirrors, front and rear spoilers and a leather interior with suede accents. It rolls on 21-inch wheels.
Press Release
RHYS MILLEN RACING BUILDING SIGNATURE EDITION EQUUS FOR SEMA
Visitors to Hyundai's SEMA booth will be treated to the latest customizations from Rhys Millen Racing as his modifications to the company's new flagship sedan will be unveiled. The RMR Signature Edition Equus will include exterior, interior and performance upgrades that will enhance the already luxurious sedan.
"This is the third consecutive year we've partnered with Hyundai to bring a must-see car to the SEMA Show," said Rhys Millen, owner, Rhys Millen Racing. "The intelligent luxury platform of the new rear-wheel drive Equus is a perfect vehicle for tuners who have graduated from other segments and want to work with the best the automotive industry has to offer."
The Equus will showcase exterior RMR Signature Edition components including carbon mirrors, and front chin and rear deck spoilers. A two-tone carbon fiber and Red Bull Racing blue satin clear paint by BASF and HRE 21-inch P40 wheels will appropriately round out the exterior.
Tuners aiming to get even more power from the stock 385 horsepower, V8 engine to the wheels will get a glance at a bolt-on RMR Signature Edition air intake and stainless exhaust that together will add another 30 horsepower. The RMR Signature Equus will also feature a 14-inch brake kit designed to tame the 415 horses.
The interior of the Equus will feature RMR Signature Edition embroidered headrests and floor mats, and ostrich hide leather seats with suede accents.
The RMR Signature Edition Equus will be shown in the Hyundai Booth along with other specially designed cars exclusively built for this year's SEMA Show.
Honda recently unveiled the first images and details of the updated 2011 Honda Civic facelift. for which production will begin next month at the Swindon plant in UK.
Exterior enhancements for the 2011 Honda Civic are limited to a new grille design across the range, which is influenced by that fitted to the recently discontinued high performance Type R model.
Interior comfort has also been increased as the 2011 Honda Civic comes with fabric and Alcantara or leather and Alcantara combinations depending on the trim level, plus heated front seats.
Under the hood, engine options carry over which means customers can order a 100 PS (74 kW / 99 hp) 1.4-liter petrol, a 140 PS (103 kW / 138 hp) 1.8-liter petrol, or a 140 PS (103 kW / 138 hp) 2.2-liter diesel.
Prices for the entry-level 1.4 Type S begin at just under 13,995 GBP.
Source: Honda UK
Press Release
HONDA ENHANCES CIVIC STYLING FOR 2011
The British-built Honda Civic has been given a refresh with a range of cosmetic enhancements for 2011. The updates and additions are designed to enhance the striking appearance and passenger comfort of the car at no extra cost to the customer.
Production for the 2011 Honda Civic begins at the Swindon manufacturing plant in November 2010 with prices starting from £13,995 for the 1.4 Type S.
Exterior updates
Eyes are immediately drawn to the new front grille, which has taken inspiration from the iconic ‘Type R' model, creating a smarter, more upmarket face for the popular hatchback.
Exterior updates also include a range of new alloy wheels now fitted as standard, with individual designs and sizes dependent on the variant chosen. New 16-inch rims feature on the Civic five-door range in 1.4-litre SE and Si, plus 1.8-litre SE trim levels. While the five-door 1.8-litre Si now wears a fresh set of 17-inch boots.
On the sports-inspired Type S model, the 1.4-litre Civic now benefits from colour-coded sideskirts and revised 16-inch alloys. The other news is a dynamic new exterior colour - Ionized Bronze, which is available across the Civic range.
Interior comfort
Keeping the driver and passenger comfortable is also part of the 2011 Model Year upgrade package, with a series of new interior finishes. SE and ES trim gets half fabric and luxurious Alcantara, while Si is now half leather and Alcantara with heated front seats.
Citroen and French artist, Francoise Nielly, have teamed up to create this masterpiece. The painting is based on the all-new, all-electric Citroen Survolt concept, first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.
The car is quite stunning simply left standing on its own, but with the colourful splashing of pink, green and yellow over the bonnet and other prominent contours, the car presents a fresh vibrant look and a definite step away from the usual ‘boring’ electric cars we’ve become used to.
The Citroen Survolt measures 3.85 meters long, wide and 1.2 1.87.mm high and weighs 1150 kilograms. Comes with a tubular chassis, a flat bottom with a hood and a full carbon body. In terms of features Survolt exclusively powered by electricity and 0-60 mph in just a shade under five seconds to produce a top speed of 162 mph.
The Survolt art car is displayed at C_42, the automotive producer’s “creme de la creme” showroom, which is located on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.
Press Release
Citroen has launched a new season at the Company’s international showcase, C_42, featuring a display of exciting models including a new ‘Art Car’ version of Survolt by Francoise Nielly, and Flavio Melchiorre’s personalised Citroen DS3 – winner of the Citroen Créative Awards competition.
The 14th season at the distinctive landmark building on the world famous Champs-Elysées also celebrates this year’s Paris Motor Show, bringing some of Citroen’s newest models such as the New C4, C-ZERO, DS3 Racing and DS4, to the public’s attention in the centre of Paris.
A specially created LED display on the C_42’s façade welcomes visitors with a multi-screen, digital creation symbolising Citroen’s ‘Créative Technologie’. Inside, the building’s magnificent revolving rotunda presents Citroen’s exciting model and concept ranges across several floors.
In the ground floor atrium, the exhibition opens with DS4, the second model in Citroen’s distinctive DS line. Guests can then experience the latest version of the C5 Tourer, presented in matt-black paintwork; the New C4, featuring Citroen’s innovative new e-HDi micro-hybrid technology; the stylish, hot-blooded special-edition DS3 Racing, displayed in a carbon setting; and the zero noise, zero fuel consumption and zero emission C-ZERO full-electric city car.
Fresh from its exhilarating UK duel against an electric superbike – the first head-to-head of its kind – the stunning all-electric Survolt racecar concept has been recharged with a bold, vivid and brightly contrasting new fluorescent paint scheme by Francoise Nielly. A source of inspiration for the original styling of Survolt, renowned contemporary artist Francoise Nielly worked closely with Citroen’s design team to create the exciting new interpretation of Citroen’s 100% electric racer – the Survolt ‘Art Car’.
On the top floor of C_42 is a display of Flavio Melchiorre’s personalised Citroen DS3 – the creation that won the Italian artist first prize in the Citroen Créative Awards, an international design competition launched in May 2010. The first Citroen Créative Awards received over 700 projects from around the world and the prize-winners were announced at a special evening held at C_42 on 5thOctober. Flavio Melchiorre’s DS3 creation will be launched in 2011 together with other new DS3 personalisation options.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Aston Martin confirms that the Cygnet luxury city car -- originally shown as a concept car in March - is to go into production in 2011 at the company's Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire. the Cygnet is based on the Toyota iQ city car but is given signature styling cues such as the gaping front grille, and alloy wheels, plus a high-luxury interior with details that match the automaker’s supercar range. The luxury city car is scheduled for production with sales to start in 2011, pricing and specification will be announced later this year, but it is likely that the Cygnet will only be sold to existing Aston customers.
The Aston Martin Cygnet will be powered by a 1.3 liter engine delivering a total of 97-hp with a top speed of 105 mph. An electric-only version with a 60-mile range will arrive in 2013.
Press Release
Aston Martin Cygnet Confirmed for ProductionInnovation, Luxury and Individuality
- Aston Martin Cygnet to become a production reality in 2011
- Designed and built at Aston Martin's Gaydon headquarters
- An Aston Martin tailor fit solution for the city offering luxury and individuality
Gaydon, 11 October 2010 - Aston Martin is pleased to confirm that the Cygnet luxury city car - originally shown as a concept car in March - is to go into production in 2011 at the company's Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire.
The Aston Martin Cygnet is a city car that sets a new benchmark for compact luxury, building upon nearly a century of experience building high performance sports cars, luxurious long-range grand tourers, and extremely competitive racing machines.
Cygnet demonstrates Aston Martin's commitment to innovation and integrity.
"It is time to think differently. Aston Martin is honest and we don't make compromises" says Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez.
"Whatever we do, we do right. If we do performance, we do performance; we don't downsize or compromise our sports cars. The Cygnet needs to satisfy the demands of emissions and space. It is a car without compromise, just like every other Aston Martin.
"Our customers need a small car for urban and city use, and they want the right tools for the right job, to downsize creatively without compromising intelligence, artistry and personality."
Cygnet expresses a simple but fundamental idea: in the modern city, scale equates to speed and freedom. At just three metres long, the Cygnet gives the driver a new dimension of freedom, able to slot into gaps in traffic, exploit the smallest parking spaces, consume the least fuel and emit the lowest emissions, all while delivering exceptional levels of quality and comfort.
"Cygnet is small but luxurious, an Aston Martin tailor fit for the city," says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Director of Design. With an almost unlimited palette of materials, colours and textures, each hand-finished Cygnet will be truly unique, a personalised space within the city. "Luxury is not constrained by scale."
Cygnet is a product of Aston Martin's unrivalled experience in craft, technology and design. The future city will present a very different luxury brand landscape, as social change and legislation increases the division between urban and anti-urban product categories. With the Cygnet, Aston Martin will be at the forefront of these changes, ensuring the company's enduring brand image will continue to prosper in new market conditions.
Dr Ulrich Bez continues: "The Cygnet is designed to support our sports cars by providing a greater degree of freedom in the urban context; it is a very special car, a premium but compact package with heart, soul and personality."
The Cygnet, a tailor fit solution for the city, will help drive Aston Martin into the future. "This car is reality; Cygnet is the natural choice for those who want a premium, bespoke commuter car."
Further details on the Aston Martin Cygnet including pricing and specification will be announced later this year. The Cygnet will be the eighth major production car Aston Martin has introduced at its state-of-the art factory since 2004, offering further evidence of the company's ongoing commitment to British manufacturing, backed-up by a dedicated local workforce and supplier network.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
The Italian tuner Romeo Ferraris released a mod pack for Chevrolet Corvette Z06 which aims to place it above the ZR1 model.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 received by Romeo Ferrari’s compressor and the power of the powerful 677PS and 823Nm LS7 jumped 7.0 torque. The Vortech kit features – a centrifugal compressor, an air-to-air intercooler and aluminum high-flow injectors. In addition, the car got a new sports exhaust system.
The Romeo Ferraris Z06 needs 3.3 seconds to cover the 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) sprint and hits 124 mph (200 km/h) in under 10 seconds. If the driver keeps on playing, the game reaches 211 mph (340 km/h).
They’ve also fitted the car with 19-inch wheels at front and 20-inch at the back, with bigger brakes inside them, 6-piston caliper and 380mm discs at front – 4-piston and 340mm discs a the back.
Romeo Ferraris also provides a new interior finish to add a European touch to this American muscle car. That includes an in-house "Commando" sport steering wheel by Romeo Ferraris, Recaro Sportster seats and leather touches to replace outgoing plastic moldings.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Mitsubishi has releases pricing and features for the 2011 Endeavor SE
The new Navigation and Sunroof package comes with a touch-screen based DVD navigation system, a power sunroof, rear view back-up camera and a cargo cover for the rear storage area. Other features which adorn the mid-size crossover include automatic climate control, heated leather seats and a 360-W Rockford-Fosgate sound system with 9 speakers with an 8-inch subwoofer and digital sound processing. The model also incorporates steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a 3-month subscription to SIRIUS satellite radio.
The price is still well within the range of its competition. For example, a Honda Pilot EX-L with navigation starts at $35,995, and a Toyota Highlander SE V6 costs $33,150 (navigation is an additional $2,650). Other notable features in the five-passenger Endeavor SE include: automatic climate control, heated leather seats, voice activated Bluetooth, and a 360 watt Rockford-Fosgate sound system. The 2011 Mitsubishi endeavor is available now at dealerships nationwide.
Press Release
Last year, the already very affordably priced 2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor crossover utility vehicle (CUV) saw numerous premium features such as a hands-free Bluetooth® system with voice recognition added across the entire model lineup. But for the 2011 model year Endeavor, this capable crossover receives its most upscale, value-packed equipment package added to two of its most popular models completely free of charge: Both the 2WD and AWD versions of the Endeavor SE now include the Navigation & Sunroof package that consists of a touch-screen DVD-based navigation system, rear view back-up camera, power sunroof and a cargo cover at no cost to the consumer.
In addition to the front- and all-wheel drive iterations of the Endeavor SE, the 2WD Endeavor LS model that features a lower sticker price than its big brother but still packs a long list of standard equipment along with the same potent V-6 engine under its hood is also available for the 2011 model year.
New for 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
Free Navigation & Sunroof Package (Endeavor SE 2WD & AWD)
The very convenient and richly-appointed Navigation & Sunroof package is now included as standard equipment on both 2WD and AWD variants of Mitsubishi's top-of-the-line Endeavor SE model crossover. Lavish accessories included in this package are an informative and easy to use DVD-based touch-screen navigation system, a rear view back-up camera, a power sunroof and a cargo cover for the rear storage area.
Spacious and Stately
The 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor mid-size crossover is an excellent combination of roomy versatility and capability with an impressive amount of welcome niceties.
Capable of carrying up to five people, all occupants will find the Endeavor's comfortable and spacious seats, crisp handling and quiet cabin to be welcome relief from the cramped and/or noisy confines of some of the similarly-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV) competitors of this well-engineered Mitsubishi crossover that don't possess its solid unibody construction and confident handling capabilities.
Whether carrying groceries, a full complement of camping gear for a weekend in the woods or picking up several sheets of four-foot-wide plywood, the 2011 Endeavor can easily accommodate it all, thanks to hand its 60/40 split/fold-flat rear seat backs and a full 76.4 cu. ft. of cargo capacity (a plentiful 40.7 cu. ft. is available in the rear cargo section with the rear seat backs in the up position).
Endeavor owners and their passengers are further put at ease by the car's impressive list of included features, among them air-conditioning (automatic climate control in the Endeavor SE); premium fabric seating surfaces (rich-texture leather seating surfaces in the Endeavor SE); and exquisite sounding 6 speaker AM/FM/CD sound system with MP3 playback capability (the Endeavor SE's sound system is an even more amazing 360-watt Rockford-Fosgate® 6 CD/MP3 sound system with digital sound processing and 9 speakers including an 8-in. subwoofer; steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a 3-month pre-paid subscription to SIRIUS® satellite radio) and other convenient touches including a hands-free Bluetooth® system with voice recognition; steering column-mounted cruise control; and numerous cupholders, front and rear map lights, a pair of 12V power outlets, carpeted front floor mats and, in the upscale Endeavor SE, heated front seats.
Other welcome no-cost features included on all Endeavors are eye-catching ice-blue LED illumination of instruments and controls; 17 x 7-in. 7-spoke alloy wheels (larger 18 x 8-in. 5-spoke alloy wheels on the Endeavor SE); large, easy to read gauges with chrome trim; auto-off headlamps; parabolic fog lights; alarm system; variable intermittent windshield wipers; tubular roof rails; chrome front grill; and an anti-theft engine immobilizer.
Refined and Able V-6 Engine
With its polished performance and proficient power, it's no wonder that Mitsubishi's engineers elected to use a single engine across the Endeavor line.
The 3.8-liter SOHC 24-valve V-6 that powers the 2011 Endeavor provides plenty of power to this stylish crossover vehicle with virtually no vibration, harshness or noise detected within the nicely-appointed cabin. Consisting of an extremely strong cast-iron engine block with light weight aluminum cylinder heads and featuring a compression ratio of 10.0:1, this 3,828 cc normally-aspirated powerplant produces a welcome 225 hp at 5,000 rpm and an even more generous 255 lb.-ft. of torque at a lower 3,750 rpm from its sublimely smooth operating six cylinders. Running on unleaded fuel, this engine has been granted the very clean Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) status for all 50 states. This engine's bore and stroke measure 3.74 x 3.54 in. (95.0 x 90.0 mm).
All the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor engines have been paired with an equally quiet and silky 4-speed Sportronic® automatic transmission with INVECS-II technology that allows the driver to manually make gear changes with the gearshift lever when so desired. The FWD Endeavor LS and SE, along with the all-wheel drive version of the SE, engage identical gear ratios within their transmissions, save for the final drive ratios (the front wheel drive Endeavor has a final drive of 4.011 to the all-wheel drive model's 4.316).
Ready and Willing Chassis - On- or Off-Road
The Endeavor is equally at home on smooth ribbons of pristine asphalt on the way to the office as it is tackling a rough-and-tumble dirt road when venturing off the beaten path. A great deal of this on- or off-road driving aplomb is no doubt due to this crossover's excellent, well-damped suspension design that features independent MacPherson struts with coil springs up front (including gas charge strut inserts) along with a coil spring independent multi-link with trailing arms suspension design and gas charged shocks at the rear of the vehicle. Further aiding the vehicle's fine handling at speed on freeways or city streets are front and rear stabilizer bars that help diminish body roll that measure 24.0 mm thick at the front and 20.0 mm at the rear (an even thicker 22 mm anti-roll bar for the all-wheel drive Endeavor SE).
For even better handling and tractability in off-road driving, consumers would be wise to opt for the top-of-the-line Endeavor SE model with all-wheel drive. Its AWD system can provide an even 50:50 torque split between the front and rear wheels, thanks to a transfer case with a center differential that has a viscous coupling. In good weather or bad, on road or off, this all-wheel drive system vastly improves overall grip when compared to the levels of traction offered by a front-wheel drive vehicle.
5-Star Crash Test Safety Rating
The Mitsubishi Endeavor has achieved the highest test score of a 5-Star rating for both frontal (driver) and side impact (front and rear seat) crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the Endeavor its highest-ranking - "Good" overall - in the organization's frontal offset crash test.
These well-earned scores from respected automotive safety agencies are the result of the company's commitment to engineering excellence as witnessed by Mitsubishi's patented Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) safety automotive body construction system that helps to minimize injury to its vehicle's occupants as well as its inclusion of advanced safety features and technologies as standard equipment on the Endeavor. These include an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors; front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and rollover-sensing side curtain air bags; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Active Stability Control (ASC) and Traction Control Logic (TCL); and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
At the stand of Paris Auto Show Lotus Elite was shown like prototype, and representatives of the company inform that the serial model will appear only four years later. Nevertheless, all basic technical characteristics are already declared. The engine will deliver Toyota. It is 5-liter V8 with a supercharger which in the base version will give out 542 h.p., and as alternative more powerful version developing 612 forces will serve. Dispersal to hundred will occupy 3,5 sec, and the maximum speed will be – 314 km/h.
Experts in automobile history can reproach Elite like artificial Lotus. Which were always the British sport cars? First of all – in a racing way lungs. And consequently mad dynamics was reached even with not the most powerful motors. And Elite will weigh 1 650 kg.
Company Lotus was many years in long crisis, and on one tiny sport cars business won't hoist. Classical Lotuses are calculated on the automobile gourmets which are an expert in ascetic Elise and Exige. And for elite public hardly probable not a leading role, the impressive figure in the column plays capacity.
And the main argument which British plan to win buyers from Ferrari and Lamborghini, is the price. Ferrari California now in Europe costs about 200 000 euros. And the preliminary price for much more powerful Lotus Elite – 137 000 euros.
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