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Sunday, January 31, 2010
The future of Lamborghini was unveiled at the 1971 Geneva Auto Show with the first public display of the new Countach. The car’s dramatic styling with its trademark scissor doors and low, angular, wedge-shaped body left all onlookers speechless. These first LP400 Countachs however stunning in their design provided virtually no rearward visibility; a periscope-type rear-view mirror was added, lending the name “Periscopo” to the initial Countach series. Just 150 examples of the LP400 were built before the introduction of the LP400S in 1978, making these early examples, with their remarkably clean styling and purity of purpose, highly coveted and sought-after by astute collectors and marque enthusiasts today.
A somewhat rare Lamborghini LP400 has been put up for sale in Huntington Station, New York. The car, painted in Tahiti Blue with Blue/White leather interior, has been listed at $395,000.
The car uses a lightweight 4.0-liter V-12 engine with dual overhead cams that produces 375 horsepower and up to 365 Nm of torque. Mated to a five-speed synchromesh transmission, the engine reaches 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds on its way to a 316 km/h (196 mph) top speed.
This LP400 Countach received a two year restoration completed by marque specialist Ultimate Motorcars, the oldest Lamborghini dealership in the United States. This facility is renowned for the accuracy of its work, in addition to an enviable record of class victories achieved at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. During the restoration process, all areas of the car were attended to including the exterior, interior, engine, transmission, suspension, brakes and air conditioning, with truly spectacular results.
Typically, the car would be valued around $80,000, according to several Lamborghini enthusiast websites. However, this car has been thoroughly restored outside and inside over two years. It has won multiple class trophies at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
During the restoration process, the noted Lamborghini expert Valentino Balboni inspected this LP 400 on two occasions and a letter from him, attesting to the quality and accuracy of the restoration, is included in the history file.
This is an extremely rare opportunity to purchase one of the finest examples on an LP400 Countach “Periscopo”, the initial version representing the clean, wild design statement of the definitive supercar of the 1970s and ‘80s.
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Jaguar observes 75-year anniversary by celebrating past, looking to the future
0 comments Posted by kuntul at 7:52 PM
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Jaguar name, and 75 years of looking forward, designing and building cars that represent the very best of technical innovation, design leadership and sporting success.
Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars, said: "In 2010 we celebrate our past, and 75 years of designing and building cars that celebrate the art of automobile making. We're also celebrating the promise of the future, and the introduction of the all-new XJ. In just three years we've completely revitalized the Jaguar line-up with the launch of three beautiful fast cars".
Just a few years ago Jaguar set out to re-make the brand and to revitalize the model range. It started in 2008 with the introduction of the all-new award-winning XF. This four door, five seat car has the looks of a coupe and the heart of a sports car. In 2009 Jaguar re-engineered the XK coupe and convertible, and in the process created one of the world's great grand tourers. And, 2010 sees the beginning of sales of the ground-breaking XJ, which incorporates all of the virtues that make a Jaguar.
Mike O'Driscoll added: "The development of our new range of cars is all part of making Jaguar the modern, sporting company that it was under our founder Sir Williams Lyons – a company that made its name creating cars that were innovative, exciting and always original."
Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director, said: "Jaguar design over the next 75 years must respect and reflect on the past 75 while continuing to push boundaries of technology, luxury and sporting style. Designing cars with a presence that demands a turn of the head and an allure that pulls at the heart has been central to the Jaguar brand throughout the years.
"A successful piece of design should stand the test of time, holding it's own through passing fashions. Jaguar has a range of cars that are as iconic today as they were when launched – testament to Jaguar's legacy in creating beautiful fast cars.
"Looking at the present with the XK, XF and all-new XJ and with an eye on the future, we will continue to innovate and set the benchmark, not only in automotive design, but in luxury premium design as a whole."
Sir William Lyons founded Swallow Sidecars in 1922, and went on to create a range of 'SS' branded motorcycle sidecars and automobiles in the 1920s and early 1930s. When it came to the launch of the all-new SS 100 in 1935, Sir William wanted a new and evocative name for his company. After asking his advertising agency for suggestions, Sir William chose 'Jaguar', and the SS 100 model became the world's first Jaguar.
The 'Jaguar' name was an ideal choice - it represented the feline grace and elegance, power and agility that set his cars apart. Sir William once said that a car "was the closest thing we can create to something that is alive", a sentiment that has stood the test of time. The new brand name captured the essence of all of the cars created from that point forward.
Over the years Jaguar has built some of the world's most iconic cars; the XK120, introduced in the late 1940s, was an instant sensation and the most glamorous sports car of the period; the C Type and D Type race cars that followed, dominated motor racing in the 1950s; the E-Type, launched in the heady 1960s, has been called the most beautiful car ever built and it defined a whole generation. Sports cars have always defined Jaguar, but the Company has also built some of the Industry's most memorable sedans, such as the Mark II in the early 1960's and the renowned XJ range.
During the year Jaguar will celebrate our 75th anniversary at some of the world's most glamorous automotive settings, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival in the UK; the Concours D'Elegance at Pebble Beach in the US and at the Mille Miglia classic in Italy. Jaguar is also returning to the racetrack with its new JaguarRSR XKR GT2 and will compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).
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Renault on Sunday presented Vitaly Petrov, Russia's first formula one driver, as the occupant of its second race seat for the 2010 season.
The new car is painted in a radical yellow and black livery, quite stunning and one that harks back to the old days of Renault F1 cars. it is a move away from the white and orange of the previous title sponsors ING and a clear move away from the sky blue liveries used when Renault were sponsored by Mild Seven.
The 25-year-old, who finished the GP2 championship in second place last year and who reportedly has a big sponsorship purse, helped his new teammate Robert Kubica pull the wraps off the R30 car in the Valencia pitlane.
Robert Kubica will be joined at the team, as expected but only confirmed today with Vitaly Petrov, a highly rated youngster who was runner up in the GP2 series last year. Petrov will be the first ever Russian Formula One driver.
Meanwhile, as was predicted, Jerome d'Ambrosio and Ho-Ping Tung were unveiled as the team's new non-race drivers for 2010, and former technical director and acting team boss Bob Bell is now managing director.
James Allison, who while Bell was team boss acted as technical director, now takes up that role full time.
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Saturday, January 30, 2010
We're still short on details about the engine range, but chances are that the 2011 Sportage will be offered with the same 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four cylinder engines coupled to six-speed transmissions as the Tuscon in North America, while in Europe, it will most likely get the same 1.7-liter and 2.0 liter diesels, and 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter gasoline units as the iX35.
![[2011-Kia-Sportage.jpg]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S2jityjA-uI/AAAAAAACd4k/Y3ZMvqwL9jc/s1600/2011-Kia-Sportage-1.jpg)
Penned under the guidance of former Audi designer Peter Schreyer, the new Sportage carries the new Kia family look as seen on the Soul, Cadenza sedan and Sorento SUV, but it appears to have a more European flavor to it, with extra attention given to details.
![[2011-Kia-Sportage.jpg]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S2jrzAAZRBI/AAAAAAACd48/zGK8OvnKdW8/s1600/2011-Kia-Sportage-01456.jpg)
The five-door crossover shares its platform with the also new Hyundai Tucson, known as the ix35 in Europe. It is longer and wider than the outgoing Sportage, something that should translate to improved cabin space.
![[2011-Kia-Sportage.jpg]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S2jjEn3rT_I/AAAAAAACd4s/t7rykNvzY_g/s1600/2011-Kia-Sportage-3.jpg)
This handsome-looking compact crossover is the next generation 2011 Kia Sportage that will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the upcoming 2010 Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March.
Source:carscoop
BMW Prepping Production Version Of Vision EfficientDynamics Concept
0 comments Posted by kuntul at 10:38 PM
We brought you the first official details on the Vision EfficientDynamics concept straight from last year's Frankfurt Auto Show, but here's a quick refresher: it's a three-cylinder diesel, four-door, plug-in hybrid that promises M Division performance from its combined 356-horsepower, 590-pound-foot output.
The arrangement of the hybrid powertrain allows the diesel engine to drive the rear wheels directly or with assistance from a rear-axle electric motor through a six-speed gearbox, while the electric motor up front drives the front wheels on pure electricity, and all three systems can work in tandem for maximum performance. This delivers a range of possibilities for in-town and performance driving.
Reaction to the 356-horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque plug-in electric (one lithium-polymer battery stack + two electric motors) with dedicated lighter-weight three-cylinder diesel range-extending engine mounted amidships has been off the charts. Now we're all waiting for more details and, of course, that sticky price issue.
According to the report on the Vision's production path, BMW is looking at turning the highly conceptual design into a production-ready car for 2013. Target volumes are about 5,000 to 10,000, meaning BMW is planning to make the car at least reasonably affordable. Despite the relatively high volume targets, the report indicates BMW is envisioning this car as a successor to the M1, a legend in its own right, and progenitor of the M Division.
We may be able to look forward to a preview of the new plug-in hybrid this summer, possibly leading up to a nearer-to-production concept preview at Paris. One thing that's for sure, according to the report, is that the long and clumsy Vision EfficientDynamics name will be making a quiet exit. And 2013 will be one interesting year for performance electrics.
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Tesla to kill the Roadster in 2011, new version coming in 2013?
0 comments Posted by kuntul at 10:38 PM
As everyone's aware, the current iteration of the Tesla Roadster is built in Hethel, England by Lotus using Elise/Exige underpinnings. Judging by the quote above, that means the Elise/Exige is due to be replaced by a new model (good news for enthusiasts), but that leaves Tesla up a creek without the proverbial paddle.
The Model S is due to come out in 2012, which means Tesla might not have any revenue coming in until the all-electric sedan goes on sale. If there's a snag with anything in the launch of the sedan – design, production, engineering, you name it – then Tesla's in serious trouble. That might make investors wary when the upstart automaker finally begins offering shares.
So, bottom line: If you want the current Roadster, order now, or wait until the all-new Roadster goes on sale in 2013.
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On sale throughout Europe from early spring, the new Auris 2010 model range will make its European debut at this year's Geneva motor show.
Building on a solid reputation for roominess, comfort, practicality and reliability, the Auris 2010 combines marked improvements in exterior style, perceived interior quality and ergonomics with a wide choice of clean engine technologies and a more refined driving experience.
The Toyota Auris 2010 engine range features a choice of three petrol and three diesel units offering the performance- and economy-enhancing benefits of Toyota Optimal Drive. Complemented by the Auris HSD's full hybrid technology, this unique line-up will offer customers the most comprehensive range of powertrains in the C segment.
Source: Toyota
Honda today began operation of a next generation solar hydrogen station prototype at the Los Angeles Center of Honda R&D Americas, Inc., intended for ultimate use as a home refueling appliance capable of an overnight refill of fuel cell electric vehicles.
Designed as a single, integrated unit to fit in the user's garage, Honda's next generation Solar Hydrogen Station has a reduced size, while producing enough hydrogen (0.5kg) via an 8-hour overnight fill for daily commuting for a fuel cell electric vehicle.
The previous solar hydrogen station system required both an electrolyser and a separate compressor unit to create high pressure hydrogen. The compressor was the largest and most expensive component and reduced system efficiency. By creating a new high differential pressure electrolyser, Honda engineers were able to eliminate the compressor entirely - a world first for a home use system. This innovation also allows the size of other key components to be reduced, making the new station the world's most compact system, while improving efficiency by more than 25% (value calculated based on simulations) compared to the solar hydrogen station system it replaces.
Compatible with a "Smart Grid" energy system, the Honda Solar Hydrogen Station would enable users to refill their vehicle overnight without the requirement of hydrogen storage, which would lower CO2 emissions by using less expensive off-peak electrical power. During daytime peak power times, the Solar Hydrogen Station can export renewable electricity to the grid, providing a cost benefit to the customer, while remaining energy neutral.
Designed for simple, user-friendly operation, the intuitive system layout enables the user to easily lift and remove the fuel hose, with no hose coiling when the hose is returned to the dispenser unit.
Engineered for an 8-hour, slow fill for overnight refilling of a fuel cell electric vehicle, the home-use Solar Hydrogen Station would replenish enough hydrogen for typical daily driving distance, meeting the commuting requirements of many drivers. As with the previous generation system, the hydrogen purity from the new station meets the highest SAE (J2719) and ISO (14687) specifications.
Installed at the Los Angeles Center of Honda R&D Americas, the new Solar Hydrogen Station will employ the same 48-panel, 6.0kW solar array that powered the previous system. The array utilises thin film solar cells composed of copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS) produced by Honda Soltec Co., Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honda that was established for the mass production and sales of solar cells capable of efficient renewable electricity generation. Honda's unique solar cells reduce the amount of CO2 generated during production as compared to conventional solar cells.
Designed to support the needs of the future owners of fuel cell electric vehicles, the Honda Solar Hydrogen Station was also designed to complement a public network of fast fill hydrogen stations. The Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle is capable of fast fill and offers driving range of 460 kilometres based on the European Driving Cycle. With fast fill public stations providing 5-minute fueling time for longer trips, and the opportunity of convenient nighttime slow filling at home using a solar station with a Smart Grid connection, the Honda FCX Clarity can cover a wide range of driving demands from the daily commute to weekend trips.
A key strategy in creating a solar hydrogen station for home-use was to create a new lifestyle with convenient, clean, energy-efficient and sustainable home refueling, by addressing the need for refueling infrastructure that can advance the wider use of fuel cell electric vehicles by consumers.
The combination of a fuel cell electric vehicle and the solar hydrogen station could help lead to the establishment of a hydrogen society based on renewable energy, resulting in a major reduction of CO2 emissions and greater energy sustainability.
Honda began operation of its first Solar Hydrogen Station at the Los Angeles Center of Honda R&D Americas in 2001:
| 2001 | 3-unit system with hydrogen storage begins operation. |
| 2003 | New 2-unit system with an original Honda electrolyser and a new solar array utilizing prototype Honda CIGS solar cells offers improved system efficiency. |
| 2008 | Solar array fitted with mass production CIGS cells from Honda Soltec Co., reducing the size of the array by 20% and further improving photo voltaic (PV) energy efficiency. |
| 2010 | New single-unit station begins operation, improving to world’s best system efficiency – increasing the efficiency by more than 25% (value calculated based on simulations) compared to the previous solar hydrogen station system, for a world’s highest system efficiency. |
via:world car fans
Friday, January 29, 2010
2010 Geneva Debut: Pininfarina Teases Alfa Romeo Spider Concept Sketch
0 comments Posted by kuntul at 12:27 AM
Pininfarina at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the first official image of the concept car
A 2-seater spider on Alfa Romeo basis, which will be unveiled on March 2nd at the Pininfarina stand, thus starting the celebrations for the 80th anniversary
Turin January 29th, 2010 - Pininfarina discloses the first official image of its new concept car, world debut on March 2nd at the Geneva Motor Show.
The Pininfarina new concept is meant to be part of the tradition of successful spiders born from the relationship with Alfa Romeo, among the most significant and long-lasting ones in the automobile history, and interprets the innovative vision of an antique theme strongly present in the Pininfarina roots, the 2-seater spider.
An iconic object that, binding with an ideal thread the past and the future of Pininfarina, starts the celebrations for its 80th anniversary, representing at the same time an homage to the Alfa Romeo 100th birthday.
via:world car fans
Thursday, January 28, 2010
More performance. More customisation. More MINI. Introducing the new and exclusive race-inspired MINI John Cooper Works Challenge Edition – bringing the MINI John Cooper Works even closer to the track.
In recognition of the pure pedigree that underpins MINI, the release of the MINI John Cooper Challenge Edition draws John Cooper Works even closer to the MINI CHALLENGE race car, both in its appearance and performance.
The MINI John Cooper Works Challenge Edition is powered by the same powerplant as the MINI CHALLENGE race cars; delivering 155kW from a twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. Developing a maximum of 260 Nm of torque (280 Nm torque available during Overboost) the MINI John Cooper works propels from 0-100km/h in just 6.5 seconds.
Exclusive to the Australian market, the John Cooper Works Challenge Edition includes the following features over the already highly optioned MINI John Cooper Works model: John Cooper Works aerodynamics package consisting of front, rear and side aprons, John Cooper Works Carbon spoiler, John Cooper Works Aluminium cross brace, John Cooper Works Alcantara and Carbon steering wheel, John Cooper Works Carbon gearshift knob with Alcantara shroud, John Cooper Works Carbon handbrake lever with Alcantara surround and unique Challenge Edition badging.
The Challenge Edition is available with all new MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop, Clubman or Cabrio models. Representing over $7,000 worth of value, the Challenge Edition is available for a strictly limited time as a $2,500 option.
A testament to the strength and success of the MINI Challenge race series, last year the sales of MINI John Cooper Works reach unprecedented heights, accounting for 26 percent of MINI Cooper S Hardtop sales and 10 per cent of the entire model range.
The 2010 MINI Challenge season kicks off in March with the categories debut at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.
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"Is it still a car?": The campaign for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Stuttgart - Pure fascination and high tech at the very highest level: with the new SLS AMG, Mercedes-Benz is completely redefining the speed, driving dynamics and design of the super sports car. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Constructed primarily from aluminium, it tips the scales at just 1620 kilograms, which equates to 2.84 kilograms per hp - an absolute peak value in the super sports car segment, guaranteeing driving dynamics in a class of their own. With its gullwing doors, long bonnet and an instrument panel which is reminiscent of an aircraft cockpit, it embodies a powerful and passionate sportiness, coupled with exceptional elegance. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is an invitation to "take off" with all of the senses. This desire for a completely new driving sensation is also a highlight of the integrated marketing campaign which was launched at the vehicle's world premiere in September at the International Motor Show (IAA), and is gradually building up to its market introduction in the first quarter of 2010.
The marketing mix comprises all possible communication channels, with online activities in particular playing a key role. "It is immediately obvious that that this is the ultimate and most exciting sports car of all time", says Anders Sundt Jensen, Head of Brand Communications for Mercedes-Benz Cars. "The campaign is concentrating precisely on those elements which account for the excitement and passion of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: the unique design and the perfect high-performance technology. The underlying theme, "Is it still a car?", runs through all communication activities and channels."
Print advertising and TV spot
The design of the entire campaign is puristic, and features imagery which is both progressive and mildly mystical, but at the same time extremely dynamic. As such print advertising for example, which is being initiated from February 2010, depicts a red Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG striking a powerful pose on grey asphalt against a black backdrop. The visual motif is supported by a brief, meaningful message, such as "Oh Lord ..." or "A cockpit. An engine. Two wings. Is it still a car?", for example. The adverts will appear in daily newspapers and magazines.
The TV advert with Michael Schumacher, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion and MERCEDES GP PETRONAS driver, tells the story of an unusual experiment: The SLS AMG demonstrates its technical highlights from preparation and test phases to the realisation. The advert will make its debut appearance on 30 January 2010 on all major television channels with a 60-second roadblock, after which it will continue to run as a 45-second spot until the end of March.
Webspecial and social media activities
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has already had a presence on the Internet since its world premiere at the International Motor Show with a webspecial at www.mercedes-benz.com/sls-amg , which will now be extended further with the addition of an interactive guided tour of the AMG development plant. In addition, three editions of an online magazine will provide extensive information on the performance ("Milliseconds"), the lightweight construction ("Milligrams") and the design ("Millimetres") of the SLS AMG.
The vehicle is also to be found on a variety of social media platforms. For example, Mercedes-Benz has launched a reporter blog at www.sls-amg-reporter.de, where car enthusiast Matthew K. is posting reports, pictures and video clips of his travels as an SLS AMG reporter as he follows the global launch of the new gullwing. In addition to the reporter blog, Matthew K. is active on Twitter ( http://twitter.com/slsamg ) and Facebook, while fans of the Stuttgart automobile brand will also find that an official fan page on the world premiere of the vehicle has been set up within the Facebook social media community at www.facebook.com/MercedesBenz .
From the start of February 2010, enthusiasts will also be able to enjoy a new iPhone application called "SLS AMG", which has been designed to give players a taste of the new super sports car via 360° gameplay featuring the iPhone's innovative "accelerometer" technology. Furthermore, players will have access to several modes: they can either opt to play alone, or demonstrate their driving skills in races against other players from all over the world. The free application will be available for all iPhone models.
On top of all this, the campaign also comprises a variety of additional measures - from trade and dialogue marketing activities, right through to exclusive customer events. A particular highlight of the integrated communication is the new key visual for the international fashion activities of Mercedes-Benz, which was used for the first time during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin in January 2010. British fashion photographer Nick Knight, together with designer Gareth Pugh, has captured the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and top model Julia Stegner in some spectacular shots.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in the new video game, Gran Turismo® 5
The gull-wing is not only expected to cause a stir on the roads with its breathtaking performance. The SLS AMG is also featured in the latest version of the PlayStation® 3 (PS3TM) game Gran Turismo® 5, scheduled for release in 2010. In this new video game, gaming fans and car enthusiasts alike will be able to enjoy an interactive driving experience first hand at the wheel of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in full HD quality thanks to extremely realistic rendering. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz gets to share a special honour: the super sports car will also grace the cover of Gran Turismo® 5 as the first vehicle from a German manufacturer in the history of the game series.
via:world car fans
![[Honda-Odyssey-1.jpg]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S1-DQRFzY-I/AAAAAAACdIA/6C46YvFpEVs/s1600/Honda-Odyssey-1.jpg)
Honda revealed word on Wednesday that it will be showing us a concept version of what should be the 2011 Honda Odyssey at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show on February 10.
![[Honda-Odyssey-5.jpg]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S1-DRjlYiAI/AAAAAAACdIg/B2l6cr4PT2o/s1600/Honda-Odyssey-5.jpg)
The 2012 Odyssey is expected to get a version of Honda's 3.7-liter V6 and a new six-speed automatic transmission. Also rumored is a possible hybrid variant.
![[Honda-Odyssey-4.jpg]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/S1-DRBxAtJI/AAAAAAACdIY/DP7a8GhQa7g/s1600/Honda-Odyssey-4.jpg)
The Odyssey is produced in Lincoln, Ala. The last major revision was for the 2005 model year. Look for the concept to gravitate toward production for 2011.
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