Cars one

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M - Ferrari's Most Hardcore Convertible Ever

In Ferrari speak, the name 'Scuderia' is synonomous with the most hardcore streetable track supercars the Prancing Horse has to offer the public. Unveiled at the Formula 1 Constructor's World Championship, the Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M is the first convertible Ferrari to bear that name.

The Scuderia Spider is billed as the fastest convertible to come from Ferrari, ever. While the new Ferrari California will be released soon in an attempt to make Ferrari supercars accessible to more drivers, the expensive track-ready Scuderia Spider is for Ferrari customers who crave pure, unbridled speed.

Upgrades over the Ferrari F430 Spider on which the Scuderia Spider is based included 80 kg in weight savings due to the use of lightweight body trim materials and the stripping of anything unnecessary to peak performance, and a carbon-trimmed roll bar that broadcasts to all gawkers the Scuderia Spider is ready for the track.

Inside, lucky rich guys who manage to snag one of the 499 Scuderia Spider cars being produced will be treated to an austere but functional Ferrari interior complemented by a custom Ferrari iPod Touch that can be mounted and removed from the dash and is used to control media functions.

Expect the instant-classic Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M to command a significant premium over the F430 Spider when those 499 units are released to the power-hungry car buying public worldwide.

BMW X5

With unparalleled dynamic performance on the road and outstanding traction on rough terrain, the BMW X5 has been on an unstoppable course for success for ten years. BMW presented the first generation of the all-wheel-drive five-door vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in 1999, thereby founding the segment of the Sports Activity Vehicle(R) (SAV).

The world premiere marked the start of an unprecedented success story. Within a decade, over 845,000 units of the BMW X5 have been sold. As a result of the consistent ongoing development of the SAV(R) concept, there are now three BMW X models to choose from, with a fourth ready to start production later in 2009. In creating a segment, the BMW X5 became the key inspiration for an entire competitive field of all-wheel-drive vehicles. In its anniversary year, now in its second generation, the BMW X5 remains the role model and benchmark of its class in terms of driving dynamics, efficiency, versatility, premium quality and safety.

From the very beginning, the key to the success of the BMW X5 lay in its combination of two qualities which had never been matched in a single vehicle before. The new model successfully transferred characteristic BMW driving pleasure into a completely new market segment. For the very first time, the spacious, full-time all-wheel driven BMW X5 combined the driving dynamics of a BMW Sedan with impressive mobility off the beaten path as well. Its ultra-rigid body structure and independent suspension set the BMW X5 apart from conventional off-road vehicles, with the driving stability system Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X) and Hill Descent Control (HDC), ensuring impeccable manners both on and off the road.

Dynamic performance and versatility were also expressed in the design of the vehicle. Another striking feature was the raised seating position which instantly gave the driver the same sense of command and control which was provided by the chassis technology. In addition, the spacious, versatile and high-quality interior provided a whole new driving experience for an all-wheel-drive vehicle.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Cadillac SRX Crossover

The all-new SRX is a fresh and compelling crossover aimed squarely at the priorities of luxury buyers,” said Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. “With new technologies for increased efficiency and safety, the redesigned 2010 SRX Crossover focuses on both the emotional and pragmatic sides of the luxury consumer.”

The 2010 SRX is designed for efficient performance, including the choice of two high-tech six-cylinder engines that are new to Cadillac – the smallest-displacement engines it offers in North America. A new, 3.0L direct injected V-6 engine is standard and a new, 2.8L turbocharged V-6 is optional. Both engines employ technology that helps produce strong performance that is typical of larger-displacement engines. Direct injection enables a 25-percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. Fuel economy in the mid-20s on the highway is expected, but testing isn’t complete.

Performance and safety are enhanced by an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that is designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability in all driving conditions. The AWD system includes an advanced electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) that distributes torque as needed from side to side along the rear axle, as well as from the front to rear axle. The pre-emptive, active-on-demand system provides an extra measure of capability in wet or icy conditions.

The 2010 SRX rides on a wide track that was designed to deliver a nimble, responsive driving experience. It seats five, with generous occupant and cargo room, and can tow up to 3,500 pounds (1,587 kg).

Cadillac Converj Concept

Luxury coupe concept continues GM`s leadership in the electrification of the automobile

General Motors unveiled a further glimpse at the potential of electric propulsion today, this time in the form of luxury transportation, with the Cadillac Converj Concept. The Cadillac Converj was developed as a well-appointed grand touring coupe with a bold design and a host of interactive technology.

The four-passenger Converj concept is intended to show how GM`s revolutionary electric propulsion technology - called Voltec - can power a luxury coupe with a typically Cadillac "no compromises" design. The technology enables up to 40 miles of gas- and emissions-free electric driving with extended-range capability of hundreds of miles.

Bob Lutz, GM`s vice chairman of Global Product Development, said the Converj concept has production substance. "It`s a logical extension of our plan to reinvent the automobile," he said. "It clearly shows what a Cadillac electric vehicle could look like, and clearly indicates that global luxury customers can have a car that has both strong design and electric propulsion with a total range of hundreds of anxiety-free miles."

Cadillac`s extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) concept has a new body style that is an evolution of the brand`s traditional Art and Science design theme. An aggressive, forward-leaning arc profile is the foundation for the sporting stance. And more than a Cadillac in form, Converj is also intended to be a Cadillac in substance, with the premium materials, technology and driving dynamics that are hallmarks of the brand.

10 great Concept Cars and Designs

Take a look and let us know the one you fancy the most.

1. Audi Locus

Audi Locus designed by Ugur Sahin is a concept car envisioned to have a curvy structure and the main characteristics of the design are the way its surface shapes are formed with a continuous flow from front until the back of the car.

2. Peugeot e-Motion

Peugeot e-Motion is an electric-powered sportscar with a design characterized by the combination of concave and convex surfaces. The dynamic look is enhanced in the sideview by a sharp crease line which flows from the headlights, into the doors and continues with the rear lights.

3. Lamborghini Concept S

Lamborghini Concept S is a concept car designed by Luc Donckerwolke, the head of Lamborghini design, using the Lamborghini Gallardo’s floorplan. Shown at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It was intended to be a modern interpretation of the single-seat roadsters of the past.

4. Mazda Taiki

Mazda Taiki was revealed at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in October 2007 and basically sets a new ideal for the front-engine rear-drive sports car of the future and continues the evolution of the Nagare design theme, following in the footsteps of the Mazda Nagare, Mazda Ryuga, and Mazda Hakaze concept vehicles.

5. BMW ZX-6

BMW ZX-6 concept is one of the final projects of the Transportation Design students at Turin-based IED (Instituto Europeo di Design), which was developed in partnership with BMW with the goal of creating a car for 2015.

6. Toyota 4WingX

Toyota 4WingX was one of the ten design proposals idealized and presented by students of the Transportation Design Course of IED Turin which makes use of the same hybrid power technology found in the Toyota Prius but provides a unique style and shape.

7. Mazda Nagare

Mazda Nagare concept was revealed at this year’s Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show and is the first of a series of design concepts that Mazda will showcase this global auto show season, including Los Angeles, Detroit, Geneva and Tokyo.

8. Audi O

Audi O concept was designed by Ondrej Jirec, a design student from the Czech Republic who is beginning studies at the Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, California in 2008. It was designed to fuse a powerful and innovative audio system with a stylish and sporty four-seat hatchback.

9. BMW Snug

Snug is a concept which aims to create a sense of community: a simple, fun object, designed for people who appreciate personal relationships, people who are different from the others, in their opinions and in their feelings.

10 .Lexus LF-A Roadster

The LF-A is a 2-door exotic concept car built as a prospective halo car for the Lexus division. Integrating the simple elegance of the new Lexus design initiative with racing–inspired style, sculpted curves and fluid lines make a dynamic statement.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Hyundai Accent

The roomy and economical 2009 Hyundai Accent sports a 110 horsepower 1.6 liter I4 engine which, while not powerful, does produce impressive fuel efficiency ratings.