Bmw new Z10 concept

We know BMW is looking for a place to showcase its eco-friendly technology called EfficientDynamics. Now it looks like BMW’s Technik skunkworks (these are the same people who made the Z1 and Z8) will be bypassing the concept car and going right into production with a mean green machine.

Autocar is reporting that this will be a two-seat model called Z10 ED (Efficient Dynamics) that will be launched in 2011. It will be built in limited numbers, and the £80,000 (about $115,00 at the current rates) price tag should keep the car exclusive just like other BMW small batch offerings.

BMW is rumored to be developing a new high-pressure turbocharged direct-injection straight six cylinder engine to power the car. "The idea is to bring all the very latest technology together in a way that will allow a high level of performance without overburdening the environment in a way that the current crop of supercars do," said an insider privy to BMW’s plans. "There is no reason why they need to be mutually exclusive when you consider the sort of technology that exists today. It is just a matter of applying it correctly."

Back in November we heard a similar situation that pegged the M1 Hommage concept to be BMW’s green supercar, but the Z10 ED name may suggest it will take its design cues from the 2007 concept car. No matter the design, the car should weight in around a light 3000 lbs mainly because of a simple carbon fiber body panels, integrated door frames and sill panels.

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Maclaren P11 spy shots

After the first spy shot of the McLaren P11, the future supercar has been caught again. This time the P11 prototype was caught doing some cold weather testing in Sweden.

The P11 will go into production in 2010 and will compete with models like Ferrari F430. Rumors suggest the car will be powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that will deliver at least 500bhp. The body and chassis will both be made of lightweight carbon composites, so it should tip the scales at under 2500 lbs. The 0 to 60 mph sprint will be made in around 4 second and top speed should be around 200mph.

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2009 Aston martin LMP1 car

Aston Martin won the GT1 class in the 2007 and 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans races with the DBR9, and now Aston has set its sights higher this year. It’s abandoning the GT1 class to focus its efforts on the faster LMP1 class and the overall win.

The car is based on the 2008 Charouz Racing System Lola, and power will come from the same production-based Aston Martin V12 engine that was used in the DBR9 that won in 2008. Although all car companies would like to win at Le Mans, this would be especially sweet for Aston Martin. Fifty years ago, Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori brought Aston an overall win on the French circuit in a DBR1.

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Porsche working on Cayman clubsport

Now that Porsche has launched the refreshed Cayman, its time to start make some special editions. By October a lightweight Clubsport model will be the first version to be added to the new Cayman’s lineup.

The previous Cayman had an S Sport version that appeared earlier this year. Where that model was used to celebrate an anniversary and gave a 8 hp bump (303 in total), the Clubsport should be a focused racer. The Clubsport will go on a strict diet and remove unnecessary interior pieces and accessories, as well as utilize lighter body panels. The total weight savings should be about 220 lbs, which represents about seven percent of the car’s total mass.

The engine shouldn’t change from the Cayman S’s 320 hp 3.4-liter flat six with direct injection. A six-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential will be standard, should also be standard. The extra weight savings should shave off a few tenths off the Cayman S’s 0 to 60 time of 4.9 seconds.

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Worlds Fastest car ever SSC

Shelby Super Cars (SSC) produces the world’s fastest road-going car, the 255 mph Ultimate Aero, but SSC isn’t going to cool its record-stetting heels. For 2009 SSC has decided to upgrade the the ultra-rare supercar’s twin-turbo V8 from 1183 hp to 1287. This kind of power also has SSC setting the bar for a new world record: 270 mph.

Besides the impressive output, the Ultimate Aero also gets a redesigned frontal area with enhanced aerodynamics, as well as carbon fiber louvers on the side intakes draw in 20 percent more air into the radiators. SSC is also introducing a system called AeroBrake, which will alter the angle of the rear spoiler during hard braking (similar the system is used on the Mercedes SLR).

Although 2009 pricing has not been announced, the 2008 model is priced around $650,000.

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World Fastest sedan BMW M5

Sedan drivers wish they were driving supercars. Usually a need for space to haul kids and clients means a Bugatti is not in the driveway. Well rich dads of the world can now unite and get the little ones to soccer practice in record time. German tuner G-Power took a BMW 5-Series and turned it into the world’s fastest sedan.

G-Power now says that it has documented a 228.4 mph top speed on its M5 Hurricane RS. The Hurricane RS seems to accomplish this using brute force, as the V10 engine is massaged to make 750 hp (250 hp more than a stock M5.)

While 228 mph is a great accomplishment, it’s amazing considering that it is only about 29 mph shy of the all-time record set by the SSC Ultimate Aero. While the M5 is based on a sedan built for everyday use, the Aero is a completely custom car that has the aerodynamics and engine specifically built for speed.

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Fastest Jaguar ever XFR

Back in the early 90s, the Jaguar XJ220 was considered a supercar. It’s 500 hp engine made it the fastest Jaguar ever produced with a 1992 top speed run of 217.1 mph. Now flash foward 17 years later where that record gets shattered by a sedan. Jag took its new XFR to the Bonneville Salt Flats to record a top speed of 225.675mph.

The new XFR is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine developing 510 hp and 625Nm of torque. But Jaguar did admit that the record setting car had minor aerodynamic and safety modifications to meet the requirements for a Bonneville run, as well as additional horsepower was “liberated” by a remapped ECU, a modified air intake, modified exhaust, and revised supercharger settings. Still, no internal engine components were changed and the six-speed automatic transmission was standard, including the gear ratios.

But don’t despair, the factory-fresh version should be no slouch either. It makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4.7 seconds, but that car will hit an electronic limiter at 155 mph.

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Bugatti veyron on the snow

click on the link and view awesome bugatti drifting

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World fastest electric car

We like stuff that comes from Shelby SuperCars (SSC) because its fast. The Ultimate Aero currently holds the record for world’s fastest production car at 256 mph, and the 2009 car is promised to be even faster. So when SSC announced it will build the world’s fastest electric car last summer, we thought we might have a reason to start getting excited about EV cars (no offense Tesla).

SSC decided to release a few details about its progress on the electric supercar, and its having us check the calendar to make sure it isn’t April Fool’s Day. For starters, SSC is keeping with its basic principle and keeping the electric car’s charge time fast; a hard to believe ten minutes.

In a sixth of an hour, SSC says its Nanotechnology Rechargeable Lithium Battery pack can be charged up for a 200 mile run. These figures are not from hooking up the car directly to the local nuclear power plant, but just by using the same household plug that powers an alarm clock. The reason why his is a little questionable is because the engineering team at SSC has accomplished what a lot of bigger companies have not been able to do yet. For example Chevrolet’s Volt will need an eight hour charge on a 110v plug to go 40 miles.

If SSC really has created a system the will charge an EV car’s batteries in the same time it takes to fill up with fuel, and it fits in a performance car, then the electric car revolution may really be here. Now all we have to do is keep our homes from burning down when the Ultimate Aero EV pulls the current (presumably an ungodly amount) to get its quick charge.

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Bently Hunaudieres 1999

Bently Motor Cars revealed a dramatic concept car the Hunaudieres at 1999 Geneva Motor Show, one year after Volkswagen became the owner of Bentley company. This supercar project provides the debut of a new 16 cylinder engine developed to a specific brief to provide a technologically advanced power plant with unique Bentley characteristics.

It is powered by a W-16 engine, developed by VW, who actually combined two V-8 engines together at an angle of 72 degrees, a displacement of 8 litres and a total of 64 valves produced 623 Bhp at 6000 Rpm on all four-wheels. Each V-8 engine held two banks of 4 cylinders at 15 degrees, this way the massive engine was still quite compact considering the power output and a torque of 561 Lbs.Ft at only 4000 Rpm.

Specifications

• Wheelbase : 2650 mm
• Length : 4430 mm
• Width : 1980 mm
• Height : 1190 mm
• Track front : 1738 mm
• Track rear : 1645 mm
• Tires front : 265/30 ZR 20
• Tires rear : 335/30 ZR 20
• Engine type : DOHC W-16 mid mounted,
• Displacement : 8004 cc
• Max. power : 630 Bhp at 6000 rpm
• Max. Torque : 561 Lbs Ft. at 4000 rpm
• Top speed : electronically limited at 350 Km/h

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EDAG light car coming to geneva motor show

Concept cars are not just for the automakers. Engineering firms sometimes like to wrap their latest creation around a futuristic body. EDAG taking this idea with practically named "Light Car - Open Source" that will premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The mechanical workings of the car take a backseat to its light an instrument arrangement. EDAG is using the car to show off its (O)LED technology that it calls "an individually adaptable design and communication element." In practical terms this seems to be sort of a blank slate for drivers to individualize. The car looks like its made of glass. The driver can choose shapes, colors and possibly positions for the exterior lighting. Inside the diver can choose where he or she wants the exact position for all of the virtual dials and controls. "We have transferred today’s multimedia and lighting technology standards to the car, and in future want to offer the customer scope for free configuration, as the entire surface of the vehicle functions like the display of a multimedia installation, and can be used intelligently and individually, " explains Johannes Barckmann, Head of the EDAG Design Studio.

The car is designed to go 150 kilometers (93 miles) on electric power from lithium-ion batteries, with motors in each wheel housing. EDAG did not give any power rating for the car. We’re guessing there is only about a 50/50 shot this car will actually have an engine when it arrives in Geneva. This is not a half-baked vehicle; but it’s likely EDAG is more interested in showing off the technology of (O)LED than making the car roll on its own.

EDAG does not want to be the one to design the all the software programs the car can run, that’s why "open source" is in the car’s name. The Light Car - Open Source is a showcase for EDAG, so while this car may or may not make it to the road, the technology will likely in our automotive future.

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Ford 2009 Focus Rs

Thinking about a European vacation? Maybe this will help finish the deal: Ford started production of the Euro-only 2009 Focus RS today.

This hot hatch is now being build alongside its tamer siblings like the Focus 3- and 5-door hatchback, wagon and ST as well as the C-MAX and Kuga, all at Ford’s Saarlouis facility in Germany. The Focus RS uses a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder to make 300 hp and 302 lb-ft. of torque. The RS also gets new body parts to incorporate wider wheel arches and a wider track, deeper side rocker moldings, and unique front and rear bumpers.

Ford was kind enough to mention that the Focus RS will be available in more than 20 European countries, with the largest disbursements in the UK, Switzerland and Germany. So for those in the U.S., book your tickets there.

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Electric cars acquired by us army

Soldiers may soon get greener rides on-base, after the U.S. Army announced the acquisition of 4,000 neighborhood electric vehicles.

The plug-and-chug vehicles come in both sedan and light truck models, and can charge their batteries at any three-pronged household outlet. Estimates put the savings over a six-year service lifetime at 11 million gallons of fuel, not to mention 115,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

"We estimate the cost of charging an electric vehicle in a given year at $400, which is a substantial savings from the fuel that would be purchased for a petroleum vehicle," said Paul Bollinger, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for Energy & Partnerships, during a Department of Defense bloggers roundtable on Monday.

Total savings on the vehicles: $45.8 million over six years.

This doesn't represent the first time that the Army has sunk substantial investment into energy-efficient vehicles – it has snapped up 40,000 alternative fuel vehicles to date. But a lack of alternative fueling stations led to the decision to skip over hybrids and go directly to electric.

The Army does not stand alone in deciding to jump to electric vehicles – Popular Science talked with U.S. entrepreneur Elon Musk about his efforts with Tesla Motors to develop a viable electric car.

Six of the electric vehicles have arrived at Fort Myer, VA, to be followed by 800 more this year. More will continue to pour into Army bases over the next two years, courtesy of Chrysler subsidiary GEM and possibly some other car manufacturers.

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Cadillac thorium concept WTF

This is the Cadillac Word Thorium Fuel Concept, a nuclear-powered futuremobile from designer Loren Kulesus. As you might have noticed, that name can be handily abbreviated to ‘WTF concept’ an acronym that – in the world of the internet at least – stands for What The, er, Heck. We assume Mr Kulesus was well aware of this.

So what is it? The Cadillac WTF is powered by thorium, a slightly radioactive metal that can be used as a nuclear fuel. WTF?

There’s more weirdness: those deep-dish wheel-things aren’t standard tyres, but instead each consist of six individual mini-wheels powered by their own induction motor. WTF?

This, says Kulesus, would mean that the WTF would never need a fresh set of tyres, which is obviously good news for the environment. Unlike 24 separate induction motors, which probably aren’t.

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A Guide to Diesel & Clean Diesel Cars

What Is A Diesel Vehicle?

A diesel vehicle uses an engine that has a different combustion cycle than a gasoline engine. In a gasoline engine, fuel is mixed with air, drawn into the cylinder, and ignited by a spark plug. In a diesel, air is drawn into the cylinder and compressed first without fuel present. This compression heats the air to such a high temperature that when fuel is then injected into the cylinder, it combusts.

By using higher compression ratios and higher combustion temperatures, diesels operate more efficiently. As a result, diesel vehicles attain better fuel economy than their gasoline counterparts. This fuel economy advantage is enhanced by the fact that a gallon of diesel fuel contains about 10 percent more energy than a gallon of gasoline. These two factors help modern direct-injection diesels achieve roughly 50 percent higher fuel economy than their gasoline counterparts.

In Oct. 2008, Audi held a 4,800-mile American driving tour to promote the carmaker’s TDI (turbocharged direct injection) clean-diesel technology. Audi's TDIs are powerful, very efficient, and pass California's strict emissions standards. The Audi Q7 TDI will be introduced in the US in early 2009.

By using higher compression ratios and higher combustion temperatures, diesels operate more efficiently. As a result, diesel vehicles attain better fuel economy than their gasoline counterparts. This fuel economy advantage is enhanced by the fact that a gallon of diesel fuel contains about 10 percent more energy than a gallon of gasoline. These two factors help modern direct-injection diesels achieve roughly 50 percent higher fuel economy than their gasoline counterparts.

Diesel vehicles now account for nearly half of all new vehicle sales in Europe. In some European countries, such as France, diesel vehicles account for as much as 70 percent of new car sales. Diesels represent about 3 percent of today’s new car market. J.D. Power, a market research firm, predicts that diesel will rise to 11.5 percent by 2015—rising at a higher rate and to a higher level than gas-electric hybrids. Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Chrysler are the key players in the diesel market

Diesel Benefits

1. Higher fuel economy
2. Diesel engines last longer, and fetch higher resale values
3. Diesel engines can be run on biofuel (biodiesel)
4. Diesels provide greater torque; great for rapid acceleration and towing
5. Driving range on a tank is longer

Diesel Drawbacks

1. Diesel fuel is more expensive in the US (In Europe, it’s taxed less heavily.)
2. Few models are available with a diesel engine
3. Particulate matter and NOx emissions are higher
4. Diesel vehicles are usually more expensive, although “clean diesel” carries purchase incentives
5. Diesel availability is more limited; there are fewer diesel pumps

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Limosine collections,pictures

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Automotive Associations

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a not-for-profit, publicly-supported charitable educational and research organization

Automobile Associations

Listing of Automobile associations world wide

Better Business Bureau

Consumer help organization (USA and Canada). Ethics watchdog; allows drivers to report problems with new car purchases, and to check on dealers or other service providers before purchasing.

Car Care Council

Ohio, USA based non-profit organization whose mission is to educate motorists about the importance of maintenance, repair, and enhancements for safer, cleaner, better performing vehicles.

CarPlus.org

UK national charity promoting responsible car use, vehicle choice, alternative fuels, car sharing, driving behavior.

Federation Internationale de L'Automobile

International federation of automobile associations. Founded in 1904 to represent the interests of motor car users and motoring associations world wide. Non-profit org. which "brings together 213 natonal motoring organizations from 125 countries."

Society of Automotive Engineers

The engineering society for the advancement of mobility on land, sea, air and space

The FIA Foundation

The FIA Foundation - registered charity in the United Kingdom with a donation of $300 million made by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the non-profit federation of motoring organisations and the governing body of world motor sport. Manages and supports an international programme of activities promoting road safety, environmental protection and sustainable mobility, as well as funding specialist motor sport safety research.

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Automotive technologies

Some of the technologies which are used or offered in cars now a days for consumer convenience are as under

LIST OF TECHOLOGIES available or under development for automobiles

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive Headlamps

Adjustable Gas and Brake Pedals

Advanced Air Conditioning Systems

Advanced Laminated Side Window Glass

Advanced Tinted Glass

Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

Advanced Windshield Washing System

Blind Spot Detection & Warning

Bluetooth Connectivity

Brake-by-Wire

Child Left in Vehicle Warning

Clean Diesel Technology

Climate Controlled Seats - Heated and Cooled

Concierge and Personal Assistance Services

Digital Radio Systems

Digital Surround Audio Systems

Drive-by-Wire

Driver Recognition System

Dynamic Seating

Electronic Stability Control

Enhanced Fuel Economy

Flexible Format Audio

Four Wheel Steering

Fuel Cell Vehicles

High-Performance Halogen and Xenon Lighting

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

Intelligent Navigation Systems

Lane Departure Warning and Aid

LED Lighting

Music Storage Drives (MP3)

Non-Invasive Bio-Sensors

Occupant Sensing for Intelligent Airbag Deployment

Park Assist and Object Detection

Park-by-Wire

Passive and Active Infrared Night Vision

Pedestrian Sensing and Protection Systems

Pre-Crash Sensing

Radar Enabled Collision Warning Systems

Rain Sensor and Automatic Wipers

Real Time Traffic Updates for Navigation

Rear of Vehicle Cameras

Rollover Control and Protection - Side Airbags and Electronics

Satellite Radio Systems

Smart Run-Flat Tires

Steer-by-Wire

Variable Valve Technology

Vehicle & Home Connectivity Systems

Voice Activated Controls and Features

Wireless, Hands-Free Cell Phone

Upcoming

Airless Tire Technology

Automated Driving Software

Hydrogen-Fueled Vehicles

Inflatable Seatbelt Technology

Invisible A-B-C Pillars

MP3/iPOD Audio System Interface

On-board Personal Multimedia Systems

Personal Gaming Systems

Satellite Video Systems

Voice/Fingerprint Vehicle Entry Systems

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Mercedes benz split view

Mercedes-Benz Splitview: Mercedes-Benz will offer its new Splitview, a dashboard-mounted display screen that allows driver and passenger to view two different images simultaneously, on its flagship S-Class sedan in mid-2009. Mercedes-Benz

Picture this: You're motoring down the highway, following route guidance on the navigation screen, when the guy in the passenger seat decides he wants to watch Raising Arizona on DVD. Mercedes-Benz and Bosch jointly devised a novel gizmo can satisfy both viewing requests, without a sword and the smarts of Solomon. It's a dual-view LCD monitor system called, elegantly enough, Splitview.

Splitview is a dashboard-mounted display screen that allows driver and passenger to view two different images simultaneously. Here's how it works: The eight-inch active matrix, backlit color monitor nests a second image feed on adjacent pixels. A masking filter divides the combined image such that, depending on seating position, only one set of the pixels can be seen.

With Splitview, the driver has access to information from Mercedes's control and display system, called COMAND, on the display, while the front passenger can use a remote control to watch DVDs, TV channels or music videos, though the car's speakers or via headphones. Mercedes-Benz says it will introduce Splitview in the company's flagship S-Class sedan in mid 2009.

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