BMW Lovos Concept
How many parts are used to build the exterior of a vehicle? Better yet, How would a car look if it were built using just one (recurring) piece?
Anne Forschner, a 24 year-old German woman who graduated with a Transportation Design degree from the prestigious Pforzheim University in July of this year, answered both questions for this specific project. The first answer is 260. That is the number identical, movable and exchangeable parts found on the exterior surface.
Like fish scales – which answers the second question. They open up and close to act like air brakes. At the same time they are also photovoltaic. For those of you scratching your heads, this simply means they produce a voltage when exposed to light, in this case sunlight. So they would follow the sun when the car is parked. The coolest aspect of this design (in my opinion) is that twelve of the pieces acting like wheel covers get sucked inside and form turbine-like shapes when the vehicle moves off.
Nonetheless, as tough as the Lovos looks outside, the project team assures that the inside is a complete contrast made with soft and “comfortable” materials. Now let’s see if this bad boy even makes it to production.
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Honda Skydeck Concept
The Skydeck concept is a six-seater hybrid that appears to have a relation to the CR-Z concept first shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007. The Skydeck appears to have a higher rear-end with a flatter roofline. It also sports a new front-end that eliminates the features seen on the CR-Z nearly two years ago. In an attempt to make the vehicle scream “Eco-Friendly”, Honda also tinted the windows green.
The Skydeck comes with a center-mounted battery to give more space inside the cabin. It has three rows of seating, with a pair of seats in each row.
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Bugatti Galibier 16C
I have to say, after all the rumors suggesting that the Bugatti Galibier 16C has been approved for production and will go on sale around 2013 for around $1.4 million, after looking at the design I have to say I’m not impressed. I was expecting an out-of-this-world design! A design that would make the Lamborghini Murcielago seem like a ’67 Nova. But to each is their own. The Galibier is a four door concept car that will probably earn the title as the worlds fastest sedan.
It shares its 16 cylinder 8.0-liter powerplant with the (way more impressive) Veyron. However its power will be detuned from the coupe’s 1001HP and 1250Nm of torque. Although power will be less, top speed is expected to reach 220mph. Moving the wheels will be a new 8-speed automatic transmission fitted in place of the Veyron’s DSG.
Bugatti did not exhibit the car at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show but there were some details revealed after the exclusive private showing. For instance, the interior (my favorite aspect of the vehicle) features a very minimalistic design that is uncluttered. EXPENSIVE wood and leather are evident throughout the cabin. One cool feature is the Parmigiani timepiece on the dashboard which can be removed and worn via a leather strap. That’s the least they can do? I just spent $1.4 million on a car in which I am NEVER going to reach top speed in… and all I get is a watch? I’ll take it! lol.
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Ferrari 599 GTB by Lu Hao
The Italian Stallion has announced the 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE China Limited Edition! How limited you ask? So limited only 12 will be made. One of those was auctioned off as a unique, one-of-a-kind edition itself, signed and designed by artist Lu Hao. The bidding took place at a charity gala auction in Beijing on November 3rd.
Chinese artist Hao took inspirational notes from famed Ge Liln porcelain of the Song Dynasty, and added it to the very special singular model. The cracked glaze pattern was etched at different depths in a most distinguishing mark of the artist’s work. Other details included a Jade start button and a gold colored rev counter with ancient Chinese script called “Xiao Zhuan”. Ferrari’s Asia Pacific CEO Marco Mattiacci stated that “The 599 China Limited Edition model is a true masterpiece, combining rich Chinese artistic heritage and Italian design in a most spectacular way”.
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Audi E-Tron
Audi has officially told Autoweekthat the E-Tron concept car will soon become a full production model. Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen said he expected to see some running examples within the next 24 months.
The R8-looking E-Tron Concept of IAA 2009 is powered by four electric motors on each axle. They in turn are powered by a 213kg lithium-ion battery pack located behind the two seats. The vehicle will have a mammoth 3,319.03 Ib-ft of torque and 313hp. Audi says it will go from 0 – 62mph in 4.8 seconds and have a top speed of 124mph. Expect to see the E-Tron in the US by 2012 at the latest.
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Nissan Land Glider
Nissan introduced a radical Land Glider Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. Envisioned as an ultra-efficient urban transport vehicle, the concept was designed to resemble the canopy of a glider. Inside, the traditional steering wheel is replaced with something that looks more at home in a modern jet aircraft. Other goodies include two information displays, a rear passenger seat, and a premium leather upholstery. While turning the Land Glider leans up to 17 degrees using a ride control system that uses sensors for “vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate”.
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Wheelsandmore DB9 Volante
Those incredible Germans over at Wheelsandmore have some ideas of their own for the Aston Martin DB9 Convertible. First up is a performance upgrade for the 6.0 litre V12 engine with 476hp and 442 Ib-ft of torque that comes with the production version. Wheelsandmore boosts that by 60hp while adding 50 Ib-ft of torque too. They accomplished this by tinkering with the ECU and adding a stainless-steel sport exhaust system with 200 -cell sport catalysts and noise-volume valve control.
Suspension-lowering is part of the package with the DB9 sitting 25mm lower.
The DB9 also gets a new body kit made of polyurethane along with side skirts, front and rear aprons and a rear lid spoiler. To tie it all together the convertible gets fitted with Kahn RS-V 20 -inch wheels with Dunlop Sport Maxx performance tires 255/35/20 for the front 9.0xw0 rims and 285/30/20 for the 11.0×20 rear rims.
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Audi’s Packing Diesel
When Americans think of diesel, nothing but negative thoughts collide in our twisted, egotistical, “I ain’t driving shit if it ain’t a Ford” minds. I mean come on; diesel is the least sexy non-gasoline fuel out there. We instantly get the vision of a redneck, sitting at a red light while the jackhammer idle of his truck rises to a ground-shaking roar. Then having your necks blown back by an apocalyptic cloud of sooty smoke exhaled from an oversized exhaust.
Audi has not introduced a diesel-powered vehicle to the US since the 80’s … and now I know why. The Audi Q7 is a mean looking piece of machinery and demands respect! It’s V6, 225 horsepower, 406 pound- feet of torque earn it a 17/25-mpg EPA rating. Unfortunately (whispering) it will take you 8.5 seconds to reach 60mph, (shouting) but once you reach 60mph this baby hauls ass. The Q7 is also 9 inches longer than the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5.
I also give the Q7 TDI extra points, due to the fact that diesel is waaaay cheaper than the Premium gasoline I have to put into my 7-Series and S550 L. Nonetheless now its time to deduct the 2 points I just added. I’m deducting the 2 points because the Q7’s Tiptronic transmission tends to short-shift through the first two cogs unless you keep the throttle pinned. Happily, dialing “S” for sport mode tightens up the whole drivetrain, improving response and acceleration which match well with the Q7’s firm handling and epic grip.
So if you’re looking for a mean looking SUV, sprinkled with luxury, and may save you moola at the pump. The Audi Q7 TDI is your best bet for cruising the streets in 2010.
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Mercedes S400 BlueHybrid
Mercedes-Benz launched its first sedan equipped with a hybrid drive system this past summer called the S400 BlueHYBRID. The combination of a modified V6 gasoline engine and a compact hybrid module makes the S400 BlueHYBRID the world’s most economical Luxury sedan with a spark-ignition engine.
The S400 BlueHYBRID is based on the S350, and features an extensively modified drivetrain. This encompasses a further development of the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, an additional magneto-electric motor, the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission specially configured for the hybrid module, the necessary operating and control electronics, the transformer and a high-voltage lithium-ion battery.
The compact hybrid module is a disc-shaped electric motor that also acts as a starter and generator. The system offers a double benefit, as it both helps to save fuel and increases driving enjoyment. This is partly due to the booster effect of the electric motor, as it powerfully backs up the gasoline engine with a maximum additional torque of 160 Newton meters during the high-consumption acceleration phase.
Time for the “nitty gritty”. The new Benz accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds, and reaches an “electronically limited” top speed of 155 mph. In all honesty 155 mph is pretty fast considering that you’re driving a luxury sedan. The S400’s CO2 emissions are reduced by 21 percent, making it a must have for a greener 2010!
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Tesla Wi-Fi Roadster
Disclaimer: If you are a current owner of a Tesla Roadster, I commend you. However I guarantee you will wish you had waited to purchase your beloved Tesla in 2010, after reading this article. You have been warned.
The folks over at Tesla have announced the introduction of the Tesla Roadster Sport for 2010 release. The Sport is set to go from zero to 60 in 3.7 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds FASTER than the standard Roadster. The Sport’s electric motor comes with a hand-wound stator and increased winding density for lower resistance and higher peak torque. Now, before you go running into your garage with baseball bat in tow, I have some more news for you.
The folks over at Tesla report that the new model might (keyword: MIGHT) be equipped with Wi-Fi cards, that connect the Roadster with the internet and gives Tesla the ability to interact with the car remotely. Also, this could open the door to mobile phone apps that talk to the vehicle. It may also boast a new power electronics module, better cooling for the power electronics, improved AC with variable speed fans (for a car worth over $100k this should have been standard years ago), and a self locking glove box for those of you want to park your Roadster with the top down. Also mentioned, is the ability to switch vehicle performance modes – from Range to Standard or Performance (but not back to Range) – with the key instead of needing to change modes via the screen…Ouch
Now you may proceed to bash your windshield. Best of luck.
