Check out these overweight cars created by one, Erwin Wurm.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Ferrari's latest the 458 car
Ferrari's latest the 458 has 570bhp and goes faster
There are two things that Italy does better than anyone else: outrageous politicians and sports cars.
And while old Silvio has been up to his tricks, Ferrari has been busy building a fabulous new mid-engined sports car to replace the F430, itself a bit of a stunner.
The new car is called the 458 Italia. From the first bit of the name we can deduce that it's powered by a 4.5-litre eight-cylinder engine.
The new engine is direct-injection and has a whopping 570bhp at a screaming 9,000rpm.
It's more powerful than the F430 engine yet it is cleaner and more economical, not that economy is going to bother an owner that much.
What is important is driving slowly past nightclubs and attracting attention by blipping the throttle.
Many car companies claim to learn lots from racing and include the lessons in their road cars. Often it's just marketing talk but with Ferrari it's believable.
The Italia is full of hi-tech gizmos. For starters it has a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox that changes gear faster than a blink, an electronically controlled differential and something called F1-Trac - a traction-control system that maximises acceleration out of corners without the risk of you flying off into a field.
The major controls are mounted on the steering wheel and by major we don't mean the stereo controls. Ferrari gives you a host of buttons to press that change the traction-control settings, throttle response and lots more. Just like on Raikkonen's F1 Ferrari racer.
As with the F430 the Italia's body and chassis is all aluminium, put together using aerospace technology including hi-tech glues. The Italia's dry weight is 1,380kg (a bit naughty that, as most manufacturers weigh their cars with oil and water in them).
A bloke called Michael Schumacher has played an active part in developing Ferrari's new sports car including helping to design the car's racer-like instruments.
2010 Mazda speed3 car in United States
It's an unwritten law of nature. When two parents have kids, more often than not, their offspring will be quite different. One will have Dad's eyes, another, Mom's nose. Some will be mild-mannered, happy and always smiling, and others, well - they will be wicked. Enter the all-new 2010 MAZDASPEED3. From a distance, it may look like its MAZDA3 siblings, with its five-point grille and sleek lines, but one minute behind the wheel will prove otherwise.
For 2010, the MAZDASPEED3 blends the five-door functionality of the all-new MAZDA3 5-Door with bolder, more aggressive styling and exhilarating performance to meet the needs of driving enthusiasts with active lifestyles. Carrying forward the award-winning MZR 2.3-liter DISI Turbo engine, the new MAZDASPEED3 builds on the legendary performance of the original while adding a fresh new look and even better handling.
Expressive and Dynamic Design
The design of the all-new MAZDASPEED3 evolves the model's visual identity to create a sportier, more aggressive appearance. The result is a more emotional design that takes the sporty, agile nature of the all-new MAZDA3 5-Door to a new level.
The MAZDASPEED3 is easily distinguished from its siblings. Start at the front, where a lower air dam and round fog lights frame an organic, metallic-black grille. The hood now houses an intercooler scoop to improve charge air cooling, and the front fenders are flared to contain the car's wider tires.
From the side view, the new 18 x 7.5-inch aluminum wheel design is unique, but modeled closely on the deeply sculpted, expressive, and very lightweight 19-inch forged wheels on the RX-8 R3. Sculpted side skirts and a lower stance also give away the MAZDASPEED3's sinister motives. From the rear, larger dual exhaust tips, a rear valance painted the same metallic black as the grille, and a larger, roof-mounted rear wing give it away.
Nagare-inspired design defines the exterior and continues into the cabin, which features color coordination and materials chosen to excite the driver and passengers every time they take a seat. Black is the keynote color employed throughout the interior, while the seats and trim fabric have an organic red graphic design. This MAZDASPEED3-exclusive design is distributed throughout, with red stitching enhancing the sporty interior character on the steering wheel, seats, door trim, shift lever boot, and center armrest.
The dashboard of the new MAZDASPEED3 is designed to give a roomy feel while displaying critical information up high and deep into the dashboard, closer to the driver's field of vision and focal point. The instrument cluster for the all-new MAZDASPEED3 also includes a new LED turbo boost gauge positioned between the meters.
The driver's seat is especially critical in any performance car. Without solid lateral support, a driver loses the focus, control and precision needed to really enjoy driving. The all-new MAZDASPEED3 seats are designed to provide that support without compromising everyday comfort.
Exhilarating Performance
The all-new MAZDASPEED3 continues to use Mazda's award-winning MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo powerplant. Delivering 263 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 280 lb.-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm, it made the original MAZDASPEED3 the most powerful front-drive performance car under $25,000, and remains one of the strongest engines in its class today.
With no need to increase power, the development team focused on harnessing that power more effectively. Engine output itself is more consistent, thanks to the hood-mounted intercooler scoop that not only improves intercooler airflow over the grille-mounted intercooler duct of last-year's car, but also frees up grille space for a fresh-air duct to feed the engine's intake. Breathing cooler air improves efficiency, boosting both real-world power and fuel economy.
The gear ratios in the compact, three-shaft gearbox have also been revised, with 2nd through 5th gear all getting slightly taller to make better use of the engine's abundant torque. The new gear spacing and refined engine calibration are focused on providing more linear, seamless power delivery. The advanced torque management system, which minimizes torque steer by adjusting torque output based on gear position and steering angle, has also been recalibrated. The new gear ratios allow more of the engine's torque to be utilized in the lower gears while still keeping torque steer at a manageable level.
Handles Like a Mazda
The new MAZDASPEED3's body shell benefits from a focused effort at strengthening the most important parts of the structure. The use of high-strength and ultra-high strength steel in the safety structures like bumpers and side impact beams has nearly doubled, making these areas both stronger and lighter. The suspension mounting points all gain rigidity from the use of thicker sheet metal in high-stress areas and extensive use of weld bonding, a hybrid joining technique combining conventional spot welds with structural adhesives. Torsional stiffness around the rear suspension mounts is improved roughly two percent, while deflection around the rear liftgate is reduced nearly 40 percent.
In general, a stiffer structure allows firmer suspension tuning without compromising ride comfort. In the case of the new MAZDASPEED3, that firmer suspension was accomplished with stiffer springs, higher damping rates, and revised mounting points for the front stabilizer bar that reduce bushing deflection and increase the bar's effectiveness. Combined with wider, higher-grip 225/40R18 Dunlop SP Sport 2050 performance tires, the MAZDASPEED3's new suspension tuning marries unflappable control with a comfortable everyday ride.
Steering feel and response have been improved through more rigid 3-point mounting of the steering rack, compared to the previous 2-point system. The hydraulic power steering pump has also been removed from the engine and is now driven by an electric motor. This electro-hydraulic power assisted steering (EHPAS) reduces parasitic drag on the engine, lowers power steering fluid temperature, and gives much more flexibility for the development team to dial in steering feel. Rigid high-speed steering feel can now be accomplished without suffering heavy steering at low speeds.
Brake feel in hard braking has been improved through the upgrade of the brake assist from mechanical to a new electronically-controlled system. Brake assist shortens stopping distance in panic-stop situations by applying full brake pressure during the moment of hesitation that most drivers exhibit in the instant after first hitting the brakes. The new electronically-controlled system is better at differentiating between true panic-stop situations and, for example, braking hard for turn 11 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Features and Options - Everything You Want, Nothing You Don't Need
The 2010 MAZDASPEED3 is loaded with all the goodies a driving enthusiast wants, but without anything that would add undue weight. Standard features and equipment include variable intermittent windshield wipers, roof-mounted aerodynamic antenna, illuminated vanity mirrors, electroluminescent gauges, aluminum pedals, MAZDASPEED -branded black/red cloth seats, door trim, interior trim, floor mats, scuff plates and black/red decoration panel; and dual-zone climate control. An available MAZDASPEED3 Tech Package offers advanced keyless entry, push-button start, a compact full-color navigation system, Sirius satellite radio with six months of free service, a perimeter alarm, six CD changer, and BOSE® Centerpoint® surround sound - a five-channel surround system engineered cooperatively with BOSE® that enhances the listening experience thanks to a digital amplifier, noise cancellation technology and 10, strategically placed, premium speakers. Because the weight and structural penalties would compromise the pure driving experience, the MAZDASPEED3 is not available with a moonroof option.
The MAZDASPEED3 is the third model in the 2010 MAZDA3 lineup, joining the MAZDA3 5-door, which made its North American debut at the North American International Auto Show earlier this year, and the 4-door sedan, which made its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November.
Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico through more than 850 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.
2010 MAZDASPEED3 AT A GLANCE:
Exterior
* Design based on the all-new MAZDA3 5-Door, evolved for a sportier, more aggressive appearance
* New air intake to optimize intercooler efficiency
* Front fender and front bumper designs exclusive to MAZDASPEED
* The front grille and lower bumper sections share the same black metallic paint finish
* Wedge-shaped, curving character lines on the side panels and side under spoiler for a lower-looking center of gravity
* New, large floating rear spoiler
* New 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with the same three-dimensional design theme as the Mazda RX-8 R3 wheels
Interior
* Driver-oriented dashboard design gives a roomy, wrap-around, sporty feel
* New tachometer with red MAZDASPEED logo
* New LED turbo boost gauge between the driver meters
* Semi-bucket front seats with superior fit
* Seat upholstery in black base color with a red graphic design and red stitching
* Black interior color with an organic red graphic design throughout the cabin and red stitching for the steering wheel, shift boot, door trim, center console
Top Toyota MR2 Hybrid Sports Car In the Offing
There's a feeling among car fans that hybrid vehicles are set to kill the driver-oriented sportscar. But many skeptics were silenced when Honda took the wraps off of its CR-Z coup concept recently. After all, anything that could bring back the CRX hatchback with extra power at no extra cost at the fuel pumps has to be pretty good right? Now it seems Toyota wants in on some of that hybrid sports car action.
Recent reports out of Japan are suggesting that Toyota may be working on a reborn hybrid sportscar of its own. The company once known for its sports-coupes recently unveiled the FT-86 concept, and might be ready to follow up with a gasoline-electric resurrection of the cult classic MR2. The budget-friendly mid-engine/rear-drive sportscar had a big following right up until the third-generation model was discontinued two years ago. But if the latest reports are to be believed the old MR2 is set for a hybrid comeback.
World Top 10 Cars – Environment Friendly Sports Cars
“Go – Green” seems to be the automobile industry’s new mantra. As environment awareness is growing into the mainstream, more and more car companies are developing green cars which have excellent designs and performance. A hindrance to the green cars was its’ incompetence with the big boys of the industry. Now these cars are getting fully-fledged in terms of speed & power and raring to go. The list that follows comprises the top 10 of the greenest, sexiest and fastest beauties on wheels.
10. The Saab Aero-X
Saab Aero-X is a concept car unveiled by Saab. It comes equipped with ethanol guzzling 2.8L twin-turbocharged, V6 engine that produces 650 hp and races from 0 to 60mph in 4.7 s. The entire top-canopy of the car opens up for entry & exit, making it one of the extraordinary designs. The maximum speed is 155 mph and has a 7-speed, manual transmission controlled by paddles on the steering wheel.
9. The Rinspeed sQuba
The sQuba is the world’s foremost car that can be driven on land as well as under water. It is developed by Swiss company Rinspeed. The sQuba is a zero emission, all-electric vehicle which uses 3 electric-motors, one for land and two for water. On land, it is powered by its electric, rear-wheel drive power-train to speed of 80mph, using rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Upon entering water, it is powered by twin electric-powered propellers with two Seabob water jets and can be submerged to a depth of 10 meters. On the water surface, the speed is 3.7 mph and underwater it is 1.9 mph. It is almost out of your budget but is a real Bond car.
8. The Velozzi
The Velozzi is a hybrid vehicle created by Italian Team Velozzi to compete in the X-Prize’09 for environmentally friendly, fuel efficient and marketable vehicles. The car attains a top-speed of 200 mph and goes 0-60 in under 3 seconds. The hybrid’s gas tanks can be fuelled by anything ranging from gas, methanol and bio diesel to any normal alternative fuels. The Velozzi has the aura of an Italian car in its design.
7. The ZAP Alias
The ZAP Alias is the outcome of a partnership between ZAP (Zero Air Pollution) motors and the British car maker Lotus. It will do 0-60 in 5.7 seconds and can reach a top-speed of 155 mph. The car comes with a unique three-wheeled-design. The car gets its speed and power from each of the two front wheels powered by its own electric-motor. The Alias delivers 100 miles per charge and is priced at about $35,000.
6. Venturi Fetish
Venturi Fetish is produced by Venturi in Monaco. Its top speed is only 100 mph, but it generates a plenty of power during the initial acceleration as it goes 0-60mph in about 5s. The batteries are all lithium-ion and offer a full recharge in 30 kWh three-phase. It runs at a reliable translation of 9.58: 1, with a torque of 162 lb ft. Unlike internal-combustion-engine cars, the maximum torque is available for all motor speeds including from a dead stop, due to the electric traction motor. Only, 25 of them are being produced in a year and can be yours only for the price of $500,000.
5. Citroen C-Metisse
It is a concept-car manufactured by the French car-maker Citroen. It was first introduced in the Paris auto show ‘06 as a hybrid car that has the same performance as a diesel or gasoline powered car. The hybrid-powered C-Metisse can operate in a Zero Emission mode. It is an all electric mode perfectly suited for city cruising, at the same time giving you the diesel-engine power when needed in the motor way. The car can use front wheel, rear wheel and AWD depending on condition. It attains a top speed of 155mph and returns 36 mpg.
4. Toyota FT-HS
Toyota FT-HS is a hybrid sports concept car introduced at the North American International Auto Show ‘07. FT-HS denotes Future Toyota Hybrid Sport. The aesthetic beauty with a rear-wheel drive hybrid power- train produces 400 hp and achieves 0-60 mph in an astonishing 4 seconds. This is done by combining a 3.5 L V6 and an electric-motor. The hybrid car powers Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive.
3. The Fisker Karma
The Fisker Karma is a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) released by Fisker Automotive. It features the Q-Drive technology by which a small, gasoline-powered generator recharges the battery. It is powered by innovative petrol engine/electric-motors combination and can drive for 50 miles with a single plug-in. The Karma will be capable of 100 mpg and a top-speed of 125 mph. The Karma has built-in, roof-top solar panels to facilitate the recharging of its Lithium-Ion batteries and also to aid the cabin climate-control-system. That will cost over the $80,000 base price.
2. The Lightning GT
The Lightning GT is a battery electric sports car from the British manufacturer Lightning. The sports car will travel nearly 250 miles on a charge with its 36 kWh batteries by Altair Nanotech. Its PML Flightlink Hi-Pa Drive motors provide an output electrical equivalent of 650 hp. The Lightning GTS accelerates to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph. The body made from carbon fiber and Kevlar composites results is a sleek, powerful-looking car. Priced at $300,000, this is the car eco-geek will want to drive.
1. The Tesla Roadster
The Tesla Roadster is an all-electric sports car produced by Tesla Motors. It is probably the greenest sports car on the planet. Lotus helped in giving it a curvy, downright, sexy body-design. The Roadster can travel 244 miles on a single charge of its lithium-ion battery and can accelerate from 0–60 mph in 3.9 s. Its top speed is electronically set at 125 mph. The Roadster gets 4.7 miles per kWh and offers a whopping 135 mile per gallon with 92% efficiency. You can not get a better green-car priced at $100,000.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
