The future of cars starting from 1948, into United States of America!
Please compare the design of this cars and the near future of the concepts

You can get with this or you can get with that.

This is the ride. This is the worldwide debut music video. This is the Kia Soul. A new Kia way to roll.

View more details http://www.kia.com/soul

The dog went through the grill right where they bend it to see his face, and the female driver took him (along with the repair shop guys) to a vet just a block from there, she paid the bill!! ... and the dog was using a harness, so after that she tried to localize the owner.

Watch as we transform busy office buildings in Singapore from a symbol of work, into a symbol of Joy.

Interactive SMS from Inspire-Tech allows the public to send SMS onto projection screens during large scale event.

This is a live event on Suntec City Tower 2 & 3 in Singapore during BMW JOY 3D event on 5th & 6th June. SMS Text messages are auto-updated on the screen.

Messages are reviewed by moderator before it gets displayed. Offensive SMS would be rejected. Interactive SMS is empowered by Inspire

The very first online public disclosure of 3D Car - the innovative 3D Car Configurator from Bluemind Software.

Founded in 2004, Bluemind Software is a SME (micro enterprise) in the software development field. The company's mission is to bring its contribution to the world through innovative and useful software products and through quality custom software development services.

Bluemind Software possesses good experience in developing 3D applications, CAD/CAM systems, engineering software, scientific software, multimedia applications, applications that combine desktop and web environments and others.

Applications like 3DCar, an interactive 3D car configurator, started in 2005 (on display at SIAB 2007), at a time when even decent 2D car configurators were scarce, show the company's innovative side.

Bluemind Software also benefits of good understanding of research activities and proper communication and collaboration with the academic environment (the owner holds a Dr. title himself). The company is part of a research consortium, through which they participate in European research projects.

The website development services comply with the standard specifications(ISO/IEC 15445, XHTML, CSS etc.) for high quality.

3DCar is the innovative, fully interactive, car configurator developed by Bluemind Software (started in 2005, when even 2D configurators were rare).

It certainly was at least one of the first, if not the very first, configurator in which the user can interact with the car.

Unlike other products released in this niche, 3DCar works very well even on 5-6 year old PCs using complex 3D models with over 1 million triangles.

Customer demand brought us to the point where, with each passing year, automobile manufacturers increase the individual and extra options offered for their models.

Nowadays, the utility of car configurators is well known. They support the sales process and lead the customer from the Internet to the dealership and have a great contribution to the manufacturers and their worldwide dealers.

The idea of a 3D car configurator came to our general manager, Dr. Eng. Bogdan DEAKY, in 2005, when even 2D configurators were scarce. Inspired by earlier involvement in CAD/CAM systems development, he did imagine a 3D software system by means of which the user could immerse himself in an interactive world where he could both personalize the dream-car and interact with it.

Effective development of 3DCar started only in the fall of 2006, when needed resources and knowledge were sufficient, but not before conducting research related to the best suitable technology. This allowed introducing the maximum of innovating features, while making them available to a wide user spectrum.

The models displayed in the 3D View have optimized loading time once they are downloaded (recently the loading time was reduced from 40 seconds to maximum 5 seconds by means of tool and algorithm optimization). 3DCar is a flexible system which allows easy implementation of new models, thus reducing the costs on the software part. Also, we permanently work on finding means to improve the appearance of the models while keeping system requirements low.

I believe that this application can really help the clients to visualize their dream car, from exterior to interior. With 3DCar, the client has the possibility to choose from different existing models the one he wishes for. I can hardly wait to have this 3DCar configurator in our showroom on plasma screen! “

Cosmin Nicolescu – Mercedes Benz sales specialist



This is a screen capture of an interactive 3D car configurator for a Porsche Carrera GT - you change it's colour, interior and more provided by the other 3D provider:

BLUR - Powered up Racing – Blur™ is the ultimate powered-up racing experience, dropping players into heart-pumping, electrified action with multiple cars trading paint as they charge towards the finish line ...

Please take a look at this interesting 3D Car design concept

Following the incident in yesterdays round four of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, after which the race was cancelled, a unanimous decision has been taken by all teams today to cancel the remainder of the weekends racing.

The driver of car number 22, Giorgio Bartocci, was taken to hospital following an accident at the start of the first race of the weekend. He remains in intensive care in hospital in Brno, where his condition is currently stable.

Rounds four, five and six of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo are therefore officially cancelled.



That day in the evening his wife and her sister came to the hospital to see him...after two days he was transported to brno airport and flew back to rome...he was stabilized...he and his family were happy with the medical care, they even said that it was better than in italy...

The following videos explains the "Vehicle speed sensor" scanner testing.

The vehicle speed sensor is used by the transmission computer or TCM to shift the unit.
And also, please learn more regarding how ABS System is working for car direction.

Dear car drivers, I'm posting for Speed Market from Romania. I have received a link regarding "Reverse innovation in action: Romanian cars from a french company on the german autobahn" and i'm able to give more details regarding.

First, please take on the post described by "Hardvard Business Review" on the blogs section:

Imagine you're German, you need a new family car, and you have a limited budget — say, US$9,400. What can you do? Continue using public transportation? Buy a used car? Or maybe buy a brand-new Dacia Logan!

Dacia is a Romanian car manufacturer acquired in 1999 by French automaker Renault with the aim of designing low-cost passenger vehicles for emerging Eastern European markets. The Logan, a five-seater with a spacious trunk, was introduced in Romania in 2004 and subsequently to neighboring countries. The Logan's basic version, costing US$6,500, was revolutionary in the automotive industry well before the Tata Nano appeared on the scene. Dacia now offers pickups, vans, station wagons, and mini SUVs (Duster) in emerging as well as developed markets. In Germany alone, where the car is offered starting at US$9,400, Dacia's sales jumped from about 6,000 units in 2006 to about 85,000 units in 2009 — this in a land studded with its own car brands.

To offer the car at such low prices, Renault followed a stringent design-to-cost approach. The Logan consists of fewer parts than the average Western car and is made of traditional steel in a labor-intensive assembly process in a low-cost country. To meet the needs of emerging market customers, the car has a fuel filter, increased ground clearance, and a battery that can survive extreme weather conditions. Maintenance is simple; a basic technician can do the work. Interestingly, the Logan originally was conceived at Renault's French R&D headquarters. Product development responsibility gradually shifted to the company's new R&D center in Romania.

When Dacia launched the Logan in Germany, they followed five principles that may be useful to other companies planning to bring emerging market products into developed markets.

Focus on building platforms, not products. Platforms can be scaled up or down for global markets. For the German market, Dacia scaled up the product platform with more safety features and more appealing exterior characteristics, such as metallic paint. This allowed the automaker to charge higher prices and, in turn, reap higher profit margins.

Select target customers. The company carefully chose its target customers. Typically, these customers are people who buy a Logan instead of a used car, a cheap, Asian import, or a very small European car. These customers value price, space, and reliability. Renault highlights Logan's best space-price ratio in its respective car segment. The car's exceptional reliability is highlighted via guarantees, regular checks, and customer satisfaction surveys.

Please continue on the source this article.

Did you know that about Dacia ?
Dacia is a Romanian car manufacturer, named for the historic region that constitutes much of present-day Romania. It is now a subsidiary of the French carmaker Renault. The company is the main exporter from Romania with a market share of 10% of total exports.

Automobile Dacia company was founded in 1966 with assistance from Renault and the main Dacia factory was built in 1968, in Colibaşi (now called Mioveni), near Piteşti. Dacia acquired the tooling and basic designs of the Renault 12. However, until the tooling was ready it was decided to produce the Renault 8 under licence; it was known as the Dacia 1100.

From 1968 to 1972, some 44,000 were produced, with a very minor cosmetic change to the front in early 1970. Also produced in very limited numbers was the 1100S, with twin headlamps and a more powerful engine, used by the police and in motor racing.

And now ...

Dacia Logan



Dacia Logan MCV



Dacia Sandero | Dacia Sandero Stepway



Dacia Duster, first concept car



Dacia Duster



Romanians car, Dacia are very good cars, for the prices and quality and the road's infrastructure. The low cost models are Dacia Logan, Dacia Logan MCV, Dacia Sandero, Dacia Sandero Stepway, Dacia Duster.

Check here more information regarding Dacia and it's car models.

An anti-lock braking system, or ABS is a safety system which prevents the wheels on a motor vehicle from locking up (or ceasing to rotate) while braking.

A rotating road wheel allows the driver to maintain steering control under heavy braking by preventing a skid and allowing the wheel to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs.

ABS offers improved vehicle control and decreases stopping distances on dry and especially slippery surfaces.

However, on loose surfaces like gravel and snow-on-pavement, it can slightly increase braking distance while still improving vehicle control.

Since initial widespread use in production cars, anti-lock braking systems have evolved considerably. Recent versions not only prevent wheel lock under braking, but also electronically control the front-to-rear brake bias.

This function, depending on its specific capabilities and implementation, is known as electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), traction control system, emergency brake assist, or electronic stability control.

The anti-lock brake controller is also known as the CAB (Controller Anti-lock Brake).

A typical ABS is composed of a central electronic control unit (ECU), four wheel speed sensors — one for each wheel — and two or more hydraulic valves within the brake hydraulics.

The ECU constantly monitors the rotational speed of each wheel, and when it detects a wheel rotating significantly slower than the others — a condition indicative of impending wheel lock — it actuates the valves to reduce hydraulic pressure to the brake at the affected wheel, thus reducing the braking force on that wheel. The wheel then turns faster; when the ECU detects it is turning significantly faster than the others, brake hydraulic pressure to the wheel is increased so the braking force is reapplied and the wheel slows.

This process is repeated continuously, and can be detected by the driver via brake pedal pulsation. Engine is influenced by the ABS System.

Anti-Lock Brake Systems Video



Source: Some test portions from Wikipedia

Car tuning is both an industry and a hobby, in which an automobile, motor bike, scooter or moped is modified in order to improve its performance, handling and presentation and improve the owner's driving style.

As most vehicles leave the factory set up for average driver expectations and average conditions, tuning has become a way to personalize the characteristics of the vehicle to the owner's preference.

example, they may be altered to provide better fuel economy, produce more power at high RPM or the ride comfort may be sacrificed to provide better handling.

Car tuning is related to auto racing, although most performance cars never compete. Rather they are built for the pleasure of owning and driving such a vehicle.

Another major facet of tuning includes performance modification to the car exterior.

This includes changing the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle via side skirts, front and rear bumpers, adding spoilers, splitters, air vents and light weight wheels.

A big part of car modifications are car clubs or groups. Many are specific to particular car manufacturers. Clubs often attend national shows all over the country.

Please welcome the best drifts and car tuning events around the world! This post will aggregate the most important tuning event ...

Car Tuning Show


Drifts & BurnOut Car Tuning Event


Tuning Event 2009


Germany Tuning Show


Tuning Show & Service Preparation


Recaro Tuning Days


Maxi tuning show


Tuning Garage


Learn more garding car tuning

"It stars The Fuel Girls, by their own definition a “kick-ass, ultra-sexy, fire breathing rock and roll, dance and stunt show” from the UK.

If you watch the video, you will see that the part about breathing fire is to be taken quite literally.

As you would expect from a car styling event held in the porn capital of the world, the video is somewhat heavy on skin, so please watch with care if you happen to be at a typical American office."

You'll learn more about tunning and restyling just checking this video ...



and now please welcome the best car drivers from Eastern Europe

Read more

AMG test pilot and 5-time German Touring Car champion Bernd Schneider takes the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for a hot lap.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in Action

Ride with BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team driver Bill Auberlen during qualifying for the May 22, 2010 six-hour race at Laguna Seca.

Copyright BMW of North America, LLC.

Let's see an amazing 3D Car Animations made in Russia...



Source

Road test drive comparing the Mercedes-Benz GL 420 CDI, Audi Q7 3.0 TDI, and Range Rover 3.6 V8 diesel! Please check this interesting road comparation:

Read more: GM Corvette Stingray Concept

A stunning, smaller Audi e-tron wows us at the Detroit show! Release date is late 2011

Check other Porsche 918 Review

The 2010 Kia Forte Koup is largely based on the Kia KOUP Concept we saw last year and we couldnt be happier with the results.

Keeping the concepts swept-back wraparound headlamp design, low profile and athletic stance, the Forte Koup is peppered with sporty design elements like dual exhaust outlets, maw-like air intakes, and a rear diffuser

The all-new Kia Sportage had its world debut at the 80th Geneva Motor Show.

Kia Motors Corporation is also displaying three examples of its latest crossover vehicle in Switzerland.

The Sportage heads an impressive Kia line-up at the show, where the company is also placing major focus on its environmentally-friendly 'EcoDynamics' sub-brand with the world premiere of the electric-powered Venga EV concept and the European debut of the Kia Ray 'plug-in' hybrid sedan concept car.



New 2011 Kia Sportage

The all-new Kia Sportage will mark a dramatic shift in design direction for the brand's popular compact SUV when it makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on 2 March, 2010.

Embodying Kia's new-found visual dynamism the new Sportage is a fresh, bold, athletic and sport design that successfully blends the key features of an SUV - the commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and raised ground clearance - and envelopes them in a sleek and urban-friendly design with global appeal.

Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, the new Kia Sportage will offer more space for people and cargo, with an improved ride quality thanks to a longer wheelbase.

The all-new Kia Sportage will be available at Kia dealerships across Europe in late 2010, with a range of highly competitive diesel and gasoline engines.



Source

An animated 3D exploration of Cadillac's latest concept show car

The Lamborghini may be faster on the straightaway, but the Fiesta rocks a capless fuel filler, 34.5 ft turning diameter, and a useable trunk

Then learn more about the BMW X6:

Engine

Catalytic converter Digital Motor Electronics (DME) Double-VANOS EU5 emissions management Light alloy engine block and cylinder head Six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with four-valve technology Twin turbocharge VALVETRONIC engine management

Transmission

Dynamic Performance Control utilising rear axle variable torque distribution system, with display in instrument cluster Six-speed automatic transmission with electronic gear selector and Steptronic Steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles in pearl-gloss chrome xDrive four-wheel-drive system with fully-variable torque split

Wheels and chassis

19" Light alloy wheels Star-spoke style 232 Disc brakes - front and rear, inner-vented Double-wishbone front axle Electro-mechanical parking brake with auto-hold function Power-assisted steering, hydraulic Sports Suspension

Safety and technology

Airbags - front and side, driver and front passenger Alarm system (Thatcham 1) with remote control and engine immobiliser Anti-roll bars, front and rear Automatic Differential Brake (ADB -X) Automatic Stability Control (ASC-X) Brake drying Brake fade compensation Brake Force Display Brake pre-tensioning Crash sensor activating central locking release, hazard warning lights, fuel cut-off and interior lighting Cruise control with brake function Deformation zones - front and rear with door reinforcements and bumpers that regenerate to their original shape in impacts up to 2.5 mph Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) comprising: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Automatic Stability Control (ASC + T), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD),Hill-start Assistant Dynamic Stability Control Plus (DSC +) comprising: Brake Drying, Brake fade compensation, Brake pre-tensioning, Hill-start assistant and Soft stop First Aid kit and warning triangle Foglights, front and rear Follow-me-home headlight function (time adjustable) Head restraints front and rear, height adjustable and removable High level third brake light ITS head airbags, for front & rear passengers Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear Passenger airbag de-activation Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation Run-flat tyres with Tyre Puncture Warning System (TPWS) Seat belts - inertia reel at the front with pyrotechnical belt latch tensioner, belt force limiter and belt restrainer Seat belts - two with inertia reel, rear Side impact protection Visible VIN Wheel bolts, locking Xenon headlights

Seats

60:40 split-folding rear seat Child seat ISOFIX attachment, rear Seat adjustment - front, part-electric Two individual rear seats with integrated rear console and folding centre armrest

Exterior equipment

All round anti-corrosion system with partial hot galvanising, phosphate treatment and cathodic dip paintwork, preservation of hollow cavities, underfloor protection Central locking system covering all doors, tailgate and fuel filler flap, with two remote control units including personal profile settings Door exit lights located on underside of all four doors Door handles, rain channel and roof moulding, body-coloured Downlights, in exterior door handles Exhaust tailpipes - round, stainless steel with chrome finisher, left & right Exterior mirrors - aspheric, tinted, heated, electrically adjusted and part-body-coloured Illuminated light rings, functioning as welcome lights, parking lights, daytime running lights and side lights Indicator lenses, clear Kidney grilles, chrome with black vertical slats Tailgate, one piece with intermediate stop function and sill finisher in stainless steel Windscreen washer jets - heated

Interior equipment

Courtesy lights front and rear, with soft on/off dimming Cup holders front and rear Electric windows - front and rear with open/close fingertip control, anti-trap facility and comfort closing function all round Floor mats, velour Footwell lights, front & rear Glove compartment, centrally-locked and illuminated Instrument binnacle with speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, consumption, and coolant temperature Knee pads on centre console for driver & front passenger, upholstered in line with seat selection Luggage compartment lights in the tailgate Power socket (12V) in the luggage compartment Reading lights, front and rear Rear-view mirror, automatically dimming Securing rings in luggage compartment, four Smoker's package Start/Stop button Storage compartments in interior door panels with anti-slip mats in amber Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors Toolkit located in luggage compartment Windows - heat-insulated, green tinted all round Windscreen with grey shade band

Steering wheels

Steering column with electric reach and rake adjustment Three-spoke multi-function sports leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles in pearl-gloss chrome

Audio and communications

Auxiliary input point for auxiliary playing devices (eg MP3 player) BMW Professional twin-tuner radio with single CD player (with MP3 CD playback capability) CD changer preparation Control Display - 6.5" colour display screen iDrive Controller on centre console Loudspeaker system with six speakers On-board Computer (OBC), comprising: average fuel consumption, average speed, on-board diagnosis, outside temperature display and range Preparation for six CD changer

Paintwork, upholstery and trims

Interior trim - Dark Bamboo wood Metallic Paintwork Upholstery - Twill Cloth

BMW X6 M Power Track Testing



Check the latest post reagrding BMW Museum!

2010 Chevy Malibu lineup adjusted by means of gas / electric hybrid model is already available for sale.

This is the smaller of the two medium-sized Chevy sedans from General Motors Manufacturer. LS, LT and LTZ trim levels are largely unchanged. LS and LT-169 has a capacity of 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, which is now able to operate on E85 ethanol-blend fuel.

2010 Chevy Malibu Hybrid is now available for retail but can be ordered for delivery fleet. Available safety features on all Chevy Malibu include ABS, traction control, traction control, curtain airbags, front and side airbags. "Wireless phones, leather upholstery and heated front seats are available.

Year 2010 Chevy Malibu are a medium sized car market in the heart of the United States. Most of these price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.



Source: carsporter.blogspot.com

The spectacular 507 roadster, built during 1956-59 in only 253 examples, is considered by many enthusiasts and collectors to be one of the most beautiful cars ever built.

In developing the Z8, BMW designers were challenged to imagine what the original 507 would be like if it had never ceased production and had evolved over four decades. The result of this creative direction is a thoroughly contemporary interpretation of that famous and coveted roadster – a car that is truly a perfect blend of performance and sensuality; of modern technology and classic elegance.

The world’s first look at the Z8 concept was the Z07 design study displayed at the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show and shortly thereafter at the1998 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Again encouraged by favorable public reaction, BMW decided to build the Z8 in limited numbers.

BMW 507 designer Count Albrecht Goertz has paid the Z8 the ultimate compliment: “If I were to design the 507 today, it would look like the Z8.” Vastly different from the esthetic of current exclusive high-performance cars, the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car features a long hood, tapered overhangs, a cockpit positioned toward the rear, and a low beltline.

The front-fender air vents or “gills,” here with integrated fiber-optic turn signal lights, are a design element usually associated with the classic 507 even though the concept dates from earlier BMWs. In a world of sharp-edged, angular sports cars, the Z8 is romantically curvaceous.

The roadster’s advanced lighting technology includes Xenon lowbeam headlights with dynamic auto-leveling and, concealed in the leading edges of the headlamp covers, high-intensity washers.

The Z8 is the first car ever with neon turn signals and brake lights that illuminate ten times faster than conventional bulbs, giving other drivers more time to react. Another example of the attention to detail the designers lavished on the Z8 is the two round red lenses bracketing the rear license plate.

The left one is a rear foglight; the right one is a backup light that, despite its red lens, illuminates white for reversing.

Building the Z8 in Germany is as unique a process as is the car itself. Z8 bodies are constructed and painted at BMW’s Dingolfing plant, approximately 60 miles northeast of Munich; the front and rear bumpers are manufactured at the nearby Landshut facility. Completed bodies are then shipped to the former pilot-plant area of the company’s Munich factory for final assembly. There, a small team of highly skilled craftspeople largely hand-build Z8s in 31 assembly steps.

The complete construction and finishing process takes about 10 times as long as that for a 3 Series sedan.

The Z8 cockpit continues the theme of a modern re-creation of the 507. Thus in the tradition of great sports cars, the Z8 has a pushbutton starter for its engine. The ignition switch is mounted on the dash, just above the starter button instead of in the traditional steering-column location.

A new electronic steering lock, along with BMW’s Coded Driveaway Protection, helps deter theft.

Other standard equipment includes heated leather seats, a power roadster top and a removable aluminum hardtop with heated rear window. The extensive Nappa leather upholstery and trim is accented with body-color painted surfaces and aluminum control knobs, all connoting –5 –more– astounding attention to detail. Interior trim consists of aluminum and colorkeyed painted surfaces; among the few changes for ’02 are new choices for combining trim colors with the four available upholstery schemes.

There was never any question about what engine should power the Z8. The 3.2-liter aluminum V8 that powered the original 507 was, at the time, BMW’s most powerful engine. For a car that personifies BMW’s passion for driving, only the most powerful road engine in BMW history, the S62 5-liter V-8 - also found in the M5 sedan - would do. Delivering 394 horsepower and 368 lb-ft. of torque, the Z8’s aluminum engine is completely civilized in traffic and around town, thanks in part to its infinitely adjustable, electronically controlled valve-timing system.

Called High-Pressure Double VANOS 1, the system varies valve timing on the intake and exhaust valves of both cylinder heads – thus on all four camshafts – helping optimize power, torque and emission control.

The “high-pressure” designation signifies the fact that this engine, like other BMW M engines but distinct from regular production BMW powerplants, includes a dedicated oil pump for the VANOS system. The engine’s “drive-by-wire” throttle system operates eight individual intake throttles and includes M Driving Dynamics Control, which allows the driver to select between Normal and quicker Sport response characteristics. A unique g-sensitive engine-lubrication system automatically ensures proper oil circulation in hard cornering situations.

Because a V-8 engine’s cylinder heads are canted at a 45° angle, there could be insufficient natural oil flow out of the heads under extreme cornering loads.

In addition to the usual pressure pump, there are two scavenging pumps, one for each cylinder bank. In straight-ahead driving, these pumps pick up oil from the rear of the 1 – VANOS = VAriable NOckenwellen Steuerung = variable camshaft control, or variable valve timing. –6 –more– engine and return it to the sump. In hard cornering (0.9g or more), the Dynamic Stability Control system’s lateral-g sensor switches magnetic valves to different pickup points, at the curve-outer side of each head and the pan.

The original 507’s body was aluminum.
Taking up that tradition in a 21st-century form, all the Z8’s body panels, except its bumpers and door hinges, are aluminum. Here BMW has taken the use of this lightweight alloy a step further and designed an entire space frame in aluminum. This concept combines moderate weight with body rigidity that is unparalleled by any other open sports car in this category.

The monocoque frame is made of extrusion-pressed beams much like the trusses of a timber house. Nearly 1,000 rivets and 190 ft. of fused welding seam (MIG) hold the frame and body panels together. The frame is made largely in-house at BMW’s Dingolfing plant, where the existing aluminum processing center also makes the 3 Series convertible hardtop, M3 hood and 7 Series hood and front fenders.

The space frame, which is 30 percent lighter than if it were made of steel, provides exceptional torsional rigidity to eliminate most of the body or –7 –more– “cowl” shake usually associated with an open-top car: “The chassis is rigid enough,” commented Car and Driver in April 2001, “to harness [the engine’s] thrust without any creaks or groans.”

This also provides an extremely stable platform for precise suspension tuning, and contributes to excellent driver feedback. The central frame’s stiffness also allows much lower side sills than is normally the case for a roadster. Pairs of unique aluminum “Y” arms that connect the Z8’s front and rear sections to its space frame provide much of the torsional rigidity and accident protection.

In a crash, the arms are designed to crumple, absorbing energy and transferring forces to the sturdy center floor pan. In simulations of the rigorous European Union’s 40-mph offset crash test, the Z8’s passenger cell remained completely intact. “Smart” 2-stage airbags, safety belts with force limiters and automatic tensioners, twin Rollover Protection hoops behind the seats, and a reinforced windshield frame provide additional protection.

BMW Z8 Trailer presentation



BMW Z8 Road Test Review



Source: BMW Press Release

A funny moment into the Speed Market!

Please take a look at this presentation film with a Lamborghini Reventón film we did for the IAA Frankfurt. The Reventón is limited on 10 and will cost 1.6 Mio €.

Agency: Philipp und Keuntje
Creative Director: Jo Marie Farwick, Diether Kerner
Director: Jo Marie Farwick
Client: Manfred Fitzgerald
Sound Design: Hans-Christian Sametzky
Copywriter: Rene Ewert
Art Director: Kalo Yanev
Car Rendering: Macke Vision

The BMW Museum is neither a purely technical museum, nor is it a historical museum or a design museum.

It's very candour encourages refl ection on the various links between life and culture implied by its exhibits.

The BMW Museum presents visitors with a specifi c section of the history of mobility, namely the history of the BMW brand.



Exhibits include complete vehicles and engines.
But the essence of what the museum visitor is offered lies in the way in which these exhibits are seen. It is for this reason that the BMW Museum has prepared educational offers for schools and other groups of children and young people.

Please also check more pictures from the greatest BMW Museum!

The Audi R8 is a sports car with a longitudinally mounted mid-engine, and uses Audi's trademark quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. It was introduced by the German automaker AUDI AG in 2006.

The car was exclusively designed, developed, and manufactured by AUDI AG's high performance private subsidiary company, quattro GmbH, and is similar to the Lamborghini Gallardo.

The fundamental construction of the R8 is based on the Audi Space Frame, and uses an aluminium monocoque which is built around space frame principles.

The car is built by quattro GmbH in a newly renovated factory at Audi's 'aluminium site' at Neckarsulm in Germany.



Audi first unveiled the R8 V10 Spyder at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2009. It runs the same 5.2-litre V10 engine found in the coupe.

Maximum power is 386kW (518 PS) and peak torque is 530Nm (391 lb-ft). The 0 - 62mph sprint time is 4.1 seconds while the manual can deliver a top speed of 194mph.

Spyder R8 5.2L FSI engine carries capable of producing 525 hp maximum power and top speed of 313 kilometers per hour.

Question: What is a hybrid car?

I know it uses gas and electric power, but what I am wondering is where does it get the energy for the car electric power. I think it uses the battery, but won’t you have to recharge it every night? Wouldn’t that cose more money? And if you don’t recharge and you want your car to run on battery power won’t it run out of power within a week? I am so confused, please help!!!

Best Answer:

When a standard hybrid car is driving over about 25 mph, the gasoline engine is being used to propel the car.

As it is doing so it is also working just as a generator does (like the kind you would use to run electricity in a home if your power went out or to power a cabin in the woods or on a boat.)

The electricity that is produced from the engine as you are driving is stored in a large battery pack.

When the car is driving slower than 25 mph or so (on average) then the gasoline motor automatically shuts off and the power from the batteries is sent to an electric motor (or motors), so no gas is being burned. Gasoline currently has a lot more stored energy than electricity does, so the car needs that power to move it at freeway speeds.

On any hybrid currently on the market you don’t need to plug it in, because all the electricity comes from the gas engine as you are driving.

Another option coming up sometime soon is the plug-in hybrid, in which a larger battery pack is plugged in when it isn’t used, increasing range and power available for the electric motor.

Some do-it-yourselfers who have done this to their own hybrids (voiding the warranty, though) have reported going from about 50+ mph up to 99 mph or so.

Source: justcarblog.com

Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., will fulfill the dreams of enthusiasts by returning the legendary Shelby GT350 to its lineup of American performance cars.

The Shelby team unveiled a supercharged concept version of the Mustang-based 2011 Shelby GT350 to the surprise of thousands gathered at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Opening Night Gala to honor the 45th anniversary of the first GT350 and first Shelby big block Cobra.

The concept behind the GT350 was to build a car that is light, nimble and powerful. Beginning with the "small block" 5.0 liter Ford Mustang GT as its base, the Shelby American team worked with experts from Ford Racing, Goodyear, Borla, Cragar and Baer to create a car that is fast and has razor sharp handling.

Every segment of the car is enhanced or replaced to create the ultimate balanced performance pony car that is true to the spirit of the 1965-1970 Shelby GT350.

"The 2011 GT350 balances heritage with modern necessity," said Shelby American president Amy Boylan.

"Former Hot Wheels and Ford designer Larry Wood joined Vince LaViolette, Walter Cardenas, Andrew Smidt and the rest of our Las Vegas team to help integrate 1965-1970 Shelby styling cues with modern aerodynamics. We worked with Ford Racing to supercharge the engine with a goal of 500 horsepower, as well as to sharpen the handling. Baer Brakes helped engineer the fantastic brakes and we shod the GT350 with 19" modern Cragar wheels and super sticky Goodyear tires. This Shelby is truly a complete performance package."

"Since this was one of the most important cars in Shelby's history, everyone stepped up to make sure it meets Carroll's performance standards," added Gary Davis, vice president of production for Shelby American.

"After it was hand built in our new design studio, it began extensive testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway by veteran test drivers Vince LaViolett and Gary Patterson. We're all proud to be part of this milestone Shelby car."

Each GT350 will be clad in traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes and feature the new Ford V-8 coupled to a six-speed manual transmission and center exit exhaust.

Blue Shelby GT350 valve covers and billet caps set off the supercharged engine. The Baer brake system features 6 piston kit in the front, as well as 14" ERADISPEED rotors in the rear with cooling ducts for all four corners.

The suspension was upgraded with new Ford Racing springs, struts, sway bars, and adjustable caster/camber plates.

The car also receives a new front fascia, tail light trim, front splitter, rear deck lid filler panel and rear fascia. Functional scoops are located on the side rockers and hood. GT350 badges on the outside and inside include a Shelby serial number. The A pillar carries a fuel pressure, oil pressure and boost gauge.

The Shelby GT350 is a post title program; a customer purchases a car from their local Ford Dealer, which is turned into a GT350 by the Shelby American Team. A limited number will be built in the 2011 model year.



Shelby GT350 up-fit completed by Shelby American has a MSRP of $33,995 and does not include the price of the base car.

The 2010 Ford Mustang – America’s favorite muscle car for 45 years straight

... Ressurection of a muscle car legend ...

As a designer and a third generation Camaro owner I was very disappointed at Mr. Ed Welburn's compromise called 2010 Camaro, for one its simply too tall and heavy to be called a sports car or at least a pony car the two door Bentley also claims sports car status , go figure... some might argue that the new Camaro is a muscle car, perhaps but any old car with a strong enough frame that can handle an overpowered engine and achieves a fast quarter mile, is a mussel car, but a pony car was special...how you ask?



It was based on a fairly small sporty car that cold be purchased as a strip down starter car to the mighty 1973 Pontiac firebird trans am equipped with the 300 horses and crap load of torque, oh did I mention the blue on blue turkey decal or shall I call it the screaming chicken by any name it was just the right hood decoration surrounding the rudely protruding shaker air intake with the 455SD insignia on both sides and yes there was a Pontiac big block super duty 455 cid engine was nested under the hood of a measly firebird which was no more then a Ford Pinto with its smaller engine.

Okay I am exaggerating a bit a polar whit pinto with blue turkey decal?

But this new Camaro wants to jump to the top from the get go and to make matters worse it tries to accommodate some sort of a cartoonish look of a mussel car the silhouette of a pony car and the size of a firkin Buick, and if that was not bad enough it is both visually and ergonomically offensive to most women ... most ladies never bought the 455 SD T/A my cousin did back in 73 sadly the last ting he probably saw was that funky aluminum dash as the car was airborne of the side of a mountain cliff somewhere in Logar province of Afghanistan that was 1976 nor the ladies care for a yellow Rumble Bee pickup truck like the one I got no my friend Linda Mary drove her four cylinder iron duke powered 3rd gen.

Camaro stuffed with all her belongings from her home town of Montgomery Alabama to Manhattan NY and then trashed it , there is no need for a car in big apple dontchknow?

while my best friend and also my ex-fiancé made her parents to buy her a flame red 1986 IROC-Z28 on her high school graduation back in 1987 she drove it for 10 yeas and then I obtained it from her in exchange for a whole lot of Amex miles so she can shop at Fortunoff...

Bottom line... this super sized Camaro based on a full size sedans platform which reminds me more of the 57 Belair then a Camaro car, hence it can be many things a station wagon like a Nomad a pickup truck such as an El Camino a replacement for a full-size coupe perhaps Monte Carlo or possibly the future Batmobile but a pony care? I dont think so!

Source: Gaus-usa.com & YouTube

The Lingenfelter TA concept car was built from a 2010 Camaro SS and is powered by a LS based 455 CID engine that produces 655 horsepower & 610 lbs ft of torque.
Lingenfelter's custom TA was built around the classic 71 Trans Am interior & exterior theme.

The TA features a classic shaker hood, new front fascia, revised front and rear quarter panels, functional front fender vents and rear spoiler.



To finish off the exterior the LTA has new lighting front and rear, blue stripping, badging, custom honeycomb 20" wheels, Nitto tires & Corsa exhaust.

The interior enhancements include custom seats, console, door panels, carpets and a 70's style metal-turned instrument panel.

Specifications:

• Engine 455-cubic-inch 7.5-liter
• 11.5:1 compression
• RHS Aluminum block
• Lingenfelter CNC ported & polished LS7 cylinder heads
• Lunati 4.200" 4340 forged steel crankshaft
• Diamond 4.155" bore forged aluminum pistons
• Fast 102 intake manifold
• Lingenfelter ZR1 steel flywheel assembly, ZR1 twin-disc clutch assembly
• Driveshaft Shop heavy duty axle assemblies
• General Motors six speed manual transmission

The latest and newest 2011 Ford Mustang GT features the new 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine.
Packing 412 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, the engine produces 97 hp and 65 lb-ft more than the 4.6-liter V8 used in the 2010 Mustang GT.

Despite the added power, Ford projects fuel economy will rise to 17 city / 25 highway (up from 17 city / 23 highway) for models equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The fuel economy rating for the six-speed manual will remain unchanged at 16 city / 24 mpg highway.



To squeeze out the extra mileage, Ford equipped the car with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT), an Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system, and an additional rear decklid seal (to improve aerodynamics).

Source

Green was the theme at the LA Auto Show as car manufacturers revealed a whole new line of hybrid, electric, and fuel efficient new cars... but none of them were as stylish as Hondas's FC Sport Concept Car.

The futuristic sports car is a hydrogen powered, zero emission fuel cell supercar. The three seater is lightweight with a low center of gravity and features a powerful electric motor that helps it deliver supercar performance.

The eye catching, futuristic design of the car is meant to excite fans of sports cars, not just eco friendly motorists, and its a glimpse at what car design might look like in a post gas engine world.

Honda's FC Sport is only a concept car, and there are currently no plans to enter this zero emission design study model into actual production anytime soon.

But the fact that Honda could imagine such a fast, sexy, and green zero emissions hydrogen vehicle means it shouldn't be long before all the major car companies start building similar vehicles.

According to Top Gear, in 2008, 30 litres of hydrogen costs roughly the same as 30 litres of gasoline in California.

Also, the FCX Clarity's power plant is much simpler than an internal combustion engine, so it does not need to be serviced as often!



Keep watching for more news, reviews, and tips from the automotive world.

Fisker Automotive, Inc., the new American manufacturer of premium green automobiles, unveiled its first production car -- the 2010 Fisker Karma.

With a starting price of $87,900 ($80,400 after US government tax credits), 1,000 orders for the 100 mile-per-gallon luxury plug-in hybrid have been received since the prototype debuted at the 2008 NAIAS.

The Fisker Karma is a plug-in hybrid luxury sports sedan revealed on 14 January 2008 at the North American International Auto Show.

It is the first car from Fisker Automotive, a joint venture of Quantum Technologies and Fisker Coachbuild, LLC, announced on 5 September 2007.

Fisker Automotive plans to begin production by Valmet Automotive in May 2010 and have the first cars in showrooms by September 2010.

The car is anticipated to have a PHEV-50, 50-mile (80 km) all-electric range, and sell for US $87,900.

Hi drivers around the world, please review the fastest cars in the world

Please see this amazing situatin where a man saved his son's life as a car crashed into the two of them.

This car crash was recorded in the Penrith suburb of Sydney, Australia.

Used Car Salesmen Tricks

One of the biggest moments in many people’s lives is driving off in their brand-spanking-new automobile. It’s an exhilarating feeling. It’s also a big moment because in that very instant, that brand-spanking-new car loses a big chunk of its value—the difference between the retail price you paid and the car’s wholesale value. That’s typically thousands gone in an instant.

That’s why some car buyers choose to shop around for a used car. You save yourself that steep initial drop-off in value. More importantly, you get a car that runs just as well, is just as dependable, and looks and feels as good as that new car—that is, if you play your cards right.

For if there is one pitfall of buying a used car, it’s the risk of buying a lemon, a junker—call it what you want, you get the point: the wrong car. Used car dealers, after all, have nearly as bad a reputation, if not worse, than lawyers do. This holds true for individual people selling their cars through newspapers, Web auctions and classified sites, or with the old-fashioned signs in their car windows. The saying, “Buyer Beware,” no where has more meaning than with cars.

The opposite to that, of course, is that there are some real steals out there in used cars. We’re talking about quality vehicles that will perform beyond your expectations at a low price. Here’s how to find these perfect used vehicles, and avoid the top 10 scams that used car dealers everywhere try to pull on you.

1. Get a second opinion for the hype. Used car dealers will bombard you with every adjective under the book to sell you on a car—sporty, thrifty, fast, and etc. Don’t take their word for it. Instead, find someone you know, whether a neighbor, a colleague, a family member, or a friend, who owns the same make and model of the vehicle, and ask them for their opinion.

2. Do a background check. One of the most unethical, but legal, things someone can do to you is sell you a used car that’s been in a flood (and sort of repaired), or one that’s had 10 previous owners (none of whom repaired it). To be sure you don’t fall victim to this, track down a history report, including a clearance check on the vehicle title. You can even get some of this information from the seller, simply by asking why they are selling it. You’d be surprised what beans people may spill.

3. Examine for past damage. Used car dealers may also try to peddle a vehicle that was wrecked in a major accident. It’s amazing what autobody experts can do to repair a car’s exterior. So don’t go by the outer appearances of a vehicle. Before you buy it, make sure that it does not have serious damage to its frame, which it would have if it was involved in a crash.

4. Call up your trusted mechanic. Used car dealers, especially the big lots, will say they put their used cars through a “100 point inspection,” or something like that. Once again, a second opinion is in order. Get this one from your own mechanic. He’ll be able to tell how good a shape the car actually is in. Also be sure to ask him or her how often the car had been serviced. A good mechanic can even gauge that.

5. Research for recalls. Needless to say, a used car dealer may sell you a car that’s actually under recall in his mad rush to get the car off his lot. So be sure to call the car manufacturer, or visit their Web site, to see if the vehicle has any active recalls.

6. Avoid the leftover lemon. Along with recalled vehicles, dealers may even perpetrate something much worse on you—sell you a lemon. (By definition, a lemon is a car that’s still under warranty, which has such major problems that, warranty or not, it still cannot be fixed in a reasonable way.) The best way to avoid this is to research in Consumer Reports or the various automobile magazines, which all have yearly reviews of every make and model on the market. They’ll tell you whether a kind of car is known for being a lemon and prone to breakdowns.

7. See through the old paint and bait. Along with performing their “100 point inspection,” car dealers may shine and wax a used car—even repaint it—to hide dents, dings, and rust spots. A keen eye, though, can see right through this.

8. Take the test drive. Once you’ve done all your research, homework, extra credit, and everything else called for in the first seven steps, then comes the fun—the test drive. Drive the car for as long as its owner or dealer will allow you. Then you’ll get a better feel for how the vehicle handles, accelerates, brakes, and otherwise suits your tastes (or doesn’t).

9. Be wary of the pushy seller. At any stage of the game—from the moment you first talk to the seller to the test drive—be careful if the seller gets pushy. Any dealer or seller who is in a rush to move a vehicle should set off bells and whistles. Why the rush? Are they hiding something? In some cases the seller may just be excited to sell you the car—and actually happy for you—but in many other cases, they may be up to something. Better be safe than sorry.

Follow these 9 simple steps to avoid the scams and pitfalls of used car deals, and you could get the car of your dreams—for far less than you’d pay if it was brand-new. Plus, you get that same high when you drive your new used car home, without losing thousands of dollars.

Used Car Buying Tips

Some of these used car buying tips won't be new to you. Often the trick is just to apply what you already know. On the other hand, when it comes to expensive areas of life like buying a car, one new thing learned can save you hundreds of dollars. Try some of the following.

1. Make a low offer. Okay, you knew this one. A trick you may not have used, though, is to make a low offer, and then leave your phone number with the seller. Time has a way of making sellers desperate, especially after you just helped convince them that they are asking too much.

2. Be careful with car price guides. Use the "blue book" etc, but try not to pay more than wholesale. I can't think of many times when people I know have paid more than "bluebook," so these "average" sales prices are doubtful.

3. Talk to people. This is one of the simplest and effective used car buying tips. Just let friends, family and others know you're looking for a car. Quite often people would be happy to avoid the whole process of advertising and showing their car if they could just get rid of it by giving a good deal to a friend.

4. Check out the engine. Have a mechanic look at the car, and tell you what it's likely to need in the next year or so. Then make a list, so the seller can see in writing why you are offering less than he wants.

5. Auctions. See if there is a public auction in your area. If not, maybe you can go with a dealer friend and give him a $100 to buy a car for you.

6. www.carfax.com. It's around $25 to run vehicle background checks for a month - long enough to find your next car. They'll show the chain of title, accident reports for the car, and even safety and reliability scores for that model.

7. "Ugly" cars. Watch for cars that sit on the lot for months. Dealers will often sell these "ugly ducklings" at a loss just to move them. Again, you may want to leave your phone number with a low offer.

8. Rental company cars. They are sold fairly cheap when they get the new ones in. Buy at bluebook wholesale or less, because they have had many different drivers, so they've more wear than normal.

9. Repos. Credit unions and some small banks do their own selling of repossessed cars. You usually bid on paper, maybe with a $50 deposit, and then get your $50 back if you're not the winning bidder. If they don't sell their own repossessions, ask where they are sold.

10. Consider gas mileage. High mileage may be better, but maybe a car that costs $500 less will use only $400 more gas in the two years you expect to own it. Do the math.

The Guide To Better Car Buying Deals

Buying a car is like making a journey into the unknown especially if you do not know the meaning of mileage and the only seats you have sat on inside a car are the ones for the passengers. Without a map, one can get lost, confused by several choices and generally duped into accepting a less than great a deal.

Still like any journey, with the right guide to buying a car, one can breeze through the experience with flying colors. Below is a guide to getting better car buying deals not only in terms of getting high quality cars but also in being aware of rebates and discounts. Both online and offline transactions were mentioned and discussed as some people are already doing their shopping online.

Read on and see for yourself which car buying guide you already know and which one you just heard for the very first time.

Car buying guide #1: List your requirements and stick to it.

Knowing what you need and what you want already takes you halfway the decision-making process. List your requirements and search for a perfect match out of the hundreds of car models available. You can do this in the old fashion way by visiting the car dealers near your area or the new age way through the wonders of the World Wide Web. One car buying guide which you should remember is to never go to dealers without having a car in mind. Websites like CarDirect.com has a handy research tool that can help you refine your search

Car buying guide #2: Have a budget and stick to it.

When you have already decided on your car model, you can now look into the prices being offered by various car dealers. One car buying guide that is really important is to do price comparisons, which are available online at InvoiceDealers.com or CarsDirect. You can also ask advice from people who have bought cars in the last five years. Chances are, car dealers still have the same practices.

Car buying guide #3: Be on the look out for special sales and promos

Most car dealers and even websites will always come up with a promo or a special deal guaranteed to outsell the competition. You can also leave your contact details and ask the car dealers that you have visited to inform you of upcoming promos. That way, you will stay up to date and would be able to compare different deals offered by different companies. One can also try looking for great deals over the Internet.

Car buying guide #4: Buy at the right season

One car buying guide that is a sure hit is perfecting the timing of buying a car. Usually, car dealers go on sale by the end of December as there is low demand for expensive gadgets. Because of the Christmas shopping rush, few actually buy a car at this period of time. Another great time is on July to October where new models have to replace the new. Sometimes, car manufacturers even offer big discounts just to be rid of the stock.

Car buying guide #5: Beware of Add-ons

Some dealers would put add-on services that you do not really need until the price skyrockets. Beware of these add-ons and really determine if that is something that you would like for your car.

Source: LiveDrivingTips.com