Peugeot SR1

Feature: Best of 2009 Shanghai Auto Show

Detroit may be in the doldrums, but Shanghai is swinging: the Chinese motor industry is growing rapidly, investing in design expertise and preparing to have a significant global impact in coming years.

And besides the domestic manufacturers, who are producing ever-more interesting concepts, the established European and Western car-makers are finding that they can't afford to ignore China, where new-car sales are rising exponentially. Here's the low-down on the most important cars of this year's Shanghai Auto Show.

Bertone Mantide

Based on the 620bhp Corvette ZR1, the insectile Mantide (Italian for 'praying mantis') is a one-off, road-legal creation from the Stile Bertone studio for a private client.

Designer Jason Castriota - the man behind the one-off Pininfarina P4/5 - says it's inspired by jet-fighter aircraft, and its fuselage-type body, butterfly-opening doors and canopy certainly make it look ready to fly away.

Though the underpinnings are Corvette, the extra-aerodynamic Mantide is some 100kg lighter, thanks to its carbon fibre bodyshell and interior - which help it to 217mph and 0-60mph in less than 3.5 seconds. Downforce is 30% better than that of the Corvette, thankfully.

Buick Business Concept

Chinese buyers love GM's Buick brand - they see it as the epitome of American luxury - and the Business Concept MPV is suitably kitted out with armchair-type seats, plush burgundy and cream suede upholstery and carpets, and high-tech LED displays.

The work of the GM-SAIC Pan-Asia joint research and development facility, it incorporates traditional Chinese patterns in its trim, and evokes Chinese crystal sculptures in its headlight design. It shares its hardware with the Chevrolet Orlando and thus also the upcoming new Vauxhall Zafira, and also previews a next-generation GM hybrid powertrain.
Source:http://www.channel4.com

Rolls Royce Ghost Premieres at the Concorso d'Eleganza

The recently baptized Rolls Royce Ghost made its debut at the Concorso d'Eleganza gathering at Lake Como, Italy. The above photo comes courtesy of the folks over at German car magazine Auto Motor und Sport that claim in their article that is the 'series version' of the 200EX concept. From our part, aside from the never before seen exterior color, we couldn't spot any differences between the 200EX and the Ghost. Then again, the Geneva Show 200EX concept wasn't much of a concept so go figure.



In any case, Rolls Royce's new "entry-level" luxury sedan that features a new 6.6-liter turbocharged V12 engine sending over 507 horsepower to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission will go on sale in the beginning of 2010.

Via: AMS

Volkswagen New Eos "Edition 2010" Launches

Maybe it's a thing of the spring, but European automakers are revealing one special edition model after the other lately. This times it's Volkswagen that has announced a new special version of the Eos coupe-convertible called "Edition 2010". Initially available only for the German market, this model's specialness comes from the extra convenient features and the design package "Chrome & Style" that adds a chromed grille, LED tailights in 'cherry red' and a two-tone leather interior trim that covers the seats, door panels and the steering wheel.

In terms of equipment upgrades, the Eos Edition 2010 gains heated front seats, a "Climatronic" air condition system and an enhanced radio-navigation system with touch-screen.

The Eos "Edition 2010" is available with four gasoline engines ranging from 122 to 260HP and a 2.0-liter diesel with 140HP. Prices in Germany start from €30,550.

Shanghai Motor Show-New Cars Show Off

With the Shanghai Motor Show now open we have plenty of new cars to talk about. None is more striking than Stile Bertone's Mantide released this morning. It's based off a Corvette ZR1 chassis and is one of the most spectacular designs released this year.Geely is also at the show with their GT Concept.

On the four-door front, BMW released the restyled 760Li at Shanghai and AMG brought along the S 65 AMG and S 63 AMG performance variants of the S-Class. Surprisingly three more executive sedans were announced: Jaguar's XJ, the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Aston Martin's Rapide. We should also mention the Opel Insignia VXR, Opel Insignia OPC and the FPV F6 E Concept.

Both SMS and Novitec have some exciting news. TuLesto is name of Novitec's new supercar which brings the F430 up to 770 bhp. SMS with Steve Saleen have designed one of the first kits for the 2010 Mustang called the SMS Mustang 460.

On the track, Rocketsports Racing will field the XKR GT2 in ALMS and Volkwagen will debut a variant of their GT4 Scirocco at the ADAC Nurburgring 24 Hours. RM Auctions also announced that a Ferrari 330 P4, better known as the 350 Can-Am, will be sold at their upcoming Leggenda E Passione auction

Subaru to Race Impreza WRX STI at 24h of Nurburgring

Fans of Subaru will be happy to know that the Japanese firm's STI motorsport division will take part at next month's 24-hours of the Nurburgring endurance race with a specially-prepped Impreza WRX STI hatch that will be campaigning in the SP3T class for cars with 2.0-liter turbo engines. Among other improvements, the race-spec Impreza WRX STI features numerous body stiffening components, the necessary safety equipment and weight-reduction measures.

Behind the steering wheel of the Impreza WRX STI will be four professional Japanese drivers: Kazuo Shimizu, Toshihiro Yoshida, Naoki Hattori and Koji Matsuda

BMW X6 M: Twin-turbo V8 with Mighty 555 HP Engine

Both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M come with a new V8 high-performance power unit boasting performance features precisely tailored to the character of each model. Displacing 4,395 cubic centimetres, the engine delivers maximum output of 408 kW/555 hp from 5,750–6,000 rpm. The new M TwinPower Turbo engine is indeed the world's first power unit with a common exhaust emission manifold joining both rows of cylinders as well as Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology. The turbocharger and the catalytic converters are positioned in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders ensuring the spontaneous and direct response so typical of BMW M as well as a linear surge of power for a consistent flow of torque at all times. As a result, peak torque of 680 Newton-metres or 501 lb-ft is maintained consistently all the way from 1,500–5,650 rpm.


And here's the performance figures:

Performance and fuel consumption of the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M:
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 4.7 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) (275 km/h (171 mph) with optional
M Driver's Package)
Average fuel consumption in the EU cycle: 13.9 litres/100 kilometres
(equal to 20.3 mpg imp), CO2 emissions in the EU cycle: 325 g/km.

New York Autoshow:Hyundai Nuvis Concept

HYUNDAI NUVIS CONCEPT MAKES WORLD DEBUT AT NEW YORK AUTO SHOW
NEW YORK, April 9, 2009 – The world will have the opportunity to peer into Hyundai's future when the Nuvis concept makes its world debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show.

The Nuvis is the eleventh signature concept car to be designed at the company's California Design Center in Irvine, Calif. In addition to showcasing the brand's cutting-edge capabilities, Nuvis also hints at a possible design direction for a future-generation crossover, blending attributes of a tall urban car and a premium utility vehicle.

Consistent with Hyundai's pledge to lead all brands in U.S. fuel economy by 2015, Nuvis is powered by Hyundai's Hybrid Blue Drive architecture, which uses breakthrough lithium polymer battery technology.

EVOLUTION OF THE DESIGN

In developing the initial sketches, Hyundai designers considered the interplay of natural, fluid elements with more rigid surfaces and structures to create the illusion of constant motion. Specifically, designers studied the way water splits across and flows around the hull and sides of a boat, creating a wake, or the way wind shapes a snowdrift or flurries through trees. The living power of these elements is reflected in the Nuvis' design.

"Our goal was to create a living machine, constantly moving, that the driver and passengers could be part of," said John Krsteski, Hyundai Design manager. "There are no lines on or in this car that are standing still."

In addition to invoking the impression of irrepressible motion, the Hyundai design team took more practical matters into account as well. Nuvis is designed to accommodate the diverse interests of a modern, active couple. The Nuvis is meant to be comfortable starting its day at a desert retreat, arriving at the ski slopes in the afternoon and then cruising to a formal dinner that evening.

The design team sought to create a vehicle that would complement its environment, without making a negative impact. The versatility of the vehicle's design, combined with Hyundai's Hybrid Blue Drive technology, accomplishes exactly this.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The Nuvis has an assertive face demonstrated by the strong, hourglass shape that frames the blue acrylic shield grille and aggressive headlamps, whose two glowing white rings are offset by a pair of red rings on the taillights.

Perched on top of 22-inch wheels, Nuvis' proportions are tall, strong and protective. The two body-side lines set up a flowing water effect, giving the appearance of motion.

In addition to the dynamic angles and firm stance, the Nuvis boasts a host of unique exterior elements.

"One of the coolest attributes of Nuvis is that the protective roof appears to float on top of the body through the use of hidden pillars and high-contrast glass," said Andre Hudson, Hyundai senior designer. "This effect starts at the headlamps and is carried all the way through to the taillights producing a tall, strong body-side and rear."

Large gull-wing doors, either opened or closed, create unique front, rear and profile views. Blue ambient lighting cast across the body adds to the overall upscale feel of the vehicle.

An additional design element featured on the Nuvis is a brushed aluminum accent that spans the entire length of the vehicle. Normally, this type of trim is only found around the windows. On the Nuvis, this trim extends out from the headlamps, juts up along the hood and through the beltline, across the top and into the rear spoiler.

INTERIOR DESIGN

In keeping with the exterior design scheme, the Nuvis' spacious and luxurious interior is dominated by a cool, blue acrylic center stack that ebbs and surges in the manner of a river. The cascading floor, with its ambient blue lighting, further enhances an environment in which seamless technology flows, enveloping both the driver and passengers.

A current of information coming from the instrument panel streams throughout the cockpit, as passengers are able to access each other via Methode Electronics TouchSense® technology that links all four business-class seats. The car's infotainment system is fed by channels from the outside – the occupants, for instance, can learn of a restaurant's specials that evening as they drive past it.

The sculptured, comfortable seats are custom woven with a graduated fabric that is finished in a silver-to-black sunburst. The ecologically-friendly seating fabric is provided by True Textiles, the industry's leading provider of environmentally responsible textile solutions. The Nuvis fabric is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester – reclaimed soda bottles – and increasingly sustainable manufacturing processes. Hyundai collaborated with the True creative team to produce this unique fabric with an 80-inch repeat, providing a fabric that is as attractive to the environment as it is to the viewer. The matching seatbelts are provided by Harveys Original Seatbeltbags, a well- known manufacturer of handbags made out of seatbelts. Harveys also developed two matching handbags for the Nuvis concept.

HYUNDAI'S HYBRID BLUE DRIVE ARCHITECTURE

Your browser may not support display of this image. Hyundai's all-new, homegrown Hybrid Blue Drive architecture helps define the Nuvis concept. Hyundai's proprietary parallel hybrid drive system mates the already fuel-efficient 2.4-liter Theta II engine to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 30kW (205 N-m) electric motor for maximum fuel economy.

Hybrid Blue Drive has an all-electric mode and a parallel drive mode, meaning that the wheels are turned by power coming directly from the gasoline engine, or the electric motor, or both together, as conditions demand. This parallel hybrid drive architecture will serve as the foundation for future Hyundai hybrid drive vehicles, starting with the next-generation Sonata in the United States.

To maximize fuel economy, all of the Theta II's major driveline and cooling system components have been optimized to reduce friction, while the crankcase has been filled with low friction oil.

Engine management software automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt, cutting emissions to zero. The engine automatically restarts when pressure is reapplied to the accelerator pedal due to the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG).

To further reduce fuel consumption, the Theta II's engine management software, which governs injection pressure, engine cycle timing and exhaust retreatment rates, has been revised. This control strategy assures that maximum efficiency is achieved during gentle acceleration, while greater power is immediately available during full acceleration. During deceleration, regenerative braking also comes into play to help conserve energy.

To ensure that the engine runs at lower RPMs, the top three gear ratios in the transmission have been extended. Fuel economy is further optimized through the latest electric motor-assisted steering system which reduces power drain and low resistance tires.

The nine major components of Hyundai's Hybrid Blue Drive include:

1. An efficient 30kW electric motor, delivering 205 N-m of torque
2. A regenerative braking system
3. An integrated starter generator that enables the engine to turn off at stops and restart automatically under acceleration
4. A breakthrough lithium polymer battery package, with 5.3 Ah of capacity at 270 volts
5. Optimized Theta II 2.4-liter engine
6. 6-speed automatic transmission with an improved-efficiency electric oil pump
7. Weight-efficient architecture coupled with a low drag coefficient
8. Electric air conditioning compressor
9. Hybrid power control unit

LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERY TECHNOLOGY

Hyundai's hybrid system stores its electrical charge in a 270V lithium polymer rechargeable battery (5.3Ah/270V) that surpasses both existing nickel-metal hydride and pending lithium-ion applications. Lithium polymer batteries are more durable and space-efficient than other, bulkier hybrid batteries.

New York Autoshow: 2009 Corvette GT1 Championship Edition

The Corvette GT1 Championship Edition is almost entirely a commemorative paint package designed to move some more C6 Vettes and celebrate the success of Corvette Racing.

Available in basic coupe, convertible and Z06 trim, the addition of all the graphics, wheels, spoilers and 'Jake' logos only costs $2,350. For a limited-edition run with only 600 set to be produced it's actually quite a bargain — especially considering non-Z06 models get the Z51 performance package thrown in as part of the package deal.

Audi R8 Spyder to hit U.S. Dealerships in 2010

The still under development drop-top variant of the Audi R8 will arrive in U.S. showrooms in about a year's time according to a report from Insideline citing, but not naming, company officials. The report goes on to say that Audi's product planners in the USA managed to convince the firm's execs to go for a full open top version of the R8 instead of a less costly and complicated targa-roof solution.

It is also reported that the R8 Spyder -the name has yet to be confirmed- will be available with both the basic 420HP 4.2-liter engine and the top-of-the-line 5.2-liter V10 with 525HP.
Via: Insideline

2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Teased with Upskirt Photo

While Mercedes-Benz has yet to officially reveal the new E63 AMG, German car magazine Sport Auto took the liberty to publish an 'upskirt' photo of the sport sedan as a teaser for its new competition that will see one lucky reader winning the car. As Mercedes has already informed us, the new E63 AMG that could be unveiled as soon as next month's New York International Auto Show will be powered a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 producing a hefty 525-horspower.

The teaser photo gives us a glimpse of the E63 AMG's front end that gets a new fascia with a more aggressively styled bumper as well as of the newly designed five-spoke alloy wheels.

Lamborghini on Estoque Cancelation Rumors: Who Told You We'd Build it in the first Place?

Supercars world and automotive world also had their own look alike Hollywoof gossip and rumors.Same goes to one of the Lamborghini car. ]Here's how it sound-Lamborghini on Estoque Cancelation Rumors: Who Told You We'd Build it in the first Place??

In what could be one of the most interesting and at the same time, most confusing press releases we've read recently, Lamborghini decided to answer back to the folks over at UK magazine Autocar and all those that reproduced the story on the cancelation/delay of the production version of the Estoque concept that was shown at last autumn's Paris Show. We remind you that Autocar's report cited Lamborghini's head of research and development, Maurizio Reggianni as saying that "the Estoque has been put on ice for the time being".



Lamborghini has not taken any decision to produce its Estoque concept car," said the Italian company in the press release. "As stated when the car was shown, Lamborghini believes that if a third model line should ever be added to its product line up, a four door luxury performance saloon could be a logical product strategy. No decision has been made to produce the Estoque."


In other words, what Lamborghini is saying is that how could it be possible that it has cancelled plans to produce the Estoque when it hasn't even taken the decision to build it... Then again, since no decision has been made, there is a strong possibility that Lamborghini could give the green light. Confused? Don't worry, so, are we...

-See Autocar's report on the Estoque here

BMW X6 (xDrive35i, xDrive50i)

BMW X6 is one of the hottest car around now.Everyone was searching about it,asking for quotation and peeks on it's performance.BMW X6,based very closely on the popular X6 Concept, BMW launched the X6 coupe-crossover for the 2009 model year, calling it a "Sport Activity Coupe." Along with the wild exterior comes an all-new twin-turbo V8 that will find its way into other new BMWs in the coming years.

BMW is the first automaker to bring such an SUV to market, although other automakers are said to be planning similar coupe-like utility vehicles. Land Rover, for example, recently unveiled its LRX coupe-crossover concept.

Compared with the concept, very little has changed. In fact, you'll have a hard time noticing any differences at all. The only obvious design tweak was made to the crossover's side windows. On the concept, the B- and C-pillars are not visible, but on the production car they clearly divide up the glass.

Even the X6's complex front fender design made it to production. Each front quarter panel surrounds the entire headlamp, creating a very seamless appearance. The X6's aggressive front fascia is also carried over from the concept, with its large air intakes and stylish fog lamps.

Daring design

As the photos show, the X6 is anything but a conservative design.

The X6's roofline begins arching downward after the B-pillar and continues plunging right to the X6's rising waistline. As a result, second-row headroom and rear cargo volume are both compromised.

The new X6 is longer and lower than the new X5, seating only four. But what the sporty X6 loses in seating and storage, it gains in performance.

Compared to the X5, the X6 has almost an inch of additional wheelbase length, and two inches of added width. The overall height of the X6 is a whopping 3.3 inches lower than that of the X5.

All-new twin-turbocharged V8

The range-topping X6 xDrive50i is propelled by an all-new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 unit producing 407 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 446 pound-feet of torque between 1750 rpm and 4500 rpm. The sprint to 62 mph takes just 5.4 seconds and fuel economy is estimated at around 19 mpg (U.S. gallons).

The engine is designed as a replacement to the company's current 4.8-liter naturally-aspirated V8. It is expected to filter into other models like the 5-Series, 6-Series and 7-Series in the near future.

The engine seems to represent the second stage in a shift at BMW from high-displacement naturally-aspirated motors to slightly smaller turbocharged powerplants. BMW's twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine that powers the 335i and 135i has been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews, and it appears BMW is hoping for similar results with its new V8.

The BMW X6's other engine is also a twin-turbo setup. The xDrive35i comes with the aforementioned 3.0-liter inline-six from the 335i, producing 306 horsepower.

A diesel model is offered in Europe, but it is unlike to come to America in the near future.

Ferrari 599XX destined to replace the FXX

The Geneva Motor Show saw the world premiere of the Ferrari 599XX, an extreme track-focused version of the Prancing Horse's two-seater GT. Destined to replace the FXX, Ferrari said that it will be organizing a programme of dedicated track events for the 599XX in 2010/2011. Since the car was conceived exclusively for track but not official competition use, Ferrari was not restricted either by homologation limitations or regulatory restrictions during the 599XX's development.

Ferrari 599XX Starting with the powertrain, the firm's engineers carried out extensive work on the V12 engine's combustion chambers and inlet and exhaust tracts. These modifications, combined with the fact that internal attrition has been reduced and the maximum revs have been boosted to a whopping 9,000 rpm, helped achieve the target power output of 700 hp at 9,000 rpm. As for the transmission, a new gearbox shift strategy cuts overall gear-change times to just 60 ms.

The 599's handling has been improved thanks to the adoption of a second generation SCM suspension system while the new racing carbon ceramic braking system promises to deliver shorter braking distances. The track-focused 599XX is equipped with a set of split-rim wheels shod in slick tires.

As you can see in the photos below, the 599XX features a full aerodynamic bodykit that helps produce an amazing 280 kg of downforce at 200 km/h or 125mph (630 kg at 300 km/h or 187mph) according to Ferrari.

And if you're wondering what all these changes sum up to, we'll just tell you that Ferrari claims that the 599XX lapped the Fiorano race track in 1 minute and 17 seconds, or 1 second faster than the Enzo-based FXX.

Audi TT-RS Coupe & Roadster: New High-Res Image Gallery

Today, we bring you a new set of high-resolution pictures - this time in full color- of both variants of the TT RS that is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine with direct injection producing 340HP and 450 Nm or 331.9-lbs/ft of torque.

According to Audi, the all-wheel drive TT RS needs less than five seconds to crack 100 km/h (62mph) from standstill while it's top speed will be electronically limited to 250km/h or 155mph.

(car scoop)