Thursday, July 23, 2009

AUDI R8 V12 TDI Concept

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Audi
AUDI R8 V12 TDI Concept (2008)
Available free download, size 1200x 1600 pixels.


Does the world need the Audi R8 V12 TDI, a supercar powered by diesel? We love the regular Audi R8. It’s our 2007 performance car of the year, with sublime steering that belies its Ingolstadt roots, and one of the best gearboxes around. That high-revving 4.2-litre V8 sounds wonderful and the quattro system juggles all-weather security with rear bias for tail-out action. How could you want any more? Well, there is a V10 version coming in 2009... But over the past few years Audi has sought to fill every conceivable niche. Welcome then, to the Audi R8 V12 TDI, the world’s first diesel production supercar. Yes, it's a concept car for now, but Audi is seriously debating the future of this car. Hold on, did you say Audi R8 V12 TDI? We did indeed. Underneath that stunning bodywork sits an oil-burning engine. The car was first unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show at the start of 2008 in a shade of silver. Since then it’s been repainted red and now CAR Online has been to Miami for a drive of this rather special concept car. The job of the R8 V12 TDI is two-fold. For one, it is designed to showcase the Hungarian-built V12 TDI engine. At six litres it easily surpasses the 5.0-litre V10 that sits in the nose of Volkswagen's Phaeton and Touareg. The new V12 will be available in the Q7 from later in 2008, will probably be in the next A8, and maybe, just maybe in the R8… That’s right, the second reason for the R8 diesel concept is to preview a production car that is currently 50:50. But that’s without taking into account the influence of a certain Dr Ferdinand Piech, the man who insisted that the impossible be made reality with the Bugatti Veyron.

- By G Kacher -



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Suzuki Swift Rally Car MK4

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Suzuki
Suzuki Swift Rally Car MK4 (2005)
Available free download, size 1200x 1600 pixels.



A redesigned Swift was announced at the Paris Auto Salon in September 2004. This Swift is intended to compete in the European B segment with the likes of Peugeot 206, Opel Corsa and the Fiat Punto. Available with 1.3 and 1.5 L engines, the new Swift is Suzuki's new "global car", to be produced in Hungary, India, Japan and by Chang'an in China. 3- and 5-door bodies are available.

The the new model is the first of its kind during which a Suzuki employed Indian engineers to design a car that would compete in the global market. The design of the new Swift was previewed on the Concept S and Concept S2 concept cars at auto shows, in the years leading up to its launch. It's proportions & essential shape are unmistakely like the BMW MINI, due to the blacked-out A-pillars and bumper-car stance. The exterior shape is described by some as "1.5 box".

Despite Suzuki's long-standing relationship with General Motors (which itself had prompted the development of the very first Swift), the new Swift is entirely Suzuki, and not based on the GM Gamma platform. The prestigious British Autocar magazine gave the new Swift a favourable 4/5 stars in road test, badging it a "thoroughly impressive all-rounder". Mk4 Swift has received a 4 stars out of 5 rating in the EURO NCAP crash tests.

Standard equipment include leather steering wheel, dual air-bag, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), front disk brake with rear drum brake, sliding storage under passenger seat, single CD player.

Since its global launch in 2005, Mkq4 Swift recorded above forecast sales. In Japan, sales figure doubled forecast. Mk4 Swift enjoyed healthy sales in India where a substantial percentage of the car is built with locally made components. Rapid sales of the new Swift model contributed to the 64% rise in Q1 profits for the Maruti corporation. Waiting period in India for the car is at least 3 months.



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Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE

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Ferrari
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE (2010)
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When it first debuted, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano set a new standard in terms of performance that remains a benchmark for new sports car development to this day. Now Ferrari is introducing the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) package for the model to further underscore its sportiness and handling.

The package includes a modified set-up with stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as new calibration settings for the magnetorheological shock absorbers when the manettino is at its sportier settings. The ride height has also been lowered which in turn lowers the car's centre of gravity. This combined with the new set-up helps improve body control. The package also includes specifically optimised tyres featuring a compound that offers even better grip.

The car's electronics have also evolved to ensure even more prompt response to driver commands. The F1 gearbox's shifts are now even faster in high-performance settings, while a new engine software strategy has improved accelerator response.

The exhaust silencer has also been modified with the result producing an even more marked and thrilling sound under hard usage whilst still delivering just the right comfort levels at cruising speed.

From a styling point of view, the package also includes some distinctively sporty exterior and interior features with carbon-fibre widely used in the latter. The 20" split-rim wheels are new with a special diamond-cut and matte silver finish. The rear diffuser is finished in matte black to underscore the car's new set-up and highlight the chromed tail pipes. The cabin is sportier too thanks to a sophisticated mix of full-grain leather, black Alcantara® and carbon-fibre trim.

The new seats are trimmed in a new two-tone combination of leather with black Alcantara® inserts, and the seat backs are trimmed entirely in carbon-fibre. Embroidered in contrasting stitching on the headrest are a Prancing Horse and the words "Handling GTE".



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Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Scuderia Bizarrini Livorno P538 Barchetta

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Bizzarrini
Scuderia Bizzarrini Livorno P538 Barchetta (2009)
Available free download, size 1200x 1600 pixels.



The Scuderia Bizzarrini Livorno p538 Barchetta is a stunning design from Stefan Schulze. Schulze is working in conjunction with Giotto Bizzarrini - who approved the design, race-car engineer Alan Mertens, and Kevin Gallahan of Arbitrage Cars who are manufacturing a small series production of both the Barchetta and GT (hardtop) version based on their Arbitrage GT chassis.

The Bizzarrini name has long been associated with exclusive performance cars, and the use of his name in the title of this 2008 concept serves to add a sense of history to the vehicle. The ‘Livorno’ part of the name is in reference to the fact this is the Italian city in which Bizzarrini currently resides. While the p538 part pays homage to a 1960’s race car which Bizzarini built in very limited numbers.

The complete underbody and outer shell of the Scuderia Bizzarrini Livorno p538 are formed from lightweight carbon fiber, as is the passenger cell.

Powering the Bizzarrini Livorno p538 is a mid-mounted 7.0 litre Chevrolet LS7 which develops 505 hp @ 6200 rpm and 475 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm. The engine sits in a lattice framework directly behind the driver. Highlighting the location of the powerful engine are 8 race-like intake trumpets which poke through the engine cover just behind the cockpit.

A small series production is planned for both the Barchetta and GT (Hardtop) version.



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Saturday, July 4, 2009

Rinspeed iChange Concept 2009

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Rinspeed
Rinspeed iChange Concept (2009)
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World premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show (March 5th thru March 15th 2009): with the 'iChange' the Swiss designers of Rinspeed present a '1-2-3-seater' powered by a 130kw-electric motor. The concept car's striking body structure adapts via 'electronic trick-tail' to the number of passengers: while the sporty and streamlined teardrop shape seats only the driver, two more passengers may join him once the car's rear end has risen as if by magic. In the blink of an eye the full-blooded sports car turns into a compact sportsvan.

With the Rinspeed 'iChange' the automotive jack-of-all-trades Frank M. Rinderknecht and his partners aim to provide thought-provoking impulses for the automobile industry: 'Thinking about variability and the constantly changing energy demand, we have created an extremely flexible vehicle.' The result is a zero-emission car featuring both extremely low weight and aerodynamic drag, thus further reducing the power consumption. - For Mr. Rinderknecht the car's name 'iChange' means more than a flowery phrase: 'If we want to preserve our individual mobility in the future, we have to re-think our conception of cars - above all we need to accommodate the ecological aspects.' The best possible answer the big automakers could find for the 'iChange' woud be a strong 'Yes, we can!'



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BMW Z4 Roadster

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BMW
Bmw Z4 Roadster (2006)
Available free download, size 1200x 1600 pixels.


More than any other sports car in the world, this unique car embodies the typical roadster: The BMW Z4 Roadster thrills the car world through its fascinating, sporting dynamism created by a perfect synthesis of a high-performance power unit, the outstanding chassis and suspension, and innovative features all round. And not least it is the wonderful design of the BMW Z4 Roadster which makes this car so unique, desirable and a genuine must-have. And now, four years after its world debut, the BMW Z4 Roadster is making a new, brilliant appearance with new engines.

New Six-Cylinder Power Unit for the Z4 Roadster

While the six- and four-cylinder power units featured in the BMW Z4 Roadster naturally cannot match the output and performance of the M engine, they are everything but under-powered. Indeed, the new 3.0-liter straight-six in the BMW Z4 Roadster 3.0si is currently the most innovative engine in its class, setting the standard in motoring refinement and dynamic performance. Further strengths are the engine's high output per liter, a very good power-to-weight ratio, and the lowest specific fuel consumption. Maximum output is 265 bhp at 6,600 rpm, maximum engine speed is 7,000 rpm, and the engine maintains its peak torque of 232 lb-ft maintained consistently from 2,500-4,000 rpm. Complying, last but not least, with both the EU4 and ULEV II standards, this outstanding power unit is also a role model from the perspective of the environment.

The most striking feature from the customer's perspective in comparison with the former engine is the sporting responsiveness of the new power unit in conjunction with thrilling engine sound whenever the driver calls up its power, as well as supreme refinement and motoring culture when cruising or just breezing along.

Superior power and low weight naturally also mean superior performance and efficiency: The Z4 Roadster 3.0si accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, acceleration from 50-75 mph in fourth gear comes in 5.5 seconds.

Like the Z4 M Roadster, the Z4 Roadster 3.0si is limited electronically to a top speed of 250 or 155 mph. Fuel consumption in the combined EU cycle, finally, is just 8.6 liters Premium plus/100 km, equal to 32.8 mpg Imp.



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