Sunday, February 28, 2010

2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition

Citroen plans to unveil a limited edition of the Citroen DS3 next month at the Geneva Motor Show. The Citroen DS3 Racing is a suped up version of the company's luxe supermini. While only 1000 units will be built, Citroen Australia General Manager, Miles Williams said that local availability for the special DS3 Racing will be announced when the regular DS3 launches in August.
2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition
“The Citroen DS3 Racing represents an outstanding concentration of behind-the-wheel thrills with an artful blend of performance and efficiency. The DS3 Racing provides a clear indication of what we can expect when the DS3 arrives in Australia in August.” Mr Williams said.
2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition
Developed by Citroën Racing - the winning team behind five WRC manufacturer's titles and six driver's titles for Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena - Citroën DS3 Racing is a special edition with a 100% sporting pedigree. Planned for the second half of 2010, the exclusive Citroën DS3 Racing will be limited to just 1000 production units.
2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition
As such, the car's output has been bumped up by 30% to 200 PS (147 kW / 197 hp) using the turbocharged 1.6-liter THP engine. Torque is improved by 15% to 275 Nm (203 lb-ft). These changes were achieved by remapping the engine control unit, adjusting the turbo, and adjusting powertrain components.
2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition
Meanwhile, stiffer suspension springs and new shock absorbers are also installed. The car has been lowered by 15mm, while both the front and rear track were widened by 30mm. Along with the new tires wrapped around the 18-inch wheels, the changes "all dramatically change the driving dynamics," according to a press release.
2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition
To handle the extra power, the company installed four-piston caliper brakes up front and ventillated discs in back. Carbon-fiber touches are used on the new air diffuser, front bumper, lower body, and wing extensions. Chrome is also used at certain points, like the door handles and exhaust, with orange tint on the calipers, grille, roof, side mirror caps, and wheels. Inside, designers added carbon trim and orange inserts. Purposeful sport seats were also installed.
A Citroën DS3 Racing signature on the rear tailgate and an individually numbered identification plate fixed to the roof-lining further confirm the model's exclusivity.
2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition
At 3.94-meters long, the grey and orange car will be shown in Geneva with checkered flaq and DS3 Racing graphics. Based on the existing DSport powered by the THP 150, production Citroën DS3 Racing editions will be finished in a special workshop and fitted with a parts kit developed according to Citroën Racing specifications. Only 1000 units of the Citroen DS3 Racing will be produced. The car will be released in the second half of 2010.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Bentley AERO ACE Sports Car Concept Next-Gen Speed VI

The Bentley Aero Ace Speed VI is the brainchild of auto designer Gabriel Tam and has been inspired by the original Speed 6 driven to victory by the Bentley Boys of the ’20s at Le Mans. The next-generation Speed VI is an overtly sporting vehicle with the raw aggression of a pure blood racer, while retaining the refined elegance of past Bentleys.
Bentley AERO ACE Electric Sports Car Concept Next-Gen Speed VI
The design was inspired to signify the raw aggression of a sporting vehicle, while paying close attention to the aerodynamic properties of each element of the vehicle. The adjustable aerofoil / spoiler feature double wishbone suspension to maximize the efficiency.
Bentley AERO ACE Electric Sports Car Concept Next-Gen Speed VI
Close attention during the designing period to refine the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle has resulted in enhanced efficiency and increased speed. Additionally, a double wishbone suspension has been incorporated within the adjustable spoiler to further better its efficiency.
Bentley AERO ACE Electric Sports Car Concept Next-Gen Speed VI
The twin rear heat exhaust-ducts of this zero-emission concept car are fed by the air intake used to keep electric motors cool. Electric motors are located towards the rear of the vehicle, while the battery cells are located towards the front in an even arrangement to balance the weight. The electric motor cooling system features air intake and incorporates diffusers that help air flow to create down-force.
 
 
Bentley AERO ACE Electric Sports Car Concept Next-Gen Speed VI
The wheels are semi enclosed that improves aerodynamics, while the 1+1 seating arrangement offers focused driving experience. Also, the diffusers aid air flow in this vehicle creates the down-force, the battery pack is equally distributed and the vehicle has a 1+1 seating layout for finest weight distribution.
Bentley AERO ACE Electric Sports Car Concept Next-Gen Speed VI 

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010

Back in August when General Motors introduced the all-new GT2 class Corvette C6.R, it ran downsized 6.0-liter version of the 7.0-liter V8 from the long-dominant GT1 car. At the launch, Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan told us the 6.0-liter was just an interim engine. With revised GT rules on tap for 2010, GM was already planning a brand-new engine for its race Vette.
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010
Unlike the 6.0/7.0, which is a ground-up race engine that only shares basic architectural dimensions with the production small block, the 2010 C6.R's V8 is a new 5.5-liter unit that will indeed be derived from the production engine found in roadgoing Corvettes. In fact, the 5.5-liter race engine will be built at GM's Performance Build Center alongside ZR1 and Z06 V8s.
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010
Fehan has confirmed that the 5.5 is running on the dyno and will make its race debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring in March. We don't have any additional details on the new engine yet, although we were told earlier that it is based on the next-generation production small-block, which we expect to see in the Corvette soon
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010
Corvette Racing is preparing for the season-opening round of the 2010 American Le Mans Series, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, to be held in Sebring, Fla., on March 20. Forty years ago, Sebring set the stage for some highly competitive racing among Cobras, Ferraris, and Corvettes. 
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010
Difficult weather and trying mechanical situations added a challenging dimension to an exciting event. In light of recent C5-R successes and the impending start of yet another season of American Le Mans Series competition, a look back at the effort put forth by the privateer Corvette camp lends amazing perspective.
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010
Corvette Racing will compete in the GT (formerly GT2) class against entries representing Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, Jaguar, and Ford. Corvette Racing drivers Johnny O'Connell, Jan Magnussen, and Antonio Garcia are testing the No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R. Oliver Gavin, Olivier Beretta, and Emmanuel Collard are testing the No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R.
[Source: Chevrolet]
Chevrolet CORVETTE Racing at Sebring 2010

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

2010 Super Hatchback Concept Car by Jamie Martin

Details on a possible future eco-friendly model, called SHC (Super Hatchback Concept), were revealed by designer Jamie Martin, a UK based designer whose previous works include the Cobra Venom V8 concept and the London Navigator bus. The SHC was conceived out of a desire to fuse the two very different worlds of hatchbacks and supercars. And in a world where limiting CO2 output is becoming increasingly important, the SHC also has some green tech up its sleeve.
2010 Super Hatchback Concept Car by Jamie Martin 
Designed to compete against the likes of the Honda Civic Type-R and Ford Focus RS, the SHC would be offered with a choice of two different engine/transmission packages.
It has similarities to both a supercar and a 3-door hatchback and boasts of both styling and performance characteristics. The concept car is available in a choice of three next generation powertrains, including an electric / hybrid option. Interestingly, the body is composed of 65% Steel and 35% aluminum used for front wings, bonnet & bumpers. Alternatively, 30% glass reinforced plastic can be used for designated sections. 
2010 Super Hatchback Concept Car by Jamie Martin 
Other features include front and rear window ‘air-streams’, combined with hydrophobic and super-fast screen heating and high-intensity LED/Single-Source fiber-optic illumination used on the headlight wing, lower fog light, and rear lights. Martin describes the car to have a “balanced formula of raw power, racing spirit, practicality and eco engine choices.” He said that this means that you have a supercar-inspired drive to use for weekly shopping.
2010 Super Hatchback Concept Car by Jamie Martin 
The first proposed powertrain of the concept consists of a twin-turbocharged internal combustion engine with direct injection, stop-start technology and regenerative braking. Transmission would be via a 6-Speed Short-Shift manual gearbox or a 7-speed paddleshift auto.
2010 Super Hatchback Concept Car by Jamie Martin 
The second option is a system dubbed the 'Delta Drive Hybrid (DDH)'. This setup consists of a smaller displacement internal combustion engine and a pair of electric motors. Nano-Titanate batteries located in the engine bay, and under the floor would feed power to the high-torque electric motors mounted within the front wheels. 3-performance modes would be available: Economy (low bhp town driving), Normal (medium bhp - motorway driving), and Performance (high bhp - utilising both the petrol engine and electric generator together for ultimate power). The car could also be driven in full electric mode for around 70 miles before the engine was needed to recharge the batteries.
2010 Super Hatchback Concept Car by Jamie Martin 
Further highlights of the SHC include a magnetorheological fluid suspension system with Normal, Sport & Track modes. This system, first used by Ferrari, features dampers with iron filings suspended in fluid. When an electrical current is passed through the fluid it instantaneously changes the damping rate and stiffens up the suspension.
2010 Super Hatchback Concept Car by Jamie Martin 
While the SHC is just an independent concept with no intention of production, it does seem more and more likely that hybrid technology will filter very quickly into performance vehicles - and hot hatches could be one of the first segments to make the switch.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Formula 1 Style by BEAU REID a Single Seat Electric Supercar

This car is BRD Concept, which is designed by Beau Reid and is a one seat formula 1 style street racer. The designer submit ideas that aren’t revolutionary but when they include descriptions that read like personal vendettas.
Formula 1 Style by BEAU REID a Single Seat Electric Supercar
For the racing enthusiast who wants to have the ultimate driving experience without all the extra room and the annoying girlfriend. You can also call it supercar for everyday driver who loves driving to work place alone.
Formula 1 Style by BEAU REID a Single Seat Electric Supercar
Well, it may not sound impractical but how many of us travel from home to office with more than one person in our vehicle. On the other, as per Beau, the vehicle has a combination of gas and electric engine to create the ultimate power and still get fair gas mileage.
Formula 1 Style by BEAU REID a Single Seat Electric Supercar 
Thanks for the details Beau.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

2010 Citroën DS High Rider Diesel Hybrid Concept Car

Citroën has released first details on the striking Citroën DS High Rider diesel hybrid Concept that will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. It is the second concept associated with Citroën's innovative and distinctively styled DS line, after last year's DS Inside.  The Inside design study led to the DS3. The concept is expected to be the precursor to the Citroen DS4.
2010 Citroën DS High Rider Diesel Hybrid Concept Car

Without denying the appeal of conventional coupés, Citroën DS High Rider Concept represents a bold and radical vision of the future, combining compact dimensions with generous internal volumes, dynamic performance, sophisticated style and consummate quality.
2010 Citroën DS High Rider Diesel Hybrid Concept Car

Unlike traditional 4-seater coupés, with their long, low design, the Citroën DS High Rider Concept is compact and muscular. Its character is expressed in its unique driving sensations, with a sleek flowing windscreen that soars over the heads of front occupants - hinting at a bright and spacious cabin environment. The apparently continuous glazed area of the side windows connects the A-pillars to the gently sloping roof line of the rear.
2010 Citroën DS High Rider Diesel Hybrid Concept Car

Citroen's newcomer rides on  19" alloy wheels and beautifully in proportion, Citroën DS High Rider Concept's confident profile is characterised by its high waistline. Its front end is purposeful with gaping air intakes, long incisive headlights and defined ridges along the bonnet.
2010 Citroën DS High Rider Diesel Hybrid Concept Car

Citroën DS High Rider Concept is an expression of automotive luxury and elegance - exemplified by its glossy golden paintwork and brushed chrome trim that accentuate the car's flowing lines. The roof is covered with a coated textile material - to give it a more "quality" look. Just 4.26m long, 1.82m wide & 1.48m high, Citroën DS High Rider Concept combines a neat and nimble chassis, for responsive handling, with intelligent design architecture that provides occupants with a generous amount of internal space.
2010 Citroën DS High Rider Diesel Hybrid Concept Car

2010 Citroën DS High Rider Concept's ability to rise above conventional design constraints is also reflected in its choice of power. Offering an enjoyable driving experience with dynamic on-road performance, Citroën DS High Rider Concept is respectful of the environment with an advanced 'Full Hybrid' diesel drivetrain that combines a refined HDi DPFS engine under the bonnet with an electric motor located on the rear axle. 
2010 Citroën DS High Rider Diesel Hybrid Concept Car

The hybrid platform enables Citroën DS High Rider Concept to combine the fuel efficiency and power of an HDi diesel engine with the ecological benefits of a new generation electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle). Under certain conditions, both engines combine to deliver additional power with additional torque transmitted to the rear wheels.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

2010 Peugeot 5 Concept HYbrid4 Technology

As part of its new Marque project, Peugeot is launching a double product offensive: the development of new markets and the strengthening of its presence in its historic market segments. The Peugeot 5 Concept car is another indication of the changing face of Peugeot and provides an insight into the Marque's future ambitions in the large luxury vehicle segment. Its pure and elegant lines blend with subtle technical detailing to create an overall effect of a timeless, exclusive and modern design.
2010 Peugeot 5 Concept HYbrid4 Technology

A 2.0 litre HDi FAP163 bhp diesel engine, mounted at the front of the vehicle, is combined with a 37 bhp electric motor at the rear. This arrangement provides an overall maximum power of 200 bhp, an electric only mode for low speed operation, four-wheel drive when required, and low fuel consumption and emissions of 74.3 mpg and 99 g/km of CO2 or zero in electric mode. Powered by the automaker's forthcoming HYbrid4 technology, the new 5 by Peugeot features a 163 horsepower 2.0-liter HDi diesel engine driving the front wheels and a 37 horsepower electric motor on the rear axle. This arrangement provides a peak output of 200 horsepower, an electric only mode for low speed operation, all-wheel drive traction when required and a fuel economy of up to 74.3 mpg.
2010 Peugeot 5 Concept HYbrid4 Technology

Its dimensions, proportions and styling are a direct response to the changing trends in the large luxury saloon car market segment. It reflects the continual search for more status, quality and performance, combined with a modernity that encompasses the vehicle's general efficiency in terms of architecture, engines and styling. The'5 BY PEUGEOT' expresses the Marque's vision and experience in the large touring car market. This concept car is designed and built to have both elegance and precision, but without in any way sacrificing the personality and dynamism so beloved of the Peugeot Marque. The emotion aroused by its exterior design holds the promise of exceptional interior space, convenience and comfort.
2010 Peugeot 5 Concept HYbrid4 Technology

At the front, the interpretation of the Marque's traditional feline appearance is spectacular; 'LED' lights are highlighted by the use of illuminated surrounds that blend perfectly with the overall exterior body styling. The headlamps frame a unique front grille design, whose visual appearance is closely influenced by the Peugeot SR1 concept car. The innovative design of the front grille gives the impression that it is detached from the vehicle; it appears to be suspended in front of the car. The new revised Lion badge naturally takes pride of place in a specially shaped area at the front of the long aluminium bonnet.
2010 Peugeot 5 Concept HYbrid4 Technology

The streamlined sides of the car are enhanced further by the bevelled, brushed-aluminium window surrounds and door handles, combined with sculpted 19'' wheel trims. The rear design of the vehicle suggests both robustness and power. The bold design of rear lights, consisting of three separate linked light clusters, clearly distinguish the vehicle at night, but also provides a link back to some of the Marque's historic models.
2010 Peugeot 5 Concept HYbrid4 Technology

Peugeot 5 Concept is further proof of Peugeot's environmental strategy. The modular technology of the Hybrid4 system can be combined with a range of naturally-aspirated engines according to market requirements, and can be fitted to different body shapes and different platforms, helping to ensure future driving enjoyment.
2010 Peugeot 5 Concept HYbrid4 Technology

The elegance, precision and dynamic appearance of the car's exterior styling is also reflected in the car's technical specification. The '5 BY PEUGEOT' concept incorporates Peugeot's HYbrid4 technology which, will be launched in 2011 in the Peugeot 3008.
2010 Peugeot 5 Concept HYbrid4 Technology