Porsche_Carrera_GT_green

The development of Carrera GT can be traced back to its predecessors, the   and Due in part to the   and  rule changes in 1998, both designs had ended. Porsche at the time had planned on a new    for 1999. The car was initially intended to use a turbocharged  but was later redesigned to use a new  pushing the project back to planned completion in 2000. The V10 was a unit secretly built by Porsche for the team in 1992, but later shelved. The engine was resurrected for the Le Mans prototype and increased in size to 5.7 litres. Unfortunately the project was canceled after two days of testing for the first car, in mid-1999, mostly due to Porsche's wish to build the SUV with involvement from   and  , thus requiring engineering expertise to be pulled from the motorsports division. It was also speculated that   chairman wanted Audi's new Le Mans Prototype, the   not to face competition from Porsche in 2004.
Porsche did keep part of the project alive by using the 5.5 L V10 from the prototype in a   shown at the 2000 , mainly in an attempt to draw attention to their display. Surprising interest in the vehicle and an influx of revenue provided from the Cayenne helped Porsche decide to produce the car, and development started on a road-legal version that would be produced in small numbers at Porsche's new manufacturing facility in   Porsche started a production run of Carrera GTs in 2004, shipping the units with an MSRP of $440,000  and a dealer invoice price of approximately $414,800 USD. In addition, the delivery charge could be as much as $5,000 USD. The first Carrera GT went on sale in the US on January 31, 2004.
Originally a production run of 1,500 cars was planned. But Porsche announced in August, 2005 that it would not continue production of the Carrera GT through 2006, citing discontinuation was due to changing airbag regulations in the US. As of May 6, 2006^[update], 1,270 GT's had been manufactured, with 604 being sold in the United States 

 

Front

The Carrera GT is powered by a 5.7  producing 612 DIN (605 SAE (450 k whereas the original  featured a 5.5 litre version rated at 558 hp (416 kW). Porsche claims it will accelerate from 0 to 100  in 3.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 330 km/h (205 mph although road tests indicated tn  seconds, while 0-125 mph (201 km/h) in 9.9 second
The Carrera GT has a basic five colour paint scheme which includes Guards Red, Fayence Yellow, Basalt Black, GT Silver and Seal Grey. Custom colours were also available from the factory. A traditional six-speed   is the only available transmission. Attached to this gearbox is a beechwood gearknob which pays homage to the wooden gearknob used in t Le Mans racers. In its second year of production, a limited edition knob was also made available.
The Carrera GT has large side inlets and air that help cool the large   framed by the    rear bonnet. Fitted with Porsche's latest (C/SiC)  composit  system, the 15-inch (380 mm)  disc brakes make an impressive appearance underneath the 19 inch front and 20 inch rear wheels. Similar to other Porsche models, such as the 911, the GT includes an automated rear wing spoiler which deploys above 70 mph (110 km/h).
The interior is fitted with soft leather. and navigation systems are available as options. In typical Porsche fashion, the is to the left of the steering wheel. This placement dates back to the early days of Le Mans racing when drivers were required to make a running start, hop into their cars, start them and begin the race. The placement of the ignition enabled the driver to start the car with his left hand and put it in gear with his right.

NSX wallpaper honda club

Acura NSX:

  Like most Acura models the NSX was also sold as a Honda NSX outside of the U.S. and gets its name from being the automaker’s New Sportscar eXperimental prototype. When it was introduced in 1990, the Acura NSX was the first car to feature an all aluminum chassis and introduced the U.S. to VTEC with its high revving 270 HP 3.0 Liter V6 engine before increasing displacement to 3.2 Liters for an additional 20 HP gain. In 2002 the NSX received a facelift and despite the new appearance, much of the NSX remained the same underneath until the vehicle was discontinued in 2005. Despite the modest power and somewhat dated technology, due to the NSX’s low coefficient of drag and lightweight construction, the Japanese sports car was able to compete with some of the most exotic Italian super cars of its day.

The car is located in Branson, Missouri - if you’re interested to find out - and to no one’s surprise, it’s actually being sold on eBay for a very un-Lamborghini Diablo-like price tag of $49,000

lotus-eco-elise-green-sports-car-top

Lotus Eco-Elise: Taking Sustainability Up a Not

I know, I know another concept... but body panels made from locally grown hemp, water based paint, solar panels, manufacturing energy efficiency...this is more than just a car concept, this is a sustainable process that shows that there is more to sustainability in the automotive industry than just fuel efficiency.
Fuel efficiency is probably the most important factor in greening the road, but we mustn't forget how we are making these vehicles. With around 50 million  how we make them has a huge impact on the environment as well.
Mindful of this, Lotus has taken a holistic approach with their Eco Elise roadster, endeavoring to reduce the car's environmental impact by focusing on how it is made as well as how it performs:
Process:

1. Creating cleaner manufacturing processes
2. Using sustainable materials
3. Reducing carbon impact of logistics

Performance:

1. Developing renewable energy generation
2. Promoting efficient driving techniques
3. Reducing vehicle weight to improve fuel efficiency

Process

By using the 3 R's (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Lotus has taken great care to reduce the amount of energy that is used in their process and the amount of waste that is created during manufacturing as well as at the end of the vehicle's life. At their Hethel England headquarters they recycle 57% of their waste and have been able to reduce electricity consumption by 14%, gas 30% and water 11% from their 2006 levels.
Working in conjunction with Du Pont, Lotus has developed a totally water-based paint system. This paint solution includes primer, color coat and lacquer and greatly reduce the amount of solvent emissions. This paint has a very low cure temperature allowing them save energy during the painting process.
Lotus uses Hemp composites in the body and interior of the Eco Elise. Hemp is a rapidly renewable resource that takes very little energy to produce. Mixed with a polyester resin the hemp forms the body panels and the seats. While the resin is not recyclable they are in the process of finding a recyclable replacement. The seats upholstery is made from an eco-friendly wool that uses no dye and little processing. It is durable and biodegradable. Finally under your feet, you'll find carpets made from sisal, another sustainable crop.
By utilizing local farms for their materials and having all their facilities in close proximity they are able to reduce the amount emissions created by the supply chain. They carefully monitor their logistics to make sure the path their materials travel is as efficient as possible. They also use packaging that they recycle many times over.

Performance

Lotus has taken several steps to make sure their vehicle performs as efficiently as possible. First they have followed the "Performance through light weight" philosophy. Reducing the vehicles overall weight improves the handling and braking performance, and reduces the energy required to accelerate the car. They utilize lightweight wheels that reduce the unsprung mass and contribute a weight saving of approximately 15.8 kg (34.8 lbs) over the already light Elise wheels. They also use an exceptionally lightweight stereo and speaker system from Alpine saving 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs). Along with a host of other small weight reductions they are able to reduce the vehicles overall weight another 32 kg (70.5 lbs) less than the already super light standard Elise S.
Like the new the Eco Elise sports solar panels on its roof. These solar panels supplement the power needed by the electrical systems, saving energy that would otherwise be drained from the engine and impact fuel economy.
Finally the Eco Elise utilizes the instrument panel to assist the driver in driving more efficiently. Lotus cars are known for their red light shifting prompts that help the driver time their shifting to maximize speed and power. The Eco Elise employs a system of green light prompts that help the driver time their gear changes for maximum fuel efficiency.
In addition to all these efforts, Lotus is also working on a "Tri-fuel" engine that would run on gas, ethanol or methanol. This is still in concept and they haven't shared actual performance numbers, however, their lifecycle approach is intended to be feasible for mass production and hopefully be picked up by other car manufacturers. It's great to see a company approaching sustainability in ways that look beyond the tail pipe. The ideal would be car with killer fuel efficiency that takes this environmentally friendly manufacturing approach. Wouldn't it be great if the Fisker Karma, the Tesla Roadster or the Toyota Prius were made with hemp and water soluble paint?
The Eco Elise will be displayed in the Greener Driving Pavilion at the British International Motor Show from 23rd July until 3rd August, so if you're out that way stop in an check it out.

lotus-eagle-sports-car 2010 & 2011

After many and many rumors and spy shots, Lotus Eagle finally on show. Lotus Eagle 2009 will make its world debut in July at the London Motor Show. The new 2+2 sports car will go on sale towards the end of the year at a price of $90.000. Lotus announced a convertible version is also in the works and will be launched few months after the coupe.
The 2009 Lotus Eagle will be placed between the Elise and next-generation Esprit, and is designed for those who love the Elise, but also want a little more room and comfort.
The 2009 Eagle will be powered by a tuned version of Toyota’s V6 engine used in the Camry. It will be offered with two different displacements: 2.5 liters and 3.0 liters with power between 200 and 300 hp. The Lotus Eagle 2009 was announced to be a real sports car with 0 to 60 mp sprint to be made in less than 5 seconds. More info will gather on this Lotus Eagle later on…

Never mind all the spy photography – here’s the first authorised countenance at the 2010 Lotus Eagle, the latest sports car emanating from the concern that pioneer built.

Scheduled for an authorised unveiling at the British motor show on August 22, the Eagle, a 2+2 coupe, is the first all-new Lotus car since the 1995 Elise (the Elise-based Galilean S, apparently, doesn’t count).

Designed for enthusiasts who need a little more practicality, the Eagle includes a backseat, although, with provisions to anchor car seats, Lotus admits it’s a kids-only zone. While the side trunk was designed to sound a set of golf clubs, customers looking for extra storage expanse may opt for a two-seat model with a load shelf in lieu of the side seats.

Though Lotus provided only one photograph, it crapper be seen that the Eagle’s shape seems much more organic and proportionate than that of the Galilean S. We note, however, that the styling is rattling figuring of the M250 concept, originally shown to the public nearly eight years past in Geneva.

Like the Elise, the Eagle sources its engine from Toyota, but this instance in the form of a 3.5-liter V-6. Essentially the same motor found in the pedestrian Camry sedan, Lotus tweaked the engine ever so slightly to yield 280 hp. No performance figures have been released yet, but Lotus claims the car is quicker and more steady around the Nurburgring than the Elise.

Production, expected to total 2000 cars per year, module begin in primeval 2009. Unlike the Galilean S, wait the Eagle, in either 2+2 or two-passenger form, to eventually interbreed the pond into North America.

Ferrari Car

Ferrari is delighted to announce the presentation of the SA APERTA at the Paris International Motor Show 2010. This is a special series model of which a strictly limited number of just 80 will be built. All have already been sold. Ferrari chose to build 80 SA APERTAs in celebration of Pininfarina's 80th anniversary. The SA nomenclature also pays homage to both Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina whose company and work have been linked to the most successful road-going cars ever built at Maranello.

The SA APERTA is a true roadster which allows its occupants to enjoy the superlative emotions afforded by our signature front-engined V12 architecture in a completely open-top setting. In fact, it has just a light soft top designed to be resorted to only if the weather gets particularly bad. A low-slung windscreen and the fact that it crouches lower to the ground than our other models lend the SA APERTA an exceptionally aerodynamic sleekness. Its profile arches back from the A-post to two aerodynamic fins beautifully integrating the two roll-bars which themselves cleverly mimic the outline of the seats.

Ferrari-Street-Car

1.   
               267 mph, 0-60 in 2.5 secs. Aluminum, Narrow Angle W16 Engine with 1001 hp, base price is $1,700,000. Tested again on July 10, 2010, the Bugatti Veyron once again claimed its title as the fastest car in the world at 267 mph
2. :
              257 mph, 0-60 in 2.7 secs. Twin-Turbo V8 Engine with 1183 hp, base price is $654,400. Tested in March 2007 by Guinness World Records, The SSC Ultimate Aero was the fastest car in the world from March 2007 to July 2010 until recently it fell behind the Bugatti Veyron to take the #2 spot.
3.   
             248 mph, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. Twin Turbo All Aluminum V8 Engine with 750 hp, base price is $555,000. Smooth and bad-ass, will make you want to show it off non-stop.

Ferrari

When you're driving a  you'd better keep your eyes open. When you're buying one, you might want to avert your eyes lest they start watering. Because you know it's going to be a big bill. Just how big is a matter of details, and new reports from the glossies in the UK give us exactly that.

For the British market, the new  will sell for a whopping £169,545, or the equivalent of about $277,000 by today's conversion rates. A quick look at the outgoing prices reveals a whopping increase over the $199,000 MSRP for a 2009   but a touch less than the $282k commanded by the  (whose performance the new 458 eclipses and, it could be argued, effectively replaces). It's also worth noting that the figures are a fair bit higher than those suggested in the alleged  from back in October.

Of course pricing for new vehicles around the world isn't based on current exchange rates, but rather on local market considerations, so until U.S. pricing is announced, it's more relevant to look at relative prices in the UK itself. The £169k 458 Italia is over £40k (~$65k) more than the £128k F430, but a couple grand less than the £171k Scuderia. The  in case you were wondering, lists at £143,325 on the 2010 UK price sheet (which includes all Her Majesty's tea party taxes) – but we're still supposed to believe the Cali's not the "baby Ferrari" we all predicted it would be.

If you're eyes aren't done watering yet, the price for a new 458 only continues to rise from there, with options like LEDs on the steering wheel at £2,794 ($4,563) Alcantara trim for the trunk at £1,445 ($2,360), electric seats at £2,120 ($3,462) and – wait for it – a £1,156 ($1,888) spare wheel.

carreragt 2009

July 12 (Bloomberg) -- Porsche AG may price the 918 Spyder, which soars to 100 kilometers an hour in 3.2 seconds, at 500,000 euros ($630,000), topping the Carrera GT as its costliest model, according to two people with direct knowledge of the plan.

At least 2,000 individuals have put in non-binding expressions of interest for the supercar, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is confidential. The 918 Spyder is one of three models Porsche presented at the Geneva auto show in March.

Demand for luxury cars is returning as   firms add jobs for the first time in two years and offer guaranteed payouts to attract top bankers. While Porsche hasn’t decided whether and when it will begin production of the model, at that price the 918 Spyder would top the 453,000-euro Carrera GT. Fewer than 1,500 of that model were built between 2003 and 2006.

“The Spyder will become Porsche’s new supercar showpiece project,” said Stefan Bratzel, director of the Center of Automotive at the University of Applied Sciences in Bergisch- Gladbach,  “It unites Porsche’s high-performance engineering with intelligent drive technology.”

A Porsche spokesman declined to comment on the potential price tag and said a decision on production of the model will be made later this year.

The two-seater car accelerates to a top speed of 320 kilometers (199 miles) per hour, relying on a 500-horsepower V8 engine and electric drive-systems allowing the vehicle to run up to 25 kilometers on electric power.

The 918 Spyder emits no more than 70 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer on fuel consumption of three liters per 100 kilometers, according to Porsche’s website.

Frank Biller, an analyst at Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg in Stuttgart, where Porsche is based, said the 918 Spyder may enhance the carmaker’s environmental credentials and potentially help attract customers to the brand which he says builds “Europe’s worst gas guzzlers.”

Auto_Audi_Audi_concept_car

Earlier this month we reported that ABT was  for the Audi A1. Well, feast your eyes on the new styles of the A1 by ABT. The packages prepared by ABT feature some aesthetic modifications, engine upgrades, and, of course, some splashes of color.

Before we get into the three different designs, let’s discuss the engine upgrades for the by ABT. For starters, there’s the 1.2 TFSI that originally produced 86hp. ABT has boosted its performance to a vigorous 115hp. The 1.4 TFSI gets ahead with 150hp, up from the standard 122hp and the 1.6L diesel engine now commands attention with 125hp. Adding to the increase of power the Audi has received, ABT has also added performance springs and a lower center of gravity.

Now for the exquisite designs that are sure to please any and all consumers. ABT starts off with the red “KLECKS” which features splashes of color throughout the vehicle. It was created as a tribute to the urban lifestyle. The “ALOHA” models signifies the laidback “beach boy” attitude and the “HIGH VOLTAGE” gets an angrier, “more toxic” look that features skulls as part of the design. Each design gets fender inserts, rear apron insert, rear spoiler, mirror covers, and front lip and side skirts in the car’s featured design color (brushed aluminum for the KLECKS, lavender for the ALOHA, and green grass for the HIGH VOLTAGE). The interior also gets a splash of the design color in the form of the car’s foot mats.

As an option can also slap on a double-pipe sports rear muffler to complete the look. They can also -provide the consumer with a set of 17”-18” five spoke wheel Z in a dark “Titan” color. Match that up with the ABT alloy rings in the vehicle’s design color and the consumer is officially riding in style.

We have to admit, we don’t really like hatchbacks, but we’d rock this Audi A1.

2007-Gemballa-Porsche-Carrera-Mirage-GT-Black-

(from Gemballa Press Materials)  GEMBALLA Aerodynamics MIRAGE GT

• Front Skirt MIRAGE GT
• Front Spoiler Lip Carbon Black
• Front Bonnet with Naca outlet
• Front Fender Sideparts (A-Frame area)
• Side Skirts with air intakes with GEMBALLA MIRAGE GT Logos
• Rear Skirt with air outtakes with GEMBALLA MIRAGE GT Logos
• Rear Skirt Diffusor middle adapter with integrated reverse light and fog light
• Rear Spoiler with integrated Wing
• Rear Exhaust Cover with larger air outtake and spoiler edges
• Roof air intake with direct connection to the engine in conjunction wth Targa roof concept

GEMBALLA Engine MIRAGE GT

• 30-40 HP Power increasement
• Exhaust System with 4 Tailpipes in special alloy design
GEMBALLA Wheelset MIRAGE GT
• Wheel Set GEMBALLA GT SPORT 19“ / 20“
FA: 9,5 x 19“ Tires 265 / 35 ZR 19
RA: 12,5 x 20“ Tires 335 / 30 ZR 20

GEMBALLA Interior MIRAGE GT

• New middle console with integrated stereo system, 6.5“ screen and touchscreen info-system
• Carbon frame in center middle console with logo GEMBALLA MIRAGE GT No. XXX
• Carbon frame blends in the front dashpanel section L / R
• Dashpanel front blends around the front windshield in Alcantara
• Shiftknob in carbon
• Silver inlets in the doors L / R covered in Alcantara
• Door openers painted black
• 340 mm Steering Wheel, leather, grip area L / R in Alcantara
• Door logos MIRAGE GT
• Airbag covers in Alcantara
• Roof covers in Alcantara

Additional installed Options
GEMBALLA Exterior Options MIRAGE GT

• Additional driving lights
• Rear View Camera System
• Mash Grills of Engine Bonnet and Rear Skirt colored black
• Tailpipes Plasma coated
• Complete color change
• Design Exterior Carbon Package

----  Specifications  ----

Price		--	Production		--
Engine		5.7 liter V10	Weight		--
Aspiration		natural	Torque		--
HP		635 - 645 hp	HP/Weight		--
HP/Liter		111.4 - 113.2 hp per liter	1/4 mile		--
0-62 mph		--	Top Speed		--

2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept Specifications

Shapely Exterior

The Ford Shelby GR-1 is a sinewy, athletic design with a long hood that blends seamlessly into the teardrop-shaped cabin with a fastback roofline and falling upper fender line. The car looks as if it is in motion, even when it is standing still.

The optimized wheel arches and compact overhangs define the striking stance while the strong shoulder line and smooth, taut surfaces express the car's graceful yet athletic nature. The polished aluminum body panels further express the highly sculptured surfaces and define the emotional proportions in dramatic fashion.

The front corners of the Shelby GR-1 are dominated by substantial front wheel wells housing 19-inch wheels and tires and trapezoidal High Intensity Solid State (HISS) headlamps that float above the wheel arches. This highly technical lighting package provides powerful illumination in a very compact package, allowing freedom of design without sacrificing nighttime driving visibility.

In the rear, a distinctive Kamm tail tapers to improve wind drag and features integrated transmission cooler outlets and a ground-effects venturi. It is further defined by a strong concave section and bold vertical taillamps.

2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept Specifications

Chassis
Brakes F/R:	ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R:	275/40 - 345/35 R19
Engine
Type:	V10
Displacement cu in (cc):	390 (6400)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:	605(451) / 6750
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:	501(679) / 5550
Redline at RPM:	7500
Exterior
Length × Width × Height in:	173.7 × 74.6 × 46
Weight lb (kg):	3900 (1771)
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s:	<4.0
Top Speed mph (km/h):	n.a.
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km):	n.a.