OUR SPECIAL POST

Mercedes-Benz on the Silverflow - one of the standout designed encountered as part of our coverage of the Los Angeles Design Challenge 2007.The 2057 Mercedes-Benz SilverFlow is Mercedes’ design car for the future showing sleek lines inspired by Mercedes racers of yesteryears. The SilverFlow is crafted from micro- metallic materials which can be arranged by magnetic fields randomly on the car key fob. Sounds cool! It means when you are not driving it, you can melt it down and later re-assemble it with magnetic fields. The Mercedes-Benz SilverFlow can adapt to the conditions and transform its shape to best suit the needs.

The futuristic Silverflow vision comes from the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Center of North America in Irvine, California, which is headed by Gorden Wagener. On the surface, the design itself is reminiscent of Grand Prix cars from the 1930s with its drawn out shell and exposed wheels, but the study relies on some thought-provoking “technology of the future” to present its ideas. The shape-changing characteristics would be based on the use of billions of microscopically tiny metallic particles that could be adapted by magnetic fields to form different, yet stable configurations. The potentially limitless variants would be pre-programmed allowing the car to be morphed within a few seconds – parking would become far easier in a car that can make itself smaller, or even be completely dissembled into a pool of ferromagnetic material, and dents could be self-repaired using such a system.

The designers concede that it will be many decades – if at all – before the current two-dimensional graphic could approach reality. This is certainly a creative challenge with this futuristic concept. The SilverFlow reflects our successful motor sports history, while boldly suggesting innovative solutions for the individual mobility of coming generations" .

The 2015 Range Rover Sport RS

Land Rover is set to launch a high-performance version of its Range Rover Sport for the first time, and we have a new set of spy shots of a prototype. The vehicle is expected to adopt R-S badging and will likely have around 550 horsepower on tap.

The 2015 Range Rover Sport RS has been spotted testing again. Land Rover seems to have given up covering the car in body cladding as the latest spy pictures of the car shows it camouflaged in a blue-white wrap which looks more of a paint job. Cosmetic upgrades on the Range Rover Sport RS include new redesigned alloys, restyled front bumper with huge air dams, exposed quad-exhaust pipes and a diffuser at the rear. The biggest change though, is under the hood. The car is powered by the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, also found in the Jaguar XKR-S, which produces 542bhp and 680Nm of torque. This kind of power is enough to propel the huge car from a standstill to 100kmph in under five seconds, going on to an electronically limited top speed of 264kmph.

The Range Rover Sport RS will also feature tuned mechanicals and bigger brakes to handle all the extra power. The company will be tinkering with electronics like traction control along with the steering, suspension and dampers. The car had previously been spotted testing in Nurburgring, which indicates Land Rover’s intent of making the car handle better, rather than just load up the car with huge amounts of power. The car is expected to globally go on sale early next year and will be up against other performance SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, BMW X5M, Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG and the Audi Q7 V12 TDI, the 500bhp monster. Land Rover sells the Range Rover Sport Autobiography, currently the most powerful SUV from the company.

Zenos E10

The first production model from Zenos Cars is an open-top, two-seater lightweight car which will have a starting price of 24,995 GBP. The E10 tips the scales at just 650 kg (1,433 lbs) and is powered by a mid-mounted Ford-sourced 2.0-liter engine outputting 200 bhp (149 kW) which will enable the track-focused yet street-legal car to run the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in less than 5 seconds.

Output of the Zenos E1 0will be sent to the rear axle through a 5-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed manual. At an additional cost, customers will be able to configure the E10 with a limited slip differential. The vehicle's lightness has to do with its carbon tub and aluminum construction and the automaker is estimating a top speed of approximately 135 mph (217 km/h).

The E10 has been designed to accept a Ford 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with output registering at 200 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque, though modifications are possible. Owners can expect 0-60 mph acceleration in about 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 135 mph.

Trion Nemesis Promises 2,000 HP, 'Predator Mode': American Vaporware

 A new American supercar is coming, according to its manufacturers. The Trion Nemesis claims to offer 2,000 horsepower from a twin-turbo V-8 as well as a "Predator Mode."

Along with its monstrous horsepower output, the Trion Nemesis is claimed to be capable of 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of more than 270 mph. An eight-speed sequential transmission and lightweight carbon fiber body and chassis "with Inconel elements" is also part of the package.

Even better, it can seat drivers as tall as 6'4" in any of its myriad forms, and even seven-footers when purchased as a hard top!

The design telegraphs its supercar intentions, to be sure, from the "front growl" to the large rear wing.

Hand-crafted by skilled artisans in America, Trion SuperCars has developed an advanced ultra-luxury, high performance line of vehicles designed around the driver. We provide the excitement throughout the vehicle design.  The exterior lines are flawless from the front growl to the captivating tail configuration. The interior packaging will comfortably accommodate 96th percentile (6’4″) drivers in all models and the hardtop can accommodate 107th percentile (7’0″) drivers.

The Nemesis cabin offers a unique blend of cutting-edge technology with reduced volumes to optimize the space. Digital flat panel controls provide access to the latest internet crazes while masking the core function of vehicle programming.  The displays provide access to program the Nemesis powertrain as well as a few predefined operating options.  The “Predator Mode” will modify interior illumination, height, suspension, exhaust and rev limits.

We wish Trion the best--really, we do; who wouldn't love to see another American supercar?--but we're not holding our breath, either. For now, and likely for the foreseeable future, file this one under "vaporcar."

Introducing a new form of exhilaration. The Volvo Air Motion Canyon Carver.. (OUR SPECIAL POST)

The Volvo Air Motion concept car is the vehicle Volvo entered into the LA Auto Show Design Challenge competition. The Air Motion is designed to meet the 2010 competition's design brief - which was to produce a vehicle which weighed less than 1,000 lbs (454 kgs), and could safely and comfortably carry up to four people.

Imagine a vehicle lighter than a Formula 1 racing car... Experiencing the adrenaline rush of carving through the canyons with up to 3 friends... Not using a drop of gasoline... Now just imagine if these dreams could be brought together in a single vehicle. The Volvo Air Motion Concept makes these dreams a reality and delivers this in a beautiful Scandinavian body. Designed like a clam shell and sculptured from ultra light carbon fiber. Minimizing weight and complexity, while maximizing driving enjoyment, is the philosophy behind this vehicle. Thousands of fewer components are employed than in a traditional car, thanks to the powerful, yet simple, compressed air motors that replace a heavy internal combustion engine. The motors cool down under load rather than heat up, thus removing the need for heavy cooling systems. An integrated approach to designing the chassis, interior and suspension also contribute significantly.

To compress the air needed for the centrally mounted air tank, Air Replenishment Sites are used. Powered by air turbines floating 1,000 ft. in the air, they harness the power of the wind and convert it to electricity to provide the compression. Aimed at the driving enthusiast, by a company synonymous with safety and environmental care, the Volvo Air Motion demonstrates the beauty and purity of Scandinavian design and delivers a guilt-free, raw driving experience. Facts about VMCC Volvo Air Motion has been developed at Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center (VMCC) that opened in 1986.

BIOME Concept Car (Organic Car) – A Perfect Symbiosis With Nature (OUR SPECIAL POST)

The Mercedes-Benz Biome concept is a preview of the new supercar that will be released in 2015.The concept was developed at Mercedes' Californian design studio. The Mercedes Biome concept design a car which weighed less than 1,000 lbs (454 kgs), and could carry four people in safety and comfort. The Mercedes Biome concept is an extremely futuristic design which is not built, instead it is grown from a seed The Biome: The Mercedes-Benz Biome is an ultralight vehicle that utilizes technologies from nature to achieve unparalleled efficiency and seamless integration into the ecosystem.

Mercedes-Benz Symbiosis: Mercedes-Benz Symbiosis is a system in which the vehicle becomes part of the ecosystem like the leaves of a tree. Symbiosis vehicles collect energy from the sun and store it in chemical bonds, in the form of a fluid called BioNectar4534. Mercedes has also developed technology to retrofit trees with receptors which can harvest their excess solar energy into BN4534. This creates an incentive to plant more trees and collect more energy, while also helping the ecosystem. The vehicle can be composted after its lifespan is complete or used as building material.

Mercedes-Benz Nursery: All Mercedes-Benz Symbiosis vehicles are grown in an ecologically sustainable nursery, using primarily organic materials. Technologies from Nature: Mercedes Benz Symbiosis vehicles release pure oxygen into the environment, helping urban areas to meet air quality standards.There is no denying that Mercedes-Benz has been one of the greatest innovators in the car industry. But, the inventors of diesel, supercharged engines for passenger cars, antilock brakes, electronic stability systems and more may have one-upped themselves with the BIOME. The ambitious goal of Mercedes-Benz is to create a 100% organic and biodegradable car which can be grown in a laboratory. Not built. Grown.

The Mercedes-Benz BIOME grows in a completely organic environment from seeds sown in a nursery. Out on the road the car emits pure oxygen, and at the end of its lifespan it can be simply composted or used as building material.” To get an idea of how revolutionary this is, scientists have been trying for ages to make a car which runs on water/oxygen and releases hydrogen. This organic hybrid will be a complete symbiosis with nature, and does not run on oxygen — it breathes oxygen, thus improving the overall air quality of life as well. Not only would such a car prevent air pollution from increasing, it would also actively cause air pollution to decrease. The car would be made by growing a material called BioFibre, an organic material lighter than metal and plastic, yet stronger than steel. In total, there are six laboratory-designed BioFibre seeds which will grow into the car, and each seed will look like the signature Mercedes-Benz star. The interior of the BIOME will spawn from the DNA of the star on the front of the car, and the exterior will germinate from a star on the back of the car. Each wheel will also be grown by four other seeds. To top it off, like other plants, the Mercedes-Benz will be able to run off of sunlight and solar energy. The idea is that the BIOME would collect energy from the sun and bond this energy with a fuel alternative and emit oxygen as a by-product, appropriately named BioNectar4534 (BN4534). Mercedes-Benz has even developed a technology already which would allow the BIOME to use receptors to take excess solar energy from trees and harvest it as BN4534. At the moment though, the BIOME is simply a concept car. The BIOME is way ahead of its time, and does not even exist yet. However, with some inspired innovation and ingenious engineering. The seed has already been planted – it just needs to be watered. “As the inventor of the motor car to illustrate the vision of the perfect vehicle of the future, which is created and functions in complete symbiosis with nature. The Mercedes-Benz BIOME is a natural technology hybrid, and forms part of our earth’s ecosystem. It grows and thrives like the leaves on a tree

Maybach Exelero: A Million Dollar Car

Maybach Exelero is a performance-oriented unique sports car. It is one of the most expensive cars in the world, with its pricing starting at a staggering USD 8 million mark. This remarkable sporty 2-seater is powered by a 700HP V12 engine built especially for Fulda Tires. Fulda used this car as a reference vehicle for testing the new generation wide tires. The German luxury car manufacturer created the model as a modern interpretation of the sports car from 1930s. You can see several allusions to the present historical predecessor that is based on a Maybach automobile. In this particular case, Maybach SW 38 is also used by Fulda for testing the tires. The car is quite famous for appearances at the long running German Show.

Technical Characteristics of Maybach Exelero Body Type Fixed-head coupe 2 doors / 2 seats Weight 2660 Kg Length 5890 mm Height 1390 mm Wheelbase 3390 mm Front Track n/a Rear Track n/a Ground Clearance n/a Fuel Capacity 110 liters Engine location front Engine alignment longitudinal Drive Wheels Rear wheel drive Steering n/a Fuel Supply System n/a Max Power 699HP (514 kW) @ 5000 rpm Max Torque 1020Nm @ 2500 rpm CO2 Emissions n/a Engine Coolant water Displacement 5908 cc Bore 83 mm Stroke 91 mm Cam Design SOHC - Single Overhead Camshaft Cylinders 12 IN V Valves per cylinder 3 Total Valves 36 Compression Ratio 9.1:1 Aspiration Turbo Front Brakes VeDi Rear Brakes VeDi-S-ABS Standard Wheels 11.0 x 23 / 11.0 x 23 Standard Tyres Fulda Carat Exelero 315/25 ZR 23 / Fulda Carat Exelero 315/25 ZR 23 Suspension Front I.DW. Suspension Rear I.MultiLi. Transmission n/a Number of gears n/a Acceleration 0-100 Km/h 4.4 seconds Acceleration 80-120 Km/h n/a Top Speed n/a City 24 l/100km Road 10.9 l/100km Mixt 15.7 l/100km

2014 Bugatti Veyron 2dr Convertible

Bugatti is presenting the third model in its six-part edition Les L�gendes de Bugatti at this years Dubai International Motor Show (November 59). This Legend car, which like all cars in the series is based on the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, pays homage to Meo Costantini. Costantini was a close friend of the companys founder, Ettore Bugatti. He was the head of Bugattis factory race team for many years and was also a driver, winning the Targa Florio two times in the Bugatti Type 35, one of the most successful racing cars of all time. The Legend Edition Meo Costantini is priced at 2.09 million, excluding taxes and transport. As with all Bugatti Legend cars, the production run is limited to only three vehicles. Meo Costantini embodies the most successful era in Bugattis racing history, says Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. Ettore Bugattis vehicles from the 1920s stand for light-weight construction and technical aesthetics. When Bugatti created the Type 35, he inspired one of the most successful racing cars of all time. The Vitesse Meo Costantini is reminiscent of the Type 35. Bartolomeo Meo Costantini, born in 1889, was the head of Bugattis racing team for eight years. He developed an interest in racing cars and began racing at an early age. It was after the First World War that he first came into contact with the Bugatti brand, when he was involved in modifying a Bugatti Type 13. This is the car that Meo would drive during his first races in 1920-21. It was through these races that Ettore Bugatti first became aware of the young Italians talents, and he invited him to Molsheim in 1923. The two developed a close bond, and Costantini worked for Bugatti as a racing driver and advisor from that time on. As a member of the factory team in 1925 and 1926, he won the most famous and important race in its time, the Targa Florio in Sicily. In 1926, he also drove to victory at the Spanish Grand Prix and the Grand Prix of Milan, and took second place in Monza. Shortly afterwards he ended his active racing career in order to manage the Bugatti racing team, a post which he held from 1927 until 1935. Costantini stayed at Bugatti until 1937. Bugatti Legend Car Meo Costantini The series of Bugatti Legend cars , Les L�gendes de Bugatti, was launched in August at Californias Pebble Beach Concours dElegance with the Vitesse Jean -Pierre Wimille. This was followed by the Legend car, Jean Bugatti, which was presented at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. Now, the third Legend Edition, dedicated to Meo Costantini, will be revealed to the public for the first time in Dubai. The car is based on the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse. Its 8-liter W16 engine achieves an unparalleled torque of 1,500 Nm from 1,200 hp at 3,000 5,000 rpm, and can accelerate from 0 100 km (0 to 62 MPH) in 2.6 seconds. The Vitesse was driven to a top speed of 408.84 km (253 MPH) with the roof down in April 2013, making it the fastest production roadster ever built. Design Exterior.

The body of the Vitesse Legend Meo Costantini is primarily constructed of carbon fiber. The wings, doors, the parts behind the doors, the medaillons (French) and corners of the front bumper are rendered in aluminium. The blue paintwork on the carbon fiber parts references Frances classic motor sport color, as well as the Type 35. The new paint color Bugatti Dark Blue Sport has been specially developed for the vehicle. The aluminium parts are hand-polished and coated with clear lacquer. Bugatti is the only production manufacturer to offer polished clear-coated aluminium bodywork. Another special feature of this car is that individual parts have two different paint finishes. This requires great skill, and is particularly impressive to see on the wings, which are finished in both clear lacquer and blue paint. As a reference to Costantin is victor y at Targa Florio, the silhouette of the historic race course is painted on

The Bugatti Grand Sport is the topless version of Bugatti’s 1001-hp 16.4 Veyron masterpiece. No more than 150 will be built—ever, for the world—making the Grand Sport a sight to behold, whether standing still or blasting through the air at its 253-mph top speed. Not enough? Grand Sport Vitesse model brings 1200 ponies.

Interior: Lake Blue Body Style: Convertible Engine: 8.0L W16 engine Transmission: Automatic Make: Bugatti Model: Veyron

Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

The Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is billed as the fastest street-legal Camaro ever built at the factory. Offered exclusively as a coupe, it is named after an iconic race-bound version of the first-gen Camaro that packed 290 horsepower, an impressive amount in the late 1960s. Times sure have changed: The 21st century Z/28 packs 500 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque thanks to a 7.0-liter LS7 V8 engine lifted straight from the Corvette parts bin. It is not the most powerful unit in the Chevrolet catalog, but it is ideal for track use because it is one of the lightest high-output mills. Developed jointly with Corvette Racing, the all-aluminum V8 features a dry-sump oiling system, titanium valves and a high-lift cam. A cold air induction system, a K&N air filter and Z/28-specific intake and exhaust manifolds are part of the package.

The V8 transfers power to the rear wheels via a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Upgraded carbon-ceramic brakes manufactured by Brembo and a track-tuned suspension help keep the 500 ponies in check on the track.

Occupant safety Like all Camaros, the Z/28 comes standard with six airbags, electronic traction control and stability control. Driving aids such as blind-spot detection and active cruise control are not available, but the Z/28 packs a Performance Traction Management (PTM) function with five settings that gradually tone down the traction and stability control. PTM is designed primarily for track use. Key competitors The Z/28's main competitor is the Ford Mustang Boss 302, a 444-horsepower coupe based on the Mustang GT. Vehicle Details $0 Camaro 2dr Cpe Z/28 2-Door Rear Wheel Drive Car, 505 bhp, 481 lb-ft, 6-sp Manual, N/A/N/A mpg 4 passengers, 7-liter, 8-cylinder engine,

BRAKES Brake Type Pwr Brake ABS System 4-Wheel Brake ABS System (Second Line) N/A Disc - Front (Yes or ) Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or ) Yes Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness N/A in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness N/A in CARGO AREA DIMENSIONS Trunk Volume 11.30 ft³ COOLING SYSTEM Total Cooling System Capacity N/A qts ELECTRICAL Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary) N/A Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps) 155 EMISSIONS Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year N/A EPA Greenhouse Gas Score N/A ENGINE Engine Order Code LS7 Engine Type Gas V8 Displacement 7.0L/-TBD- Fuel System Electronic Fuel Injection SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM 505 @ 6100 SAE Net Torque @ RPM 481 @ 4800 EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS Wheelbase 112.30 in Length, Overall 190.6 in Width, Max w/o mirrors 76.90 in Height, Overall 52.4 in Track Width, Front 66.14 in Track Width, Rear 64.65 in Min Ground Clearance N/A in Liftover Height N/A in FUEL TANK Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx 19.0 gal Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx N/A gal INTERIOR DIMENSIONS Passenger Capacity 4 Passenger Volume N/A ft³ Front Head Room 37.40 in Front Leg Room 42.40 in Front Shoulder Room 56.90 in Front Hip Room N/A in Second Head Room 35.30 in Second Leg Room 29.90 in Second Shoulder Room 50.42 in Second Hip Room N/A in MILEAGE EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy N/A MPG Cruising Range - City N/A mi EPA Fuel Economy Est - City N/A MPG Fuel Economy Est-Combined N/A MPG Cruising Range - Hwy N/A mi EPA MPG Equivalent - City N/A EPA MPG Equivalent - Hwy N/A EPA MPG Equivalent - Combined N/A Battery Range N/A mi STEERING Steering Type Pwr Steering Ratio (:1), Overall 16.1 Lock to Lock Turns (Steering) 2.50 Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb 37.70 ft Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall N/A ft SUSPENSION Suspension Type - Front Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear Multi-Link Shock Absorber Diameter - Front N/A mm Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear N/A mm Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front N/A in Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear N/A in TIRES Front Tire Order Code QDA Rear Tire Order Code QDA Front Tire Size 305/30ZR19 Rear Tire Size 305/30ZR19 TRAILERING TRANSMISSION Drivetrain Rear wheel drive Trans Order Code MN6 Trans Type 6 Trans Description Cont. Manual First Gear Ratio (:1) N/A Second Gear Ratio (:1) N/A Third Gear Ratio (:1) N/A Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) N/A Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) N/A Sixth Gear Ratio (:1) N/A Reverse Ratio (:1) N/A Clutch Size 10.20 in Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) 3.91 VEHICLE EPA Classification Compact WEIGHT INFORMATION Base Curb Weight N/A lbs WHEELS Front Wheel Size 19 x 11 in Rear Wheel Size 19 x 11.5 in Front Wheel Material Aluminum Rear Wheel Material Aluminum

Honda Confirms Daytona Prototype Racing

Honda is joining the likes of Ford and Chevrolet in the manufacturer ranks of the Daytona Prototype (DP) class of the TUDOR United Sports Car Championship. The automaker has confirmed that its new. Honda Riley DP package, powered by a new twin-turbocharged version of its familiar 3.5-liter V-6, will be run by Star works Motorsport at the Sebring 12 Hours this weekend. Key components shared between the racing version of the engine and the production unit includes the block and heads, crankshaft, direct injection fuel system, valve train components, drive-by-wire throttle, alternator, sensors, and fasteners. The engine even utilizes a stock Honda oil filter.

The automaker isn’t exiting the LMP2 class though, with Extreme Speed Motorsports set to continue fielding a pair of Honda-powered prototypes in the LMP2 class, which features fellow manufacturers Nissan and Mazda. This combination results in an impressive five-manufacturer lineup vying for Prototype honors in the TUDOR United Sports Car Championship this season. Honda is expanding its motorsport activities in the United States, specifically in the 2014 TUDOR United Sports Car Championship, announcing a new entry in the Daytona Prototype category. To this end, Star works Motorsport will field a V6-powered Honda Riley race car at the 62nd annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Honda Performance Development (HPD) has developed a new 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged Daytona Prototype version of the production J35 engine for the Daytona Prototype racer. The engine I very close to the production V6 you find in many Honda and Acura road cars. Key production-based components utilized in the racing engine include block and heads, crankshaft, direct injection fuel system, valve train components, drive-by-wire throttle, alternator, sensors, fasteners, even a stock Honda oil filter. Other variants of the same engine, the 2.8-liter HR28TT twin-turbo V6, compete in LMP2 prototype category, as well as Japan’s Autobacs Super GT Championship, the One Lap of America competitive rally and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. In the Daytona Prototype campaign, the Honda-Riley DP chassis car will be fielded by Star works, while Extreme Speed Motorsports will continue to field a pair of HPD ARX-03b Hondas created to LMP2 specifications.

Ferrari Millenio is a stunning futuristic electric concept car

The  Ferrari Millenio is a stunning futuristic electric concept car. Its body is made of Bucky paper, a thin sheet made from an aggregate of carbon nanotubes (50,000x thinner than human hair), that is stronger than steel and lighter than carbon fiberit would feature two electric motors which can be recharged via solar panels molded around the bodywork or through a traditional power point socket.. A beautiful mix of complex materials, technology, and design. Enjoy!

As you can see from the incredibly detailed renderings, the Millenio is a two-seater supercar that features no roof, no windscreen, and no doors. The Millenio also features a whole host of  LCD-displays throughout the cockpit with the prominent speedometer being the focal point of the interior. Even though the Millenio was designed well before the introduction.

We may all be flying around in futuristic cars powered solely by energy-efficient and environmentally friendly electronic systems. Nevertheless, it’s great to see designers out there continuing to push the envelope of design and that’s one thing we never want to change.