Thursday, March 31, 2011

The Nethercutt Museum has a section that is a replication of an early car dealership (like the photos from Shorpy)


Woman motorcycle cops, I just learned why we never see them except in movies

Women aren't generally interested in being cops, so very few cops are women. Of the women that want to be cops, few want to be on patrol. Of those that patrol, few can ride a motorcycle. Of the extemely few women in law enforcement that are on patrol, and can ride a motorcycle... few of them can lift a law enforcement spec motorcycle. A race bike maybe, but not a fully equipped motorcycle the cops ride, and have to lift from the ground as a requirement of the training course for motorcycle cops. And that is a train of events that creates a scarcity of women motorcycle cops

New Concept Car: Chevrolet Miray


Chevrolet is celebrating its centenary with this striking new all-wheel drive hybrid sports car concept at the Seoul motor show.

The Chevrolet Miray, unveiled by General Motors Korea, is an open-top sports car with heavily sculpted carbonfibre bodywork inspired by some of Chevy’s classic models including 1963’s Monza SS and the Corvair Super Spyder from the previous year.

GM is heavily involved in South Korea and is the third largest manufacturer in the country. It has design, engineering and manufacturing operations in the country and this two-seat concept is a product of these facilities.

The hybrid system consists of mid-mounted 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a dual-clutch ’box powering the rear wheels and twin 20bhp electric motors with a 1.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack powering the front wheels.

The electric motors are capable of powering the Miray, meaning ‘future’ in Korean, alone, although range or performance figures haven’t been confirmed.

Thanks to: Autocar

New Car: 2012 BMW M3 Pick-Up


BMW has revealed this 414bhp pick-up version of the M3.

The BMW M3 pick-up has been spied at the Nurburgring several times in the past few weeks and BMW has claimed it has been extensively tested and set-up for a familiar M driving experience.

At the front of the car is the same 4.0-litre V8 developing its 414bhp at 8300rpm and 295lb ft at 3900rpm as the rest of the M3 range. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. Performance figures haven’t’ been released, but BMW claims the speedometer has displayed 186mph (300km/h) in ‘Ring tests.

Despite substantial modifications at the rear, in particular to the suspension, the M3 pick-ups still weighs in 50kg under the M3 convertible’s 1885kg kerb weight. Wind tunnel tests have also revealed the pick-up to be as slippery as an M3 Coupe.

The M3 pick-up boasts high levels of practicality to match the performance. The maximum load capacity has been raised to 450kg and a trailer tow hitch features on an M3 for the first time. The cargo area is clad in aluminium sheeting and it is capable of storing up to 20 golf bags.

The cabin is similar to that of the standard M3, featuring M-badged sports leather seats, steering wheel and gearlever. There is a special badge to commemorate the project on a carbonfibre strip on the dashboard.

It also comes with a removable targa roof that sheds a further 20kg and lowers the centre of gravity when it is removed.

BMW claims to have gone through all the necessary requirements to make the pick-up legal for road, which has led to it officially being classified as a truck.

But any well-heeled tradesman looking to replace their Toyota Hilux with an M3 pick-up should look at today’s date.

Thanks to: Autocar

New Concept Car: Kia Naimo


Kia has revealed this electric Naimo concept at the Seoul motor show.

The 'crossover utility vehicle' (CUV) is powered by twin 27kWh lithium-ion batteries located under the boot floor, which drive a 108bhp electric motor with 207lb ft of torque.

According to Kia, it will have a full-charge range of 124 miles and top speed of 93mph. An 80 per cent quick-charge (50KW) takes just 25 minutes, with full charge reached with a more realistic 3.3KW charge in five and a half hours.

Design features of the 3.9 metre Naimo concept include wrap-around windscreen, asymmetric sunroof, low-drag 20-inch alloy wheels and three-way split opening boot-lid for ‘versatile access.’

Further concept elements include its front and rear dot-style LED lights, high-intensity air jet, which replaces conventional windscreen wipers and small, camera-integrated door mirrors.

Much like the Hyundai's Curb concept from the Detroit motor show, the Naimo features rear-hinged, rear doors and short overhangs to maximise space in the four-seater city car.

On the inside, Korean oak is used for the entire floor and door panels, and Korean paper is used for the concept’s headlining. In contrast, modern interior features include a transparent LED display instrument panel and full connectivity.

Kia design boss Peter Schreyer said: “Naimo is a perfect balance of innovation, high-tech and Korean tradition, but combines this with cutting-edge technologies to deliver a truly premium experience.”

Thanks to: Autocar

Gas prices around the globe, March 2011

chart from http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/market-news/gas-prices-world-high-low-country-pain-pump/19895547/?icid=maing-grid7main5dl3sec1_lnk252904
via AIRINC http://www.air-inc.com

Hot News: Audi Plans BMW X6 Rival


The X6 is under attack! In its quest to fill every niche in the premium market, Audi is preparing a coupé-style SUV, likely to be called the Q6 – and our exclusive images show just what to expect.

The newcomer will be gunning for the controversial BMW X6, which has proved a runaway 
success, selling more than 110,000 units. It will be based on the same platform as the new VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, itself a shortened version of 
the Audi Q7’s underpinnings. Sacrificing some of that model’s huge load space, the Q6 will compensate with more style.

As our images show, the Q7’s blistered wheelarches and crisp surfacing will be carried over, but the smaller car will sport more steeply raked screens and a plunging roofline. Wraparound tail-lights and a curved boot spoiler create a visual reference to another Audi coupé, the A7.

While the front passengers 
will enjoy the same space and ambience as those in a Q7, the rear bench will be squeezed down to only two individual seats. Boot space will also be reduced, thanks to the lower and sleeker roof. Engines will include petrol and diesel V6s, while the same supercharged V6-electric motor combination as fitted to the Cayenne and Touareg hybrids is also on the cards.

All models will feature permanent quattro all-wheel drive as well – with the aim of boosting on-road stability more than mud-plugging ability.

There are even whispers of a flagship Q6 arriving later on, with the brand new 4.0-litre V8 turbo which will debut in the Audi S6 and Bentley Continental GT later this year. For proof that the market exists for such a car, just look at the 547bhp BMW X6 M – more than 3,000 have found homes 
globally since it arrived in 2009.

Due to the success of large cars such as the X6 in the Chinese market, it’s possible that the Q6 will make its world debut in concept form at next month’s Shanghai Motor Show. It should hit dealers late next year. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2012 Audi RS4


The RS4 is ready to roll! Our spies have caught a development mule for the ultimate A4 during testing in Germany. And despite the S4 badge on its grille it's clear there's more than meets the eye.

Most obvious are the huge 21-inch wheels, destined to be an option on the finished car. Behind those are larger discs designed to cope with this car's extra performance over and above the 328bhp V6-engined S4. The bulging wheelarches have been stretched too, to accomodate a wider front and rear track for improved stability in the bends.

Up front the air intakes have been enlarged to provide additional cooling for the engine - likely to be the same 444bhp 4.2-litre V8 as the RS5, connected to a seven-speed S Tronic twin-clutch gearbox. Performace will be similar too, with a 0-62mph time in around 4.5 seconds and a 155mph limited top speed.

It will offer additional practicality over the RS5 though, with both Saloon and the Avant version shown here, going on sale. Expect to see the car officially unveilied some time later this year - possibly at the Frankfurt show in September.For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Sneak Peek: Buick Envision Concept


It’s been a busy couple of days for General Motors with two Chevrolet concepts already revealed. Now, it’s Buick’s turn to tease us with a new SUV concept that will debut in Shanghai.

Developed by Shanghai GM and GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, the Envision concept is designed with China in mind. In fact, GM specifically says the Envision is the product of “global design with local aesthetics for the Chinese market,” so don’t expect to see it in the U.S. After all, China is now the largest auto market in the world (and for Buick), so it’s no surprise this is a China-only vehicle.

It’s more than just a “dynamic, fluid, quiet and comfortable” design, as GM’s press release sums up the essence of Buick. The Envision is also a plug-in hybrid and features “loads of other new technologies” that the company will be showing off. So while the Envision may not be destined for production as-is, elements of its design and technology will likely make their way into future products.

The Buick Envision Concept SUV will make its big debut on April 18, just before the opening of the Shanghai auto show.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Citroen Survolt

Exotic Citroen Survolt With Beautiful Lighting

Elegant Citroen Survolt Show Up

Citroen Survolt Concept

Citroen Survolt Exotic Interior

Citroen Survolt From Back Side

Sporty Citroen Survolt

Citroen Survolt Art Painting

Citroen Survolt

Exotic Citroen Survolt With Beautiful Lighting

Elegant Citroen Survolt Show Up

Citroen Survolt Concept

Citroen Survolt Exotic Interior

Citroen Survolt From Back Side

Sporty Citroen Survolt

Citroen Survolt Art Painting

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

LaJolla Motor Classic is this weekend April 3rd, here's a couple photos from the last one I made it to, and looked over some of the rarest cars

Preceding the show itself will be a book signing on Friday, April 1 and a catered lunch plus car tour of San Diego's top car collector locales on Saturday, April 2.

Tickets to the Sunday Show are $35 in advance and $40 at the entrance. In addition to general admission tickets, guests can upgrade their experience by purchasing a VIP ticket to the show for $100.

This ticket includes entrance to the show on Sunday, April 3, an event program, a commemorative poster and entrance to the VIP area with complimentary food and beverages. Renowned author Tom Cotter will present his newest book, "The Corvette in the Barn: More Great Stories of Automotive Archaeology" at the La Jolla Historical Society’s book signing on Friday, April 1, 2011 at 5 p.m.

The book signing will be the opening event of the 2011 La Jolla Motor Car Classic. Author of nine automotive books, Cotter draws on his experience in automotive repair, used cars & parts sales, as well as his lifelong interest & experience with vintage cars.

The Corvette in the Barn is his fourth in a series of automotive archeology books, following The Cobra in the Barn, The Hemi in the Barn and The Vincent in the Barn. The 2011 Motor Car Classic will take place at the Ellen Scripps Browning Park, overlooking the renowned La Jolla Cove and featuring over 150 automobiles in 30 specialty car classes. The featured marque for this year is German Automobiles. Above, the Belgian carrossier Jonckheere bodied 1925 Rolls Royce Phantom 1 (lives at the Peterson Museum) below is the Blastolene Brothers Indy car






I believe this was a LaFrance speedster

Above, the engine bay of a Pegaso... below is the front of the beautiful Minerva





............................................................................. http://www.lajollamotorcarclassic.com/
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