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
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
Hot News: Audi Plans BMW X6 Rival
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
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
Elegant Citroen Survolt Show Up
Citroen Survolt Concept
Citroen Survolt Exotic Interior
Citroen Survolt From Back Side
Sporty Citroen Survolt
Citroen Survolt Art Painting