Sunday, November 18, 2007

The Future For Mercedes!

Mercedes - F700 Concept.

Mercedes released the details on their latest research car - the Mercedes F700. As Mercedes declares, the Mercedes F700 is very friendly to the environment and it's got good performance with low fuel consumption. The Mercedes F700 is equipped with a DIESOTTO drive system which is a four-cylinder 1.8 liters engine.

The Mercedes F700 has a fuel consumption of 5.3 liters per 100 km and the CO2 emissions are around 127 g/km. Mercedes Press Release:

Stuttgart – With its F 700 research car, Mercedes-Benz redefines the idea of effortless, superior refinement: this concept for a future luxurious touring sedan shows how outstanding riding quality can be combined with high levels of environmental friendliness, and good performance with exceptionally low fuel consumption. Thus, the 5.17 meter long F 700 with its innovative and very spacious interior design enables an entirely new and exceedingly comfortable mode of travel. The F 700 is the world’s first car that can anticipatively recognize the condition of the road and level out the uneven spots with its active PRE-SCAN suspension, further improving suspension comfort substantially. The forward-pointing DIESOTTO drive system introduced in the F 700, a four-cylinder with a displacement of only 1.8 liters, combines the strong points of the low-emission gasoline engine with the consumption benefits of the diesel drive. Its CO2 emissions of a mere 127 grams per kilometer correspond to consumption of only 5.3 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers (44.3 mpg), extremely low for a vehicle of this class.

This is made possible by a forward-looking drive concept, the heart of which is the “DIESOTTO” technology – an advancement of the internal combustion engine thought up by Mercedes-Benz. With its novel controlled auto ignition (CAI), direct fuel injection and turbocharging, it combines the high power of the spark-ignition engine with the exemplary torque and great fuel economy of a diesel. The drive system in the F 700, as four-cylinder featuring two-stage charging, attains the performance level of a current S-Class car with a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 gasoline engine or the 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel.

“Our goal is to make the gasoline-powered car just as economical in consumption as the diesel.

The new DIESOTTO concept is a major step in that direction, combining the best properties of the spark-ignition engine and the diesel engine,” says Dr. Thomas Weber, Board member of DaimlerChrysler AG responsible for Group Research & Mercedes Car Group Development.

The F 700 also sets standards in regard to road roar, tire vibration and suspension comfort. With two laser scanners the active PRE-SCAN suspension scans the roadway in front of the car. The hydraulically controlled active suspension proactively compensates for detected hindrances, enabling entirely new comfort characteristics –a “flying carpet” feeling.

Equally innovative is the operating concept “SERVO-HMI”. The display is not only particularly gentle on the eyes; the number of controls also has been appreciably reduced and the menu structure has been made strikingly simple and self-explanatory. The driver can “discuss” more complex inputs, such as a destination for navigation purposes, in dialogue with an avatar, a virtual operating assistant.

The exterior design of the F 700 shows that with this concept an extraordinary amount of space has been created for the passengers. The very silhouette, characterized by the long wheelbase, is a clear indication of this. The design harmoniously joins together inspirations provided by nature with technical innovation. All the futuristic styling devices notwithstanding, the F 700 is perfectly compliant with the brand identity of Mercedes-Benz.

The interior concept interprets comfortable travel and well-being in a completely new way. With its REVERSE seat the F 700 breaks up the firmly established seat arrangement of conventional sedans and offers individual seating positions facing, or with one’s back to, the direction of travel, always affording maximum spaciousness and supreme comfort.

The F 700 provides inspiring ideas for the technological future of Mercedes-Benz once again – like each of the research cars which preceded it.

The Brand New Twin Baby!

Nissan - GT-R.

The Nissan GT-R features a newly developed Premium Midship package, including the world's first independent transaxle 4WD developed independently by Nissan. The Nissan GT-R will be available in Japan mainly through Nissan High Performance Centers nationwide from December 6th.

The Nissan GT-R was developed with a new understanding and appreciation of the Earth's natural forces - gravity, inertial force and aerodynamics - and translates those forces into a completely new design, maximizing tire grip and airflow.

Basic vehicle dynamics and integration with the driver have also been examined, resulting in new componentry and creating a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) never seen before in the marketplace. All of these theories have been integrated to balance "speed and efficiency," "high-output with environmental consideration" and "high performance and safety."

Taking these factors into account, Nissan created the all-new Nissan GT-R, which offers advanced high performance for secure and enjoyable driving by minimizing the effects of climatic, road condition or driving technique limitations. The Nissan GT-R offers ultimate performance for virtually every driving situation - whether it be the Nurburgring circuit, to snow, rain or urban areas - all manageable by the GT-R driver through advanced technology and driving dynamics.

The Nissan GT-R's unique characteristics are instilled not just in the vehicle's design, but also through a specialized production process. Carbon fiber, aluminum and steel components are assembled with a special high-precision process, which includes a series of vibration tests. Engines and transmissions are assembled by a single craftsman in a "clean room" environment and upon completion, every GT-R undergoes a battery of comprehensive tests to ensure the proper operation of all vehicle components.

Packaging and Driveline Suited for a Supercar
The all-new Nissan GT-R uses a Premium Midship package, an all-new, more advanced version Front Midship (FM) package utilized on other Nissan vehicles. This new package enables the use of the world's first application of an independent transaxle 4WD system. The transaxle's layout places the dual-clutch transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle (instead of the usual front location), which enables vehicle weight to be evenly distributed throughout the car. This gives the Nissan GT-R a superb front-to-rear weight balance, while enhancing leg and foot space and allowing for an optimal pedal layout.

Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 "VR38" engine, featuring plasma-sprayed bores and a special twin-turbo exhaust manifold system. A secondary air management system enables the newly designed powerplant to provide approximately 40kg/m of torque during ordinary low-rev driving, which gives an optimum air-fuel ratio for around-town efficiency and helps the Nissan GT-R meet ultra-low emission vehicle (U-LEV) standards in Japan.

The Nissan GT-R's new engine produces 480PS (353kW) at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 60kgm (588Nm) from 3200 to 5200rpm. Putting the power to the ground is an all-new GR6-type dual clutch transmission, with paddle shifting and a Borg Warner six-plate dual clutch for direct control.

Braking is essential for a daily-driven supercar and the GT-R features large Brembo full-floating drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo mono block six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, which in combination minimize fade and provide stable braking. Run-flat tires, exclusively designed for use on the Nissan GT-R, balance high grip and all-weather capabilities and a comfortable ride in all driving situations. The tires are designed to maintain structure for 80km of travel at 80 km/h, while still providing an acceptable level of performance.

High-Performance Safety and Environmental Technologies
The Nissan GT-R offers a long list of safety and environmental features, including, for enhanced visibility inside and out of the vehicle, high-mounted LED stoplamps, bright LED rear combination taillights, "super wide beam" headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade wipers.

Standard safety equipment includes a pop-up engine hood system for enhanced pedestrian safety, driver and front passenger SRS Air Bag System, ELR front seat belts with tension reducer, front seat belts with load limiter, and three-point ELR rear seat belts. Driver and front passenger SRS Side Air Bag System and SRS Curtain Air Bag System are offered as options.

Environmental technologies include extensive work to create an U-LEV certification in Japan for the 3.8-liter twin turbo engine and reduced levels of volatile organic compound for materials used in the car.

Functional Design - High Performance Aerodynamics and Style
The Nissan GT-R's styling follows the function over form theory. Every styling aspect, from the overall design to the smallest details, is created to maximize the vehicle's driving experience - as well as suggesting GT-R's "supercar" level of performance. Utilizing advanced aerodynamics, the Nissan GT-R's aggressive styling evokes the lines of a well-trained athlete, combining strong character lines with smooth and solid areas.

The all-new GT-R's body is created with a combination of steel, carbon fiber and aluminum, providing a unique combination of stiffness and lightness. The Nissan GT-R features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27, with high front and rear downforce, which provides the GT-R with enhanced grip in all weather situations, while also enhancing fuel efficiency.

The front fenders express power and stability, while the "aero-blades" on the fenders' leading edges provide optimum airflow around the tires and along the body. The scoop in the fenders' trailing edges assists in providing front downforce and optimization of side airflow. The aggressive front end, with a large hood budge and single air intake, provides a sophisticated style as well as undisturbed airflow for power and cooling. New "super wide beam" headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors (compared to conventional lights) to give a wider spread to the illumination area.

The Nissan GT-R's large, four-passenger cabin features a sloping "aero blade canopy" roofline and curved C-pillar "sword edge," which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle. The GT-R's hallmark four-ring taillights, efficient rear spoiler and large, integrated φ120 exhaust tips, provides the signature rear view of the GT-R, as well as optimizing airflow along the top and under the vehicle.

An Interior Suitable for Daily Driving or Supercar Duties
Key to the Nissan GT-R's usability as a both daily driver and a high-performance supercar is its interior, which is designed to balance functionality, a sense of ease, and comfort.

Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience, and soft pads are utilized on the dash in front of the passenger and doors to give an extra level of comfort and safety.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Mini In The Big City!

Audi A1 - Metroproject Quattro Concept

No more guesses. No more renderings. We have obtained the first official photos of the Audi Metroproject Quattro concept, believed to be the first version of the Audi A1.

No more guesses. No more renderings. We have obtained the first official photos of the Audi Metroproject Quattro concept, believed to be the first version of the Audi A1.

And he was right. This car has a sleek, shapely front-end that seems to form a menacing grin, and rear tail-lights that virtually stare down trailing motorists. This car rides on classy, lightweight, ten-spoke wheels. Inside the cabin, the Metroproject has impressively clean lines, what appears to be paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, and a built-in MP3 player. On top of everything else, you can seemingly keep track of this car's status on your mobile phone!

The Audi Metroproject Quattro, has a battery pack in visibly mounted in the boot, and lit in tranquil blue lights with a charge indicator on the side. We had heard rumor that this concept would be a hybrid, and it certainly seems that way.

The supermini Audi A1 should be available with a turbocharged gas engine, turbocharged diesel engine, ranging in size from 1.2 litres to 2.0 litres. A base model with an 80 horsepower, naturally aspirated 1.4 litre engine is also expected to hit showroom floors.

With a base price at-or-below $25,500, Audi hopes their MINI-killer will sell between 80,000 and 100,000 per year. Audi has done such a good job with the design of this car, that sales of the Fiat 500 might also be affected.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Like No Other That's Rock!

Mazda - Taiki Concept.

At the Tokyo Auto Show this month, Mazda unveiled its latest concept car, the Taiki.
It’s the latest addition to the Nagare design theme, following in the footsteps of the Mazda Nagare, Mazda Ryuga and Mazda Hakaze concept vehicles unveiled earlier this year. As the fourth in the series, Mazda Taiki further advances and refines the theme through a fusion of the Nagare (flow) design concept and real-world technologies, such as a next-generation rotary engine and enhanced aerodynamic performance.

Mazda Taiki sets a new ideal for the front-engine rear-drive sports car of the future. It’s one possible direction for a future generation of Mazda sports cars aimed at helping create a sustainable society. The basic proportions begin with the stretched coupe form of a front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout, the short overhangs, and the liberating feel of an all-glass canopy. From the dashboard and seats down to the door trim, the interior space creates the dynamic sensation that the flow of the wind is being visually depicted.

Technologies introduced for the Mazda Taiki include the next-generation RENESIS (rotary engine 16X), which sets new standards for environmental and driving performance, a front-engine rear-drive layout, a unique 2-seat configuration, and Mazda’s rotary sports package.

The Taiki follows the flow design concept, incorporating real world technologies. The design is said to represent a theory that has been inspired from patterns of natural movement and by organic shapes.

Mazda says the inspiration for the new design of the two-seat Taiki came from the image from the legends of Japan, of a pair of Hagoromo or the flowing robes that allow a celestial maiden to fly or float down from the sky.

The Taiki is a next generation concept two-seater with an under the hood Renesis rotary 1.6 L engine where Mazda is experimenting with rotary engines that run on hydrogen and a rear wheel drive.

The Mazda concept has a stretched cabin with a glass canopy and short overhangs and the name Taiki which means atmosphere is used to describe this look similar to that of a protective cover around the earth.

This car differs from other concept cars. This is evident from the rear wheel structure which, in the Mazda Taiki seems to stick out a little but from behind it looks integrated. The rear wheels are covered by a simulated wheel well which gives an impression that the wheels remain unprotected by the chassis which is not the case in reality.

While the Taiki is a long way from becoming a production reality, the vehicle does give you a peek into probable future designs. The new look grill is being put forth as Mazda’s new facial expression.

The Mazda Taiki echoes a potential path for Mazda sports cars of a future generation and is intended to help build a sustainable society.

In the interior of this concept car you will find that inspiration came from the Japanese koinobori also known as the decorative ‘climbing carp streamers’. The concept word for design of the interior was the notion of creating an air-tube.

Keeping this notion in mind one then sees that from the dashboard to the seats right down to the trim on the door, the space inside produces the vibrant sensation of a visual depiction of the flowing wind.

First In The Colection!

Volvo - XC60 Concept.

Volvo Prepares for Premium Compact SUV Segment With XC60

Volvo Concept offers an idea of how the 2009 XC60 will look, as well as features and innovation for other future Volvos, too.

The Volvo XC60 Concept is a car for the future, but it provides clues to the looks of the next XC model due in 2009. The concept offers design innovation and includes elements that will be included in future Volvo models.

Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin and his team have designed the XC60 Concept while keeping their eyes firmly focused on one clear goal. "In recent years we have successfully emphasized the Scandinavian characteristics that base prestige on timeless, functional elegance. Now we're elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally pumping up our cars' visual volume," says Steve Mattin.

XC60 Design

The XC60 design includes elements from the current XC90, such as the bold stance, high ground clearance and large wheels but above the waistline other elements seem to come from the Volvo C30 coupe, particularly the shape of the rear hatch.

A new element on the XC60 Concept is the enlarged Volvo logo in the grille added to other models a couple of years ago. The angled position lights on both sides of the grille are another element that will be found on future Volvos. The headlights, 20-inch (51cm) wheels, wheel arches and front and rear skid plates add to the aggressive stance, while the window profile and roofline give more of a coupe appearance.

The tailgate design is another element that hints at future design direction for other Volvo models. "At the rear, the expressive, sculptured shapes provide additional hints on the direction our design DNA is set to take. The contours of the tall taillights highlight the muscular shoulders and the tailgate's trapezoidal shape is a further development of the glass tailgate in the Volvo C30," explains Steve Mattin.

The lower part of the tailgate moves out and up over the upper part, creating an opening to place small items in the cargo area without opening the tailgate fully. Only the upper part of the tailgate may be opened also. The dark lower panel of the tailgate is transparent so the driver can see out from the inside. The roof is also transparent, with dark-tinted glass attached on top of a Y-shaped bearing structure.
At the rear, the Volvo name on the tailgate features more pronounced lettering with wider spacing which will find its way to future Volvo models.

Interior Features

The interior is both elegant and high-tech, particularly the instrument panel, slim floating center stack and visually floating front and rear seats. Interior trim is saddle leather and aluminum with the upper portion of the interior is light and the lower portion is a contrasting espresso brown.

The instrument pod with wings is described by Volvo as resembling a bumblebee with a round analogue speedometer as the "body" in the middle flanked by two digital "wings" featuring display screens for other information.

"The XC60 features a number of innovations that indicate what our cars will look like in a few years. It is time to once and for all forget all about boxy Volvos. Instead, we will make our Scandinavian design heritage more emotional and radiant by adding sculptured, exciting shapes and new, innovative features," says Steve Mattin.

Exeler In Limited Edition!

Lamborghini - Reventon Concept.
Lamborghini released the details on their latest million dollar supercar. The Lamborghini Reventon is really going to be built in only 20 examples. We "guess" that the part where everyone of them is already sold is also true.

The Lamborghini Reventon is powered by a 6496 cc engine, developing 650 HP at 8000 rpm and has a peak torque of 660 Nm at 6000 rpm.

Lamborghini Press Release:
Automobili Lamborghini presents the new Lamborghini Reventon at the Frankfurt Motorshow 2007
The most extreme

The essence of the marque: just 20 examples of a design masterpiece

Clearly a Lamborghini, but nothing quite like it. A super car without equals: the Lamborghini Reventon is a road vehicle with an extreme specification and, at the same time, a limited edition masterpiece – a coherent style, angular with sharp lines, inspired by the very latest aeronautics.

With just 20 produced, each 1 Million Euro (without taxes) Lamborghini Reventon is a symbol of extreme exclusivity, yet still offering the extraordinary performance that makes the Lamborghini Reventon so unrivalled: under the completely autonomous design, the Lamborghini Reventon possesses the entire technical and dynamic competence of the twelve cylinder Lamborghini.
Lamborghini prides itself on being the extraordinary manufacturer of extreme super sports cars without compromise. Sensuality and provocation characterise every Lamborghini, with an aggressively innovative style. “However, the Lamborghini Reventon is the most extreme of all, a true automotive superlative. Our designers at the Lamborghini Style Centre took the technical base of the Murciélago LP640 and compressed and intensified its DNA, its genetic code,” affirms Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

Born in Sant’Agata Bolognese

The Lamborghini Reventon has been entirely designed in Sant’Agata Bolognese, the original birthplace of the Lamborghini and the native home of every super car born under the sign of the bull. The design drawn up in Lamborghini’s Centro Stile (Style Centre) is fine-tuned in close collaboration with the Lamborghini Research and Development Department. Thus, the Lamborghini Reventon is not only “haute couture” but it also stands out for its elevated dynamism whilst being entirely suitable for every day use.

The Lamborghini Reventon is not destined to remain a one-off. A total of 20 Lamborghini friends and collectors will be able to own this extraordinary car and, naturally, enjoy the incomparable pleasure of driving it.
The name Lamborghini Reventon has been chosen according to Lamborghini tradition. Lamborghini Reventon was a fighting bull, owned by the Don Rodriguez family. It is included in the list of the most famous bulls ever and is known for killing the famed bullfighter Felix Guzman in 1943.

Inspired by the fastest airplanes

The present day Lamborghini models are distinguished by the clear language of their shape. The coherent proportions of the Murciélago and Gallardo highlight their power and dynamism. Sharp edges, precise lines and clean surfaces: these are ingredients of a style reduced to the essential. Each element is created exactly according to its function; ornaments and decorations are totally foreign to a Lamborghini.

With the Lamborghini Reventon the Centro Stile designers have coherently developed this philosophy, inspired by another sphere where speed and dynamism reign absolute: modern aeronautics, responsible for the fastest and most agile airplanes in the world. This has created an extremely precise, technically striking style with a new vitality: interrupted lines and contorted surfaces create a fascinating play of light, giving the car incredible movement.

Made of carbon fibre and precision
Although it is based on the extraordinarily successful Murciélago LP640, the exterior design of the Lamborghini Reventon is completely new. Just like the base model, the exterior is made of CFC, a composite carbon fibre material, which is as stable as it is light. The exterior components are glued and fixed to the body comprised of CFC and steel.

The front is characterised by the acute angle of the central ‘arrow’ and by the powerful forward-facing air intakes. Although they do not supply air directly to the turbine like an airplane, bearing in mind the 650 hp, an abundant volume of air is necessary to cool the carbon brake disks and the six cylinder callipers.

Characterised by coherent functions

Naturally, both doors on the Lamborghini Reventon open upwards – since the legendary Countach this has also been a symbol of the V12 Lamborghini product line. With their asymmetric configuration, the large air intakes below the doors provide an example of the extreme coherence with which a Lamborghini fulfils its function: on the driver's side it is large to increase the flow of oil to the radiator. On the passenger’s side of the vehicle, the air intake is flat because in this case, it only has to ensure the flow below the floor. The aerodynamically optimised flat floor structure terminates at the rear with a diffuser featuring an accentuated shape. This guarantees excellent road grip and stability even at 340 km per hour.
In spite of the extreme and innovative language of its shape, the Lamborghini Reventon not only maintains all the strong features of the Murciélago LP640, but also offers further amelioration in terms of aerodynamics, the important engine cooling system, the air intake system and brakes. The airflow and the section of the variable geometry air intakes of the engine and the rear spoiler (also adjustable) have been modified. Owners of the 20 examples will be able to test the performance of his or her Lamborghini in person.

Perfected to the ultimate detail

The engine hood made of glass laminate with open ventilation slits offers a glimpse of the beating heart of the twelve cylinders of the super car. The glass also features the marked arrow angle that characterises the design from the front to the rear spoiler. The Lamborghini designers’ love for detail is beautifully illustrated by the fuel tank lid: a small mechanical work of art, achieved by milling a solid aluminium block.

The combination lights transform the incisiveness of the design into light: the front features the most modern light-emitting diodes alongside Bi-Xenon headlights. Seven LEDs ensure continuous daylight while there are a further nine diodes for the indicator and hazard lights. Another technical innovation is found in the rear light LEDs. Because of the high temperature in the rear low part of the car, special heatproof LEDs are used for the indicator and hazard lights, stoplights and rear lights with a triple arrow optical effect.

A new body colour

Naturally, such a refined language of shape also demands an extraordinary colour. For the 20 examples of the Lamborghini Reventon, the designers from Sant’Agata Bolognese have created a totally new hue: Lamborghini Reventon, a mid opaque green/grey without the usual shine. However, thanks to the metallic particles, in the daylight this colour tone features surprising depth.

Opaque and brilliant colours for the wheel rims

This play of opaque and lustre is also featured on the wheel rims, especially created for the Lamborghini Reventon. Opaque carbon fins are screwed onto the black aluminium spokes, not only creating a visual effect with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel, but a turbine effect also ensures optimum cooling for the powerful ceramic brake disks.

TFT display similar to an airplane

The same innovative force applied to the exterior design characterises the cockpit of the Lamborghini Reventon. Designed and created using Alcantara, carbon, aluminium and leather that comply with the top quality standards, the interior is inspired by the next generation cockpits: just like in modern airplanes, the instruments comprise three TFT liquid crystal displays with innovative display modes. At the touch of a button, the driver can choose from two vehicle information display modes. The instruments are housed in a structure milled from a solid aluminium block, protected by a carbon fibre casing.

The G-Force-Meter is also completely new: this display shows the dynamic drive forces, longitudinal acceleration during acceleration and braking, as well as transversal acceleration around bends. These forces are represented by the movement of an indicator on a graduated 3D grid depending on the direction and intensity of the acceleration. A similar instrument can be found in the airplanes. Formula One teams also use a similar device to analyse dynamic forces.

Customisable instruments
The instrument on the left of the speedometer associates the number of revolutions in the form of a luminous column with the display of the selected gear. Finally, every Lamborghini Reventon is equipped with a robotised e.gear controlled by two small levers under the steering wheel.

By simply pressing a button, the driver can switch to the second, quasi-analogical display, where the classic circular instruments, speedometer and engine speed indicator are configured in an equally innovative way and transformed into luminous pilot lamps with varying colours. The G-Force-Meter naturally remains at the centre in this display mode.

Electronic system developed entirely by Lamborghini

All this is possible thanks to the fact that the entire electronic platform of the Lamborghini Reventon, together with all the control devices, has been autonomously developed by the Lamborghini experts.

The same process for integrating the electronic displays in the car was applied to the Lamborghini Engineering Department.

From the conception of the very first radical ideas, the entire Lamborghini Reventon has been developed in Sant’Agata Bolognese thanks to tight teams of remarkably creative experts. An extremely refined and efficient process was employed: CAD design and development, creation of the prototype in the Prototype Department, all carried out under the constant supervision of the Research and Development Department’s technicians and testers.

Atelier of creativity and high efficiency

Inaugurated in 2004, the Centro Stile is dedicated to design and characterised by a high degree of efficiency: an “atelier” of creators, designers and prototype constructors, who encapsulate the Lamborghini culture and spirit by using their remarkable skills to create aesthetic innovation.

The Centro Stile is located in a 2,900 square two-storey building. The large pavilion houses two test floors and related production and analysis equipment, while other rooms are set aside for the most advanced computerised workstations for designers and a style-model construction workshop. The Centro Stile is also closely linked to the nearby Engineering Department: the direct line between the Lamborghini development departments guarantees that ideas rapidly become reality.

Creativity and production under the same roof

The Lamborghini Reventon is a practical illustration of the streamlined functionality and efficiency characterising the Centro Stile: it took less than a year to progress from the first ideas to the finished car. The complete design process from the first sketches on paper, to three dimensional computer models with 1:10 or 1:4 scale, right up to the real size prototype is organised around streamlined, fast, efficient work groups. Thanks to the Centro Stile, for the first time in its history, Lamborghini is now able to create its own style philosophy in-house without having to rely on any external collaboration.

The 20 units will be manufactured in Sant’Agata, using a production process characterised by artisan perfection and rigorous quality standards.

A masterpiece with tested technology

The technology found in the Murciélago LP640 has not been modified. The engine in the LP640 forwards is the classic twelve-cylinder engine with 6.5 litre displacement. Only for this car, Lamborghini guarantees, an astounding 650 HP (478 kW) at 8,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). The huge torque, equal to maximum 660 Nm, ensures a powerful switch from any number of revolutions: even the slightest pressure on the accelerator is spontaneously transformed into thrust. The robotised e.gear changes gear faster than even the most expert driver. In addition, the permanent Viscous Traction four-wheel drive system ensures that every force is constantly translated into movement.

As in the original Murciélago LP640, the Lamborghini Reventon accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, with a maximum speed over 340 km/h.

Born to become a legend
Since its foundation, Lamborghini has been a creator of trends in the world of sports cars and has always manufactured cars with an absolutely unmistakable character. Models such as the Miura or Countach, for example, were veritable forerunners and rapidly acquired the status of timeless classic cars. From the moment they are launched, every new Lamborghini promises to become a legend, destined to become a sought-after and precious possession.

With the Lamborghini Reventon, Lamborghini has done it again; it has created an unequalled super car; the perfect synthesis between the exclusivity and appeal of a limited edition design masterpiece, and the dynamism and driveability of a standard sports car. Thus, the Lamborghini legend is further enhanced by another, stylish future classic.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

FHI Again Prove What They Can Do!

Subaru - WRC Concept.

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, announced the major features of its Subaru exhibit at the 62nd International Motor Show (IAA), which was held in Frankfurt in september this year.

The Subaru Impreza WRC Concept concept car debuted at IAA in Frankfurt. The Subaru WRC concepts points to the future direction of the Subaru WRC competition car.

The Subaru WRC concept car is a 5-door model and what sets it apart from the basic model is the widened fenders, the twin exhausts and the Impreza WRC paintjob. Subaru Press Release:

Subaru Rally Concept Car debuts as 5-door at 2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show CHERRY HILL, N.J., Sept. 11, 2007 -- Debuting at the Frankfurt International Motor Show today is the Subaru World Rally Championship Concept car which in its 5-door form points to the future direction of the Subaru WRC competition car.

Boasting a striking all-new Subaru World Rally Team livery, muscular, widened fenders and twin exhausts, the World Rally Championship Concept car's body type is in line with the continuing growth in world demand for sporting 5-door models and has been designed to further improve the Subaru World Rally Team's performance in future rally series.

The SUBARU WRC Concept car benefits from many potential advantages in its 5-door design. Subaru engineers have determined that this body style, with its reduced front and rear overhangs and rigid yet flexible chassis, provides the driver with increased body control while also reducing the moment of inertia during high speed cornering - both essential aspects of rally racing.

Another feature of rally racing, the 'tail slide' is also positively affected by the 5-door design which allows the car to power through corners on a variety of surfaces in a more controlled way.

The widened front fenders with powerful flares conceal 18" tires and with the wheels on the 5-door model being pushed out to the corners, the driver's control and understanding of the vehicle's positioning is improved and the elimination of body overhangs further reduces the likelihood of impact during high speed maneuvers.

Other features of the SUBARU WRC car include Subaru's legendary boxer engine which due to its geometry provides outstanding natural handling characteristics with the torque levels associated with this layout, Subaru's world leading Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and a large rear spoiler that has been designed to improve airflow and increase down force.

Subaru has been involved in rally competition through Subaru Tecnica International Inc. which manages Subaru Motorsport activities for almost twenty years including competitions series such as the WRC, American Rally Series and others world-wide and has claimed victory in drivers and manufacturers championships in this time.

About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics.