Concept Car: Hyundai HCD-12 Curb

Next week, Hyundai will debut a new compact crossover at the North American International Auto Show.

Named HCD-12 Curb, the concept was designed at Hyundai’s Californian design centre. Although the crossover looks very similar in size to the Nissan Juke, the Curb is in fact longer than the Juke and may preview the next Santa Fe mid-sized SUV.

The concept features Hyundai’s next-generation ‘fluidic sculpture’ exterior design language. A steeply raked front windscreen, narrow glasshouse and C-pillars that slant away all give a coupe-like silhouette from the side.

In typical concept car fashion, small rear doors which look like “suicide” doors improve rear passenger access and over-sized alloy wheels will also feature.

Inside, the ultramodern interior with front bucket seats is confronted by a touch-screen infotainment system and a rotary knob sit on the centre console.

Ferrari working on mind-reading technology

Ferrari is developing technology that will observe a driver’s mental and physical status and regulate the vehicles traction and stability control systems to match.

The mind-reading tech was drawn out in many European and worldwide patent applications. The papers reveal how Ferrari imagines a wide-range of sensors provide data on the driver, to allow set-up adjust appropriately.

Ferrari’s documentation states: “Drivers tend to miscalculate — in particular, overestimate — their driving skill and, more importantly, their psychophysical condition, with the result that driver-selected dynamic vehicle performance simply reflects the driver’s wish, as opposed to the driver’s actual psychophysical condition and proficiency.”

In addition, it adds: “The biometric sensors may comprise a piezoelectric measuring device for measuring the driver’s respiration, a device for measuring the driver’s blood pressure and heart rate, a television camera for monitoring the driver’s eyes (blink rate) to determine the driver’s alertness, a device for monitoring the electric activity of the driver’s brain, a device for recording the driver’s surface temperature and a device for recording the conductivity of the driver’s skin (to determine the degree of perspiration).”

Ferrari says: “The dynamic performance may be modified to enhance driving safety in the case of a tired or unresponsive driver, and also to enhance driving pleasure and/or performance in the case of an alert, responsive driver.”

Via Autocar

Volvo V60 New Car Advanced Stability Control Design 2011

Elegant estate coupe car design technology presented on this official image gallery new 2011 Volvo V60 in metallic paint color exterior design. You simply have to drive this modern city sedan car to appreciate how we have driven chassis development to its pinnacle. Sophisticated luxury car combine with comfort interior design. Volvo’s new sports car wagon is available with an option of two chassis. When cornering, the car’s inner driven wheel is broken, causing more power to be transmitted to the outer driven wheel. The sporty interior of the new Volvo V60 is also the most advanced high-tech environment ever available to a Volvo driver.

 

2011 Volvo V60 come with new innovation features Advanced Stability Control technology. Detail specification reviews, tuning car performance are available on first test drive vehicles report. The car engine’s power is delivered to the wheels using Volvo’s second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. The 150 horsepower engine presents 240 Nm of torque. Both turbo diesels are obtainable with a 6 speed automatic car transmission otherwise six-speed manual gearbox. The initial annual target for the new Volvo V60 is 50,000 cars. The new Volvo V60 is built at the Volvo Cars production plant in Torslanda, Sweden. Check the new car 2011 Volvo price list at the market by visit the official Volvo car maker company website.

 

 

 

New electric concept car, Jaguar C-X75 Specifications and Features

New electric concept car, Jaguar C-X75

Tata Motors owned Jaguar has unveiled an electric concept car, named as Jaguar C-X75, and it has been created to celebrate 75 years of the company. This new Jaguar C-X75 concept car had everything a Jaguar should be.

More about this new Jaguar C-X75 is that it possesses remarkable poise and grace yet at the same time has the excitement and potency of a true supercar and it is as close to a pure art form as a concept car and get and is a worthy homage to 75 years of iconic Jaguar design.

This new Jaguar C-X75 concept car, which is a 4WD vehicle is built with lightweight aluminum panels and chassis. Besides being powered by 145kw electric motors at all wheels, it has a pair of micro gas-turbines that provide another 140Kw of charge and extend the range to 900 km. It should also be noted that this new concept car can run 900 kms to a charge with a top speed of 320 kms per hour. Top speed is over 320 km/h and the two-seater can sprint from 0-100 km/h in just over 3.0 seconds.

The super car was first put to public display at the Paris Auto show recently and now at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The makers insist C-X75 was only a concept car and not for commercial sale and it will be brought back to the garage at London for stroing it there.

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2011 Mercedes R class in India - Specifications, Reviews and Prices

2011 Mercedes R class

Mercedes, one of the world's largest luxury car manufacturer have launched a new kind of Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) that offers space and comfort of an MPV coupled with refinement and driving dynamics of a saloon car. This new vehicle, named as Mercedes R class in India is going to be the only car in this segment and has ample opportunity to carve out a niche for itself.

This new Mercedes R class features a 3498cc V6 petrol engine that will provide a maximum power of about 272bhp at 6000rpm and a maximum torque of about 35.7Nm at 2400rpm. It does the 0-100 sprint in 8.4 seconds and has a top speed of 230kph. Nothing yet is decided about the diesel variant of Mercedes R class for the Indian market.

This new Mercedes R class, which is an all-wheel-drive automatic, comes with Mercedes' latest generation 7G-Tronic automatic transmission. It has the shift paddles placed on the steering wheel while a Direct Select lever is on the steering column. This new MPV, which can seat upto seven people has redone front grille, headlights, bonnet and wings in it.

Some of the notable features that this new Mercedes R class offers are bi-xenon headlamps, steel spring suspension in front and AIRmatic (Adaptive Intelligent Ride control) system featuring self-levelling air suspension in the rear. It also features a leather-covered tilt and telescopic steering wheel, dual zone automatic climate control and a choice of high gloss wood trims, command system with an in-dash six-disc CD/DVD changer, eight-inch screens for the rear passengers, a DVD player and wireless headphones etc.

This new Mercedes R class in India, is expected to be priced around Rs 60 lakhs.

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New Car: 2012 Buick Verano (U.S)

Buick has unveiled the all-new Verano compact luxury sedan, that will premier at the 2011 Detroit motor show.

The Verano will go on sale in late 2011 and will be available with equipment like 10 airbags, heated steering wheel and a next-generation radio system with OnStar. Powering the Verano will be a 177bhp 2.4 litre petrol engine, that produces 230Nm (170lb-ft) of torque. This is linked to a 6 speed automatic and will allow the car to hit 60mph from 0mph in 8 seconds. A 31mpg highway figure is expected.

A 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol will be offered in the future.

John Schwegman, vice president of Buick marketing said:

"Verano expands our lineup, continues Buick's momentum and gives us a great opportunity to attract a new generation of customers with a product that delivers on their expectations for design, performance and technology"

"It is a smart choice that delivers unexpected luxury in a compact sedan - and it will compete head-to-head with competitors from Audi and Lexus."

Inside, the Verano receives soft-touch plastics and premium leather on the dashboard. Buick claims the Verano is the quietest car in its class thanks to acoustical laminated glass, triple door seals, and specially manufactured 17” alloy wheels.

Standard features will include 17” alloy wheels, 10 airbags (twin front, side, curtain, knees, and rear-side), ambient lighting, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, blue projector beam headlamps, climate control, electronic parking brake, front & rear electric windows, steering wheel mounted audio controls w/cruise control, leather steering wheel, electric power steering, and AUX input.

On the options list will be two 18” alloy wheels, metallic paint, leather interior w/heated front seats, keyless start, heated steering wheel, touch-screen satellite navigation system w/Bluetooth & USB port, XM satellite radio, BOSE sound system, and remote vehicle start.

In the Verano, the heated steering wheel and seats are related with the remote start feature. In temperatures lower than 45°F (7°C), the heated steering wheel and seats automatically start.

Renault suspends executives over EV leaking

Renault has suspended three senior executives on the suspicion of industrial spying, regarding the company’s EV plans. A spokeswoman established on Tuesday that the trio were suspended over unnamed ethical issues.

“In late August 2010, an ethical alert was brought to the attention of the compliance committee," a Renault spokeswoman said on Tuesday. "The investigation that followed led to the suspension of three Renault executives”.

Unnamed internal sources on Wednesday said that the trio were in control of the EV projects, with one being a member of a 30-strong panel of management, lead by CEO Carlos Ghosn.

While Renault hasn’t filed an official complaint, the three men were obliged to leave their offices on Monday.

2011 Yamaha R6 Sporty bike in India - Specifications, Reviews and Prices

New sporty bike, 2011 Yamaha R6

Yamaha, one of the world's largest two wheeler manufacturer's are now all set to launch their new sporty bike Yamaha R6 in the ever growing Indian two wheeler market. This new Yamaha R6 is expected to get launched here in the early 2011.

This new Yamaha R6 features a 599cc 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, 16-valves, D0HC Petrol engine that will provide a maximum power of about 127 Bhp @ 14500 rpm and a maximum torque of about 65.8 Nm @ 11000 rpm. This new sporty bike, Yamaha R6, with a 6-speed manual gear transmission system features a chassis of Aluminium die-cast Deltabox in it.

New Yamaha R6 features Telescopic fork Suspension at the front and Swing arm Suspension at the rear. Also this new sporty bike, Yamaha R6 features a 310mm Dual discs brake at the front and a 210mm Single disc brake at the rear. It also features wheel size of about 120/70 - 180/55 mm and a clutch, which is Wet, multiple-disc coil spring.

This new 2011 Yamaha R6 available in the Yamaha Blue, Midnight Black & Red colors is priced in India at around Rs 6 lakhs.

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2011 Chevrolet Sail - Specifications, Reviews and Prices

2011 Chevrolet Sail

General Motors are all set to make a mighty step forward in the Indian automobile market by launching a new sedan, that belongs to the C segment by the mid of 2011. This new sedan, Chevrolet Sail is expected to have much more features in it and the performance as well as the stylish look of this new car is going to be a major highlight of it.

This new sedan, Chevrolet Sail features a 1399 cc, 4 Cylinder in-line Petrol engine that will provide a maximum power of about 94 Bhp and a maximum torque of about 129 Nm. Any official details regarding the mileage and the top-speed of the vehicle is not yet released and also, currently there is no chance for it's diesel variant to reach here on the Indian roads.

This 2011 Chevrolet Sail in India, is expected to be priced around Rs 6 lakhs/- (ex-showroom Mumbai).

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2011 Maruti Cervo in India - Specifications, Features and Prices

2011 Maruti Cervo

Maruti Suzuki India are now all set to launch their new small car model, which is a Hatchback that belongs to the   ever growing A segment of the Indian automobile market. This new Hatchback, named as Maruti Cervo is expected to get launched as early as possible in this 2011. The main advantage of this new Maruti Cervo is that it has some nice features along with the sporty stylish look, elegant interiors and sleek external design.

This new Maruti Cervo features a 658cc Petrol engine that provides a Maximum power of about 54 BHP @ 6500 rpm and a Maximum torque of about 64 Nm @ 3500 rpm. The other main thing related with this new Hatchback is about the mileage of this vehicle, that gives about 21 kmpl in highways and about 17 kmpl in the cities. More details regarding the technical specifications of this new Maruti Cervo are yet to be released by the officials.

Some of the notable features of this new Maruti Cervo are Power Windows, Power Steering, Air Conditioner, Central Locking, Fog Lights, Rear Defogger, Rear Washer/Wiper, Body Coloured Bumpers etc. This new Maruti Cervo is available in various colors like Superior white, Midnight black, Silky silver, Firebrick red, Breeze blue, Baker’s chocolate and Blistering grey.

This 2011 Maruti Cervo is expected to be priced around Rs. 2 lakhs for the base model and Rs. 2.5 lakhs for the top model.

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Mercedes-Benz SLK 2012 Stills, Photos, Wallpapers, Pictures

Last day we had a talk about the latest 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK sporty looking performance vehicle. Here are the Photos, wallpapers and pictures of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Mercedes will launch the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLKwith more performance and fuel efficiency.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will comes available with three engine variants which includes 4-cylinder 2.0-liter, 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 or  4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engines. Mercedes-Benz SLK 2012 vehicle also sports the company's latest Attention Assist Feature and Pre-Safe and Pre-brake Functions.

For more specifications and features of Mercedes-Benz SLK 2012, click here.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Photogallery

 

 

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Teaser: 2011 Hyundai Veloster

Hyundai is teasing their all-new compact sports coupé, codenamed FS. The FS is essentially a production version of the Veloster concept, which debuted at the Seoul motor show in 2007.

Before debuting at next week’s Detroit motor show, Hyundai has released a few teaser photos and videos of the newcomer.

2007 Hyundai Veloster Concept

The car sports an unusual layout; a single door is on the driver’s side and the passenger side receives two normal doors. Hyundai said this layout is the same on both left and right-hand-drive models.

According to Hyundai sources, the Veloster may be “priced between the Renault Mégane Coupé and VW Scirocco”. Hyundai portray the car as combining “the style of a coupé and the practicality of a hatch; we call it a utility coupé”. The styling of the production model will mirror the Veloster concept, meaning the remarkable LED head and tail-lights and black A-pillars will feature. The design is expected to attract younger customers, especially men who value style and space.

The FS will have much better interior materials and will use a new centre console design that unites the climate control switches and touch-screen. The 7” screen can be connected to many gadgets, like iPods and PlayStations. The stereo will include Gracenote database, which can access your music and is named and organised alike to iTunes music store.

The Veloster will be build on a modified platform of the front-wheel Kia Cee’d. At first, the FS will be available with two different 1.6 litre petrol engines. The entry-level 130bhp produces 158Nm (117lb-ft) of torque, while the slightly more powerful GDI engine kicks out 140bhp and 167Nm (123lb-ft) of torque, which hooked to a 6 speed manual gearbox. The latter will be available will a dual-clutch transmission, in which engineers expect 5 – 6% better economy than would be achieved with a manual gearbox. The 1.6 GDI will return 48.7mpg UK/40mpg U.S/5.8l/100km. At a later date, a turbocharged 1.6 GDI developing 205bhp will be offered on the flagship trim-level on European models. This is expect to arrive in late 2012, after production of UK models commencing in August 2011.

The Veloster will be obtainable with equipment like panoramic glass sunroof, keyless start and entry, premium sound system, and heated seats. Look out for an entry price of £19,000.

The World Of Collection Cars

Collection cars are highly sought and even have special trade shows dedicated to their very existence. In the world of collectors, you have mechanics who can rebuild old cars to look new, individuals who have protected the original beauty of the car without extensive restoration or collectors who completely build collection cars from the ground up. Every year, collectors gather at shows around the world in order to view a variety of collection cars together in one place.

Early camaros, vintage mustangs and other muscle cars or trucks are just a few of the collection cars that are showcased at trade shows. In exchange for an entry fee, event organizers accept collection cars into their show and award prizes for the top entrants. All collection cars are judged by preselected experts, who decide which are the best of the lot so to speak.

Collection cars are not only nice to look at, but they also bring a pretty price for their owners. Antique and collection cars are highly sought among collectors, but are also popular among those who simply wish to reminisce about their glory days. In addition, many collection cars are purchased for investment purposes. If preserved, collection cars may continue to increase in value during the years to come. If entered into additional car shows, they may continue to win awards or garner media attention that will make them even more desirable.

Collection cars will not be found at the local car dealership, but they are close by for the enthusiast who doesn't mind doing their research. Some of the best places to search for collection cars are specialty magazines, the local newspaper's classified ad section, televised or local trade shows, and even online. Before purchasing anything online, buyers are urged to conduct due diligence on the automobile. An in-person inspection, along with a mechanic's observation, should be conducted prior to signing on the dotted line.

Quite often, collection cars are invited to participate in local parades. No matter the time of year, these auto enthusiasts are anxious to showcase their set of wheels and are proud to ride as part of many parades on an annual basis. Many collection cars can be entered into parades by contacting the local city hall to inquire about participation. Everyone loves collection cars, including those who don't characterize themselves as collection car enthusiasts. From the professional mechanic to the hopeful auto designer and the child who isn't even old enough to sit behind the steering wheel, collection cars are a sight to behold and are celebrated by all who appreciate classic detail at it's finest.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aurel_Radulescu

Classic Car Collecting

Classic car collectors are not at all unlike art collectors. What with the time and resources that they both invest in either acquiring or restoring and maintaining pieces that they consider priceless and worth having, but that may seem cumbersome and not worth investing time and money in to anyone else. Classic cars are generally anything that are 25 years or more -- with most collectors having a special preference for cars built in the 1960s or before; whatever the case this is impressive as most cars usually have a lifespan of between 10 to 15 years. Car manufactures build cars not only for their functionality as a mode of transport but also throw in such considerations as aesthetics and definitely not only for streamlining purposes.

Besides their outer beauty, classic cars might represent various things to their respective collectors with the values of most classics appreciating along with their ages. For most collectors or classic car connoisseurs, there is a satisfaction derived from having restored an auto classic to its glory days, when it was first manufactured; a feeling similar to that derived from purchasing your dream car. This is coupled with an existing potential market for restored cars that one can take advantage of. An interesting development in the classic car genre is the emergence of model specific clubs which cater to the primary interests of owners of particular models and where members can sell or buy cars or trade tidbits regarding maintenance.

Classic cars might also fall into several categories such as muscle or luxury, and collectors might harbor a general bias towards one or the other. A lot of the classic car collections comprise muscle cars that have been manufactured between the 1950s and 1970s -- with a number of the collectors having a special preference for the larger, more powerful V8 engines. Some makes that exude classic muscle include the Detroit Big Threes, namely the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro, and the Pontiac Firebird -- others are the Chevrolet Chevelle, the Dodge Charger and the Chevrolet Impala. Some classic luxury cars include the 1948 Delahaye, Rolls Royce, Jaguar, and the Bentley -- all of which have been further developed with time, but which have still maintained major aspects of their primary designs. Another interesting aspect of cars, in general, is color -- which can be used to accent the aesthetic value of your car with certain colors evoking certain responses. Certain car models also appear more interesting in particular colors, red is, however, an accepted standard in beauty with some muscle cars actually appearing more menacing in this color.

 

Some of the major challenges further faced by classic car collectors, and which further increase the premium placed on them, include unavailability of parts which are mostly non existent due to these cars no longer being manufactured and -- if these parts are available, then they might be ridiculously priced. This has, however, partially been taken of by the emergence of model specific clubs which bring together classic car connoisseurs with particular interests.

Have a fun and safe time on the road, and visit us to find the best deal on the insurance coverage you need. Get money-saving tips on finding low cost auto insurance and helpful information finding the cheapest car insurance from Auto Insurance Rates Direct today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Levi_Quinn

Volvo penning XC30 crossover for 2013

Volvo is developing an entry-level crossover as part of a wider future model scheme started by Stefan Jacoby.

Volvo has watched its market-share in Europe freefall in recent years, so this new SUV will be primarily aimed at Europe, however, the newcomer is also being looked at to offer a basis for planned production actions in China.

The sub-compact SUV will carry the XC30 nameplate and will compete directly with the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Mercedes’ forthcoming premium mini-SUV, when it goes on sale in 2013.

Underpinning the C30 hatchback, the vehicle is being produced to sway younger customers away from BMW. It’s also being planned to offer similar profitability attained by the best-selling XC60.

Internal sources suggest the 5 seat XC30 will be immediately recognisable as a Volvo with an exterior “in the mould of the XC60 but with added visual dynamism and a class-leading interior”. The new model will be 280mm shorter than the XC60, at 4,350mm.

The XC30 has pushed back the all-new S40, which has been placed on a temporary hold for around 18 months from its intended introduction in an attempt to free up engineering space.

Jacoby said: “I’d rather get two or three cars right than attempt to compete in every market segment.”

Two variant may be on offer: a regular model for Europe and a long-wheelbase for North America and China.

New Car: 2011 Kia Picanto/Morning

Following yesterday’s spy photos of the Picanto/Morning undisguised on a commercial shoot, Kia has taken the wraps of the all-new city-car by releasing official photos.

This time round, Kia is targeting a younger, more style-conscious customer. The instantly recognisable ‘tiger’ grille gives the car ocular links with other Kia models, while its erect stance, stubby nose and projector-type rearward swept headlights give a strong resemblance of the Venga sub-compact MPV, and make the city-car more mature.

Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, said, “In profile, new Picanto features significant sculpting and a very prominent rising character line. The result is a layering of light and shadow and this breaks up the height, giving the car a more sure-footed stance.”

No interior photos have been release yet, but our sources claim a 3-spoke steering wheel and metallic internal finishes will give the Picanto/Morning a classy environment. Air conditioning and audio controls will be fixed on the centre console.

The new car is longer than the current model, with a longer wheelbase to offer more cabin space for occupants. The 5dr model will be sold globally, however, a sportier 3dr is likely to remain exclusively in Europe.

Powering the Picanto/Morning will be a variety of engines. On the petrol side, a 68bhp 1.1 will be offered in certain markets, while a 1.25 litre 85bhp and a 69bhp 1.0 3-cylinder will be offered internationally. The former may eventually be replaced with an 80bhp and a turbocharged 110bhp 1.0 litre. This engines will be offered in LPG, bi-fuel and flex-fuel variations, depending on local market requirements.

On the diesel side, the current 1.1 litre 4-cylinder diesel will be offered in selected markets. This will be available with 75bhp and produce 151Nm (112lb-ft) of torque.

The next generation Picanto/Morning will receive its official unveiling at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday 1st March 2011 with European sales starting shortly after, although, no official UK sale date has been set.