Bugatti Veyron will finish line in sight

Bugatti, the finishing line in sight for the Veyron. Last year knew the supersport manufacturer to deliver 73 copies. Although a few less than the 81 in the previous year, but the manufacturer has mid 2008 half variant presented. Open implementation of the production has started.

Bugatti spokesman Georges Keller of late De Telegraaf that there are about 50 copies of the 1.8 million euro cost Veyron available. When those sold, is the canvas for the sports coupe. Keller has no vision at the time that the last copy of the tape rolling. "This depends on the host Gran Sport," explains Keller from. "We start at the end of March with the construction of this open variant. If the question of the Gran Sport bigger, then at the expense of the coupe production. The two types are produced on the same line."

Bugatti will build only 300 units of the Veyron. At present the sales counter at 250 units, so let Keller know. From the Gran Sport 150 units will be manufactured. Are the first 40 units for Bugatti loyal customers intended, but which have not yet fully responded. In the Netherlands is known for a Bugatti-owner who has ordered the open variant. Our country has to be six-Veyron owners.
via: autotelegraaf

Big dollar cars don't meet reserves at RM's Arizona auction

Across town from Barrett-Jackson at the Bitmore Resort, RM Auctions held its "Automobiles of Arizona" auction highlighted by several multi-million dollar cars including a one-of-five 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport and a past Pebble Beach winner 1937 Bugatti 57SC Atalante Coupe (much like the one that was recently found in a barn).

Unfortunately, neither car saw a bid that met the reserve price, perhaps an indication that current economic conditions are finally catching up with the high-end collector car market. The Grand Sport went unsold with a top bid of $5 million, and the Bugatti failed to meet its reserve with a high bid of $4.4 million. A 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France also went unsold with a top bid of $1.8 million.

One notable car that did find a new owner was the 1954 Dodge Firearrow III Concept with the hammer falling at $800,000 before auction fees. There were plenty of other beautiful cars that did sell, and you can check out the full list at RM's web site.

Brazilian student presents new Renault Alpine

Between the GT-R and the Z-car, Nissan has a rich history of fine sportscars. However, its French sister company is another story. Since discontinuing the Alpine in 1996, Renault's sporting spirit has had to subside on hot hatches and in its F1 program. Remarkable as they are, the French automaker has been working on bringing back the Alpine sportscar line, with a new model anticipated to debut sometime next year. That's a long way off, if you ask Brazilian design student Marcello Felipe Maggioni. So he's come up with a design of his own for the new Alpine.

The concept is characterized by a chopped-down greenhouse and low-slung headlamps, creating a wedge shape similar in style to the Lexus LF-A. Maggioni based the design around a mid-engine layout, with a homologated street-legal version of the high-revving 2.4-liter V8 from the Renault F1 car. Of course this is well beyond what Renault might actually produce to revive the Alpine nameplate, but if you're going to dream, why not dream big?

The $3,500,000 Maybach SW38 Roadster

You're a hard-to-please bunch, with only 17% of you opining that the $50,000 Porsche 928 was nicely priced. Today we're going with a much, much cooler vintage German machine… at 70 times the price!
Yes, folks, this is the most expensive vehicle for sale in the Hemmings Motor News classifieds (speaking of which, do yourselves a favor and check out the stuff at Hemmings Auto Blogs- which is like mainlining the uncut stuff if you're a car junkie- when you're done here). It lives just a few miles from me, over at Fantasy Junction, and the guys selling it are the same ones who ran the not-quite-as-valuable BMW 633CSi at the Arse Freeze-A-Palooza 24 Hours Of LeMons.
It's one of two Spohn-bodied convertibles made, it's powered by an airplane engine, and it evaded destruction by the RAF, the Eighth Air Force, the Red Army, and- most dangerous of all- the Rust Monster. You can have Maybach SW38 Roadster for $3,5 million! Reasonable price, or would you need to fortify yourself over at Booth Number Two to see it that way?
© Source: jalopnik

FPV Open Day back in 2009

Ford Performance Vehicles is set to repeat its Open Day for 2009 much to the delight of blue oval and motorsports fans alike. Eager punters will have the chance to get up close and personal with the entire FPV fleet on March 1 at the brands Campbellfield headquarters.
Along with the current FG range of vehicles, past models will also be on display along with other Ford performance models. Members of the public will also be allowed unprecedented access to the FPV production facility to see how and where the current range is assembled.
In addition to this, Ford Performance Racing will also open the doors to their race workshop with FPR drivers Mark Winterbottom and Steven Richards on hand to answer questions and sign memorabilia. A variety of family activities will also be available, with all proceeds going toward the Guide Dogs Association of Victoria.
The FPV Open Day will be held on Sunday 1st March, 2009 at 33 Glenbarry Road, Campbellfield and runs from 9am until 3pm.
© Source: caradvice

2009 Renault New Alpine Concept Design by Marcello Felipe

(from Renault Press Release) Car designed by Marcello Felipe Maggioni - student of the course Design of Mobility - Transportation Design, from Fundaзгo Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP - Sгo Paulo, Brazil). With the primary objective of homage the car that inspired the study and pursue his career in car design, propose the stylization of Renault Alpine GTA V6 Turbo 1987.

Even adjusting the current and future lines of the Renault's brand, maintained the consistency with the original characteristics of the vehicle, as its traditional and significant volume of sports car, with its central rear engine and the large front flashlights near the ground.
In this new proposal, the distributions of the xenon headlamps of the front flashlights remind the tradition of the Alpineґs brand, where in the 60ґs, the "Alpines of Rally" had four headlamps, two originals and two assistants near the center of the car. However, this project has brought new features, such as the front air introductions, above the headlights, and subtle and smooth rear air entry straight to the engine, located in Column C. It is also relevant the application of leds on front and rear flashlights, with three-dimensional leds, which aim to reflect the light in the rear of the vehicle, supported by carbon fiber rod.
Its engine is the R-27 of the Renault F1 team, but adapted to the streets. Its receptacle is treated as a jewel box, where the engine is apparent, being protected by carbon fibers pieces set. A great transparent glass and a large logo of Renault warn everyone that this car has the same DNA of Renault from race tracks.
© Source: seriouswheels

2009 Detroit Auto Show winners and losers

In the midst of one of the toughest years the car industry has had to face and government loan programs getting underway, the 2009 Detroit Auto Show was set to be a touchy dance with public sentiment.
In the end the expectations proved true, and the restrained and carefully orchestrated displays focused on real-world practicality, or failing that, on future technology that could lead to practical applications for hybrid and electric vehicles.
So which carmakers succeeded and which failed? Which cars were winners and which losers? We have the straight truth fresh from the show floor.
Winners:
Fisker, for its Karma production sedan and Karma S convertible concept. Stunning design and impressive performance figures put these cars at the head of the pack of the new breed of hybrids. Marrying Ferrari-level styling with similar promise of performance (403hp from twin electric motors) is a feat not even Tesla Motors can claim to have achieved.
Audi, for the production-ready but still seductively styled Sportback Concept, and the R8 V10 that proves the horsepower wars aren't yet over. Competitors had best keep an eye out, and challengers will have their work cut out for them.
General Motors, for its trio of production-ready vehicles and the Converj Concept. Pairing the E-Flex powertrain with one of the most daring and yet attractive applications of the Cadillac design language, the Converj offers both hope for a truly profitable plug-in electric hybrid and a new interpretation of ecological luxury. The Equinox, LaCrosse and SRX likewise offer new hope for the success of the product-led revival at GM.
Toyota, for a new Prius that moves its look somewhat upscale while managing to improve on its already impressive technical capabilities. More powerful, more fuel efficient and more attractive is a package anyone can get behind. Now if only gas prices were in the right range, Toyota would have a hard time keeping them in stock.
Jaguar, for the XKR and XF-R. Keeping up with the Joneses is an especially difficult task if your Joneses are BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Lexus. Doing it on a shoestring budget, under new ownership and during the economic shipwreck that was 2008: truly impressive. The designs of the new cars speak for themselves, and should fare Jaguar well as it works to re-imagine itself and its role in the industry.
Losers:
Lincoln, for the MKT. Put simply, it is both ugly and an answer to a question asked by no one. Beyond the odd proportions and lackluster details of the MKT, however, the Focus-based C Concept is similarly bewildering: where did this come from, and why?
Subaru, for the Legacy Concept. Ugly in a vein that's sadly familiar thanks to the likes of the 2008 Impreza and any number of previous Subaru concepts. Unlike the WRX STI, however, it's unlikely that any degree of mechanical awesomeness will be able to bail out the gasping and flailing Legacy Concept.
Chrysler, for the ENVI trio of electric vehicles that smacks of about as much reality as a unicorn tea-party. While the design of the 200C is undeniably strong and forward-looking, it's also too little, too late, and wrapped around an 'EV' platform, reduces all hope of production to the realm of fantasy.
Lexus, for the HS250h. Outshone by the new Prius in terms of both performance and looks, the new HS could nonetheless prove a hit with smug and superior Hollywood types - itself a factor militating against its success in our eyes.
And finally, Mercedes, for soft-launching the E-Class in Detroit, but off the show floor. If it's too cool to rub shoulders with the best America and Japan have to offer, why not wait for Geneva? And even if it were launched properly in Detroit, its reception would almost certainly have been stronger and more positive nearer to its homeland. Two strikes for strategy, and one for design, Mercedes is out for this inning.
Withholding judgment:
Ford, for its all-new Taurus. A strong new design - though with an odd bit here and there - bodes well for the revival of a modern American classic. On the other hand, only the market will prove if Ford got the mix right when sales figures start to trickle in. On the fence about both design and market position - especially in relation to Lincoln's similarly-sized offerings - we'll withhold judgment until we see how the car fares with the public.

VIDEO: Second Trailer for Fast and the Furious 4 Released

Do we really need a 4th Fast and the Furious?

2009 Tokyo Motor Show May be Cancelled

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers' Association (JAMA) is in the middle of discussions about the fate of this year's Tokyo Motor Show.

The current state of the global economy and the fact that some automakers have not signed on for the show have forced JAMA to reconsider the show this year.

“A couple companies are not in favor of organizing the show under these conditions, but that is not JAMA’s opinion,” Toshihiro Iwatake, JAMA’s executive director and secretary general, told Automotive News.

The show is currently scheduled to run from Oct 23rd - Nov 8th. If the show were to be canceled there would not be another one until 2011. Iwatake hasn't mentioned which automakers have not yet signed on, but its expected that if Toyota, Honda or Nissan decide to not participate it would be a major blow to the show.

SSC Ultimate Aero 2009 1,287HP rocks!

One of the fastest car in the world, you should know SSC Ultimate Aero.I like the way SSC Ultimate Aero designed and built in an aerodynamically way.Just take a peek on this new 2009 SSC Ultimate Aero.Can this beat Bugatti Veyron,Jaguar,Porsche,or Ferrari?Well, they all good in certain ways right?

The new Ultimate Aero supercar broke the Guinness-verified top speed world record. This is an amazing feat - but if you think that it is going to sit back and relax than you’re wrong. It’s journey has just begun.

SSC has revamped this already incredible supercar and if you can believe it - they have made it even more powerful.
Now it has more power, speed, and better aerodynamics than before. The 2008 model was able to push out an amazing 1,183 horsepower - but that has been increased to 1,287 thanks to a brand new one-piece billet aluminum engine block. This engine also helps to improve upon the structural integrity and the oiling capabilities.

It has also been given a new front fascia with a new center grille opening that helpt to push all of this horsepower through the air. The carbon fiber louvers also help to push 20% more air through to the radiators. These aerodynamics upgrades together with the higher power give this supercar the ability to reach a top speed of 270 mph! Is that actually possible?

Of course if you are going to enjoy more power you have to do it inluxury
The interior has also been given a makeover with new air vents, gauge cluster, door sills, and carbon fiber trim added to the dash.

The new center console now features an Azentek PC Infotainment system that works to process the supercar’s diagnostic system on board. We now hope that that SSC will work to beat out its old record, and set a new one that will have us… once again…. amazed!

Renderings Of 2009 Lotec Sirius

As for Lotec Sirius supercar fans, they must already know that this supercar model already on the track since year 2000.

Since the early 2000’s the Lotec Sirius supercar has been in the works. It was designed after the former Group C2 champion Kurt Lotterschmid promised that he would create a supercar that would have the ability to take on some of the best supercars from around the world.

The original one was created with a twin turbocharged 6.0 liter V12 engine from Mercedes-Benz and was able to produce 850 to 1,200 horsepower depending on the different specifications. It has taken many years and numerous delays in production - but Lotec said this week that they are finally ready to release a Sirius in 2009 that has been updated accordingly.

In order to give us a sneak peek at what is to come they have provided us with some renderings. Because the V12 is not available as much as it was when the previous model was made we assume that the output will be lower. It will however be keeping the carbon fiber body and tubular steel frame. This will help the Sirius to weigh in at 3,000 pounds.

As for performance we hope that it will be the same - if not better - than the previous model. Reports state that it has the ability to rev from 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 242 mph. Let’s cross our fingers and hope we get to see it in Geneva this year.I bet a lot of cool cars around this year.

What Do You Wish Your Significant Other Drove?

Having a boyfriend or girlfriend means an excuse to have another car in your life. What do you wish your significant other drove?

I recently locked it down so I'll forever have a rather boring Honda, or similar, in my life. But I have this fantasy of her getting a pink 242 Turbo and driving it around Texas with my 245 Wagon. As nice as this dream is, ownership of a reliable and modern luxury car would allow me to feed the secret desire to have something big and cozy for cruising. Ideally, the addition of an Audi RS6 Avant.

What about you? When you fantasize about your SO, with their clothes on, what are they driving?

(QOTD is your chance to answer the day's most pressing automotive questions and experience the opinions of the insightful insiders, practicing pundits and gleeful gearheads that make up the Jalopnik commentariat. If you've got a suggestion for a good "Question Of The Day" send an email to tips at jalopnik dot com.)

PopMech Throws Down Top Ten Detroit Auto Show Reveals...Ever!

The Carpocalypse stole much of the glitz and glamor from this year's Detroit Auto Show. Popular Mechanics takes a look back with a list of the ten best Detroit reveals of all time. [Popular Mechanics]

Ring Cam Catches First Full Moon Of Season

It's snowy weather in the Eifel mountains and there's not much to see on the ol' Ring cam, but a couple of German hoons thought they'd give a little moonlight show for anyone watching.

The Nurburgring webcam has been a favorite pass time since its inception a few years ago. It gives just about anyone the opportunity to catch the world’s fastest, newest and most exclusive vehicles prior to their drivers giving them a beating on the 12.5 mile long road course.

But like most of the world in the northern hemisphere, Germany experiences heavy snow during the winter months and the ‘Ring is closed for the better part of the season. So, what’s there for amateur spy photographers during this time? See for yourself in our possibly NSFW gallery below.
(Hat Tip To Jon!)

Senator Corker Comes To Detroit, Cavorts With Ze Germans

Senator Bob Corker, Nissan Republican, toured the Detroit Auto Show to talk to auto executives and Jalopnik in the video below. Note how much security he has around him.

Senator Corker, Republican of Tennessee, is not exactly popular around the Michigan area for saying controversial things about the American automotive industry. Today was no exception, with Corker saying Chrysler needs to merge or die, which is probably less of a command than a statement of reality.

Corker is famous, or infamous depending on where you are, for leading the charge against the rescue package in the Senate because of his request for a date-certain for when the Unions would be required to take action and drop wages. Eventually, President Bush passed a similar plan but without a date certain.

After speaking with GM executives (Maximum Lutz snuck out a side door when he arrived) and touring the Volt, Corker moved on to Volkswagen. Why VW? Because they're building a gigantic plant there. We asked, under the circumstances, if he'd be better referred to as a Volkswagen Republican. His reply in the video above.

Either way, it was a well-timed event for Corker has he was there on the day with the most reporters and the least to report on. Thus explaining the crazy cluster of journalists around him.

Drinkin' in Detroit: Domestic Brand Bar Versus Foreign

Fun as the Detroit Auto Show can be, it's exhausting. After the day ends, all you really want to do is drink. Last night we test drove some automaker bars for fun.

We decided to see how two brands under the same banner would do when battling head to head for hearts and blood alcohol content. With the fully stocked bar at Lincoln only feet away from the bar at Mazda, this was the easy location choice.

The fully stocked bar at Lincoln was pretty swank, and we put back a couple drinks while taking in the view. Unfortunately the looped video of next-gen Sync with the creepy Eva avatar ran incessantly and forced us out. We spent a grand total of maybe 25 minutes at Lincoln before moving off to Mazda.

We arrived at Mazda minutes before the staff cleaned up to close. They happily served us and offered treats. Mmmmm, brownies. Also, giant Sapporos and Asahis. As they cleaned up for the evening, they told us we could stick around, and the fridges were not locked. Home. After a few rounds, we sent for Andy who was still wandering around in the GEM and ordered him to retrieve food and then join us. Eventually the whole crew joined and the free beers dried up, forcing Pete to try and open the wine bottles with a knife.

All in all, it was an easy win for Mazda mainly because nobody was there to bother us and it was a lot more fun to watch Ray obliviously doing an interview with the Beeb across the way at the Volvo booth the entire time.

The Top Ten Concept Interiors Of The 2009 Detroit Auto Show

The 2009 Detroit Auto Show was lacking on the show's "concept" side, focusing on production cars capable of surviving the Carpocalypse. Still, there were some highlights — these were the ten best interiors.

10.) Fisker Karma S Sunset

Fisker's two-seat, droptop Karma Sunset would be a pretty nice place to spend some time, though the lack of any sweet engine note would make it a pointless back road cruiser.

9.) Kia Soul'ster

The little South Korean Geo Tracker-esque Soul'ster looks great, but get us out of the front seat and into the rear so we can have some fun in the sun....wait, no. Rip the seats out and make it a proper El Camino. Yeah, that's what we meant.

8.) Cadillac Converj

The Volt-powered Cadillac Converj had a nice wrap around interior with plenty of tech, but the reason it's not higher on our list is the lack of any real design ingenuity. They would have done better throwing the CTS interior in and calling it a day. Just sayin'.

7.) VW Bluesport

The partially unexpected little diesel roadster from VW made our list because of its focused driver experience and typical VW quality.

6.) Lincoln C

Lincoln's C Concept featured a creepy avatar based multimedia system, that quite frankly, freaked us out. A lot. It's unfortunate Ford's system wasn't a working one like Chrysler's Uconnect. Chrysler 1. Ford 0.

5.) Audi Sportback

Audi always features nicely designed interiors, but this one made us want to touch, touch, touch. The wood accents were gorgeous as were the white leather surfaces. We'd totally make out with a booth professional in there.

4.) Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss

The SLR Stirling Moss looks to be a killer place to receive a couple of bees to the face while buzzing along on the autobahn. Rhyme for the win!

3.) Chrysler 200C

Chrysler presented a very impressive touch-based multimedia system in their 200C that not only worked, it worked pretty well. Like we said - Chrysler 1, Ford 0.

2.) Volvo S60

The crystal center console of the Volvo looked like something that belongs in a Swarovski catalog and that's not a bad thing. Wrapped leather surfaces and techy controls make the S60 Concept one of the hottest cars at the show.

1.) Jalopnik's GEM-Based Mobile Command Center

GEM graciously provided us with their E2 model and it provided us with hours of endless entertainment a great platform to work live on the show floor. If you've been paying attention, you may have seen our Jalopnik mobile command GEM on The Today Show, Fox 2 Detroit, New York Times, Wired (twice) and even AutoblogGreen as a mystery electric car (duh!).

U.S. Treasury gives General Motors $5.4 billion in loans

General Motors today received the second installment of its $13.4 billion in government aid from the U.S. Treasury Department. The U.S. Treasury Department gave GM a total of $5.4 billion to help it avoid running out of cash.

GM has received a total of $9.4 billion so far and is up for another $4 billion on Feb. 17 according to sources.

Under former President George W. Bush, the Treasury agreed to loan GM and Chrysler LLC up to $17.4 billion to keep both companies from going bankrupt.

Source: Detroit News

Top Gear officially reveals The Stig as… Graham Hill?

Two days after British media reported that Ben Collins, a 33-year old former Formula Three, Le Mans, GT and NASCAR racer from Bristol, has revealed himself as The Stig - Top Gear has come out with their official word. According to a post on Top Gear’s blog, The Stig is none other than Graham Hill.

Who is Graham Hill you ask? Norman Graham Hill was a British racing driver and two-time Formula One World Champion and the only driver to win the Triple Crown of Motorsport (an unofficial motorsport achievement that includes winning the Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Formula One World Championship.) The only problem is that Graham Hill died in 1975.

The Top Gear blog reads: In an alleged plot believed to have cost the license payer millions of pounds, BBC bosses apparently helped Graham Hill fake his own death in a plane crash.

According to Mole sources, the BBC knew as far back as 1974 that one day they’d hire Jeremy Clarkson to front their motoring show which didn’t exist yet, and that Jeremy would probably go to a school where they called new boys “Stigs”, and that in 2002 he’d probably invent an anonymous racing driver and probably give him that same name.

So they approached Graham Hill, whose professional driving career was over at that point, and asked him to crash a plane and then hide in a bush until he got the call from the Top Gear team 20 odd years later,” said a BBC insider.

He added: “The BBC does make a mess of some things but they’re pretty good at forward planning.”

BBC is one amazing network. The identity of The Stig was supposedly revealed after some moustache wax was found in a Mercedes-Benz SLR the Stig had been driving.

Source: Top Gear

Checker Motors Corp. files for Chapter 11

Checker Motors Corp., the maker of Checker taxi cabs, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company sought court protection on Friday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Michigan saying that the rise of cost in raw materials and the fall in demand accounted for its problems

Checker said that it has also been unsuccessful in negotiation lower wages with the union that would make it competitive with other suppliers.

The company, now an auto parts maker, made taxi cabs more than 25 years ago. It employed 246 employees and made metal stampings and welded assemblies.

Source: AutoObserver

EDAG Light Car Concept coming to Geneva in March

EDAG (Engineering + Design AG), a German company founded in 1969 by Horst Eckard, is well known for their Biwak concept based on the Beetle and their EDAG Pontiac Solstice hardtop. The company will now return to the 79th Geneva Motor Show in March with their very own EDAG Light Car Concept.

EDAG describes the concept as a “vision of an environment-friendly, future-orientated vehicle for everyday and leisure use.” The body of the EDAG Light Car Concept is made from 100 percent lightweight recyclable material supplied by ASA.TEC.

The 5-passenger Light Car Concept runs on an electric-drive system that is powered by a set of lithium-ion batteries. EDAG says that the car can travel up to 93 miles on battery-power alone.

Follow the jump for the press release.

EDAG Light Car Concept:

Press Release:

EDAG, worldwide provider of engineering services, will be presenting the world premiere of its vision of an environment-friendly, future-orientated vehicle for everyday and leisure use at this year’s International Motor Show in Geneva.

For the body concept of the “Light Car - Open Source”, EDAG has broken new ground, and for the first time ever in automotive engineering, used ASA.TEC’s innovative basalt fibre, a lightweight, stable and - above all - 100% recyclable material. Propulsion is taken care of by intelligent, electric drive systems in the wheels, which not only feature a high degree of efficiency to get the power of the lithium-ion batteries onto the road, but will also provide considerably greater creative scope for the vehicle package. In addition, with its innovative light concept, the “Light Car - Open Source” will be one of the first vehicles to utilise (O)LED technology as an individually adaptable design and communication element.

As a design engineering company, the EDAG Group would like to apply its experience to contributing to the development of new vehicle concepts and processes. Rising energy prices, the CO2 discussion and the increase in demands for reasonably priced cars are all pressing questions which now, more than ever, call for innovative concepts. Since 1999, EDAG has, with its concept cars, been producing pragmatic ideas for the evolution of the automobile. Motivated by the current discussions about the cars of tomorrow and future direction of the automotive industry, EDAG has risked taking a visionary and courageous look towards the future. With the “Light Car - Open Source”, EDAG gives possible answers to the question of how new materials, new body concepts and alternative drive systems can be implemented in the future, while conserving resources and keeping costs down for the manufacturer and customer alike.

Light as a design and communication element
The body: an individually adaptable desktop

With its innovative light concept and minimalised lighting technology, the “Light Car - Open Source” is one of the first vehicles to use (O)LED technology as a variable design and communication element.

Not until it is started up does the “Light Car - Open Source”, with a body that looks as though it is made of glass, come to life and reveal its true looks. In the glass panes, (O)LED lamps mark out the outlines of the headlights and rear lights on the “Light Car - Open Source”. The driver can design the outlines of the lights to his individual taste to give the car a unique appearance, something he is already used to doing, from setting up his PC desktop. The driver also has a free hand when it comes to arranging his “workplace” in the cockpit. Whether he wants the tachometer in the middle or the climate control gauge on the right-hand side, the driver can individually configure his cockpit as far as size, position and style of the instruments is concerned.

“We have transferred today’s multimedia and lighting technology standards to the car, and in future want to offer the customer scope for free configuration, as the entire surface of the vehicle functions like the monitor of a multimedia installation, and can be used intelligently and individually,” explains Johannes Barckmann, Head of the EDAG Design Studio.

With the aid of state-of-the-art (O)LED technology, EDAG uses the transparent tailgate as a projection screen, making car-to-car communication visible and usable to all motorists. For instance, the braking force can be communicated to the next vehicle by means of an illuminated scale on the back of the car. Other information, such as a distance reading or if there is the tail end of a traffic jam ahead, can be clearly displayed on the back of the car, even if the vehicle behind does not have a car-to-car communication system of its own. Further, the driver of the car behind can see the information straight away, without needing to take his eyes off the road!

Innovative basalt fibre as material - rolling chassis as platform

With the choice of materials for EDAG’s “Light Car - Open Source”, the emphasis is also on innovative solutions. Apart from the glass surfaces or alternatively Makrolon, the material of the future, the structure of the vehicle is predominantly of an innovative, industrially standardised basalt fibre (ASA.TEC fibre). This 100% recyclable and almost infinitely available raw material is not just lighter and less costly than aluminium or carbon, but also has practically the same strength properties as conventional materials. This new quality of basalt fibre, which is to be utilised in the construction of rotors for large-scale wind power plants in the future, can now be put to systematic use in the automotive industry. This type of basalt fibre therefore has the potential for becoming a main structural element and thus being used as a future lightweight material in cars for the high volume market.

The body concept of the “Light Car - Open Source” is based on a rolling chassis - a genuine, universal platform to which the modules for various bodies can be added. This enables vehicle derivatives to be developed more quickly and at lower cost.

One hundred percent monovalent!

The drive concept of the light car is based on an all-electric, monovalent drive system with a range of up to 150 kilometres, making it eminently suitable for everyday use. The matter of propulsion is taken care of by intelligent, electric drive systems in the wheels, which not only feature a high degree of efficiency to get the power of the lithium-ion batteries in the rolling chassis onto the road, but will also provide considerably greater creative scope for the vehicle package. This is made possible by a system integrated in the wheels, which consolidates a number of functions: steering, brakes, drive and suspension.
The light car’s exterior dimensions - 4 metres long and 1.70 metres wide - put it in the compact car size range, and as both engine and gearbox have been eliminated, the wheelbase - 2.90 metres - has been brought up to luxury class level, with enough space to seat five passengers in comfort.

Open source

The new lightweight material, standardised basalt fibre, an electric drive system, rolling chassis and - last but not least - the innovative lighting concept offer great potential for a new vehicle concept. Many of the technologies shown today are still in the early stages of their development. For this reason, EDAG regards this as an open source project, and approaches other companies with which it can then work on the development of the EDAG Light Car. The company has made a deliberate decision to address itself to a wide circle, thus enabling new notions to be absorbed in the car of the future. Computer and software developers are to apply their new technologies in exactly the same way as ASA.TEC basalt fibre, (O)LED technology or electric drive specialists do.

With EDAG’s expertise in vehicle and production plant development, and the integration of system suppliers in complex complete development projects, the Fulda company will be playing the leading role in the development of the open source project. The company’s all-round understanding of product and production will help EDAG to develop pragmatic solutions, particularly regarding savings potential when it comes to product costs.

With “Light Car - Open Source”, the EDAG Group intends not only to substantiate its claims to being an innovative engineering partner to the automotive industry, but also to stimulate the discussion of ways and means of satisfying future consumer demands - ecological and economical - on the next generation of cars.

RENNTECH 777 proves that horsepower war isn’t over just yet

It seems like every time AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg announces that “the horsepower war is over” RENNTECH comes out with a press release releasing an new horsepower upgrade for AMG vehicles.

“Last year, it was a coincidence that we were releasing a new, 695 hp performance package for the 65 series AMG cars at around the same time. We sent out a press release that said ‘HP War Not Over’,” said Hartmut Feyhl, president of RENNTECH. “This year it is the same timing again, and we have something much more extreme to announce for our 20th Anniversary.”

This time around RENNTECH will introduce a new performance package for the McLaren 722 that will offer horsepower upgrades of up to 777-hp with a top speed reaching over 210 mph. Known as the RENNTECH 777, the new car will use the advanced carbon fiber chassis of the SLR McLaren with some aerodynamical upgrades including a huge wing, splitters and side skirts.

RENNTECH will only make 20 units of the RENNTECH 777 to celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary.

Come build in Motown: Granholm signs bill offering tax-credit to battery makers

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm signed a new bill into law on Wednesday that will provide $335 million in refundable tax credits to encourage companies to develop and build advanced-batteries in Michigan for hybrids and electric-cars.

“We want Michigan to be positioned as the battery capital of the world,” Granholm told reporters at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Granholm is hoping that the new bill will attract one of the fastest growing sectors in the industry to Michigan. She said that the battery sector could create as many as 50,000 jobs. Granholm is hoping that Michigan can attract as much of the market as possible.

Source: Detroit News

British Fabrio announces GTS350 Supercharged Track Day Car

Fabrio Sports Car has announced their 2009 Track Day Car which will have a limited production of 25 units. The track going car is based on the GT350 Supercharged model with an intercooler and upgraded injectors pumping out 350-hp while weighing in at 956kg (2,103 pounds) - that’s a 366-hp power to weight ratio.

The 2009 Track Day Car will be sold with a list of options to customize the car for enthusiasts that have more than enough money to take out their frustrations on a track. The new model keeps its carbon fiber body with an addition of a fuel-bag tank, an uprated gearbox with limited slip differential, dry sump and low profile Toyo R888 tires.

The car will be good for the road until it is specifically built for the track with an FIA approved roll-cage. 350-hp not enough for you? Higher output option are available with up to 450-hp (a 471-hp/ton).

Video: Fast & Furious Trailer No.2

We first saw the trailer to the fourth installment to The Fast and The Furious in August of last year. Universal has now released a second trailer of the Fast & Furious, giving us a better feel for the plot of the movie.

Paul Walker and Dominic Toretto are back after Walker is released from prison to catch a heroin importer with Toretto as his right hand man. Han from Tokyo Drift is also said to make a special appearance in this non-stop thrilling action feature.

On and off again: Suzuki Kizashi 3 future still being decided

Earlier this month it was reported by Japanese media that the production version of the Suzuki Kizashi 3 had been shelved. Following that, a spokesman for American Suzuki said that the reports were false and that the production Kizashi will be coming to the 2009 New York Auto Show. Well, hold on a second - not so fast.

According to a new report by Inside Line, a Suzuki spokesman in Tokyo says that the company is far from making any final decision on whether the Kizashi 3 project will continue as scheduled.”

Inside Line says that everything is still up in there - meaning timing and engine spec and whether or not it will actually debut in New York is still pending.

All we know is that we want to see it New York and think that a production Kizashi 3 sedan will do wonders for Suzuki - wonders that the Genesis did for Hyundai.

Mulally: I hope that a car czar does not get into product strategy

Speaking at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, FoMoCo CEO Alan Mulally praised the incoming President-elect Barack Obama, but said that whoever is appointed “car czar” should not interfere with the automaker’s product plans.

“My god, I hope that a car czar does not get into the product strategy of the companies,” Mulally said during a dinner with journalists. “The product strategy has to be led by the companies.”

Mulally said that he’s very encouraged that Obama understands the challenges that face the auto industry and the U.S. economy, reports Automotive News.

Executives at Ford alsosaid that they are hopeful that Obama will put together a broad national energy policy that keeps consumer behavior in line with social interest on energy use.

2009 North American International Auto Show

The 2009 edition of the North American International Auto Show may have come with far less glitz and glamour than past years, but there was still much to be excited about on the show floor. This year’s show put a focus on the cars we love and the cars we need. Automakers unveiled exciting new concepts as well as many production models and there was still some muscle to be found in the greenest Detroit show yet.

2009 Tokyo Auto Salon

The 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon was an iconic event that was a true runaway success. Amazing crowds, live entertainment, and the all-encompassing auto-buffet served joyfulness for everyone in attendance. The showcase was held January 9-11 in the halls of the Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, Japan (roughly 40 minutes by car or 30 by train outside of downtown Toyko) and is uniquely suited as one of the world’s largest annual auto exhibition.

Inside the £6million Bugatti

This stunning Bugatti spent nearly 50 years gathering dust in a garage, but as these exclusive Auto Express pictures show, it’s now ready to roll again. Nick Banwell – who has prepared the car – and James Knight from auctioneer Bonhams expect the Type 57S Atalante to become the most expensive production vehicle ever sold when it goes under the hammer next month.

Massa says new Ferrari is totally different

MUGELLO - Felipe Massa gave Ferrari's new Formula One car its track debut on Monday and said it felt entirely different to the one he drove to victory six times last year.

Formula One has made major changes for the coming season with new aerodynamic regulations and slick tyres brought in to boost overtaking.
New rules on weight distribution have been drawn up and the KERS system, which gives cars a limited power boost by recovering energy from the brakes, introduced.
"It really is a car which is totally different to what we were used to up to last year," the Brazilian told a news conference as the constructors' world champions became the first team to unveil their car. "KERS and the aerodynamic changes mean the car is completely different to drive. This is just the beginning of a new cycle in Formula One and it will not be an easy experience."

Massa was runner-up last year to McLaren's 23-year-old Briton Lewis Hamilton, who won the driver's title by one point.
Massa had expected the first outing at Mugello to be tough but saw positive signs ahead of a proper test in Portimao, Portugal, later this month.
"This was the first day and we weren't looking to do 100 laps and good times given that they've changed the rules," he said. "Today there were small problems like on any first day but I'm happy with how it went.
"It will certainly be very different to drive this car...but you get more familiar and eventually it will be automatic. When changes are introduced it is always like that and at this stage we suffer, like last year with the lack of traction control.
"This is a situation where the driver is more important."
NO REGRETS
The 27-year-old had no regrets about last season and felt confident ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 29.
"The mood inside the team is pretty good. There have been great changes and maybe it will change some of the ways we work. I'm pretty happy with the work done by the team and I hope they'll continue to improve week after week," he said. "During this holiday period I just put myself in a very normal frame of mind and tried to draw a lesson from last year. I'm not looking backwards, I'm always looking to the future."
Some observers have said the aerodynamic changes have made the new cars look ugly but Massa thought Ferrari's F60 was not too bad.
"I was positively impressed. I prefer to have an ugly car with very high performance levels," he said.
Agencies