Lotus' Evora Latest Can Race, too

Lotus' Evora Latest Can Race, too
When Lotus launched its Evora last year, it seemed the company gave in to the need for a mass-market car. Unlike the Elise, the Evora has four seats. The cabin isn't stripped bare, but sports modern electronics. And the engine is a big--a Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V-6. But lest we think this extra tonnage makes the Evora any less sporty than the Elise, Lotus intends to take a race-equipped Evora to the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race.

Lotus had its Evora endurance racer on display at the Frankfurt auto show. Externally, the car shows few modifications from a standard Evora, although its big carbon fiber wing stands out. Other aerodynamic components include a diffuser and splitter. For endurance racing, the Evora also gets a 31.7-gallon fuel tank, roll cage, and fire suppression system. But even with this extra equipment, Lotus engineers managed to shave 441 pounds off it versus a standard Evora, for a total weight of 2,646 pounds.

The Evora endurance racer retains the 3.5-liter V-6, although in this application it has been tuned up to 395 horsepower, which likely means a supercharger. The standard transmission has been replaced with a sequential six-speed paddle-shifted gearbox.

With its power-to-weight ratio, good aerodynamics, and Lotus-engineered handling, the Evora should prove itself a contender. But the tough nature of endurance racing will reveal any faults Lotus engineers might have overlooked.

Lotus Evora
Lotus' Evora Latest Can Race, too

Lotus Evora
Lotus' Evora Latest Can Race, too

Lotus Evora
Lotus' Evora Latest Can Race, too

Lotus Evora
Lotus' Evora Latest Can Race, too



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Europeans get into the hybrid act

Europeans get into the hybrid act
Japanese automakers pioneered hybrid cars, but German companies have been slow to join in. At the Frankfurt auto show, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche showed off their latest efforts, a mix of research and production vehicles. Most of these cars don't stint on the power, merely using hybrid systems to boost efficiency without shooting for stellar fuel economy.

Volkswagen also comes in with a hybrid concept in its quest to build a car that will only burn one liter of fuel over 100 kilometers. And Lexus shows off a luxury compact concept with a full hybrid power train as a way of testing the waters in the European market.

Europeans get into the hybrid act

Europeans get into the hybrid act

Europeans get into the hybrid act




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Tiny concept cars at the Frankfurt auto show

Citroen Revolte, Concept Car

The Citroen Revolte features suicide doors and a lounge-style rear seat.

Small is clearly in, as these concepts show. And since concept cars are a bellwether for upcoming automotive trends, expect downsizing to be commonplace among new cars. Most of these concepts are lightweight city cars, easily maneuverable and economical. Mini's entrants add a sporty flavor, while Citroen and Hyundai go for the futuristic. Mazda showed off a stripped-down version of its MX-5, more weekend racer than everyday driver.





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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG spreads its gullwings, flies to Frankfurt

Mercedes-Benz SLS
The Frankfurt floodgates have opened and we find ourselves in the midst of a deluge of supercars. This time we've received a batch of photos of Mercedes-Benz's revival of the 300SL Gullwing, the SLS AMG.

Under the SLS AMG's long hood is a version of the V-8 that we've seen powering every Merc of this generation with an AMG badge--although, this time the engine actually displaces 6.3-liters. Output has been tuned to 563 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The extra power comes partially from all-new intake and exhaust systems and a rejiggered valve train.

Power flows through a SpeedShift 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and down an exotic carbon fiber driveshaft before meeting the road at the rear wheels. The gearbox features three driving modes for Comfort, Sport, and Sport plus, as well as an automated manual mode. Sixty miles per hour happens in a blistering 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 197 mph.

Dispite its wing doors, the SLS AMG is more at home on the road than in the sky.
(Credit: Mercedes-Benz). Of course, the SLS' real draw is it's design homage to the 300SL Gullwing. In addition to the wingdoors that hinge upward from the roof, the also SLS features the classic long-hood, short overhang design of the sports cars of old, with a small passenger compartment mounted just ahead of the rear axle.

Mercedes-Benz SLS

Mercedes-Benz SLS

Mercedes-Benz SLS

Mercedes-Benz SLS


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2011 Bentley Mulsanne

2011 Bentley Mulsanne
The 2011 Bentley Mulsanne was officially announced at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, but the luxury automaker was keeping quiet with the details regarding its newest land-yacht's power train and tech. However, with the 2009 Frankfurt auto show, the veil has been pulled back and we're finally able to share the goods. Let's just get this out of the way: 752 pound-feet of torque--that's how much twist is generated by the Mulsanne's 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine. There's also 505-horsepower being generated, but we can't get past that number: 752.

The engine isn't the only generator of huge numbers. Try "2,200-watt Naim for Bentley premium audio system with eight DSP modes and 20 speakers" on for size. Feeding that audiophile quality audio system is a 40GB hard-drive-based audio system that features navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and multimedia connectivity options.

Bentley's PR guys and gals probably won't admit it, but much of the Mulsanne's tech appears to be repackaged Audi technology, which makes sense as both automakers are mostly owned by the Volkswagen Group. For example, the infotainment system appears to be a reskinning of Audi's MMI system and features a leather-lined MP3-player drawer in the center of the dash that houses what appears to be Audi's Music Interface. A Drive Select system with four vehicle dynamic modes (including a user customizable mode) is remarkably similar to the system that we're starting to see on, you guessed it, Audis. This technology sharing is fine by us; after all, the Rolls-Royce Phantom shares more than a little tech with its distant BMW relatives.

Bentley Mulsanne engine plaque
Each 6.75-liter V-8 features a numbered plaque, just in case you want to track down the bloke who hand assembled your motor.
(Credit: Antuan Goodwin/CNET)

However, Mulsanne represents a level of extreme luxury that can't be found in any Audi we've ever seen. Plush carpet, fine leather, and high-quality wood and metal finishes can all be customized in any way that the customer likes. There are over 114 paint colors available, 24 leather colors, and dozens of wood veneers available, and that's before we get into custom bespoke options. Each Mulsanne is handmade in Crewe, England and carries a plaque on the body and a numbered plaque on the engine declaring its handmade bona fides.

Bentley Mulsanne
2011 Bentley Mulsanne

Bentley Mulsanne
2011 Bentley Mulsanne

Bentley Mulsanne
2011 Bentley Mulsanne

Bentley Mulsanne
2011 Bentley Mulsanne

Bentley Mulsanne
2011 Bentley Mulsanne




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2010 Fiat Punto Evo

Fiat Punto Evo
The Fiat Punto Evo, the evolution of the Fiat Grande Punto, will make its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is destined to repeat the success of its predecessor and become the new pacesetter for innovation, safety and style, thanks to its many innovative features. The epithet “Evo” identifies a level of car design that is capable of satisfying even the most demanding customers in terms of technology, driving pleasure and respect for the environment.

Finally, the new Punto Evo is even more attractive thanks to the work of Fiat’s Centro Stile. The interiors (fascia, seats and instrumentation) have been completely renewed to become even more prestigious and elegant, and the outside has been given a thoroughly restyled look too. The Fiat Punto Evo goes on sale in the second half of October with the precise objective of consolidating its role as one of Europe’s market leaders in the highly important compact segment.

Fiat Punto Evo
Fiat Punto Evo

Fiat Punto Evo
Fiat Punto Evo

Fiat Punto Evo
Fiat Punto Evo

Fiat Punto Evo
Fiat Punto Evo

Fiat Punto Evo
Fiat Punto Evo






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Make way for the $1.6 million open-top Lamborghini Reventón Roadster

Lamborghini Reventón Roadster
The sleekest open-top sports car has finally arrived. Known as the Reventón Roadster, this two-seater, sports car was recently unveiled by Lamborghini. A mean machine, the Reventón Roadster boasts of a 6.5 liter twelve-cylinder that generates 493 kW (670 PS), catapulting the Roadster from 0 to 100 Km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 330 KM/h (205 mph).

In fact, the Reventón Roadster is actually extremely similar to the non-drop-top Reventón coupe. What is more, according to Lamborghini it is one of the most extreme car’s the company has ever produced! The Roadster is clad in a design of maximum functionality and spectacular clarity. Its color too is equally exclusive. The aggressive wedge shape of this car might remind you of fighter jets. Designers have actually created a new shade of matt grey called Reventón Grey especially for this car. A six-speed transmission and all-wheel drive are some of the features of this beauty.

The engine is mounted longitudinally in front of the rear axle, resulting in 58 percent of the weight being carried by the back wheels. The front end can be raised about 1.6 inches to protect against potholes and steep inclines. Headlamps feature bi-xenon units with LEDs forming the daytime running lights and indicators. Behind the two seats are two hidden pop-up bars that deploy upwards in less than a second in the event of an imminent rollover. Rating high in performance, design as well as safety this sports car is definitely in a league of its own.

An amazing car, the Lamborghini Reventón Roadster will however be limited to less than 20 units. The car is priced at $1.6 million with deliveries scheduled to begin in October 2009. The car will be seen at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Lamborghini Reventón Roadster

Lamborghini Reventón Roadster

Lamborghini Reventón Roadster



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BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics X5 Concept

BMW Vision
It may look like a standard X5 from the outside, but the Vision Efficient Dynamics concept previews BMW's mild hybrid plans as well as a new high-performance diesel and eight-speed transmission. At the heart of this concept is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. It uses two variable turbos and common rail injection to churn out a healthy 295 lb-ft of torque. What's more, the engine produces an astounding 204 hp - BMW claims it's the first diesel to generate over 100 hp per liter of engine displacement. The engine consumes fuel at a rate of 36 mpg.

The diesel engine is just part of the efficiency equation, however. An electric generator is housed in the transmission and can contribute 15 kW of power and up to 155 lb-ft of torque. When added to the engine output, the hybrid system peaks at 221 hp. Generated electricity is stored in a lithium-ion battery that's mounted in the luggage compartment. The vehicle can recover energy with regenerative braking and store additional "free" energy from the sun via a roof-mounted solar panel. Accessories like power steering, the air conditioning compressor, and engine coolant pump run on a 120-volt system that takes advantage of stored power and frees the engine up to move the X5 down the road (with a 0-to-62-mph time of 8.9 seconds).

Those ideas may foretell what's in BMW's hybrid future, but the concept's new gearbox is production-ready. An eight-speed automatic transmission was co-developed with ZF and goes along with the EfficientDynamics theme. The extra gears give a wide range of ratios while an electronic gear-finder makes skipping the unnecessary ones possible. Locking the transmission to the engine - accomplished by a clutch that engages once the vehicle is moving -reduces driveline losses.

While the concept shows what's possible (albeit hidden under a normal-looking X5), BMW warns that such improvements in efficiency "can only be achieved by means of an exponential increase in effort and expense." Translation: prepare to pay a premium if you want to save the earth in BMW style.

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics X5
BMW Vision

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics X5
BMW Vision



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FRANKFURT 2009, BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept

BMW Vision
Before Frankfurt be its doors, BMW present all the images and details of his spectacular new prototype, called Vision EfficientDynamics Concept , a prototype that in addition to presenting a design really striking and end, presents a spectacular engine that surely in a very short while we will see production models (hopefully).

The Vision EfficientDynamics has a plug-in hybrid system with an engine and two electric, whose batteries can be recharged from a plug to get performance comparable to that of a M3 and a average consumption of 3.76 litres/100 km combined cycle that would harmonize.

The internal combustion engine is 1.5 liter 163 horsepower and 290 Nm in association with a gearshift DCT, derived from M3 and Z4 , which along with two electric motors achieve 356 hp and a torque of 800 Nm at peak performance.

The first electric drift of ActiveHybrid 7 , which provides 25 kW continuous (upgradeable to 38) from its position between the central span and the gearbox. The maximum force developed is 290 Nm. And the second electric motor is in the front, this has been designed for maximum sportsmanship, developing 60 kW and up to 220 Nm. This makes the 0 to 100 km / h in 4.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km / h.

And this is achieved through batteries Lithium Polymer , these have a usable capacity of 8.6 kWh on a total of 10.8 kWh, and can be recharged in 2.5 hours from a simple socket 220 V/16 A. The load is performed using a conventional 220 volt outlet or an outlet of 380 volts three phase. Recharge time varies between 44 minutes and two hours. But the most surprising is that it also works 100% with its electric motors. Impressive !!!

Its structure has been made with lightweight materials. Aluminum for the chassis and suspension, body panels and polycarbonate windows. This achieves a weight of 1,395 kg. It measures 4.60 meters long, 1.90 meters wide and 1.24 meters high. As we appreciate design BMW was the end, marking new lines everywhere, and thus showing the lines will have their future models (where aunquesa be directed).

The front is really aggressive, its optical, grill, air intake, the engine is at the center of the hood, and the lines surrounding the whole car really scared. On the side is a line that reminds me of the prototype Dacia , the Duster , but of course, completely carried to an extreme, where we found the door with an opening gullwing and the optical back.

And in the back, we see what is more aggressive than this model, where the optics of LEDs, the blue, the air outlet, the body that protrudes from the same, the graph of the name, everything, they do look as something that is not of this planet. Before long we shall live and direct. Related Information: BMW Vision Z Concept, the supercar from the German company finally appears BMW I-Setta 2012, confirms what was clear he had long ago BMW 1 Series 2010 3 Series 2012, new data and recreations BMW 1 Series M Sport Edition Your Sp.

BMW Vision

BMW Vision

BMW Vision

BMW Vision

BMW Vision

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Alfa Romeo Brera S 2.2 Car review

Alfa Romeo Brera
It isn’t. At all. Although Prodrive has added bespoke Eibach springs and Bilstein gas-filled monotube dampers, all the work it’s done has been fully signed off by Italy – complete durability testing included (ahem). The Brera S even has its own stability control settings. Alfa UK and Prodrive have been working on this project for a year. Which seems a lot of effort for a run of only 500 cars. Each one will be numbered – with certificate! – and they are exclusively available in the UK.

The Brera S is a properly engineered chassis development of the regular car, already upgraded for 2008 with hollow anti-roll bars and aluminium suspension components. Petrol only, the S is available as 185bhp 2.2 four-pot or 260bhp 3.2 V6. There are no engine enhancements but both versions weigh less. A 35kg reduction for the 2.2 is fine, but 100kg off the V6 (it's missing Q4, don't forget) is far more impressive – resulting in stronger in-gear acceleration.

The Brera S also gets some very tasty 19-inch alloys. Modeled after those on the 8C Competizione supercar, these are 2kg a corner lighter than the regular 17-inch alloys.

Ok, it sounds good – but how does the revised Brera drive?

Starting with the 2.2, it’s immediately apparent that there is a massive improvement in body control. Alfa helpfully had some standard 2.2 Breras on hand, and the S feels like a completely different car. It stays far flatter through every kind of corner, keeps its composure far better over broken surfaces, and while the steering remains a little numb, it is far more consistent. The dead area at the straight-ahead position has all but vanished.

Alfa Romeo Brera
Alfa Romeo Brera

Alfa Romeo Brera
Alfa Romeo Brera

Alfa Romeo Brera
Alfa Romeo Brera

Alfa Romeo Brera
Alfa Romeo Brera




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Need a lift from your yacht to the beach? Try the Fiat Fiorino Portofino

Fiat Fiorino Portofino
Fiat is taking a step back in time at this year's Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, Germany, with its show van called the Fiorino Portofino that takes significant inspiration from the custum built Jolly beach cars built during the 1950s and '60s.For the concept's construction, the Italian automaker's fleet division, Fiat Professional, commissioned small-car customizer Vernagallo-Holiday and SALT to create a one-off show car built much in the same style of the Italian luxury beach buggies of yesteryear. If you happen to be like most of us and are unfamiliar with the Italian small beach-car craze, be prepared to get schooled.

Beginning in 1958, Fiat 500s, 600s, Giardinieras and Multiplas were converted by famed coachbuilder Ghia into Jollys, or small, open-top and doorless beach cruisers. They were a hit among the wealthy Italians and made their way into the hands of well-heeled Americans until 1961.

With the Fiorino Portofino, Fiat is looking to capitalize once again on super-rich luxury toy market, which, not surprisingly, isn't dwindling by any means in these times. Like its predecessors, the Fiorino Portofino has no doors to speak of, but has in their places, weatherproof ropes (yes, ropes) and a sturdy rollbar. The swinging rear doors of the donor Fiat Fiorino Combi have been maintained, while up to five passengers can enjoy the "nautical flavor" waterproof interior surroundings and wood-trimmed floorings. Scooting the little buggy's wheels is a choice of two engines: a 1.4L gasoline or 1.3L Mutlijet. What the latter exactly is, we're not exactly sure, but we do know that both offerings come with a traction assisting system called the "traction +," a speed limiter and a Comfort Matic gearbox.

If some potential buyers aren't feeling the need for extra sun exposure while cruising the beaches next to their docked yachts, Fiat is said to be concocting a covered version of the beach buggy due out in the near future. There was no word on if or when the Fiat Fiorino Portofino will be produced, but look for the cars to make the rounds at recreational vehicle shows across Europe. Now if only there were an optional fringed surrey top.

Fiat Fiorino Portofino
Fiat Fiorino Portofino

Fiat Fiorino Portofino
Fiat Fiorino Portofino

Fiat Fiorino Portofino
Fiat Fiorino Portofino

Fiat Fiorino Portofino
Fiat Fiorino Portofino

Fiat Fiorino Portofino
Fiat Fiorino Portofino



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