A company from California it is very proud because of the new concept: an ecological car, in electric or hybrid version , cheaper than 30.000$. The cars were built in Aptera and the series models will be sold this year, first in the full-electric version and after that in hybrid version.
576itwjrxd.jpg
The full-electric car has an autonomy of 120 miles and can be charged at any plug in a few hours. The hybrid version consumes just 0,784 liters of combustible at 100 km walked, being equipped with a generator that runs on benzine and an electric engine.
Both versions are equipped with safety add-ons: zones of frontal deformation, steel for sideways and airbags for the driver and passengers.
The car runs only on three wheels and it has enough space for 2 adults and one child. The chair in the back, for the child, can be extracted if you want more space for sportive equipment or some bags from shopping.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Pontiac – A Small Tribute To An Icon
Pontiac, one of the most successful muscle car brands ever, has finally bitten the dust. General Motors, after watching Pontiac’s market share and profitability drain away over the last few decades decided last year that the brand was to finish, and one year later, its finally happened.
Pontiac came into being way back in 1926, and through the following years gradually built its iconic cars in to the epitome of everything a muscle car should be. Pontiac was responsible for several of the most memorable, and successful, muscle cars ever made, including the GTP, the Bonneville and of course the Firebird TransAm, made famous throughout the World by Burt Reynolds 1970′s movie Smoky and the Bandit.
Pontiac’s sales hit their peak way back in the 1960′s reaching almost 1 million sales in 1968, however those days were never to be seen again and over the following decades sales showed a continued decline and finally Pontiac was put out of its misery by GM after its much publicised financial meltdown and subsequent bailout.
Here though, we want to celebrate some of Pontiac’s finer moments, so here are a few of Pontiac’s best ever cars.
Pontiac Star Chief Convertible
Pontiac Star Chief Convertible
A great looking 1950′s classic, the Pontiac Star Chief was one of Pontiac’s finer moments during its ascendancy, ever reliable and blessed with fantastic looks, the Star Chief was much sort after, and with a usefully powerful V8, the car never lack pace.
Pontiac Bonneville 1967
Pontiac Bonneville 1967
The Pontiac Bonneville was one of the longest running models ever, starting from 1957 all the way through to 2005. In hindsight Pontiac should probably have left the name for the great models of the 50′s and 60′s and then stopped using it, the cars baring the Bonneville name gradually got less desirable, and less attractive as the decades rolled on, generally the models of the 80′s onwards are best (and easily) forgotten, but the early examples will stay in the history of motoring as fine examples of cars of their time.
Pontiac GTO - The Judge
Pontiac GTO - The Judge
The GTO was one of the most striking cars to appear from the Pontiac stable. Blessed with powerful engines and styling to ensure you get noticed, the car was a major success. The model above is “The Judge”, a special version of the GTO released during the cars second generation era, and boasting greatly increased power, uprated handling components, and some not so subtle styling tweaks in the form of hood air scoops and tail spoilers. A classic, and much sort after, the GTO in all its forms remains one of the best looking cars to ever be produced.
Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am
Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am
Finally the Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am, this car more or less needs no introduction to anybody born in the early 70′s or before, its presence in the Smokey and the Bandit movie did a fair job of stealing the lime light from Burt Reynolds, and some would say the car overshadowed his performance and was the real star of the movie. Classic lines, awesome engines and the famous T-Top make this car one to remember and one that will always be towards the top of any muscle car list.
So there you have it, a few examples of what made Pontiac such a great car maker and a success for many decades before biting the dust, and while there will be no more cars produced with the iconic Pontiac name, its history and automotive successes will never be forgotten, RIP Pontiac.
Pontiac came into being way back in 1926, and through the following years gradually built its iconic cars in to the epitome of everything a muscle car should be. Pontiac was responsible for several of the most memorable, and successful, muscle cars ever made, including the GTP, the Bonneville and of course the Firebird TransAm, made famous throughout the World by Burt Reynolds 1970′s movie Smoky and the Bandit.
Pontiac’s sales hit their peak way back in the 1960′s reaching almost 1 million sales in 1968, however those days were never to be seen again and over the following decades sales showed a continued decline and finally Pontiac was put out of its misery by GM after its much publicised financial meltdown and subsequent bailout.
Here though, we want to celebrate some of Pontiac’s finer moments, so here are a few of Pontiac’s best ever cars.
Pontiac Star Chief Convertible
Pontiac Star Chief Convertible
A great looking 1950′s classic, the Pontiac Star Chief was one of Pontiac’s finer moments during its ascendancy, ever reliable and blessed with fantastic looks, the Star Chief was much sort after, and with a usefully powerful V8, the car never lack pace.
Pontiac Bonneville 1967
Pontiac Bonneville 1967
The Pontiac Bonneville was one of the longest running models ever, starting from 1957 all the way through to 2005. In hindsight Pontiac should probably have left the name for the great models of the 50′s and 60′s and then stopped using it, the cars baring the Bonneville name gradually got less desirable, and less attractive as the decades rolled on, generally the models of the 80′s onwards are best (and easily) forgotten, but the early examples will stay in the history of motoring as fine examples of cars of their time.
Pontiac GTO - The Judge
Pontiac GTO - The Judge
The GTO was one of the most striking cars to appear from the Pontiac stable. Blessed with powerful engines and styling to ensure you get noticed, the car was a major success. The model above is “The Judge”, a special version of the GTO released during the cars second generation era, and boasting greatly increased power, uprated handling components, and some not so subtle styling tweaks in the form of hood air scoops and tail spoilers. A classic, and much sort after, the GTO in all its forms remains one of the best looking cars to ever be produced.
Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am
Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am
Finally the Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am, this car more or less needs no introduction to anybody born in the early 70′s or before, its presence in the Smokey and the Bandit movie did a fair job of stealing the lime light from Burt Reynolds, and some would say the car overshadowed his performance and was the real star of the movie. Classic lines, awesome engines and the famous T-Top make this car one to remember and one that will always be towards the top of any muscle car list.
So there you have it, a few examples of what made Pontiac such a great car maker and a success for many decades before biting the dust, and while there will be no more cars produced with the iconic Pontiac name, its history and automotive successes will never be forgotten, RIP Pontiac.
Jaguar C-X75 Electric car
Well, Jaguar have been busy. Above is the Jaguar C-X75 Electric Concept Car, we http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifthink you’ll agree, it looks absolutely great doesnt it? Jaguar claims this carhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif has the potential to go 560 miles on a single charged, and reach a top speed of around 200mph, not bad for a plug-in.
The car is only a jaguar concept, and there are no plans, at least that we know of, to put it into production, it was produced simply to celebrate Jaguars 75th anniversary of the companies existence.
Currently the car is on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show and is proving a hit, not least for its impressive figures for range and speed, but also because it looks totally delicious, we find it hard to believe there would be anyone who wouldn’t like how this car looks.
The car has four wheel drive, and can run on electric only for around 65 miles on a domestic charge lasting around 6 hours, but by using a pair of tiny gas turbines to provide additional energy whilst driving, the range extends to a much more useful 560 miles.
Great looks, green credentials, and a real world level of range, this car is a clear indication of the future, in this guise it will probably never be built, however the turbine technology used is remarkable, and there can be no doubt this is going to work its way into road going vehicles in the not too distant future.
The car is only a jaguar concept, and there are no plans, at least that we know of, to put it into production, it was produced simply to celebrate Jaguars 75th anniversary of the companies existence.
Currently the car is on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show and is proving a hit, not least for its impressive figures for range and speed, but also because it looks totally delicious, we find it hard to believe there would be anyone who wouldn’t like how this car looks.
The car has four wheel drive, and can run on electric only for around 65 miles on a domestic charge lasting around 6 hours, but by using a pair of tiny gas turbines to provide additional energy whilst driving, the range extends to a much more useful 560 miles.
Great looks, green credentials, and a real world level of range, this car is a clear indication of the future, in this guise it will probably never be built, however the turbine technology used is remarkable, and there can be no doubt this is going to work its way into road going vehicles in the not too distant future.
Lamborghini Murcielago Reviews
The 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago ranks 1 out of 8 Exotic Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 11 published reviews and test drives of the Lamborghini Murcielago, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 is every sports car enthusiast’s dream. Other super cars may offer more comfortable accommodations, but few -- if any -- can rival its performance abilities. "As the flagship of one of the most outrageous car manufacturers in history, the Murcielago is as over-the-top a ride as you'll find today," writes Edmunds.
The Lamborghini Murcielago is named for a legendary nineteenth-century Spanish bull that withstood an unprecedented 24 thrusts of a matador's sword. True to its namesake, the 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 combines a muscular and aggressive design with knock-'em-dead performance capabilities.
Lamborghini Murcielago
The 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 is every sports car enthusiast’s dream. Other super cars may offer more comfortable accommodations, but few -- if any -- can rival its performance abilities. "As the flagship of one of the most outrageous car manufacturers in history, the Murcielago is as over-the-top a ride as you'll find today," writes Edmunds.
The Lamborghini Murcielago is named for a legendary nineteenth-century Spanish bull that withstood an unprecedented 24 thrusts of a matador's sword. True to its namesake, the 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 combines a muscular and aggressive design with knock-'em-dead performance capabilities.
Lamborghini Murcielago
2011 Dodge Challenger
The 2011 Dodge Challenger ranks 4 out of 4 Muscle Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 24 published reviews and test drives of the Dodge Challenger, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
With aggressive retro styling and a new, more powerful base engine the Dodge Challenger is more prepared to battle rival muscle cars. Edmunds says the 2011 Challenger “sees a host of changes that remedy many of the previous faults while firmly keeping its lovable muscle car experience intact.”
Dodge Challenger
With aggressive retro styling and a new, more powerful base engine the Dodge Challenger is more prepared to battle rival muscle cars. Edmunds says the 2011 Challenger “sees a host of changes that remedy many of the previous faults while firmly keeping its lovable muscle car experience intact.”
Dodge Challenger
Dodge Charger Reviews
The 2011 Dodge Charger ranks 3 out of 4 Muscle Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 9 published reviews and test drives of the Dodge Charger, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Power and interior accommodations have improved on the 2011 Dodge Charger, making it an exciting alternative to affordable large cars. Kelley Blue Book agrees, “Combining muscle car performance with family sedan functionality, the 2011 Dodge Charger is the perfect choice for the driving enthusiast who also requires four doors.”
Dodge Charger
Power and interior accommodations have improved on the 2011 Dodge Charger, making it an exciting alternative to affordable large cars. Kelley Blue Book agrees, “Combining muscle car performance with family sedan functionality, the 2011 Dodge Charger is the perfect choice for the driving enthusiast who also requires four doors.”
Dodge Charger
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Vilner updates Smart Fortwo
The 2011 Smart Fortwo, despite all its trying, is a car that needs all the help it can get. True, a big part of the car's problem is that it just doesn't make very much sense for the American market. That said, it's underpowered, uninspiring to drive, terrifying on the highway, and not particularly efficient, given its size. It also features one of the worst transmissions in motoring.
Enter Vilner, a Bulgarian custom shop that has tried with some success to make the car just a little more appealing. Built for a Bulgarian businessman, the Vilner Smart Fortwo employs a design scheme the company has dubbed "square style."
Inside and outside the car gets a square motif, which translates nicely into a completely redone interior featuring quilted upholstery. Outside, the car gets loud, oversize orange wheels and serious amounts of chrome. While Vilner takes the styling of the Smart to a new, supercar-aping level, the go bits have been left alone. Despite the lack of power adders, Vilner's efforts have gone a long way to making the Fortwo a bit more appealing. Read the full press release and check out two videos after the jump.
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/20/vilner-updates-smart-fortwo-w-videos/
Enter Vilner, a Bulgarian custom shop that has tried with some success to make the car just a little more appealing. Built for a Bulgarian businessman, the Vilner Smart Fortwo employs a design scheme the company has dubbed "square style."
Inside and outside the car gets a square motif, which translates nicely into a completely redone interior featuring quilted upholstery. Outside, the car gets loud, oversize orange wheels and serious amounts of chrome. While Vilner takes the styling of the Smart to a new, supercar-aping level, the go bits have been left alone. Despite the lack of power adders, Vilner's efforts have gone a long way to making the Fortwo a bit more appealing. Read the full press release and check out two videos after the jump.
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/20/vilner-updates-smart-fortwo-w-videos/
Report: Toyota and Subaru to unveil production sport coupes in Tokyo?
The wait is over... almost. According to a report from Inside Line that jives with what we've been hearing ourselves, Toyota (or Scion, or both) and Subaru are set to use the Tokyo Motor Show to jointly unveil the hotly anticipated rear-wheel-drive sport coupes that they have been working on together since what seems like the beginning of time.
Yes, that means we need to sit back and keep waiting until December, but at least it's some sort of real real date to mark on the calendar, right? Until then, you'll just have to be content with what is sure to be an endless series of spy shots and leaked information on the affordable sportscar duo.
Inside Line also offers something of a timetable for production, saying that the Scion FR-S will hit American shores sometime in 2012 (rather nebulous, no?) while the unnamed Subaru version will begin production in the spring of the same year.
Yes, that means we need to sit back and keep waiting until December, but at least it's some sort of real real date to mark on the calendar, right? Until then, you'll just have to be content with what is sure to be an endless series of spy shots and leaked information on the affordable sportscar duo.
Inside Line also offers something of a timetable for production, saying that the Scion FR-S will hit American shores sometime in 2012 (rather nebulous, no?) while the unnamed Subaru version will begin production in the spring of the same year.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Volkswagen Touran MPV
The Volkswagen Touran (Typ 1T) is a compact MPV based on a vertically-stretched fifth generation Volkswagen Golf Mk5, and sold in Europe and other select markets. It was launched in 2003 to fill a gap in Volkswagen's model lineup, below the Sharan large MPV.2012 Ford Focus
The vehicle was originally delivered in five- or seven-seat versions, but the five seat version is no longer available in some markets. It can be considered an extended version of the Golf Plus, since their front ends are similar in size, while the Touran's rear overhang is 200 mm (7.87 in) longer (and therefore a seven-seater, while the Golf Plus is a five-seater). In some regions, such as Japan, the car is called Golf Touran.
The name 'Touran' derives from the combination of 'Tour' and 'Sharan', the bigger MPV by VW. Despite the similarity of their names, the Touran is not related to the North American-market Volkswagen Routan.
Volkswagen Touran
The vehicle was originally delivered in five- or seven-seat versions, but the five seat version is no longer available in some markets. It can be considered an extended version of the Golf Plus, since their front ends are similar in size, while the Touran's rear overhang is 200 mm (7.87 in) longer (and therefore a seven-seater, while the Golf Plus is a five-seater). In some regions, such as Japan, the car is called Golf Touran.
The name 'Touran' derives from the combination of 'Tour' and 'Sharan', the bigger MPV by VW. Despite the similarity of their names, the Touran is not related to the North American-market Volkswagen Routan.
Volkswagen Touran
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)