(CFD.net.au – Contract for Difference, Share, Forex, ETFs, Commodities Traders) –

Sales of the muscle machine, which is set to go into production next year, will be limited to just 500 worldwide, the company said, describing it as “ultra-responsive and extremely stable even when taken to the edge”.

“The LFA is a supercar, the driveability of which was refined on the Nurburgring circuit in Germany,” said Toyota Motor president Akio Toyoda today.

The new addition to Toyota’s luxury Lexus line uses lightweight materials such as carbon fibre.

It has a V10 petrol engine and boasts a top speed of 325 kilometres per hour, with an acceleration of zero to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds.

A prototype of the supercar is on display at the Tokyo Motor Show, which opens to the general public on Saturday east of the Japanese capital.

Toyota is also displaying a new version of its electric concept car, the FT-EV II, along with a Prius plug-in hybrid and a lightweight sports car inspired by the iconic Corolla AE86 coupe of the 1980s.

With a low centre of gravity and a special two-litre boxer engine developed by partner Subaru, the sporty FT-86 is said to handle like a race car but with less damage to the environment.

“It is often said that these days young people have drifted away from cars, but I feel that it may not be the customers that have drifted away from cars but us the manufacturers,” said Mr Toyoda.

“For this reason I believe it is the mission of automakers to provide the fundamental excitement of automobiles to customers, regardless of the era.”

Source: Toyota unveils new Lexus super car | Business Breaking News | News.com.au

Saab Aero X Concept Car Wallpaper Pack

Download Link :

http://www.ziddu.com/download/7380496/Saab_Aero_X_concept_wallpack.rar.html

Si alguna vez te has preguntado el proceso que lleva crear un concept car como el Mazda MX-5 Superlight Version, aquí tienes el vídeo que te muestra todos los pasos. Pero si realmente lo que te interesa es ver rodar y oír el motor de este deportivo, elige el último, merece la pena.

If you’re a car lover or a Honda fanatic, then make sure to mark the week of December 2 on your calendar. That week is the week of the Los Angeles Car Show, and during that week, Honda will reveal just a little more of its vision of the future of automobiles, when it reveals its Personal Neo-Urban Transport concept to the world. Traditionally, concept car presentations are not always “rough drafts” for future vehicles, but can instead represent a company’s vision for society’s future relationship with automotive technology. If you use the most recent displays by automakers as examples, then it is obvious that carmakers envision the future as an urban, efficient, compact one- and the name Honda “Personal-Neo Urban Transport” (yes, P-NUT) seems to evoke all those qualities.  We have no clue what the P-NUT actually looks like, except that it is an “ultra-compact, agressively designed coupe”, and it follows the introduction of concepts like Honda’s Skydeck and CR-Z (both pictured here).

If you don’t want to wait several years for the ideas presented in concepts to hit the streets, why not look into getting your own futuristic car right now? Honda has several “cars of the future” on sale now. Whether you prefer futuristic styling (the Honda Fit) or futuristic technology (Honda Insight), Honda has something for you. You can get a quick quote on the Honda of your choice in less than 8 minutes time from BrickellHondaDirect.com, or visit Brickell Honda of Miami- Miami’s favorite car dealership- in person to see the future for yourself. And for you car enthusiasts- we will have more information on the P-NUT as it comes.

Honda Skydeck Concept

The CR-Z concept

Kia released the new No.3 concept car this year, which made its debut in Geneva. The car redefines the small MPV genre by creating a spacious, functional car that is also beautiful and fun-to-drive. The concept features a unique extended windscreen and panorama glass roof, an automatic sun visor and the evolving ‘face of Kia’ which displays the front grille, head lamps and brand logo in a new constellation.

The concept brings all the features and strengths of a MPV into the urban compact class, combing up-to-date mobility with individual style. Kia No.3 excels through its unique design language characterised by refreshing clarity and modern, youthful sportiness….is this the next Kia Sportage? Essex dealerships are chomping at the bit to get their hands on this beauty, while looking at Kia motto ‘The power to surprise’ I’m sure we’re all going to be seeing some amazing advances in precision engineering, design and stunning features. .

Ford decided to replace in the future the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor with an all-new model in 2011. Company meaning to fix everything that is erroneous with the present Crown Vic and promises the new sculpt will be sooner, more fuel-efficient, and safer.

While Ford has typically dominated the law enforcement segment in the US (with unevenly 75% of entirety sales), the redesigned Police Interceptor will face new competition from Carbon Motor’s E7 and the lately-announced Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV).

Read more (details and photos)!!

Look for more information to be released in early 2010, just in time for law enforcement agencies to begin budgeting for the new model.

anyone remember the film Clueless?? - remember Chers white jeep?? - well this is barbies new van!

This is a genius design of a Fiat Portofino Concept car. I think it’s brilliant. Not safe for children but it’s like a stylish, business golf cart. I would love to see a new Fiat Florina in Kent as opposed to Italy. I know we aren’t always blessed with brilliant weather here in England but this is a must for the summer. It reminds me of the film Clueless with Chers white Jeep.

Epine concept car is a hybrid eco-friendly vehicle that offers a new way of being in contact with the nature and is aiming to provide a racing track experience to its occupants.

This car has a minimalist unique design that is inspired from the racing vehicles like Formula One cars and motorcycles.

Source:
http://www.geekcivilization.com/peugeot-epine-futuristic-hybrid-car/

Epine concept car is a hybrid eco-friendly vehicle that offers a new way of being in contact with the nature and is aiming to provide a racing track experience to its occupants.

This car has a minimalist unique design that is inspired from the racing vehicles like Formula One cars and motorcycles.

Source:
http://www.geekcivilization.com/peugeot-epine-futuristic-hybrid-car/

So renewable cars are only good up to a point. They are fine for pottering around town and sitting in the slow lane on medium-length journeys, but for real driving you need something petrol-powered, right? Wrong.

Klaud Wasiak has designed nothing less than a Rally Car fueled by renewable sources. The chunky body and oversize tyres are awesome, but of course it was the ‘wings’ on the back that drew us to this. Apparently inspired by the winged uniforms of the Polish Hussar Cavalry, they are both stunning and innovative, as they give an aerodynamic  boost and generate kinetic electricity used to power the car.

The car needs three people in a race (a driver, navigator, and an engineer to work the controls for the wings) but this seems like a small issue. Taking renewable energy and sticking it in fields like Rallying gives us all hope that we might really be able to get somewhere… And we really want those wings for our cars.

(source: The Coolist)

I was reading the news the other day, as i do every day, and this one article on the BBC about an ex-F1 designer who received funding and designed an electric car. Here is the full link. Now all this sounds good to me. I’m all for green technologies but come on, a few million dollars and that’s what they came up with ? Seriously…

No wonder none of these prototypes ever get deployed full scale

If you look at the image, you will notice that indeed the guys is having fun driving. However what they forgot is that this is in England ! Where they have crappy weather 500 days a year ! Ok i’m exaggerating but you know what i mean. People need some kind of roof on their car, some cool looking curves, ummm perhaps a paint job and umm why not some kind of windshield so you don’t have to wash your face off insects every time you drive it.

On the other hand, I know this is just a prototype in its early stages, but come on, if you’re going to present something at least make it look cool ! Perhaps then you will get even more people interested… more funds…better products ?

They spent 9 million pounds ( 15 million USD)  building that thing… sad —>

I would definitely choose my old big wheel over that rolling metal box.  At least it cost me, well my parents,  30$,  CO2 footprint o f zero and gets me places quickly. Not to mention I could spin the heck out of the wheel ! yay

Only disadvantage is that have outgrown it

- jam

Just take a look at the BB1 from Peugeot!

If you are into design you must check out this car, if you are into green you too want to check out this car, whatever the reason this is a head-turning type of car!

Start by visiting the BB1 homepage Here and I am sure you will be salivating until this car arrives to the USA

Wait, it will take a while for this concept car to make it to manufacturing, but at the present time it is making waves in European cities where it is showcased

The specs are:

100% electric

56 MPH

75 Mile range

Now, tell me you did not drool!

Nissan’s concept car “V2G”, reminds us of under water roach straight from 2078! It is probably a cool ride, half motorcycle other half car, but the look has me tripping a little. Why we gotta ride lobsters?

We may or may not see this car on the road, but if this is a concept, you never can tell. How many of you would love to put this on the road?

Courtesy: Gizmodo

The 400HP Subaru Impreza WRX STI TRAX with snowfall tracks will be unveiled at the 2009 SEMA Auto Show. Based on a revive-prepped 2009 WRX STI, the TRAX was built by Vermont SportsCar for SRT USA driver Ken Block. Despite the Mattracks rubber track system, the car is near duplicate to Block’s #43 SRT USA competition STI.

Vermont SportsCar started with a carry Impreza WRX STI and then gutted the interior, “faded the shell and then quite joint-welded it for added depth,” and installed a multipoint steel spin crate. After this was determined, the troupe added RECARO SPA ProRacer competition sport seats, carbon strand door panels, and an onboard fire suppression order. Other goodies contain a Yakima FatCat 4 Snowboard Rack, a Yakima Landing Pad rack support, and DC Shoes XFB-C Snowboards.

Read more (details, photos and video)!!

Power comes from a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (with a MOTEC M800 ECU) that produces about 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Besides the enhanced engine, Vermont installed a KAPS five-hustle close-ratio ‘dog-engagement’ gearbox, a Subaru programmable DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) all-turn oblige logic, custom machined hubs, and Group N competition recover dampers by EXE-TC.

The TRAX also comes with a custom carbon structure toboggan, which can accommodate four passengers. Riding on steel skis and a torsion bar suspension, the sleigh boasts heated leather RECARO seats, a naval-grade Alpine stereo system, LED lighting, and carbon integrity adorn.

i look at it and think...woooooooossh!!

I went to London Motor Show last year and formed a rather unhealthy love for concept cars. Since London was so good – i wanted to expand and witness what everyone had come up with this year. The Detroit car show proved a nice little opportunity for Mazda to release their concept car Taiki.

The challenge was to create ‘a design that visually expresses the flow of air’ inspired by the image of the pair of Hagoromo (a Japanese legend – floating down from the sky) I loved the rear wheels. They’re just so different. There was a new Mazda MX5 in Tunbridge Wells that i was so close to buying – it’s was cherry red but not a scratch on the concept obviously. If only these were actually made for purchase and i had enough money.

Creating vehicles with astounding performance capabilities and “stop-in-your-tracks” curb appeal is nothing new for Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE), and they’ve done it once again with their newest concept car the Lingenfelter T/A.

Readied for its debut in the Nitto Tire booth #46115 at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, the Lingenfelter T/A utilizes “all the styling and muscle from the past combined with the technology and elegance of today,” according to Ken Lingenfelter, owner of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering.

The vehicle, a modified 2010 Camaro with exhaustive engine and performance refinements as well as custom-molded body styling, harkens to the muscle-heavy ’70s cars so beloved by enthusiasts.

“Lingenfelter Performance Engineering designed and built this vehicle with one goal in mind – to celebrate, in a most pronounced manner, America’s muscle-car heritage,” said Lingenfelter.  “Just one look at its spirited design is all it takes to realize Lingenfelter knows power.  And a turn of the key confirms that fact as all 650 horses start running.”

First and foremost is the Lingenfelter T/A’s power plant – a custom Racing Head Service (RHS) aluminum engine block with an impressive 455 cubic inch displacement.  It features 4.155″ bore Diamond 11.5:1 compression ratio pistons and a 4.200″ stroke Lunati forged crankshaft.  Lingenfelter Performance Engineering-brand CNC ported and polished LS7 heads and an LSX FAST 102 intake finish off the engine, which produces 655 hp and 610 ft.-lbs. of torque.

To assist the Lingenfelter T/A in handling that raw power, the car also features a Lingenfelter 6-bolt LS9 twin disk flywheel and clutch assembly and heavy-duty Driveshaft Shop halfshafts.

Body enhancements to the Lingenfelter Performance Engineering concept vehicle include a dramatic new hood with a shaker scoop and blue keyed stripe.  A new front fascia borrows from the vehicle’s inspired muscle car heritage, and incorporates custom head lamps, grille and turn signals for authentic detailing.  The car’s fender has a functional side extractor scoop and the rear quarter has a leading edge wheel flair.  Dramatic details in the back again point to the vehicle’s 1970s roots.  Rear corners of the car have been extended nearly 4-inch with a wrapped down stand-up spoiler.  Custom-created taillight housings nicely complement the package.

Wheels are custom designed 20-inch Honeycomb’s with bright brushed aluminum details and are shorn with Nitto Tires in size 275/40ZR20 fronts and 315/35ZR20 rears.

A custom-designed CORSA Performance stainless steel exhaust provides even more torque for the Lingenfelter T/A concept vehicle, which is finished in an icy, bright white with an electric blue stripe running from front to rear.

Finally, to complete the muscle car experience, bright blue woven vinyl seat inserts and metal turned instrument panel accents highlight the interior.  And Lingenfelter badges, indicating the vehicle’s authenticity as a certified Lingenfelter creation, adorn the exterior.

2009 Tokyo Motor Show

The 2009 Tokyo Motor Show is being held from October 29 until November 4 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba.  As of posting this, there are only a few days left until the end.  This year, due to the economic downturn that started in 2008, the show was left in limbo up until this past summer.  There are less than half of the exhibitors in this year’s show compared to the last show in 2007.  In 2007, there were over 240 exhibitors, and this year it’s just over 100.  This is a significant decrease, and it shows.  The event space is more open, and reduced.  There are no longer any outdoor exhibits, and they only make use of the convention centre’s main hall.  The North Hall and central Exhibition Hall are no longer used.  The outdoor element in the central plaza is also discontinued for this year.  It’s a bit of a shame that there are only two foreign car makers present at this show, but it was still a great show to visit.

Toyota FT-86 Concept Vehicle

The first thing to do when heading to the show is to actually head to the show.  Makuhari Messe is a huge convention centre, and without the North Hall being open, it’s a bit of a walk to the main entrance.  From there, there are three major halls to visit: the East, Central, and West halls.  Each one has its own group of manufacturers.  This year, the West Hall was occupied by Honda, motorcycle manufacturers, and various other parts companies.  The Central Hall had Toyota, Subaru, Mazda, and a special Car of the Year Japan exhibition.  In the East, Nissan and Mitsubishi had large displays while the Gran Tourismo and Tomica moved into the main hall from a side hall two years ago.  The amount of space needed was dramatically cut down, but there was always a lot to see.

Mitsubishi PX MiEV Concept Vehicle

With the European and American companies opting to not go to the show, the Japanese companies made up for it with their concept cars.  The theme was the environment.  It was great to see so many hybrids and electric vehicles.  They even displayed various walking machines similar to the Segway, but seated versions.  All of the cars were busy with photographers taking as many pictures as they could.  Toyota and Honda were one of the busiest exhibitions.  There were also several “race queens” at each booth modeling all of the cars.  While the size of the show was reduced, the number of girls showing the vehicles was the same, proportionately.  Interestingly enough, each maker seemed to choose their women based on their overall theme or target audience.  Some chose women in their 30s, and some chose women in their 20s.  Some had more elegant clothing, while others made their girls look trashy.  Image is everything, and as long as it fit, anything would go.

Yamaha Super Tenere Concept Vehicle

Unfortunately, this year was a bit small.  Many people say the Japanese show is no longer an “international” show.  While I agree that it isn’t as grand as before, it’s also a tough year.  With other cities being more important, it’s natural to think that the Shanghai show will be bigger.  Will it always be bigger?  I’m guessing that in the future, the Tokyo Motor Show will increase again as the auto makers make more money and have the ability to display their cars at more shows.  It’s a little expensive, but if they want to keep their business in Japan, they’ll have to keep at least a small presence at these shows.

Tokyo Motor Show Information:

Official Site:  http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/en/index.html
Official Site (Japanese): http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/index.html

このblogは英語のblog。もし私の英語は難しい、日本語のquestionは大丈夫。

Le semaine dernier notre auto-reporter Roman Scobeltzine était au salon de l’auto de Tokyo. Impressions…

Un 41e TMC (Tokyo Motor Show) ou les journalistes étrangers n’étaient pas nombreux… l’ambiance calme et morose (crise oblige)… et les constructeurs européens et coréens absents. Ce qui n’empêche pas les fabriquants japonais d’imaginer la voiture de demain sous le signe de la mobilité urbaine. Des « boîtes à malices » plus compactes, plus économiques, plus écologiques. Ce ne sont encore que des concept-cars, mais, aujourd’hui, voir loin c’est voir petit…

Honda EV-N : Honda cède à la mode de la minicitadine 100% électrique avec son concept EV-N. Clin d’œil nostalgique, cette puce des villes évoquent les sympathiques N360 et N600 des années 60. Equipé d’un petit bloc électrique de batteries lithium-ion, l’auto se recharge sur le secteur et peut parcourir environ 100 km.

Toyota FT-EV II : Spécialiste de l’hybride, Toyota se lance dans le tout électrique avec cette minicitadine. Plus courte qu’un IQ, cette 4 places se dote de deux grandes portes coulissantes pour faciliter l’accès à bord. Les commandes (accélérateur, freins et direction) sont regroupées sur un même joystick pour économiser de l’espace.

Daihatsu Basket : Loin de la frime et des prouesses techniques, un mini pick-up aux faux airs de Citroën Méhari ou de Fiat Panda avec sa sellerie en toile de jute beige et sa planche de bord minimaliste. Une Kei car (petits véhicules de moins de 3,40 m), animée par un trois-cylindres essence et disposant de quatre roues motrices.
R.S.

Hoy os presento mi último trabajo, el NEW BEE, presentado al concurso de diseño de la revista Autopista del año 2009, el cual describo a continuación en detalle.

El camino que está tomando la industria automovilística hace predecir que en un futuro las carreteras sólo circularán vehículos interconectados autómatas en los que los humanos se desplazarán en especies de cubos de un punto a otro como si estuvieran en el salón de casa. Sin embargo, el automóvil ha sido concebido como un medio de transporte que representa la independencia y la emoción, estando esta última en clara depresión.

Los vehículos evolucionan hacia una red que permita conectarse entre ellos para poder evaluar mejor el estado del asfalto, distancias entre vehículos, tráfico, etc. hasta el punto de que se llegaría a un estado donde se pudiera evaluar todos los puntos que afectan a la dinámica y a la conducción, llevándolo a un posible modo totalmente autónomo.

La tecnología de intercomunicación y la gran potencia de análisis de las computadoras en los vehículos nos darían la gran fórmula para que toda clase de adelantamientos que hoy en día vemos como imposibles o maniobras de conducción deportiva fueran seguros también fuera de una pista cerrada, ya que siempre estarían supervisados y controlados por el vehículo, el cual incluso nos podría instruir.

Un vehículo sin pesados sistemas de protección pasiva, ligero y rápido, divertido y, sobre todo, seguro. El circuito sería todo el mundo.

NEW BEE es un concept car que se beneficia de la citada eliminación de sistemas de seguridad pasiva para saltar un nuevo nivel por encima de lo establecido hasta ahora en el diseño del automóvil. Además, apoyado en el uso de materiales ligeros y resistentes como la fibra de carbono, unidos a sistemas de visualización 3D, se pueden crear nuevas formas hasta ahora inimaginables.

Su diseño asimétrico está delimitado únicamente por la forma de gota del habitáculo y la superficie única que lo envuelve, dando como resultado un deportivo de líneas atrevidas e innovadoras.

Fuera de todo estándar se sitúa el arriesgado y placentero diseño diferenciador.
Fuera de todo estándar se sitúa  la emoción.

La silueta del NEW BEE desborda deportividad y la estampa del propio vehículo en parado es tan intensa como en movimiento. Ha nacido para correr y no lo puede esconder… no quiere esconderlo.

Es un biplaza de tracción trasera propulsado por dos motores, que se albergan en las ruedas, y dispone de supercondensadores como almacenamiento de energía. Todo dispuesto para poder soltar adrenalina y despertar el placer por la velocidad.

Mis más sinceras felicitaciones a Hugo Cárlos Fernández, estudiante de la EUDI también.

After collaborating of two Japanese automakers on building a new sports vehicle, Toyota unveiled the FT-86 Concept car at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, but Subaru’s interpretation is still under wraps.

The engine which was previously speculated to be a 2.0-litre turbo warrior making about 118kW (160hp). Indeed it is the revised 2.0-litre turbo from moreover the Impreza 2.0 GT or the WRX STI. However, energy is rumoured to be around 184kW (250hp) with a probable STI type making 227kW (308hp).

Read more (details and photos)!!

Subaru will advance vastness the 216A from the FT-86 through signature styling elements (as offered in these comedian renderings), longer and wider dimensions and an farther 100kg in mass. However, the proximity in actual wheelbase and overall piece with the recent formulate mean the two could piece even more parts.

The FT-86 Concept takes on the domestic codes 086A, 087A and 088A for the Japanese, US and European markets respectively. The Subaru on the other hand is codenamed the 216A according to BestCar magazine.

The Subaru will market its own version of the coupe. If it will be available in all markets or if Subaru will offer the option of AWD and/or a turbocharged engine is something that remains to be seen. Pricing has been speculated at around ¥3 million (€22,267/ US$32,880) when launched in Japan in 2011.

La concept car FT-EV II

L’FT-EV II è un veicolo elettrico ultra compatto progettato per brevi spostamenti, e si basa sull’idea della diffusione dei veicoli elettrici nella mobilità futura.
L’FT-EV II si caratterizza anche per l’elevata qualità e funzionalità della carrozzeria e dell’abitacolo.

1. Costruzione estremamente efficiente con una carrozzeria ancora più compatta della iQ, ma Anch’essa in grado di ospitare 4 persone;
2. La tecnologia Drive-by-wire permette di gestire tutte le funzioni con il joystick, compreso acceleratore, freno e volante; l’eliminazione dei pedali dell’acceleratore e del freno libera un ampio spazio per e gambe;
Veicolo progettato con un cofano anteriore ribassato e una vetratura aggiuntiva al di sotto del parabrezza che garantisce una straordinaria visibilità anteriore;
3. Ulteriore attenzione per la sicurezza con i gruppi ottici posteriori a LED;
4. Le porte elettriche scorrevoli su entrambi i lati facilitano l’ingresso e la discesa, in particolare negli spazi più stretti;
5. Velocità massima di oltre 100 km/h;
6. Un’autonomia di 90 km con una ricarica completa della batteria, ampiamente sufficiente per l’impiego giornaliero;
7. Incredibilmente silenziosa e confortevole con un’accelerazione progressiva, grazie alla tecnologia di controllo del motore elettrico sviluppata da Toyota, che è parte integrante del sistema ibrido alla base delle tecnologie ambientali di Toyota

Proseguono intanto le offerte e i finanziamenti proposti da Toyota Financial Service per la nuova gamma:

IQ
Avensis
Yaris
Aygo

Toyota FT-86 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

We got a sneak peak of the FT-86 earlier this month, and now Toyota has just officially revealed its new 2+2 concept here at the Tokyo Motor Show. It’s been a while since the Japanese automaker has offered anything resembling a sports car – especially one with rear-wheel drive – so there was plenty of excitement when the covers were pulled off the FT-86. The coupe looks stunning in person, and we particularly like the details like the carbon-fiber rear diffuser and the stunning white leather seats.

We were hoping for more information about the FT-86 at its debut, but Toyota is still keeping quiet about the specific details of the car that is tipped for production in late 2011. Rumor has it that a Subaru 2.0-liter flat-four will be sending power to the rear wheels, and that keeping weight down to a minimum will be a top priority. We’ll be sure to bring you more details as we get them, but until then check out our high-res gallery of live photos below.

where do i pre-order?: