Friday, May 30, 2008

EcoJet Supercar!


The Tank Car and the twin turbo Toronado are included in the Unforgettable cars associated with the Leno name. Now, the EcoJet is added to that list. A Honeywell LT-101 turbine engine producing 650 horsepower and 400 ft-lbs powers the EcoJet. of torque on bio-diesel designed and produced in collaboration with Leno, his Big Dog team of mechanics and GM's Design Studio in North Hollywood. This supercar features a modified Corvette Z06 hydroformed aluminum frame with additional aluminum and magnesium chassis components. In addition, it has 100% pure carbon fiber over Kevlar skin. The combination of Cadillac's current design language and cues taken from F1 racers and aeronautical craft created the magnificent shape of the EcoJet. Ecojet is a Turbine-Powered Concept began with meeting, , GM Advanced Design Studio Collaborated on 650-Horsepower Supercar That Runs on Bio-Diesel Sketches on a Napkin Jay Leno.

LAS VEGAS - Jay Leno hosted the “Tonight Show” for starters wherein the EcoJet would keep a group of automotive designers up all night but not by his monologue or parade of Hollywood guests. The General Motors Advanced Design Studio was invited by the late-night show host to help design a mid-engine, turbine-powered supercar called EcoJet. The GM vice president of Global Design Leno and Ed Welburn introduced the car on that time at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.

A discussion between Leno, an avid car enthusiast and collector, and Bernard Juchli, the chief mechanic and caretaker of Leno's collection brought back the genesis of the EcoJet. For design direction, Leno then turned to Welburn. He said that a couple of paper napkins later, Ed had begun to capture the essence of the car. Welburn agreed that he had admired the work of GM's Design Studio in North Hollywood, Calif., and asked Ed if the studio's director, Frank Saucedo, and his guys could continue the design study, and a two-week sketching frenzy commenced as GM's designers began working after-hours with the team of Leno on the project.

Welburn said that the esthetics of the EcoJet was driven by aeronautical and jet-age influences and it is a purpose-driven design that conveys power, capability and even danger, with a hint of Cadillac's sophisticated design vocabulary. The supercar began to take shape under the watchful eyes of Leno and Welburn borrowing design cues from jet aircraft and Formula One racecars. The vehicle's proportions and mechanics are defined by a concurrent engineering program. To turn the EcoJet vision into a reality, Leno relied on Juchli and the entire Big Dog team at his garage.

Juchli, who constructed the car at Leno's facility, said that they thought they pushed the creative envelope with the '66 twin turbo Toronado project with GM, but this turbine-powered monster is a whole new level of complexity. A Honeywell LT-101 turbine engine that runs on bio-diesel fuel powers the 650-horsepower (400 lb.-ft. of torque) Leno original. A modified Corvette Z06 hydroformed aluminum frame with aluminum and magnesium structural and chassis components serves as a secure cabin for the engine. The skin of the vehicle is an advanced construction of carbon fiber over Kevlar. The sam as the Lamborghini Reventon, the EcoJet is also made to perform a record-breaking performance that is derived from a fighter jet as well as display a unique characteristic of a car and modern technology dynamics. This simply tells us that the jet cars are starting to bloom in the world of automobiles and this is simply the product of advanced modern technology and advanced thinking and creative designing of the manufacturers. Supercars like the EcoJet are now slowly cruising on the road to show amazing performances ever made!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Lamborghini Reventon: The 'Jet Fighter' Sports Car (Part 2)


This Lamborghini is expected to be one of the most expensive road cars ever built and may even challenge the formidable Bugatti Veyron on price with only 20 Reventon built for customers. It is expected to fetch around €1.5 million tough there is no exact numbers have been quoted. Grey Barra is the only colour available for this car and has a profusion of LED lights both in the headlight and brake light designs. The wheels of this new Lamborghini sports car are also impressive. Carbon fins are screwed onto the opaque black aluminum spokes designed to complement the deep grey exterior finish says the Italian company. It creates an attention grabbing visual effect but an optimum cooling for the powerful ceramic brake discs is also assured by the turbine effect.

This extreme sports car features a cabin that is one of the most sophisticated fit outs this side of a jet fighter. The interior is inspired by the next generation cockpits: just like in modern airplanes, the instruments comprise three TFT liquid crystal displays (LCD) with innovative display modes designed and created using Alcantara, carbon, aluminium, and leather that comply with the top quality standards.

Lamborghini claims that the driver can choose from three vehicle information display modes at the touch of a button. Housed in a structure milled from a solid aluminum block, the instruments are protected by a carbon fiber casting, and include a G-force meter. The dynamic drive forces – a longitudinal acceleration during braking and accelerating, transversal acceleration during cornering – is displayed by this useful gadget. The movement of a sphere within a circuit depending on the direction and intensity of the acceleration, and systems such as these were once popularized on the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R represented these forces.

The adjustable instruments are another neat trick of this mind-numbingly rare sports car. The Reventon is equipped with a speedometer that looks like a road in which the current speed is represented in a digital fade mode. The number of revolutions in the form of a luminous column with the display of the selected gear, which should be enough to send its rivals scrambling to deploy similarly innovative systems, is associated in the instrument on the left. Certainly, the driver can switch to the second by hitting a button, quasi-analogical display, where the classic circular instruments, speedometer and tachometer are configured in the equally innovative way and transformed into luminous pilot lamps with varying colors. In this display mode, the G-Force-Meter naturally remains at the center.

This new Lamborghini Reventon is one of the world’s fastest sports cars ever made and it is unique, with its appearance merely comparable to the fighting jet. It is another best creation of Lamborghini that will give a road-breaking performance and distinctive appeal to the customers as well as record-breaking reputation for the manufacturers and designers of this extraordinary sports car. Although there are only 20 of this amazing sports car available, it is expected that it will make a big difference regarding performance, styles, and technology in the world of automobiles. It is very visible that this car is made to compete with other sports car made to be powerful. That is why every dimension of this car is perfectly engineered and designed to perfectly perform the expected performance from it. This only signifies that Lamborghini is also updated with the advanced technology that should be applied in every car and it can also produce a powerful vehicle that can compete with other powerful cars or even go beyond their performance. Perhaps, Lamborghini is busy as of now for its new creation that will surprise the automobile industry.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Lamborghini Reventon: The 'Jet Fighter' Sports Car (Part 1)


Frankfurt, Germany — The new Lamborghini Reventon is a sight for sore eyes based on the Murciélago LP640. It is the secret weapon rumored by the Sant'Agata-based super car maker to be working on and now it is a reality, which is a very expensive and very rare reality. Lambo will build only 20 of these magnificent sports cars, all of which are spoken for. It is the kind of car that takes performance and exotic luxury to a new level as it deals with Ferrari a curt slap in the face.

The new sports car is described by Lamborghini as a road vehicle with an extreme specification and all at once a limited edition masterpiece, which is a coherent style, angular with sharp lines, inspired by the very latest aeronautics. The majority of Lamborghini sports cars are named after fighting bulls and the same goes for the Reventon. The new Lamborghini Reventon design is going on with a real 'jet-fighter' theme. The car is unmistakably a Lamborghini From any angle, but this exotic car has an even more angular design that really provides an aerodynamic jet fighter look and feel.

A statement was released by Lamborghini to coincide with the launch of the stunning new sports car at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, wherein it says that the inspiration for the wild new design was aeronautics. The Centro Stile designers have coherently developed this philosophy with the Reventon, inspired by another sphere where speed and dynamism reign absolute – modern aeronautics, which is responsible for the fastest and most agile airplanes in the world.

The façade of the Lamborghini Reventon features a space-aged 'nose cone' that is flanked by two huge air inlets that help cool the large carbon disc brakes. The Murciélago is the donor car of the Reventon wherein almost every line and angle from it has been exaggerated and it looks superb. The design’s angular nature has left us astonished because it is as menacing as it is beautiful. Everything from the engine cooling ducts have been sharpened and exaggerated just in front of the rear wheels to the new look rear diffuser and LED brake lights and the end result is quite possibly the most aggressive Italian sports car ever conceived.

A 6.5-litre V12 engine that resides behind the driver provides the power for the Lamborghini Reventon. It produces an ungodly 471kW of power (640hp) @ 8000rpm. While a top speed of more than 340km/h is entirely possible, the peak torque of 660Nm propels the all-wheel drive Lamborghini Reventon from zero to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds. Because of the "completely new" body work, such high speeds are possible. The exterior of the second edition is made of CFC, or composite carbon fibre just like the base model. It is as "stable as it is light" according to Lamborghini. In addition, special modification was made to the airflow and the section of the variable geometry air intakes of the engine and adjustable rear spoiler to allow for more stability at higher speeds.

Range-topping Lamborghini's have been equipped with scissor type doors that open upwards and the V12 Lamborghini Reventon is no different since legendary Lamborghini Countach hit the road in the mid 1970s. The glass laminate engine cover with open ventilation ducts is another ultra-cool design feature of this highly desirable mid-engined Italian sports car. Through this, passersby are allowed to view the huge 12-cylinder engine that provides the car its prodigious power levels. A mandate was given to the designers of Lamborghini to create this decade’s most exceptional exotic car, and Lamborghini said that their love for detail is beautifully illustrated by the fuel tank lid, which is a small mechanical work of art, achieved by milling a solid aluminum block.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Tips to Maintain a Convertible Top

Convertible tops look great when a vehicle is new, but without proper care, it won't stay that way. The biggest culprit is probably the sunlight. A glass rear window is now common to many modern convertible tops. This should get your attention if your convertible top vehicle doesn’t have a glass rear window because rear plastic windows are often the first part of a convertible top to suffer from scratches and discoloration, which don’t not only look bad, but also distort rearward visibility. To maintain it, you’ll need convertible top cleaner, soft sponge or brush, vinyl window cleaner, convertible top protectant, breatheable car cover, soft terry cloth towel and clothing lint roller. Here are the steps you have to do:

Step1: On soft-tops, use specialty cleaners. Convertible tops must be cleaned at least two times a year, more often if it is parked outside. You must use only high quality convertible top cleaners designed for such purpose. Use a cleaner that's biodegradable if possible. Avoid using abrasive detergents or scouring powders that contain chlorine-based bleaching agents because they can weaken a top's seam threads and eliminate essential oils in vinyl tops that are needed for protection against the ultra-violet rays of the sun.

Step2: Wash the top but be sure to do it in shade and not in direct sunlight. Before wetting the top, be sure first that it is cold. Wet the top thoroughly and spray a light coating of top cleaner evenly across the top and using a soft sponge or brush, gently work the cleaner to scrub away dirt. When the top is clean already, wash off the cleaner while brushing and using plenty of water from a nozzleless hose. Continue until suds disappear and the rinse water runs clear.

Step3: Avoid using ordinary glass cleaners if the window is plastic because these are very harsh and can damage the plastic. Instead, apply cleaners and polishes specifically designed for plastic windows. If possible, use the one that doesn’t contain solvents that can harm the environment. Aside from removing minor scratches and dirt, these products help prevent the plastic from discoloring.

Step4: There’s no need for you to use a top cleaner every time you wash the car. Actually, you can keep the top clean by simply washing it with plain water. You can use a gentle, pH neutral car wash if it is dirty but make sure to rinse thoroughly. To prevent mold and mildew, let the top dry completely after washing before you fold it down.

Step5: Use a top protectant after cleaning to preserve the color and texture of the top material. This way will also avoid fading and cracking as well as help repel dirt, grease and oil.

Step6: If there are bird droppings, remove them immediately because they can damage the top quickly since they are very acidic.

Step7: Don’t allow snow to accumulate on your top. Heavy or wet snow can overload the top structure and bend the metal frame while a soft top can handle moderate amounts of snow. Be sure to remove snow and ice from plastic rear windows to prevent scratching the plastic.



Tips & Warnings:

1. To remove dust and lint from the top and clean the plastic window without scratching, use a sticky clothing lint roller

2. Place a soft towel or baby blanket over the plastic rear window before folding down the top to prevent creasing and scratching plastic windows.

3. Avoid leaving your convertible out in the elements more than you have to. Park your convertible in a garage or carport if at all possible. But id not, then use a high quality, breatheable car cover.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Continuation of the Maybach Landaulet

The luxurious rear compartment was adapted by Maybach to the requirements of open-top motoring. To site an example, the rear head restraints are slightly larger than the head restraints on the saloon and effectively help trim down wind turbulence. At speeds above 70 km/h, another slim wind deflector is automatically raised to further minimize the risk of any uncomfortable draughts. Measuring around five centimeters, the deflector can be activated manually at any time. The switch is conveniently positioned in the centre console for rear passengers. To allow passengers to communicate with the driver at any time while the roof is down, the intercom in the passenger compartment is fitted with an additional handset in the centre console.

To ensure the highest standards of quality, the new Maybach Landaulet is painted in Baltic Black or Nevada Silver in a sophisticated process. From three leathers appointment options, and a choice of two trim element finishes, which is a black piano lacquer combined with either carbon-fiber trim or fine anthracite poplar the customers can make their choices.

Maybach also meets many customer special requirements at no extra charge as testimony to its exceptional customer focus. For example, clients of Landaulet can choose the individual appointments for their vehicle from the complete Maybach paint finish, leather and trim element range. Highly exclusive requirements such as special paint finishes based on the customer’s own specifications, select leather colours, trim elements in natural stone or the electro-transparent partition are the only one applied with extra charge. 20-inch aluminum wheels provide visual headlight, which is also available as an option painted in the vehicle colour or burnished to a high sheen in a special finishing process.

The Landaulet model achieves an outstanding level of ride comfort whilst at the same time proving that even a prestigious automobile can display excellent agility and handling qualities because it is equipped with the AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) electronically controlled air suspension system and the Adaptive Damping System (ADS II). Upon its First deliveries in autumn 2008, the Maybach Landaulet will cost EUR 900,000 (or US$ 1.35 million). Due to leave Maybach Manufacture in autumn 2008, the first customer vehicles went on sales.

The Maybach Landaulet is one of the best creations contributed to the world of automobiles, which in fact belongs to the line up of the most exclusive cars. This is another success for the brand of Maybach and for the automotive industry. Many customers will surely grab this car because of its special features and distinctive characteristics that are not found on the other cars presented ahead of it. It provides the satisfaction on its road-breaking performance and the convenience on its interior design plus the luxury provided by its exterior finish. It is really an ideal car for family use, for gimmicks, bonding and jamming with friends and peers as well as private moments with your love one. So I will not doubt if there will be a great number of customers that will appreciate this vehicle and rush to avail one of this model. Customers will not be the only one to be lucky due to the Maybach Landaulet but most especially the manufacturer of this model since they will have a very good reputation upon creating such amazing vehicle model. However, since this is a success for them, I hope that they will continue creating another unique masterpiece to be contributed again in the world of automobiles. Success is not the end of the started jobs; it is just a prize for a job well done that will encourage them to continue what they have started. In the proceeding years, I expect that great and amazing cars will be launched by Maybach.

Friday, May 23, 2008

The Maybach Landaulet


Today, the 2009 Landaulet is revealed by Maybach, which is the world’s most exclusive open-top luxury saloon. The new Landaulet, which was first revealed as a concept in November 2007, will go on sale in autumn 2008 at a price of EUR 900,000 (or US$ 1.35 million). Powered by an uprated V12 engine, the 2009 Landaulet is developed for the Maybach 57 S and the Maybach 62 S. the V12 engine develops 612 hp from a displacement of 5980 cc and that is because of the twin turbochargers.

The Maybach Landaulet is based on the Maybach 62 S that can assert to be the world’s most powerful series-produced chauffeured saloon. The rear roof module was removed by the Maybach technicians in order to afford passengers an unobstructed view of the sky above. An integral tubular steel structure invisibly reinforces the side walls. The generously dimensioned doors and the complete interior with reclining seats remain unchanged as these measures have not altered the silhouette of the luxury saloon.

The Press releases that a fifth model is added to the line-up of the tradition-laden Maybach luxury brand. The legend of the classic luxury landaulets is resurrected on the new Maybach Landaulet, which features only the chauffeur’s area, is closed. Leaving no obstructions between them and the blue sky above an extra-large folding roof opens up over the pampered rear-seat passengers when required. A majestic open-air experience currently unrivalled by any other automobile is offered by the Maybach Landaulet. This exceptional vehicle also features the ultimate in comfort and technological sophistication and as such sets the new standard for the world’s most exclusive luxury vehicles that boasts a certain romantic quality and allows its passengers the opportunity to savor closeness to nature.

Maybach revived the aura of the grand carriages of days gone by with its Landaulet study in November 2007. The overwhelming response from the public to this masterpiece is one of the things that encouraged Maybach to decide to offer the hand-built Landaulet based exclusively on the customer’s own specifications. In the Manufaktur workshops in Sindelfingenover, a limited number of vehicles will be built in a restricted period. The finest materials are meticulously handcrafted by selected craftsmen in order to meet the exacting requirements of the customers, just the same as what would be expected by the discerning Maybach clientele. An analysis of 531 U.S.millionaires recently voted Maybach the most prestigious luxury automobile brand according to the latest Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI).

The Maybach Landaulet is a work of art of automotive engineering and comes with its very own exciting yet famous, genuine style. The passengers in the rear with its optional contrasting colour scheme enjoy their place in the sun while the chauffeur’s workplace is appointed with high-grade, smooth black leather and trim elements in glossy piano lacquer. They travel on luxurious lying back on their seats upholstered in exquisite Grand Nappa leather in an atmosphere of maximum luxury and wonderful style.

The black soft-top of the Landaulet rests on the roof frame formed by the longitudinal roof arches and is wind- and weather-proof when closed. The chauffeur operates a switch in the centre console when requested by the passengers. The electro-hydraulic system then opens the roof fully automatically; together with its integral rear windscreen made of safety glass, the top is folded and gently laid onto the parcel shelf in the rear.

With a fine leather tonneau cover, the chauffeur is able to enclose the folded roof that both conceals the roof mechanism from view and completes the overall picture of excellent elegance. The tonneau cover ensures consistent styling and creates a harmonious link with the exterior because it comes in the same colour as the interior of the rear compartment. A logo is embroidered onto the cover, where it is visible to following traffic, reading "Maybach Landaulet" in the colour specified by the customer.



To be continued...

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Pininfarina Sintesi: Futuristic Concept


Pininfarina, maybe the solitary most prominent car design and coach building firm in history, has penned lines that define automotive beauty. Classic cars like the the Ferrari P4/5, the 330GTC, the Testarossa and the 410 Superamerica shows both modern and vintage that shape our concept of what cars should look like. Pininfarina is now introducing a new concept car, for the first time since the Maserati Birdcage 75th Concept shown for the first time last three years ago.

Aside from being a cutting-edge technology showcase, Sintesi embraces innovative technologies that allow people especially the car owners to explore new typologies of mobility, active safety and packaging solutions, it is according to the project’s design director. That may be something of a mouthful, however, Sintesi does intimate that the concept will be futuristic and unique, that will trace the outline of what is to come over the next few decades of automotive design and development.

However, in the state-of-the-art fusion, sport and function are not lost. After all, the Sintesi is still a Pininfarina design and in the Sintesi, the passion and purity of vision that goes into every Pininfarina will show through. So far, the Company has to favor the world with any pictures as up till now, although it hints at an upcoming online teaser campaign this January. At the Geneva Motor Show in March, 2008, the car will make its global debut.

Here are the official information and images about the concept after four weeks of teaser imagine and desultory information about the Sintesi Concept. It is a sports car that has four doors and four seats, which was developed by a highly innovative approach: it considers the car as the one that gives a shape to the mechanicals around the passengers, and not the car as a shape that covers the mechanicals. This is known as “Liquid” Packaging approach that has overturned traditional volumetric balances, which improves weight distribution and lowers the centre of gravity that are important elements for driving dynamics.

Made possible by close collaboration with Nuvera, The Pininfarina Sintesi concept car has developed the Quadrivium Fuel Cells system, which the various components of the said system were distributed around the car, with four fuel cells located near to the wheels. A much more generous space for the passengers is the result, which is in proportion to the total volume of the car, without pessimistic from the sporty line with its relaxed, elegant profile that is sleek, tapered and aerodynamic (Cd = 0.27). Combined with the batteries and a sophisticated overall electronic architecture (developed with PI Shurlok), the modular nature of the fuel cells allows for modular use of the available power depending on driving conditions.

At every Geneva auto show, boutique carmakers and coachbuilders are in the spotlight. Pininfarina demonstrates this year that it can fashion more than Ferraris with its radical four-door Sintesi. The slippery styling of the fuel-cell-powered Sintesi concept utilizes as many aero devices and forms on its underside as on its body, including the weight distribution and passenger space optimized by spreading the power train components throughout the body structure instead of concentrating them together in front, in back, or in the middle. The Peninfarina Sintesi is really a futuristic concept of a sports car. It is another amazing car added to the industry of automobiles. It opts for light emitting diodes from OSRAM and caused a sensation at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show because of its fantastic headlight design that features high-brightness LEDs from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors. There is a continuous narrow strip that contains 16 OSTAR high power LEDs instead of two separate headlights. OSRAM LEDs are also chosen by Peninfarina for all other light tasks in Sintesi including daytime running lights, turn lights and taillight clusters as well as the distinctive interior lighting of the car with LINEARlight Flex LED modules.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Tesla Roadster


It’s nice to know the first 100 Tesla Roadsters are sold out. Wow! Nice update! Tesla Roadster belongs to the limited-edition “Signature One Hundred” series. One of the celebrities who have booked their Tesla Roadster when it hits the roads is early 2007 is George Clooney. It is exclusive in the USA. The “Signature One Hundred” roadster edition with a special trim package, a navigation system and a hard top boasts a personalized commemorative plaque in the cockpit company’s founders. Those who wanted a Tesla Roadster are required to pay $ 100,000 as a deposit for their car.

Sergey Brin and Larry Page, Google founders, have invested in the company. It’s a very good impression for Tesla Motors that has certainly added that extra bit of curiosity about the company and its electric car. Tesla Roadster considered a dotcom car due to the consideration made for the dotcom roots of its founder Martin Eberhard. An electric car is the cheapest way of transportation between point A and point B According to Martin Eberhard, Tesla Motors co-founder and CEO. Moreover, the Tesla Roadster makes a serious go, also making it the most fun way of transportation.

Exactly! Electric cars were already made but they were failures. So far, The Tesla Roadster does not look like its going the same way as other earlier electric cars. Why? First and foremost, because of its looks and style, it is one smart looking car, a little reminiscent of Lotus designs. Because of this car's looks no on will say it’s weird. Actually, Lotus has helped design the car, which is also manufactured at Lotus' facilities.
Performance comes next. 0-60 mph in 4 seconds is the claimed acceleration figures of this car, which is faster than some Porsches, and the latest Chevrolet Corvette. Wow! Undoubtedly, that is supercar territory!

The chassis of this car is carbon fiber, which aids in weight reduction. Range follows next. The lithium ion batteries of the car, which are laptop batteries and shielded for extra safety, are capable of charging in 3.5 hours and not overnight, or at least 8 hours, massively increasing convenience. The Tesla Roadster can keep running for 250 miles once it is fully charged. It pretty much covers most normal long distance running issues which have snowed under electric cars. The EV1 electric car, which is a cult favorite, goes only 150 miles under ideal conditions. 100,000 miles is the span that the battery pack should last.

In term of economy, one can get economy that beats almost all subcompacts from this car that goes faster compared to most supercars. 135 miles per gallon is the equivalent of the figures. However, the top speed is not in the supercar territory. The speed of the Tesla Roadster touches 130 mph, which still faster than anything the law would permit, and all that most would need in a real life scenario. 248 horsepower is produced by the electric motor. The car actually has two gears. Practically, it is silent and with its completely silent approach it can startle pedestrians. The tires on the road are the only one producing noticeable sound.

However, $ 100,000, is too expensive to take over our streets. Considered as a tour de force, The Tesla Roadster is a flagship model to prove that the concept can work in real world scenarios. Martin Eberhard together with the Tesla Motors have promised a four door electric sedan in 2008 that will be priced a lot more reasonably and will not go like a supercar, and will remain as a convenient and fun to use. Although Tesla Motors may not change the look of our streets but many companies who would look at a successful electric car of this company with interest, and a couple of years down the line many companies would seriously look at collaborating, or even taking over the company.