Category: Featured

Featured

  • Is Porsche Mission E the Next Tesla Model S?

    Porsche Mission E Front ViewPorsche Mission E Sports Car Concept is the first battery-powered four-seat concept car from Porsche, which is having its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Having almost unlimited power (of 600 hp) and impressive driving range of 500 km, the Mission E concept is probably Tesla Model S’ biggest rival. Or at least this is what everyone is talking about. We must admit that if this EV enters production and is offered at a pricing similar to this of Model S, then probably Tesla would lose most of its potential clients. After all, this concept features the emblematic Porsche design… not to mention the 600 hp or the 15 minutes charging time. But let’s see the details.

    Mission E Stands for 600hp, 500km, and 15min

    This is a big time in Porsche’s history, because the Mission E is the ever all-electric vehicle that it has ever suggested to the automotive scene. Combines the unmistakable design of a Porsche with the exceptional performance, it offers the practicality of the first 800-volt drive system. By the way, the 600hp were achieved with the help of technologies from endurance racing. Two permanently-excited synchronous motors (PSM) like those in the 919 hybrid, accelerate the sports car and recover bra­king energy.

    SEE ALSO: Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA: Too Much Future in the Present

    They both produce the enormous horsepower and they can actually accelerate the Mission E to a speed of 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds. The 200 km/h is reached under 12 seconds. Another benefit of these motors is that they can develop their full power even after multiple accelerations at short intervals. Furthermore, the concept sports car features all-wheel drive system with Porsche Torque Vectoring. The latter automatically distributes torque to the individual wheels.

    The driving range… Well, the driving range is more than impressive. Porsche says that the Mission E can cover up to 500 km on a single charge which takes up only 15 minutes.

    Superior Driving Dynamics

    Porsche Mission E Rear View

    But there are more benefits that the horses, driving range and charging time. Porsche needed to make the best out of this concept, so they decided to count on a lightweight construction with optimal weight distribution and a low centre of gravity.

    For this purpose, the lithium-ion battery is mounted in the car’s underbody, and runs the whole length between the front and rear axles. This makes car’s centre of gravity extremely low, thus boosting the performance and driving pleasure. I haven’t mention that the body of this Porsche is a functional mix of aluminium, steel and carbon fibre reinforced polymer, while its wheels are absolutely carbon and measure 21-inch at the front and 22-inch at the rear.

    Exterior Design with Porsche’s DNA

    Porsche Mission E Side View

    Mission E is instantly recognizable as Porsche. The height of just 130cm, integrated aerodynamics and distinc­tive air inlets and outlets on the front, sides and at the rear, are characteristic about this concept. We also spot a new type of matrix LED headlights in the brand’s typical four-point light design.

    On the other hand, the distinctive front wings and an extremely low-cut bonnet reference 911 design. The design of the rear emphasizes the typical sports car architecture. The cool three-dimensional “PORSCHE” badge illuminates from thee inside and hovers beneath an arch of light that extends across the entire width in a black glass element.

    Interior with Four Single Seats

    Porsche Mission E Interior

    The cabin of Mission E is pure, open and practical. It offers room for four via the exclusive race bucket seats. They are with lightweight design and give occupants secure lateral support during dynamic driving. Between the front seats there is a centre console, which looks like a bridge with open space beneath and reaches the dashboard.

    The instrument cluster has five round instruments. They are all virtually displayed in OLED technology, i.e. by organic light-emitting diodes. The round instruments are organized according to the driver-relevant themes of Connected Car, Performance, Drive, Energy and Sport Chrono.

    Furthermore, the entire dashboard is divided into two three-dimensionally structuring layers: the upper layer integrates the driver’s display. Between the levels there is a holographic display that extends far into the passenger’s side and shows individually selectable apps.

    There are even virtual exterior mirrors! They are pretty impressive: the lower corners of the windscreen show the images of the outside cameras which are positioned in the front wings. In this way the driver can get a better view of the surroundings and have safety information on display if he or she wishes so.

    To sum up, Porsche Mission E seems like a very good rival of Tesla Model S. But it is matter of time to understand, whether this car will ever enter production. Until then the team at Tesla can sleep uninterrupted. Any thoughts?

    Source: Porsche 

  • Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA: Too Much Future in the Present

    Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA Front ViewMercedes-Benz Concept IAA has just been revealed. The vehicle is very interesting because it features design ideas that we see for the first time. It actually combines two cars in one: the first is all about aerodynamics and the second is all about style. When you combine both, you’ll have the Concept IAA.

    But what is so special about this car? As you can see from the pictures it can change its forms. And it does so, when the vehicle reaches and surpasses 80 km/h. The result is that many parts of the concept change in order to bring about better aerodynamics. Inside, the “Concept IAA” offers a future representation of the design of the S-Class and S-Class Coupé, including new touch-based functions.

    SEE ALSO: 2016 Audi S4 Avant Debuts Today at 2015 FIAA! [VIDEO]

    And if you wonder what IAA means, well I won’t hide it. It stands for Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile. This fantastic concept can be seen in Frankfurt at the motor show event, which starts today.

    Below and Above 80 km/h

    Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA - Style

    The big question that might concern you a little bit here is: ‘What happens exactly to this car when it reaches 80 km/h?’ And here’s the answer: from a beautiful four-door coupé the car turns into an aerodynamics world champion. At the rear, there are exactly eight segments which extend, thus increasing the length of the car by up to 390 millimetres.

    In addition, at the front, the front flaps in the front bumper extend by 25 mm to the front and 20 mm to the rear, improving the air flow. But that’s not all; the Active Rims alter their cupping from 55 mm to 0, while the louvre in the front bumper moves 60 mm to the rear, improving the underbody air flow. Of course, behind these actions are hidden hundreds of hours of technological work and calculations.

    Exterior – Expressing Sensual Purity

    Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA - Aerodynamics

    Concept IAA features exterior design that we haven’t seen before. Of course, it is instantly recognizable as a Mercedes, but its rear for instance seems like a Dodge inspired one. Well, as a basis the designers have used dynamic drop shape. It even seems like the vehicle interprets classic sports car proportions in a modern way.

    Yes, the front and the sides are very impressive and are all aerodynamically dedicated, but the most interesting part of the exterior of this concept is the rear, where we see illuminated ring running around the rear end. And this makes us think that this is definitely a visionary concept car. 

    Interior: the Touch-Based Design

    Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA - Interior

    The cabin definitely looks spectacular! It is sporty, it is expressive, and it includes all of the luxury one could ever need. By the way, the design of the interior is a future interpretation of those of the future S-Class and S-Class Coupé cars. White has been chosen as a general color, but there are also some contrasts in anthracite as well as between aluminium and cut glass.

    The touch-based operating philosophy provides the driver and occupants with high level of functionality. The two-spoke steering wheel incorporates touch-based operating functions like the OFN (Optical Finger Navigation) buttons, which enable the driver to scroll through the instrument cluster menus.

    A Hybrid?

    Did you expect something else? In fact, in the world we live in, it is rather strange to make from such a futuristic concept a hybrid-driven one. I actually expected to see entirely electric vehicle. Well, the total output here is of 279 hp (205 kW), while the top speed is 250 km/h. CO2 emissions in all-electric range of 66 kilometers stay as low as 28 g per km.

    All that is left is to see whether this concept will ever see production… even in 2025. I sincerely doubt it.

    Source: Mercedes-Benz 

  • 2016 Batmobile Is Here to Serve Some Justice! [VIDEO]

    2016 BatmobileIt is here! Finally, the latest Batmobile is here! Well, it has been unveiled for a long time, but now it is available for public to take a close look at it. legendary in every aspect, the car has been Batman’s most trustworthy accomplice since his early years. And for his 75 years of serving justice, the superhero has had them all: stylish and elegant-looking, aggressive and muscular, hi-tech and sporty. And now the time of the latest concept has come. The vehicle, especially created to aid the Bat in his fight with Superman has a lot to demonstrate. So, let’s check it out!

    2016 Batmobile

    At first sight the vehicle looks muscular and aggressive. With the wide wheelbase and the bigger rear wheels, completely surrounded by metal components this machine is definitely not built for prom nights and club parties. Along with the numerous metal components, there are some guns and of course, a ton of gadgets that help Batman in his quest of serving justice.

    We also get an idea of how will the inside look like. There are numerous control buttons, a special action-stick and a steering wheel that looks like taken out from NASA’s secret hi-tech base. And if not anything else, the interior doesn’t look cozy at all. Nor even comfortable. It looks like this time Batman heavily relies on everything he has got in order to defeat Superman. Obviously there is no place for comfort and billionaire-like cozy stuff.

    2016 Batmobile

    It looks like this time the movie producers and engineers went for that apocalyptic approach. An truly the 2016 Batmobile looks like it had numerous battles and struggles with enemies and road conditions. And at the end we do hope for two things: first, we hope that this vehicle, along with all its gadgets will help Batman’s ultimate quest and secondly, we also hope that the movie itself will be as interesting as the concept for the last Batman vehicle is.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KKEUYr-A2A

    Source: Warner-Bros. Studio

    Video Sorce: YouTube

  • 2016 Toyota Prius Debuts in Frankfurt and Why is it Important

    2016 Toyota Prius First Teaser2016 Toyota Prius will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This announcement just got published by Toyota officials next to a teaser image of the hybrid car. If it wasn’t for the new technology, which is also eco-friendly, I probably wouldn’t pay that much attention. But this is definitely news, since one of the most popular hybrid vehicles is going to get a thorough change. Or we at least expect to see one.

    What Does Toyota Promise?

    Of course, the new generation Prius will sport a striking look, supported by better driving dynamics (something lacking in the current generation). In addition, the fuel economy of the car will be even more impressive and will “challenge what you know about hybrids,” as Toyota says.

    SEE ALSO: 2015 Toyota Prius V Hybrid: With Great Comfort Comes and Great Performance

    What’s New Frankfurt?

    In Frankfurt we will also see the global debut of the second Toyota C-HR Concept hybrid crossover. So, this means that Toyota stand will be overtaken by eco-friendly vehicles and like-minded people. How cool is that!

    When is the Market Debut of 2016 Prius?

    Toyota said that we should expect the fourth-generation Prius in showrooms in the first quarter of next year.

    How Hybrids Can Change the World?

    That’s an interesting question, right? Let me start a little bit farther. Since the introduction of Prius in 1997, Toyota has sold more than eight million hybrid vehicles globally. The most recent one-million sales took just 10 months. And back in 1997 Toyota sold just 300 hybrids.

    In other words, this means that these hybrid vehicles owners around the world have saved 22 million kilolitres of petrol, which is enough to fill 8,800 Olympic swimming pools. This also equates to around $26.4 billion dollars, which were saved. Even better, the environment has also benefited. The latest Toyota figures reveal that its hybrid vehicles have saved about 58 million tons of CO2 emissions!

    I personally can’t wait to see the birth of 2016 Prius, because it makes a leap forward in changing the world!

    Source: Toyota

  • Kahn Announces Plans for Speed 7 Racer Inspired by the 30s

    Speed 7 Racer by Kahn - Sketch OneSpeed 7 is a vintage inspired racer which is Afzal Kahn’s third coach-building car. After we have seen the birth of the successful Flying Huntsman at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, and the WB12 Vengeance that is still to be launched this year, it is now time for the designers to continue with their exclusive projects.

    Kahn sent us the two sketch images featured here. As you can see, the Speed 7 is very strongly inspired by the Grand Prix racers of the 1930s. And the best thing is that the brand has currently plans to build it by the end of the year.

    SEE ALSO: Flying Huntsman 6X6 Concept Debuts Today!

    The aim of Kahn is to recreate the original experience of the 30s era of motoring. However, he will use modern materials in order to make sure that there is exhilarating on-track handling and performance.

    Speed 7 - Sketch Two

    From what we know so far, Speed 7 will be built in either aluminium or carbon composite. Its creation will be dedicated to those who really want to evoke the spirit of the 30s and create their own racing team.

    Although we have seen only the sketches, we can clearly tell that this project will be more than exclusive. With unique interior inspired by the modern automotive and aircraft designs, and one-off exterior, this car is definitely going to make a strong impression.

    Kahn also promised to feature on a special plaque the names of each individual involved in the build. In addition, every Speed 7 will come complete with a unique owner’s book detailing each stage of the design and manufacturing process. 30s styled clothing and accessories under the Speed 7 brand are also in the plans.

    Source: A. Kahn Design 

  • HAMANN GUARDIAN

    HAMANN GUARDIAN is the German tuner’s newest monster embodiment which turns the Porsche Cayenne Turbo into an amazing eye-pleaser, utilizing optimized aerodynamics, powerful performance enhancements, sleek lightweight alloys, sports brake system as well as ultra premium interior modifications.

    Under the bonnet of the HAMANN GUARDIAN, the specialist has unmistakably applied its renowned know-how, boosting the output figures of the vigor Cayenne to 550 horsepower (405 kW) at 6,100 revolutions and 770 Nm of max torque between 2,300 and 4,600 rpm. These amazing results are achieved thanks to a newly added sports silencer, sports catalysts, sports air filter and reprogrammed ECU. With its new output, the modified Porsche-SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.6 seconds on its way to a top speed more than 300 km/h.

    Visually the HAMANN GUARDIAN sports an all-new body kit, which features ultra-light carbon bonnet, front apron with huge air inlets, additional daylight running lights with full beam and fog lights in LED technology, side skirts as well as HAMANN rear apron with an integrated diffuser. Furthermore, an exhaust unit with two central stainless steel end pipes and a set of 23-inch forged rims wrapped in high-performance Dunlop Sport Maxx tires add even more sporty spirit.

    Source: Hamann

  • Sportec SPR1 FL

    Sportec SPR 1 FL is the latest project of the tuning company. It is based on facelifted 997 Porsche 911 Turbo.

    It boasts new semi-sequential gearbox, new facelift LED taillights, rear bumper and side mirrors.

    The power is the same – 858PS (631 kW) and 880Nm (649 lb-ft). It comes from 3.6 liter twin-turbo flat-six. The engine updates include new Smooth Flow intake manifold with two injectors per chamber, a Carbon Ram Air intake system, high-performance intercooler and two hybrid turbochargers.

    The other upgrades are the new 6-speed gearbox fitted with a Sportec high-performance clutch, it also features oil cooling.

    Performance is blistering – 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds flat, to 200 km/h in 9.7 seconds and the 300 km/h mark comes in less than 18 seconds. Vmax – 380 km/h (236 mph).

    Source: Sportec

  • A.R.T. Mercedes-Benz Viano

    Announced and teased on sketches few months ago, A.R.T. Tuning’s enhancement program for 2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano is finally out on the market.

    Ready to turn the premium-class multi-purpose vehicle into e true pleaser, the A.R.T. Tuning package features newly developed front skirt with additional LEDs, aerodynamic side sills, a special rear skirt with integrated 4-pipe sports exhaust system, a roof spoiler as well as a chassis lowering module. Additionally, the enhancement program by A.R.T. also offers customers a choice between monoART1 or monoART2 light-alloy rims with dimensions 18-, 19- or 20-inches.

    In the terms of performance, the A.R.T. program is ready to boost the performance of the VIANO CDI 3.0 V6 diesel direct injection engine to 268 horsepower and 530 Nm peak torque via optimization of the ECU.

    Moreover, a update for the VIANO 3.5 V6 gasoline injection engine is also ready, bumping the figures of the ride to 327 horsepower and 405 Nm of maximum torque, thanks to a modifications to the cylinder heads, a sports cam shafts and a new sports air filter.

    Improving on the interior of the Viano is an ergonomically shaped sports steering wheel, high-end materials upholstery and multimedia accessories.

    Source: A.R.T.

  • Lotus Evora Enduro GT

    Lotus Evora Enduro GT Concept has debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. The car is based on the Evora GT4 Endurance racer.

    The car will actually take a part in June at the 24hr Nurburgring ADAC race in Germany. It was developed by Lotus Motorsport with the help of head designer Nicola Scimeca. (more…)

  • Carlsson C25 Royale

    Officially premiered at the last year’s edition of Geneva Motor Show, Carlsson C25 is now back on the renowned occasion’s display in Royale mode – Carlsson C25 Royale. (more…)

  • 2011 Audi RS3

    Audi RS3 debuted in Geneva, after it was officially announced in November, 2010.

    This is the top version of the current A3 and feature high performance upgrades – powerful engine, stiffened suspension, big wheels, big brakes and some sporty interior upgrades. (more…)

  • BRABUS 700 Biturbo

    At the display of the 81st edition of Geneva Motor Show, Brabus, the famous German tuning specialist has introduced its newest development, the BRABUS 700 Biturbo based on the stellar Mercedes SLS AMG. (more…)