2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

The BMW i8 Concept retains much of the theatre and excitement of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept that first previewed the futuristic sports car design at Frankfurt in 2009, and starred at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne last month. Sometimes it is time to leave the city. Escape the restrictions of everyday life. The BMW i8 is an icon of progress. It combines the energizing performance of a sports car with benchmark efficiency.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

Unlike the Vision concept which utilised a diesel engine, the new 2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept adopting a hybrid setup with an electric motor and a 1.5-liter gasoline unit. The 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine produces an astonishing 164kW of power and 300Nm of torque. To give that some perspective, the current BMW 125i is powered by a 3.0-litre inline-six with 160kW of power and 270Nm of torque – double the capacity, double the cylinders, 4kW less power, 30Nm less torque.

The 2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept and the fascinating approach that underpins it embody the vision of a sustainable contemporary sports car brought to life. Its innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric drive system from the BMW i3 Concept - fitted over its front axle - wîth a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW (220 hp)/300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at the rear.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

The electric motor in the 2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept is a full-capability unit which can also power the car on its own, if required. However, working in tandem allows the two drive systems to display their respective talents to the full, delivering the performance of a sports car but the fuel consumption of a small car.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

Assisting the petrol engine is 96kW/250Nm electric motor, which draws power from a lithium-ion battery. With a combined maximum power output of 260kW and 550Nm, the i8 Concept is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds (80-120km/h in 4.0 seconds) and will go on to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

These impressive features of the German sports car are even greater considering that BMW announced a combined fuel consumption of only 2,7 liters/100 km. In terms of dimensions, the i8 Concept measures 4,6m long, 1,9m wide and 1,2m tall.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

The great power amount offered by the new i8 is also valued by the low total mass of only 1,480 kilograms achieved by using a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) body and an aluminum chassis. The Germans claim that they managed to obtain a 50/50 weight distribution by mounting the engines on each axle, this achievement bringing significant advantages.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

The weight of every component inside the 2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept has been minimised down to the very last detail, allowing the extra weight of the electric drive system and battery to be cancelled out. The 2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept therefore presents the ideal environment in which to sample this very special drive concept on the road. The passengers sit - in typical sports car style - in an extremely low and enclosed position inside the CFRP-constructed Life module (mounted above the Drive module).

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

“The sporting character continues into the interior. Boasting a driver-focused environment unmatched by any BMW Group vehicle before it, the 2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept immerses the driver fully in the unique driving experience. The BMW i8 Concept is the sports car for a new generation – pure, emotional and sustainable,” adds BMW.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

Far from just being a performance car, however, the i8 Concept can also be driven in fully electric zero-emissions mode for up to 35km. A full recharge of the battery from a standard power socket takes approximately 105 minutes.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

The navigation system also calculates the best way to manage energy consumption for the trip to ensure that it operates at peak performance and optimal efficiency when required. Under the European driving cycle, the 2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept uses fuel at a rate of just 2.7 litres/100km combined, making it one of the most fuel efficient internal combustion engined automobiles in history.

A production version of the BMW i8 Concept is expected to go on sale in Australia in 2014 with a predicted price tag of $300,000.

2014 BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept

BMW Sport Cars i8 Concept specifications:

# High performance 3-cylinder petrol engine (164 kW) in rear with i3's electric motor (limited to 96 kW) in front

# Total torque of 550 Nm (300Nm petrol engine + 250 Nm electric motor)

# 3 driving modes - electric, petrol, or both engines at once

# 1,480 kg

# 0-100kph (62mph): 4.6 seconds

# Top speed: 250kph (limited)

# 2.7 L/100km fuel economy

# 35km pure electric range

# 4 seater

# 50:50 distribution

# Market Launch: 2014

Kawasaki Sport Cars ZX-770R Hypercar Concept by Sabino Leerentveld

Kawasaki Sport Cars ZX-770R Hypercar Concept by Sabino Leerentveld

The design Kawasaki Sport Cars ZX-770R Hypercar Concept by Sabino Leerentveld based on Kawasaki bikes to rival the KTM  X-Bow, this is more hypercar level though as it would be 770HP, mid engine layout V6 twin turbo at around 5oo kilos.

Kawasaki Sport Cars ZX-770R Hypercar Concept by Sabino Leerentveld

The Kawasaki Sport Cars ZX-770R Hypercar Concept by Sabino Leerentveld design features a mid-mounted win turbo V6 capable of displacing 770 horses. The two-seater stands in at 1017mm high, 4427mm long and 2073mm wide with a wheelbase of 2710mm.

Kawasaki Sport Cars ZX-770R Hypercar Concept by Sabino Leerentveld

Weighing in at 500 kg, Kawasaki Sport Cars ZX-770R Hypercar Concept by Sabino Leerentveld sits pretty on 19 and 21-inch alloys with flowing curves smoothly overlapping to give it an overall semblance of a water stream galloping past rounded rock in Alpine rapids.

Kawasaki Sport Cars ZX-770R Hypercar Concept by Sabino Leerentveld

Although the designer’s vision was clearly inspired by the stallion-esque design of the iconic superbikes, the hypercar concept appears more fluent without that footnote undermining its crisp lines.

Kawasaki Sport Cars ZX-770R Hypercar Concept by Sabino Leerentveld

Sport Car Racing in 2030 Project by Marco Sweston Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25 inpired car

Sport Car Racing in 2030 Project by Marco Sweston Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25 inpired car

Technology and design, nowadays are moving ahead at high speeds, thus the designers and engineers have to keep up with the alert rhythm. One such project that seems to define the tempo itself is the Touch Effect by Marco Sweston of the Munich University of Applied Sciences. The whole car was penciled as a continuation of the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows W25.

With the digital age in full swing, we no longer have to leave our homes to find new experiences. As powerful as alternative reality may be, by 2030 designer Marco Sweston expects to see a major shift in people’s attitudes, & imagines that many will not only abandon their controllers, but will seek even more extreme thrills than before the digital revolution. The Touch Effect racing event and vehicle is a result of this concept that puts the digitally stimulated user back in the driver’s seat.

Sport Car Racing in 2030 Project by Marco Sweston Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25 inpired car, the progressive movement of digitalization of life has resulted in people who no longer have to leave their houses to experience something. They will spend their spare time alone at home and social contacts will only take place via online networks. The use of public transport and the simulation of all actions will raise a longing to sit behind a real steering wheel again. They want to really join the race, rather than simulating the trip digitally only on the screen.

The basic concept of the Touch Effect makes use of these developments. Based on the rental of racing cars for private persons on specially designed tracks the vehicle is used similarly to today's karting as a group activity, pushing them to their limits. The vehicle displays a continuation of the legendary Silver Arrows like the W25, carrying the tradition and the myth of these vehicles into 2030.

What will we all do for fun in the future when we’re bored with all the digital thrills we have sought indoors? Designer Marco Sweston has the answer: a track racer built from synthetic bone, muscle, and skin that runs in a pack on a custom-designed race course. The Touch Effect concept uses a carbon fiber frame reminiscent of a skeleton, which is surrounded by synthetic muscles that control the suspension, steering, and insulation of the vehicle. Topping it all off is an acrylic glass skin that is transparent to show off the muscles doing their thing underneath. The steering mechanism is an extension of the muscles, which functions like reins.

Designed as a continuation of the Silver Arrows like W25, the project has been to a large extent inspired by this model of Mercedes Benz. The vehicle thereby designed for this sport car has a light weight main body with a stiff carbon frame that imparts it ruggedness and an overall stability. The other core muscles for the motor-sport vehicle have been made from flexible synthetic that can be deformed using voltage difference.

Sport Car Racing in 2030 Project by Marco Sweston Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25 inpired car

These have been covered partially using acrylic glass surfaces on the exterior thereby giving a visual feel of a merger of all parts into one volume. However, the hull has been kept a bit unveiled so as to convey the impression of being light-weight. In addition to the designing part, the vehicle has facilities for automatic ground clearance adjustment as well as a four-wheel steering.

The exterior acrylic glass surfaces partially surround the muscles. They represent the skin of the concept which merges all parts into one volume and make them visible underneath, showing off their function. All elements combined allow a directed and controlled motion. The two skin surfaces surround the driver like a brace to emphasize the seating position. The transparent hull is unveiled at areas which do not necessarily need a covering. This reduction and the see-trough appearance reflect the idea of lightweight car construction.

Eventually, the muscles flow into the interior and form a part of the steering. The vehicle is controlled by pulling the muscles - similar to the idea of reins on a horse. The muscles accentuate the shape of the frame and run into the wheels to accentuate their function.

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

Aston Martin will unveil one of the most eagerly anticipated convertibles of the year when the V8 Vantage Roadster. 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster SPORT SHIFT designed with new specifications that include Convertible body style, 14 CT / 21 HW fuel economy. 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster embodies the qualities that are integral to Aston Martin: Power, Beauty and Soul.

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

The rationale behind the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S was to push the boundaries of the already acclaimed V8 Vantage with the highest levels of driver involvement possible. Aston Martin engineers set about enhancing nearly every dynamic element of the car to create a highly distinctive driving experience. The Aston Martin Vantage range comes of age with the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage S characterised by a host of new driver-focussed features all designed to push the honed dynamics of the standard Vantage to a new benchmark level.

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage and the Aston Martin V12 Vantage are a series of hand built sports cars from the British manufacturer Aston Martin. Aston Martin has previously used the “Vantage” name on high performance variants of their existing GT models. “The Vantage S epitomizes every attribute of the V8 Vantage and pushes the driver experience beyond what we have offered before”, says Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, “It combines dynamic exhilaration with all the charming finesse, beauty and practicality already associated with the Vantage range”.

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

"With every new model we continue to evolve and enhance our VH architecture," said Aston Martin Product Development Director, Ian Minards. "The engineering team at Gaydon looked at every single performance attribute of the V8 Vantage, from engine and transmission to suspension, steering, brakes and tires and considered what was required to make this car deserving of the coveted 'S' badge. The result is a pure driver-focused package that, in both the coupe and Roadster form, exploits and emphasizes the sporting nature of the iconic Vantage."

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

Power for the 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster comes from a 4.7L V8, which has been re-engineered to deliver 430 bhp (436 PS / 321 kW) at 7300 rpm and torque of 490 Nm (361 lb.ft) at 5000 rpm. The engine is mated to a new round-up developed 7-speed Sportshift II transmission specifically designed for the Vantage S with seven short ratio gears. Aston Martin says that the transmission is twenty percent quicker than its Sportshift. The 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster also benefits from its own sound with a new exhaust muffler, quickened steering rack ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1 on the standard car and a larger diameter front brake disc with new six-piston front brake calipers, new dynamic stability control (DSC) system and bespoke Bridgestone tires.

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

The power and torque delivery on the 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster is delivered at the most frequently used mid range engine speeds which creates tractable and effortless acceleration. Most demand for power and torque is in the mid-range which on the 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster is where the greatest torque is delivered at 5000 rpm. As with all Aston Martins, the 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster benefits from near perfect weight balance of 49:51 front to rear owing to the placement of the gearbox on the transaxle contributing to the excellent dynamics. The 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster has an automatically retracting fabric hood which can be operated up to 20 mph (30 km/h). The S variant features a unique exhaust muffler specifically tuned to aurally define its sporting intent. A revised map opens the bypass valves earlier in the rev range at 3500 rpm and even earlier in 'Sport' mode producing more crackle on the overrun.

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

The 2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster weighs 3726 lbs, 66 lbs (30 kg) lighter than the standard Vantage owing to weight optimization of the new Sportshift II transmission and use of carbon fiber. Air cooled, rather than oil cooled, the Sportshift II system takes advantage through the deletion of the oil pump and associated ancillaries saving 53 lbs (24 kg) over the conventional six speed Sportshift system.

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

The optional carbon fibre and Kevlar® composite seats cosset the driver providing support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable on long journeys. Saving 17 kg per car, the seats which are manufactured by a supplier to the motorsport and aviation industries are hand-trimmed by craftsmen and women at the Gaydon production facility.

2012 Aston Martin Sport Cars V8 Vantage S Roadster

Both the Vantage S coupe and Roadster are hand built at Aston Martin's global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire alongside the V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage. Each Aston Martin V8 Vantage S takes in excess of 185 man-hours to build including 50 man-hours to paint and 70 man-hours to hand trim the interior. Each car undergoes meticulous attention to detail in not only the build phase but quality control and handover processes too.

Aston Martin subtly confirms production for V12 Zagato

Take a look at Aston Martin's website and you may notice a new model listed in its portfolio. Slotted in between the One-77 and the DBS sits the V12 Zagato, effectively confirming the new model's place in the company's production lineup and accompanied, in the fourth slide showcasing the model, by the statement "only a strictly limited run of road going cars will be built".

The V12 Zagato is based on the Aston Martin V12 Vantage, but features fresh bodywork penned by the namesake Italian design house. The car celebrates of fifty years of collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato, dating back to the original DB4 GT.

Following the debut of the concept at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in May and the model's racing debut at the Nürburgring, this is the closest thing to an actual production confirmation we've seen so far. Given where Aston has placed the model among its existing products, a very high purchase price is probable. We look forward to further official confirmation regarding the V12 Zagato's market availability.

[Source: Aston Martin via Autocar]

Report: Volvo to launch new performance line with production C30 PCP

If you ever looked at those old Volvo ads that suggested their station wagons were the next logical step up from a Lotus, well, you can stop snickering. Sure, it may still be a long shot, but Volvo appears to be getting serious about offering performance-oriented automobiles.

A couple of weeks ago, we brought you a report that indicated Volvo was forging a closer relationship with Polestar, the racing outfit that fields the company's entries in the Scandinavian and World Touring Car Championships. Volvo, it seemed, had already turned to Polestar to squeeze a bit of extra juice from its S60 and XC60 R-Design models, and according to the report, was prepared to utilize Polestar's talents even more in the future.

A clearer picture of that that partnership is now emerging, and so far, it looks promising. Their first collaborative project is tipped to be a production version of the baby-blue, 400-horsepower, all-wheel drive C30 hatchback unveiled last year. If given the go-ahead, we could be looking at a limited run of 500 cars priced around £50,000 in the UK – about the same as a BMW M3.

Like the concept, the production Volvo/Polestar C30 would be the first to carry the PCP badge – referring not to the chemical narcotic, but standing, somewhat repetitively, for Performance Concept Prototype. Similar high-performance versions of Volvo's other products would follow and wear the same nameplate, creating a subdivision for Volvo that would be equivalent to what Mercedes-Benz has in AMG and what BMW does with its M division.
[Source: What Car?]

2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars

2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars

Rookie luxury automobile designer and manufacturer, McLaren GT, unveiled the 2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars and plans to the high-performance sports car market and the supercar automobile arena for a 2011 development programme, a new race car manufacturer which brings together the expertise of McLaren Racing, McLaren Automotive and CRS Racing.

2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars

The new 2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars will be the first McLaren car built for FIA GT series racing since the McLaren F1 GTR finished production in 1997. The 2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars is based on the new MP4-12C high-performance sports car and a team of engineers, designers and test drivers with vast experience in Formula 1 and GT racing has been assembled to undertake the process of adapting the carbon chassis-based 12C to racing specification.

2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars

Emerging from a strategic tie-up with Mercedes-Benz that brought the limited production SLR McLaren sports cars between 2003-2009, McLaren GT has now developed its own flagship high-octane sports car scheduled to be launched in time for 2011 GT3 season—and rightfully so, given the long and illustrious race car pedigree quintessential to the McLaren brand. But the design, engineering and testing team at McLaren GT are not resting on their Laurels by keeping to their comprehensive development program so that the 2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars meets the discerning standards of the most formidable race car connoisseur.

2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars

Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren Group Chief Executive Officer said: "McLaren has racing in its blood and it was a natural step to take our MP4-12C road car and turn it into the most reliable, efficient and easy to drive GT3 car. Every car on the grid will have its performance balanced by race rules, meaning our objective must be to select a technical specification that ensures any driver is able to access the 12C GT3's performance limit with ease. "We have worked with CRS Racing to ensure the 12C's design and development programme is as close as possible to one McLaren Racing would employ in developing a Formula 1 car. The team at CRS is well qualified to shape decisions in this area as they have an outstanding record in racing GT3 cars, and understand what is required to be successful in that level of competitive motorsport.

2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars

"In return, McLaren Racing is able to bring new levels of technology to GT3 racing. No other GT3 car in 2012 will be supplied with a road-car carbon chassis, or a steering wheel and other associated technology from a Formula 1 car. "The 2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars will be supplied with the 12C's carbon MonoCell and the same steering wheel design employed by Lewis Hamilton in his MP4-24 Formula 1 car. Plus, we are working closely with Formula 1 suppliers past and present: Akebono, Mobil 1, McLaren Electronic Systems, Ricardo and Michelin for example. This blend of road car and Formula 1 technology and experience will be a great advantage to anyone racing a 12C GT3 in 2012."

2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars

The simple beauty of the McLaren MP4-12C supercar is romantically fitted for auto racing. Built around the same MonoCell chassis as the street version, the GT3 version of the 2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars utilizes the lightweight but enduring construction produced through Resin Transfer Molding. Doors to the race-purpose, driver-oriented interior proceeds to rise in the same majestic style as the exotic production car. With only minor aerodynamic additions under the GT3 category rules, the race-fitted MP4-12C exterior has been modified with exclusive carbon fiber pieces. A front splitter underneath special front fender louvers, rear diffuser and door blade are all unique touches to the 2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars.

2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars

Though the 2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars is already a tempting high-performance creation for the street, the vehicle vital mechanicals require an entire refitting to meet the rigors of auto racing. To best suit the GT3 class rules, engine power from the MP4-12C GT3’s energetic 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged powerplant has been reduced by almost 100 horsepower. Producing roughly 592 horsepower, engineers of the detuned 2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars are actually excited to see how the produced-based mechanics will perform in race competition.

2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars is a special 6-speed sequential transmission. Weighing 80 kilograms (just under 176.4 pounds) than the street version‘s 7-speed gearbox, the special sports car transmission is developed by the reputable hands of Ricardo. A diverse British-based engineering firm with history going back to 1927, Ricardo other contributions to motorsports includes co-development of the Xtrac used by Formula 1 teams. Completing the performance trim of the race car, Akebono-supplied brake calipers and Michelin tires are fitted to the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 supercar.

2011 McLaren Sport Cars MP4-12C GT3 Racing Cars

This performance-balanced light-weight race car is innovative in engineering design specs: 12 C GT3 (de-tuned to 500 PS providing maximum power) and a 3.8-liter twin turbochargers ‘M838T’ McLaren V8 engine (with a power output of up to 493 HP) defined by a TAG-400 self-contained compact engine system and data logger for race cars designed and produced by McLaren Electronic Systems. To date, initial demands for the first 20 McLaren GT3 units exceed earlier expectations. CRS Racing will build, sell and support the GT3 cars 12C in close collaboration with McLaren. Leicestershire-based racing team has a strong pedigree in GT racing in Le Mans Series, FIA GT Championship, the International GT Open and the British GT Championship. CRS also run two successful single-seater team: in Formula Renault UK Championship and as Atech CRS in Series GP3.