Friday, October 15, 2010

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, 2008

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, 2008




The Quattroporte Sport GT S, equipped with an automatic 6-speed gearbox, stands out for its exceptional dynamic behaviour and uncompromised handling.

The result was obtained with the introduction of new suspension layout, featuring single rate dampers and a “racing” set up. The Quattroporte Sport GT S sits 10mm lower at the front and 25mm at the rear compared to other versions of the Quattroporte, and also features new, stiffer springs and dampers.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S boasts a unique braking system developed in collaboration with Brembo. This innovative technology uses dual-cast brake discs, and this is the first time such a set up has been employed on a road car.

Unlike traditional cast iron discs, dual-cast discs are made of two materials, cast iron and aluminium, to ensure optimised braking, improving performance in the most extreme conditions and providing greater resistance to fade even at the highest temperatures. The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s new braking system also benefits from new mono-block, six-piston callipers at the front and tyres developed especially for this car (front 245/35-R20 and rear 295/30-R20). The increased size of the rear tyres allows optimum use of the Maserati’s V8 power, whilst the new tyre compound helps the brakes and set-up to guarantee a superior level of handling and driving emotion.

Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept, 2008

Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept, 2008





Maserati has decided to raise the much praised sporty verve of its Maserati GranTurmismo S to even higher levels to create the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept.
Style
The changes the designers of the Maserati Style Centre have made to the GranTurismo S to create the racing model have improved its performance and above all its aerodynamic efficiency, without disturbing to its elegant, curvaceous line. The radiator grille of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept features two large air intakes - designed to increase the air flow to the engine and brakes - and an aerodynamic bottom trim. The front mudguards, with increased track, are also new, as is the engine hood with a dynamic air inlet and two additional air vents.

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept has new-design fenders to accommodate the air vents and centrally located tailpipes. Last but not least, the boot spoiler is larger in size to increase the down force generated by the profile, thus compensating for the aerodynamic effect of the front spoiler.

Development

The suspension setting of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept, together with improved weight distribution and new single-string racing dumpers, plus new 12"x18" fron and 13"x18" rear wheels and slick tires, guarantee a striking increase in the car's dynamic performance compared to the Maserati GrantTurismo S.

The brake system has received an upgrade to withstand the stress typical of use on a track, whit adoption of larger discs and monobloc racing calipers.

The chassis has been significantly lightened and stiffened thanks to application of an integral welded roll cage, as required by the FIA regulations.

Partially modified to meet new technical requirements, is in composite materials. The specific electrical system, the dedicated instrumentation including an integral data acquisition system, and the indispensable safety devices, complete the equipment of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept.

Technical specifications
* Engine: V8
* Displacement: 4,691 cc
* Max. Power: 450 hp (330.9 kW)
* Max. Torque: 510 Nm @ 4,750 rpm
* Weight / power ratio: <3.1kg/hp>

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Scion t2B Concept, 2005

Scion t2B Concept, 2005







The t2B is a concept car from Scion, designed by Calty Design (Toyota's design studio in California) and built by 5 Axis Models in Huntington Beach, California.
It debuted at the 2005 New York Auto Show. Its name stands for Tall 2 Box. It appears rather like a mini-van, with 2 rows of bench seats, though the exterior is similar to the xB. On the passenger side there is 1 automatic sliding door. The driver side has doors that open 180 degrees, the rear door being a suicide door. The idea of the t2B is to be a social and entertainment enigma to the occupants.

Scion 5 Axis Widebody DJ xB, 2005

Scion 5 Axis Widebody DJ xB, 2005




The Scion xB is the American-market name given to the subcompact Toyota bB. It is a small wagon based on the Toyota Yaris platform. The xB was one of two models in the lineup of Toyota's US-exclusive Scion division present at the brand's 2004 launch (the other was the xA, based on the Toyota ist). Both cars feature the 1NZ-FE engine, rated at 108 hp (81 kW) at 6000 rpm and 105 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm.

The Toyota bB was an established model in Japan before the Scion xB version was introduced to the US.

Scion Marketing

The Scion xB's marketing is aimed at Generation Y, Americans born in 1978 or later. This group of car buyers is extremely important to manufacturers due to their large numbers (78 million) and their differing perceptions and demands of the vehicles they drive.

Though Toyota expected the xA to sell better than the xB, the reverse proved to be true, with the xB outselling its brother 2 to 1, possibly due to the xB's distinctive styling, and the xB's unique combination of van-like cargo and passenger space with a very compact size.

Saturn Astra, 2008

Saturn Astra, 2008





Saturn announced the addition of the all-new 2008 Astra to its lineup, bringing a decidedly European flavor to the North American compact car market. It is packed with a wide range of standard equipment and safety features, and delivers sporty performance with very good fuel economy.

Product highlights

Saturn offers two trim levels (XE and XR) for five-door models, and a single trim (XR) in the three-door configuration, which was created with more enthusiastic drivers in mind.

The standard powertrain combination in all models is the 1.8L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine, which is paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The Ecotec engine is enhanced with variable valve timing to optimize power output and fuel efficiency. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional on all models.

The Astra technologies provides an agile, yet comfortable, driving experience. StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control is standard on all three-door Astras, and available on five-door models. The system works in concert with the standard four-wheel, antilock disc brakes to help the driver maintain control during adverse road conditions or during sudden emergency driving situations.

5-door Astras come with standard 16-inch wheels, but can be upgraded to 17-inch aluminum wheels. Three-door models come standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels, which can be upgraded to 18-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires.

Saab 9-5 Sedan, 2010

Saab 9-5 Sedan, 2010






The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design and its dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab's aviation heritage. With frontal styling inspired by the award-winning Saab Aero X Concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new Saab 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold, more expressive design language.

The array of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft-like head-up information display (Pilot HUD); adaptive lighting (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; tri-zone air conditioning; dynamic parking assistance and Saab XWD with a rear eLSD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.

Rover 75, 2004

Rover 75, 2004





Rover 75, 2004

The highly-regarded Rover 75 Saloon and Tourer models embraces a sharper-edged front and rear exterior appearance, a larger integrated radiator grille, halogen projector headlamps and three distinct trim identities - Classic, Connoisseur and Contemporary, with SE derivatives are supported by additional option packs that offer carefully tailored specifications across all points in the range.

The established appeal of the Rover 75 range - with its unrivalled reputation as the definitive luxury premium Upper Medium saloon is further enhanced by the addition of the "Contemporary" derivative theme, providing a younger, more modern interpretation of traditional Rover values.

The exterior has the clean lines of the sharper-edged Rover 75 design to capture a fresh spirit of style with a larger and more prominent Rover grille, complemented by a new headlamp design incorporating standard fit halogen projector units. The style of Rover 75 has been updated to offer cleaner, more progressive lines without jeopardising the integrity of the original design, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars in the world.

Rover 75 Saloon and Tourer already possess one of the most admired interiors in the motoring world. With the introduction of the Classic, Connoisseur and Contemporary variants this interior is now available in three distinctive identities. In particular,

Contemporary models offer an entirely new and progressive interior based around a new black oak wood finish. This provides a distinctive, younger and more continental flavour to the cabin. Full leather seat trim is standard on SE derivatives of both Connoisseur and Contemporary models.

For security and peace of mind, superlocking disables door and tailgate lock releases and sophisticated electronic networks stand ready to trigger the alarm.

Rolls-Royce 101EX, 2009

Rolls-Royce 101EX, 2009



The Phantom family line-up alongside the Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase and Phantom Drophead Coupé.

The new elegant two-door car, four-seat coupe that builds on the extraordinary driving experience offered in the Phantom and Drophead Coupé. Use an all aluminium construction similar to the rest of the Phantom family. However, it will be a unique car in the Phantom family, designed around the desire to create the worlds' foremost transcontinental tourer.

The outright power will be identical to the other Phantom models - an impressive 453bhp and 720nm of torque - however the coupé will be subtly tuned with more emphasis placed on the driver. The body will be shorter than that of the Phantom sedan and there will be revisions to the suspension and chassis set-up.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Tungsten, 2008

Rolls-Royce Phantom Tungsten, 2008




The Rolls-Royce Phantom Tungsten is featured in the Bespoke Collection. The bonnet has a dramatic brushed aluminium finish, which contrasts elegantly with the bodywork, painted in Darkest Tungsten - a colour never used before on a production Rolls-Royce.
New 21-inch forged aluminium wheels and visible exhaust tail pipes lend a particularly purposeful air to this special Phantom.
On the inside is a unique interior lighting system, featuring a Starlight Headlining, which comprises several hundred fibre-optic lights embedded into perforated black leather, giving the impression of a star-filled night sky. Smoke Grey leather seats with contrasting Navy Blue piping complement the rich rosewood veneers and tooled metal steering wheel spokes.