2012 Lotus Exige S Roadster

Reaching 100 kph from standing in a neck-snapping 4 seconds (0 � 60 mph in 3.8 seconds) and 0-160 kph (0-100 mph) in 8.5 seconds this little roadster packs a punch both on and off the track. The top speed for the Exige S Roadster is 233 kph (145 mph) and it produces just 236 g of CO2 per km.

 

2012 Lotus Exige S Roadster

 

2012 Lotus Exige S Roadster

 

2012 Lotus Exige S Roadster

 

2012 Lotus Exige S Roadster

The Roadster comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, but will also be available with Lotus� Serial Precision Shift (SPS), a paddle-operated automated manual transmission, which makes life more relaxed in the city and more F1-like when it�s let off the leash.

The car comes with two different suspension settings. There�s the standard setting for an active driving experience suited to public roads; and an optional setting as part of the Race Pack for maximum performance, developed for track use. The launch control system can be activated when the car is in Race mode.

The car has been developed for the main markets such as Europe and Asia. The Exige S Roadster will not be available to the U.S market.

Articles Soerce : Lincah

2012 Lotus Exige V6 Cup

Performance hits 274km/h, 0-100 in 3.8 seconds, and 346hp kicked out from the 3.5 litre supercharged V6 behind the drivers� seat. The Exige V6 Cup weighs in at 1080kg, and comes with Lotus Dynamic Performance Management, so you can switch the engine and traction settings between Touring, Sport and Race; Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo tyres; aerodynamically optimized front splitter, rear diffuser and wing; multi-adjustable suspension; and race-ready kit such as a heavy-duty roll cage, 4 or 6-point harnesses, isolator switches, FIA-approved fire extinguisher, tow eyes, removable steering wheel and HANS-compliant race seats.

The first cars will roll off the production line in Hethel in December, with an allocation of 20 cars through to March 2013. In addition to hitting circuits the world over in various track days events, the Exige V6 Cup is intended for new and current Lotus Cup series including Lotus Cup UK, Lotus Cup Europe, Lotus Cup Eastern Europe, Lotus Cup Italy, Lotus Cup Japan, and the Lotus Ladies Cup (Hungary).

There are two variants: a Track Day version priced at �62,995* and a full-on Competition-spec car starting at �74,995*.

Articles Soerce : Lincah

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

Future mobility is one of the most stimulating topics of our time. The key question here: Just how much could the energy consumption of cars be reduced if all the stops were pulled out for efficiency? There is now an answer to this question, and Volkswagen is delivering it in the form of the new Volkswagen XL1 Concept. Combined fuel consumption: 0.9 l/100 km. No other hybrid car powered by an electric motor / internal combustion engine combination is more fuel efficient. The prototype makes its world debut at the 2011 Qatar Motor Show (26-29 January, 2011).

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

Conceptually, the Volkswagen XL1 represents the third evolutionary stage of Volkswagen's 1-litre car strategy. When the new millennium was ushered in, Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Pi�ch, who is today Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG, formulated the visionary goal of bringing to the market a production car that was practical for everyday use with a fuel consumption of 1.0 litre per 100 km. In the new XL1, Volkswagen is demonstrating that this goal is now within reach.

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

2011 Volkswagen XL1 Concept

The new Volkswagen XL1 attains a CO2 emissions value of 24 g/km, thanks to a combination of lightweight construction (monocoque and add-on parts made of carbon fibre), very low aerodynamic drag (Cd 0.186) and a plug-in hybrid system - consisting of a two cylinder TDI engine (35 kW/48 PS), E-motor (20 kW/27 PS), 7-speed dualclutch transmission (DSG) and lithium-ion battery. The results: with fuel consumption of 0.9 l/100 km, the new Volkswagen XL1 only emits 24 g/km CO2. Since it is designed as a plug-in hybrid, the XL1 prototype can also be driven for up to 35 kilometres in pure electric mode, i.e. with zero emissions at point of use. The battery can be charged from a conventional household electric outlet. Naturally, battery regeneration is also employed to recover energy while slowing down and store as much of it as possible in the battery for re-use. In this case, the electric motor acts as an electric generator.

Despite the very high levels of efficiency, developers were able to design a body layout that offers greater everyday practicality, incorporating side by side seating rather than the tandem arrangement seen in both the first 1-litre car presented in 2002 and the L1 presented in 2009. In the new Volkswagen XL1, wing doors make it easier to enter and exit the car. Further progress has been made by manufacturing body parts from carbon fibre reinforced polymer parts (CFRP), a technique used in Formula 1 car construction. Once again, Volkswagen has successfully achieved significant reductions in production costs - an important step forward to make viable a limited production run of the XL1. Background: together with suppliers, Volkswagen has developed and patented a new system for CFRP production in what is known as the aRTM process (advanced Resin Transfer Moulding).

Plug-in hybrid concept

With the new XL1, Volkswagen is implementing a plug-in hybrid concept, which utilises the fuel efficient technology of the common rail turbodiesel (TDI) and the dual clutch transmission (DSG). The TDI generates its stated maximum power of 35 kW/48 PS from just 0.8 litre displacement. The entire hybrid unit is housed above the vehicle's driven rear axle. The actual hybrid module with electric motor and clutch is positioned between the TDI and the 7-speed DSG; this module was integrated in the DSG transmission case in place of the usual flywheel. The integrated lithium-ion battery supplies the E-motor with energy. The high voltage energy flow from and to the battery or E-motor is managed by the power electronics, which operates at 220 Volts. The Volkswagen XL1's body electrical system is supplied with the necessary 12 Volts through a DC/DC converter.

Interplay of E-motor and TDI engine: The E-motor supports the TDI in acceleration (boosting), but as described it can also power the XL1 Concept on its own for a distance of up to 35 km. In this mode, the TDI is decoupled from the drivetrain by disengaging a clutch, and it is shut down. Meanwhile, the clutch on the gearbox side remains closed, so the DSG is fully engaged with the electric motor. Important: The driver can choose to drive the Volkswagen XL1 in pure electric mode (provided that the battery is sufficiently charged). As soon as the electric mode button on the instrument panel is pressed, the car is propelled exclusively by electrical power. Restarting of the TDI is a very smooth and comfortable process: In what is known as "pulse starting" of the TDI engine while driving, the electric motor's rotor is sped up and is very quickly coupled to the engine clutch. This accelerates the TDI to the required speed and starts it. The entire process takes place without any jolts, so the driver hardly notices the TDI engine restarting.

When the XL1 is braked, the E-motor operates as a generator that utilises the braking energy to charge the battery (battery regeneration). In certain operating conditions the load shared between the TDI engine and the electric motor can be shifted so that the turbodiesel is operating at its most favourable efficiency level. The gears of the automatically shifting 7-speed DSG are also always selected with the aim of minimising energy usage. The engine controller regulates all energy flow and drive management tasks, taking into account the power demanded at any given moment by the driver. Some of the parameters used to realise the optimum propulsion mode for the given conditions are: accelerator pedal position and engine load, as well as the energy supply and mix of kinetic and electrical energy at any given time.

Two-cylinder TDI uses mass production technology: The 0.8 litre TDI (35 kW/48 PS) was derived from the 1.6 litre TDI, which drives such cars as the Golf and Passat. The 0.8 TDI exhibits the same data as the 1.6-litre TDI common rail engine in terms of cylinder spacing (88 mm), cylinder bore (79.5 mm) and stroke (80.5 mm). In addition, the Volkswagen XL1 Concept's two-cylinder and the mass produced four cylinder share key internal engine features for reducing emissions. They include special piston recesses for multiple injection and individual orientation of the individual injection jets. The excellent, smooth running properties of the common rail engines were transferred to the two cylinder engine. within addition, a balancer shaft that is driven by the crankshaft turning at the same speed optimises smooth engine running.

Meanwhile, the TDI's aluminium crankcase was constructed to achieve high rigidity and precision, which in turn leads to very low friction losses. With the goal of reducing emissions, exhaust gas recirculation and an oxidation catalytic converter as well as a diesel particulate filter are used. Equipped in this way, the 0.8 TDI already fulfils the limits of the Euro-6 emissions standard.

Also designed for efficiency is the vehicle's cooling system. Engine management only cools the TDI by activating an externally driven electric water pump when engine operating conditions require it. This cooling system includes an automatically controlled air intake system at the front of the vehicle to reduce cooling system drag. This thermal management strategy also contributes towards reduced fuel consumption. A second electric water pump, which is also used only as needed, circulates a separate lower temperature coolant loop to cool the starter generator and power electronics.

Running gear with ESP utilises high-tech materials

The running gear is equipped with anti-roll bars at the front and rear and is characterised by lightweight construction with maximum safety. In front, a double wishbone suspension is used, while a semi-trailing link system is employed at the rear. The front and rear suspension are both very compact in construction and offer a high level of driving comfort. The running gear components mount directly to the CFRP monocoque in key areas.

Running gear weight has been reduced by the use of aluminium parts (including suspension components, brake calipers, dampers, steering gear housing), CFRP (anti-roll bars), ceramics (brake discs) magnesium (wheels) and plastics (steering wheel body). Friction-optimised wheel bearings and drive shafts, as well as an entirely new generation of optimised low rolling resistance tyres from MICHELIN (front: 115/80 R 15; rear: 145/55 R 16), contribute to the low energy consumption of the Volkswagen XL1 Concept. Safety gains are realised by an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stabilisation programme (ESP). That is because sustainability without maximum safety would not really be a step forward. The new VW XL1 shows how these two parameters can be brought into harmony.

Articles Source : Netcarshow

What's next for Jaguar after F-Type? A small sedan and a utility vehicle

Porsche's heart lives in the rear end of the 911. The heart of Mercedes-Benz resides more in the brand values of the Three-Pointed Star than any one model. Mini is defined by petite packages wrapped in giant amounts of sass. Since the end of the Series III XJ in 1992, however, what has represented the unique and irreducible definition of Jaguar?

We're certain Jaguar is happy that the above question is moot, thanks to the arrival of the F-Type at the Paris Motor Show. Jaguar brand manager Adrian Hallmark tells Autocar that the $69,875 convertible is "the core of our range, and from now on it is our orientation point" � it is the E-Type for our times, and will lead the way for Jaguars to come. We don't know fully what that means yet; until we drive it, it isn't clear if the champagne and confetti party of the F-Type's introduction will end in afterglow or hangover. Nevertheless, there is at least a direction now, which is a major waypoint.

It will start with � surprise, surprise � a small sedan and a utility vehicle. We've heard for ages that a BMW 3 Series rival had been dancing across drawing boards, and after years of equivocation, it looks like an SUV/CUV may have finally been acceded to. Hallmark tells Autocar that "Whatever we do will be driven by the three pillars of our brand: innovation, design and performance leadership," by which he presumably means "driven by the huge sales opportunities and cha-ching!" We don't blame him; the market segment is hurtling in that direction and leaving all those pounds on the table would be something the old Jaguar would do. Obviously, those days are over. All hail the F-Type.

Articles Source : Autoblog

2011 Bmw I3 Concept

Below, is some description, features, and pictures about 2011 bmw i3 concept . A car release by bmw. Check this out.

 

2011 Bmw I3 Concept

 

2011 Bmw I3 Concept

 

2011 Bmw I3 Concept

 

2011 Bmw I3 Concept

 

2011 Bmw I3 Concept

 

2011 Bmw I3 Concept

The BMW i3 Concept is the premium electric vehicle that driven purely by electric power and purpose-built to meet the demands of sustainable and emission-free mobility, it embodies of urban transportation.

2011 BMW i3 Concept Interior and Exterior. The use of renewable raw materials is another defining characteristic of the interior, offering passengers a further means of �experiencing� the sustainability of the vehicle. Elements of the instrument panel and door panelling are visibly made from natural fibres, while the naturally tanned leather of the seats creates a lounge-style ambience. These materials provide an appealing contrast to the forms of the instrument panel and door elements, and lend the interior a strikingly modern feel.

With the drive components located in the Drive module, there is no centre tunnel running through the passenger compartment. This allows the two front and two rear seats to be connected with each other by a continuous seat surface, which allows for ease of entry and exit via the front passenger side of the car. With four seats, wide-opening opposing �coach� doors, boot capacity of around 200 litres and an additional functional compartment in the front.

11 BMW i3 Concept Engines and transmissions. The electric motor over the rear axle � which generates output of 125 kW/170 hp and impressive torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from a standstill � and a small turning circle combine to deliver pleasingly crisp driving characteristics and give the driver a very immediate experience of the BMW i3 Concept�s lightweight design. The BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds.

With ECO PRO mode activated, all the vehicle functions operate with maximum efficiency. Added to which, sophisticated aerodynamics and slim, low rolling resistance wheels minimise resistance to the car�s forward progress and maximise its range.

Articles Soerce : newcarset

Lamborghini Aventador LP900-4 Molto Veloce by DMC

Not that you really need to, but if you must have a Lamborghini Aventador that stands out from its siblings both inside and out, you may be interested to know that German tuning brand DMC has presented its take on the Sant'Agata's wildest bull.

Basically, DMC offers two packages, the "Molto Veloce" styling kit and the "LP900" performance upgrade.

"The Molto Veloce's Body Kit aims at Aventador owners that seek to add a little more exclusivity to their LP700," stats Thorsten Grebers, Marketing Manager at DMC Germany. "The LP900 engine upgrade clearly targets speed enthusiasts."

On the styling front, the tuner straps on several new carbon fiber bits such as a bulging front lip spoiler, bumper trims, side skirts, a gigantic rear wing, and a rear apron complete with a diffuser and new exhaust pipes.

The Aventador also rolls on a new set of wheels with the rim painted in matte black and the spokes in the same color as the rest of the car.

The LP900 performance kit replaces the stock V12's overhead throttle valves per cylinder bank with 12 unique single intake throttle plates, one for each cylinder, and adds new pumps and lines, a reprogrammed ECU and a featherweight, titanium exhaust system said to weigh only 3.45 kg (7.6 pounds) or 1/10th of the regular exhaust (34kg).

DMC is keeping the performance numbers to itself, but we assume the LP900 moniker means the V12 now produces 900PS or 888hp.

Articles Source : Carscoop