Information and Review Car

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

Drawing inspiration from classic sports cars, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice coupe was created for drivers who appreciate both dramatic styling and balanced performance. Unveiled at the New York Auto Show as a GXP model, the Solstice coupe builds on the success of the convertible model while offering a greater range of all-season driving opportunities.

2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

For drivers still wanting an open-air experience, the coupe also features a removable roof panel, fully opening the cockpit to all of the sensations of the road.

"Today's Solstice is the top-selling roadster in the U.S., and we believe this new model has even broader appeal," said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. "The coupe has all the design cues and pleasing performance of the original roadster, and is an all-season alternative for people who enjoy open-air driving."

The coupe is expected to arrive in Pontiac dealerships in early 2009.

The making of a coupe

The new coupe was inspired by the Pontiac Solstice coupe concept shown at the North American International Auto Show in 2002. True to the concept, it is a modern sports car with classic lines. The roofline has a "fastback" shape with stylized "rails" that run from the front of the roof to the rear, culminating in a stylish and functional ducktail-style rear spoiler.

The coupe's roof is fixed aft of the B-pillars, with side windows and a rear liftglass for access to the cargo area. The roof panel is easily removed from the passenger compartment, and an optional soft roof cover stores in the cargo area. A home storage case for the roof panel will be offered through GM Accessories.

Engineering the design

Despite its dramatic new look, engineers made only minor structural changes to create the Pontiac Solstice coupe. The rear fenders and rear fascia are the same as those on the convertible. New taillight assemblies flow more smoothly into the tapered roofline.

"The Solstice coupe represents a major collaboration of design and engineering," said Bruce Kosbab, chief engineer. "The sleek lines of the new roof give the car a fresh appearance, yet only minimal changes were made to the body structure - it's a great example of building on an already solid foundation."

Lightweight structure

The roof's structure was strengthened with additional support elements, including an aluminum roof bow attached with aluminum brackets. The bow and brackets are stiff, yet low in mass, a design feature that pervades the coupe's overall construction. The roof includes a lightweight sheet molding compound cover affixed to a rigid aluminum frame for additional lightweight support. A lightweight magnesium roof panel frame weighs just 31 pounds (14.2 kg) and can be removed by one person. The cover is also made of sheet molding compound.

Powertrain and suspension

Because the change to a coupe body style resulted in only a slight increase in curb weight, no drivetrain or suspension changes were necessary to shift from the convertible body structure. Initial tests have shown that the Solstice coupe will deliver ride and handling, acceleration, braking and fuel economy comparable to the convertible model.

The coupe is powered by a standard 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that generates 173 horsepower (129 kW), while the GXP version is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine with 260 horsepower (194 kW).

Interior additions

Much of the coupe's interior remains the same as that of the convertible. However, the area behind the seats was redesigned for easy access to the cargo area, and a storage tray was mounted directly behind the headrests.

Removing the folding-top mechanism made way for a new, flat cargo floor and several storage compartments. The cargo area's covered bins provide secure storage for smaller items. Cargo tie-down hooks help secure irregularly shaped items.

Articles Source : NetcarShow

Sunday, April 8, 2012

2010 Lotus Elite Concept

The ground-breaking new Lotus Elite is exactly that. It�s compact yet chic body is elegance incarnate. It�s not only exquisitely elegant, in keeping with Lotus� core values, it�s a car of substance incorporating some of the very latest technological innovations Lotus has to offer. The slick retractable hard top version and the optional use of hybrid technology with KERS are typical examples of Lotus tailoring technology to deliver perfect performance.

2010 Lotus Elite Concept

Set for release in spring 2014, this is an innovative, exciting GT that will set a new benchmark in design, performance and emissions. And it�s not all about sleek lines and stunning bodywork with this particular 2+2, what hides beneath this shark like exterior perfectly does the aesthetics justice. A front-mid positioned 5.0l V8 engine delivering up to 620 PS meaning drivers can expect to go from 0-100 km/h in approximately 3.5 to 3.7 seconds.

Articles Soerce : Lincah

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

2011 Lotus Evora S

The Evora S comes with a sport pack as standard featuring a �sport� button which allows the driver to control throttle response and activate the exhaust by-pass valve. The sport button also raises the instantaneous rev limit and changes the dynamic stability control settings resulting in a total experience change. There are cross-drilled brakes for improved cooling. And here�s a heads up for those who buy into the old adage �you can tell the men from the boys by the size of their toys�: the external emotion of the Evora S has been improved with a completely new active exhaust which means that at the push of a button the car sounds just as dramatic as it feels.

2011 Lotus Evora S

In addition to the Evora S, Lotus also presents the IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) option. This inception of the seven-time-award-winning (who�s counting? We are!) Evora sees an automatic 6-speed gearbox with Lotus developed transmission control with a 3.5 l V6 engine delivering 280 PS assuring a superior automatic driving experience.

The Lotus Evora IPS version of the Evora allows the driver to switch between manual paddle shift and automatic drive modes. The driver also has the option of selecting �sport� mode which showcases the Lotus sport driving experience allowing the driver to really feel each gear shift and be in complete control of the transmission.

Articles Soerce : Lincah

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Bertone may sell Nuccio Concept to collector for $2.65M

The Nuccio concept, showed off by Bertone as a rolling model at the Geneva Motor Show and then as a road-ready car at the Beijing Motor Show is in talks to be sold. An update on the Lancia Stratos Zero concept from the seventies and powered by a 4.3-liter Ferrari V8 with 480 horsepower, the Nuccio was a 15,000-hour exercise in what the company's historical language could look like today.

Bertone Nuccio Concept

A Chinese collector was so taken with it that, according to a report in Automotive News, he is in discussions with Bertone to drop �2 million ($2.7 million) to take it home. If the deal is closed, he won't get to take it home until after Pebble Beach weekend, where Bertone plans to again display the Nuccio.

Articles Source : Autoblog

Sunday, February 12, 2012

2010 Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Concept

Lotus had unveiled the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid concept at the 80th International Geneva Motor Show. This concept showcases new developments in plug-in, range-extended electric propulsion, new electronic technologies to enhance driver involvement, the adaptability of the Lotus Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) that underpins the Evora 414E Hybrid and a new roof system and interior concept from Lotus Design.

2010 Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Concept

For the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid, Lotus Engineering has developed a highly efficient, high performance drivetrain system consisting of twin motors each limited to providing 152 kW (207 PS/204 hp) of power and 400 Nm (295 lbft) of torque to each wheel via independent, single speed, reduction transmissions integrated into a single housing, enabling torque vectoring dynamic control of the vehicle.

The range extended electric drive of the Evora 414E Hybrid consists of two electric motors driving each of the rear wheels independently via single speed geartrain. Additional range is provided by the Lotus Range Extender engine, an optimized 1.2 liter, three-cylinder engine, providing 35 kW (48 PS/47 hp) of power at 3,500 rpm via the integrated electrical generator.

The vehicle energy storage system is made up of the latest Lithium Polymer battery chemistry with over 100 kW discharge capability. The battery pack provides 17 kWH energy storage capacity. All the operation and management of the range extender engine, the power management of the batteries and motor control are controlled by Lotus� electronic control units and software systems.

To enhance driver involvement, it is the incorporation of HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis technologies from Lotus and Harman International. This provides the Evora 414E Hybrid with sound contouring within the cabin and improves pedestrian safety outside the vehicle.

Articles Soerce : Lincah

Friday, February 3, 2012

2011 Hennessey Venom GT

Hennessey Performance Engineering has unveiled their first production-ready Venom GT supercar which is based on the Lotus Elise. The Chassis Number 01 Venom GT is headed to the UAE where it is to be delivered to its new owner by Hennessey�s exclusive Middle East distributor, Al DiMora of DiMora Motorcar. Aside from reusing the windshield, doors, roof, floor, dash and various trim components, the Venom GT�s design and construction has been engineered from the ground up for a truly unique supercar. An all-new front and rear space frame and suspension is cloaked in a new carbon fiber body, sporting an adjustable rear wing for exceptional high-speed stability.

2011 Hennessey Venom GT

The first production Venom is powered by a twin turbocharged Chevrolet LS-series aluminum V8 producing 1,200 hp and 1,135 lb-ft torque mated to a 6-speed Ricardo manual transaxle (the same as found in the Ford GT). Boasting a dry weight of just 2,548 lbs and a curb weight of 2,685 lbs with a full tank of fuel, the car delivers on its promise of an astounding power-to-weight ratio.

Production levels of the Venom GT range from the base 725 hp supercharged LS9 V8 unveiled in the original prototype car to 1,000 hp and 1,200 hp twin turbo V8 variants. Each vehicle is painted and its interior crafted to each owner�s specification, offering the opportunity for one-off exclusivity.

Articles Soerce : Lincah

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

2010 Lotus Exige S Type 72

The 935kg Lotus Exige S Type 72 sprints to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 145 mph, 233 km/h. The Exige S Type 72 also offers class leading fuel economy and emissions, with fuel economy of 6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg) on the Extra Urban Cycle and CO2 emissions of 199 g/km. The Exige S Type 72 is a powerful supercharged mid-engined sportscar that is equally at home on the racetrack or open road. The intercooled engine has VVTL-i technology ensuring impressive performance all the way to the rev limiter at 8500 rpm.

2010 Lotus Exige S Type 72

The Sport Pack comes as standard on the Exige S Type 72 which has a bespoke high quality interior, including black micro fibre ProBax sports seats with gold stitching. Each car comes with a special build plate commemorating one of the F1 car�s 20 Grand Prix victories. The exterior of the Exige S Type 72 features unique black and gold light weight wheels and is finished with hand-painted gold Type 72 and Exige S logos, (the Sport Pack also includes a T45 steel main roll hoop, Lotus Traction Control, twin oil coolers and an adjustable front anti-roll bar).

Just twenty S Type 72 models will be made for the United Kingdom and 20 others for mainland Europe. UK Price: �35,995 MRSP, excluding on the road costs of �950. Euro zone price: �40,332, including delivery and other on the road costs, excluding local country tax.

Articles Soerce : Lincah