Yellow Smart Car | Minicar

Yellow Smart Car - Minicar

2010 INTERNATIONAL ENGINE OF THE YEAR WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The big winners at the 2010 International Engine of the Year Awards were Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. VW brand drove off with just two awards, yet it was not the quantity that mattered but the quality. It won 2010 International Engine of the Year, the kingpin of them all. Apart from that, it also took best 1 to 1.4-litre engine with the 1.4 TSI used in cars like the Golf, Scirocco, Jetta, Touran, Tiguan and the Seat Ibiza Cupra.



Mercedes-Benz kept BMW in check with its second-in-a-row Performance Engine of the Year for its outgoing 6.2-litre V8 used in the C 63 AMG, S 63 AMG, SL 63 AMG, CL 63 AMG, E 63 AMG, CLS 63 AMG and ML 63 AMG. Porsche, second-placed in this category, took home only 125 votes for its 3.8-litre turbo, compared to the mighty AMG’s 220 votes.


Best New Engine went to Fiat’s Multiair motor while the Green Engine Award was taken by the Toyota Prius once again.


Category winners were Toyota’s 1-litre in the sub-1 litre category. The 1.4 to 1.8-litre segment was won by the BMW-PSA 1.6-litre turbo found in the MINI, Peugeot 308 and Citroen DS3 among others. BMW took top honours again in the 1.8 to 2.0-litre category with the twin turbo diesel fitted in the X1 xDrive23d and 123d.


Audi came to the fore in the 2.0 to 2.5-litre section with a win for the 2.5-litre turbo used exclusively for the fuming TT RS. Again BMW was king in the 2.5-litre to 3.0-litre category, sweeping the floor with its 3.0-litre twin turbo engine found in the 135i, 335i, 535i, X5 35i, X6 35i and Z4. The Bavarians’ final stash came in the 3.0-litre to 4.0-litre category as it swiped the best award with the M3’s 4.0-litre V8. Mercedes-Benz came back strong with a win for the 6.2-litre V8 again in the above 4.0-litre show.

FORD TAKES BBBEE SERIOUSLY

Ford has announced the establishment of a world class Supplier Incubation Facility in
Silverton, Pretoria that will provide skills development and training for BBBEE
companies.

The announcement follows the company’s confirmation of a R3 billion investment to
expand manufacturing operations for its next-generation global compact pickup truck
programme in Silverton, and Puma diesel engine production at its Struandale, Port
Elizabeth facility.



The 7,200 sqm Supplier Incubation Facility is a joint initiative between Ford, the Gauteng
Provincial Government and Tier 1 Suppliers who directly supply FMCSA. The Silverton
incubation centre is a Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) initiative
that will help develop small businesses by providing professional support and growth
opportunities. Entrepreneurs will be selected and housed at the facility, enabling them to
supply the new Ford production line.

The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has committed R105million to the project.
Funds will be disbursed through the Automotive Industrial Development Corporation
(AIDC), which has earmarked R55 million for training, development and BBBEE
companies' start-up costs, and the Supplier Park Development Company, Ltd (SPDC),
which has allocated R50 million to build the facility. The initiative is part of the Silverton
assembly site's transformation from a low volume, multiple vehicle plant to a high
volume, single model production facility in 2011.

“The Supplier Incubation Facility and BBBEE training programme is another example of
Ford's commitment to strengthen South Africa's position as a world class exporter of
vehicles and engine components,” said Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford Asia Pacific and
Africa. “As part of the One Ford plan we require a globally integrated automotive supply
chain and a highly trained workforce, and this programme will help us achieve that goal
in South Africa.’'

Firoz Cachalia, MEC for Economic Development in Gauteng, noted that the new
investment will make a vital contribution to growth and job creation in the province.
“Gauteng is committed to the development of the automotive industry and this facility will
enable us to meet our objectives,” added Cachalia.

A training and development plan has been jointly conceived by FMCSA and the
AIDC. The four-year training and development plan will enhance the overall skills and
knowledge base of automotive workers in Silverton, resulting in a globally competitive
workforce.

Amanda Nair, the CEO of Blue IQ, remarked that the new facility will assist in increasing
the global competitiveness of the South African automotive industry. “We are bringing in
black entrepreneurs and providing them with skills and training that will lead to the
creation of decent and sustainable jobs,” she said. Blue IQ is the Gauteng agency
responsible for the AIDC and the Supplier Park Development Company (SPDC) which
will manage the Incubation Facility.

Annual capacity at Silverton will increase to 110,000 vehicles in 2011. FMCSA, Tier 1
Suppliers and the Government are working with BBBEE companies to enable them to
participate in Ford's global pickup truck production programme.

“The automotive industry is one of the key economic sectors of the country and we are
pleased to have the support of the South African government. With their continued
assistance we will be able to foster a strong and globally competitive auto industry that
will flourish,” said Jeff Nemeth, president and CEO of FMCSA.

Murceilago MR2

It's rare to see a kit car that bears such little resemblance to the car it's trying to mock. I'm guessing this might be Corvette based, due to what appears to be a front mounted engine. There's a surprising amount of MR2 based Lamborghini rip-offs out there now too, but this looks a little too long...

LittleBigPlanet?

This poor Audi better be nothing more than a Coupe GT, although no Coupe GT even deserves this treatment. It kinda looks like something resembling a car a kid might have made out of an old shoe box. Or possibly a real-life, life-size version of the cardboard cars from LittleBigPlanet.

Mercedes-Benz Corolla

I almost thought it was an E Class. With the round headlights and all.

Toyota Shamu

I believe this is an early Lexus LS / Toyota Celsior. In true Bōsōzoku tradition, the car modification has spread like cancer in the form of multiple taillights and pointles louvers. This car was particularly hard hit, as even it's side reflectors and license plates are multiplying. And the there's that spoiler, which puts the 911 Turbo's whale tail to shame.

2011 Impreza WRX STI Review

Subaru performance enthusiasts have been patiently waiting for the next Impreza WRX STI sedan. Finally, the wait is completed. For the 2011 model year, IMS will once again be available as a sedan.

Along with the hatchback, sedan STI has been engineered to be more precise. This includes a larger front and rear stabilizer bars, increased spring rates, and the rigid rear sub-frame bushings. And of course, the sedan features iconic STI rear spoiler, which has been set to increase downforce, while reducing the overall drag coefficient of a car.

Back for the 2011 model year, is strong in the STI's turbocharged VMAR BOXER ® engine, which cranks from 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a six-speed manual transmission and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Rally-tuned sport suspension, exclusive Brembo ® brake system, and the Driver Controlled Centre Differential (DCCD) to help keep all that power in check.

The Beetle based VW Karmann Ghia is one of my favourite designs of the Fifties. However, this coupe that debuted in 1961 shared that designation - but not it's good looks. Called the Type 34 Karmann Ghia, it was based off VW's new Type 3/1500/1600/Notchback/Squareback platform, and looked a bit like the love child of a Renault 8 Gordini and a Chevy Corvair. The source of my discontent mainly focuses around the front end treatment with it's furrowed brow. The car looks permanently angry and confused. With it's tiny greenhouse and long hood and trunk, I also find it looks a bit out of proportion.

Extreme Windshield Banners

Not sure who the maker of this kit is, but it follows the tried and true tradition of fitting the largest air intakes possible and filling them with numerous LED lights.

However, the bodykit pales in comparison to what I think is the largest windshield banner I've ever seen - it covers about 75% of the window surface. I've not sure what's on it - looks like a conversation between two men for whatever reason. How the driver can actually seen in front of him I don't know.

2011 Impreza WRX Review

To match an aggressive spirit, body, Impreza WRX 2011 has dared to be improved. New rally-inspired designs both 4 - and 5-door model echoes the Impreza WRX STI from the ship, which displays a fender flared to accommodate the new wheels and wider tires, air intakes revamped, redesigned fog lights and grille looks more sinister in front. Behind, a complete new quad-outlet exhaust wider stance.

Back to the year 2011 is the model 265-horsepower turbocharged / intercooled 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine VMAR BOXER ® works with five-speed manual transmission.

Gumpert Appalling

Given that the Gumpert Apollo is a butterface on a good day, you can be fairly certain that an MR2 based knockoff is not a looker. According to the eBay listing, it has such modern conveniences as an exhaust and suspension. No more carbon monoxide poisoning! What a time we live in…

Another gem from the listing: “Here is the chance to own a "One Off" drop dead exotic vehicle at a small fraction of any high performance vehicle.” I’m assuming he’s talking about it’s performance, not it’s cost…

Gumpert Apollo

Like the Mosler Consulier, the Gumpert Apollo is a sports car that abandoned good looks in favour of pure functionality. Looking a bit like a Bugatti Veyron someone built in their garage, the 650+hp Apollo can reach 100km/h almost as fast, at an amazing 2.9 seconds. Still fugly though, so here she be.

Mosler Consulier / Raptor

Including both models in this post as their essentially the same car. The Mosler Consulier was a sports car built by Warren Mosler that was highly successful in racing in the early 90's, powered by a 2.2L Chrysler engine. As you can probably tell, it's engineering took preference over the styling. It's taillights come from the Ford truck parts bin, for example.



The Raptor was the final evolution of this body style, again evolving not for looks but for speed - adopting an extremely awkward V-shaped windshield to help cut the wind (but unfortunately did not aid in visibility).

As time went on Mosler decided they would have to make their cars more attractive in order to gain acceptance, and Warren Mosler hired a designer. The result is the MT900S/R, instantly turning the capable ugly duck into a swan.

SPECIAL EDITION JAGUAR XKR BREATHES FIRE

Jaguar Land Rover's new CEO, Dr Ralf Speth, initiated the challenge to the Jaguar engineering team to construct an XKR to celebrate Jaguar's 75th anniversary, which would deliver a combination of enhanced performance, superb chassis and steering control and grip levels to inspire the driving enthusiast to explore the true potential of the XKR's capabilities.

Mike O'Driscoll, managing director, Jaguar Cars, said "The XKR 75 will provide owners with exclusivity, excitement and a hint of Jaguar's great heritage. This is a fitting way to celebrate the sporting credentials of the XK marque in the 75th year of the Jaguar name", he continued.



Jaguar engineers increased the power and torque of the acclaimed 5.0-litre supercharged engine to 390kW and 655Nm respectively for the XKR 75, to deliver truly outstanding performance. While the limited edition model's top speed is electronically limited to 280km/h, the XKR 75's 0 - 100km/h acceleration time is reduced from 4.6 to 4.4 seconds compared to the standard 375kW XKR.

Using the rigid lightweight aluminium architecture of the XK as a solid foundation, the increased power of the XKR 75 is matched by an agile, dynamic chassis that handles supremely, rides exceptionally well and stops with surefooted reassurance time after time.

The Jaguar XKR 75 features revised suspension and handling for increased precision and agility in addition to the performance enhancements. To ensure the XKR 75 remains stable at high speeds, a revised aerodynamic body pack with a front splitter, side sills extensions, a rear diffuser and larger rear spoiler provide increased balance and a reduction in lift. The XKR’s computerised Active Differential Control also adjusts to reduce steering sensitivity at very high speeds, further improving stability and driver control.

And with an improved acoustics package for the semi-active sports exhaust, the XKR 75 produces a pulse-racing growl to match its performance.

The car's driver-focussed character, however, has not been achieved at the expense of the Jaguar traditional values of refinement and comfort.

"We conceived the XR 75 as a sports car with a duality of character that makes it perfectly suited to driving across Europe to the Nurburgring, completing some very fast laps, and then driving home again, added Mike Cross, Chief Engineer Vehicle Integrity.

The XKR 75 features a new Stratus Grey finish. Red brake callipers contrast the eye-catching 20-inch gloss Vortex forged lightweight alloys with a dark technical finish and diamond turn. Customers will have the option to apply a unique body graphic that runs from the front bumper to the rear haunches.

The XKR 75’s interior completes the driver-focussed performance environment finished in Charcoal with ivory stitch, piano black finish to facia and centre console and a Jet suedecloth headlining.


STORY BY JAGUAR

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 IX

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 IX Wallpaper

It’s not Smart to be Noble

It doesn’t take a genius to tell that 95% of the design of the Shuanghuan Noble is based on that of the Smart ForTwo. Unlike the Smart ForTwo, it has seating for four – although it’s uncertain how comfortable the rearmost passengers will be. It’s also important to note that the ForTwo has an integrated safety cell. Given some recent Chinese cars propensity to have crash structure with the strength of a wet cardboard box, the Smart ForTwo may be the safer choice, literally and figuratively.

Acura CL Headlights and their Legacy of Fug

Back in the late 90’s, there was a disturbing automotive trend involving pimping out Acura Intergras and slapping on Acura CL headlights. The resulting creation was both horrifying and nauseating. Strangely, it’s rather difficult to find pictures of these mythical beasts on the internet. It’s possible that owners had them destroyed as their owners came to their senses. The above photo I believe is not an Integra but a Mitsubishi Eclipse (with a bonus pink fuzz interior treatment).



*EDIT* - Found a good pic of an Integra with the CL headlight conversion, complete with Z3 louvers on the fenders as an added bonus.

Mustupra

This horrifying creation is the result of the movies “Fast and the Furious” and "Gone in 60 Seconds" being transported simultaneously in the Telepods from "The Fly". Holy movie references, Batman!

PS: I think the description might be to vague - it's a Toyota Supra dressed up like the Eleanor GT500.

PacManly Bits

Remember the Corbin Swallows that scooted around all phallic looking in Austin Powers' Goldmember? They ain’t got nothing on these Chinese runabouts. Looking like the leftovers from PacMan’s castration, my favourite is the double bubble 4 seater I affectionately call “The Nutsack”. I'm guessing these are some sort of concept car - they're made by the Chinese company Tanghua.

Attack of the Clones: 2011 Honda Accord

Honda just today released pictures of it's updated Accord, whose current iteration isn't quite fugly - but definitely was not as pretty as previous generations. Focusing on the sedan here as it's the biggest offender. I wouldn't say the facelift exactly helps matters. Up a new grille is the biggest news - kind of similar to that on the Crosstour, but 40% the size. Guess it doesn't look too bad, but then I find myself constantly comparing it to the Crosstour.


However out back they seemed to glue on this gaudy taillight on the truck and call it a day. Worse yet, the looks is shockingly similar to everyone's favourite BMW.

FIVE SPECIAL FORD FOCUS RS MODELS PAY LE MANS TRIBUTE

Ecurie Ford France, one of the partners of the popular  Le Mans Classic event which takes place between July 9th and 11th, has prepared a collection of just five Focus RS cars in unique colour schemes, each paying tribute to the Ford cars which made 'blue oval' history at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
                                                                                        
Each of the five Focus RS Le Mans Classic vehicles will be finished in the colours of one of the Ford cars which made 24 Hours history for Ford. During the event itself, they will even carry the race number of the cars to which they’re paying tribute:



Black with silver stripes: a reference to the Ford Mk II, which was victorious in 1966.
Red with white stripes: recalling the Mk IV which won in 1967.
White with a thin blue centre stripe surrounded by a red border: echoing the decoration of the beautiful Ford Mk IIB, entered by Ford France in the 1967 Le Mans 24-hours.
Two-tone sky blue and orange: A modern take on the GT40s which dominated Le Mans in 1968 and 1969.


Two-tone white and blue: representing the livery of the Capri RS 2600 which took the Touring category in 1972.


All five exclusive Focus RS vehicles also have customised interiors. The Recaro seats are upholstered in leather and diamond-quilted alcantara, front and back, with stitching that matches the bodywork. The gearshift gaiter, hand brake handle and central arm-rest are upholstered in real leather, and a leather safety belt guide has been added to the front seats.


Each of the five cars will carry a personalised numbered plaque on the dashboard confirming its exclusivity as part of the collection.


The five cars will be seen in action at the 2010 Le Mans Classic in July, and will be driven on a number of laps of the full track at the start of a number of the different 'grid' races reserved for cars of a particular era, with Ford-invited special guests and VIPs at the wheel.


The Focus RS Le Mans Classic units will be joined on the track by the limited edition Ford Focus RS500, whose futuristic matt black livery will be an equally eye-catching addition to the palette of colours which have fired the imaginations of countless fans of Ford and the greatest endurance race in the world.


Only Five For Sale
Once the fifth Le Mans Classic event is over, these five unique Focus RS Le Mans Classic vehicles will be put up for sale, and will be offered with exclusive accessories. Fitted with either RS(1) or RS Technology(2) packs, they will be supplied with a Le Mans Classic watch - a 3-dial automatic chronograph with large date display and sapphire background of which only 600 are to be produced.


The 5 cars to which the Ford Focus RS Le Mans Classic is paying tribute:
The Ford Mk II (victorious in 1966): on the 18th of June 1966, Henry Ford II himself gave the starting signal for the 24th Le Mans 24 Hours. He let loose a pack of fifty-five vehicles led out by two of the eight Mk IIs entered by the manufacturer plus six GT40s, including one belonging to Ford France which was driven by Guy Ligier and the American Bob Grossman. The duel with Ferrari was at its peak for this “race of the century”. Unbeaten since 1960, the Italian marque was the queen of Le Mans. However, this time it was the Americans who dominated, pulling off a spectacular triple! For the first time ever, the 200km/h average speed barrier was broken at
Le Mans.


The Ford Mk IV (winner in 1967): Wanting revenge, Ferrari sent its formidable 330 P4s to challenge the Mk IVs in a face-to-face battle without mercy. However, it was all in vain. The unstoppable red, white-trimmed Mk IV, piloted by Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt, wiped the floor with Lodovico Scarfiotti and Mike Parkes’ P4. Unforgettable new pages in the history of motor sport were being written before everyone’s eyes. The epic tale of the Mk IIs and Mk IVs concluded with the spectacular distance (5,232.9 km) and average speed (218 km/h!) records set by Ford that year.


The Ford GT40 (victorious in 1968 and 1969): Even though Ford as a manufacturer was not directly involved, John Wyer’s JWA team benefitted from Gulf Oil sponsorship and the blessing of Ford Dearborn. For their first outing in 1968, the GT40s faced some keen and challenging competition from Porsche and Alfa Romeo. Driven by Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi, the GT40 clearly dominated the field ahead of a Porsche 907 and three Alfa Romeo 33/2s. This third consecutive Ford victory was the first for a genuine GT40.


In 1969, competition was as intense and varied as ever: Porsche was in attendance with its 908s and its new 917s, Matra introduced its 630/650s and Ferrari was back again with its 312 Ps. Nevertheless, once again the GT40 beat them all, sweeping the boards at the end of an epic duel. Jacky Ickx raced across the finish line leaving the German Hans Hermann 120 metres behind and red faced at the wheel of his Porsche. The GT40 drove away with Ford’s fourth consecutive victory at Le Mans!


Capri RS 2600 (1st in the Special Touring category in 1972): Tenth overall, the Capri RS 2600, driven by Gerry Birrel and Claude Bourgoignie, dominated its category during the 1972 Le Mans 24 Hours. Manufactured between 1969 and 1986, the Ford Capri enjoyed a great sporting career and was one of the great leaders of the European Touring Car Championships and the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. It also shone in the Production Cars Championship of France and the famous British Touring Car Championship. Many Formula 1 drivers distinguished themselves at the wheel of a Capri, including Jochen Mass, Hans Stuck and the Tyrrell Racing duo of Jackie Stewart and François Cevert during the 6 Hours of Paul Ricard Circuit organised in 1972. The rally version of the Capri also appeared in the colours of Ecurie Ford France with internationally renowned drivers such as Jean-François Piot, Guy Chasseuil, Jean Vinatier and Jean-Claude Gamet at the wheel.


Ford Mk II Ecurie Ford France (1967): Jo Schlesser teamed up with his friend Guy Ligier on only one occasion at Le Mans. That was in 1967, in a magnificent white Ford Mk II powered by a seven litre V8 engine. An early track exit crushed their hopes in the 13th hour. However, driving the same car, they won the last ever 12 Hours of Reims, the other former great French endurance race. Jo Schlesser, a driver with an incredibly eclectic talent, was killed during the 1968 French Grand Prix. He was one of Ecurie Ford France’s most emblematic drivers, racing on track circuits, in rallies and in a famous hill climbing race of the time, the Mont-Ventoux.


STORY BY FORD

Porsche Custom Gold Layer

This is a Porsche that has the Russians. In Russia they drive in a gold covered Porsche cars. More than 40 pounds of pure gold that are currently used certain car decorations.





Modification of the gold layer Porsche

Bass Ackwards

You may be thinking, "so what exactly is wrong with this car?"

Well, besides looking like a precursor to the the Pacer...

It's apparently been build backwards. The car you see here is the 1959 Renault Studio 900, and about the only details I can ascertain is that it was a concept or design experiment. Even 50 years ago Renault was paving the way for it's future atrocities.

HPP Daytona Challenger is Superlame

This is wrong on so many levels, the main one being that it's a Challenger. Also, the black headlight surrounds were found on the Superbird, which wasn't a Dodge.

Dodge Challenged

Take one Dodge Challenger, add one scoop of Vista Cruiser, a dash of Superbird, and voila!

BMW Cars in Custom Gold Seal

Meet the gold plated BMW M5 cars from Moscow, Russia.
BMW modification of the gold layer


This is a good rival for the Russian gold-plated Porsche as people say it was hijacked right in the middle of a busy day on the streets of Moscow.