2012 Pagani Huayra

The eternity of the element air. Soft and stylish, but the wind can erode even the hardest materials birth to distinctive forms known in the wild. Sleek and muscular Pagani Huayra merges past, present and future in a timeless interpretation of the art car.

The style of the car has been improved over the five years to find each line of the start and end. During this investigation, eight models created, and two models 1:01, each a little further development of the past in an endless quest to perfect the shape and refining of the substance.


Bi-xenon headlights are just one of many precious gifts of the Zonda R, and LED daytime running lights are completely integrated into the elliptical shape of the design. The rear bumper is integrated with the station and is dominated by an elliptical structure around the central four exhaust outlets, is becoming a feature of Pagani.



Backbone

Plants in the new unibody Huayra Pagani is a completely new carbontitanium. However, with the butterfly doors gash on the roof, the research has focused on achieving high levels of rigidity in the application of new advanced composite materials and technologies of the first test of the Zonda R. The fuel tank is located entirely within the protected zone of the monocoque, behind the driver, reinforced safety cell in different composite materials and ballistics. Front and rear sub-frame provides exceptional strength to weight CrMo to allow the suspension to work at its best, while incorporating an advanced crash structure absorbs energy, ready to protect occupants in the unlikely event of an impact .

10 World's Fastest Electric Car: Review of electric cars

environmentally friendly electric-powered cars. Many global automobile manufacturers develop an electric car with the aim to offer advantages when behind the wheel of an electric car.



But not a lot of electric cars built by car manufacturers on the grounds of a sports car costs much less electricity. Only a small car manufacturer to develop an electric sports car.



Well, from the number of electric-powered concept car turned out to have had the most to offer advantages with a sense of speed. What is it? Listen to fast electric car developed by automotto.



1. Koenigsegg Quant



Behind the Koenigsegg Quant a fantastic body, there is a machine that can generate power of 512 hp with 715 Nm of torque. Amazingly moving from 0-100 km / h only takes 5.2 seconds with a maximum speed of 275 km / hour. This car is also equipped with regenerative braking that converts kinetic energy into electrical energy.



2. Shelby Aero Ev



Shelby Aero Ev once dubbed the world's fastest electric car. Bonnetnya stored behind a machine capable of spraying power sebasar 1000 hp capable of carrying a 0-100 km / h within 2.5 seconds only. The car can reach a maximum speed of 334 miles per hour. Classified as advanced batteries, the charging time of about 10 minutes can take you as far as 150 miles.



3. AC Propulsion TZero



AC Propulsion TZero developed by the United States car manufacturers, AC Propulsion. Car chassis is made of fiberglass and double wishbone suspension and rack-pinion steering. The engine can catapult a power of 200 hp with 240 Nm of torque. This car weighs 1,000 kg so the 0-100 km / h in just 4.07 seconds with a maximum speed of 250 km per hour. AC Propulsion TZero produced starting in 1997, but production was discontinued in 2003.



4. Jaguar C-X75

This car is one of hybrid cars with emissions of carbon dioxide terfenomenal 99 g / km, while able to run from 0-100 km / h in 3 seconds with a maximum speed of 320 km / hour. Jaguar C-X75 plan would be priced at 700,000 pound sterling



5. Peugeot EX1



Peugeot EX1 is 100 percent electric-powered cars. The energy stored in lithium-ion batteries are routed to two electric motors mounted on each axle. Each motor 170 capable of generating power Ps (Ps 340 total) plus 240 Nm of torque each wheel.



6. Li-ion Inizio

Li-ion Inizio is the most stylish electric car because it combines style, sports, unique to a single car. The battery can store power offers a maximum speed of 273 km per hour. While from 0-100 km / h with 3.4 seconds count. The interior is inspired by the Dodge Viper sports car and the outside Ferrari. The car is only produced as many as 2,500 units per year at a price of U.S. $ 139,000



7. Wrightspeed X1



The model is similar to the Ariel Atom. Wrightspeed X1 is one of the electric sports car that would make users dumbfounded. Because of 0-100 km / hour in a matter of 3 seconds. While the maximum speed can reach 167 miles per hour.



8. Tesla Roadster



Tesla Roadster was one of the environmentally friendly car that combines style. This electric sports car has become a mainstay of U.S. society that likes racing but still protecting the environment. The engine can shoot a power of 288 hp with 295 Nm. The car can move from 0-100 km / h 3.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 201 km per hour.



9. Fastest Electric F1 Car



This car is dubbed as a Formula 1 car the most environmentally friendly. Not just friendly is also one of the F1 car that carries the electrical machine. Moving from 0-100 km / h takes only 3 seconds with a maximum speed of 250 km / hour.



10. Ellica



Eliica-made electric car is a Japanese manufacturer to accommodate the urban community. Because the body is a bit chubby. But the electric motor capability good enough ie 0-100 km / h within 4 seconds. Electric motor capable of running Ellica to the limit speed of 370 miles per hour. Ellica is the result of the development of electric cars Keio University in Japan.

LAND ROVER DC100 CONCEPT TO DEBUT AT FRANKFURT

The Land Rover DC100, a modern interpretation of the iconic Land Rover Defender will make its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.


Land Rover also confirms today, that production of a new Defender is globally intended for 2015, with no current decision on whether or not the next generation Defender will come to the North American markets.

Commenting on the Land Rover DC100 concept car, Gerry McGovern, Director of Design, Land Rover said, "Replacing the iconic Defender is one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world; it is a car that inspires people worldwide.  This isn't a production-ready concept but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century."

John Edwards, Global Brand Director, Land Rover added, "Loved the world over for its simple, honest and distinctive design, we are determined that the new Defender will be true to its heritage, while meeting the requirements of a changing global market. 

"We plan to engage with existing and potential customers to help us finalize the details of the new vehicle.  One thing's for sure, it's going to be an exciting journey, and we can't wait to get going," added Edwards.

The Land Rover DC100 concept builds upon the essential elements of the car’s character and allows Land Rover to open the debate and inspire people to dream about the Defenders of the future.



STORY BY LAND ROVER

NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR AT PEUGEOT SA

Peugeot South Africa has announced the appointment of a new managing director. Francis Harnie (46) takes over from Jean Francois Bacos, who returns to the PSA head office in Paris, France.
 

Harnie has been with the Peugeot organisation for 25 years. He started off in the commercial vehicles division of Peugeot Benelux in 1986, and subsequently held a succession of increasingly senior positions within that company, with a specific emphasis on sales.

He became general manager for sales at Peugeot Italy in 2005, and has been general manager for the Business-To-Business division of Peugeot France since 2008 – a division responsible for sales of 190 000 units this year.

“Of course, I am delighted to be in South Africa, and to take over the reins of the Peugeot brand here,” Harnie says. “This is a market that has significant potential for growth, and also features strongly in Peugeot’s declared objective to globalise the brand.

“While Peugeot enjoys a strong reputation in SA, I am convinced that there is great potential for the brand to increase its sales and market share here. Our challenge is to convince the existing Peugeot dealer network to invest in the future brand, while also increasing the size of and reach of our network, “ he added.

Harnie is married with two daughters, aged 15 and 18. He takes over as managing director of Peugeot South Africa as of 1 September this year.



STORY BY PEUGEOT

Tuesday: Not Civic Minded?

Looks like everyone is dumping on the new Civic and even Consumer Reports gave it the thumbs down ( http://www.consumerreports.org/). This is almost like saying Mom's apple pie sucks or an American admitting to not liking their flag. Yes, it is that bad! What did poor ol' Honda do (or not do) to deserve this. What in the world is going on?

In my opinion, Honda got complacent. They have lead the sales charts in Canada for many years and although threatened (the Mazda3), they haven't lost their crown. Until this year. Hyundai's new Elantra has gotten great reviews for its looks and quality feel. And I believe, has beaten the Civic sales every month so far in 2011.


2011 Elantra


I personally don't think that there is a bad angle on the Elantra. I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but my eyesight is pretty good.


As I said, I believe Honda got complacent. After a pretty swoopy last generation Civic, they must have gotten nervous and taken a page out of Toyota's very dull book. Read Consumer Reports and see that it is just not the Civic's styling. But if it was, look at what Honda has been selling overseas for the past few years........



This is their four door model. Actually pictures don't do it justice, as in real life it is a real head turner. And note that I said it has been on sale for a few years.


Most of the other manufacturers have also gotten their acts together and are putting out some dam good cars. For example, the Chevy Cruze and the 2012 Ford Focus. The former is just a very good car, but the latter is another head turner..........

2012 Focus sedan


Just goes to show you that these days, one can not just stand still. Things are moving quickly in this market segment, so to snooze is to lose.


Until next time........

VOLKSWAGEN OPENS R60 MILLION TRAINING FACILITY

Volkswagen Group South Africa opened a new R60-million Training Academy at its Centurion site in Gauteng today. The 4 000m2 facility has been custom-designed to provide high-quality training courses to continuously improve the performance of VWSA’s Dealers.  The Company’s investment in this infrastructure is an extension of Volkswagen’s focus on its people skills as it strives to become the skills development benchmark in the local automotive industry.  


“One of Volkswagen Group South Africa’s strategic goals is to become the most fascinating automotive brand in South Africa. We are striving for market leadership, to be the top employer, providing outstanding customer satisfaction and generating profits,” said Sales and Marketing Director, Mike Glendinning.

“This vision is evident when you take into consideration that the Uitenhage-produced Polo was a joint winner of the 2011 Wesbank/SAGMJ Car of the Year award and was also named the Japan Import Car of the Year for 2010.  At Volkswagen, there is precision in design and engineering, high build quality and tremendous craftsmanship,” he continued.

“As we grow globally and locally, it has become necessary to transform and reposition our Brand to achieve our goal - maximum value for our customers, dealers and suppliers. With this transformation and the alignment of our operational structure came a need to re-align our focus on training and development within the Dealer network. Consequently, the Board of Volkswagen Group South Africa and Volkswagen AG approved the building of a new Training Academy, as well as an annual spend of R18 million on Dealer training,” said Glendinning.

VWSA’s product offensive and the increasing technical complexity of its vehicles, particularly in the field of electronics, demands a high level of knowledge and expertise of the service employees.  Professional diagnosis and high level of repair quality are decisive factors for achieving its strategic objectives and customer satisfaction.

“In order to deliver top performance in these areas, high quality training courses are required which serve to continuously improve the performance of our Dealers.  Our training comprises of an integrated qualification concept in which technical, non-technical and IT training modules are combined.  This qualification concept forms the foundation of the holistic employee qualification programme,” said Glendinning.

The new Training Academy is the hub for technical, non-technical and IT training for our Brands.  It comprises of eight fully equipped technical training modules with capacity for practical, theory and systems related training, three non-technical training rooms and a dedicated IT training room.  The facility has the capacity to host 180 delegates on any given day.

On the technical side, training on technology evolution in the fields of convenience electronics (i.e. sensors), driver assistance systems, software (such as diagnostics) and control electronics (fibre optic technology, for example) will be key.  The aim is to strengthen dealer electronic diagnostic and repair competence through specific focus on diagnostic and master technician training.

“Non-technical training within the Training Academy is responsible for training the entire Dealer staff, excluding workshop staff – from the Dealer Principal and Managers to Sales and Service Staff – covering Business Process, Behaviour, Systems as well as Product Launch Training. This is all aligned to German Standards and is based on International Curriculum.  The Academy also provides HR Consulting and Assessment services,” concluded Glendinning. 



STORY BY VOLKSWAGEN

NISSAN MICRA ENGINES OUT IN RECORD TIME

The year 2011 is a year of celebration for employees at the Renault Nissan Alliance India Pvt Ltd (RNAIPL) as the Company has crossed yet another milestone by producing the 100 000 1.2-litre and 1.5-litre HR12DE petrol engines in a record period of 15 months. Earlier, the alliance plant had achieved a milestone by producing 100 000 Micra cars in a record period of 13 months. 


The plant started manufacturing the petrol engine in May 2010 and has crossed the 100 000 mark by last month. Besides the 1.2 litre petrol engine, the plant has also started manufacturing the 1.5 litre petrol engine for the new mid-size Sedan SUNNY. 

Commenting on the new milestone achievement Mr. Kou Kimura, CEO and MD, RNAIPL said, “the plant has set milestones that are creditable on a global level.  It makes me feel proud of the local skill-set that are driving it to such high levels. I dedicate this achievement to the people of Tamil Nadu for their endearing spirit and zeal to achieve such high levels of commitment in their work and passion for the company”. 

The petrol engine range is part of the project called ‘Nissan Green Project 2010,’ which is an initiative taken by the Company to reduce the carbon footprint of its cars. The company has been working relentlessly to make its engines more efficient and is committed to global leadership in zero emission mobility.  

The Nissan Micra is the first car to have a HR12DE engine that was developed in pursuit of lighter weight and a smaller size than previous engines in the compact car class. It requires fewer moving parts compared to the more commonly used 4-cylinder engines. By applying bore circularity machining to the cylinder block, friction is reduced by 20% compared to the conventional 4-cylinder engines. Moreover, improved noise vibration performance at a level equivalent to that of a 4-cylinder engine has been achieved by adjusting the weight balance of the engine’s rotary shaft. This helps to increase the power output, higher fuel efficiency and the life of the engine. 

The RNAIPL plant currently manufactures the Nissan Micra and Renault Fluence. Production of Nissan Sunny and Renault Koleos will commence shortly. 



STORY BY NISSAN

2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe Pictures

2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe Pictures

If you're an auto enthusiast, you can hardly be faulted for thinking Honda has largely abandoned you. In fact, you might even feel justified in thinking that the once enthusiast-driven company has lost the plot and gone Toyota, ditching drivers' cars for various forays into the hybrid scene and profitable-but-bland people-movers of various shapes and sizes. You might even get depressed when you look at Honda's enthusiast car portfolio circa 2001 and compare it to its portfolio today.

















A decade ago, Honda's lineup included the likes of the S2000, Civic Si, Acura NSX and Integra/RSX -- and the Prelude had only just been discontinued, with 2001 being its last year. These days, the options are substantially more limited. There's the oddball CR-Z and the only member of the above list to make it out of the aughts, the Civic Si. Somewhat of a constant in Honda's lineup for some two decades, the continued presence of the Si has served as a beacon of hope for enthusiasts even as the rest of its sporty brethren died off one by one over the past decade, each leaving no heirs. But the Si, like the rest of the Civic lineup, has just undergone a fairly significant transformation, bringing its hope-bringer status into question.


2012 Honda Civic SI Coupe Side
One reason why is that the 2012 Honda Civic Si is no longer powered by the high-revving K20 2.0-liter four. It has made way for a slightly modified version of the K24 2.4-liter also found under the hood of the Acura TSX that makes slightly more power (201 hp versus 197 hp), considerably more torque (170 lb-ft versus 139 lb-ft), but redlines at 7000 RPM instead of 8000 and is nowhere near as free-revving as its predecessor. As a result, the character of the 2012 Si is decidedly different.





















2012 Honda Civic Si
BASE PRICE	$22,955
PRICE AS TESTED	$23,155
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front engine, FWD, 5-pass, 2-door coupe
ENGINE	2.4L/201-hp/170-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4
TRANSMISSION	6-speed manual
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	2835 lb (61/39%)
WHEELBASE	103.2 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	175.5 x 69.0 x 55.0 in
0-60 MPH	6.5 sec
QUARTER MILE	15.0 sec @ 92.3 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	121 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.89 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	26.4 sec @ 0.66 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON	22/31 mpg
ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY	153/109 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS	0.77 lb/mile

2011 Volkswagen Beetle reborn

2011 Volkswagen Beetle reborn

Volkswagen will relaunch the iconic Beetle In early 2011. The VW Beetle coupe – scooped here in our latest spy photos – arrives first, followed by the cabriolet later in the year.

The original rear-wheel-drive Beetle sold 21.5 million units over 65 years. Its successor, the front-drive New Beetle launched in 1998 in the United States, soon became the darling of a predominantly female fashion- and lifestyle-oriented clientele which was not even remotely interested in flower power songs or the anti-establishment mantra of the roaring Sixties.


Designed in California by J Mays and Freeman Thomas, the success of the reinvented VW bubble car turned out to be short-lived; despite sporadic product enhancement efforts such as the 224bhp RSi version based on the Golf VR6, by 2009, sales dropped to an all-time low of little over 30,000 units.









The new VW Beetle Mk3: all about the new 2011 Beetle
In spring 2011, the second-generation New Beetle known internally as VW324/325 is due to see the light of day. It exceeds the current car by 90mm in length, sports a flatter roofline and a more upright windscreen, and has a more dynamic stance thanks to the wider track and the reduced front overhang. You can see all of these in our new spyshots.
The extended rear end accommodates a larger cargo area (up by 40 litres – it was tiny before) and a more spacious passenger compartment which offers 30mm more headroom. From some angles, the notably more grown-up shape is reminiscent of the Ragster concept on display at the 2005 Detroit show.
With a bit of luck, the new look should appeal to hippie fan-club members as well as to a much younger audience.
Where will the new Beetle be built?
It’ll be assembled by VW do Mexico in Puebla starting in January 2011. The MkII New Beetle adopts the decontented front suspension and the compound rear axle of the Golf Mk5. Only the 200bhp top-of-the-line version is expected to a feature an independent rear suspension. Engines for the US market run thus:
• 2.5-litre five (170bhp/177lb ft)
• 2.0-litre GTi unit (200bhp/207lb ft)
• 2.0-litre TDI (140bhp/236lb ft)
European engines are:
• 1.2 TSI (105bhp/175Nm)
• 1.4 TSI (160bhp/129lb ft)
• 2.0-litre GTi unit (200bhp/207lb ft)
• 1.6 TDI (105bhp/184lb ft)
Both 105bhp models must make do with five forward ratios. All versions bar the US-bound diesel can be had with an optional six- or seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions. Don’t expect a Bluemotion eco Beetle, a sporty RSi derivative or the extra-cost 4Motion drivetrain at this stage.
The next two-door Beetle will be marketed as a coupé – because that´s what it is. The cabriolet retains the old-fashioned convertible stack. A rudimentary speedster spin-off is under consideration to tie in with the mid-cycle facelift.

2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Photo Gallery

2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Photo Gallery

Critical Knowledge:

All-new replacement for the Ferrari 430 model
Aluminum construction keeps curb weight to 3,042 pounds
New 4.5-liter V-8 powerplant rated at 562 hp and 398 lb.-ft. of torque
7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Estimated 17.1 combined mpg
0-62 mph in just 3.4 seconds, according to Ferrari
Claimed top speed of 202 mph
Planned debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September



Introduction
Ferrari, the noted sports car maker based in Maranello, Italy, was founded in 1928. The company’s original objective was to sponsor drivers and build race cars. Their plans changed in 1947, when Ferrari began making street-legal automobiles. Over the next several decades, with heavy influence from its continued racing participation, the Italian automaker built countless sports cars that would eventually become classics. These included the 250 GTO, 365 GTB and Dino.
















In the late 1970s, Ferrari introduced its 308, a successor to the Dino 246—the automaker’s first high-volume sports car. The mid-engine, two-seat V-8 model was followed by the Ferrari 328, Ferrari 348, Ferrari 355 and the Ferrari 360 (one of the automaker’s best-selling models ever). The 2009 model is known as the Ferrari 430. It is available in berlinetta (closed coupe) and spider (open top) variants.

The announcement of the new Ferrari 458 Italia, the successor to the current Ferrari 430 model, represents a giant leap forward in design, technology and environmental efficiency for the Italian automaker. A two-seat berlinetta, Ferrari calls its 458 Italia “a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics..”

Das Blotto

What is it with people thinking their VWs look even remotely like BMWs?  PS: Nice hubcaps.

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Luxury SUV

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Luxury SUV

The idea of a hybrid full-size luxury SUV immediately sparks cognitive dissonance. Hybrids are for sprout-eating environmentalists, aren’t they? And full-size luxury SUVs are for carnivorous conservatives, right?

Enter the 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, the full-size luxury SUV with a two-mode hybrid gasoline-electric powerplant.



The Escalade Hybrid is rated by the EPA to achieve 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway, a substantial increase over the gas-only Escalade’s 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway. Escalade Hybrid prices start at $74,135 ($89,090 as tested in Platinum AWD trim), backed by Cadillac’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Every 2011 Cadillac also gets 4 years/50,000 miles of Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance.
















Escalade Hybrid hasn’t changed much since it was first introduced as a 2009 model. It’s still a big, impressive vehicle, with elegant proportions and world-class finishes. Escalade Hybrid rolls out of the factory on gigantic 22″ wheels, pre-blinging for your convenience. The Platinum trim level features LED headlamps, a high tech feature that will eventually trickle down to lesser vehicles.

Inside, Escalade Hybrid gets a nice level of luxury that’s very contemporary, almost European in feel. The old-school Cadillac plushness has been refined and sharpened. Clean and crisp has overtaken cushioned and soft. Cadillac can’t help but dump a gallon of gloss over its wood trim, but at least it looks like there’s some real grain underneath all that clear coat.

Up-to-the-minute technology abounds in the cockpit. GM’s OnStar integrates seamlessly with the onboard navigation system, with live operators available to download directions into the dash with the push of one button. Heated and ventilated seats, heated and cooled cup holders and other luxury features are available as options on the base Hybrid, standard on Platinum.

Not so up-to-the-minute is the third row of seating. It’s not so bad as seating for kids or small adults. But the cargo compartment is seriously compromised by the bulky seats, which don’t fold into the floor and must be removed in order to provide a flat load floor. Because each half of the third row seat weighs upwards of 40 lbs, this is no small task. With the third row in place, there’s only 16.9 cubic feet of luggage space, not nearly enough for the seven or eight passenger capacity of the Escalade Hybrid.

Driving the Escalade Hybrid is a pleasure. A 6.0-liter V8 gasoline engine provides most of the propulsion, with 332 hp and 367 lb-ft of torque on tap. Add in the electric motor with two-mode continuous electric ratio hybrid transmission with four fixed gears, and you’ve got a smooth riding, enthusiastic machine. Sure, the gas-only Escalade is a little faster, but the Hybrid does not disappoint. And it can run in electric-only mode at low speeds, which is completely silent and very cool. Escalade Hybrid is remarkably composed around curves and on rough surfaces, and is a positive locomotive on a long road trip.

As the only hybrid-powered full-size luxury SUV on the market, it’s tough to come up with comparisons for Escalade. GM also produces the GMC Yukon Hybrid and the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, less luxurious takes on the same platform that are somewhat less expensive. Other full-size luxury SUVs to consider include the Lexus LX 570, Infiniti QX56, Land Rover LR4 and Lincoln Navigator — but none of them will deliver Escalade Hybrid’s fuel economy numbers.

For now, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid really is the Cadillac of hybrid-powered full-size luxury SUVs.