Jay Leno's EcoJet

via Born Rich



For all those who believe Jay leno’s fleet of cars is responsible for global warming, EcoJet has come out as a jab. Television host, comedian, and well-known car enthusiast, Jay Leno’s biodiesel-powered EcoJet has recently claimed its fame with its ability to run on biodiesel and at the same time putting out an impressive 750 horsepower and 700 ft-lb of torque at 48,000 RPM from its Honeywell LT101 jet turbine engine. Covered in carbon fiber is an aluminum chassis kept in contact with the ground using existing suspension bits from the Chevrolet Corvette along with a four-speed automatic transmission from General Motors that minimizes engine speed down to 6,000 rpm. Adding to the luxury is its special carbon fiber brake discs from Brembo paired up with aluminum six-piston calipers and something new to the luxury is the Microsoft built dash, including a full Windows Vista-powered computer, of course, fully connected to the internet.

We are sure you would like to see how fast this beast can go. Check out the EcoJet’s race against a private jet in the video below:

Peugeot BB1 Concept

via Car Body Design - News




Unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Peugeot BB1 Concept is a vision of a compact urban vehicle that maximizes versatility and agility.

The BB1 is based on a tubular chassis designed by Peugeot Motorcycles, and the body is made up of carbon fibre. The weight is limited to 600 kg.

Among the exterior styling cues are the extended wheelarches,low door waistline, reverse opening doors and the double bubble roof, similar to the RCZ, which integrates solar cells.

The cabin features large glazed surfaces and motorcycle-inspired controls.



The BB1 is powered by two rear-mounted electric motor, each developing 20hp, coupled with two lithium-ion battery packs located under the rear seats, which allow for a range of 75 miles.

From the official Press Release:

With its BB1 concept car, Peugeot has pushed back the conventions and boundaries of current automobile manufacturing to create a totally new solution to the current and future needs of urban mobility.

Capable of seating four people in a vehicle just 2.5 metres long, the BB1 concept car is a full electric vehicle that reinvents the automobile in architecture, style, interior design, interior space, connectivity – while respecting the environment.

The BB1 concept car, unveiled at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show, aims to explore new grounds with regards to urban mobility.



The BB1 is fitted with two electric motors mounted in the rear wheels, designed in association with Michelin. This original set-up maximises the interior space and draws its inspiration from the world of the quad bike.



They produce a maximum power output of 15 kW (20hp) - or 7.5 kW per motor, proving the optimum power to weight ratio for the vehicle in its urban driving environment.

This ensures the best possible response at start-up (0 to 19 mph in 2.8 seconds) and excellent in-gear acceleration (19 - 37 mph in 4 seconds), ensuring good driveability and safety.

The power for the vehicle is provided by two lithium-ion battery packs supplying energy to the respective electric motors located under the right and left-hand rear seats, with a comfortable range of 75 miles.

Citroën REVOLTe Concept

via Car Body Design - News




The ultra-chic REVOLTe concept was unveiled by Citroën at the Frankfurt Motorshow.

It represents a bold vision of the luxury, compact city car of tomorrow.

The hybrid powertrain features a small-capacity conventional combustion engine combined with an electric motor and a battery re-charging function.

"REVOLTe reflects the changing role of small cars with style and elegance becoming as important as economy and practicality."

Renault Fluence Z.E. Concept

via Car Body Design - News




Debuting at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Renault Fluence Z.E. Concept is an all-electric car "aimed at the single-car family father who would use the car every day to go to the office, but who would also want to take his wife and children to the country at the weekend."

Therefore, the car needs to serve to an extent as a status symbol, but it must also provide enough interior space to function as a comfortable family car.





The range is up to 160km, and the battery can be charged using one of three methods: a standard charge (between four and eight hours), a quick charge (20 minutes) or an immediate solution (three minutes) which takes the form of the exclusive 'Quickdrop' rapid battery exchange system.





Powertrain

• Motor Type: Electric
• Transmission type: Direct drive with forward/reverse inverter
• Maximum power EEC (kW/hp): 70/95
• Maximum torque EEC (Nm): 226
• Battery: Lithium-ion
• Range (km): 160

Lamborghini Reventon Roadster

via RSportsCars.com



Lamborghini presents the ultimate driving machine among open-top two-seaters – the Reventón Roadster is a sports car of breathtaking fascination, menacing power and uncompromising performance. The 6.5 liter twelve-cylinder generates 493 kW (670 PS), catapulting the Roadster from 0 to 100 Km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 330 KM/h (205 mph). The open-top Reventón is not only one of the fastest, but also one of the most exclusive cars in the world – Lamborghini has limited the series.











Lamborghini Reventon Roadster Specifications
Engine
Type:	12 cylinders at 60°
Compression Ratio	11 : 1
Bore X Stroke	88 mm x 89 mm (3.46 in x 3.50 in)
Maximum Torque	660 Nm (487 lb-ft) at 6000 rpm
Maximum Power	670 PS, 493 kW at 8000 rpm
Engine & Transmission
Displacement cu in (cc):	6496 cc
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:	660 Nm
Transmission:	Permanent all-wheel drive with Viscous Traction system
Performance
Top Speed	330 km/h (205 mph)
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)	3.4 s
CO2 Emissions	495 g/km
Fuel Economy EPA combined mpg (l/100 km):	12 mpg
Base Price: [1.1 Million Euro]

Volkswagen L1 Concept

via Supercars.net News



Wolfsburg/ Frankfurt, 15 September 2009 - At the 63rd International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Volkswagen is presenting a pioneering fleet of sustainable automobiles as an update on the future. Its IAA premieres range from the world’s most fuel-efficient production cars (BlueMotion) and hybrid technology to the L1 – a new study with one-litre fuel consumption – and an electric car, the E-Up!





The zero-emissions concept car designed under the leadership of Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Brand, and Head of the Development business area, is based on modules of the New Small Family anticipated for the year 2011, but at a length of 3.19 meters it is even more compact. The powerful and clean lines of the E-Up! body reflect par excellence styling based on the new Volkswagen "design DNA", and the car shows cult potential.





The 3+1 seater, with a top speed of 135 km/h, is powered by an electric motor with a peak power of 60 kW (continuous power: 40 kW). From a stop, the front-mounted engine of the front-wheel drive car develops a maximum torque of 210 Newton-meter. The driver activates forward or reverse gear by a pushbutton on the centre console. The E-Up! will very clearly be fun to drive; one indication is its classic 0-to-100 km/h sprint performance of 11.3 seconds. On the one hand, this dynamic performance is due to the excellent torque characteristic of the electric motor, and on the other to the low kerb weight of the E-Up! of just 1,085 kilograms.





Today, Volkswagen is also celebrating the world premiere of the most fuel-efficient car in the world, the L1. This full-hybrid vehicle, weighing just 380 kilograms, offers an initial glimpse at how a production version might appear. The CFRP body is a masterful achievement in car making, both technically and visually. Unique on this car are its proportions. While the length of the L1 at 3,813 millimetres is still similar to that of a Volkswagen Fox, and its height of 1,143 millimetres nearly matches that of a Lamborghini Murciélago, the car’s aerodynamically optimised width (1,200 millimetres) has no comparisons in the world of today’s production cars.





With a combined fuel consumption value of 1.38 litres diesel, this Volkswagen – designed for everyday use and extremely aerodynamic (Cd of 0.195!) – will become a world champion fuel-saver. CO2 emissions of the 160 km/h L1 are 36 g/km. The TDI, E-motor and 7-speed DSG are installed at the rear; as a unit they represent the most fuel efficient hybrid drive in the world. In the standard "ECO" mode, the 800 cm3 TDI develops a power of 20 kW / 27 PS (at 4,000 rpm); in "Sport" mode – used to reach the car’s top speed, for example – the car’s power increases to 29 kW / 39 PS (at 4,000 rpm). The maximum torque of the TDI is 100 Newton-meter (at 1,900 rpm). Naturally, the L1 also has a Stop-Start system, which automatically shuts off the drive unit when the vehicle is at a stop and restarts it when the gas or E-pedal is pressed.

Mini Roadster Concept

via Supercars.net News






Presenting the MINI Roadster Concept, the brand once again sets a new trend for individual mobility. This is where a purist character, elegant design and fascinating driving qualities come together in the vision of an open two-seater meeting the demands of a modern and self-confident target group. Individual style, premium quality and exactly the right balance of driving pleasure and efficiency in our modern day and age give the MINI Roadster Concept its very special character, the design of the car clearly reflecting this focus on maximum driving pleasure with nothing but the sky above.





The MINI Roadster Concept offers ideal conditions for an emotional experience also on short trips, at the same time urging the connoisseur and aficionado to escape the usual congestion of city traffic. With its intentional restriction to two seats and lightweight construction, the car from the start expresses its focus on uncompromising agility. Its stylish looks and high-class interior ambience, in turn, give this very special two-seater truly exclusive character.

Japan's Most Insane Custom Cars

via Gizmodo by Adam Frucci

In Japan, they take custom cars seriously. Just look at some of these! A Buddhist priest spent $110,000 creating a car with gullwings, scissor doors and a splithood. Oh, and then there's the $280,000 Batman van.

The vehicles appearing in this video are:

- A rather ordinary-looking BMW E66 whose trunk is decked with Buddhist sutras written in 30,000 Swarovski crystals (the owner, a Buddhist priest, also owns the next vehicle).

- A Toyota Celsior UCF20 with gullwings, scissor doors and a split hood, which took 12 years to build and cost 10 million yen ($110,000). The interior includes 24 monitors, including several mounted in the headrests behind the passengers’ heads (you can watch them with the eyes in the back of your head, according to the priest).

- Batman van, a rolling tribute to the superhero that cost 25 million yen ($280,000), took 13 years to complete, and earned the owner a divorce.

- Rocket launcher van, a 1981 Daihatsu Hijet outfitted with a cheap launcher for an 8-meter (26-ft) water rocket (the owner is an eggplant farmer).

- Replica of the “Pointer,” the famous battle vehicle used by the Earth Defense Force in the Ultra Seven TV series that aired on Japanese TV in the late 1960s.

- Fan-flapping Hitachi ASTACO machine, which the Tokyo Fire Department Hyper Rescue Team uses to clear debris from disaster sites.

Renault ZOE Z.E. Concept

via Car Body Design - News












The Renault Zoe Z.E. Concept is a compact daily driver which targets motorists who are looking for a versatile second car.

Zoe Z.E. Concept combines cutting-edge electric-vehicle technology - offering a choice of three battery-charging techniques - with a dynamic, edgy design which points to driving enjoyment.

The special roof optimizes the management of the climate control system to ensure extended range, while the ambience inside the cabin can be customized.



The climate control system features hydrating, 'detox' and active scent functions which enhance the travelling experience.

Zoe Z.E. Concept is 4.10m long and is powered by a 70kW electric motor which develops 226Nm of torque.

The large 21-inch wheels and large body panels are reassuring touches for the four occupants.



At the rear, a retractable spoiler deploys at speeds in excess of 90kph to make a further contribution to Zoe Z.E. Concept's aerodynamic efficiency.

This LED-equipped spoiler also serves as a brake light, as does the integrated light in the shark's fin-type aerial on the roof.



Powertrain

• Engine Type: Electric
• Transmission type: Direct drive with forward/reverse inverters
• Maximum power EEC (kW/hp): 70/95
• Maximum torque EEC (Nm): 225
• Battery Type: Lithium-ion
• Range: 160km
• Steering/Brakes: Power steering - Electric variable rate power steering - Parking brake Electric

Performance

• Aerodynamic performance (CdA): 0.25
• Top speed (kph): 140

Audi e-tron

via Supercars.net - Newest Supercars











Audi presents the highlight of the IAA 2009: the e-tron, a high-performance sports car with a purely electric drive system. Four motors – two each at the front and rear axles – drive the wheels, making the concept car a true quattro. Producing 230 kW (313 hp) and 4,500 Nm (3,319.03 lb-ft) of torque, the two-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 – 62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and from 60 to 120 km/h (37.28 – 74.56 mph) in 4.1 seconds. The lithium-ion battery provides a truly useable energy content of 42.4 kilowatt hours to enable a range of approximately 248 kilometers.














The performance figures are by no means the only evidence of the consistent and holistic strategy. The design makes it clear that the e-tron belongs in the major leagues of sports cars, and the package takes into account the specific realities of an electric vehicle. The battery is directly behind the passenger cabin for an optimal center of gravity and axle load distribution.




The e-tron is able to freely distribute the powerful torque of its four electric motors to the wheels as required. This so-called torque vectoring allows for dazzling dynamics and an undreamed-of level of agility and precision when cornering.














Audi has taken a new and in some cases revolutionary approach to many of the technical modules. A heat pump is used to efficiently warm up and heat the interior. The drive system, the power electronics and the battery are controlled by an innovative thermal management system that is a crucial component for achieving the car’s range without compromising its high level of interior comfort. Networking the vehicle electronics with the surroundings, which is referred to as car-to-x communication, opens new dimensions for the optimization of efficiency, safety and convenience.














type	Concept / Prototype Car
released at	2009 Frankfurt Motor Show
engine	Four Electric Motors
position	Frond And Rear Electric Axles
power	233.39999 kw / 313 bhp
torque	4500 nm / 3319 ft lbs
body / frame	Aluminum & Carbon Fiber Body over Aluminum Space Frame
driven wheels	AWD
weight distro	42 % / 58 %
length	4260 mm / 167.7 in
0 - 60 mph	4.6999998 seconds