Concept Car: Hyundai HCD-12 Curb

Next week, Hyundai will debut a new compact crossover at the North American International Auto Show.

Named HCD-12 Curb, the concept was designed at Hyundai’s Californian design centre. Although the crossover looks very similar in size to the Nissan Juke, the Curb is in fact longer than the Juke and may preview the next Santa Fe mid-sized SUV.

The concept features Hyundai’s next-generation ‘fluidic sculpture’ exterior design language. A steeply raked front windscreen, narrow glasshouse and C-pillars that slant away all give a coupe-like silhouette from the side.

In typical concept car fashion, small rear doors which look like “suicide” doors improve rear passenger access and over-sized alloy wheels will also feature.

Inside, the ultramodern interior with front bucket seats is confronted by a touch-screen infotainment system and a rotary knob sit on the centre console.

Ferrari working on mind-reading technology

Ferrari is developing technology that will observe a driver’s mental and physical status and regulate the vehicles traction and stability control systems to match.

The mind-reading tech was drawn out in many European and worldwide patent applications. The papers reveal how Ferrari imagines a wide-range of sensors provide data on the driver, to allow set-up adjust appropriately.

Ferrari’s documentation states: “Drivers tend to miscalculate — in particular, overestimate — their driving skill and, more importantly, their psychophysical condition, with the result that driver-selected dynamic vehicle performance simply reflects the driver’s wish, as opposed to the driver’s actual psychophysical condition and proficiency.”

In addition, it adds: “The biometric sensors may comprise a piezoelectric measuring device for measuring the driver’s respiration, a device for measuring the driver’s blood pressure and heart rate, a television camera for monitoring the driver’s eyes (blink rate) to determine the driver’s alertness, a device for monitoring the electric activity of the driver’s brain, a device for recording the driver’s surface temperature and a device for recording the conductivity of the driver’s skin (to determine the degree of perspiration).”

Ferrari says: “The dynamic performance may be modified to enhance driving safety in the case of a tired or unresponsive driver, and also to enhance driving pleasure and/or performance in the case of an alert, responsive driver.”

Via Autocar

New Car: 2012 Buick Verano (U.S)

Buick has unveiled the all-new Verano compact luxury sedan, that will premier at the 2011 Detroit motor show.

The Verano will go on sale in late 2011 and will be available with equipment like 10 airbags, heated steering wheel and a next-generation radio system with OnStar. Powering the Verano will be a 177bhp 2.4 litre petrol engine, that produces 230Nm (170lb-ft) of torque. This is linked to a 6 speed automatic and will allow the car to hit 60mph from 0mph in 8 seconds. A 31mpg highway figure is expected.

A 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol will be offered in the future.

John Schwegman, vice president of Buick marketing said:

"Verano expands our lineup, continues Buick's momentum and gives us a great opportunity to attract a new generation of customers with a product that delivers on their expectations for design, performance and technology"

"It is a smart choice that delivers unexpected luxury in a compact sedan - and it will compete head-to-head with competitors from Audi and Lexus."

Inside, the Verano receives soft-touch plastics and premium leather on the dashboard. Buick claims the Verano is the quietest car in its class thanks to acoustical laminated glass, triple door seals, and specially manufactured 17” alloy wheels.

Standard features will include 17” alloy wheels, 10 airbags (twin front, side, curtain, knees, and rear-side), ambient lighting, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, blue projector beam headlamps, climate control, electronic parking brake, front & rear electric windows, steering wheel mounted audio controls w/cruise control, leather steering wheel, electric power steering, and AUX input.

On the options list will be two 18” alloy wheels, metallic paint, leather interior w/heated front seats, keyless start, heated steering wheel, touch-screen satellite navigation system w/Bluetooth & USB port, XM satellite radio, BOSE sound system, and remote vehicle start.

In the Verano, the heated steering wheel and seats are related with the remote start feature. In temperatures lower than 45°F (7°C), the heated steering wheel and seats automatically start.

Renault suspends executives over EV leaking

Renault has suspended three senior executives on the suspicion of industrial spying, regarding the company’s EV plans. A spokeswoman established on Tuesday that the trio were suspended over unnamed ethical issues.

“In late August 2010, an ethical alert was brought to the attention of the compliance committee," a Renault spokeswoman said on Tuesday. "The investigation that followed led to the suspension of three Renault executives”.

Unnamed internal sources on Wednesday said that the trio were in control of the EV projects, with one being a member of a 30-strong panel of management, lead by CEO Carlos Ghosn.

While Renault hasn’t filed an official complaint, the three men were obliged to leave their offices on Monday.

Teaser: 2011 Hyundai Veloster

Hyundai is teasing their all-new compact sports coupé, codenamed FS. The FS is essentially a production version of the Veloster concept, which debuted at the Seoul motor show in 2007.

Before debuting at next week’s Detroit motor show, Hyundai has released a few teaser photos and videos of the newcomer.

2007 Hyundai Veloster Concept

The car sports an unusual layout; a single door is on the driver’s side and the passenger side receives two normal doors. Hyundai said this layout is the same on both left and right-hand-drive models.

According to Hyundai sources, the Veloster may be “priced between the Renault Mégane Coupé and VW Scirocco”. Hyundai portray the car as combining “the style of a coupé and the practicality of a hatch; we call it a utility coupé”. The styling of the production model will mirror the Veloster concept, meaning the remarkable LED head and tail-lights and black A-pillars will feature. The design is expected to attract younger customers, especially men who value style and space.

The FS will have much better interior materials and will use a new centre console design that unites the climate control switches and touch-screen. The 7” screen can be connected to many gadgets, like iPods and PlayStations. The stereo will include Gracenote database, which can access your music and is named and organised alike to iTunes music store.

The Veloster will be build on a modified platform of the front-wheel Kia Cee’d. At first, the FS will be available with two different 1.6 litre petrol engines. The entry-level 130bhp produces 158Nm (117lb-ft) of torque, while the slightly more powerful GDI engine kicks out 140bhp and 167Nm (123lb-ft) of torque, which hooked to a 6 speed manual gearbox. The latter will be available will a dual-clutch transmission, in which engineers expect 5 – 6% better economy than would be achieved with a manual gearbox. The 1.6 GDI will return 48.7mpg UK/40mpg U.S/5.8l/100km. At a later date, a turbocharged 1.6 GDI developing 205bhp will be offered on the flagship trim-level on European models. This is expect to arrive in late 2012, after production of UK models commencing in August 2011.

The Veloster will be obtainable with equipment like panoramic glass sunroof, keyless start and entry, premium sound system, and heated seats. Look out for an entry price of £19,000.

Volvo penning XC30 crossover for 2013

Volvo is developing an entry-level crossover as part of a wider future model scheme started by Stefan Jacoby.

Volvo has watched its market-share in Europe freefall in recent years, so this new SUV will be primarily aimed at Europe, however, the newcomer is also being looked at to offer a basis for planned production actions in China.

The sub-compact SUV will carry the XC30 nameplate and will compete directly with the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Mercedes’ forthcoming premium mini-SUV, when it goes on sale in 2013.

Underpinning the C30 hatchback, the vehicle is being produced to sway younger customers away from BMW. It’s also being planned to offer similar profitability attained by the best-selling XC60.

Internal sources suggest the 5 seat XC30 will be immediately recognisable as a Volvo with an exterior “in the mould of the XC60 but with added visual dynamism and a class-leading interior”. The new model will be 280mm shorter than the XC60, at 4,350mm.

The XC30 has pushed back the all-new S40, which has been placed on a temporary hold for around 18 months from its intended introduction in an attempt to free up engineering space.

Jacoby said: “I’d rather get two or three cars right than attempt to compete in every market segment.”

Two variant may be on offer: a regular model for Europe and a long-wheelbase for North America and China.

New Car: 2011 Kia Picanto/Morning

Following yesterday’s spy photos of the Picanto/Morning undisguised on a commercial shoot, Kia has taken the wraps of the all-new city-car by releasing official photos.

This time round, Kia is targeting a younger, more style-conscious customer. The instantly recognisable ‘tiger’ grille gives the car ocular links with other Kia models, while its erect stance, stubby nose and projector-type rearward swept headlights give a strong resemblance of the Venga sub-compact MPV, and make the city-car more mature.

Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, said, “In profile, new Picanto features significant sculpting and a very prominent rising character line. The result is a layering of light and shadow and this breaks up the height, giving the car a more sure-footed stance.”

No interior photos have been release yet, but our sources claim a 3-spoke steering wheel and metallic internal finishes will give the Picanto/Morning a classy environment. Air conditioning and audio controls will be fixed on the centre console.

The new car is longer than the current model, with a longer wheelbase to offer more cabin space for occupants. The 5dr model will be sold globally, however, a sportier 3dr is likely to remain exclusively in Europe.

Powering the Picanto/Morning will be a variety of engines. On the petrol side, a 68bhp 1.1 will be offered in certain markets, while a 1.25 litre 85bhp and a 69bhp 1.0 3-cylinder will be offered internationally. The former may eventually be replaced with an 80bhp and a turbocharged 110bhp 1.0 litre. This engines will be offered in LPG, bi-fuel and flex-fuel variations, depending on local market requirements.

On the diesel side, the current 1.1 litre 4-cylinder diesel will be offered in selected markets. This will be available with 75bhp and produce 151Nm (112lb-ft) of torque.

The next generation Picanto/Morning will receive its official unveiling at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday 1st March 2011 with European sales starting shortly after, although, no official UK sale date has been set.

Top 10 Best American Cars of All Time

Nowadays, the automobile industry has been developing rapidly with different types and numerous designs. The big manufacturers from U.S., Britain, Japan, Germany, Italy and France have owned styles to create their famous branded cars. The article only introduce you top ten best American cars of all time listed by Tristan Hankins including Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, Pontiac GTO, Chevrolet Bel-Air, Cadillac Eldorado, Ford GT40, Cord 810, Ford Crown Victoria, Dodge Power Wagon and Ford Model T.

• Chevrolet Corvette 

is the best car America has produce and the most iconic American automobile. The first model created by Harley Earl made its debut in 1953 and next generations then have been designed with great innovations and inspirations. In 2003, Corvette became the first and only continuously-manufactured American sports car to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Chevrolet Corvette 2010

• Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang is a true icon of the American automotive industry with four seats and one of the unexpected cars at that time. Its price is comparable to the venerable Chevy Bel-Air of seven years earlier.

Ford Mustang 2010

• Pontiac GTO

Pontiac’s iconic GTO marked the milestone for muscle cars with expected characteristics like rear wheel drive, a limited slip diff and V8s under the hood. Though Pontiac GTO isn’t as well known as its Dodge Charger/ Challenger brethren, it is still among the great ones.

Pontiac GTO 2010

• Chevrolet Bel-Air

The 1957 Chevy Bel-Air was a stylish, powerful, well-equipped and luxury car with a sub-luxury price. It was also a popular seller for Chevrolet to boot.

Chevrolet Bel-Air

• Cadillac Eldorado

Fine generations of Cadillac’s indefatigable Eldorado were produced from 1953 to 1978 to show the world how luxury cars Americans could create. Big, powerful and supremely comfortable were their unique features. Many celebrities, especially Elvis Presley preferred Cadillac Eldorado so much.

Cadillac Eldorado

• Ford GT40

In the 1960s, Henry Ford II negotiated with Enzo Ferrari to buy the fame Italian automaker in vain. The American then produced Ford GT40 to create a new legend when winning four consecutive Le Mans. It becomes the first American car champion at the prestigious event.

Ford GT40

• Cord 810

Cord 810 is listed as one of the 10 most significant cars of the 20th century by New York’s Museum of Modern Art. It looks like a rolling piece of art but appears in automotive form with outstanding functions like sleek, fast and unique.

Cord 810

• Ford Crown Victoria

Ford Crown Victoria is not revolutionary, attractive or outstanding car but is still named in this list because five million Ford Crown Victoria were produced to serve in the nation’s police, taxi and rental companies.

Ford Crown Victoria

• Dodge Power Wagon

Dodge Power Wagon is the grandfather of the modern 4WD pickup truck. Though its name would disappear at the end of 1980, the Power Wagon is still everything laborers could expect in a car from powerful to rugged and affordable.

Dodge Power Wagon

• Ford Model T

Ford Model T

Ford’s Model T achieved by Henry Ford is widely regarded as the world’s first mass produced automobile and the first to make cars popular common for middle-class Americans. Therefore, it’s more than just a car, it’s an American icon.

Top Sports Cars of All Time

When it comes to cars, especially sports cars, you have your favorites and I have mine. The question of what constitutes the best is a hot button issue, especially among truly knowledgeable enthusiasts, because we all have a different set of criteria to work from.

The Sports Car
The best sports cars are defined by their driving and mechanical performance. As a group, they are "open, low built, fast motor cars". They are dedicated high performance machines and they take many forms, depending on the manufacturer and market. But the sports car is more than just a fast car. It hugs the road, shifts responsively, accelerates quickly and can break on a penny all the while being street legal. It is no wonder then, that we love them and we love to talk about them almost as much as we love to drive them. So while this list may not match yours, it does reference some of the best sports cars of all time.

10. Mercedes Benz 300SL Gull Wing

The first production car to use fuel injection and a testament to German engineering in 1954. 215 bph. Top speed 135 mph.

9. Jaguar E-Type
 
Produced in 1961-1964. 265 bph. Top speed 240 km/h. 0-60 in 7 seconds.

8. Chevrolet Stingray Corvette
 
The first American sports car and maybe the only American sports car. Produced in 1966. 425 bph. Top speed 245 km/h. 0-60 in 4.8 seconds.

7. Nissan Skyline


Banned from the streets of North America and some racing competitions in order to even the playing field. 480 bph. 0-60 in 3.3 seconds.

6. Ferrari Enzo
 
Introduced in 2002. 660 bph. Top speed 350 km/h. 0-60 3.3 seconds.

5. Lamborghini Miura
 
The car that popularised the mid engine design. Produced from 1967-1969. 350 bhp. Top speed 277 km/h.

4. Bugatti Veyron

A road worthy luxury grand tourer. Introduced in 2005. 1001 bhp. Top speed 407 km/h.

3. Ferrari 250 GTO

The best Ferrari of all time and the most beautiful car of all time. Produced from 1962-1963. 302 bhp. Top speed 280 km/h. 0-60 in 5.8 seconds.

2. McLaren FI

Possibly the greatest road going car of all time and the fastest naturally aspirated road car to this day. Produced from 1993-1998. A unique three-seat design with 627 bhp. Top speed 386 km/h. 0-60 in 3.2 seconds.

1. Porche 911

The 2010 Porche 911 is a 2 door, 2 seat sport coupe with rear engine and 435 bhp. Top speed 194 mph. 0-60 in 4 seconds.

This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Romans International who are Aston Martin Dealers and Bentley Dealers based in the UK.

Ferrari Testarossa Models

Testarossa retained the spotlight even after production of its final variant ceased in 1996

Ferrari has a formidable presence in the international motoring scene and there isn't a car enthusiast in the world who can't automatically paint a mental picture of the Ferrari Testarossa when called to task.
The cherry-red finish with the silver rims and cream-colored interior is the combination that made Ferrari famous and that made the Testarossa the most admired car of the 1980s, leagues above Chevrolet's Stingray Corvette.
Ferrari started production of the Testarossa in 1984, with the first model to hit the streets being the 1985. For the 11 years it was in production, there were a few minor tweaks to improve the overall appeal and functionality of the sports car, but the basic model stayed the same, and the original was always considered to be the best of the bunch.
Testarossa wasn't just an average production model for Ferrari. This was to be the car to succeed the Berlinetta Boxer and hopefully put Ferrari back on the map. Everything about Ferrari's newest sports car just stood out as dominant and "cool." The name itself was derived from the red cam covers - testarossa literally means "red head" in Italian.
Undoubtedly, the Ferrari Testarossa instantly took center stage and became the world's fastest production car (non-racing, of course). This is the model that practically invented the term "supercar" when associated with road-ready production models.
The designing process for the Testarossa began in 1982, with the idea to create a street car that both looked and performed like a racing car. The design team came up with a sleek, mid-engine design, featuring radiators in the flanks, a low top, state-of-the-art brakes, a stellar transmission and a 12-cylinder powerhouse engine.
A lot of testing also went into the overall design of the car's body. Ferrari pulled no punches when it came to measuring the Testarossa's performance at high speeds. They designed the car by using a high-speed wind tunnel to measure drag and eventually formulated what they considered to be a flawless aerodynamic design.
Carbon-fiber construction wasn't really big in the automotive industry in the 1980s, so Ferrari used what they had available, while still making sure to use only the best materials. The 1985 Testarossa was built from galvanized steel for the roof and doors, strong, lightweight aluminum for the body, and glass fiber pieces throughout other areas of the car.

Ferrari also designed the suspension for the high-speed driving and taking corners at increased speeds. The rigid suspension allowed the car to remain stable. At slower speeds, the Testarossa's handling and overall feel could be described as rough, but it all smoothed out at higher speeds. The hydraulic-assisted vented brakes were also state-of-the-art at the time.
One of the most loved aspects of the 1985 Ferrari Testarossa was the interior. The firewall, luggage shelf and wall-bound cabin gave the interior the overall feel of an airplane cockpit. The manual transmission, steering wheel and dashboard were also all lowered and on an angle, allowing the driver a full range of motion while staying in the flow of the car's design.
The Testarossa cost a whopping $87,000 in 1985, and it was pushing 390 horsepower, could get up to 60 MPH in 5.3 seconds, and had an overall speed of 180 MPH./Article by: James Man