Artega GT, 2008

Artega GT, 2008

The Design features: agility, driving dynamics and safety

The major development parameters for the vehicle body were lightweight design and rigidity. A generously dimensioned aluminium spaceframe in connection with a body made of carbonfibre reinforced compound materials thus ensures a top power-to-weight ratio. For reasons of efficient space utilisation, ideal weight distribution and the best possible traction, the high-grade drive components of the Volkswagen Group are installed as rear engine traverse to the direction of travel.


The 3.6-litre V6 is the ideal drive for a vehicle of this class. Along with the highly praised and well-tried direct-shift gearbox, the engine is mounted in a compact module made of highstrength steel tubes. The backs of the comfortable sports seats fold back to make loading easier. Especially effective crash modules as well as a steel side-collision protection as essential features of the passive safety system protect the passengers with front and side airbags in the case of accident. To ensure a maximum of active safety, the Artega GT design integrates state-of-the-art driver assistance systems, such as ASP (Artega Stability Program) such as the electronic stability program ASP (Artega), ABS and the traction control TC. Just as in other super sports cars, four different drive programs can be selected at the Headunit: Normal (ASP with early intervention, TC on), Sport (ASP with later intervention, TC on), Race (ASP off, TC on) and Off (ASP off, TC off).

Fitness for travel: a "sensible" amount of room despite sports car dimensions

In designing the body and interior of the car, great care was taken to consider the needs and comfort of the occupants. The generous amount of space compared to the extremely compact overall dimensions, numerous convenient interior places to put things and two separate luggage compartments (one behind the seats and the other under the front hood) are exceptional for a car this size. Such storage conditions were made possible by the engine's transverse installation in the rear.


Operation: paragon makes driving easier, more pleasant, and safer
The competence of the electronic specialists at paragon AG has provided comprehensive innovative systems for operation and driver information. One of the primary concerns of the Artega idea is to prove their benefit in the Artega GT.With innovative sensor buttons and the unique dual-pointer dashboard for road speed and engine speed, paragon offers a novel ambience as a significant, distinctive attribute of the Artega GT.These features are emphasized by a plaque with the inscription "Cockpit systems from paragon" in the interior of the vehicle.

Ascari A10, 2007

Ascari A10, 2007

The British Supercar manufacturer, Ascari has produced the answer to the Ferrari Enzo FXX.

Whereas the Enzo FXX is not road legal, it was produced to be driven during track days only, the A10 is road legal so can be driven home and parked on your drive.

Designed, engineered and hand built in Banbury, England the A10 has 625bhp and weighs in at around 1200kg, thanks to its lightweight carbon fibre bodywork. Reaching 60mph in just 2.8 seconds and 100mph in less than 6 seconds, the manufacturer claims the A10 is the fastest road going production car around a race track.

The A10 is more than just a revamped KZ1, which has found success in its first year of competing in the GT3 in 2006. It has new body panels, a reworked engine and suspension, with extensive brake modifications to cope with the extra power. Some luxuries such as remote central locking, electric windows and door mirrors, climate control and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm system.

Aston Martin Cygnet Concept, 2009

Aston Martin Cygnet Concept, 2009

Aston Martin releases the first official images of the Aston Martin Cygnet Concept - a new luxury commuter concept car.

The Aston Martin Cygnet concept represents a creative, environmentally conscious solution, being small, yet with presence - and highly fuel efficient, now combined with the prestige of Aston Martin's luxury brand ownership.

Work on the concept is ongoing and will continue into 2010 when it is hoped that it will become a production reality initially available to Aston Martin customers in the UK and Europe.

Audi RSQ Concept, 2004

Audi RSQ Concept, 2004

The Audi RSQ is a mid-engined concept car developed for use as a product placement in the 2004 sci-fi movie I Robot. It is meant to depict a technologically advanced automobile from the year 2035.

This sports coupé is a visionary interpretation of Audi's typical automobile design. An important challenge presented to the designers was that despite its extreme character the car still had to be recognized by the audience as an Audi. To accommodate this demand, the engineers implemented a current Audi front-end design that includes a single-frame grille and the company's trademark overlapping rings.


The RSQ also includes special features suggested by movie director Alex Proyas. It utilizes spheres instead of wheels and its two butterfly doors are hinged to the C-posts of the body.

Though this kind of collaboration was a first for Audi, a similar project was developed by Lexus for use in the 2002 film Minority Report

Bentley GTZ Zagato Concept

Bentley GTZ Zagato Concept

The Zagato Atelier takes great pleasure in introducing the Bentley GTZ, the latest in a long line of collaborations with the very best British car manufacturers over the Milanese Atelier 's 89.

Following on from the recent presentations of the Ferrari 575GTZ in 2006 and the Maserati GS Zagato at the Villa D'Este in 2007, the Bentley GTZ is a neo-classic Zagato interpretation of the style of a British GT.

The project was conceived during a discussion between Dr. Ing. Franz Josef Paefgen, CEO of Bentley Motors Limited and Dr. Andrea Zagato, President of Zagato at the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance in 2006. At a 'Tribute to Zagato' presentation, Zagato showed a selection of 50' 60's models, near by the recent berlinettas presented during the last 3 years. Dr. Paefgen was struck by the beauty of those cars and reminded of the historical significance of the art of the Carrozzeria (coachbuilders) which was both being maintained and carried forward by Zagato.
Starting from the styling cues of the last neo classical coupes, which became milestones of Zagato design in the new millennium, the challenge was to apply the same design language to a completely different proportion of vehicle: the Bentley Continental GT Speed.

Even with many technical restrictions and carry-over parts in order to maintain the basic functions of this extremely sophisticated vehicle, the Zagato design team managed to give a distinctive and attractive character to the Zagato coupe.


Double-bubble roof, round tail with all new rear combination lamp are harmoniously integrated in to an imposing body adding a more aggressive and sharp feeling without losing the absolute solidity which is part of the great charm of the original coupe. The same time the hand painted pin-stripe coordinated with the interior colour adds a refined and exclusive elegance to the extrovert body lines helps to make the look of this car appropriate to be special limited-production model born between two great automotive cultures: Bentley and Zagato.

BMW EfficientDynamics Concept, 2009

BMW EfficientDynamics Concept, 2009

The BMW Vision concept car clearly demonstrates that the EfficientDynamics objectives are fully compatible when applied to a sports car. Conceived as a 2+2-seater with plug-in full-hybrid technology, the unique car combines the performance of a BMW M vehicle with a standard of fuel efficiency and emission management that exceeds even the current levels achieved by the latest small cars. The outstanding result is made possible by the combination of BMW ActiveHybrid components with an extremely economical combustion engine, and outstanding aerodynamic qualities.

Turbodiesel engine with unprecedented specific output.
The combustion engine is a cutting-edge turbodiesel featured for the first time in the BMW EfficientDynamics Concept car. Displacing 1.5 liters on three cylinders, the engine consistently follows the downsizing principle of using a relatively small engine combined with a turbocharger to reduce fuel consumption.

Through its compact dimensions, the 3-cylinder fits conveniently in front of the rear axle like in an agile mid-engine sports car, despite the two seats at the rear. Fuel is injected by the latest generation of High Precision Direct Injection, and the turbocharger features variable intake geometry for maximum efficiency. Engine output is 163 hp with peak torque of 214 lb-ft.


Two electric motors for full-hybrid drive.
The combustion engine is supplemented by two electric motors. Consistently applying the BMW ActiveHybrid philosophy, development engineers followed the principle of "Best of Hybrid," choosing the optimum combination of a hybrid synchronous motor on the front axle and a full-hybrid system at the rear.

The driver benefits from the efficiency of the electric motors over a far wider speed range than with a conventional hybrid car. The rear axle comes with a second-generation full-hybrid system corresponding to the technology in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 production model. The compact electric motor positioned between the diesel engine and the DCT outputs a consistent 33 horsepower and is able to reach a peak of up to 51 hp. Maximum torque for the rear electric motor is 214 lb-ft, the power, either supporting the diesel engine or in all-electric motoring.

The engine, a hybrid synchronous motor, offers continuous output of 80 horsepower and peak torque of 162 lb-ft. Extra power of 112 horsepower is available for a period of up to 30 seconds, and, for a 10-second "burst," the electric motor is able to develop 139 horsepower.

The power is transmitted through a 2-stage, single-speed reduction gearbox.

The lithium-polymer battery for electrical energy.
The energy cells featured in BMW EfficientDynamics Concept are housed in a chassis element running from front to rear through the middle of the car. The front unit is the lithium-polymer complex, an ongoing development of the lithium-ion battery. Overall, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept comes with a total of 98 lithium-polymer cells, each offering a capacity of 30 amp/hours and developing continuous output of 600 Amps at a voltage of 3.7 V. For a period of 30 seconds, each cell is even able to develop maximum output of 1,200 Amps.

The Plug-in solution: convenient charging of the electric power system from a conventional power socket.
The Fuel efficiency and emission management opening new dimensions in hybrid technology.

Aerodynamic qualities reflecting BMW's Motorsport experience.
BMW EfficientDynamics Concept also takes a new approach in its design and streamlining, the body and the interior clearly expressing the unique combination of supreme efficiency and the sporting performance of the brand. Following BMW's design language, this concept car visualizes both highly efficient aerodynamics and intelligent lightweight construction.

In its design, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept differs from the usual low-emission car concepts. The principle of "form follows function" is not just for the overall look of the car, but embraces each and every detail. Measuring 48.8" in height and boasting a sweeping, arch-like roofline, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept offers the slender silhouette of a classic Gran Turismo.

Technological look as a strong impression of intelligent lightweight construction.
In both exterior and interior design, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept stands out clearly as a strong spearhead in technology. Many components of the vehicle are presented in full view expressing the "transparent" character of the car as a powerful visual feature of lightweight technology.

Emotional design through sculptural shapes and layering technology.
Reflecting the innovative drive concept of this unique car, the design of BMW EfficientDynamics Concept likewise takes a new approach in combining functional progress with a most powerful emotional impact.

A fully integrated design philosophy also provided new options in using harmonized design principles connecting the exterior and the interior and providing an interacting effect between the two areas.
Interior:
innovative lightweight construction and unprecedented orientation to the driver.

Innovative layering technology provides an unprecedented symbiosis of function and stylish shapes intentionally reduced to a minimum, consistently implementing and visualizing the lightweight principle also inside the car.

The instrument panel is deliberately padded only where technical components have to be appropriately covered, thus making an important contribution to passenger safety in the event of a collision. The instrument cluster played a fundamental role right from the start in the design process, serving as the starting point for all surfaces within the interior and thus creating a particularly powerful rendition of that driver orientation typical of BMW.

Innovative light technology: providing clear signals to the outside and offering soothing ambient illumination inside in a unique symbiosis.

Tthe ambient illumination of the interior comes with new features and qualities, the light sources within the passenger compartment being fed from the positioning lights at the side, the rear lights and the brake lights, thus changing the atmosphere created by the lights within the car as a function of driving conditions.

Overhead doors for convenient access to all seats.
The doors on BMW EfficientDynamics Concept open up like bird's wings, turning on pivots in the front roof column at the level of the side direction indicators. Since the car has no B-pillars, the large door cutouts ensure convenient entry also to the rear seats. The pivots on the doors also provide the base for the exterior mirrors, thus forming an ideal combination of function and aesthetic design.

Breckland Beira, 2009

Breckland Beira, 2009

Norfolk-based Breckland - part of Hong Kong-based multi-national, Riche Holdings - is vastly experienced in the development and production of high-quality, low volume specialist cars and prototypes for an array of prestigious international clients, including Mosler, and has now employed its substantial skills in the making of its own limited-production supercar.

The Breckland Beira is a hand-built, two-seat roadster with unique styling cues, tuned to produce just a whisper short of 400bhp.

Tipping the scales at some 1,400kg, the Beira's impressive power-to-weight ratio ensures invigorating performance, with the promise of a sub-five second sprint to 100kph, coupled with tremendous torque and a governed top speed of 155mph.

Beira dynamics

Breckland Beira is based on the well-developed General Motors Kappa platform, on sale in the North American market.
Breckland Beira differs in many significant respects from the GM products however, the most radical departure being the installation of the potent, 6.0-litre, LS2 V8 engine, more commonly found in Corvette and Pontiac GTO models. It replaces the four-cylinder Ecotec engine and, by comparison, produces more than twice the power of the original unit.


The mighty, fuel-injected, aluminium V8 and Tremec six-speed manual gearbox are neatly packaged under the Beira's swooping bonnet, with a bespoke wiring harness and ECU, the latter being reprogrammed to allow the V8 to deliver close to 400bhp, combined with a dual-fuel capability.

To satisfy this requirement, the fully independent suspension was entirely re-engineered by Breckland in association with KW Suspension, with uprated springs, dampers and bushes, plus thicker anti-roll bars front and rear. The result is slightly less suspension compliance, but a more focused ride and handling.

Exterior packaging

In order to make the Breckland Beira eye-catchingly different, save weight and liberate additional luggage space behind the passenger compartment, Breckland's design engineers have totally re-modelled both the front and rear body sections in-house, using lightweight composites instead of steel, the result being a highly distinctive nose section and pronounced fastback rear.

Bespoke interior

Breckland Beira features a custom-built interior, including electric windows, air conditioning, twin airbags - in the steering wheel and in the passenger dash - combined with clear, concise instrumentation, and hand-stitched leather/Alcantara seats and trim.

Affordability

The Breckland Beira is designed very much as a high-quality low-volume, affordable sportscar for enthusiasts, and follows the highly appealing tradition of installing an easily available, American-designed V8 engine in a small, nimble, two-seater chassis to produce an exhilarating, high-performance package. Although using a tried and trusted concept, however, Beira is very much a vehicle for the 21st century, and accomplishes this with both environmental and fuel efficiency concerns in mind.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport, 2009

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport, 2009

The world's most significant celebration of the automobile takes place annually in Monterey, California. This year, it will see some of the most elegant, exclusive, and valuable vehicles ever produced in over 100 years of motoring, with Bugatti set to play a prominent role. On the evening prior to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the highlight of the event, the marque renowned for impeccable automotive solutions, aesthetics and driving dynamics will unveil a second model to the world - the new Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport with a unique removable roof.

The new Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport with removable roof resulted from the unique structure of the fixed-roof Bugatti Veyron. An optimum combination of rigidity and lightweight engineering ensures the monocoque passenger cell of the original model is extremely strong while weighing an absolute minimum - it is a central element of the vehicle's structure. As the roof is an integral part of this, removing it meant the load paths had to be completely redesigned to maintain the vehicle's rigidity and crash safety, and to offer additional protection from side impacts and rolling.


The monocoque structure has been reinforced around the side skirts and the transmission tunnel. The B-pillars have been cross-stiffened using a carbon fibre support, and a central carbon plate has been positioned beneath the transmission tunnel to ensure the vehicle suffers from less torsional flexing than any other roadster.

The doors of the new Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport are made of carbon fibre, and house an integrated longitudinal beam.

In the event of an accident, this transfers the load from the A to the B-pillar, thereby dissipating impact energy. Furthermore, the two redesigned air intakes for the 16-cylinder mid-engine now feature 10-centimetre wide carbon-fibre elements to offer protection should the car roll.

When the roof is closed, the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport can reach 407 km/h, while speeds of up to 360 km/h are possible with roof off. Should it rain, an innovative folding roof stored in the luggage compartment can be opened up like an umbrella at any time. When this folding roof is in place, the car can travel at up to 130 km/h.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Specifications
* Dimensions
o Length: 4,462 mm
o Width: 1,998 mm
o Height, Normal Position: 1,204 mm
o Wheel base: 2,710 mm
o Curb Weight: 1,968 kg
o Max. permitted laden weight: 2,280 kg
o Tank capacity: 100 l
* Engine
o Motor Type/Number of Cylinders: W16
o Cylinder Capacity: 7 993 cm3
o Power output: 736 KW (1,001 hp) @ 6,000 rpm
o Max. torque: 1,250 Nm @ 2,200-5,500 rpm
o Gearbox: 7 Gear DSG
o Drive: 4WD
o Power distribution: Front axle differential with Haldex clutch; rear axle with with transverse differential lock
* Suspension
o Wheel suspension: Double wishbone front / rear
o Tyre, front: 265-680 ZR 500A Michelin Pilot Sport Pax
o Tyres, rear: 365-710 ZR 540A Michelin Pilot Sport Pax
o Tyre pressure: 3.1 bar front, 3.1 bar rear
* Suspension Heights (front / rear)
o Standard: 125 mm / 125 mm - For town traffic and speeds up to 220 km/h. From 220 km/h, automatic configuration switches from Standard to Handling
o Handling: 80 mm / 95 mm - For fast driving on country roads or motorways, or manually selectable for race tracks
o Top Speed: 65 mm / 70 mm - For V-max driving (over 375 km/h), manually selectable with separate key
* Brakes
o Brake disk diameter: 400 mm front, 380 mm rear
o Brake disk material: Carbon / ceramic front / rear
o Number of wheel brake cylinders: 8 front, 6 rear
o Number of brake pads: 4 front, 2 rear
* Aerodynamics
o CW Values
+ Standard: 0.39
+ Handling: 0.42
+ Top Speed: 0.36
+ Airbrake: 0.68
o Wing/Spoiler Angle
+ Standard: Retracted / 2° cool-down position
+ Handling with roof: 6°/27°
+ Handling without roof: 20°/27°
+ Top Speed: 2°
+ Brake setting: 55°/27°
+ Special features: Central hydraulics
* Fuel Consumption
o In town: 41,9 l/100km
o Out of town: 15,6 l/100km
o Combined: 24,9 l/100km
o Fuel type: Super lead free 98 RON / ROZ
* CO2-Emission
o In town: 999 g/km
o Out of town: 373 g/km
o Combined: 596 g/km
* Performance
o Top speed: 407 km/h
o Acceleration
+ 0-100 km/h: <>