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Automotive slide 1

New Class The New Class (German: Neue Klasse) was a line of compact sedans and coupes starting with the 1962 1500 and continuing through the last 2002s in 1977.

Automotive slide 2

Finally, Speed Matches Style By Nate Martinez In the decade or so it's been on the market, the Audi TT has become world renowned for its avant garde style, but it's never ranked high as a true sports car.

Automotive slide 3

Silverline Chevrolet Cruze will be factory backed in the 2010 BTCC. This year, the BTCC is going to be hotting up, with the Chevrolet Cruze coming in as a manufacturer backed team!

Automotive slide 4

Mazda Engine SpecificationsE5 TURBO Type 1490cc EFI OHC 8-valve 4-cyl Power 86kW @ 5800rpm Torque 162Nm @ 3500rpm Gearboxes FWD 5sp Source 83-84 Familia XGR turbo (fits earlier Laser and 323) B6 Type 1597cc EFI DOHC 16-valve 4-cycle

Automotive slide 5

The ‘Ice Speed Record’ model doesn’t fail to impress with its interior features as well: a carbon fiber with red weave high-gloss finishing and the most exquisite leather and Alcantara cabin components. The Supersports Continental Convertible ISR, which comes in three colors, has an estimated priced of £189,300 ($ 309,022 USD) and available at authorized Bentley automobile dealerships.

Selasa, 29 Januari 2013

Future Lincoln Town Car?

I created this fully contemporary Lincoln Town Car replacement more than three years ago. There is still no real replacement from Lincoln for this once-popular long wheelbase sedan, and I can honestly say that my rendering would still look good in a Lincoln showroom today.

Should Lincoln be preparing an über sedan, perhaps with an extended rear wheel drive platform?

Minggu, 27 Januari 2013

Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing Longroof

Click photos to enlarge, as always, here at casey/artandcolour.

Looking through my earlier work, I realized I haven't yet posted this mid 1950s Mercedes Benz 300 Gullwing Tourer on this blog. I chopped this up in 2007 or so. All the cool people that collect station wagons these days refer to them as "Longroofs" and that's certainly true of my version. I don't believe this change would have added too much weight to the original coupe and with that rear hatch and additional loading space, might have made this incredible sports car just a bit more useful for Grand Touring.

The New Gullwing 

My primary reason for modifying the current SLS, the newest Gullwing, was to change the window graphic. The new one has a solid B/C pillar instead of having rear quarter windows as the original. I just don't think the car looks right without them. I'm sure the blank quarters add torsional rigidity, but I'm also certain that Mercedes/AMG engineers are brilliant enough to overcome any loss with added windows. Above, my "South Beach" edition is metallic gold with additional strakes and silver trim. You just can't be "bling" enough for South Beach! Below, additional work was done to shorten the very long hood. I wanted this Gullwing to be a hybrid, and to be as lightweight as possible to I changed the proportions accordingly. I still think it's a beautiful car and could be the Hybrid to end all Hybrids if produced. 


Note:
My friend Woody Thompson's car site has a new URL now: woodyscarsite.blogspot.com. The old links won't work for it. Please adjust your bookmarks and head over there today!

Sabtu, 26 Januari 2013

Audi Revisited

Until I can carve out a night to finish several chops I've started, how about some cool Audis from my past... Above, the first generation TT coupe reimagined with a larger glass area, smoothed contours and detailing and more ground clearance for true snow- and off-road capabilities. The better for those quick trips to Gstaad in the winter.

One of my early chops, but still one of my favorites, a mythical Bi-Turbo V12 hybrid mid-engined super saloon.

My futuristic third generation TT e/Tron, based on a recent concept car from Audi.

Audi really ought to have a large coupe to compete with the S Class coupe (CL). Above is my large 2-door A8L-c.

The Black Forest edition Avant. I will keep trying to get today's manufacturers to use micro-veneers until my Photoshop is taken away from me, lol.

Another of my very early chops, this Audi A6C was inspired by the large Italian luxury coupes of the seventies, such as the Fiat 130 and Lancia Gamma.

Selasa, 22 Januari 2013

Bentley Mulsanne (2013)

 

ATOZY |Bentley Mulsanne (2013) | The specification includes headrest new new luxury comfort, with manually adjustable wings to support relaxation side as a driver. The super-soft restrictions are designed to fold neatly, without wrinkles your skin while extending lower standard headrest for maximum comfort to ensure an even wider range of number of passengers. New platforms are already available, finished with flat cabin carpet and hide cut to fit each individual vehicle. Seating comfort is enhanced with duck feather pillows thin, cut to the same tan as traditional chairs used in the specific comfort. This hidden compartment padded doors can easily fit mobile phones, personal items, or Bluetooth headset for Rear Seat Entertainment.


Operated from the steering wheel or the rear compartment by lifting switch windows, curtains are fully integrated in the rear doors and rear surround. The new design option specifies Crewe Entertainment offers a full menu of communications, information and entertainment, with picnic tables back designed for iPad and wireless keyboard. Connectivity is improved by the introduction of a Wi-Fi router with a high-speed Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) telephone module and SIM card reader located in the glove box, a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot for Internet access to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously.


Increase Bentley Mulsanne first color choices are three new additions to the range, black cashmere, Portofino and Bowness. Finally Damson color is rich and lush with a quality, low velvety and the sparkle of diamonds rare thin purple. There are also three other skin colors, Damson, saffron and Brunel. Damson is a rich, dark red paint designed for the new Damson to complete, while Safran is a rich, warm tones inspired by the saffron bread. Finally Brunel is a gray hot technician, designed to perfectly complement the exterior colors in the spectrum of gray and blue.


Planned for the discerning traveler, a series of hand luggage Mulsanne made by renowned specialists Schedoni Italian luggage are now available. The pieces are handmade according to customer specifications, with Bentley Bentley monogrammed lining and embossed logo on the front and use the same skins that come in a Bentley car. The architecture allows luggage to provide a color separation between the frame and the main panel.
Automotive ATOZY

Selasa, 15 Januari 2013

My 2010 Mercury Hybrid Project

Back in early 2010 I was "desperately" trying to save Mercury in the only way I could: with renderings. It was my idea that Mercury could become FoMoCo's high-tech, hybrid division. Ford would be the mainstay bread-and-butter cars, the volume sellers, in a position it has held for more than 100 years. Mercury would be a step-up in price and features, but instead of just "fancy" upholostery, the drivetrains would have been exclusively hybrid and electric. The styling, inside and out, would be more contemporary and high-tech than Ford's more traditional looks. Lincoln would have been pushed further upscale, ensuring Ford's presence in the full luxury market. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. Mercury was dead not long afterwards. In all, I believe I created more than 40 Mercurys in about 2 years of trying to bring the marque back to relevancy. 

My first car was a '69 Comet sport coupe, the bottom-of-the-line pillarless coupe. It was nicely optioned though with 302 V8, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning and a power trunk opener. I'm not sure how many low-line Comets were equipped like that.

The renderings:

Subcompact "B" market Comet sports hatch.

 Compact-sized Medalist sedan. "Medalist" was last used in the mid '50s by Mercury.

Slightly larger Marin sedan, a prototype to replace the then-current Milan, but...

 
... then I created this new Milan 4-door "coupe" which I preferred.

Sitting at the top of the Mercury heap would have been this Cyclone sedan, a full size hybrid sedan with supercar levels of power.

Moving to crossovers, this Villager would have anchored the compact segment ...

... and the Mountaineer would have elevated their top-shelf SUV to Range Rover levels of capability at Land Rover prices.

So much work for nothing!   : )

Minggu, 13 Januari 2013

2013 Audi R8 V10 Limited Edition

audi r8 v10 limited edition pictureIf you thought the Audi R8 China Edition was rare, then you’ll be shocked to know that there’s a limited-edition model that’s even rarer than that. This is the Audi R8 V10 Limited Edition and, as its name suggests, Audi is only building a select number of these babies — 30 in all — for the Chinese market. To distinguish itself from the rest of the R8s out there, including the aforementioned China Edition, Audi decided to dress up the R8 Limited Edition in a unique Nordic Gold paint finish that, on looks alone, can make a serious case as a permanent color option for the R8.
Aesthetic modifications are also abound for this limited-run model, highlighted by front and rear air intakes and outlets, lightweight tailpipes, and a radiator grille that has been finished in matte black. The dress up continues with the front and rear slats. Additionally, the rear bumper, and the radiator grille surround and bars all sport a matte-titanium-grey finish. The front spoiler, side blades, fixed rear wing and the enlarged diffuser have been upgraded to carbon matte.
Inside, the R8 Limited Edition features sports bucket seats and headlining, both of which have been dressed with black Alcantara with contrasting stitching and piping, and the knee pad now comes in shark skin black with its own contrast stitching. Carbon matte, or at least inlays of it, was also used inside, particularly the A-pillar and the door pulls. To assert the limited-edition nature of this R8, the aluminum gear knob comes with a limited edition number, ranging from 1 to 33 with the numbers 4, 14, and 24 excluded from the list. Why, you ask? The number "4" equates to bad mojo for the Chinese.
Audi China has priced the R8 Limited Edition at 2,628,000 yuan, which is around $420,000 based on current exchange rates, an amount that affluent and passionate Chinese auto enthusiasts won’t have trouble shelling out.

2013 Ferrari F12berlinetta Giallo Acquila

ferrari f12berlinetta giallo acquila picture


Last week we brought you the first details on the 770 Daytona Milano — the first special edition designed by Ferrari using its new individually developed program. Regardless of the fact that the 770 Daytona Milano’s first image was likely a Photoshopped image of the F12berlinetta at its Geneva debut, it was still pretty sweet. Today is time for the first rendering of a new specially designed F12berlinetta, the Giallo Acquila. This model is designed by PininFarina in cooperation with Fioravanti.
As you can notice from this first rendering, this special F12berlinetta Giallo Acquila will feature an updated, more aggressive rear with some extra lines and a big spoiler. The wheel arches have also been made slightly wider and they hide a pretty large set of wheels. We cannot tell for sure if the 729-horsepower, V-12 engine will get any increases, but we can at least hope.
All these changes have transformed the F12berlinetta into an even more desirable supercar, but also into one even more expensive. The question is who has the right amount of money to acquire this special supercar? Question No. 2 is will this program actually be realized or just fizzle away before the F12berlinetta is actually released.






2014 Ferrari GTE Virtual Concept By Angelo Granata

ferrari gte virtual concept by angelo granata pictureThanks to a leaked teaser of the Ferrari F70 a.k.a the next Enzo, the rumor train is now at its peak.
Using the various pictures that Ferrari has taken and keeping Pininfarina’s current design language in mind, a man named Angelo Granata has created a beautiful rendering of what he thinks is the next Ferrari F70.
It does stay true to the Ferrari design language, although if you glance at the dual-projector LED headlamps for a moment, it has an uncanny resemblance to the Aventador. Now that is something that Ferrari would definitely avoid, given the heavy rivalry. Also it’s lacking the iconic F1-inspired nose from the original Enzo, which was a distinguishing factor in terms of design. This nose does, however, serve a purpose, as its duckbill shape adds much-needed downforce to the front axle as the vehicle’s speed increases.
The rear end is a perfect mixture of the F12Berlinetta, Enzo and the 458 Italia, though the quartet tail lamps may not make it in the final design. The virtual concept’s body measures in at 4,650 mm (183.1 inches) long X 2,030 mm (79.9 inches) wide X 1,080 mm (42.5 inches) high, but no estimated weight was given.
The concept houses a mechanically actuated spoiler which is not only cool as heck, but also keeps the car planted on the track. With the kind of power the Enzo successor is supposed to pump out, that actuated wing may not be a bad idea.
The Ferrari GTE virtual concept is fitted with a 7.3-liter V-12 engine that pumps out 800 horsepower and a KERS hybrid system that adds an extra 120 ponies to the stable. This gives it a net horsepower of 920, which is exactly what all of the rumors are pointing to with the new F70. Unfortunately, the engine setup isn’t confirmed, except for the KERS system, so this is still just speculation.
With Ferrari being as silent as a monk on the Ferrari F70, we can do nothing but drool at these concept pictures and hope that some elements make it to the final official design.
Images used with permission from Angelo Granata 

2013 Ferrari FF Czech Edition

ferrari ff czech edition picture


Ferrari’s Tailor Made Personalization Program has produced yet another one-off FF supercar, further proving that the Italian automaker is serious about giving customers exactly what they want.
The latest model was actually built for Czech dealership SF Motors and has been appropriately called the "Czech Edition". There are no performance modifications on this one, but what it does carry is a host of aesthetic upgrades that definitely differentiates itself from the rest of the FFs roaming around the world these days.
The FF Czech Edition comes with a matte-orange finish that Ferrari Tailor Made Personalization Program calls "Rosso Dino.” Whatever name it came up with for this, it looks absolutely sick. On top of the matte orange finish is a matte black roof, a carbon packet, Daytona seats for the interior, a high-tech JBL sound system with a pair of Ferrari-branded headphones, a passenger display, and a "Specially made for Czech" plaque complete with the Prancing Horse logo on one end and the Czech flag on the other.
If you really think about it, there are not a whole lot of upgrades on this one, not even something that packages itself as a "Czech Edition" like a flag badge or something. But either way, this one-off FF looks pretty sweet.
At a whopping 7,390,000 CZK (€295,000/$385,700) price tag, it had better be “sweet.”
Big thanks to Ondřej Vávra and Aleš Chytráček of CzechFerrari.Cz for the photos!







2013 McLaren MP4-12C Gulf Blue By McLaren Newport Beach


2013 McLaren MP4-12C Gulf Blue by McLaren Newport Beach wallpaper image

2013 McLaren MP4-12C Gulf Blue by McLaren Newport Beach wallpaper image



2013 McLaren MP4-12C Gulf Blue by McLaren Newport Beach wallpaper image





The folks over McLaren Newport Beach are quite famous for their exclusive M4-12C supercar. After they have developed an awesome chrome 12C, they have decided it is time to do something extreme and unique again. And they achieved this with an MP4-12C featuring the infamous Gulf Racing theme.
You have to admit that the Gulf Blue paint scheme fits perfectly and makes the MP4-12C looking even more aggressive. It’s true the paint scheme looks a little bit brighter than the original Gulf paint schemes we saw back in the 1970s, but it will still turn some heads.
We are not too sure the price McLaren NB is asking for this supercar, but still it will be a nice addition to your garage. The car keeps the usual 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine producing a mouth-watering 592 horsepower at 7,000rpm and 443 pound-feet of torque between 3,000 and 7,000 rpm. That’s enough power to sprint the car up to an impressive top speed of 207 mph.




2013 Pagani Zonda PS

pagani zonda ps picture



We are not very sure how many of you remember the unique Zonda PS announced back in 2009, but for those of you that do, Pagani has now unveiled a new version of the PS edition. The model announced back in 2009 was spotted a few times while it was heading to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but it was stored and there was no chance to see it again.
However, a new version of the Zonda PS has been caught for the first time. As you can see, the new PS edition has dropped the previous white and black combination and looks a little bit more stylish, thanks to its new blue color.
The Zonda PS also features a gigantic spoiler and a roof scoop, just like the ones we have seen in the Zonda R.
More details on the new Pagani Zonda PS will be unveiled in the upcoming weeks, so stay tuned!








Office-K Adds Some Visual Upgrades to the Ferrari F12berlinetta

office-k adds some visual upgrades to the ferrari f12berlinetta picture



Generally we do not agree with upgrading the look of a Ferrari model, and even less when it comes to the likes of the F12berlinetta. However, the past few weeks have brought us quite an impressive amount of upgrade packages for the Italian supercar, as the latest one was announced just the other days byDMC Tuning.
Today we have an offering from the Japanese tuner, Office-K, that updates the look of the F12berlinetta with a subtle exterior kit. The updates start with a new set of Forgiato F2.14 wheels sized 21 inches up front and 22 inches at the rear. The wheels are finished in a very cool gloss black combined with red and carbon-fiber accents.
The new wheels seem to fit perfectly with the new carbon-fiber wrap offered by the tuner. It covers all the plastic sections of the car, including the front air intakes, the rear diffuser and the air intakes.
Unfortunately, Office-K offers you no updates under the hood, so you’ll have to stick with the standard 729 horsepower V12 engine. But who’s complaining, right?







Rabu, 09 Januari 2013

2012 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport by Bernar Venet

The 2012 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport by Bernar Venet is an interpretation of the car by the French artist who is world famous. His conceptual style is on exhibit worldwide. The collaboration is a natural progression, one artiste to another.
Bernar expressed his passion for the supercar by designing a special edition that included detailed artwork for the front and inside of the supercar.
Bugatti-Veyron-Grand-Sport-by-Bernar-Venet-private-display-A

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Super Sport CoupeEst. Market Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 26.4 gals (100 l)MPG: 6 city / 15 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 175.7 in. (446.2 cm)Wheelbase: 106.6 in. (271 cm)
Height: 47.4 in. (120.4 cm)Width: 78.6 in. (199.8 cm)
Curb Weight: 4387 lbs (1990 kg)Maximum Seating: 2
Performance
Engine: W16 Quad TurboDisplacement: 8.0 Liter
Horsepower: 1200 HPMax RPM: 6400 rpm
Torque: 1106 lb-ftTransmission: 7-Gear DSG
0-60 mph: 2.6 secondsTop Speed: 255 mph (410 km/h)
Bugatti-Veyron-Grand-Sport-by-Bernar-Venet-math-formula-B
Engine
Bernar's Bugatti Veyron has an 8 liter W16 engine capable of generating 1200 HP with 1106 lbs ft of torque. The top speed has been limited to 255 MPH and it can go from 0 to 62 in just 2.6 seconds with the aid of the quad turbocharger system.
Performance
The Benet Veyron still has the same handling challenges. It can drive in a straight line no problem, but when it comes making the turns and sharp corners, the Bugatti tends to understeer. Due to its size and weight, the car does tents to stick to the road but steering at high speeds needs some improvement.
Exterior
Bernar Venet’s work on the Veyron was limited to a splashy artwork. The front of the car is painted in orange, fading into black. The transition is made of mathematical equations used by the engineering team during the design stage.
Interior
The inside matches the overall chromatic pallet of the exterior. The dashboard is covered with dark brown leather while the seats are lighter in color. On the left and right front doors, Bernar added custom artwork inspired by the same equations used on the exterior.
Bugatti-Veyron-Grand-Sport-by-Bernar-Venet-on-the-inside C
Despite the fact that the manufacturer only built one, the 2012 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport by Bernar Venet comes with visually appealing characteristics. Designed by an enthusiast, Bernar used the engineer's equations to make the artwork. Besides the inside and outside do have visual elements that make it a conversation starter, no other changes have been on this model in terms of its overall specifications.

2012 SsangYong e-XIV Concept

The Korean motor company, SsangYong, introduces the 2012 SsangYong e-XIV Concept car at the Paris Motor Show in 2012. The e-XIV concept builds on previous offerings from Ssang Yong, with improved technology and a greater range.
The e-XIV benefits from being equipped with a gas engine to supplement the electric engine and increase the range.
SsangYong-e-XIV-Concept-profile B
Integrated Solar Panel
One of the innovative features of this car is the glass roof, which has a built-in solar panel. The power needed to drive some of the vehicle's internal electrical systems is drawn from the solar panel. This includes internal lighting, the air conditioning system, and the car's audio system.
The concept is drive by a 1 liter, two cylinder hybrid engine. At this time, the 20kW motor has a range of 50 miles, after which the petrol engine allows it go 373 miles.
Exterior
The car is intended to be a crossover utility vehicle, and its visual appearance reinforces the impression of a car that is built for practicality rather than performance. It has quite a chunky, box-like appearance.
The designers have significantly reduced the amount of glass in the side and rear windows. The two side windows in the rear are tiny compared to other cars. The smaller side windows at the front result in the car's two doors having more metal than normal, adding to the solid appearance of the vehicle.
SsangYong-e-XIV-Concept-from-the-side A
Interior
The car is supplied with four bucket seats, each of which can be adjusted independently. This allows the driver and passengers to individually adjust their seats, and also provides different configurations for storage.
The seats are finished in white and gray trim, and each has built-in headrests. There are separate central consoles dividing both the front pair and the rear pair. Use of purple and blue coloring on various surfaces provides eye-catching contrast to the white and gray.
A graphic display built in to the fascia provides real time information to the driver. The car incorporates the newest developments in IT, providing full interconnectivity for modern smart devices.

2012 Lotus Exige V6 Cup

The Lotus Exige is one of the most outstanding race-cars available. However, for people who are into mid-engine racers, then the 2012 Lotus Exige V6 Cup is the answer. The V6 Cup is a special edition of the Exige S which has been prohibited in America, since it did not meet airbag safety standards.
This is a track-only car which means that it cannot be driven on public roads. This car will be available in two versions: track day edition and competition-Spec trim.
Lotus-Exige-V6-Cup-in-green B

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Super Sport CoupeEst. Market Price: $102,222
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.5 gals. (40L)MPG: 6 city / 16 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 160.7 in. (408.4 cm)Wheelbase: 93.3 in. (237 cm)
Height: 44.5 in. (112.9 cm)Width: 70.9 in. (180.2 cm)
Curb Weight: 2381 lbs (1080 kg)Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: NAMaximum Seating: 2
Performance
Engine: SuperCharged V6 VVT-iDisplacement: 3.5 Liter
Horsepower: 346 HPMax RPM: 7000 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpmTransmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 3.8 secondsTop Speed: 170 mph (274 km/h)
Engine
The V6 Cup comes with a 3.5L V6 engine that generates 346 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4,500rpm. This power enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 171 mph.
Lotus made this vehicle “race ready” by adding features that include: multi-adjustable suspension system, and a Lotus-Dynamic-Performance-Management system. The latter enables the driver to operate between three driving modes: Sport, Race and Touring. Other performance related features are: racing roll cage, and option for 6-point or 4-point race harness.
Lotus-Exige-V6-Cup-dual-threat A
Exterior
The V6 Cup has revised aerodynamic features found in the rear and front. Another notable features are the Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo tires that wrap the car's wheels. The car also comes with an aero-optimized front-splitter, and a rear wing. Generally, the V6 Cup weighs 2381 pounds, which is 200 lbs lighter than the Exige S.
Interior
Inside, you will encounter a total racing experience. Many racing gadgets have been incorporated including, a removable steering column, an FIA-compliant fire extinguisher, HANS-compliant race seats and adjustable suspension.
You should expect to see the V6 Cup (2012) in competitions including: Lotus Cup Europe, Hungary Lotus Cup (Ladies), Lotus Cup UK, Japan Lotus Cup and Lotus Cup Eastern-Europe among others.
With its powerful engine, the V6 Cup is most likely to outdo other models during those competitions. Only twenty of these are being made.