Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Imperia GP

The trend towards retro car designs continues with the Imperia GP ( roughly $110,000). Resurrecting a brand name that's been dead for over half a century, the GP is a plug-in hybrid with a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder combustion engine and a perky electric engine for a range of around 44 miles on battery power alone, a 0 to 100 km/h time of six seconds in electric mode — and only four seconds when in hybrid mode — and exterior styling that recalls the company's past glories, while bringing the design language into the 21st century.

Koenigsegg Agera R

It's a shame how often our modern society overuses the word "extreme," but it works perfectly for describing the Koenigsegg Agera R ($TBA). Packing a 5.0L, biofuel-drinking twin-turbo V8, the Agera produces an extreme amount of horsepower — 1,115 hp, to be exact. Other ultra-severe features include a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission, a carbon fiber monocoque so stiff that the roof is completely removable, Vortex Generating Rim (VGR) wheels sporting spokes that act as turbines to maximize downforce, and specially-made Michelins for keeping things under control at extreme speeds.

Bentley Supersports Ice Speed Record Convertible

Fresh off setting a new world ice speed record, Bentley is ready to celebrate with the Bentley Supersports Ice Speed Record Convertible ($TBA). Limited to just 100 cars worldwide, this beastly drop-top features a 6.0 L, twin turbo-charged W12 Flex Fuel engine that runs on either gasoline or E85 bio-ethanol or any combination of the two and is good for 631 hp. Paired with a Quickshift six-speed automatic transmission, the Continental can go from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds and from 0-100 in just 9.5 seconds; other features include all-wheel drive, a new exhaust system, diamond-quilted Alcantara interior accents, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a 30GB hard drive, and the ability to keep you warm even though your roof is made of fabric.

Audi Design Soccer Table

Normally when we hear stories about luxury cars and soccer, they're about pro players and their fancy new rides — so the Audi Design Soccer Table (€12,900; roughly $18,300) is a nice breath of fresh air. Bringing its considerable design chops to the game of foosball, Audi created a table worthy of its name, with a sleek brushed aluminum frame, high-end table components, slick integrated score markers, and an eye-grabbing glossy green pitch.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

BMW Vision Connected Drive Concept

BMW has released a new Vision concept car, taking the torch from the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept with clear inspiration from the world of Tron.  The new BMW Vision Connected Drive Concept is yet another bold step forward for BMW concept styling, a design with a clear departure from BMW bread and butter.  The classic BMW grille and logo are present, but the rest of the design is more curvy, aggressive and downright dangerous when compared to the familiar standard.

The New Supercar Pagani Huayra

Pagani has released official images of its highly anticipated supercar Huayra. Car is powered by a Mercedes AMG built 6.0-litre V12 twin turbo engine, capable to putting out 700 horses and more than 1000Nm of torque. The top speed for the car is said to be in the region of 370km/h. Now if you have so much power and only 1350 kgs of weight, you could be quite sure to go from 0-100 km per hour in less than 3 seconds. While the Huayra looks like a rocketship from the outside, from the inside, it is done up in classy, rich interior bits. There is an old world charm about the leather draped interior of the Huayra.  There is exposed aluminium and then there is lots of carbon fibre to delight all those new age speed nuts.  To make this marriage of class and modernity work in perfect harmony you have some natty blue backlit gauges and multi-function displays for navigation and communication.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

Following in the footsteps of its positively stunning predecessor, the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept is both lighter and smaller in dimensions than the 8C Competizione. The 4C Concept is built from carbon fiber and aluminum and manages to keep an ultralight weight of 1,873 lbs. Not nearly as powerful as its bigger brother’s V8, the 4C’s 200 hp direct injection four-cylinder turbo is able to drive the rear wheels of this lightweight looker to 60 mph in a little more than four seconds. We imagine the 4C will be quite the tossable sports car if Alfa brings it to market with its excellent power-to-weight ratio. The fact that it’s easy on the eyes with its beautiful lines, traditional Alfa grille and unique matte red paint is just icing on the cake. We especially hope the U.S. gets a hold of this car, which is entirely possible given that Alfa is seriously considering making its way back to our shores.

Shadow Ebike Wireless Electric Bicycle

The Shadow EBike ($2,000) looks like it was plucked right off Big Bird’s curb, but don’t let the gaudy paint job distract you. Look closely, and you’ll notice there are no brake or gear cables. Electric wires from the motor, battery, controller or throttle are absent too. That’s pretty amazing considering the bike includes features such a 2350W motor, 36V 10AH lithium battery, Daymak Drive controller, 110V charging port (yeah, it can juice your phone) and an LED battery power display. The bike’s secret lies in those hoopty-approved wheel covers, which ingeniously hide components, Rita Hayworth Shawshank-style, as does the thick framing. A wireless throttle, power switch, magnetic regenerative breaks, and pedal assist system also cut down on the cordage. On the performance side, the bike can reach speeds up to 20mph, and has an average range of 13 miles using just motor power, or 16 with pedal-assistance. Complete recharging of the battery takes approximately 4–6 hours.