Friday, December 31, 2010
Happy New Year 2011!
Happy New Year 2011!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Terminal Triumphs
The photo was shot by a Historic American Buildings Survey photographer documenting the impressive Gulf Mobile and Ohio railroad terminal in downtown Mobile, Alabama. The picture was taken in 1964, almost at the end of the depression-era HABS program's life. As with most cities, the railroad passenger terminal was the center for interstate travelers and the more elaborate the building, the better.Monday, December 27, 2010
Is There Anything New Under the Sun?
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| MINI Paceman Concept Car - A "Bigger" MINI |
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| Austin 1200 - A "Bigger" Mini |
Sunday, December 26, 2010
The Dark Side
Saturday, December 25, 2010
This Was on My Christmas List...
The video that I've posted here looks like it was filmed on the Sir Anthony Bamford estate in the UK - the same place where Alain DeCadenet's Victory by Design was shot. If you haven't seen these great videos, I recommend that you get your hands on them soon.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Happy Holiday Greeting
I just wanna say, Happy Holidays for all reader and visitor. I hope God always blesses us. Amien. Merry Christmas.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
New Car: 2012 Mercedes C-Class
As the cheapest and humblest car in Mercedes’ U.S. showrooms, where it lives next to larger, more-powerful, more-luxurious, and more-prestigious vehicles, the C-class has had a tough time establishing itself as a full-cachet, no-apologies Mercedes-Benz. But a window of opportunity seems to be opening for the C-class come the 2012 model year, with its mid-cycle update arriving just as world events and economic challenges have precipitated a shift among luxury buyers toward “right-sized” vehicles containing full-size luxury amenities.
It will certainly try to impress. The restyled 2012 C-class will greet customers with a more upscale face highlighted by a sculpted front fascia and new, CLS-style headlamps that blend into the fenders. Distinct Sport and Luxury trims continue for 2012, with the Sport model being differentiated by its grille and thin chrome spears in the outboard air intakes, which also house the LED running lights that are now standard on all C-class models. The brightwork continues along the doors and around the new rear bumper. The taillamps are also new for 2012, with more distinct detailing and still more LEDs.
The biggest news is a more powerful naturally aspirated engine in the top-shelf C350 Sport, plus the addition of a new base model, the C250, with a turbocharged four-cylinder under its hood. The C350 Sport’s V-6 is a new, direct-injection 3.5-liter, and its output is raised from the outgoing C350’s 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque to a healthy 302 hp and 273 lb-ft. The mid-grade C300 retains its 3.0-liter V-6 with 228 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, but now is offered only with 4MATIC all-wheel drive (and will be the only C-class available thus equipped). At the low end of the range is that new C250, powered by a direct-injected, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. The C250 is slated to deliver among the highest fuel-economy of any Mercedes-Benz offered on these shores: an estimated 24 mpg combined. (For the record, the larger E350 BlueTec diesel is EPA-rated for 26 combined.) As for acceleration, Mercedes says the C250 should hit 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, a figure it also cites for the C300 4MATIC. The top-dog C350 is said to make the 0-to-60-mph sprint in 5.9.
Each of the three engines comes mated exclusively to a seven-speed automatic transmission, which means that you’ll no longer be able find a manual in the C-class when the 2012 model arrives next summer. (As if you could realistically find one in circulation before!) That means the current SLK300 will be the only U.S. Merc with a row-your-own option. As usual, auto-only also will apply to the 2012 C63 AMG, which also will be refreshed and goes on sale next summer or fall. It will retain the current 6.2-liter V-8, rather than moving to the twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 like other AMGs.
Thanks to: Car and Driver
Tata receives prestigious GOOD DESIGN award
The GOOD DESIGN award was founded in Chicago in 1950. The award recognizes new, visionary, and innovative product concepts, invention and originality. The award is given for stretching the envelope beyond what is considered ordinary product and consumer design. In 2010, GOOD DESIGN celebrated its 60-year anniversary as the world’s oldest and most prestigious awards programme for product and graphic design.
Tata receives prestigious GOOD DESIGN award
The GOOD DESIGN award was founded in Chicago in 1950. The award recognizes new, visionary, and innovative product concepts, invention and originality. The award is given for stretching the envelope beyond what is considered ordinary product and consumer design. In 2010, GOOD DESIGN celebrated its 60-year anniversary as the world’s oldest and most prestigious awards programme for product and graphic design.
Nissan V Platform sedan ‘Sunny’ unveiled
The brand ‘Sunny’ has been there in the Chinese market since 2003 and was an important model to come out from Chinese Dongfeng and Japanese Nissan partnership. The car has been appreciated for its cabin space and driving performance.
Nissan V Platform sedan ‘Sunny’ unveiled
The brand ‘Sunny’ has been there in the Chinese market since 2003 and was an important model to come out from Chinese Dongfeng and Japanese Nissan partnership. The car has been appreciated for its cabin space and driving performance.
BMW Launches the X1 in India @ 22Lakh ex-Delhi
Bmw is offering two engine options for the X1. There is one 1.8-ltre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel. The petrol sDrive (2WD) 18i, will be available for Rs 22 lakh. The diesel variant will have two options – X1 sDrive 20d, priced at Rs 23.9 lakh and X1 sDrive 20d Exclusive priced at Rs 29.9 lakh respectively.
The ARAI certified fuel efficiency for the petrol and diesel versions is 11.24 and 15.24 kmpl respectively.
With the X1, BMW is planning to bring is a substantial chunk of sales from the competitors, as there is no other such vehicle in the market at this point. The net compact SUV is also expected to cannibalize into the sales of SUVs such as the Toyota Fortuner , Nissan X-Trail , Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mitsubishi Outlander.
BMW Launches the X1 in India @ 22Lakh ex-Delhi
Bmw is offering two engine options for the X1. There is one 1.8-ltre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel. The petrol sDrive (2WD) 18i, will be available for Rs 22 lakh. The diesel variant will have two options – X1 sDrive 20d, priced at Rs 23.9 lakh and X1 sDrive 20d Exclusive priced at Rs 29.9 lakh respectively.
The ARAI certified fuel efficiency for the petrol and diesel versions is 11.24 and 15.24 kmpl respectively.
With the X1, BMW is planning to bring is a substantial chunk of sales from the competitors, as there is no other such vehicle in the market at this point. The net compact SUV is also expected to cannibalize into the sales of SUVs such as the Toyota Fortuner , Nissan X-Trail , Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Merry Christmas to You and Yours
Spied: 2013 BMW 5-Series Hybrid
It's no secret that BMW is preparing a hybrid version of its latest generation [F10] 5-Series sedan as the Bavarian automaker teased the model at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show with the Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid study. And even though the prototype model seen in our latest spy pictures carries the 535i badge, the "Hybrid Test Vehicle" label on the boot pretty much explains everything.
Being a test mule, the prototype doesn't feature any of the (few) unique styling cues of the concept model, such as the LED strips, different front apron and special alloy wheels, but we assume these details will make it into the production car.
Underneath the body work, we expect to see a similar setup to the concept vehicle, which made use of BMW's straight-six gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo technology (same as the one found in the 535i), an eight-speed automatic transmission, and an electric drive capable of delivering up to 54HP (40kW). Given that the 3.0-liter turbo is rated in the U.S. at 300 hp, the combined system output should be around the 340 hp mark.
According to BMW, the hybrid power train reduces both fuel consumption and emissions by more than 10 per cent over the conventional version, while it also allows all-electric, zero-emission motoring at low speeds.
The production version of the 5-Series Hybrid could be introduced at a major international car show as early as next year with sales most likely to follow in 2012.
Thanks to: Autocar India
New Car: 2011 Mahindra Thar 4x4
Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the Thar, an all-new off-roader that retains the looks of the Mahindra MM540 but comes with a new chassis and loads of features. The MM540 is popular among city-dwellers as well as the army and paramilitary forces.
Available in DI and CRDe versions, the company hopes to target a new lifestyle segment with the Thar and will customise the vehicle for buyers ready to pay more.
While the CRDe 4x4 BSIV variant is priced at Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the DI 4X2 variant is priced at Rs 4.47 lakh (ex-showroom, Jaipur).
The Thar will be launched in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore, Mangalore and Jaipur by end of December, and all over the country in January. Based on a chassis that is a mix of the Bolero and the Scorpio, the Thar offers 105bhp.
While the CRDe variant will be built at Mahindra’s plant in Kandivali, Mumbai, the DI variant will be built at Nashik. Company sources said that the estimated development costs were Rs 5 crore.
A customized Thar was showcased at the Mumbai launch equipped with alloys, black leather seats with red piping and a winch. According to Mahindra, customization options can cost around Rs 2 lakh over the standard variant, and all customizations will be done at dealers end.
Thanks to: Autocar India
New Car: 2012 MG 3
MG has given its new small hatchback, the MG3, a relatively low-key public debut at the Guangzhou auto show in China.
The firm's parent company, SAIC, revealed no technical information on the car. But it did give it a launch date: March 2011, ahead of the next major Chinese car show in Shanghai in April.
Styled under the co-ordination of MG’s studio in the UK, the MG3 looks like a neat production development of the Zero concept car. It's just under four metres long, 1.728m wide, and 1.517m tall; that makes it as long as a five-door Fiesta, but slightly narrower and taller.
SAIC seems keen to push the car's 'Britishness' - witness the Union Jacks displayed prominently on its stand - and personalisation, with contrasting roof colours and plenty of body stripes.
Information about just one engine spec has emerged from China; it's said to be a 1.5-litre petrol unit producing 109bhp at 6000rpm, and 99lb ft at 4500rpm, enough to get the MG3 to a top speed of 113mph. Those figures would put the car up against a 1.4 petrol Fiesta.
The other engines in the line-up are likely to be a 1.3-litre petrol, with around 67bhp, a diesel (SAIC is still in talks with potential suppliers) and a turbocharged version of the 1.5 petrol, with 156bhp.
The car is being aimed at buyers aged between 18 and 28. Top-spec models will get a CD player-based sound system, but more lowly specs are understood to offer just a USB socket and perhaps a solid-state memory-based MP3 player.
MG Motor UK has yet to even acknowledge the car's existence, let alone detail European specs or a launch date. But it's unlikely to reach UK dealers before 2012, particularly given the delays that have hit the on-sale date of its bigger brother, the MG6. Once pencilled in for a late 2010 release, it's now unlikely to reach buyers until the spring.
Thanks to: Autocar
Monday, December 20, 2010
New Concept Car: Mini Paceman
This is the Mini Paceman concept, which will make its public debut at the the Detroit auto show on 10 January - the 10th anniversary of the brand’s relaunch in the USA.
Substantially based on the five-door Mini Countryman, the Paceman concept is designed as an upmarket, compact coupe and is said to be strongly placed to go into production in 2012, although the green light has not yet been given.
BMW is calling the Paceman (so named because it follows on from the Clubman and Countryman) the first ‘Sports Activity Coupe’ in the small car segment. When the Paceman goes on sale it is likely to only be available with the most powerful Mini engines. One source told us, "There’s no chance of a 'One' version of this car," and the concept is being shown with a tuned version of the John Cooper Works petrol engine, now with 212bhp and hooked up to Mini’s ALL4 permanent four-wheel drive system.
However, in keeping with the car's intended upmarket feel, the production models will probably not be highly strung, high-performance racers. The emphasis will be on accessible torque for performance that’s effortless rather than urgent.
The Paceman is based on the current Mini Countryman, using the same platform and floor structure and the same inner structure up to and including the bulkhead. The car also uses the same windscreen as the Countryman, although it's had 20mm shaved off its height. From the screen rearwards, the Paceman gets an entirely new exterior. It's 4110mm long, marginally more than the Countryman, even though the front bumper is 20mm shorter.
The car's long doors are newly designed and have allowed the Mini design team to incorporate a rising window line, which flows into the new rear wing. This further kicks up towards the roof, giving the Paceman a much wedgier and dynamic profile than its sister car. There's also a marked shoulder over the rear wheels, which pushes the rear windows of cabin inwards, giving a sportier, more coupe-like feel and emphasising the width of the car’s rear tracks.
However, outgoing Mini design boss Gert Hildebrand says that there's no loss of shoulder room in the rear cabin compared to the Countryman. Unlike most coupes, the Paceman is also set to have significant rear legroom and more than adequate headroom.
As well as the rising waistline, the Paceman has a sloping version of the Mini family’s 'capped' roof which, combined with the rising waistline, further reduces the size of the side windows, emphasising the Mini’s 'three-layer' design theme of roof, windows and bodyside. The car’s C-pillar is tinted the same colour as the glass to give the impression of complete wrap-around glazing.
However, the big break from modern Mini tradition comes at the rear of the car. The vertical shutlines and vertical sheet metal that characterise the other models in the range have been replaced by a surface that’s much softer and more flowing.
Unexpectedly, Hildebrand and his team have dumped the rule that said Mini tail-lights are vertical and surrounded on all sides with painted bodywork. The Paceman's lights are substantial and cut right across into the tailgate, resulting in a most un-Mini-like rear elevation. However, the combination the wide track, sloping roof and narrower glasshouse means the rear wheels are well outboard of side windows, and it all combine to make the Paceman look extremely purposeful from the rear.
Inside, the concept uses the same interior as the Countryman (including the elliptical door trim design) but it will have redesigned seats in quilt-stitch tan leather front and rear. The two rear seats will be individually shaped, but manufactured in one piece, very similar to the layout in the VW Scirocco. Despite the coupe styling, the front seats will continued to be mounted higher than in a conventional road car.
The concept gets some very effective exterior touches in the copper-coloured fillet on the front wing and leather trim on the door handle and filler cap. The bronze colouring is repeated on the wheel’s rims. The roof colour ‘cold white’, a white with a blueish tinge. The body colour is ‘Jaded Green’ (in the sense of the stone, rather than design team's lack of morale) and is said to be based on the colour of a 1950s Jaguar. However, the shade is also very reminiscent of the Aston Martin DB4 Zagato cars and Autocar understands that the design team did look at equipping the Paceman concept with a Zagato-style 'double-bubble' roof.
When the Paceman arrives in production form, it will be the most expensive Mini so far. Prices are likely to start from £22,000 for a front-drive version, rising to £26,000 and beyond.
Thanks to: Autocar
Friday, December 17, 2010
Tata Indica Vista EV first official pictures and details
Tata Motors have developed and assembled the new Vista EV at the International Automotive Research Centre at the University of Warwick Campus, Coventry. The battery has been sourced from Swedish Miljobil Grenalnd, the drivetrain has been obtained from a Canadian electrical systems company TM4, while the rest of the kit has been made in apna Bharat.
The Indica Vista EV will compete against the likes of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and the Nissan leaf, both of which are very accomplished electric cars. We wish Tata all the best for this endeavour.
Tata Indica Vista EV first official pictures and details
Tata Motors have developed and assembled the new Vista EV at the International Automotive Research Centre at the University of Warwick Campus, Coventry. The battery has been sourced from Swedish Miljobil Grenalnd, the drivetrain has been obtained from a Canadian electrical systems company TM4, while the rest of the kit has been made in apna Bharat.
The Indica Vista EV will compete against the likes of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and the Nissan leaf, both of which are very accomplished electric cars. We wish Tata all the best for this endeavour.
MINI Countryman is Here
5 New Electric Cars Available Right Now
Electric cars were popular in the US in the mid-19th to the early 20th century. They soon fell by the wayside with the introduction of the combustion engine. Now, electric cars are being revived again in the 21st century. Several auto manufacturers have joined the electric car production arena just in time to take advantage of the new era of “green technology,” and here are a handful of models that are currently available.
The Toyota Prius Hybrid
The third generation Prius uses the patented Hybrid Synergy Drive, which is a system that uses gas and electric to power the car. There are four models to choose from, but all are 1.8L, four cylinder engines with 98 horsepower, and an estimated 51 city and 48 highway mpg. You can expect to pay between $22,800 and $28,070 for a new Prius.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid
Toyota utilizes the same Hybrid Synergy Drive system for the Camry as the Prius, but the Camry Hybrid is a little more generous with interior space and a 2.4L engine with 169 horsepower. Fuel economy for the Camry Hybrid is 31 city and 35 highway and starts at around $26,575.
Chevrolet Volt
Due in Chevrolet’s 2011 line-up, you can contact your local dealer to place an order for the Volt. The Volt is a 4-door electric-gas hybrid sedan with an efficient 1.4 litre engine. The battery pack is backed by an 8-year, 100,000 mile warranty with an estimated cost of electric recharging of $1.50 per day. The Volt is emission-free and boasts an aerodynamic design, closed grille, and Goodyear Fuel Max tires to maximize efficiency. It starts at $32,780.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Ford brings this four-door sedan with a 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 gas engine combined with an electric motor. A net 191 horsepower is available when the two power supplies combine. You can expect a speed of 47 miles per hour when the car runs on the electric motor alone, but assistance is available on demand from the gas engine when needed. Mileage is around 41 miles per gallon, and base price for this model is $28,100.
The Tesla Roadster
This roadster is not in everyone’s price range, but it will eliminate dependence on oil because it is 100% electric powered. It can be recharged on or off-grid and touts 88% efficiency compared to 20-25% efficiency of gas-powered cars. The Tesla is a stunning sports car that is capable of high-end performance with a 0-60 acceleration in 3.7 seconds and goes 245 miles per charge. You can order online from their website, or you can visit one of their dealers. The Tesla Roadster starts at $101,500.
Miles Walker is a freelance writer and blogger who usually compares car insurance deals over at CarinsuranceComparison.Org.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
New Car: 2012 Daihatsu Move
Toyota’s subsidiary company, Daihatsu, has unveiled its new Move in Japan.
Power comes courtesy of a 0.66-litre petrol unit - featuring stop-start - and produces 51bhp and 44lb ft of torque.
Shorter in length than Fiat’s 500, the Move is available with either front or four-wheel drive and is said to be the most efficient petrol car in Japan, the company claims.
Compared with its predecessor, the new Move is 35kg lighter, thanks to weight reductions in its instrument panel and door trim as well as the CVT unit and other components.
Prices in Japan will start at approximately £8000.
Thanks to: Autocar
Hot News: Mercedes Plans 320 hp Hatchback
Mercedes-Benz is planning to enter the hot hatch market in 2012 with a 320bhp AMG-badged A-class.
The hot AMG version of the new, third-generation A-class will have a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and four-wheel drive. It is being developed by Mercedes’ AMG performance arm under the direction of its new boss, Ola Källenius.
The hot A-class is due on sale in the UK in September 2012. It will be priced to compete with the Audi RS3, Volkswagen Golf R and an M Sport-badged, turbocharged four-cylinder version of BMW’s second-generation 1-series hatchback — which suggests that it could be around £35k.
The new A-class will be based on Mercedes’ MFA (Modularen Frontantriebs-Architektur) platform — a newly developed unitary construction structure that ditches the heavy and expensive ‘sandwich floor’ of today’s model.
Codenamed W176, the car is radically different from its tall predecessor. It takes on a much lower and more conventional two-box silhouette, overlaid with taut surfacing and styling cues first seen on the F800 Style concept car.
The racy new look will be previewed on a concept at next year’s Shanghai motor show. It is designed to attract a younger customer than today’s A-class.
The look will be further embellished on the AMG version by uniquely styled bumpers, pronounced sills, chromed tailpipes and 18-inch wheels. The car is likely to be badged A25 AMG, according to insiders.
AMG had planned to use a 2.0-litre, direct injection engine running an electrically operated turbocharger from Swiss firm Hyprex. But concerns over its complexity and related production costs have forced a switch to a more conventional powerplant using a mechanical twin-scroll turbo.
Insiders with knowledge of the 2.0-litre, aluminium-block engine suggest that AMG’s powertrain department is aiming for a power output in excess of 300bhp. One source told us: “Something in the region of 320bhp is realistically possible with the technology at hand.”
By providing the car with a new six-speed, dual-clutch gearbox and a Haldex-style four-wheel drive system with a multi-plate clutch, Mercedes is hoping to dispel any concerns about traction. But in a bid to provide the A25 AMG with the dynamics to match its badge, the new driveline will feature a positive rear-drive bias, together with an electronically operated torque-vectoring clutch to juggle drive between each of the rear wheels.
Thanks to: Autocar
