2010 Venom GT Hennessey Supercar Concept

Hennessey Performance Engineering today announced that it is introducing the company's first concept car - The Venom GT. Penned by British auto designer, Steve Everitt, the Venom GT would incorporate Hennessey's potent Venom 1000 Twin Turbo Viper V10 powerplant into a light weight mid-engine chassis weighing "under 2,700 lbs". Power would be run through a 6-speed transmission or optional sequential gearbox. With a power to weight ratio of just 2.7 lbs per bhp Hennessey estimates that the Venom GT could attain 0 to 100 km/h times in less than 2.5 sec. and a 0-300 km/h time of around 14 seconds.

Venom GT Hennessey Supercar

The Hennessey Venom GT weights less than 2,400 lbs (1,071 Kg) and to stop the Venom GT, Hennessey added Brembo brakes with 6-piston calipers up front and 4-piston calipers in rear clamping down on 15-inch carbon ceramic rotors. Hennessey plans on building 10 units of the Venom GT annually and four have already been sold at around $600,000 a pop. That means there are only six units left from the first allocation.

Venom GT Hennessey Supercar

SEALY, TEXAS & SILVERSTONE, ENGLAND, March 29, 2010 - Hennessey Performance is pleased to introduce the first official images of its Venom GT supercar. Based upon the Lotus Elise, the Venom GT combines a high-tech, lightweight British chassis with a powerful American V8.

Venom GT Hennessey Supercar

“This is not the first time that Britain and America have joined forces to produce a weapon of mass propulsion”, said company founder and president, John Hennessey. “Over fifty years ago the American-built P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft was flown into history powered by a British Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. Today the Hennessey Venom GT promises to set a new standard of power to weight ratio in the rarefied air of today's supercar market.”

Venom GT Hennessey Supercar

In the case of the Venom GT, less weight means more performance. The Venom GT will have a production curb weight of less than 2,400 lbs (1,071 kilos) aided by its lightweight carbon fiber bodywork and carbon fiber wheels. Stopping power is delivered via Brembo brakes with 6-piston calipers up front and 4-piston calipers in rear clamping down on 15-inch carbon ceramic rotors.

Venom GT Hennessey Supercar

The Venom GT’s base power plant is the supercharged 6.2 liter LS9 V8 (the same as in the Corvette ZR1) tweaked by Hennessey to 725 bhp. The company will also be offering 1000 bhp and 1200 bhp twin turbo V8 engine variants. The mid-engine V8 will transmit its power to the rear tires via a Ricardo 6-speed gearbox.

Venom GT Hennessey Supercar

Hennessey plans to manage power output by using a programmable traction control system. CFD (computational fluid dynamic) tested bodywork and down force will also help keep the Venom stable at speed. An active aero system with adjustable rear wing will deploy under varying conditions on both the road and racetrack. An adjustable suspension system will allow ride height adjustments according to speed and driving conditions. Finally, power will be put to the ground via massive Michelin PS2 tires.

Venom GT Hennessey Supercar

Hennessey will be building the power plants at its Texas facility. The engines will then be air freighted to the company's assembly facility near Silverstone, England where the Venom GT is built and tested. Venom GT buyer will be offered a 1-day driver orientation and instruction program by a Hennessey factory test driver, at a track in the UK or USA prior to delivery.

Venom GT Hennessey Supercar

Hennessey plans on building 10 units of the Venom GT annually and four have already been sold at around $600,000 a pop. That means there are only six units left from the first allocation. The company plans to establish a network of Venom GT dealers and distributors in the Middle East, Europe, Russia, Australia and Asia.

2011 Nex-Gen BMW Sports Sedan 3 Series Coupe And Convertible

A little after a leaked brochure gave us our first taste of the lightly refreshed 2011 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models, BMW rushed out an official release and a whole bunch of pictures. For the 2011 model year, the Bavarian automaker's bread-and-butter coupe and cabriolet models receive some minor cosmetic touches and updated powerplants.

2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible

The most notable - that is, if you're a hardcore bimmer fan- changes on the outside concern the widened kidney grille, reshaped LED headlamps, front and rear bumpers with restyled lower fascias, new exterior mirrors and finally, reworked tail light cluster with a new color scheme.

2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible

The only change in the cabin concerns the convertible models and the use of sun-reflective technology to mitigate temperatures on leather seating, armrest surfaces, headrests, and gear shifter. BMW says that this new treatment is able to reduce surface temperatures on dark interior colors by up to 20 Celsius degrees (36 Fahrenheit degrees) and by as much as Celsius degrees (27 Fahrenheit degrees)on light-colored upholstery.

2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible

The next-generation BMW 3 Series isn't that far off, with the sports sedan expected to debut sometime in 2011 as a 2012 model. Yet the Munich brand isn't sitting on its hands in the meantime – the current 3 Series coupe and convertible are getting a mild refresh and updated powerplants this spring for the 2011 model year. The most immediately noticeable change are headlamp clusters that get a subtle reshaping to go along with a wider grille and reworked lower front fascia. At the rear, the taillamps retain the same shape, but the reflectors are redesigned with some of the light-pipe styling found in other recent Bimmers.

2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible

The 3 Series coupe will now be offered with xDrive all-wheel drive, while the 3 Series convertible gets a new solar reflective leather upholstery that BMW claims helps keep seat temperatures down when the lid is open.

2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible

The most significant updates come underhood, where the much lauded twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is being replaced by a new single turbo version. The revised engine, dubbed N55, has recently been launched in the 740i and the 535i Gran Turismo. The twin scroll turbo has dual exhaust inlets that allow the engineers to better balance the pulses coming in to spin up the turbine faster. This is expected to reduce the turbo lag that some drivers complained about with the outgoing twin turbo setup.

2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible

BMW also claims it has reduced cold-start emissions by routing all the exhaust gases through a single, larger catalytic converter that heats up faster. On the intake side, the throttle is eliminated thanks to the addition of BMW's Valvetronic variable valve control system. The N55 also gets direct fuel injection. The end result is the same 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque as before, but with a fatter torque curve that maintains its peak from 1,200-5,000 rpm.

2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible

The new design of the taillights is unique to the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible. The rear light cluster feature two-piece L-shapes and are further accentuated by a new color scheme. With two rows of light tubes that illuminate simultaneously, they create a night design with depth and dimension. Integrated flush into the body of the car, the lights are split into two sections and extend up the trunk lid, blending with the character lines from the side profile. These styling tweaks have resulted in a slightly longer length and larger overhangs (29mm (1.14 inches) at the front, and 3mm (0.12 inches) at the rear)

2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible

Though the updated BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible will go on sale this Spring, pricing and fuel economy figures haven't been announced as of yet. The former is expected to fall in the range of the current car's pricing, which starts at $37,075 for the 328i Coupe, $42,535 for the 335i Coupe, $45,875 for the 328i Convertible and $52,075 for the 335i Convertible. The latter is expected to be a small improvement in fuel economy for the new single-turbo engine over the current twin-turbo engine's 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

2010 Pininfarina Alfa Romeo Sports Car Spider Concept

Pininfarina, an Italian car design studio, has released to the public the teaser image of their new Alfa Romeo concept. Pininfarina turns 80 years-old this year. As part of celebrating this important milestone the company will unveil this two-seater spider concept pictured here at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March. It will be presented as a tribute to its long relationship with Alfa Romeo. The unveiling coincides with Alfa's 100th anniversary so it is doubly fitting. The design has been managed by Lowie Vermeersch, head of Pininfarina’s style centre, and the rear reflects the old Alfa Romeo Duetto model, with its cuttlefish-bone inspiration.

2010 Pininfarina Alfa Romeo Spider Concept

A revival of the Alfa Duetto is an exciting proposition, and the prototype will be the same two-seater Spider vehicle. It will have a longitudinal engine placed in the front and rear-wheel drive. No production plan has been established as yet, so we can’t say if this could be an eventual replacement to the current Alfa Spider.

2010 Pininfarina Alfa Romeo Spider Concept

Apart from the obvious not much else is said or revealed about the car. But from this solitary sketch it can be noted that the current 8C Spider has some serious styling competition. The long sloping bonnet, two-door configuration and short rear overhangs are the main signs of a classic roadster. Whether this traditionalist approach will be kept intact with a soft folding roof remains to be seen.

2010 Pininfarina Alfa Romeo Spider Concept

Perhaps the Pininfarina/Alfa Romeo relationship is about to receive a new life. Hopefully the concept is as good, or even better than this sketch suggests.

2010 Lotus Sports Cars Evora Carbon Design Concept

The multi-award winning Lotus Evora provides the basis of the stunning carbon design concept unveiled at the 80th Geneva Motorshow. The car boasts a stylish carbon fibre, leather and alcantara interior, aggressive carbon diffuser and an evocative high tech composite body.

2010 Lotus Evora Carbon Concept

The head turning looks of the Evora Carbon Concept car provide a more purposeful, planted stance with the car looking lower and more aggressive. This styling direction is continued with a structural carbon fibre roof, Lotus Motorsport influenced carbon diffuser and carbon splitter. The Evora Carbon Concept car retains the same class leading handling and high tech aluminium bonded and extruded chassis of the production car.

2010 Lotus Evora Carbon Concept

Donato Coco, Director of Lotus Design announced, “The design of the Evora Carbon Concept car features exotic, high tech materials offering a good synergy with the Lotus brand image, expressing our motor sport heritage and history of stylish sports cars due to which Lotus are renowned”.

2010 Lotus Evora Carbon Concept

Carbon fibre panels with perforated leather and Matt Alcantara are featured in the interior. For example, the dashboard, footwell and inner roof are covered in Alcantara, while exposed carbon fibre can be seen on the centre console, air vents and others. It sports a carbon fibre roof, 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/35 front and 285/30 rear Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres.

2010 Lotus Evora Carbon Concept

While no engine tweaks have been mentioned, the drop in weight means the Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre V6 has a lot less mass to move thus performance has been significantly boosted. Be on the look-out for a production version of the Evora Carbon Concept in the not-too-distant future.

2010 Lotus Evora Carbon Concept

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet includes AIRCAP® with AIRSCARF®

The highly appealing and emotionally charged Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is the latest addition to the successful E-Class line-up. The open-top two-door model, which went on sale on 11 January 2010, features a classic fabric soft top, making for a stylistically pure cabriolet feeling. Viewed from the side, the new model is an intriguing proposition - with its clear proportions and a flawless cabriolet silhouette.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

In keeping with the motto "four seasons, four personalities", all-year-round suitability was right at the top of the developers' list of priorities. With the new E-Class Cabriolet, the cabriolet season lasts the whole year because, while many cabriolets tend to disappear from the roads of Western Europe in the autumn, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (length/breadth/height: 4698/1786/1402 mm) provides driving pleasure and comfort whether the roof is open or closed.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

The soft top can be opened and closed fully automatically within 20 seconds - even when driving at speeds of up to 40 km/h. The cabriolet roof is stowed in a special compartment behind the rear panel. A retractable cover separates the soft top compartment from the boot area; it must be closed in order to close the soft top. If the roof is to remain closed, the cover can be slid rearwards, in which case the boot capacity is increased by 90 litres to 390 litres. A through-loading feature is included as standard for the new Cabriolet, as is EASY-ENTRY - a manually operated entry and exit aid for the rear passengers.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

The powerplants for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet are equally innovative: the new direct-injection diesel and petrol models combine efficiency with effortlessly superior power delivery. The exemplary, low fuel consumption has not only been achieved because of the new engines, but also with a number of practical measures. These include on-demand activation of the steering and fuel pumps, the use of tyres with low rolling resistance and an alternator control system which takes account of the current driving situation and the vehicle's electrical power requirements, plus the crucial factor of outstanding aerodynamics. The Cabriolet's cd figure of 0.28 is the best in its class, marking a continuation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class success story in the field of aerodynamics.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

In 1989, Mercedes-Benz introduced a world premiere in the shape of a draught-stop for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, followed in 2004 by the AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system to further enhance comfort in open-top models. Now comes another world-first: the AIRCAP® automatic draught-stop, which can be activated at the push of a button, greatly reduces turbulence in the interior of the new Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, creating a sea of warm air. It is also much easier to implement and use than conventional draught-stops: there is no tricky installation, the two individual rear seats remain free and the Cabriolet's flowing side lines remain uninterrupted. AIRCAP® is therefore a classic Mercedes innovation: functional, comfort-enhancing, elegant and safe.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

AIRCAP® consists of two components: a wind deflector that can be extended by around six centimetres with a net in the windscreen frame and a draught-stop between the rear seats.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

As well as enhancing occupant comfort and wellbeing, the reduction in draught when AIRCAP® is activated (it can be activated at speeds of up to 160 km/h and remains in use right up to the car's top speed) reduces the interior noise level - so passengers in all seats find it far easier to communicate.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

The Cabriolet Comfort package includes AIRCAP® with AIRSCARF®. This patented system functions like an invisible scarf, which warms the occupants' head and neck areas. AIRSCARF® is integrated into the backrests of the front seats and provides warm air through outlets in the head restraints.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

The Mercedes engineers have modified this unique innovation specifically for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet: in this model, an adjustment wheel pivots the outlet nozzle upwards and downwards by a total of 36 degrees over and above the head restraint height adjustment, meaning that the driver and front passenger can enjoy the unique neck-level heating regardless of how short or tall they are.

2011 Koenigsegg Sports Car Agera - Celebrate 15 Years

Geneva Motor Show 2010 - The new Koenigsegg Agera. To celebrate 15 years of making dream cars, Koenigsegg unleash their latest jewel, the Koenigsegg Agera. A new supercar aimed to take the Koenigsegg experience to the next level, both on the road and the track. 

2011 Koenigsegg Agera

The Agera is on display at the 80th Salon International de l’Auto in Geneva. The Agera shares some styling tweaks that are similar to the CCX and owes its name to the Swedish translation of “to act”, thus symbolizing the Koenigsegg philosophy of always improving its cars and pushing its designs to the limit.

2011 Koenigsegg Agera

Koenigsegg Agera is powered by Twin Turbo engine with 910 hp in term of running on regular petrol. Coming on to the major details, based on the regular CC, the Koenigsegg Agera boasts of a 4.7-liter twin turbocharged V8 producing 910 PS (669 kW/898 hp) at 6850 rpm and 1100 Nm (811 lb-ft) at 5100 rpm. There is over 1000 nm of torque available from 2680 to 6100 rpm.

2011 Koenigsegg Agera

To balance this, the Agera features the latest in braking technology with 392×36 and 380×34 ventilated and drilled ceramic discs. When combined with a dry weight of just 2,832 lbs and the sequential gearbox the Agera can sprint to 100 km/h in as little as 3.1 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) in 8.9 seconds and blast on to a top speed of 245+ mph. As well, new traction control is fitted with auto adapt functionality for different road conditions and driving styles as well as several manual settings.

2011 Koenigsegg Agera

Koenigsegg’s designers have tried to push through some difference via the slightly modified front and rear bumpers. However the car’s carbon-Kevlar body, removable top that stores into the bonnet and aluminum honeycomb reinforced carbon fiber chassis, all keep it close to the outgoing CCX.

2011 Koenigsegg Agera

The distinguishable additions are the all-new carbon fibre center console and tunnel assembly and the new type of ambient lighting called “Ghost Lights” where illumination shines through the car’s billet aluminum buttons and surfaces by way of invisible nanotubes.

2011 Koenigsegg Agera

Beside the new engine performance, Koenigsegg also features the new Koenigsegg Agera stitching and seams for Agera interior and has developed a new type of interior illumination, which shines through the billet aluminum buttons and surfaces by way of invisible nanotubes.

2011 Koenigsegg Agera

The Koenigsegg Sports Car Agera will be produced in parallel to the Award winning CCX and CCXR models. The pre-production show car will be put through its phases for the coming six month prior to the production car launch of the Agera. Pricing details have not been revealed as of now but it is being said that the supercar maker will bring a pre-production model of the Agera to the Swiss Motor Show. According to GTSpirit, just 16-20 Agera models will be built each year, starting later this year.

2010 Audi A8 Hybrid Concept Car at The Geneva

At the Swiss international auto show Audi has introduced its new A8 Hybrid. According to the producers, though the vehicle is designed as a concept of the gasoline-electric hybrid version, it is scheduled to enter the mass production next year. Audi revealed today the details of the upcoming A8 Hybrid Concept, set to make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

2010 Audi A8 Hybrid Concept Car

Audi fits its largest sedan with a familiar 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and then mates it to a 45-horsepower electric motor for a combined 245 system horsepower. A lithium-ion battery pack is stored in the rear. According to Audi, this efficient flagship will accelerate to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 146 mph. Best of all, the 5-passenger full-size luxury sedan earns the equivalent of nearly 38 mpg on the EPA cycle.

2010 Audi A8 Hybrid Concept Car

Power like a big V6, fuel economy like a modest four-cylinder unit - Audi presents the Audi A8 Hybrid Concept as a technology concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Its two propulsion units - a 2.0 TFSI and an electric motor - develop a total output of 180 kW (245 hp) of system power and 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the Audi A8 Hybrid to accelerate in 7.6 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and to achieve a top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph). Yet its average fuel consumption amounts to only 6.2 liters (37.94 US mpg) per 100 km - the CO2 equivalent is 144 grams per km (231.75 g/mile).

2010 Audi A8 Hybrid Concept Car

The combustion engine of the Audi A8 Hybrid Concept is the 2.0 TFSI - a high-tech powerplant. This four-cylinder unit, which has been named "Engine of the Year" five times in a row since 2005, is an example of Audi's downsizing philosophy. It combines direct fuel injection with turbocharging and the AVS Audi valvelift system, which regulates the valve lift in two stages. In combination with the adjustable intake camshaft, the Audi valvelift system improves cylinder charging and ensures spontaneous and powerful torque build-up. The 2.0 TFSI delivers 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft); the torque value remains constant from 1,500 to 4,200 rpm.

2010 Audi A8 Hybrid Concept Car

A hydraulically operated wet clutch links the 2.0 TFSI with the electric motor. Its control requires the utmost precision, and a great deal of know-how has been expended to achieve its smooth, precise and swift operation. The synchronous motor, which is continually excited, also serves as a generator that develops 33 kW (45 hp) of power and 211 Nm (155.63 lb-ft) of torque.

2010 Audi A8 Hybrid Concept Car

The energy storage system of the Audi A8 Hybrid Concept is mounted in the rear section. This state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery is more compact and weighs less than other types but is substantially more powerful. It is protected by a high-strength housing, and a ventilation module ensures that it always operated within the ideal temperature range. Yet the Audi A8 hybrid Concept also provides ample luggage space of 400 liters (14.13 cubic feet). Several subsystems that operate on engine power in a conventional car have been modified right from the start for use in the Audi A8 Hybrid Concept. The compressor in the climate control system runs entirely on electric power.

2010 Audi A8 Hybrid Concept Car

The power electronics unit manages the interaction of the systems. Its pulse control inverter regulates the interplay of the battery and the electric motor. The DC-DC converter supplies power to users on the onboard network. The power electronics unit, which is connected to the battery and the electric motor by high-voltage cables, is located in the engine compartment. The smooth interaction of these components and their high level of integration attest to the specialized know-how Audi has accumulated. The technology architecture already provides a glimpse of a future production model - the Audi Q5 hybrid, which will be introduced later this year.

2010 Audi A8 Hybrid Concept Car

The engine compartment cover with its high-gloss finish and the glass cover of the battery in the trunk also provide visual links to hybrid technology. And the illuminated doorsteps bear the "hybrid" insignia as an elegant touch to underscore the electric aspect whenever the doors are opened - using LED technology to minimize energy consumption.

2010 Audi A8 Hybrid Concept Car

The passengers also see the prominent hybrid logo displayed on the dashboard. Some of the most significant features of the hybrid vehicle include 21-inch, two-color alloy wheels, a special paint job and the so-called “Powermeter”.

2010 Audi A8 Hybrid Concept Car