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Showing posts with label Concept. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Concept. Show all posts
Friday, April 29, 2011
You see, Zagato’s TZ3 Stradale is an Alfa Romeo bodied sports car based on the platform and mechanical hardware of the track-conquering Dodge Viper ACR, which features the same 600HP 8.4-liter V10 engine as the standard Viper SRT-10 along with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a race-spec suspension. All parts of the TZ3 Stradale’s carbon fiber body are new with the cherry topping being the classic Kamm-tail (K-tail) layout.
The TZ3 Stradale is Zagato’s second and final tribute to the 100th anniversary of Alfa Romeo (1910-2010), which started in 2009 with the presentation of the 8C Competizione-based TZ3 Corsa that won the Villa D'Este Design Concept Award in 2010.
Unlike the TZ3 Corsa, which was a one-off commissioned by Alfa Romeo Zagato collector Martin Kapp, the TZ3 Stradale will be built in a limited number of 9 units with the first example having already being delivered to US Alfa Romeo and Zagato collector (and Saratoga Automobile Museum's board member) Eric King. The TZ3 Stradale No2 and No3 will be delivered in Japan and Europe.
GALLERY
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Friday, April 22, 2011
Even though Toyota’s luxury division won’t say it, the LF-Gh’s also hints at a replacement for the GS given the proximity in size between the two models as the concept measures 192.5-in. long, 73.6-in. wide, 57.1-in. tall while riding on a 112.2-in long wheelbase. In comparison, the current GS is 190.7-in long, 71.7-in. wide, 56.1-in tall and rides on the same 112.2-in long wheelbase.
Lexus says that through this exercise, it redefines its L-Finesse design philosophy, which debuted in 2001, adding that it represents a bolder styling that “unites hard and soft; and energetic and soothing elements”. Needless to say, the LF-Gh has borrowed many styling elements from Lexus’ first supercar, the LF-A, including the body surfaces as well as the shape of the tail lamps, headlights and front grille.
“Customers have been waiting for a bold concept like this from Lexus,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “We look forward to their feedback and integrating some of these exciting design features into future Lexus vehicles.”
We only get a glimpse of the interior in these photos, but from what we can tell, the LF-A also played a role in the styling of the cabin and dashboard. According to the Japanese automaker, “it is an interior designed to respond to the needs of customers who know true quality, and are particular about details”.
The only information we get about the powertrain setup is that the LF-Gh features a hybrid propulsion system.
More details will be released next week during the car’s world premiere at the New York Auto Show.
GALLERY
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The Concept M5 is essentially 99 percent production ready, so don’t expect any surprises in terms of styling at the presentation of the production model at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year.
The highlight of the fifth generation of the M5 will be the new twin-turbocharged V8 engine lurking under the bonnet. BMW officials have already confirmed that the engine is a development of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 555HP and 680Nm or 501 lb-ft of peak torque, tweaked to deliver more power. However, the German company is still keeping mum on output numbers.
What BMW did disclose is that compared to the fourth generation of the M5’s 507HP V10 power unit, the newly developed V8 turbo has a significantly increased output level, whilst at the same time lowering previous fuel consumption and emission levels by at least 25 percent.
In the new M5, power is delivered to the rear wheels by a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic, which was specifically tuned to the new V8 engine’s performance characteristics. The M5 also gets an Auto Start Stop function.
BMW added that the F10 M5 will feature exclusive M suspension components such as the inter alia, the wheel suspension systems, specific axle kinematics as well as powerful and weight-optimised brakes. A new Active M Differential that optimises vehicle stability using targeted variation of locking torque between the right and left drive wheels, plus 20-inch forged alloy wheels shod tires size 265/35 ZR20 at the front and 265/35 ZR20 at the back, are also part of the package.
As for the car’s exterior, BMW’s designers opted for a discrete appearance with a typical M-style front bumper, side gills on the front fenders, a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser that houses twin tailpipes on either side, and a barely visible boot lid spoiler.
BMW won’t reveal anything on the interior with the Shanghai Show concept’s windows being completely blacked out, but expect to see the typical M model styling traits such as the sport seats and steering wheel, bespoke interior trim and an M-specific instrument panel.
GALLERY
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In Europe, the production A-Class will launch next year. As for the US, Autonews reported that Joachim Schmidt, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mercedes-Benz Cars, would not specify a time frame vaguely stating that the A-Class would arrive “some time in this decade.”
The three-door A-Class concept sports an impressive design with lines inspired from the F800 Style study and the latest CLS, however, it remains to be seen if the production model will remain faithful to the radical study. The concept model is built on Mercedes-Benz’s new MFA platform architecture with power being provided by a 210HP 2.0-liter turbocharged unit linked to a dual-clutch transmission.
The same platform will form the based for at least three more body styles in the segment including a five-door hatchback and possibly, roadster and sedan variants. The A-Class will compete against the BMW 1_Series and the Audi A3.
GALLERY
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