Turbo

The VR concept is a proposal for a 2012 sports car from Swedish design firm Paulin Motor Company, led by former Ford designer Daniel Paulin.

The Paulin VR Concept is laid out around a 2-seat, front engine configuration. Among the most striking visible features are the wheel surrounds both front and rear which are a different color to the rest of the body, and an expansive glass fighter-jet style canopy which opens in a dramatic manner, the windscreen lifts up and forward and the doors open in a scissor-like manner to enable entry.

During the development of the VR Concept Paulin worked with another Swedish company, Opticore, who provided the visual tools to display the concept to such a high level of detail without the need for scale models.

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The Lotus Elise revolutionised the sportscar market 14 years ago when the small lightweight agile 2-seat mid engine sportscar was introduced. By ensuring that the Lotus Elise stuck rigidly to Lotus’ core values of performance through light weight, the Lotus Elise was able to produce supercar performance with city car economy.

The body of the new 2011 Lotus Elise is an evolution of the iconic Elise design, retaining the character and style, while offering a more planted, purposeful stance and a pure, contemporary look that links it to the Evora. As with all Lotus product the design is an exciting blend of dramatic style and functional efficiency.

The nose, hood, headlights and engine cover have all been tweaked to make the Elise more Evora-like.

The important upgrades come under the hood. For starters, the whole range now gets a new six-speed transmission. Secondly, power from the 1.8-liter Toyota four is up slightly to 192HP for naturally-aspirated and 217HP in the supercharged version. But the big news is also a new engine in the entry-level S model — a 1.6-liter engine (the first time a 1.6 has appeared in an Elise) with Valvematic and Dual VVT-i technology.

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The Audi Quattro concept is a car that in idea we have heard a lot about. However, Audi surprised us with its appearance as a concept at the Paris Auto Show.

As expected, the Audi Quattro is based on the RS5. While the RS5 is powered by a V-8, in favor of tradition the Quatto opts for a turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder, making 408 horsepower and 354 pound feet of torque.

It is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, with power (of course) put to the road through Audi's all-wheel drive system. It is tuned for a 60/40 rear power bias.

Sparco seats and an Audi MMI system modeled after a rally computer feature inside, as does the usual gorgeous Audi interior. Look for more content shortly as the Paris Auto Show gets underway.

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Infiniti’s passion for cars – and the art, craft and technology that goes into making them so special – is given full rein at the 2010 Paris Motor Show with the debut of the Infiniti IPL G Cabrio Concept.

The interior trim finishers are unique to the Paris concept. The centre console is finished with black lacquer while the dashboard area above the glove box and doors are adorned with KACCHU, the name given to the armour used by Japan’s feudal warlords, or samurai, in the Middle Ages.

Under the bonnet of the Infiniti IPL G Cabrio Concept is Infiniti’s charismatic 3.7-litre V6 boasting 338 PS, 18 PS more than standard thanks to a high-flow dual exhaust system. It doesn’t just sound great but also reduces exhaust pressure by 30%, further enhancing engine efficiency. The point at which peak power is developed has been boosted, from 7000 to 7400 rpm – high revs which the VQ engine’s motor racing-inspired “bed plate” construction technique can take in its stride.

Top speed of the de-restricted concept car, which has a seven speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifts, is more than 270 km/h, with 0-100 km/h available in under 6 seconds.

Infiniti Performance Line products are currently only sold in North America, but the company says a decision on launching IPL in Europe will be made after reaction to the car at the Paris motor show has been taken into consideration.

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The 2011 Mazda 3 lineup sees expanded feature availability on some models, and other versions get some new standard equipment.

Inside, like outside, the new Mazda3 is evolutionary, rather than revolutionary. A wrap-around dash top, similar to that used on the Honda Civic, contains radio and climate control information, as well as a small optional navigation screen. The luxury quota is way up – Mazda says that it wanted to give buyers a reason to step out of larger, less efficient cars into the 3, so it upped content substantially. Class-first features like driver’s seat memory, steering-linked Xenon headlamps and dual-zone automatic climate control are all optional on the 3.

The braking system has been improved with a new vacuum booster that provides a more responsive feel to light pedal efforts.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 148 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 135 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. Aluminum block and head construction saves weight, while dual overhead camshafts improve efficiency and performance.

The new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is borrowed from the larger new Mazda6. It shares the same construction features of the 2.0-liter engine while upping output to 167 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 168 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. Both engines employ advanced electronic throttle actuation.

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For the very first time MANSORY Switzerland AG presents an individualized programme for current BMW models. The X5 will be the first model of the white-blue brand to be treated to an extensive refinement process.

The striking appearance of the MANSORY-SUV is assisted by a wide range of performance kits for the standard engines. The highlight is a vigorous upgrade for the BMW X5 M aggregate. Approximately 670 hp /493kW and a torque of 950 Nm at a rate of 5900 Umin (series: 555 hp / 408 kW and 680 Nm at a rate of 1500 – 5650 Umin) results from the use of a completely new exhaust system along with headers as well as optimised engine electrics. Thanks to these changes, the 4×4 accelerates in only 4.2 seconds to a speed of 100 km/h and achieves a maximum speed of 300 km/h.

An interior highlight is the newly designed sports steering wheel, which ergonomically leaves no question unanswered. Whether stylish or sporty, MANSORY Switzerland offers the required solution for every taste of interior design. All special fittings are individually manufactured to meet your needs and are integrated into your vehicle by professionals. The private upholstery services can produce
everything that your heart desires with high precision craftsmanship, with everything from personalized floor mats to a complete leather
interior.

The silver monoblock barf wheels with the verbal description M10 is fitted with tyres of the dimension 315/25R23, which guarantee right grip.

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The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sporty two door, four-seat coupe with good looks and a roomy interior. It appeals to a large audience with its youthful looks and affordable price.

The Eclipse is offered in three trim levels: GS, GS-Sport, and GT.

Power is delivered by a 162-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic with Sportronic shift control. A 265-hp 3.8-liter V6 engine powers the GT and comes with a five-speed automatic featuring Sportronic shift control. Standard safety features include vehicle stability control with traction control, frontal-impact, side-impact and side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

For 2011, the Mitsubishi Eclipse receives a black painted roof, lower ride height, and 12-volt accessory outlet in the center console. The GS-Sport now receives leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and side mirrors, clear lip spoiler, power driver seat, aluminum pedals, and strut tower bar.

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Want to buy a Hybrid car? Do you know what to look out for? As a consumer, you need to have some background knowledge before you go to the showroom. Here are some important tips in buying a Hybrid Car.

Choose the car and engine size you really need: In a society that at times puts the emphasis on the size or appearance of the vehicle, it’s important to realize that bigger isn’t necessarily better. Considering that a hybrid vehicle uses both gasoline and electricity to make it run, the extra boost it offers makes up for lack in engine size or traditional horsepower.

Do your research: By taking the extra time to research the miles per gallon specifics of different hybrid models, you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to make the right decision for you when you’re faced with different choices at the dealership. Also be sure to research each manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).

Get on the waiting list: After you’ve explored the various options available in the world of hybrid cars and decided on the one you like most, consider getting on a waiting list at a dealership before the car hits the market.

Know the lingo: Before heading to the car lots, make sure you understand the lingo that’s most commonly used in the automotive world.

Know thy dealer: When buying a hybrid, be sure to ask the car dealership about their mechanics and their specific training and experience with this type of vehicle.

Take a test drive: Take a test drive, or two, to be certain you’re comfortable with driving the hybrid. With a higher than average consumer approval rating, hybrids are generally deemed very easy and pleasant to drive and offer an extremely quiet ride.

Consider an older model: To save money, many people choose to wait until the next year’s models hit the showroom, and then buy models from this year.

Buy a used hybrid: A used hybrid car is also a consideration as these types of cars are surprisingly well-built, reliable, and their parts far outlive their warranties. But if you’re looking for the latest in technology, a new vehicle may be the best choice for you.

Inquire about tax incentives after buying a new hybrid vehicle: Tax credits for owning a hybrid vehicle are dwindling as sales increase as the law limits the availability of these credits to so many vehicles per auto manufacturer. Although, some states and cities also offer various incentives to hybrid car owners such as free parking and reduced registration fees.

Just a few of the hybrid cars on the market today include:

The Toyota Prius

The EPA has estimated that the Prius gets 52 miles per city gallon and about 45 miles per highway gallon The Prius comes with eight different option packages with a price of about $22,000 and up and has been deemed more reliable than approximately 90% of other vehicles on the roads today.

The Honda Civic

The Honda Civic Hybrid appears almost identical to its non-hybrid counterpart, although it boasts considerably higher gas mileage. Redesigned in 2006, the Civic Hybrid is able to use its electric motor at speeds up to 30 miles per hour without the need for the gasoline engine.

The average sticker price for a 2007 Civic Hybrid is around $22,000 to $24,000, with the vehicle having an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 49/51 city/highway miles per gallon. The Honda Civic Hybrid also has various safety features ranging from sophisticated seatbelts with automatic tensioning systems, numerous airbags and head restraints.

Honda Accord Hybrid

The Honda Accord Hybrid was first introduced in 2005 and has an estimated EPA rating of 25/34 miles per gallon for city/highway driving. Compared to the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Accord Hybrid, which has an MSRP of about $31,000, boasts performance as well as a good fuel economy rating. In a technology referred to as variable cylinder management (VCM), Honda has designed the Accord Hybrid to automatically shut off three of its six cylinders when needed to save on fuel economy. The average Accord Hybrid has a 3.0L V-6 engine, and is a front-wheel drive, automatic.

Some safety features of the Accord Hybrid include daytime running lights, anti-lock brakes, front, side-impact and side-curtain airbags, and the car has also received five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) due to its impressive crash test ratings.

Honda Insight Hybrid

The engine within the Honda Insight Hybrid automatically shut itself off when the car stopped, and restarted instantly when the brake pedal is released, and a separate compressor for the air conditioning continues to work even when the car is temporarily turned off. While most of the emphasis is on fuel economy and efficiency, the Honda Insight Hybrid is still pleasant to drive and features an excellent ride quality, although as of September 2006, Honda has stopped manufacturing the model.

Joseph loves to share his thoughts about hybrid cars. You can learn more about this technology and Joseph’s sharing about Hybrid Cars

Today, more and more people are considering the option of buying hybrid cars. An auto enthusiast newbie may find himself asking what it is about hybrid cars that have made it so popular in the auto market in the past few years.

In a nutshell, the advantages of hybrid cars may be summed up in three reasons: economy, efficiency, and sustainability.

Economy

Hybrid cars use both electric power and fuel power, and uses up much less energy that your ordinary fuel-generated vehicles. Thus, the owner is spared from the constant price hikes and increases in the world oil market. And they are guaranteed to reach their destinations with or without the erratic movements in oil price hikes.

Efficiency

Since hybrid cars operate and run on electricity, hybrid cars easily function consistently well at any motor speed in comparison to gas-powered engines. As gas-powered engines generate much less power in decreased low revolutions per minute, motor and engine speed is affected considerably. In a hybrid car, the owner need not worry about transmissions and engine revolutions per minute in relation to speed. And although, because of acceleration reasons, a hybrid car may run a bit slower than a gas-powered vehicle making it a disadvantage to some people, parents prefer and opt to buy these hybrid cars for their children, being guaranteed their kids’ safe speed on the road.

Sustainability

Using a car that can run on electricity will definitely have environmental advantages. Environmentalists and ecological activists are thrilled by the idea and by the ability of hybrid cars to emit substantially lesser smog pollutants and other hazardous gasses that are harmful to the environment and to people’s health.

With all these advantages in Hybrid cars, and with the rate at which car companies are going in order to develop and innovate on current hybrid car models, it won’t be surprising to find the modern household owning at least one hybrid car in the next ten years.

Efficiency

Since hybrid cars operate and run on electricity, hybrid cars easily function consistently well at any motor speed in comparison to gas-powered engines. As gas-powered engines generate much less power in decreased low revolutions per minute, motor and engine speed is affected considerably. In a hybrid car, the owner need not worry about transmissions and engine revolutions per minute in relation to speed. And although, because of acceleration reasons, a hybrid car may run a bit slower than a gas-powered vehicle making it a disadvantage to some people, parents prefer and opt to buy these hybrid cars for their children, being guaranteed their kids’ safe speed on the road.

Sustainability

Using a car that can run on electricity will definitely have environmental advantages. Environmentalists and ecological activists are thrilled by the idea and by the ability of hybrid cars to emit substantially lesser smog pollutants and other hazardous gasses that are harmful to the environment and to people’s health.

With all these advantages in Hybrid cars, and with the rate at which car companies are going in order to develop and innovate on current hybrid car models, it won’t be surprising to find the modern household owning at least one hybrid car in the next ten years.

JB Anthony is the webmaster of http://www.hybridcars.hottestniches.com for more information, articles, reviews, tips in buying hybrid cars, links on hybrid cars, advantages of hybrid cars, disadvantages of hybrid cars, new hybrid car releases, hybrid car companies, etc., please visit the site http://www.hybridcars.hottestniches.com

Utilizing the latest in advanced technology, hybrid cars might just provide a glimpse into the future of automobiles. Hybrid cars sport sleek and futuristic looks, but these cars aren’t just for show. These scientific marvels make use of both electric and gas power to make for a cleaner, more cost efficient, and environmentally friendlier car.

As the world’s supply of oil inevitably runs out and the prices of gasoline continue to skyrocket to staggering new heights, more and more people have begun to look for an alternative way to power their cars, as well as to save some money. Thankfully, the rise of hybrid cars are providing a much needed solution to these problems and more. The popularity of hybrid cars continue to grow as more people begin to realize the many advantages that hybrid cars hold over conventional ones.

So, what is a hybrid car and how does it work?

As the name suggests, hybrid cars utilizes a combination of different technologies. Hybrid cars use an electric propulsion system together with of a gas propulsion system to great effect.

Hybrids cars consist mostly of the same basic parts as normal gas cars. They contain a gasoline engine, a fuel tank, batteries, and a transmission. The difference is that hybrid cars also contain an electric motor and in some cases a generator, that work in conjunction with the gasoline engine to run the transmission.

A hybrid car can work in different ways.

In a parallel hybrid system, both the gasoline engine and the electric motor are connected to the transmission. The car alternates between the two and sometime uses them together. It typically works by using the electric motor to power the car at lower speeds and once the car reaches a certain speed, the car will automatically switch to the gasoline engine to give it extra power.

Other cars use what is called a series hybrid system. In this method, the gasoline engine is used to power a generator. The generator is responsible for charging the batteries that power the electric motor, which in turn, turns the transmission causing the car to move. The gasoline engine in a series hybrid never actually runs the car directly.

Some of the later hybrid models have a feature that stores up the kinetic energy that is built up when braking and uses it to further charge the car’s batteries.

The biggest advantage of a hybrid is that it uses a lot less fuel than normal cars. Hybrid owners will be very happy with the mileage that these cars are capable of.

It also helps that hybrid cars tend to be built with lighter materials like aluminum and plastic. The engine is also typically smaller and specially designed to consume less fuel.

Environmentalist will also be very pleased with hybrids seeing as how they emit far less air pollution. Using a hybrid car helps makes our world a cleaner and more beautiful place to live in.

The government is also very fond of hybrid cars. So much so that they’re offering buyers tax incentives and other benefits. In some states, hybrid car owners can drive their hybrids in the high occupancy lane, even if they’re all alone in their cars.

The earlier hybrid car models tended to have unique and special designs, but as more and more manufacturers are catching on to the hybrid craze, they have begun to create hybrid versions of their normal cars. The Honda Civic Hybrid for example, looks more or less exactly like a regular Civic.

Buying a hybrid car will inevitably cost more than a regular one. However, the money that is saved from the lower fuel consumption, along with the tax deductions will eventually make up for the extra cost of a hybrid. Those who drive frequently will be the ones that benefit most from this.

With all the of the benefits that hybrid cars give, it’s no wonder that they’re so quickly gaining in popularity. Hybrid owners figure that it’s an excellent way to save money on gas and it gives them a good feeling, knowing that they’re making a difference in the environment.

So those who are in interested should go seriously consider owning one and join the ever growing number of people who are stepping into the future with hybrid cars.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://hybridcars.unique-articles.com where you can get more news and information on hybrid cars.