Concept Car: Hyundai HCD-12 Curb

Next week, Hyundai will debut a new compact crossover at the North American International Auto Show.

Named HCD-12 Curb, the concept was designed at Hyundai’s Californian design centre. Although the crossover looks very similar in size to the Nissan Juke, the Curb is in fact longer than the Juke and may preview the next Santa Fe mid-sized SUV.

The concept features Hyundai’s next-generation ‘fluidic sculpture’ exterior design language. A steeply raked front windscreen, narrow glasshouse and C-pillars that slant away all give a coupe-like silhouette from the side.

In typical concept car fashion, small rear doors which look like “suicide” doors improve rear passenger access and over-sized alloy wheels will also feature.

Inside, the ultramodern interior with front bucket seats is confronted by a touch-screen infotainment system and a rotary knob sit on the centre console.

Ferrari working on mind-reading technology

Ferrari is developing technology that will observe a driver’s mental and physical status and regulate the vehicles traction and stability control systems to match.

The mind-reading tech was drawn out in many European and worldwide patent applications. The papers reveal how Ferrari imagines a wide-range of sensors provide data on the driver, to allow set-up adjust appropriately.

Ferrari’s documentation states: “Drivers tend to miscalculate — in particular, overestimate — their driving skill and, more importantly, their psychophysical condition, with the result that driver-selected dynamic vehicle performance simply reflects the driver’s wish, as opposed to the driver’s actual psychophysical condition and proficiency.”

In addition, it adds: “The biometric sensors may comprise a piezoelectric measuring device for measuring the driver’s respiration, a device for measuring the driver’s blood pressure and heart rate, a television camera for monitoring the driver’s eyes (blink rate) to determine the driver’s alertness, a device for monitoring the electric activity of the driver’s brain, a device for recording the driver’s surface temperature and a device for recording the conductivity of the driver’s skin (to determine the degree of perspiration).”

Ferrari says: “The dynamic performance may be modified to enhance driving safety in the case of a tired or unresponsive driver, and also to enhance driving pleasure and/or performance in the case of an alert, responsive driver.”

Via Autocar

Volvo V60 New Car Advanced Stability Control Design 2011

Elegant estate coupe car design technology presented on this official image gallery new 2011 Volvo V60 in metallic paint color exterior design. You simply have to drive this modern city sedan car to appreciate how we have driven chassis development to its pinnacle. Sophisticated luxury car combine with comfort interior design. Volvo’s new sports car wagon is available with an option of two chassis. When cornering, the car’s inner driven wheel is broken, causing more power to be transmitted to the outer driven wheel. The sporty interior of the new Volvo V60 is also the most advanced high-tech environment ever available to a Volvo driver.

 

2011 Volvo V60 come with new innovation features Advanced Stability Control technology. Detail specification reviews, tuning car performance are available on first test drive vehicles report. The car engine’s power is delivered to the wheels using Volvo’s second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. The 150 horsepower engine presents 240 Nm of torque. Both turbo diesels are obtainable with a 6 speed automatic car transmission otherwise six-speed manual gearbox. The initial annual target for the new Volvo V60 is 50,000 cars. The new Volvo V60 is built at the Volvo Cars production plant in Torslanda, Sweden. Check the new car 2011 Volvo price list at the market by visit the official Volvo car maker company website.

 

 

 

New Car: 2012 Buick Verano (U.S)

Buick has unveiled the all-new Verano compact luxury sedan, that will premier at the 2011 Detroit motor show.

The Verano will go on sale in late 2011 and will be available with equipment like 10 airbags, heated steering wheel and a next-generation radio system with OnStar. Powering the Verano will be a 177bhp 2.4 litre petrol engine, that produces 230Nm (170lb-ft) of torque. This is linked to a 6 speed automatic and will allow the car to hit 60mph from 0mph in 8 seconds. A 31mpg highway figure is expected.

A 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol will be offered in the future.

John Schwegman, vice president of Buick marketing said:

"Verano expands our lineup, continues Buick's momentum and gives us a great opportunity to attract a new generation of customers with a product that delivers on their expectations for design, performance and technology"

"It is a smart choice that delivers unexpected luxury in a compact sedan - and it will compete head-to-head with competitors from Audi and Lexus."

Inside, the Verano receives soft-touch plastics and premium leather on the dashboard. Buick claims the Verano is the quietest car in its class thanks to acoustical laminated glass, triple door seals, and specially manufactured 17” alloy wheels.

Standard features will include 17” alloy wheels, 10 airbags (twin front, side, curtain, knees, and rear-side), ambient lighting, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, blue projector beam headlamps, climate control, electronic parking brake, front & rear electric windows, steering wheel mounted audio controls w/cruise control, leather steering wheel, electric power steering, and AUX input.

On the options list will be two 18” alloy wheels, metallic paint, leather interior w/heated front seats, keyless start, heated steering wheel, touch-screen satellite navigation system w/Bluetooth & USB port, XM satellite radio, BOSE sound system, and remote vehicle start.

In the Verano, the heated steering wheel and seats are related with the remote start feature. In temperatures lower than 45°F (7°C), the heated steering wheel and seats automatically start.

Renault suspends executives over EV leaking

Renault has suspended three senior executives on the suspicion of industrial spying, regarding the company’s EV plans. A spokeswoman established on Tuesday that the trio were suspended over unnamed ethical issues.

“In late August 2010, an ethical alert was brought to the attention of the compliance committee," a Renault spokeswoman said on Tuesday. "The investigation that followed led to the suspension of three Renault executives”.

Unnamed internal sources on Wednesday said that the trio were in control of the EV projects, with one being a member of a 30-strong panel of management, lead by CEO Carlos Ghosn.

While Renault hasn’t filed an official complaint, the three men were obliged to leave their offices on Monday.

Teaser: 2011 Hyundai Veloster

Hyundai is teasing their all-new compact sports coupé, codenamed FS. The FS is essentially a production version of the Veloster concept, which debuted at the Seoul motor show in 2007.

Before debuting at next week’s Detroit motor show, Hyundai has released a few teaser photos and videos of the newcomer.

2007 Hyundai Veloster Concept

The car sports an unusual layout; a single door is on the driver’s side and the passenger side receives two normal doors. Hyundai said this layout is the same on both left and right-hand-drive models.

According to Hyundai sources, the Veloster may be “priced between the Renault Mégane Coupé and VW Scirocco”. Hyundai portray the car as combining “the style of a coupé and the practicality of a hatch; we call it a utility coupé”. The styling of the production model will mirror the Veloster concept, meaning the remarkable LED head and tail-lights and black A-pillars will feature. The design is expected to attract younger customers, especially men who value style and space.

The FS will have much better interior materials and will use a new centre console design that unites the climate control switches and touch-screen. The 7” screen can be connected to many gadgets, like iPods and PlayStations. The stereo will include Gracenote database, which can access your music and is named and organised alike to iTunes music store.

The Veloster will be build on a modified platform of the front-wheel Kia Cee’d. At first, the FS will be available with two different 1.6 litre petrol engines. The entry-level 130bhp produces 158Nm (117lb-ft) of torque, while the slightly more powerful GDI engine kicks out 140bhp and 167Nm (123lb-ft) of torque, which hooked to a 6 speed manual gearbox. The latter will be available will a dual-clutch transmission, in which engineers expect 5 – 6% better economy than would be achieved with a manual gearbox. The 1.6 GDI will return 48.7mpg UK/40mpg U.S/5.8l/100km. At a later date, a turbocharged 1.6 GDI developing 205bhp will be offered on the flagship trim-level on European models. This is expect to arrive in late 2012, after production of UK models commencing in August 2011.

The Veloster will be obtainable with equipment like panoramic glass sunroof, keyless start and entry, premium sound system, and heated seats. Look out for an entry price of £19,000.

The World Of Collection Cars

Collection cars are highly sought and even have special trade shows dedicated to their very existence. In the world of collectors, you have mechanics who can rebuild old cars to look new, individuals who have protected the original beauty of the car without extensive restoration or collectors who completely build collection cars from the ground up. Every year, collectors gather at shows around the world in order to view a variety of collection cars together in one place.

Early camaros, vintage mustangs and other muscle cars or trucks are just a few of the collection cars that are showcased at trade shows. In exchange for an entry fee, event organizers accept collection cars into their show and award prizes for the top entrants. All collection cars are judged by preselected experts, who decide which are the best of the lot so to speak.

Collection cars are not only nice to look at, but they also bring a pretty price for their owners. Antique and collection cars are highly sought among collectors, but are also popular among those who simply wish to reminisce about their glory days. In addition, many collection cars are purchased for investment purposes. If preserved, collection cars may continue to increase in value during the years to come. If entered into additional car shows, they may continue to win awards or garner media attention that will make them even more desirable.

Collection cars will not be found at the local car dealership, but they are close by for the enthusiast who doesn't mind doing their research. Some of the best places to search for collection cars are specialty magazines, the local newspaper's classified ad section, televised or local trade shows, and even online. Before purchasing anything online, buyers are urged to conduct due diligence on the automobile. An in-person inspection, along with a mechanic's observation, should be conducted prior to signing on the dotted line.

Quite often, collection cars are invited to participate in local parades. No matter the time of year, these auto enthusiasts are anxious to showcase their set of wheels and are proud to ride as part of many parades on an annual basis. Many collection cars can be entered into parades by contacting the local city hall to inquire about participation. Everyone loves collection cars, including those who don't characterize themselves as collection car enthusiasts. From the professional mechanic to the hopeful auto designer and the child who isn't even old enough to sit behind the steering wheel, collection cars are a sight to behold and are celebrated by all who appreciate classic detail at it's finest.

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