Auto Design

Bertone has announced that the dream car they have designed over the Maserati chassis shared by the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione will be named Pandion. The choice is consequent with Bertone’s tradition of naming their spectacular show car with animal names, such as the Alfa Romeo Testudo, Canguro, Carabo and Delfino. Read the rest of this entry »

This was ready few weeks ago but something went wrong and this was not published on due time. Sorry!

Audi is ready to launch next generation of its A8 and promises fascinating sportiness, innovative technology and superior comfort.

The new generation of the company flagship aim at consolidating its charisma through its light aluminum body, powerful and highly efficient engines, new driver assistance systems, the full LED headlights, an elegant interior with a craftsman’s level of workmanship and the further improved MMI operating system. More than ever its focus in on superlative dynamics, workmanship touches, pioneering efficiency and perfection in design, but this time it is adding a more dynamic and sensual look to its style.

“The new Audi A8 is the sportiest sedan in its segment,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “It combines numerous functions in a new and intelligent way. And it’s unmatched in the stylistic elements and impression of the interior.”

The interior is spectacular and captivating, with its new and spacious design and uncompromisingly high-quality workmanship full of attention to the smallest detail.

The comfort on board is first class, according to Audi claims. From new, emotionally charged ambient lighting to the luxurious, power adjustable seats in the rear.

The new A8 starts off with either of two engines, a 4.2 FSI with 273 kW (372 hp) and a 4.2 TDI, packing 258 kW (350 hp). They will be followed by a 3.0 TDI with 184 kW (250 hp). All engines afford increased power and torque – but their fuel consumption has dropped by 13 to 22 percent, thanks to intelligent and efficient technologies like the recuperation system and innovative thermal management.

A second variant of the 3.0 TDI, with front-wheel drive, will follow at a later time,

Is credited with emissions limited to 159 grams of CO2 per kilometre (255.89 g/mile) or 6.0 litres of fuel per 100 km (39.20 US mpg), thus achieving the lowest consumption rate in the luxury segment, so far.

The technology contents of the new A8 reaches new heights with the addition of a touchpad to the MMI man-machine interface that enables the driver to control many functions intuitively; for example, the navigation destination can be entered by tracing the letters on the pad.

MMI navigation plus is networked in a novel fashion with the advanced driver assistance and safety systems. It follows the route in advance during driving and provides the data to the control units for the automatic transmission, the headlights and for the ACC stop & go function.

The new technologies include a night vision assistance and the speed limit display.

With the new A8, Audi consolidates its leadership in the lighting technology. The headlights are full LED and use light emitting diodes for all light functions. They give the luxury sedan an unmistakable appearance day and night. The revolutionary optics used in these headlights mean a departure from the tubular light modules commonly used today.

The new Audi A8 will go on sale “early 2010”.

The new Audi A8 At a glance ( from Audi press-release)

Body

- Lightweight and yet ultra-strong aluminum body with ASF design

- Flowing design, full LED headlights on request

Interior and controls

- Luxurious interior with newly developed, spacious styling

- Craftsman-level workmanship, emotionally charged interior lighting

- Advanced MMI operating system, MMI touch navigation system with pioneering operating concept

- Seats with optional ventilation and massage functions, luxurious individual rear seats optional

Safety

- New Audi pre sense safety system for avoiding accidents and for minimizing their consequences

Infotainment and driver assistance systems

- Navigation system of the next generation closely networked with the assistance systems; high-end audio systems and online services

- Night vision assistant with pedestrian marking, adaptive cruise control with stop & go feature and advanced driver assistance systems

Drivetrain

- Two TDI engines and one gasoline engine, all with direct fuel injection, with power ranging from 184 kW (250 hp) to 273 kW (372 hp)

- Another 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp), best-in-class CO2 of 159 g/km (255.89 g/mile)

- Consumption improved by up to 22 percent with enhanced performance

- All engines with recuperation system, 3.0 TDI also with start-stop system

- New 8-speed tiptronic as standard, shift-by-wire control

- Standard quattro all-wheel drive, optional sport differential (standard with A8 4.2 TDI)

Chassis

- Lightweight wheel suspension, balanced axle load distribution

- Audi drive select driving dynamic system including standard adaptive air suspension and daptive damping, optional dynamic steering

From Brazil, talented illustrator Flavio Adriani has sent me this set of images he has created for his own pleasure as homage to the Lamborghini Countach. “This Lamborghini designed by the great Marcello Gandini always fascinated me since I was a child”.

Flavio stresses that he “an architectural illustrator and am not car designer”.

This does not mean he Is not entitled to image how the Lamborghini could look like if it had to be designed today as an Electric Vehicle and share his works with out community.

Would his Countach 3D be labelled retro-design? May be. So what?

Absolutely on time, as expected within the world of aristocracy, here comes the Rolls-Royce “princess”. It was fist announced, early this year by the “200EX” traditional  number-and-suffix lettering at the Geneva Motor Show. Now it is ready to make its official appearance with the name of “Ghost”. The name has a long tradition and deep meaning at Rolls-Royce; however, the 2009 Ghost is really something you want to see. When you have this chance, her most striking character impress you from the very beginning: how simple, beautiful and elegant it is, despite its unusual length. Indeed, Ian Cameron, Chief Designer of Rolls-Royce, stresses that “Simplicity is the hardest design principle to follow.” in presenting the latest delivery of his team of very talented designers.

Ghost’s flowing lines are dominated by its majestic ‘Yacht Line’ styling. Large, uninterrupted surfaces flow between finely sculpted horizontal lines that provide definition. Together, the upward-sweeping sill line and low-cut roof create a powerful profile, almost as though the cabin has been pushed toward the rear. Powerful shoulders and flanks draw in sharply as they flow from the rear wings to the tail lights, while touches such as the optional chromed exhausts hint at Ghost’s more dynamic nature.

While incorporating classic Rolls-Royce design cues - the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail - Ghost exudes an informal aura. Contemporary touches include self-righting wheel centres and the Xenon headlamps that frame the latest evolution of the Rolls-Royce grille. Here the sides of the intake have been curved inwards and the vanes set back into the opening. “We wanted this to be less reminiscent of the traditional Parthenon style and more like a jet intake,” says Ian Cameron.

A contrasting Silver Satin finish (introduced on 200EX) is an option for the bonnet, grille and windscreen surround. The finish is achieved by setting silver metallic paint under a layer of lacquer, giving a flawless matte finish. The bonnet and windscreen surround are then honed from aluminum.

The central principle of delivering simplicity out of complexity runs throughout Ghost. Everything is designed, engineered and crafted to enhance the drive and ride experience, not to complicate it.

Ghost rides on a bed of air. Double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension work with an intelligent, four-cornered, air-suspension system and electronic variable damping to deliver the refinement that has been associated with Rolls-Royce for more than 100 years.

The new air suspension system in Ghost is so sensitive that it can detect even the smallest of changes. For example, it will sense the movement of a single rear passenger from one side of the seat to the other and compensate accordingly. A complex computer system reads multiple inputs from sensors around the car; the dampers alone make individual load calculations every 2.5 milliseconds. This ensures not only perfect comfort but also precise steering and dynamics for the driver. The air suspension system also incorporates a lift and kneel function, raising or lowering Ghost by 25mm.

Inside Ghost.

The interior design team has come up with a contemporary ambience while staying true to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ traditions of fine materials and peerless comfort. There are elegant, frosted lamps and chrome door handles, traditional violin key switches and eyeball air vents, frosted white dials and refined instrumentation. Deep-pile carpets can be complemented by optional lambs wool floor mats for a truly luxurious feel.

Charles Coldham, Interior Designer stresses that “Ghost is as refined and cosseting as anything this company has ever produced.”

While Ghost is 400mm shorter overall than the Phantom saloon its interior space is comparable.

Driver and passengers, enter into Ghost through substantial doors. Housed within the front doors are integrated Teflon-coated umbrellas. The rear doors are traditional, rear-hinged coach doors, opening to a generous 83 degrees. Once the passenger is inside, these doors can be closed at the touch of a button. The interior space is filled with natural light, enhanced by the optional Panorama.

Within Ghost’s ample doors and high shoulder line, occupants feel serene, cosseted and safe.

In the rear, the intimate ambience of the lounge seat is emphasized by its position behind the C-pillar, heightening the sense of privacy. The informal seating creates a convivial environment, its slight curve allowing you to turn more easily towards the person next to you. Its elevated position gives a clear view past the electronically retracting Spirit of Ecstasy to the road ahead.

Individual lounge seating is offered as an alternative to the standard lounge configuration. This allows the addition of a massage function and also perforated leather for a cooling stream of air from the seat surface. A cool box with interior illumination and integrated champagne glasses is also available.

Veneered picnic tables are another option, incorporating the finest leather and veneers matched to the rest of Ghost’s interior. Fitted to the rear of each front seat, these tables are a traditional Rolls-Royce design cue and finished with a veneered surface with leather-covered backs.

A modern Rolls-Royce.

Ghost is the most powerful car that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has ever produced. However, Rolls-Royce power is delivered in a very different manner to other cars. It arrives in an elegant, cosseting way that some have described as being designed to lower the pulse, not raise it.

The principle of simplicity extends to the act of driving Ghost. The host of complex engineering software and technologies beneath the surface serve to make driving easier and more enjoyable, not to intrude or confuse.

Ghost is powered by a brand new, 6.6 litre twin-turbo V12 engine, unique to the model. Featuring direct injection, it produces 563bhp - enough to propel Ghost from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds* and on to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph. With 780 Nm of torque available at just 1,500rpm, delivery of power is immediate and extremely smooth.

“A Rolls-Royce should be graceful in every way: the way it handles, feels and brakes.”
says Helmut Riedl, Engineering Director.

LILLI BERTONE HAS FULL CONTROL OF “STILE BERTONE”.

Lilli Bertone, the strongly minded widow of the late Nuccio Bertone, is reportedly the only owner of the Stile Bertone design think tank as of July 28^th. After the Turin Court ruled that Mrs. Bertone has the right to a minimal majority stake in the company, with the remaining 49.9periodical in the hands of her two sisters, the Bertone matriarch has succeeded in buying them out and ensure herself 100% of the stakes into Stile Bertone. Read the rest of this entry »

It might appear to be ironic, and perhaps it is. At the time when American giant General Motors is on the verge of bankruptcy and of embracing the Chapter 11 procedure in effort to be born again from its ashes, it hyper performance sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is becoming the most popular platform for bespoke and very unique Supercars. Read the rest of this entry »

Can a SAV (as BMW wants you to call their SUV) can really be an SC, that is a Sports Car, or - if you prefer - a Super Car? At BMW M, the high performance, race-experienced arm of BMW, think so. Or at least they taught so when they set out to create their own high performance development of the very well equipped BMW X5 and X6. Now that they are ready to introduce their new baby, the entire world economy in turmoil and what should they do? Keep the new deliveries hidden as the fruit of a sin or face their responsibility, make the public announcement and check out how many drivers stand on their side and go as far as writing a check to go with an advanced order?

Read the rest of this entry »

Lamborghini has announced its ultimate roadster. The stunning Murciélago LP 650-4 Roadster that the company will produce in a limited series Read the rest of this entry »

There is no doubt that the most provocative, outrageous and controversial “concept” car presented at this year Geneva Motor Show is the Lagonda. It was on display only on the second and final press day at Aston Martin. Day one was focuses on the showing of the full scale mock-up and the 200,000 English pounds carbon fibre rolling chassis of the One-77. Read the rest of this entry »

BMW and the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este will be celebrating their 80^th anniversary this year with a very special edition that will also mark the ten anniversary of the BMW sponsorship and involvement of the famous event on the banks of Lake Como. Although BMW was established in 1916 (as a constructor of aircraft engines) the company built its first passenger car in 1929 after becoming famous for its motorcycles. Read the rest of this entry »