Concept Cars

Chevy Volt

The Chevy Volt is a plug-in vehicle that operates on a combination of gasoline (biodiesel, E85, and gasoline fuels) and electricity. Its large lithium-ion battery pack allows it to run only on electricity for up to 40 miles. Since 78% of U.S. commuters drive 40 miles or less from work, charging overnight can provide enough energy for most daily commutes. On longer trips, the car uses its combustion engine as a 'range extender' but GM still expects it to get about 150 miles per gallon. According to GM, the Volt is expected to save drivers 570 gallons (or $1368 per year, electricity included) in fuel cost", Adam Borelli, the Team Coordinator from Google.org, specified in a blog.

First of all…a Happy New Year to everyone, hope you all had a great New Year’s Eve party. This is my first blog post of 2008! I want to kick-start the year by telling you guys a bit more about the new releases that could be hitting our streets this year, so we all have an idea of what to look forward to in the
automotive industry.

Land Rover LRX Concept

14Dec07

The LRX concept will make its world debut at the 2008 Detroit Show in January 2008. As the company prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary during 2008, the three-door LRX, with its more compact size, lighter weight and sustainability-focused technologies, clearly addresses the needs of a changing world.



Chevrolet Volt Concept

First shown at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show, the car is a concept offering in the electric hybrid class. However, the front end has been recently redesigned for improved aerodynamics with the engineers at GM calling the chassis the Opel Flextreme. However, to me, this just looks like a good disguise for a Transformer.



2008 Audi R8

Audi’s answer to the Ferarri and Lamborghins of the world, it is the car manufacturers first attempt at hitting the Supercar market and so far it has given a brilliant performance. With it’s engine based on it’s brother, the RS4, it’s 4.2 liter V8 pushes up to 420bhp, and hits 100kph in just 4.5 seconds. From a styling point of view, this car is custom heaven, with you able to choose from a selection of colors with side panels made to suit your needs, the rims are custom as well, and the best part is that all customization is done by Audi itself.



BMW Mini Crossover and 2008 1 Series Coupe

Volkswagen have done it with their VW Polo Cross, and now it seems BMW are following suite with their latest offerring the Mini Crossover SUV. Looks a little like a Hummer dressed as a Mini, but this little bug is part of a BMW crossover offensive that begins with the X6 due this year. The Mini is second, and in 2010, BMW will launch the X1, based on the new-to-the U.S. 1 Series. An all-new X3 is due in 2011.

The Mini’s power comes from the new R56 1.6-liter engine, which in turbocharged form makes up to 210 horsepower



And seeing that we are talking about BMW, the German car company boasts the release of their 1 Series, which should reach South African shores in the coming year. These are the 128i and the 135i.The 128i comes with the 230-horsepower, 200 pound-foot 3.0-liter with Valvetronic, and the 135i gets the twin-turbo 3.0 of course, good for 300 horses, 300 pound-feet from 1400 rpm, and BMW says, a 5.3-second 0-62 mph time and electronically limited 155 mph top speed


Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 Strada from Tuner Reiter Engineering

The front splitter, side skirts and the rear wing are made of carbon fiber. Replacement front fenders widen the Gallardo 60 mm at the front. The GT3 front bumper features “shark” style air ducts on the side and additional brake cooling ducts on the front. The Gallardo GT3 Strada runs on 3-piece alloy wheels at the front 10? x 19? and at the rear 11? x 19?. Michelin Pilot ll measuring 265/30-19 on the front and 295/30-19 at the back ensure grip. Reiter Engineering racing seats are covered in the leather and seat people up to 200 cm tall.

IT Electric Cars

City Car Developed by MIT

The City Car is a stackable electric two-passenger city vehicle. The one-way sharable user model is designed to be used in dense urban areas. Vehicle Stacks will be placed throughout the city to create an urban transportation network that takes advantage of existing infrastructure such as subway and bus lines. By placing stacks in urban spaces and key points of convergence, the vehicle allows the citizens the flexibility to combine mass transit effectively with individualized mobility. The stack receives incoming vehicles and electrically charges them. Similar to luggage carts at the airport, users simply take the first fully charged vehicle at the front of the stack. The City car is NOT a replacement for personal vehicles, taxis, buses, or trucks; it is a NEW vehicle type that promotes a socially responsible and more effective means of urban mobility.

The City car utilizes fully integrated in-wheel electric motors and suspension systems called, “Wheel Robots.” The wheel robots eliminate the need traditional drive train configurations like engine blocks, gear boxes, and differentials because they are self-contained, digitally controlled, and reconfigurable. Additionally, the wheel robot provides all wheel power and steering capable of 360 degrees of movement, thus allowing for Omni-directional movement. The vehicle can maneuver in tight urban spaces and park by sideways translation. This technology is patented-pending and under design development at the MIT Media Lab.