STRANGE VEHICLES

DeltaWing Race Car

The DeltaWing Racing Car is a radical proposal for a new type of vehicle for the 2012 IndyCar racing series.DeltaWing LLC, of Indianapolis, introduced the concept at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. During the unveiling, Dan Partel, Chief Executive Officer of DeltaWing LLC said of the vehicle; "Today marks a fundamental shift in how race fans and the general public will view all racing cars in the future; this is a game changer. This radical prototype takes open wheel racing to a new level from both an engineering standpoint and the overall spectator experience."


The DeltaWing is a racing car designed by Ben Bowlby and debuted at the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans. The project began in January 2009, when Bowlby created a potential new IndyCar Series design for the 2012 season.

DESIGN

Originally designed by way of Ganassi Racing Technical Director Ben Bowlby as a successor to the previous IndyCar chassis, the DeltaWing is not pretty much searching exceptional – it is about remodeling the motorsports and automobile industries with radical innovation. Racer mag referred to as it a “game changer”.

The DeltaWing is unveiled for the first time at the Chicago Auto Show. In IndyCar form, it represents a revolutionary new design to replace the Dallara chassis which has been used since 2003. The DeltaWing had done what it set out to do. It had proved that the car’s ground-breaking design features were absolutely competitive and that efficiency in design and power can translate to supreme speed and drivability. 

REVOLUTION

Weighing around Fourteen hundred pounds, the DeltaWing has two slim tires established near collectively inside the the front, a 1.9-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine within the rear and will keep the pace with heavier however greater effective cars at the same time as the usage of much less gas and tires. Its nice end changed into 4th region at the 2014 Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, near DeltaWing headquarters in Braselton.

Three of the cars were constructed and raced earlier than rules modifications for the 2017 season forced them into retirement. One of the others turned into destroyed in a crash at Daytona, whilst the ultimate is on show in the Panoz Historic Racing Museum on the Chateau Elan Winery and Resort near Panoz headquarters, wherein diverse road automobiles based totally at the DeltaWing layout have been engineered over the years.

2015 Toyota Prius Reviews

By now, the 2015 Toyota Prius is both a familiar shape and a fairly well-known quantity among car buyers. Toyota is expected to unveil an all-new fourth-generation Prius in fall 2015, most likely to go on sale in early 2016. The mid-size five-door hatchback with the high tail and wedge shape is the most fuel-efficient car you can buy in the U.S. without a plug--and it's held that title since it was launched six years ago as a 2010 model.

When it involves hybrid cars, 2015 Toyota Prius remains as a crowd favorite. this will be attributed to its smartly designed gasoline engine, that offers wonderful fuel economy, regardless what proportion power one places on the throttle. though not the foremost pleasurable to drive in its category, the new Prius holds up well against the competition and continues to be a hybrid that's price considering if serving to the surroundings comes as a buying issue.

The name Prius now actually describes a range of four different vehicles. The base vehicle is now called the Prius Liftback, and there's a plug-in hybrid version of that car that looks all but identical.

NEW FOR THE 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS

• Special Edition Persona Series trim level that comes with upgraded cosmetic features
• Rearview camera is now standard to all trim levels

ON THE ROAD

Toyota has been hard at work on the fourth generation car, though its launch has reportedly been delayed until the end of 2015. As well as more fuel-efficient, executives have said that it will be sleeker, offer better roadholding and handling, and generally bring the Prius up to date. The target for EPA combined fuel economy of the upcoming model is said to be 55 mpg, possible with a more expensive version containing a different battery that hits 60 mpg.

With the engine’s focus on mileage, the new Prius does not necessarily excel in performance. There are four driving modes available–Normal, Eco, Power and EV–which allows the driver to pick the powertrain configuration that he or she deems suitable for certain conditions.

As for handling, steering and braking, all three can be described as safe and contribute to a comfortable ride. Effortless maneuvering is achieved in parking lots, but on the highway the Prius can be a bit rigid and noisy. Additionally, hitting bumps and potholes can be easily felt by the vehicle’s occupants.

In Eco mode, acceleration is leisurely, but more fuel is saved, as throttle input is automatically reduced and air conditioned is shut off when the vehicle is not moving. Switch to the EV mode, and the Prius will only run on the energy produced by the battery pack, but is limited to a maximum speed of 25 mph.

UNDER THE HOOD

It's all due to the Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which remains unchanged for 2015. Its total output is 134 horsepower, from the combination of a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motor-generators. Toyota has more experience building hybrids than any other maker, and its blending of regenerative braking with the conventional friction brakes is excellent. They provide electric torque to supplement torque from the engine, recharge the battery during regenerative braking or engine overrun, and can power the car solely on electricity (at speeds up to 30 mph) if you have a light right foot.

The 2015 Toyota Prius nevertheless uses a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder fuel engine this is paired with electric powered motor-mills. The motor-turbines help recharge the battery for the duration of engine overrun or regenerative braking and allow the Prius to run on power.

A plug-in hybrid Prius is also available and comes with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery. When fully charged, the plug-in hybrid can go up to 11 miles in electric-only mode.

Behind the wheel, drivers will listen engine velocity growing and falling completely separate from something their ft do at the accelerator pedal. The Hybrid Synergy Drive gadget usually modulates between its electricity sources to maximize efficiency, recapturing the highest quantity of energy that would in any other case were wasted. First-time Prius drivers, even though, may additionally find the revel in disconcerting. As for handling and roadholding, the 2015 Prius stays as numb and hulking because it turned into whilst it launched--while mid-size sedan handling has progressed in such cars because the Ford Fusion Hybrid. There's 0 feel or feedback via the Prius electric powered energy steerage, although it corners and holds the street accurately when the driver operates the controls. But it is able to feel extra like using a video game than a car with any connection to the street. (Toyota promises to address this in the next Prius, whose dealing with it hopes to enhance significantly.)

The plug-in hybrid Prius swaps out the standard automobile's 1.3-kilowatt-hour nickel-metallic-hydride battery % for a 4.Three-kWh lithium-ion %, giving it a nominal eleven miles of electrical variety in EPA trying out. Even beneath the rather mild EPA test cycles, even though, the engine has to switch on as a minimum once to electricity the car despite the fact that there may be power left within the percent--so simplest 6 miles of that range is continuous. In practice, more than modest power demand--not to mention foot-to-the-floor acceleration into fast site visitors on, say, an uphill parkway on-ramp--will switch on the engine, though the Prius Plug-In in any other case remains extra in electric powered mode than the traditional Liftback hybrid version.

The EPA estimated fuel economy ratings for the Prius are 51/48 mpg for the hybrid and 51/49 mpg for the plug-in hybrid.

2015 TOYOTA PRIUS DESIGN

As a design, the Prius shape is by way of now nicely hooked up and immediately recognizable. The five-door hatchback has a high, vertical tail, a domed roof, and a clean front with a minimum air inlet. Its entire goal, besides containing four or 5 human beings and their items, is to aerodynamic drag to squeeze every remaining mile out of every gallon of fuel. The plug-in hybrid model seems same, keep for some trim differences and a price-port door on the right rear fender that you can without difficulty mistake for a gasoline door.

There's additionally a cluster of greater traditional gauges and displays in the back of the steerage wheel. Compared to the calm and clean-to-research complete-coloration displays of Ford's diverse hybrids, let alone the exquisite images of the Chevy Volt, the Prius setup now appears chaotic. The steering-wheel Touch Tracer controls are a pleasant contact, though. They let drivers navigate via menus on the information show without taking their fingers off the wheel, and the numerous alternatives seem within the cluster between  massive gauges.

The 2015 Toyota Prius is offered in 4 trim levels, perplexing called Two, Three, Four, and Five--the stripped-down Prius One can simplest be ordered by means of fleet consumers. Choices encompass LED headlamps, faraway air con, Bluetooth, and a navigation device. Packages consist of the function-wealthy Technology Package, or the Solar Moonroof option that consists of a photovoltaic solar panel to cool the cockpit with the aid of powering a ventilation fan that switches on whilst the Prius is parking. Note that with the less-luxurious Prius C subcompact now inside the family, the charge of a Prius Liftback has risen to the factor in which the highest-priced Prius Four and Five models can now exceed $30,000 if the consumer has a heavy hand at the alternatives sheet.

Inside, the two-stage Prius dashboard format now seems dated--although the indoors layout seemed futuristic and really Space Age on its launch in 2009. With interior surfaces clad totally in hard plastics, of numerous textures and patterns, the primary aspect to capture your eye is a "flying buttress" console that sweeps down from the top of the sprint. While it's placing visually, in practice the garage area underneath it is essentially invisible and difficult to reach, and it's going to punish the kneecaps of taller drivers. Four adults will suit easily, 5 in a pinch, and the EPA defines the Prius as a mid-size automobile based on indoors volume. The seat padding is thin, even though.

The Prius has retained its Top Safety Pick+ score an excellent one indeed for a six year vintage version. It receives pinnacle scores in all IIHS checks besides the new Small-Overlap crash that has tripped up many older models; the Prius receives an "Acceptable" in that one. It comes fashionable with seven airbags and may be ordered with a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise manipulate, and lane-departure warning, along side an Intelligent Parking Assist characteristic (though we decide on Ford's similar gadget).

The most effective new alternative for 2015 is a Prius Special Edition model that adds a number of additional trim items to the Prius Three specification, complete with a badge to reveal it off. Those include a dark-steel end on 17-inch wheels, unique paint colorings (Absolutely Red and Blizzard Pearl), SofTex seats in black with dark grey accents stitching various trim gadgets completed in "Dark Chrome," turns alerts mounted on the door mirrors, and blue footwell lighting.

INSIDE THE 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS

MORE WALLPAPERS

Retailing for $650,000, the Spyker C12 Zagato is an all aluminum rear wheel drive luxury sports car powered by a 6.0 liter, 12 cylinder, 500bhp, W12 engine. Limited to only 24 cars, the Spyker C12 is equipped with a six speed manual transmission and F1 style shifting for those high speed Sunday drives on the interstate. With acceleration from 0-60 in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph, The Spyker Zagato will undoubtedly be a favorite of sports car collector’s everywhere. The design of the Spyker C12 is as unique as they come, with a full leather cockpit and brushed aluminum instrument panel based on F1 styling.

Spyker C12 Zagato Unveiled In Geneva

The CEO’s of both Spyker Cars and the Zagato design house unveiled the new Spyker C12 Zagato in Geneva today, an exclusive new sports car that celebrates Spyker’s entry into the world of Formula One. Only 24 units are tipped for production with deliveries scheduled to start from March of next year to a group of very select customers.

Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars, and Andrea Zagato, CEO of Zagato, today unveiled the Spyker C12 Zagato at the 77th Geneva International Motor Show. Norihiko Harada, Zagato’s Automotive Chief Designer, and Muller co-operated closely to design this limited edition of 24 sports cars to be delivered from March 2008 onwards.

The 0-60mph dash takes just 3.8 seconds, while top speed is a claimed 195 mph. Interested buyers will have to fork over €495,000 for the privilege of owning the new Spyker and sales are currently limited to Europe only.

Partnership Spyker And Zagato

The age of 18 I acquired my first Zagato bodied car: a Lancia Flavia Zagato rally car.

The co-operation and partnership between Spyker and Zagato is entirely logical if one looks at the rich heritage both companies share in the fields of aviation and racing. A better fit of aesthetics, skill and passion would be hard to find.

This combined company evolved its business model and started developing and building aircraft. After the war Spyker was able to return to its roots and resumed car production in 1919.

Partnership Spyker And Rio Prestige Performance

The Spyker C8 Spyder was the natural choice to join the stable of vehicles available to members of this private super club - The RPM Club. As innovators in that field, and the first company in the world with the vision to offer hypercars to its members. Spyker Cars, its UK representative Spyker of Pangbourne and Rio Prestige Performance are delighted to announce their partnership. 

Specifications

Engine W12
Capacity 5998 cc
Power 368 kW (500 bhp)
Torque 610 Nm
Maximum revolutions 6500 rpm
Options Compressor version 650 bhp

Height 1250 mm
KERB weight 1480 kg
Rear track 1728 mm
Fuel tank capacity 70 litres ( 15.4 gallon)
Width (ex mirrors) 2031 mm
Length 4505 mm
Wheelbase 2680 mm
Front track 1574 mm

Top speed 320 km/h (200 mph)
Expected date of introduction: March 2008
Acceleration 0- 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds
 (0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds)

Spyker C12 Zagato: The Vehicle

The Spyker C12 Zagato has a length of 4.5 m, a width of 2.02 m excluding mirrors, a height of 1.25 m and weighs 1480 kg. The fuel tank capacity is 70 litres (15.4 gallons). Top speed is 310 km/h (193 mph). The C12 Zagato has an aluminium body with stainless steel roof rails and has many F1 derived design details such as an F1 nose, air scoop, chimneys, mirrors, rain light, fuel flap and diffuser. It has a panoramic roof that features the Double Bubble, a typical Zagato style element. The Spyker C12 Zagato is equipped with a six-speed manual or automatic gear box with F1 style shifting, Chronoswiss instruments and a Zagato designed full leather interior with brushed aluminium instrument panel.

Maintaining Spyker’s styling philosophy, Zagato design put all these elements together and created an extremely stimulating example of contemporary exotic high performance sports car by using typical modern Zagato lines which started from the Raptor Zagato in 1996."

The Spyker C12 Zagato will retail for EUR 495,000 (excluding any taxes, ex factory).

The new Zagato body becomes even more unique, aggressive and sensual at the same time. It features a new double bubble panoramic roof , F1 influenced nose and air intakes, chimney and a "coda tronca", the typical Zagato cut off tail end.

"The Spyker and Zagato Atelier brands perfectly align because of their common aeronautical origins and because of the shared passion of Victor Muller and myself for sports cars" states Andrea Zagato. "Nevertheless Victor, before starting this extraordinary adventure with Spyker, was a Zagato collector owning cars like the Flaminia SS and TZ. Together with our neo-classical approach, this Spyker C12 Zagato shows the capabilities of Zagato Atelier for innovative and non conventional solutions."

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a British exotic 2-seat sports car available in coupe and convertible Roadster models.The V8 Vantage's V8 engine features a bump in displacement from 4.3-liter to 4.7-liter, with a horsepower increase to 420 and torque increase to 346 lb-ft, an increase of 40 hp and 43 ft-lb of torque over the former powerplant. It is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional automated manual with paddle-shift, both of which have undergone changes to improve performance and to handle the increased levels of power and torque

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Instrumented Test

Aston Martin’s V-8 Vantage is the company's least expensive car, but it looks a lot like its V-12–engined big brothers, the DB9 and the DBS. Although only car nerds can distinguish which current Aston is which, the Vantage's short overhangs, taut lines, and absence of gratuitous scoops and fins make it the best-looking of the bunch. Even in DBR9 racing green—without the proper sponsorship decals, it’s a color more suited to a wedding than a racetrack—people instantly recognize it as an exotic. The interior, which is mostly shared with its more expensive siblings, looks the part. To start the car, the stainless steel and glass key, which Aston calls an "Emotion Control Unit," slides dramatically into the middle of the dash.

2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Review

Engine

The cylinder bore and stroke has been increased from 89mm to 91mm and 86mm to 91mm respectively, giving a total displacement of 4735cc.
The new forged steel crankshaft provides the 91mm stroke and incorporates new holes in the counter weights for reduced rotating mass and improved inter-bay breathing.
New forged steel con-rods and cast aluminium pistons complete the capacity-related changes. Improvements in performance have been achieved through a number of carefully developed changes to Aston Martin’s acclaimed V8 engine.

Transmission

Aston Martin’s Sportshift™ transmission has undergone a series of specific changes to broaden the capabilities of the gearbox to offer customers enhanced comfort and convenience with sporting capabilities. Changes include a revised control strategy, allowing the transmission, rather than the engine, to dictate how best the engine torque should be deployed to optimise performance and deliver power smoothly and consistently.
Sportshift™ now also has the capability to take inputs from the steering wheel enabling the current gear to be held when the car is negotiating a corner and hill descent detection, allowing a low gear to be held, maximising the effects of engine braking.
The V8 Vantage transmissions have also undergone changes to improve performance and to handle the increased levels of power and torque. Both the standard manual stick-shift gearbox and the optional Sportshift™ transmission benefit from a modified clutch and flywheel, reducing clutch pedal efforts and delivering a 0.5kg weight saving, reducing the rotating masses within the powertrain, and hence increasing engine responsiveness.

Design & Optional Equipment

First shown as a concept car at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the V8 Vantage caused a worldwide sensation as it allowed Aston Martin to enter a new sector of the premium sports car market with a genuine alternative to other cars on offer. Deliveries of the V8 Vantage Coupe to customers began in late 2005, joined by a convertible sibling in 2007 when the Vantage Roadster was launched. The car is hand built at Aston Martin’s Headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK and to date more than 10,000 have been delivered to customers around the world.
Also introduced as an option for both Coupe and Roadster variants is a new Sports Pack which comprises forged lightweight alloy wheels aiding a lower unsprung mass, re-tuned Bilstein dampers with improved dynamic response, up-rated springs and a revised rear anti-roll bar (Coupe only).
Although the award-winning exterior design of the V8 Vantage remains largely unchanged, a new 20-spoke 19’’ alloy wheel is introduced as standard, with either diamond turned silver or graphite finishes available as options, affording customers maximum choice. Alternatively, as part of the Sports Pack option, a 5-spoke lightweight aluminium wheel will be provided.

First Drive: 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage

For 2009, Aston Martin took some sage advice from current Vantage owners: don't screw with the exterior. Aston's current lineup will undoubtedly go down in history as some of the most beautifully crafted machinery ever to roll on public roads, so there's no sense in messing with perfection or waxing poetic about the proportions. To that end, Aston is taking up the mantle formerly held by Porsche – a low-volume purveyor of specialty sports cars – leaving the exterior intact and only changing the design of the 20-spoke, 19-inch wheels. Some might call it lazy; we'll go with restrained.
All those tweaks bring output to 420 bhp and 347 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 11 and 15 percent, respectively. On paper, the extra 40 hp is only good for a 4.7-second sprint to 60 (.1 second off the outgoing model), but the 45 pound-foot increase in twist will impress the most.

The suspension also benefits from some revisions, most of which have carried over from the roadster to the coupe. The '09 model receives stiffer front and rear springs (11 percent and five percent, respectively), and Bilstein dampers are now standard on both the coupe and cabrio. An optional sport pack retunes the Bilstein units, uprates the springs, adds a stiffer rear anti-roll bar on the coupe, and rounds out the package with a lightweight set of five-spoke, 19-inch hoops.

Once I headed north across the Golden Gate and into the hills lining the coast, the sports pack's presence went from distinct to distressing. The upgraded suspension might be all that and a side of chips on the track, but navigating everyday roads at anything beyond 5/10ths takes serious intestinal fortitude. The chassis is remarkably stiff on its own, so the $3,785 option is best left unchecked unless you're making regular pilgrimages to Laguna or the autobahn.

While it pains me to say it, the $4,000 Sportshift is where it's at. Depress the brake, press "D" and you're on your way to polished automated bliss. With the 'box set in "Comfort" mode, the computer keeps shifts below 2,500 rpm, making low speed cruising a smooth, natural affair. Bucking and lurching is virtually non-existent, and with the top down and an arm on the windowsill, things were beginning to look up. Another press of the "Comfort" button to switch to "Sport" and things got better.

The new Allard J2X is a gorgeous machine. But what is not apparent is the great chassis this car has. I have seen the chassis in the final assembly stage. It is designed to be very rigid and is perfectly matched to the front and rear suspensions. This car will take a ton of torque and handle anything you throw at it.I was pleasantly surprised to see the amount of protection designed into the chassis, with twin roll bars inside the cowling area and over the fuel tank.

2012 Allard J2X Mk II

While so many automobile designers constantly strive to create cars with futuristic styling, the Allard team has taken the J2X in the exact opposite direction. In fact, this Quebec product has brought back the retro lines of the Allard, a 1950s British race car. Its base engine is a 5.7L V8 that can conjure 350 to 370 hp, depending on what the client prefers. Alternatively, buyers can opt to have a 6.1L, 450-hp V8 installed under the vehicle’s long hood. Good times are guaranteed!

Car of the Year 2010: No. 10 Allard J2X MkII

Allard or Nothing

Alas, the modern-day Allard was limited to tours along Meadowood resort’s 5-mph private roads after the first day of judging. In spite of this setback, the Allard found favor with those who recall the original 1950s-era Allard J2X. Enthusiasts will be happy to know that, except for a longer wheelbase to accommodate taller drivers and a Chrysler-sourced V-8 engine, the MkII is nearly the original’s doppelgänger

Allard J2X MKII: Rarely seen, never forgotten!

Roger Allard, a fan of 1950s British cars, took a trip to England to acquire an Austin-Healey 100S. To find out more about this car, he tried to find some literature on the subject, and in doing so he came across a book on a car brand called... Allard! Intrigued, Roger Allard wanted to learn more about Allard cars. Six months later, in 1999, after a series of surprising events, Roger Allard and a friend became owners of the rights to the Allard brand and founded Allard Motor Works. But that’s getting way ahead of ourselves – let’s go back to the beginning!

Back from the dead

The instrumentation on the dashboard is an exact replica of the original but it’s infinitely more reliable... so much so that several old Allard owners want to buy it! The mechanism for the windshield wipers is not visible, but it’s there for those who want it, just like the two 12-volt outlets hidden under the dashboard. The Quebec entrepreneur also had to meet current standards in terms of mechanics, comfort and safety. For example, the MK II is 4 inches longer than the original in order to give both occupants enough space. The gas tank is made of stainless steel with inner walls, there are impact bars in the doors, two roll bars in front and in the rear (that are quite visible), and the bumpers can resist an impact of 8 km/hr (5 mph).

Once upon a time

In 1936, Sydney Allard, a seasoned driver, founded the Allard Motor Company and produced about 1900 cars including numerous sports cars. Among other models, there were 83 units of the J2X built between 1951 and 1954, which ended up being the most celebrated Allard in auto racing. What’s more, some of the great names in racing drove the J2X to victory: Zora-Arkus Duntov, the father of the Corvette, the inimitable Carroll Shelby, John Fitch (first place in the Argentina Grand Prix) and actor/driver Steve McQueen. Due to excessively high development costs, Allard Motor Company ceased production in 1959. Sydney Allard remained active in auto racing until his death in 1966.

The secret?

It’s not terribly easy to get in, but I would have been surprised if it was. You’ll have to learn to slide in, knees first. Once seated, you’ll find yourself very low to the ground, and the front visibility is decent at best. Towards the back, the small rearview mirrors are to blame for the poor visibility, but who wants to look back when you’re driving a car like this anyway! Our car was equipped with the optional and none-too-easy-to-buckle four-point seatbelt, but fortunately Allard offers a traditional three-point seatbelt standard too. Buyers have to choose between three V8s: two Chryslers (5.7 and the 6.1 Hemi) or a GM (350 Ramjet). It has a Tremec five-speed manual transmission and the differential ratio is 3.5:1. The 5.7 is the most popular and undoubtedly the best adapted to the car. I was able to try a J2X MKII equipped with this engine for several kilometres and I can tell you with certainty that the power is phenomenal. Imagine an engine with 350 horses and 400 lbs-ft of torque in a car that barely weighs 1250 kg (2750 pounds): Every horse has to displace 3.57 kg, which is a better ration than a Porsche Boxster S (4.11), a Lotus Elise SC (4.19) and a smart (11.71).

Allard vs. the World

The retail price of an Allard J2X MK II is $138,000 USD, which may seem a little steep, but considering the quality of the car and its on-track capabilities, it really isn’t too much. If you want to buy yourself an exceptional car/fountain of youth, the Allard J2X MKII is the way to go. You’ll just have to plan on waiting between 10 and 12 weeks before you receive your unit. AMW has one dealership in California (already an authorized dealer for the Morgan brand), as well as another in Boston and in the Middle East. Talks are ongoing with other representatives in Germany, England and China.