Proton Satria Super 2000 Rally

The Super 2000 field has been gathering numbers in recent months, and we may now look at Malaysia for a possible addition. It has been said that Proton, the country's first car manufacturer and 80% owner of British constructor Lotus, has been working on a Super 2000 version of its Satria model.

The development programme of the new car should - in all likelihood - be conducted by Mellors Elliot Motorsport, based at Bakewell in the Derbyshire region. The team, founded in 1982, is far from being an unknown in the motorsport community following its achievements in Scotland and England. In 2002, Karamjit Singh won the Production Car World Championship title aboard a Proton Perth prepared by the British outfit.

For the time being, pending confirmation of the Satria's development to Super 2000 specs, Proton has not indicated it intends to become a contender within the Intercontinental Rally Championship.

It can be said however that Super 2000s have been generating much interest on the boards of many constructors, thereby announcing a bright future for the class.

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KTM X-Bow

Austrian motorcycle builder KTM is readying the final production version of its X-Bow roadster for a big debut at the Geneva Motor Show, and company chairman Stefan Pierer has said that the track car is just the tip of the iceberg.

Pierer envisions KTM competing in the specialty performance car market with the likes of Lotus. To that end, the X-Bow is set to mark the beginning of what will soon be a five-model KTM lineup. The new models are said to share the same engine and chassis design as the stripped X-Bow as way of keeping production costs down, but with separate characters all their own.

First up of the new KTM’s will be a racing X-Bow, built to compete in the FIA FT championship’s GT4 Light class. Next on the docket is a more refined road-going version, with doors, a roof, and an uprated engine. Further down the road is a model that trades on KTM’s off-roading heritage, and an ultra-high performance race car with Le Mans in mind. Dream big KTM. We’ll just be excited to see the first consumer X-Bow when Geneva opens up in just over a week.







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Windshield Without Wiper Powered By Nanotech

New idea of Fioravanti for its twentieth year of operation, the company founded by the famous designer who for years has made the history of Pininfarina (almost all his most beautiful Ferrari) has just proposed the first car without wipers. A prototype baptized Hidra that thanks to the use of nanotechnology in a special aerodynamic study can keep clean the windscreen, while not having any brush.

Everything stems from a special glass that thanks to four sophisticated surface treatments change the characteristics of glass at the molecular level. The first (in contact with the outdoor air) is based on titanium dioxide: filters the sun but, above all, gives the windscreen a strong hydrophobic effect. The second layer of glass is actually made up of microscopic dust pushing dirt on the sides of the glass, in turn activated by sensors placed in the third layer forming clean the windshield as needed (quantity of water or dirt for disposal). And 'Unbelievable as it is a conductor of electricity, needed to power the operation of this complicated windscreen.


Tanta wonder, according to Fioravanti, could be produced in series between 5 years, but now it works. It was installed on Hidra, a concept car multifunctional ie MPC (Multi Purpose Coupè), a 5-door, 4 seats, based on a body already imagined to deliver great results with regard to dynamic vehicle passive safety, flexibility.

For the history of this is a turning point in 100 years to clean the windscreen, from the first utility to modern supercar, has always resorted to the old, expensive, brush the wipers. Oggi, grazie alla Fioravanti, destinata ad andare definitivamente in pensione. Today, thanks to Fioravanti, intended to move permanently retired.

Source

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Mitsubishi Lancer Concept Prototype-S

New official images from Mitsubishi of Lancer Prototype-S leaked in the internet ahead of the car's deebut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Looks like is a pre-production version more than a concept. The Lancer Prototype-S is a 5doors hatchback that expected to be introduced in the Europe market in this summer.

In particular, the Prototype-S previews the Lancer Sportback Ralliart that will compoete head on with the Subaru Impreza WRX. Like the Lancer Sedan Ralliart that we saw in the Detroit Show, the Prototype-S is equipped with a detuned version of the EVO X’s 2.0-liter Turbo engine (delivering 240 PS and 343 Nm of torque) combined with a Twin Clutch SST gearbox and a full-time 4WD drivetrain featuring Mitsubishi Motors’ Active Center Differential.











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Tuned Mercedes Benz CL 65 AMG With 718hp

German tuning firm VATH released it new tuned Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG package that consists of mechanical and styling parts. VATH engine kit the 6.0l V12 turbocharger that raise the engine output from 612hp to 718hp. Also removed the electronics speed limiter, the VATH CL 65 AMG can reach a top speed of 340km/h or 211Mph.

Mechanical upgrades including the high performance braking system and lowered suspension. While the aesthetics, VATH added a new set of 20-inch alloy wheels and carbon fiber front spoiler lip and rear diffuser parts.






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Massive Power Dome on Active Hybrid BMW X6

This is no regular BMW X6. I mean, look at that power dome! Worldcarfans caught this camouflaged BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, which is slated to be BMW's first hybrid-powered coupe - yes, the BMW X6 is officially a four-door coupe, a definition shattering notions about modern-day coupes.

The engine is a two-mode hybrid gasoline-electric engine developed in co-operation with GM and Daimler and should cut fuel consumption by 20 percent. Just like with all hybrid cars, the X6 ActiveHybrid runs either on electric power or uses an internal combustion, depending on whether the car runs at a low or high speed and generates energy from braking. Apparently the colossal power dome is there just for testing purposes, who'd thought that?

According to our sources the car will be ready for a launch by mid-2009 for the 2010 model year. Enjoy the pictures and stay tuned for more news. In the mean time, take a look at BMW's official press release from September.









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Proton Satria R3 in Melbourne International Motor Show on February 29

At the Melbourne International Motor Show on February 29, Malaysian carmaker Proton will reveal a pre-production version of the R3 Satria hot hatch. The R3 Satria has been developed by Proton's special vehicles and motorsport arm - R3, which stands for Race, Rally, and Research - at its headquarters in Shah Alam in Malaysia. The pre-production model features a range of special body enhancements as well as suspension development and, according to Proton, a high performance power plant – though no details where released.

At this stage the R3 Satria is still in development and no on sale date has been decided however the R3 division is working to bring the performance model to market as soon as possible.









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Honda Recycle Heat to Power Hybrid Engine

Honda is investigating ways of recapturing heat energy lost through a car’s exhaust to help generate electricity and power an electric motor for a new generation of ultra-efficient hybrid cars. Conventional internal combustion engines waste a lot of energy in creating heat, but by applying a ‘Rankine cycle,’ a process where hot exhaust gases are used to heat up a water reservoir and create steam to spin a turbine, electricity can be generated. This electricity can then be used to charge up an array of batteries and help power a hybrid-electric powertrain.

Engineers have been using a Honda Stream as their test vehicle, a compact crossover sold in Japan and parts of Europe powered by 2.0L direct-injection petrol four-cylinder. The car was fitted with a new cylinder head with insulated exhaust ports, an evaporator built into the catalytic converter, a high-pressure water reservoir plus a generator and condenser. Maximum power available from the volumetric expander was as much as 32kW and maximum thermal efficiency of the unit is rated at 13% at 23kW.

Initial tests show that a car travelling at a constant speed of 100km/h and can improve thermal efficiency of the engine by 3.8%. In the U.S. highway cycle, the Rankine cycle system regenerated three times as much energy as current regenerative braking units. At a recent hybrid vehicle press event in San Diego, Honda officials said the design would need to see higher efficiencies achieved if were ever to enter production.


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2009 Mitsubishi Elipse

The Mitsubishi Eclipse offers the sport coupe customer an "attainable exotic" with striking design, sports car handling and dazzling performance. For 2009, Mitsubishi restyled the front and rear bumper fascias and gave the Eclipse GT model a large rear spoiler. The GT also gets three significant upgrades for 2009: a new dual exhaust system yields a more powerful sound while also boosting horsepower to 265 (up from 263); standard high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps sharpen front styling and aid nighttime visibility, and standard Active Stability Control (ASC) enhances driving safety and performance.

Three new colors are available: Maizen Blue pearl, Quick Silver metallic and Solar, a vibrant new yellow. New interior cloth fabrics give all models a richer interior feel and appearance. The optional Sun & Sound package for GS model now includes aluminum pedals.

Eclipse is offered as the 4-cylinder GS and the V-6 GT. The GS model's 162-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. The GT's 265 hp 3.8-liter V-6 produces 262 lb.-ft. of peak torque and is teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic. In both engines, Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) helps to optimize efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range. Both automatic transmissions feature Sportronic™ shifters to allow manual gearshift control.

A rigid platform and 4-wheel independent suspension give the Eclipse sporty road manners and a compliant ride. All models are equipped with standard four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD); the GT features larger, ventilated rear discs and standard 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Eclipse interior combines exotic-looking design with comfort and safety, including standard advanced dual-stage front air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and front seat curtain side air bags. High-back front bucket seats feature integrated, open head restraints for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility. The 50:50 split-folding rear seatbacks provide cargo versatility.

The available 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system includes SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with a 6-month pre-paid subscription. The system combines AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback capability, PUNCH® control, a six-disc, in-dash CD changer and a 10-in. subwoofer.

Key Specifications
Wheelbase: 101.4 in.
Length: 180.4 in.
Height: 53.5 in. (53.8 in. with 18-in. wheels)
Width: 72.2 in.
Curb weight: GS, 5-speed manual - 3,263 lbs. / GT, 6-speed manual - 3,479 lbs.











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sQuba: Rinspeed latest creation an underwater car based on Lotus Elise

Rinspeed is a company that has a vivid imagination when it comes to creating concept. Recently they revealed their latest creation sQuba: a Lotus Elise based car that can drive both on land and underwater. sQuba able to dive at a depth of up to 10m or approx 33 feet by several electric motors. These motors are supported by two Seabob Jet drives in the front, which breath though special rotating louvers from HS Genion.




























Press Release:

Rinspeed’s Zero-Emission World Debut at the Geneva Motor Show -a Green “Fish” with Q-Factor

Thirty years after the movie thriller ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ hit the silver screen “sQuba” is the first car that can actually ‘fly’ under water.

Zumikon -“Dive it again, James!” If the situation gets too hot for the secret agent he’ll go underground -or under water. So demonstrated impressively by Roger Moore in ‘The Spy Who Loved Me” in 1977 when he dove below the waves in a sleek vehicle that moments before seemed to be an ordinary car. The only problem: The scene never really took place; it was an animation.

With the “sQuba,” the world’s first real submersible car, the movie fake now becomes reality for visitors of the Geneva Motor Show (March 6th -16th, 2008). Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht (52) is known for his extraordinary automotive creations. The acknowledged James Bond enthusiast and Swiss automobile visionary kept revisiting this scene in his mind over and over: “For three decades I have tried to imagine how it might be possible to build a car that can fly under water. Now we have made this dream come true.”

And it is this submerged stabile flight at a depth of 10 meters that sets the “sQuba” apart from military vehicles. While the latter can go under water, they are limited to driving slowly over the submerged ground. Rinderknecht: “It is undoubtedly not an easy task to make a car watertight and pressure resistant enough to be maneuverable under water. The real challenge however was to create a submersible car that moves like a fish in water.”

It also had to be a sports car that was converted into a diving dream in the facilities of Swiss engineering specialist Esoro. In a first step the combustion engine was removed and replaced by several electric motors. Three motors are located in the rear. One provides propulsion on land, the other two drive the screws for underwater motoring. They are supported by two powerful Seabob jet drives in the front, which ‘breathe’ through special rotating louvers from HS Genion (for opening and closing the water intake). The rotating outlet jets were designed to be extremely light yet twist resistant by using high-tech nano materials, so-called Carbon Nano Tubes.

It is a sure bet that the “sQuba” will steal the show from any ‘Baywatch’ beauty on the beach. And easily, too: You drive the car into the water and the car floats. That is, until you crack the door to let the water in. Immediately the “sQuba” starts on his way to the underwater world. The occupants’ breathing air comes from an integrated tank of compressed air that divers know from scuba diving. Rinderknecht: “For safety reasons we have built the vehicle as an open car so that the occupants can get out quickly in an emergency. With an enclosed cabin opening the door might be impossible.” But safety wasn’t the only reason for choosing an open-top design: With an enclosed volume of just two cubic meters of air the vehicle weight would have to increase by two tons (!) to counteract the unwanted buoyancy, giving the “sQuba” the land mobility of a turtle. Without occupants the “sQuba” surfaces automatically.

It is even capable of autonomous driving on land thanks to a sophisticated laser sensor system from the Hamburg company Ibeo -without any help from the driver or passenger.

Power is supplied by rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries. Rinderknecht: “The ‘sQuba’ is a zero-emission car as documented by the rotating license plate in the rear. It produces no exhaust emissions. The Swiss are among the world’s pioneers in the area of hydropower. The ‘sQuba’s’ filling station is the water reservoir.” It is no surprise that the vehicle features powerful yet energy-saving LED lighting technology.

3-D foil elements with embossed fish and sharkskin patterns from Wetzel Processing Group and Hornschuch add visual pizzazz and streamline the exterior. Together with styling elements from Foliatec they create a harmonious velvety matt-white appearance.

For shore leave the “sQuba” relies on a stainless coil-over suspension from KW automotive and large Pirelli tires mounted on custom-made forged light-weight wheels from AEZ with 17and 18-inch diameters. But the “sQuba” is really at home in the water. To make the occupants feel at home there as well the innovative salt-water resistant interior from Strähle

+ Hess features genuine mother-of-pearl trim and diamond-plated non-slip inlays from KGS Diamond, normally used in high-tech abrasives. After all, ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friends.’ The high-tech VDO instrument cluster and controls create a futuristic ambiance and allow controlling all vehicle functions even while submerged.

Frank M. Rinderknecht and his partners -amongst them also the fleet specialist LeasePlan have created a truly unusual vehicle and in the process have thought of everything. Even the Motorex lubricants used in the ‘sQuba” are biodegradable. For the Rinspeed boss that is a meticulousness stemming from conviction: “The ‘sQuba’ lets me be one with the elements and lets me immerse myself in a new and fascinating world -with Q factor. It is our duty to protect this world in which we are guests to the best of our ability.” Isn’t it, Miss Moneypenny? -James couldn’t have said it better himself glancing at the sporty Swiss precision chronograph from C.F. Bucherer. Eau la la -shaken, not stirred

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