2009 Vorsteiner Porsche 911 V-GT Review

The 997 V-GT Coupe has been modified with all-new lightweight dry carbon fiber aerodynamic components from Vorsteiner.

• Full carbon fiber front bumper with integrated carbon fiber inlet ducting with upper radiator vent grill
• Replaceable carbon fiber front carbon chin spoiler attachment
• Rear vented bumper with integrated carbon fiber diffuser with aero fins
• Deck Lid/ Engine cover with integrated ram scoops & adjustable carbon fiber wing blade
• Carbon Fiber Door Sills with Vorsteiner Logo markings

To complete the exterior a specially designed directional 5 spoke wheel aids with brake cooling while the vehicle is in motion. This elegant & sporty 5 spoke wheel design code named the V-301 series is constructed of forged 3 piece aluminum and come in 19×8.5J, 19×11J and 20×8.5J and 20×11J respectively. A custom 12 inch and 13 inch wide rear wheels are also available for the turbo models.

2008 Chevrolet GPiX Crossover Coupe Concept Review

General Motors has revealed the Chevrolet GPiX crossover coupe concept at the 25th edition of the Sao Paulo International Auto Show. The Chevrolet GPiX concept was developed by General Motors Design in Brazil and represents a potential new segment for GM in the Mercosur region.

The GPiX concept features a two-door body style with high ground clearance appropriate for the types of roads and conditions found in emerging markets. “It offers the sporty design and versatility necessary for a country with the continental dimensions of Brazil,” said Carlos Barba, General Director of Design for GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East.

GPiX also combines Chevrolet’s global design “DNA” with the cost-benefit proposition necessary to compete in today’s emerging markets. Jaime Ardila, President of General Motors Brazil and Mercosur said, “with this project, the Chevrolet GPiX concept could result in the development of many models for Brazil and the Mercosur region.”

The GPiX concept draws attention with its strong profile and a lateral waistline that exudes dynamism. Its daring front end is highlighted by the famous Chevrolet gold bowtie in the front grille and LED headlamps. The 17-inch mixed-use wheels and tires add a rugged look to the crossover coupe. And, the panoramic glass roof provides maximum light in the passenger compartment and increases the sensation of space.

The GPiX concept stands out even more for its versatility and technology. Its interior is functional with seating for four. All seats fold and the floor panel is flat, which increases spaciousness.

The instrument panel has a modern design, with easy-to-read digital displays. The multifunctional steering wheel has a completely new design and is made for total driver-car interaction. The driver can easily use the connectivity and entertainment systems available, such as Bluetooth, hand-held computers, CD player and MP3 player, among others.

It also includes features that customers have come to expect in production Chevrolet vehicles offered in Brazil, such as air conditioning, power steering and power windows.

The name GPiX is a pseudonym for Global Image. “G” for global and “Pix” meaning “picture” or “image”.

GM’s Design Center in Brazil is one of 11 GM studios around the world. Its facilities are being expanded to meet increased responsibilities in the GM global development process.

GM is investing US$ 36 million to expand the facilities, acquire new and more modern equipment and hire new professionals. When complete, the GM Design Center in Brazil will triple in size from 3,000 sq. m. to 9,150 sq. m. and the staff will increase from 79 to 190 professionals.

The Design Center, which was already one of the most modern in Brazil, will also add next generation equipment to its ‘3D’ virtual reality facility to become the most advanced studio in the country and on par with any automotive design studio in the world.

2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo Hits UK Review

From the beginning of next month, every Alfa Romeo dealer in the UK will be exhibiting static examples of the company’s brand new Alfa MiTo, a full two months before its official UK launch on 24 January 2009.

For thousands of Alfa MiTo fans and Alfisti, this is the first chance to see the car at close quarters since its world debut at this year’s British International Motor Show.

Whilst sharing styling cues with the Alfa 8C Competizione supercar, the Alfa MiTo is also equipped as standard with features and technology not previously available in this segment. These include a special electronic control system DNA (Dynamic, Normal, All Weather), which adjusts the response of the car depending on driving style and conditions, and LED rear lights.

Together with an eye-catching price of £10,975 for the entry level Alfa MiTo 1.4 16V 95BHP Turismo, comes news that industry experts, CAP, expect the Alfa MiTo 1.3 JTDM Veloce to retain a massive 47% of its value after three years and 60,000 miles – the second highest in its segment. So the new MiTo is set to appeal to heads as well as hearts.

Those drivers wanting to be first behind the wheel of the Alfa MiTo next year can place orders from 1 November and take advantage of very competitive financial offers available at their local Alfa Romeo dealerships.

2009 Smart fortwo Hits Brazil Review

Starting in April 2009, the smart fortwo will be available in Brazil. This was announced by the company at the São Paulo Auto Show, where the two-seater celebrated its public debut. Thus, the smart brand is entering another automotive market following its successful launch in the USA. The small car combines modern technology, the highest levels of quality and safety, exemplary fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions with a unique spatial concept that offers a host of benefits, particularly in dense city traffic. Over one million of the two-seaters have been produced since the introduction of the first generation in 1998.

Anders-Sundt Jensen, Head of Brand Management at smart comments, “The smart fortwo is a real success story – it is winning over customers in 37 markets throughout the world. We are certain that the agile two-seater possesses the ideal prerequisites to inspire lifestyle-oriented customers in Brazil’s urban centres, starting with São Paulo. The upscale and fuel-efficient fortwo boasts not only exemplary safety equipment and distinctive smart design, but also typical smart quality and reliability.”

The smart fortwo in Brazil
An average of six million vehicles are on the streets of São Paulo, a city of ten million inhabitants. Every day, around 1,000 new vehicles are registered in São Paulo. These are ideal conditions for an innovative, fuel-efficient and agile vehicle for urban lifestyles such as the smart fortwo. In Brazil, too, there has been a significant rise in environmental awareness among the population. Against the backdrop of this development, Mercedes-Benz Cars decided to introduce the clever two-seater onto the Brazilian market in April 2009. At only a little over 2.5 metres, it even fits sideways into parking spaces. Yet it also transports two people and their luggage in comfort and safety, while remaining environmentally-friendly with low fuel consumption and exemplary low CO2 emissions.

The smart fortwo also fulfils the demands set for larger Mercedes-Benz vehicles. These include the highest levels of quality and reliability, exceptional safety and economical and environmentally-friendly driving combined with comfort and agility. Furthermore, the smart fortwo also sets itself apart with its innovative design, with which the brand embarked upon an all-new, unique path and with which the smart has now attained cult status.

2009 Rhys Millen Hyundai Genesis Coupe Review

In February, Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) approached Hyundai Motor America with a unique concept to introduce the all-new 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to the aftermarket and racing enthusiasts prior to its spring 2009 on-sale date. The RMR-designed “Art of Speed” Genesis Coupe called for a vehicle with the visual impact to win awards at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show while boasting sufficient performance to put the driver in the winner’s circle the following weekend. Backed by Rhys Millen’s reputation both on the track and in the aftermarket, Hyundai delivered its first prototype Genesis Coupe 2.0T to the RMR shop on August 8, allowing just 12 weeks of build time before the doors opened at SEMA in Las Vegas on November 4.

A crew of six RMR employees promptly stripped the car to bare metal. At the same time, the crew began custom-fabricating new aftermarket parts and accessories for the Genesis Coupe which are certain to be among the first available in the aftermarket once Hyundai’s newest addition takes to the streets next year.

In the weeks that followed, RMR developed a machine that retains the distinct, bold look of the Genesis Coupe, but adds flair with custom components on the exterior, a radically altered racing-spec interior and serious performance enhancements from under the hood all the way to the pavement.

The interior of the “Art of Speed” Genesis Coupe is unrecognizable from its origins as a well-appointed 2+2 coupe designed with everyday driving in mind. All comfort and convenience features are removed to make way for a custom-fabricated eight-point safety cage and firewall which reinforce the Genesis Coupe’s already stiff chassis. By removing the roof, the RMR fabricators welded every aspect of the safety cage to the frame of the car. The braces on the A and B pillars also tie into the strength of the body. The safety cage is required for racing and a single Sparco racing seat further protects the driver in the overhauled cockpit.

Millen quickly decided to take the already light weight Genesis Coupe and make it even lighter. A second Genesis Coupe was used to construct molds which allowed body panels to be replicated out of carbon fiber. The carbon fiber panels range from 50 percent to 80 percent lighter than the sheet metal they replaced. This weight-saving approach is carried throughout the car without compromising its powerful curves, surface detail and “Z” bodyside line. The hood, deck lid, roof, doors, fenders, front fascia and side skirts are all built out of carbon fiber. For example, a factory Hyundai Genesis Coupe door weighs 68 pounds but modifications made by RMR reduce the door weight to just 8.5 pounds.

The side skirts have functional flat rocker panels with ducts to pull air out from underneath car. A functional splitter on the front fascia and a built-in diffuser create pressure without drag. A rear diffuser with long tunnels keeps the air moving underneath the car. Downforce has been further increased by an APR GTC-500 rear wing that is fully adjustable and was designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis. The hood is vented to dissipate heat and Aerocatch hood latches are used for safety.

The rear widebody fenders are made out of fiberglass and blend seamlessly into the vehicle design with a creative painting concept.

The RMR Genesis Coupe utilizes a KW coilover suspension with two-way adjustable damping technology. Adjustable chrome molly sway bars dial the suspension in further for true track performance. RMR Racing also fabricated adjustable lower control arms.

The spirited 2.0-liter turbocharged engine which comes standard on the Genesis Coupe 2.0T is enhanced by a Turbonetics turbocharger, waistgate and blow-off valve to provide extra horsepower and torque. RMR also designed a custom intake manifold to ensure better engine breathing.

To ensure that the enhanced power plant translates all the way to road performance, RMR added 18 by 9.5-inch front and 18 by 10.5-inch rear SSR type-F competition lightweight wheels and Bridgestone Potenza soft compound race slicks. The wheels surround the factory Brembo brake calipers which are already ideal for racing.

The paint scheme is a combination of Hyundai blue, silver and unpainted black carbon fiber with its signature weave pattern. Most of the upper steel body components including rear fender and A and B pillars are painted Hyundai blue. The front fascia is blue and silver with carbon fiber accents. The hood is black and blue. The carbon fiber doors have silver accents and the silver is carried down to the side skirts and into the rear fender.

All of the parts for the RMR Genesis Coupe are built with a modular design. A customer could put on all the parts at once or add them one at a time. The carbon fiber decklid, hood, rocker panels, rear fenders, front fascia, front fenders and rear diffuser all have molds and will fit the factory mounts and could be sold in the future.

All About Cars is BACK

After months of construction, the All About Cars is finally back. I was constructing a new website for All About Cars, and it will be launched soon, so be patient.

Now, we will continue posting all the car information for the people. Enjoy!

Regards,

Admin

2008 Mazda Kazamai Concept Hits Moscow Review

Kazamai, which means “swirling crosswinds” in Japanese, expresses the powerful yet nimble image of a stylish and compact crossover. The concept is based on Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development ‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom’ which aims to provide a unique balance between sporty driving fun, and superior environmental and safety performance.

The evolving Mazda design language ‘Nagare’ is evident on Kazamai’s exterior, with panel lines inspired by crosswinds in nature which evoke visual lightness, fused with aerodynamic proportions. The bold five-point grille, accentuated front wheelarches and sleek roof line, combined with large 22-inch diameter wheels, endow Kazamai with high emotional appeal.

Sporty to look at, Kazamai is designed to be spirited and fun to drive, with compact dimensions. The concept’s four-wheel drive Mazda powertrain will consist of a next-generation direct-injection engine and a newly-developed transmission. It is also aerodynamically efficient, with an evolved lightweight and robust body structure that also contributes to the vehicle’s dynamics and safety.

If it were to be built, Mazda’s latest showcar would deliver exciting driving dynamics, frugal fuel consumption and greatly reduced CO2 emissions.

The Mazda Kazamai promises to be another ground-breaking show car from Mazda Design, winner of this year’s Grand Prix du Design in Paris. Created especially for the Moscow International Automobile Salon, Kazamai gives a good indication of where Mazda is going with a possible future compact crossover.

In Russia’s growing automotive market, compact SUVs are the second-largest segment, representing about 13 percent of all new car sales. Consequently, the 2008 MIAS will also mark the Russian debut of Mazda’s CX-9 SUV, which was crowned 2008 North American Truck of the Year in February.

Complete information about Kazamai will be made available immediately after Mazda’s press conference at 10:15 hrs local time, on 26 August.

2008 Zagato GTZ & Spyker Aileron Join Forces Review

Broughtons Specialist Cars, the ‘luxury retailer of the world’s most exclusive cars’, will give UK car enthusiasts their first opportunity to see the sensational Zagato Bentley GTZ and Spyker C8 Aileron when The British International Motor Show opens at ExCeL in London’s Docklands next week.

In total, Broughtons will be responsible for displaying seven supercars at the Show: the Zagato Bentley GTZ, two Koenigseggs and four Spykers. The models will be exhibited in the Ultimate Collection and the Ultimate Collection Public Gallery for the duration of the event – from 23 July to 3 August.

One of the largest privately owned luxury car retailers in the UK, Broughtons is proud to be the exclusive UK Ambassador for Italian Atelier, Zagato and the sole distributor within the UK for the Dutch manufacturer Spyker and Swedish brand Koenigsegg.

Hand-crafted in Milan by Zagato, the new Bentley GTZ is based on the 200mph, 600ps W-12 engined Continental GT Speed and only nine examples will be manufactured. Mechanically true to Bentley’s original vision, the GTZ features many Zagato trade-mark characteristics, with a rounded tail, new rear lamp clusters, narrowed side windows, double-bubble roof design, deeper front grille, full-width lower front air intake and two-tone paintwork.

The Dutch-built Spyker C8 Aileron continues the company’s signature architecture with a mid-engined configuration and aluminium spaceframe chassis, clad in aluminium panels. For the C8 Aileron, the wheelbase is stretched 100mm and the unique glass canopy is extended rearwards – increasing cabin space and reducing aerodynamic drag. The headlamp units have been redesigned to blend more closely with the body lines and feature LED indicators as well as Xenon headlamps.

For the C8 Aileron, the double wishbone suspension is all-new, the AP Racing braking system can be upgraded with (optional) carbon ceramic discs, and the 400ps 4.2-litre V8 engine can be now be specified with a 6-speed Getrag manual or 6-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Founded in 1946 in Cheltenham as a Bentley dealer, Broughtons has grown to represent five of the world’s most glamorous automotive brands – Aston Martin, Bentley, Koenigsegg, Spyker and Zagato – retailed from dedicated showrooms at locations in Cheltenham, Berkshire and Surrey. Further information on Broughtons can be found online at www.broughtons.co.uk.

2008 NICE Ze-O EV Europe Launch Review

Affordable, practical, with low running costs and zero emissions; NICE Car Company today presents the first image of the all-new Ze-O. Making its global debut at the British Motor Show next week, this MPV is the first all-electric car available within a family budget.

“All-electric sports car prototypes are eye-catching and interesting,” said Julian Wilford, co-founder NICE Car Company. “However, we all know customers want practical electric cars and they want them sooner rather than later. The Ze-O is a genuinely spacious and affordable car; it’s coming to the UK this Autumn and to the rest of Europe during 2009. We expect to be very busy at the motor show.”

Styled in Europe and manufactured by NICE’s partners in China, the entry level Ze-O will have a range of up to 65 miles in city driving and top speed of 55 mph. Optional, longer-range lithium-ion battery options will be available soon. Emissions free, the car will be exempt from road tax, congestion charge and boasts running costs of a few pence per mile. That’s a fraction of the cost of a conventional petrol or diesel model.

First picture of £14k, all-electric MPV from NICE Car Company
To be unveiled at British International Motor Show on 22 July 2008
Neither a concept nor prototype; the Ze-O is coming to Europe this year

2008 Peugeot Electric Taxi Unveiled Review

Taxis will be propelled into a new era at this year’s British International Motor Show with the launch of the UK’s very first electric taxi. Launched by Glasgow based Allied Vehicles which builds thousands of taxis each year, the new E7 taxi appears in the electric pavilion for the duration of the motor show.

The electric taxi will be available from October 2008 and is the result of three years research and development by Allied, which is already looking for local authority partners to install recharging networks locally to help drive down urban emissions.

However, a recent snub by Transport for London’s taxi licensing division, the Public Carriage Office, means the UK’s first zero emission taxi will not be appearing on the capital’s streets anytime soon.

The E7 is powered entirely by cutting edge Lithium-ion batteries which have been developed and supplied by Europe’s leading independent manufacturer, Dundee based Axeon Holdings plc. These give the electric E7 a range of up to 100 miles from a single charge and a top speed of 60mph.

Producing no carbon, particulates or other pollutant emissions, the E7 is eligible for a 100% discount from vehicle excise duty, as well as lower daily running costs.

With rising fuel prices an increasing problem for taxi drivers, the electric E7 is cheaper to run than a traditional black cab*. Allied’s confidence in the technology is underlined with batteries featuring a six-year warranty and the base vehicle boasting a two-year unlimited mileage Peugeot warranty.

The electric E7 also provides full wheelchair access. Thanks to its large rear-passenger area wheelchair users can enter the vehicle more easily and be turned into the correct position for travel, before being secured safely with high-quality wheelchair restraints and passenger seat belts.

Each taxi is equipped with retractable side-steps and a specially designed, under-floor wheelchair ramp to further improve accessibility for disabled passengers.

The new E7 taxi combines the comfort and safety required by the modern taxi driver including a driver’s airbag, a feature which is unavailable on traditional black cabs.

“Taxis and their drivers have a hard life and with the rising cost of diesel at the moment, it is only going to get worse,” said Gerry Facenna, Chairman of Allied Vehicles.

“For the majority of taxi drivers, the key issue when buying a new cab is usually the cost to run, service and maintain their vehicle. In the current economic climate drivers are looking for ways to reduce costs and electric power offers an ideal solution, especially for congested urban areas where traffic is stop-start for much of the day.

“We’ve had a positive response to electric vehicles from many local authorities, both in the UK and in Europe. However it’s a shame that London looks set to miss out, especially since its famous taxi fleet is currently responsible for 4% of all emissions in the capital,” he added.

The E7 will cost £39,450. To put this into perspective, a London style black taxi based on a TX4 silver automatic is in the region of £35,455 on the road.