Sports Car Modification

Two Russian tuning firms and a German company have teamed up to offer a new kit for the 2011 BMW 5-Series F10. TopCar and Cardi, from Russia, and Lumma Design have joined forces to create an aggressive styling package which will likely boost performance.

The Audi Avatar is a concept vehicle which was created by Edwin Conan (Yi Yuan), a graduate of RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) University in Australia. The Avatar was developed during Edwin's final year at the university as part of his degree project.

The interior of the Audi Avatar features a three-seat layout with the driver sitting in a central position forward of the passenger seats. The driver is met with a futuristic dashboard which consists of a transparent LCD display which provides all essential driving data. In the center of the steering wheel is another screen which provides navigation information. Additional information can also be projected onto the canopy to provide a heads-up-display similar to those found in high performance aircraft.
Powering the Audi Avatar is an all-electric drivetrain which comprises of four individual electric motors (one for each wheel), and a pair of high-performance battery packs. The battery packs are split in two to provide better weight distribution, one is located at the front and one at the rear. In total the projected output is 544 horsepower, and 4,500 Nm (3,319 lb-ft) of torque. This gives the car a theoretical top speed of 223 mph (360 Km/h), and a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 2.9 seconds.

The wheels of the Avatar are housed inside the car's four 'legs'. The legs are constructed from a deformable material which allows it to change shape when the wheel is turned. To increase the vehicle's agility and handling, the Avatar features a four-wheel-steering system. The front wheels provide most of the steering, while the rear wheels can turn up to 10 degrees.

Staying remarkably true to the headline-grabbing Bocanegra concept car unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show a little over 12 months ago, the production version is today making its world debut at SEAT’s ‘home’ show.Seat Ibiza Bocanegra comes with a distinctive front fascia featuring a central grille with honeycomb mesh, black surround and new air vents, also completely black double headlights.The new SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra is a unique, exclusive vehicle that features an uncanny exterior design and a personalised interior, which has undergone major modifications compared to the rest of the range models.

The main characteristic feature of the new SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra is found on the front of the car. As its name suggests, the imposing black volume at the front is reminiscent of a mask, which strengthens the stylishness of SEAT's new model.Boasting several unique, and dramatic, black styling elements at its nose – hence the Bocanegra name which translates as ‘black mouth’ in Spanish – the new iteration of today’s Ibiza is set to become one of the hottest superminis around.
Other outstanding exterior elements are the door mirrors with their black housing, the sunroof and the attractive 17 inch "Sira" rims and low profile 215/40 R17 tyres. But what really identifies the personality of the Spanish brand's new car is the "Bocanegra" badge centred on the hatch door, a characteristic trait of SEAT's most exclusive versions.The new SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra will be available in the SEAT Ibiza FR and SEAT Ibiza CUPRA versions equipped with the twin charged 1.4 TSI engine, either with 150 or 180 hp output, This new generation engine guarantees both brilliant performance and exceptional economy.
Welcoming the car’s dramatic show debut today Head of SEAT UK, Peter Wyhinny, said: ‘The surprise unveiling of Luc Donckerwolke’s brilliant design concept at Geneva last year caused a real buzz around the show, and I’m sure the appearance of this remarkable production version will do the same in Barcelona.

Seat Ibiza Bocanegra will hit the showrooms in British this year, while the price of Seat Ibiza Bocanegra has not been announced yet by the company.

Lexus Premium Compact Concept Car Demonstrate a mix of technical innovation and ground-breaking design.
Lexus said in a statement,“The concept will demonstrate a mix of technical innovation and ground-breaking design that promises to raise the bar in the premium compact segment.”
Lexus has just released the first teaser with a tiny press release detailing which hall the concept will make its debut next month at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Rumors suggest that the 5-door hatchback will be powered by the same hybrid drivetrain from the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, which produces a total of 187-hp from a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine.
LEXUS TO REVEAL PREMIUM COMPACT CONCEPT AT FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW
Official sketch gives first indication of design direction
Concept to demonstrate key Lexus strengths in a compact package
Lexus has unveiled the first official sketch of a concept car that will be presented at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA).
The concept will demonstrate a mix of technical innovation and ground-breaking design that promises to raise the bar in the premium compact segment.
The Lexus press conference at the IAA is scheduled for 15:45 on 15 September at Stand C11 in Hall 8.

Lamborghini "Concept S"

The House of the Raging Bull has shown the first driveable prototype of the Lamborghini "Concept S" at the Monterey Concorso Italiano and at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the USA.It was created at the Centro Stile Lamborghini in Sant'Agata Bolognese by Luc Donckerwolke, who drew inspiration from the classic single-seater racing cars of the past.The astonishing amount of public interest at the Geneva Motor Show prompted the decision to build a driveable prototype in order to further gauge potential customer demand.
The driveable "Concept S" prototype has only changed slightly compared to the original design study. For example, the so-called "saute-vent" windscreens were re-designed for homologation reasons. The look of the car results even more extreme than the original.

The aerodynamics of the "Concept S" have been optimised thanks to front and rear spoilers and a large rear diffuser. An electronically controlled, retractable central rear view mirror allows the driver to see what is happening behind the car - when required!
The House of the Raging Bull has shown the first driveable prototype of the Lamborghini "Concept S" at the Monterey Concorso Italiano and at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the USA.
They also create a space between them that acts as an additional air inlet for the engine, which is positioned behind the seats. And like the Gallardo, which serves as the basis for this stunning supersportscar, the "Concept S" is equipped with a powerful V10 engine. ..............................Lamborghini "Concept S"

The Lamborghini "Concept S" design study premiered at this year's Geneva Motorshow as an extreme and spectacular expression of the Lamborghini brand. It was created at the Centro Stile Lamborghini in Sant'Agata Bolognese by Luc Donckerwolke, who drew inspiration from the classic single-seater racing cars of the past.
The driveable "Concept S" prototype has only changed slightly compared to the original design study. For example, the so-called "saute-vent" windscreens were re-designed for homologation reasons. The look of the car results even more extreme than the original.

Nissan has revealed the Land Glider, a new proposal for urban mobility which will be showcased at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.The Nissan Land Glider concept is a tiny electric vehicle that features a computer controlled steering system that leans the car into the turns. The driver is seated centrally in the cabin with space for a single passenger directly behind in the narrow cabin. At least, it looks like that's where the passenger would sit. Although the photos clearly show a driver's four-point harness, none of the pictures show a rear seat belt.

The Land Glider has a potential to become a new means of transportation in urban areas; its linear acceleration and the narrow body, which only an ultra-compact, ultra lightweight EV can achieve, will help reduce traffic congestion and promote effective use of parking space.
Shift of the center of gravity by leaning provides a new, exciting sense of driving and a powerful, crisp ride.

Nissan's planning and design team were given a challenge: to explore new forms of zero emissions mobility that redefined existing segments. The result was a radical new vehicle that combines the company's vision for future urban mobility with Nissan's great driving heritage.
In creating the Land Glider concept, Nissan planners and designers have conceived a totally new form of personal zero-emissions mobility that combines clever, new driving experiences, all in the one compact, 4-wheeled package.
With more than 50% of the world's population living in big cities in the near future, designers latched onto motorcycles as a credible base to start the design process.
While the agility, thrills and freedom of bikes inspired the designers and engineers, an extra spice was added to the mix. Tandem architecture became the obvious choice. A unique two-seater, cocoon-like structure sitting on a zero emission powertrain. With fourwheel stability and a sense of safety that originates from a tilting cabin, the Land Glider will appeal to both two- and four-wheel driving enthusiasts.
Targeted at city dwellers of all generations, the Land Glider is a serious motoring statement of the new era of mobility that Nissan intends to lead.
Cocoon in the Shell
"The exterior incorporates a soft, sleek-looking body that appears to be protected by a special armor," explains Takashi Nakajima, Nissan's Project Design Director. "And while it is very mechanical in its nature, the four-wheeler boasts a dynamic body design that almost seems alive. As part of Nissan's expanding zero emission family, the Land Glider exudes a clean, friendly attitude."

The vehicle's two-seater tandem layout is enveloped in what seems like the canopy of a glider, while its unique ‘tilt' setup employs a special leaning function that holds occupants firmly in place even when the vehicle is cornering at angles. In developing the Land Glider, Nissan designers have created a two-seater that offers the sense of security of a cocoon, but delivers real driving pleasure.
Described as a ‘personal city commuter,' the Land Glider features steering-by-wire and a lean capability when cornering - like a motorcycle - that enables the vehicle and its tires to lean by up to 17 degrees. Able to turn sharply at nearly any speed, the Land Glider employs sensors for vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate to instantly calculate the level of lean required to negotiate a corner. All the driver must do is turn and the cabin will lean accordingly. By enabling the car to lean, designers have succeeded in minimizing vehicle width and tire tread width, thus achieving a sleek, futuristic look.
With drive coming from two electric motors in the rear powered by lithium-ion batteries mounted beneath the floor, the zero-emissions Land Glider is quick off the mark. The car also features a non-contact charging system that can be charged whilst shopping at a supermarket or stopping at a motorway service station. This system enables vehicles to be charged wirelessly at locations where the infrastructure exists.
To ensure maximum safety whilst driving, engineers have fitted a car-robotics style crash avoidance system in which sensors mounted in the body detect other vehicles in the same way as fish swim in schools without colliding. This system directs the vehicle's path away from any obstacles.*
Whilst Land Glider is a concept car created for the Tokyo Motor Show. It should not be regarded as a mere design study. This leaning machine gives a clear direction to how a future small car from Nissan could look in congested cities...a clue of what Nissan means by new era of mobility.

The LM5 was designed as a vehicle which could rekindle the drama and sophistication of the legendary McLaren F1. And while McLaren have since revealed the MP4-12C supercar, it's not exactly in the same league as the technological tour-de-force which was the original F1.
The McLaren LM5 is a concept created by Matt Williams, a graduate of Coventry University's Transportation Design degree program. The LM5 was produced as his final year project.
The styling of the F1 was primarily dictated by function. However it also retained a unique sense of character and presence. Williams thought it would be interesting to develop the brand identity of McLaren - but more specifically the F1 model - and bring it into the 21st Century. And while the LM5 concept was designed to offer a similar personality and overall stance to the F1, it was also designed to utilize more extreme and race-influenced bodywork.

The McLaren LM5 concept features the same three-seat layout with a central drivers seat as the old F1. All three sports seats have an extremely slim profile to reduce weight and free up interior space, and instead of conventional safety belts all the seats feature racing-style four-point harnesses. The multifunction steering wheel features a central display for the tachometer.
The proposed engine for the McLaren LM5 concept is a worked over 5.0 litre V10 sourced from BMW. Mounted midship in the carbon fibre pre-preg chassis this unit would make the LM5 a force to be reckoned with on both road and track.
While the LM5 is at the moment just one man's idea of what the F1's successor could look like, the design itself uses both past and present McLaren influences giving it a sense of realism. And It's important to remember that McLaren themselves have made it public knowledge that they're working on developing a successor to their most iconic car within the next couple of years.

The first electric car manufactured by Tesla Motors, the high-performance, zero-emissions Tesla Roadster sports car, was unveiled before a crowd of car buffs and potential customers.
The electric Tesla Roadster has the equivalent of 135 mpg and a range of 250 miles on a single charge, a combination unseen until now in a mass-produced electric car. Its extended range is due to its state-of-the-art lithium-ion Energy Storage System.
The Tesla Roadster is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in four seconds.
Using a unique two-speed electrically activated manual transmission, the Tesla Roadster's power comes from a 3-phase, 4-pole AC induction motor. The motor is controlled by the Power Electronics Module (PEM) which also controls the inverting direct current to 3-phase alternating current, charging and braking systems.

Tesla Motors's engineers have gone to great lengths to ensure that not only is the Tesla Roadster safe to drive, but also is safe when charging, at home or on the road.
The electric motor's efficiency rating is likely to be as high as 95 percent, while the internal combustion engine's efficiency is 20 percent or less. With this efficiency, the Tesla Roadster achieves the equivalent of 135 mpg.
That efficiency doesn't slow this sleek sports car down, either. Estimated 0-60 mph time is around four seconds, and with an electric motor
, the torque is instantaneous, throw-you-back-in-the-seat responsive.

The Alfa 8c is a retro design powered by a Maserati V8 engine
Alfa Romeo are well known for producing flamboyant and beautifully styled cars, sometimes overlooking reliability. The 8c Competizione concept takes this philosophy to another level, and is one of the most stunning designs to come from the Italian manufacturer.

The flowing graceful lines of the 8c Competizione are a trait shared with another Alfa concept, the Nuvola. Both cars are inspired and shaped by Alfa Romeo models of the past, and their aesthetic design reflects this retro influence.

The FC Sport can be summed up like this: Imagine beating your best lap time while hearing nothing but the tires rubbing the tarmac and the quiet buzz of the high-torque electric motors. Picture a true no-holds-barred supercar with all the speed, handling and sleek looks of today's fastest sports cars, yet without the noise, heat, vibration and emissions of the internal-combustion engine.
Built as a design study, the FC Sport demonstrates Honda’s vision for making environmentally responsible vehicles that are also fun to drive. The "FC" stands for "Fuel Cell" as in hydrogen fuel cell—the same technology powering the FCX Clarity. With a 3-seat, driver-centered cockpit, a fuel cell powerplant opens the door for unprecedented engineering flexibility, allowing for a lower center gravity than any modern, piston-engined sports car. The FC Sport is symbolic of a future in which alternative fuel and zero emissions will rule the sports car world.

The Apollo is the end result of a combining of skills between Roland Gumpert - ex boss of Audi Sport, Roland Mayer - owner of MTM, and Audi.The Gumpert Apollo is essentially a race car modified for the road.
Audi played somewhat of a back seat role in the Gumpert Apollo's production. Audi technology is available to the Apollo, however the car cannot directly rival existing Audi products, and Audi owns any subsequent patents from the Gumpert Apollo's development.
The Gumpert Apollo concept uses an Audi sourced 4.2 litre V8 (like the one used in the new Audi R9 sports car) enhanced by twin turbochargers making a very respectable 650 horses, all this power runs through a six speed sequential transmission to the rear wheels, and the car is capable of reaching 60 mph in 3 seconds.
The Gumpert Apollo is a two seat mid-engined race car which makes few concessions to be road legal.
Overall the car has a purposeful look, Audi design influence creeps into the centre grille, other than this the concept is quite original, if somewhat rough. The front wheel arches hug the tires in a perfect circle before dissolving into the multiple vents down the sides. Noticeable race inspired design cues include the front lip air splitter and and roof mounted triangular air intake, no doubt necessary to feed the hungry monster lurking below.

Below is the Gumpert Apollo press release.

Once the son of the god of war Zeus, responsible for the victory and the template for masculine beauty, he is now the namesake of the breathtakingly uncompromising super sports car that combines aesthetics and function like no other.
The Gumpert Apollo is the perfect synthesis of a road vehicle and track car. It evokes passion and driving pleasure beyond all expectations. With 650 bhp, 224 mph top speed and acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in just 3 seconds, you would have to go a long way to find an alternative to Apollo. The complete package is available in a cost-benefit ratio that cannot be matched in this exclusive vehicle class. As a pure high-performance sports car with racing qualities that is also approved for use on the road, the Gumpert Apollo sets new standards.
Roland Gumpert, managing director and the driving force behind the company that builds the car, has created a manufacturing environment that combines engineering excellence with wideranging automotive and racing competence. Experts within the industry are all familliar with the name Gumpert. In the mid 1970s, the long-standing Audi manager was the driving force behind the development of the vehicle "Iltis", the original predecessor of today's "Quattro". In the years undere his management, Audi won a total of 25 World Rally Championship races and was the 4-time winner of the World Rally Championship.
An Exceptional Design
The silhouette of the Gumpert Apollo, which has been optimized upon numerous times after tests in the wind tunnel, reflects its above-average performance capability. In its profile, the Apollo's dynamic appearance is further enhanced by its dimensions and its streamlined, long and wide shoulder lines. The mid-engine layout is emphasized by the cockpit, which is clearly situated toward the front of the vehicle, and the long wheel base; both factors ensuring optimum driving qualities. Massive air inlets and outlets in the front, and on the side in front of and behind the doors, leave no doubt about its potency. They supply the two turbochargers and the high-performance braking system with enough fresh air to ensure that the car maintains optimum operation for the duration of the race.

Driving Dynamics Redefined
The Gumpert Apollo's suspension was developed to ideally complement the clever aerodynamics of the car body, resulting in unusual driving dynamics. The Apollo is taut but not hard and offers the driver and passenger an extraordinary high level of comfort despite being purely designed for performance. It demands the complete attention of the pilot but does not overwhelm him thanks to its ultra-precise and predictable driving characteristics even at top speed. An ideal weight balance of 42 to 58 percent between the front and rear axis rounds it off.

Proven Performance in a New Dimension
The impressive power of the high-performance eight cylinder engine is based on the proven V8 aggregates from Audi. This engine in standard configuration is optimized for use in racing and road vehicles and produces 650 bhp as a biturbo engine. With a weight of only 430 lbs, it plays a major role in ensuring the Apollo has an ideal weight and its fascinating driving dynamics.

Via the two exhaust gas turbochargers, the combustion chambers are force-fed fresh air that has previously been cooled to the ideal temperature in large intercoolers.

The sequential six-speed transmission, that incorporates Formula 1 know-how, guarantees the efficient implementation of the energy generated.

Purism and Luxury in the Interior
Low weight was the top priority and has been achieved by using high-tech materials. For instance both the monocoque and the integrated instrument panel are made of carbon-fiber.

The seat position is individually set for every customer with padding, upholstery, adjustable pedals, and the steering column. The Gumpert Apollo is a made-to-measure sports car and in line with this principle, customers can design the interior to meet their preferences, be it pure performance or somewhat more luxurious.

The air conditioning system guarantees the perfect interior temperature while traveling. The high-end navigation system with DVD-player and sound system helps you get from A to B and delivers in-car-entertainment. The backward facing camera integral to the system helps the driver when reversing or, as Gumpert says, simply shows him how quickly the overtaken cars disappear from view.