AC Schnitzer Reveals 2012 BMW 650i Coupe

2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe

Looking to offer enthusiasts more options for customizing the new 2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe, AC Schnitzer will unveil its new tuning program for the 650i at this week's 2011 Essen Motor Show in Germany.
Dubbed the ACS6 5.0i, the package includes a performance upgrade with unspecified modifications for the 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine that help lift output from 407HP to 540-horses.

AC Schnitzer claims that the ACS6 5.0i passes the 100km/h (62mph) yardstick in 4.3 seconds after take-off, compare to the standard model's time of 4.9 seconds.

The tune continues with a lowered sports suspension, a new exhaust system and a beefier brake system with 8-piston calipers.

For the exterior, AC Schnitzer has designed a new front apron, a chromed front grille and matching fender trim pieces, a boot lid spoiler, and a rear apron that incorporates a diffuser. The ACS6 5.0i rides on new lightweight 21-inch wheels that the German tuner says are 30% lighter than the factory 20-inch rims tipping the scales at just 11.5kg (25.3 pounds).

On the inside, AC Schnitzer's package includes a sports steering wheel, aluminum pedals and new trim accents.

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Mazda Develops i-ELOOP Capacitor-Based Regenerative System on Takeri Concept

Regenerative braking systems that store energy into batteries during braking are becoming increasingly common in new cars because they help reduce fuel consumption.
Today, Mazda presented what it claims to be the world’s first passenger vehicle regenerative system that uses a capacitor instead of a battery pack for storing energy, named i-ELOOP (“Intelligent Energy Loop”).
According to Mazda, a capacitor is superior to batteries because it does away with the need for an electric motor and can be charged and discharged rapidly while it also doesn't deteriorate after prolonged use.

The i-ELOOP system comprises a new 12-25V variable voltage alternator, a low-resistance electric double layer capacitor and a DC/DC converter. It captures energy that would otherwise be dissipated as heat the moment the driver lifts his foot of the accelerator pedal and the vehicle starts to decelerate.
At that time, the alternator starts generating electricity up to 25V before sending it to the capacitor where it is stored in mere seconds. The DC/DC subsequently converts the electricity from 25V to 12V before powering the vehicle’s climate control and audio systems, various other electric systems and can even charge the battery if necessary.

Mazda Takeri concept

Mazda claims that the i-ELOOP, which will be combined with the firm's i-stop auto stop-start system, reduces fuel consumption by approximately 10% and will be available in production vehicles in 2012.
The i-ELOOP will make its public debut at next week’s Tokyo Motor Show in the Takeri concept car, which previews Mazda’s replacement for the mid-sized Mazda6 family saloon.

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New Volvo C70 Inscription Edition production limited to 2000 Pieces

 Volvo C70

We don't know what plans Volvo has for a successor to the C70 that will be eliminated in 2013 after the company shuts down its Uddevalla plant in Sweden, but for now, the automaker has announced a new special edition version that will debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16th.
The new C70 Inscription Edition combines bespoke exterior details such as the painted grille, black 18-inch wheels and LED daytime running lights surrounded by contrasting chrome, with unique interior features, including Sovereign Hide upholstery, a leather-covered dashboard and aluminium trim.

The limited package can be combined with all the engine options available for the C70 including the petrol and diesel units. Buyers can choose from three exterior colors - Black Stone (Solid), Black Sapphire (Metallic) and Ice White (Solid).
Volvo said production of the new C70 Inscription Edition will be limited to 2,000 units worldwide.

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Nissan's 480HP Juke-R details Finally Fully Revealed

Nissan's 480HP Juke-R

It's been far too long in the making –let alone the endless teasing- but here it is in the flesh: Nissan's outrageous Juke-R project car that blends the eccentrically styled body of its small crossover with the proven mechanical hardware of the almighty GT-R sports car.

The result is a vehicle that defies logic and proves once again that Nissan has the guts and the will to experiment with crazy ideas. And judging by the Murano Convertible, we wouldn't be one bit surprised if someone at Nissan gave the green light for a limited production version down the road.

However, for the time being, Nissan Europe and its technical partner RML, are saying that the Juke-R is a special, road legal concept car, of which only two examples will be built, one in left-hand-drive and the other in right-hand-drive.

The new images and videos give us our first detailed look at the Juke R. On the outside, Nissan's designers applied a matte black finish to the small crossover before adding a host of aero components, the styling of which was inspired of course by the GT-R.

The car's bad-boy looks with the flared wheel arches that cover the GT-R-sourced 20-inch RAYS forged alloy wheels, widened front bumper with large air vents, sculpted side skirts, prominent rear bumper with a diffuser and the split rear wing, leave little doubt that this ain't your ordinary Juke.

Same goes for the interior where Nissan's engineers ditched the rear seat bench and added a race-spec roll cage. The crossover also gained a pair of race seats up front along with GT-R-sourced steering wheel, pedals, dials and 7-inch touch-screen display.

But the most amazing changes take place under the skin where the Juke adopts the GT-R's 3.8-liter bi-turbocharged V6 engine with 480-horses as well as its all-wheel drive system, gearbox and suspension, all of which were modified appropriately. Nissan has not yet announced performance figures.

The company said that the project cars will enter testing in late November before "they are unleashed on the world to take on the urban playground".

Until then, hop over the jump to check out the pictures and watch the three videos on the Juke-R.

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Infiniti Introduces New IPL G Convertible at 2011 LA Auto Show

 Infiniti  IPL G Convertible

BMW has the M Division, Mercedes-Benz has AMG, Audi its RS and S lines while even luxury-oriented Lexus has the “F Sport” range to show for itself. Infiniti’s answer is IPL, which stands for Infiniti Performance Line.

With just one model though, the IPL G Coupe, it’s not really a line. Therefore, the Japanese carmaker chose the 2011 LA Auto Show to unveil its second production IPL model based on the G37 Convertible.
Displayed initially as a thinly veiled concept at last year’s Paris Motor Show, the production IPL G is distinguished by the redesigned front fascia and bumper with integrated fog lights, the sculpted side skirts, 19-inch split-rim 7-spoke alloys with graphite finish and the two exclusive body finishes named Moonlight White and Malbec Black.

 Infiniti  IPL G Convertible-ii

The interior also gets two color trims –Stone and the IPL-exclusive Monaco Red-, as well as red-stitched leather front sports seats. The “Silk Obi” aluminum trim, aluminum-trimmed pedals and footrest and IPL logos on the front seatbacks and floor mats further distinguish the IPL G Convertible from the standard model.

The Japanese brand has tuned the 3.7-liter V6’s engine management system, raising the maximum output point by 400 rpm, to 7,400 rpm.

 Infiniti  IPL G Convertible-interiors

A more linear torque curve and a revised exhaust system, help raise maximum output by 18HP to 343HP, and torque by 6 lb-ft to 273 lb-ft compared to the standard G37 Convertible.
Power is transfered to the rear wheels through an electronically controlled, seven-speed auto transmission that allows the driver to also change gears manually via the magnesium steering-wheel mounted paddles.
Finally, the Infiniti IPL G Convertible features an IPL-developed sports suspension, low-profile W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE050A performance tires and a more poten-t braking system.

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Audi Motorsport to Launch much improved New R8 LMS Ultra for 2012 Season

Audi Motorsport 's New R8 LMS Ultra

To replace a car that has scored 115 wins and 12 international and national titles in just three years. This is the challenge undertaken by the engineers of Audi's quattro GmbH who had to develop an even more competitive version of the successful R8 LMS named Ultra.
The managing director of the department, Werner Frowein, says: "Our customer teams provided us with valuable suggestions and stated the wishes for the various fields in which the car is used. We analyzed them, and subjected the R8 LMS to further development in many details.”
First of the “to do” list was reduce the car's weight. The new doors made of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) in combination with high-energy absorbing new crash foams shave pounds while at the same time, along with the new PS1 seat, increase the level of passive safety.
Next up was the chassis. The R8 LMS ultra has an inch larger front wheels (12- instead of 11-inches) along with wider 30-65/18 Michelin tires.
Bilstein has developed new, lighter compression- and rebound-adjustable dampers, while the silent rubber mounts of the suspension transverse control arms now have uniball joints, and the optimized cooling at the front wheels ensures better durability during the race.
The 5.2-liter, mid-mounted V10 that is based on the production car’s unit and, according to regulations, delivers up to 570HP, has been fitted with a new exhaust system that features race catalytic converters and increases torque at lower revs.
In the name of reliability, which is of the utmost importance in endurance races, quattro GmbH has updated the transmission as well as the cooling system. The R8 LMS Ultra sports larger coolers for the engine oil and transmission fluids, enlarged side vents for increased air flow to the engine and better air supply to the front radiator.
The tweaked aerodynamics complete the changes over the 2011 model. The R8 LMS Ultra has a wider front hood, which according to the homologation rules of every series, can be equipped with louvers.
Work in the wind tunnel has dictated a more efficient positioning for the larger rear wing to maximize downforce and minimize drag on the rear end, while at the front a new front plate helps achieve the optimal aerodynamic balance.
The new R8 LMS Ultra costs €329,900.00 plus VAT and deliveries will commence in March 2012. Audi can also retrofit the 2012 package to all existing R8 LMS racers.
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Honda Brio launched in India at Rs 3.95 lakh

Honda Brio

Japanese car major Honda on Tuesday announced its foray into the highly competitive low-price compact car segment in India with the launch of its Brio model, priced between Rs 3.95 lakh and Rs 5.1 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The company, which is present in India through a joint venture with the Siel group, Honda Siel Cars India, said it is also targeting revenues of Rs 112 crore this fiscal from the export of auto components from India.
"With Brio, we will be entering a new segment for the first time in India. It has been designed and developed specially to meet the needs of customers here," HSCI president and CEO Takashi Nagai told reporters here.
He said the company had promised to price it less than Rs 5 lakh and has been able to do this through cost-efficiency measures and high localisation of components. However, the top-end variant of the vehicle will cost Rs 5.1 lakh.

Honda Brio side view

"The Brio is at present about 80 per cent localised and over the next few months, it will reach 90 per cent," he said, adding, "This has been key to the pricing strategy of the Brio."

The Brio will compete with the likes of the Hyundai i10, Maruti WagonR and General Motors Chevrolet Beat, which are priced in a similar range.
The Brio will be available in four variants. Nagai said the company expects a large chunk of the customers for the Brio to come from smaller cities, whereas demand in bigger cities is likely to be for existing models such as the City, Civic and Accord.
"The compact car segment will soon become the second pillar of business for Honda in India," Nagai said.
Commenting on the development of the car, which is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, he said HSCI's engineers have been involved in the project right from the drawing stage.
On exports of components, Nagai said HSCI has already started shipping components of the Brio to Thailand from its facility at Rajasthan.
"We will have export turnover of Rs 112 crore this fiscal," he said. The company also exports components for the City and Jazz to Malaysia and Indonesia.

PTI |

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New Details of 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL released

Earlier this week, German magazine Auto Motor und Sport published a set of what appear to be official pictures of the next SL's body-in-white, along with some very interesting details.

The images suggest that the all-new luxury roadster will retain the familiar SL silhouette while adopting styling cues from other Mercedes models such as the boxy nose that is becoming the brand’s new “face” and the SLK’s “Magic Sky Control” retractable rigid roof.

According to AMS, the new SL roadster will be much lighter than the current model, despite being slightly larger in all dimensions. This has been achieved through the use of an almost all-aluminum chassis that weighs just 254 kg (560 pounds) reducing the car’s overall weight, by as much as 140 kg (309 lbs) with obvious benefits both in handling, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The new SL will be powered by a new generation of engines that feature direct injection and an auto stop-start system. The line-up will consist of a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 with an output of 435HP, as well as V6 and possibly V12 units.

AMG will develop the range-topping versions, with the SL 63 AMG being powered by the new 5.5-liter bi-turbo V8 that will reportedly pump out 571HP.

The interior will follow the latest Mercedes design direction with highlights including the round vents surrounded by chrome rings and a large screen at the center console. Expect all the usual comfort and passive and active safety systems from Mercedes’ huge arsenal.

In addition, the 2013 SL will introduce two novel features. The first one is “Magic Vision Control”, a windshield wiper that encompasses the washer fluid system and which is said to be much more effective than a conventional unit . The second is a new audio system that uses the empty space in the aluminum-structured footwell as a resonance chamber to deliver more bass.

Source : AMS

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New Ford Ranger is the First Pickup Ever to be Awarded 5 Stars in Euro NCAP Crash Tests

Ford Ranger

Ford’s new Ranger is the first pickup tested by the Euro NCAP safety organization to achieve a five-star top rating. The Ranger’s overall score was 89%, which is not only the best ever recorded by a pickup, but one of the highest regardless of class.

Surprisingly, given that it is a pickup, it also managed to receive the best rating ever for pedestrian protection among the cars tested by the Euro NCAP since it was established in 1997, with an 81% score.

Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen, said: “With such good pedestrian protection, the Ford Ranger is undoubtedly raising the bar of safety in the category of pickup trucks, which had until now not proven to be the safest.”
Ford’s chief engineer for Asia Pacific and Africa, Adam Frost, commented on the Ranger’s results: “On the all-new Ranger we did more crash simulations than any of our prior programs to ensure that all parts of the vehicle’s safety were optimized.”

In particular, Ford engineers started with simulating more than 9,000 virtual crashes to optimize the Ranger’s structure and safety system before moving on to testing the pickup. There, they completed 110 actual crash tests and 410 system sled tests with actual prototypes.
The pedestrian protection result was achieved thanks to a front bumper with energy-absorbing materials and a new, “hexageneous” under-bonnet structure that reduces the chances of a pedestrian head injury.

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Range Rover Evoque to Debut at Dubai Motor Show

Range Rover Evoque

The Evoque is not only Range Rover’s newest and smallest model but also a uniquely designed crossover that heralds a new philosophy for the British brand.
Startech, a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz specialist Brabus, has developed an on-road oriented tuning package for both the three- and five-door versions the Evoque, which will make its debut at this week's 2011 Dubai International Motor Show.

Range Rover Evoque/back view

The package includes newly shaped front and rear bumpers, front grille, spoiler and air inlets that are said to have been fine-tuned in the wind tunnel to reduce lift on the front axle at high speeds.
The Startech-tuned Evoque also features an integrated rear diffuser and new tailpipes that can be fitted to the standard exhausts or Startech’s own stainless steel muffler
The ride height has been lowered by 35 mm (1.4 inches) and the standard wheels have been replaced by 21-inch Monostar R five-spoke forged alloys fitted with high-performance 265/40 tires. Customers may also opt for 20- or 22-inch wheels.

Changes in the interior include custom upholstery made of leather and Alcantara not only in the demonstration car’s black and white livery, but also in any color and design the customer prefers. Wood or carbon fiber trim finish off the Startech treatment.
A performance kit for the SI4 2.0-liter gasoline engine, which has a standard output of 240HP, is in the final stages of development, with details to be released at a late date.
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Pursuit motorcycle to debut at Sydney Motorcycle & Scooter Show

Pursuit motorcycle

Industrial Design student Dean Benstead thinks that compressed air does have a role to play in the future transport mix, and he's designed a working air-powered motorcycle prototype with a view to exploring the viability of the platform.
Benstead's "02 Pursuit" motorcycle is based on the geometry of a current-spec 250 cc motocross bike and uses running gear from a WR250F and Engineair's DiPietro air engine as its power plant. In its current form it can hit speeds in excess of 62 mph (100 km/h) and, given that the first prototype was developed with a focus on design rather than engineering, Benstead believes that performance can be improved with further development.
"The concept evolved from research to sketches to computer modeling before the chassis and bodywork was built and fabrication at local manufacturer, Rinlatech Engineering, began," says Benstead.
"I wanted to explore the viability of compressed air as an alternative fuel, and my childhood experiences riding dirt bikes led me to design the motocross bike based around the Engineair engine."
Benstead also sees the possibility of a marketable model based on the prototype emerging down the track.
"The next prototype would involve a total re-style, different material choices over the current steel tube chassis, such as aluminum or even a futuristic printed titanium, reducing the weight comparable to a heavy-duty mountain bike."
The 02 Pursuit will be revealed in a working demo at the Sydney Motorcycle & Scooter Show in Australia on Friday November 25.

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2013 Volkswagen CC to first launch in Germany in February 2012

Set to make its world debut at the upcoming 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show later this month, the 2013 Volkswagen Passat packs some select visual scrub ups to bring it up to date with the German brand's more recent offerings.

2013 Volkswagen CC

You can spot the new model by the redesigned front that gets a new chrome-trimmed grille, reshaped headlamps that incorporate a ring of LEDs and a reworked bumper.

Similar changes can be found at the back with the new LED tail lamp, bumper and boot lid designs. A fresh choice of colors and alloy wheel options round off the exterior updates.
Inside, VW's designers tinkered around with the air-conditioning controls and trim options while the company says it has improved the standard features across the range with the addition of a fatigue detection system, new audio, stainless steel door sills and safety head restraints with additional longitudinal adjustment for the front seats.

2013 Volkswagen CC back view

For the 2013 model year, there is also a new batch of available assistance systems such as the Side Assist Plus with integrated Lane Assist that warns of vehicles in blind spots and assists driver in avoiding an accident by steering intervention, Dynamic Light Assist and a camera-based traffic sign detection system.
In the USA, the CC will launch with the same engine lineup as before, including a 200HP 2.0-liter TSI petrol and a 280HP 3.6-liter V FSI petrols (FSI).
There are no changes to the European lineup either, with the CC being offered with several TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines ranging in output from 140HP to 300HP. The most fuel-efficient version is powered by the 140HP 2.0 TDI that delivers a combined fuel consumption of 4.7lt/100km (equal to 50mpg US).
The refreshed Volkswagen CC will first launch in Germany in February 2012, then gradually across Europe, America, Russia, China (local version starting in 2013) and other sales regions

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The Newly enhanced S1000RRmark II from BMW

 S1000RRmark II from BMW

BMW's S1000RR superbike impressed many the first time round, now the German manufacturer has announced the S1000RR mark II. Power and maximum torque figures remain at 142 kW (193 hp) and 112 Nm on the revised superbike with the mostly subtle changes centered on improving response, power delivery and handling. The torque curve, throttle response and suspension have all been tweaked along with the (very effective) ABS and Dynamic Traction Control systems. Externally, the 2012 SS1000RR gets an upgraded instrument cluster, revised rear-end, redesigned side panels with the addition of two winglets for improved aerodynamics and a new range of colors.
The S 1000 RR has has wasted no time populating the trophy cabinet since its release in 2009, winning 13 titles and over 120 race victories in superstock and superbike championships during its first full year of competition. BMW Motorrad, which offers a support service to customers who want take the S1000RR racing, says feedback from the track played a major role in the bike's overhaul.
"We listen very closely to our racing colleagues in many teams, especially the BMW Motorrad Italia superstock team or the IDM Team BMW Motorrad Wilbers Suspension," said RR Product Manager Sepp Mächler." We help these teams out and they give us quick and reliable feedback, which helps reduce development times."

Here's a run down on the key changes:

* reconfigured throttle with 25% less twisting force and tighter twistgrip for improved response

* more linear torque curve and expansion from two to three performance curves (one each for Rain and Sport modes and an additional one for Race and Slick modes); Rain mode now 120 kW (163 hp)

* enhanced tuning between Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)

* final drive now 17/45 (was 17/44)

* modified steering head angle, swing arm pivot position, fork projection, and rear shock absorber length

* new internal structure for upside down fork and the rear shock absorber

* new mechanical steering damper adjustable over ten levels

* leaner tail section, modified stainless steel exhaust system, larger intake air guide, redesigned side panels, side aperture grilles and winglets

* revised LCD instrument cluster easier to read rev counter, five dimming levels and additional functions such as "Best lap in progress" and "Speedwarning"

* revised RR logo

* new color variants: plain Racing Red with Alpine white, Bluefire, Sapphire black metallic, BMW Motorrad

   Motorsport

The revised BMW S1000RR was shown this month at EICMA in Italy and is set for release in January 2012.

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Honda to reveal a pair of new green vehicles at Tokyo Auto Show

The Japanese carmaker is aiming to make a splash in the electric vehicle market

Honda Small Sports EV concept

Aiming to have one of the largest lineups at this year's Tokyo Auto Show, Honda has already shed some light on its Micro Commuter and Canopy concept vehicles, but it appears that's only the tip of the green iceberg. The company has just revealed a pair of prototypes that look both futuristic and environmentally friendly. The AC-X and Small Sports EV concepts aim to cater to two different segments of the electric vehicle market: Those looking for a practical hybrid for both short and long commutes, and those looking for a smaller, city-minded car for daily jaunts about town.

Honda AC-X hybrid

The AC-X (above) is a plug-in hybrid that can run purely on a charge from the onboard battery, but can also switch to an engine-driven mode, allowing it to make much longer trips than an electric-only vehicle. The car appears to take some design cues from both the current Honda Civic models, as well as the company's previous hybrid, the Honda Insight.
Little is known about Honda's Small Sports EV concept, and aside from a short press release blurb insisting that it was designed with "fun" driving in mind, all we have to go on is some official mockups (below). The car is a two-seater that looks much like a little brother to the AC-X. Its convertible top and sleek lines definitely give a futuristic vibe, and if Honda's promise of enjoyable driving mated with "excellent environmental performace" can be achieved, it may make a good candidate for production.

[via Autoblog]

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Honda's electric Canopy (Gyro), Japan's only three wheeled scooter

Honda has finally added electric propulsion to one of its most enduring and successful commuter vehicles - the Japan-only three-wheeled scooter. 

Used extensively throughout Japan's congested urban environment as a commuter and delivery vehicle with a 50cc four-stroke motor, the Honda Canopy (aka Gyro) delivers 100 mpg. Converting the well-protected three wheeler, with its capacious cargo space, to an electric-only vehicle is a no-brainer and is certain to create an insatiable demand in non-domestic markets everywhere.
To say the Gyro/Canopy is the most common road vehicle in Tokyo, the world's largest and most congested urban area, is no exaggeration. The frugal 50cc engine enjoys a tax break in Japan, and in a city where vehicles rarely get near the speed limits, is more than powerful enough to get the job done. Equally interesting is the array of boxes built onto the platform, some of which offer enough carrying capacity to fit a small third world country.

Honda's electric Canopy (Gyro

It's a monumental sales success in Japan and has been produced in one form or another for 28 years, with the actual Gyro model now in production for 27 years. Now we're not party to who owns what in this area, but our understanding is that the three-wheeled design was patented in the UK in 1966 and first marketed as the BSA Ariel 3 in 1970.

Honda's electric Canopy (Gyro

The patented three-wheeled design was subsequently licensed to Honda, though it has been copied extensively, particularly in China (most notably as the Xingyue but there appear to be numerous copies) and a very similar two-wheeled version of the layout has been employed by BMW, first as the C3, and more recently as the BMW C1-E concept scooter.

In Japan, the fully-enclosed gas-powered scooter sells for less than US$3500, and can be purchased naked or fully enclosed and is designed like a cab-chassis utility, to be fitted with an aftermarket rear section suitable for your line of business.

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McLaren Planning to Launch Iconic F1 Successor as Early as 2012

McLaren P12

Since the launch of the MP4-12C, McLaren has made it pretty much clear that it plans to establish itself as a serious sports carmaker and gain a full range of models that will cover the entire supercar spectrum.

Now it seems that the British car manufacturer is moving up its schedule, as according to a report from British magazine Autocar, it will launch a successor to the iconic F1 of the 1990s in 2012 – that’s one year earlier than expected. Perhaps the reason is to coincide with the original F1's 20-year anniversary.

McLaren F1 Successor  P12

We’ve already covered the issue extensively, laying out McLaren’s plans for its future cars that will require a $1 billion investment. They will all be based on the MP4-12C’s carbonfiber chassis, which has been thoroughly developed to underpin various models, but will be quite different in character.

The top-of-the-line F1 successor is code-named P12 and has quite a reputation to live up to. Its Gordon Murray-designed ancestor set new design, weight and performance standards not only for its time but also for many years after: the Bugatti Veyron managed to beat its top speed record many years later.
The P12 will use the MP4-12C’s carbonfiber chassis featuring a mid-engine layout. No details have emerged about the engine yet, but its output will be near the 800HP mark to outshine rivals like the Lamborghini Aventador and Ferrari’s 2012 Enzo successor.

Despite being more powerful, the P12 will weigh about the same as the MP4-12C thanks to the extensive use of carbonfiber and other exotic materials in its construction. Customers will also be asked to shell out more than the €200,000 McLaren asks in Europe for the MP4-12C.
Company insiders have described the car as “revolutionary”. They also claim that, contrary to the MP4-12C that hasn't received glowing reviews about its uninspired design, McLaren’s flagship will make quite an impact style-wise.
The same sources state that certain elements of the 1992 F1 will be retained, although at this point it is not known whether the distinct center driving position will be one of them. Also, unlike the original that sold only 72 road cars, the modern-day F1 will enter regular production, but will be more exclusive than the MP4-12C.

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Nissan Shows Off Pivo 3 EV Concept

Nissan is showing off a new electric vehicle concept that makes its current Leaf look like an oversized vehicle. The diminutive Pivo 3 is Nissan’s concept for an urban runabout for the future.

Nissan Pivo 3 EV Concept

This little EV, which was unveiled ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show, looks quite odd and may actually see production in the future according to Autoblog Green. The Pivo 3 takes a page out of the McLaren F1 design book on inside with a tiny centrally mounted driver seat and two equally small passenger seats behind and to the sides of the driver.
The car features a zero emissions electric drivetrain and each wheel is driven by its own electric motor. The Pivo 3 has an insanely tight turning radius of only 6.6 feet. That tight turning radius will allow the car to make a U-turn on a road that is only four meters wide. The doors are another interesting feature that pop out and slide back similar to a sliding door on a minivan.
Even though the Pivo 3 seems to be a production capable car, Nissan's Francois Bancon says that so far there has been no decision to usher the vehicle into production. However, the car is one of the candidates for a future Nissan EV.
If the car did see production, it would be after the LEAF, NV200 EV, and an unnamed future Infiniti EV. That would mean, according to Bancon, that the Pivo 3 wouldn't be able to hit market until 2016 or 2017 at the earliest.

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Suzuki's Toy-Like Q-Concept Electric Mini Car

For those of you that found the Suzuki Regina that we showed earlier today, a bit too down to earth for a Tokyo Motor Show concept, the Japanese automaker has another study up its sleeve. Of course, there's the argument that the Q-Concept looks more like a toy than a real car, but that's another story.

Q-Concept Electric Mini Car interior

Suzuki's second concept for this year's edition of the Tokyo motorshow is a tiny city car that measures just 2,500mm long, 1,300mm wide and 1,650mm tall.
The company says that the Q-Concept offers "an entirely new kind of mobility — one that’s positioned between conventional motorcycles and cars". We'll assume that Suzuki has yet to learn about the existence of the production Renault Twizy

Q-Concept Electric Mini Car

Inside, the Q-Concept seats two passengers in tandem, though Suzuki says that the rear seat can be removed completely to increase the cargo area when needed.
The Q-Concept is powered by an electric motor that provides a driving range of up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) and a top speed of 60km/h (37 mph).

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