Sunday, September 12, 2010

2010 Paris Motor Show: MINI, smart to debut Electric Scooters

MINI Buyer's Guide

MINI Prices
Get a free and easy price quote in minutes.
MINI Research
Photos Videos
Rebates Specifications
Reviews Safety Ratings
Search Cars
Other MINI Cars

Well, this is different.


For some time now, the autosphere has been abuzzed with rumors that BMW's MINI division and Daimler's smart brand may be entering the electric scooter market. Well, British publication Autocar has once again dug up some information on the city-oriented scooter, reporting it is just a concept with no officially announced production plans. Autocar sources say the Smart scooter will use a lithium-ion battery, can travel up to 60 miles on a full charge, and will even come equipped with a single specially designed airbag.

Small-car competitor Mini will also present its electric two-wheel concept in Paris. First divulged on the brand's Facebook page, Mini is calling its scooter (in yellow) the future of urban mobility and is supposedly putting three individual trims on display. A lithium-ion battery will be employed as well.


Source: Autocar courtesy of Automobile Magazine Staff

Mazda SHINARI a Soul of Motion on Youtube

Mazda Buyer's Guide

Mazda Prices
Get a free and easy price quote in minutes.
Mazda Research
Photos Videos
Rebates Specifications
Reviews Safety Ratings
Search Cars
Other Mazda Cars

Motor Trend posted clips of the Mazda Shinari concept in motion.


In two separate Web videos, Mazda's new Kodo ("soul of motion") design goes on display thanks to the miracle of computer-generated imagery. The first video shows the Shinari concept, which has a bit of a Fisker Karma vibe going on in the overall shape while the squinting front end is a substantial departure from the Mazda3's more happy-go-lucky nature.

The second video is more straightforward and reveals the CGI possibilities of a Kodo-fied Mazda2 or Mazda3. The differences in the fresh clay model design are staggering so be sure to take a glance.


Source: Mazda courtesy of Motor Trend Staff

Details on Mazda SHINARI Design Concept Car

Mazda Buyer's Guide

Mazda Prices
Get a free and easy price quote in minutes.
Mazda Research
Photos Videos
Rebates Specifications
Reviews Safety Ratings
Search Cars
Other Mazda Cars

Mazda has issued the full press release of its upcoming Shinari concept, first introduced last month during a press event in Milan, Italy.


Mazda SHINARI – Fast and strong motion that strikes the heart

The Mazda SHINARI is a pure design concept model of a four-door, four-seater sports coupe which perfectly expresses the ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme in a graceful and carefree form.

The Japanese word shinari describes the powerful yet supple appearance of great resilient force when objects of high tensile strength, such as steel or bamboo, are twisted or bent. It also refers to the appearance of a person or animal as it flexibly transforms its body to generate a fast movement. Within this movement, Mazda designers discovered the potential to realize ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’.

One glance at SHINARI stirs the emotions. Its form expresses the powerful movement of a lean body with highly developed muscles, supple but at the same time filled with tension. Mazda’s desire is to reach car lovers’ hearts and go beyond the notion of rational logic. This form purely embodies that desire.

Designer’s challenge
Yasushi Nakamuta, the chief designer who led the design of the third generation Mazda MX-5, was the first to begin the ideation of the SHINARI concept: “The challenge for us was to create an innovative new expression for energetic and powerful movement; something that we had never attempted before. We began by developing the design around the image of a predator, as it strikes at its prey, or the stabbing movement in kendo, Japanese fencing, to express the instant where accumulated force is released.

Translating this initial moment of ‘instantaneous movement’ being pursued by Mazda design into the SHINARI concept car presented various challenges to both the designers and the modelers working on the project. The process involved a series of activities that saw the team draw inspiration from a variety of places. This included each team member creating sketches and freely sculpting models from clay to represent their own perceptions of ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’. It then continued with the exploration of the functional beauty seen in traditional Japanese crafts and the motion witnessed in Japan’s ancient martial arts.

As the team continued this exploratory process, Nakamuta focused on a force so powerful that it can bend a strong section of steel plate. The Mazda SHINARI design adds subtle twists and tension to create forms that express agile and powerful movement, resulting in the expression of ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’.

Exterior – unbridled expression of agile movement
With an image of strength emanating across every panel and component, the Mazda SHINARI looks ready to leap at any second. The strong backbone running through the body, the sudden release of pent-up energy, and the interplay of beautiful, supple movements – this form is the expression of all of these elements.

The appearance of the A-pillar, which tapers towards the rear of the body, the shape of the cabin, the front fender; these and SHINARI's other elements combine to create proportions that suggest the instantaneous release of energy to propel the car forward.

The distinctive front fenders represent the further evolution of the prominent fenders introduced in the RX-8. They emphasize the front wheels and accentuate the dynamic movement expressed in the side of the body, in a style that is both sporty and elegant. Character lines flow rearward from the front fenders and meet those traveling forward from the rear fenders in a multi-layered effect. This fusion creates an appearance that suggests a forceful sense of tension with a graceful beauty.

All of SHINARI's body surfaces appear as if constantly undergoing transformation. There is no static shape to be found, as if the car is in perpetual motion. For instance the subtle control of the angle of the upper surface of the side sill, from the front to the rear, results in a form that suggests a flash of speed along the body of the car.

The three-dimensional sculpting of the front grille proudly emphasizes the Mazda lineage. A powerful line of movement originates at the grille and continues through the bonnet, fender, front lamp modules and bumper. In particular the floating bar – which links the grille with the headlights – is a three-dimensional expression of speed, an accent that represents a new signature element for Mazda. For the headlights, Mazda's designers have created a headlamp structure with no outer lens, exposing the deep-set lights and suggesting the eyes of a wild animal about to pounce on its prey.
Aerodynamic performance was a major priority for SHINARI, and the centre of the lower sections – on both the front and rear bumpers – are designed to optimize the flow of air along the underbody of the car. The flared line that connects the front bumper with the side sills and rear bumper, fulfils a similar role and streamlines the flow of air along the body, while further contributing to the aerodynamic performance of the car.
The outer mirror, wheels and tailpipes accentuate the sense of agility and lightness and convey a hand-made feel with a human touch which contributes to the impression of superior, premium quality.

For the body colour a luminous metallic blue has been chosen to convey an image of hard metal. The strong yet elaborate brilliance of the highlights combines with the clearly defined contrast of the shadows to create a balance between the sharp, three-dimensional form and the appearance of surfaces bending and transforming; a balance which was a design objective. The fierce, bright flash of the forged steel of a Japanese sword is combined with wisdom and sensuality to express superlative quality.

Interior – Exploring a new approach of oneness between car and driver
When creating the SHINARI concept interior Mazda's objective was to design a distinctive premium cockpit that incorporates its interior DNA. While the exterior design can be appreciated through motion, the interior, meanwhile, is experienced in a static, seated position. A commitment to essential mechanical function and excellent ergonomics has created a driver focused interior that embodies the ‘ultimate athletic space’ while expressing a sense of speed inside the vehicle.

Entering the vehicle your eye is immediately drawn to the driver focused cockpit which surrounds the driver. Its angle and surface movement sets the tone for the whole of the interior. The highlight of interior is a surfacing between the upper and the lower instrument panel which is contrasted by crisp surface edges and precision mechanical details. Interior craftsmanship is characterized by the use of bright trim work integrated along the cockpit’s perimeter and accentuating the sensation of speed. An authentic application of materials including machined aluminum, soft natural leathers and the precision design of instrumentation and controls, gives the interior an alluring quality that exceeds expectations.

Craftsmanship meets total car control
Mazda design wanted to re-define the proximity of the driver to the instrumentation and controls by establishing intuitive ‘reach zones’; what Mazda calls ‘dedicated driving ergonomics’. All instrumentation and controls have been designed and positioned to enhance the driving experience. By separating the instrument panel into two individual zones, the driver cockpit is isolated from the rest of the interior and allows the driver to focus on the task of driving. To reinforce the message of driver orientation, the design of the primary and secondary instruments echo the main cockpit shape, to provide a clean uncluttered view from the driver’s seat. Seated behind a thick-rimmed, three-spoke steering wheel the driver sits within a uniquely contoured seat, providing maximum comfort and support.

The principle of ‘dedicated driving ergonomics’ is further reflected in the car’s next generation Human Machine Interface (HMI). The availability of smaller electronic components has allowed SHINARI’s designers to create a floating HMI three-dimensional display; a design element that represents the very latest HMI technology . The system offers three distinct modes: ‘Business, Pleasure and Sport’.

The Business-mode enables the driver to stay connected to his work day tasks. In Pleasure-mode, focus is on comfort and entertainment, allowing the driver to tailor the interior mood creating a relaxed atmosphere. In Sport-mode the driving set-up is changed; the paddle shifter is activated, suspension settings are tuned for performance driving, and controls are simplified allowing the driver to focus solely on the driving experience.

The main dashboard surfaces are positioned low, and away from the occupants, creating a unique sensation of openness. The HMI interface and the dedicated seating controls for the front seat passenger represent a new level of detail and functionality for a Mazda premium interior. Even though the interior volumes have been rearranged in this way there is a high level of sportiness to enhance the feeling of driving dynamics.

SHINARI represents the profound connection of driver and machine and the beginning of Mazda's latest design theme ‘KODO-Soul in Motion’. SHINARI exhibits a functional aesthetic that will continue to evolve as Mazda continues to define its next generation of vehicles.

The quest for a Mazda original and a Japanese original
With SHINARI as the first step, Ikuo Maeda, general manager of Mazda’s design division, aims to create original Mazda designs that will be recognized around the world. He summarizes his resolve in the following words:

“My goal is to create designs that people can point to proudly and say, ‘This is a Mazda design’. There is no need for Mazda to build cars for people who are only concerned with ‘style’ and ‘trends’. Whether working on sports cars or compact cars, I have always worked to create designs that evoke an emotional response in people and I hope to keep doing the same as I remain fully committed to develop designs for people who love and admire cars. It is my personal belief that the only way to create designs that fundamentally connect with people and to create designs they love, is if the people creating them are absolutely passionate about cars and are willing to make that passion a firm policy for design expression.

“Further, I consider it vitally important to have an awareness of Japanese originality in designing cars for Mazda. This is not merely about incorporating traditional Japanese elements into car design. I believe in reflecting the Japanese spirit in car designs as part of a subconscious practice. So, while I consider where this may lead in the future, my plan is to create cars that will be instantly recognizable as a Mazda, even when viewed at a distance. My ultimate goal is to create a brand presence that car lovers around the world recognize as representing both Mazda originality and Japanese originality. Future Mazda’s will move people physically and emotionally – this is ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’”


Source: Mazda

Under $60,000 Sexiest Sedans courtesy of Motor Trend

Midsize Buyer's Guide

Midsize Prices
Get a free and easy price quote in minutes.
Midsize Research
Photos Videos
Rebates Specifications
Reviews Safety Ratings
Search Cars
Other Midsize Cars

Motor Trend recently proved you don't have to break the bank to own a mid-sized sedans that's not only fuel efficient but also, well, sexy.


Buick LaCrosse - Sex appeal has a lot to do with why this car's sales are up 200.8 percent year-to-date over the same period in 2009. From every angle, the LaCrosse is attractive and, in that way, the opposite of the model it replaced.

Cadillac CTS - It doesn't matter if the CTS sedan has 17-, 18-, or 19-inch wheels. This is one good-looking car. A few years have passed since we said "this car will turn heads in the same way that the elite European models do," and this 2008 Car of the Year is still worth a second look if you pass it on the street.

Hyundai Sonata - Many automakers talk about sedans with "coupe-like rooflines," but in the case of Hyundai's Sonata, it's true. The Sonata's side and rear styling are more striking than we'd expect from a midsize family sedan (with the Chevrolet Malibu an exception). Although some feel the Sonata's front styling is more Toyota Camry Solara than sexy, the Sonata proves that family sedan and sexy four-door are not mutually exclusive concepts.

Jaguar XF - Inside and out, the Jaguar XF oozes sex appeal. From the chrome spears in the front fascia to the engaging taillights, the overall effect of the XF's styling is exactly what you'd expect from a Jaguar sedan.

Lexus IS - Even before you get to the IS F, the IS luxury sports sedan has sexy styling that has endured well. The upward swept style of the rear windows adds interest to a design with excellent proportions and taut lines.

Saab 9-5 - Blackened A-pillars on the 9-5 create a floating roof effect while the chrome trim around the bottom of the side windows extending to the C-pillar provides a dynamic look. From front to back, Saab has designed a car that's sexy and, thanks to the unstable condition of the company, will remain an exclusive ride.

Volkswagen CC - Mercedes-Benz started the coupe-like four-door trend, but Volkswagen made it affordable in the form of the CC. For around $30,000, you can get the CC, a sedan that's far sexier than many entry-level luxury sedans and loaded family sedans.


via Motor Trend

2010 Paris Motor Show: Mastretta MxT Sports Car

Sports Buyer's Guide

Sports Prices
Get a free and easy price quote in minutes.
Sports Research
Photos Videos
Rebates Specifications
Reviews Safety Ratings
Search Cars
Other Sports Cars

If you've never heard of Mastretta Cars, you're not alone. However, the Mexican company made a small splash in the autosphere a couple of years ago with the MXT prototype. Now the company has announced it will debut the production version at this year's Paris Motor Show.


Few details have been released on the production-spec car, but if the final MXT is anything like the early pre-production prototypes, expect performance to be brisk. Early prototypes reportedly used a twincharged version of Volkswagen's 2.0-liter I-4, but later demonstrators used Ford's 2.0-liter turbocharged Duratec I-4, which will reportedly make its way into the production car. The turbo-Duratec produces a solid 240 horsepower, and coupled with a curb weight of 1980 pounds (courtesy of both a fiberglass body and an aluminum frame), the MTX could possibly post 0-60 mph times in roughly five seconds.

Enthusiasts and Mastretta officials alike likely wish the road to production passed as quickly. The car first debuted at the 2008 British International Auto Show, where officials announced they'd build eighty cars the following year, all destined for the U.K. market. Plans now see 70 percent of the 150-car annual production run will be exported to the U.S. and Europe.


Source: Autocar courtesy of Motor Trend Staff

Toyota Prius touches G' Sport for those who like Fast Hybrids

2010 Toyota Prius

Price Range
$21,000.00 - $28,070.00
Fuel Economy
51 city / 48 highway
Base Engine
134-horsepower L4
Value Rating

Excellent
Search Cars
Other Toyota Cars

The autosphere is abuzzed with a sporty version of the Toyota Prius.


Developed by the automaker's inhouse G's Sport tuning arm, a concept version of the Prius G's was unveiled at last January's Tokyo Auto Salon. The production model will reportedly be lowered by roughly 1.2 inches and fitted with some outrageous-looking aeroparts designed to create an even more slippery profile. Bigger brakes and 18-inch wheels also are expected to be part of the package.

The G's variant will also incorporate stiffer suspension and lose some 44 pounds in overall curb weight, while employing subtle details inside, including a special red gear selector.

As for the powertrain changes, there won't be any. The Prius G's will employ the same 98-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine and hybrid drive system as the base Prius and should generate roughly the same MPG numbers.

Expected in Japanese showrooms by mid-summer 2011, the package will cost roughly $3500. It's unclear if the package will be available for the U.S. market.



Source: Motor Trend

Latest Top Gear USA Trailer all about Lamborginis

Lamborghini Buyer's Guide

Lamborghini Prices
Get a free and easy price quote in minutes.
Lamborghini Research
Photos Videos
Rebates Specifications
Reviews Safety Ratings
Search Cars
Other Lamborghini Cars

The first Top Gear USA trailer shows the hosts playing with some expensive sheetmetal, but then concentrates on the hosts attempting to find the best car for a mere $1000. The latest trailer, released this week, is rather different, with the least expensive car exceeding $200,000.


Foust does his thing (drifting) in a Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni, Ferrara punishes a Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera, and Wood plays in the dirt with a Murcièlago LP 670-4 SV.

While most people would jump at the opportunity to go out and play with three raging bulls for a day, the hosts are hard at work finding the best modern Lamborghini. This really is a tough gig.

Top Gear USA has had its ups and downs in terms of finding a buyer and a network, but the History Channel picked it up earlier this year and has been working to create a show. So far, the network seems to be doing a decent job with production.


Source: Youtube courtesy of Automobile Magazine Staff

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

2011 BMW X1 joins 1 Series Lineup

BMW Buyer's Guide

BMW Prices
Get a free and easy price quote in minutes.
BMW Research
Photos Videos
Rebates Specifications
Reviews Safety Ratings
Search Cars
Other BMW Cars

BMW recently detailed its lineup plans to Automotive News. They include:


1: The big news surrounding the smallest Bimmers is undoubtedly the introduction of the X1 sport-utility vehicle, which is slated to go on sale in the U.S. toward the beginning of 2011. We've known about the X1 since European editor Georg Kacher's sneak peek over a year ago, but BMW isn't counting on the X1 to be a volume seller.

Among the 1 Series coupes and convertibles, the models recently received BMW's new N55 single-scroll, turbocharged I-4, as well as an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Further down the line, the hot 1 Series M Coupe will join the existing lineup, and a complete redesign isn't scheduled for several more years.

Kacher also speculates that a front-wheel-drive MPV may join the lineup, tentatively called "Joy."

3: The 3 Series lineup isn't scheduled for a refresh until 2012, when it will likely grow in size and incorporate a new four-cylinder engine. Following the launch of a new 3 Series sedan, the traditional coupe, convertible, and wagon variants are likely to follow. A non-traditional accompaniment may be a scaled-down Gran Turismo MPV.

The all-new X3, which will debut in early 2011, on the other hand, has been scaled up. It will measure within inches of the original X5's dimensions, and feature a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter I-6, as well as a turbocharged 3.0-liter that will produce 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.

Z4: No major changes are planned for the Z4 range until 2013. The most recent addition to the Z4 stable is the sDrive35is model, which produces 335 horsepower.

5: The 5 Series, all-new this year, will gain an M5 based on the F10 platform in 2011. Powering the M5 will be the same 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 currently in the X5 and X6 M. It will reportedly put out over 500 horsepower, giving it more power than the outgoing M5's V-10.

The don't-call-it-an-MPV 5 Series Gran Turismo range will gain an all-wheel-drive model later this year, and is due for a refresh in 2013. The X5 sport-ute will also be refreshed in 2013.

6: The next 6 Series will be influenced by the design language of the OK-ed Gran Coupe, adding a four-door to complement the two-door coupe and convertible. It will likely be powered by the existing 4.4-liter V-8.

The X6 is due for a refresh no earlier than 2012.

7: No major model updates for BMW's flagship sedan are planned for several more years. The latest 7 Series models are the six-cylinder 740i, whose engine produces 315 horsepower, and the ActiveHybrid 7, which carries a six-figure price tag.

In the pipeline

We've reported the details on BMW's upcoming Megacity electric vehicle, which will be a radical departure from its current lineup. The Megacity will be targeted at densely populated urban areas, but its styling may eventually influence more conventional future BMW models. The EV prototype is expected to launch with the 2012 London Olympics.

The Megacity, which is scheduled for a '13 model year launch, may eventually spawn a separate sub-brand for BMW.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription required) courtesy of Motor Trend Staff