auto sport tuning: September 2011

Sunday, September 25, 2011

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

The 2011 Jaguar Sport cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept is a team effort between Jag and Bertone and serves as way for Bertone to celebrate its 99th Anniversary. The new compact Jag's name is a melding of the company's first initial and its age. Bertone says the concept is a design study in what it calls "dynamic imbalance" between parallel lines and "leaping forms."

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

The 2011 Jaguar Sport cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept result is a compact, four-door sedan (4.5 m long, 1.35 m tall, 1.95 m wide, 2.8 m wheelbase) that fits perfectly into the D segment. Starting with a classic three-volume architecture, Bertone designers have shaped the taut, muscular body with bold yet refined character, entirely constructed with handmade aluminum panels in true Italian "coachbuilder" tradition. The unique personality of the luxury sports sedan is emphasized by the sophisticated minimalism outside and in, underlining the true nature of the British authenticity where understatement equals exclusiveness.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

In terms of technological innovation, the 2011 Jaguar Sport cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept uses a pure hybrid power system designed and developed by Bertone Energy (the newest Bertone division dedicated to renewable energy research), including a thermal engine for range extension and two electric motors which provide propulsion for the rear wheels. Bertone has been studying ecologically sustainable powertrain systems for the past twenty years, with many examples including full-electric "extreme" concept cars like the 1992 Blitz or 1994 Zer record car, which was the first full-electric car to break the 300 km/h speed barrier in the world. With the 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept, Bertone establishes a new record in its 99 year history as the only Italian designer to have created five different Jaguars.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

These renderings of the 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept have been leaked ahead of its official debut March 1st at the Geneva Auto Show, giving a hint at how Jaguar intends to style its new entry-level luxury sports sedan. According to recent reports, however, this new model won’t be the first new Jag to debut, with a rumored XE compact sports car planned for next year.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

Measuring 4.5 meters long, 1.95 meters wide, and 1.35 meters high with a 2.8-meter wheelbase, the B99 has the dimensions to make a run at the luxury sport car segment. That is if the car ever makes it to production.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

So when talking about powertrains, the 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept blows the top-level 3-Series out of the water with the latter’s 4.0-liter V8 engine with 414 horsepower compared to the B99’s 1.4-liter gas engine combined with the two 150 kW motors, producing a total of 570 horsepower. Conversely, the Mercedes C-Class also falls short in the engine department compared to the 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept with its 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 302 horsepower.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

"Performance through innovation" is one of Jaguars slogans, and today more than ever powerful sports cars must find new responsible ways to offer both high performance and ecological sustainability. The 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept is powered by a modular, Extended Range Hybrid system which futuristic utilizes twin 150kW (204 Cv) electric engines connected to the inboard side of the rear axle for propulsion and a lightweight 1.400 cm3 thermal engine producing 125 kW-170 Cv for range extension, giving a combined power output of 425 kW or 570 Cv. The thermal engine charges the Lithium-ion batteries while driving allowing for a theoretical range of 700 kilometers of highway driving between fill-ups with a carbon dioxide output of around 30 g Co2/km. The 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept can also travel in full electric mode offering zero emissions for 100kms.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

Designed by Bertone’s chief of design, American Michael Robinson, the 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept blends shapely surfacing with powerful proportions. “It is a typical Jaguar,” says Robinson. The classic cat-inspired rear haunch lends itself to Jaguar’s heritage, and the C-pillar is much more formal than that of the current Ian Callum- designed XJ and XF models. The B99 also sports a bit of concept car showmanship with its rear-hinged suicide doors and B-pillarless cabin.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

Despite the shapely body concours, there is little else in the way of ornamentation save for the chrome window surrounds, front fender vent and Jaguar “leaper” on the hood. Bertone characterizes this as a “minimalist luxury sports sedan.” It is a nice blend of tradition and modernity.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

That tradition is also apparent in the interior’s large swaths of wood veneer and leather. The stylish cabin would help the 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept command luxury prices, while at the same time allowing its clientele to feel socially responsible as a result of the unique powertrain.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

UPDATE 03/08/11: According to Automotive News, Jaguar was not impressed by the 2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept and will not put it to production: "It is not our concept. We appreciate the fact that Jaguar is interesting enough for people to do a concept around. It’s not that we are offended by it, or against it — it is just not for us." Jaguar has plans to enter new market segments by 2014, but this will be done with their own work: "We have concepts all over the place. A lot of work has been done," said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar’s global brand director.

2011 Jaguar Sport Cars Bertone Jaguar B99 Concept

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Kia Sport Cars Kia GT Concept At 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

Kia Sport Cars Kia GT Concept At 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

The latest concept that’s scheduled to break cover at the biggest auto show of the year is the Kia Sports Sedan Concept. FRANKFURT, Germany — The Kia Sport Cars Kia GT Concept, a 390-horsepower rear-wheel-drive Sport sedan with suicide doors, was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. It has certainly taken the company too long to get around to designing a sports car, but Kia's first rear-wheel drive car is a beauty, and it's packing a V-6 turbo, too. Kia has been changing what people think about Korean cars for well over a year now thanks to some impressive designs, and now the automaker is looking to add some performance to its lineup with the new Kia Sport Cars Kia GT Concept At 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show – the first ever rear-drive vehicle by Kia.

Kia Sport Cars Kia GT Concept At 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

This is the GT concept. Kia has appeared to step out of their zone of bland economy cars and into the arena of sleek custom cars. The Kia Sport Cars Kia GT Concept At 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show apparently gives a hint to the company's new design direction inspired by "the iconic 1970s GT cars, capable of whisking passengers from Paris to the South of France in effortless style and at high speed. It would be a dream to put this into production" says Peter Schreyer, Kia design chief. "It's exactly the kind of car Kia should be making."

Kia Sport Cars Kia GT Concept At 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

Set to be unveiled tomorrow at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Kia Sport Cars Kia GT Concept At 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show is a rear-drive coupe-styled sport sedan that we can now confirm is powered by a turbocharged and direct-injection 3.3-liter V6 making 395-hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. Helping get power to the ground in a smooth and fuel efficient manner is an 8-speed automatic transmission. This four-seat concept, introduced at the Frankfurt auto show, hints at the expected rear-wheel-drive sports car sedan from Kia—which would be a first for the brand. It’s looking like a pretty sure thing, while also looking pretty darn good and unlike anything we’ve seen yet from Korea.

Kia Sport Cars Kia GT Concept At 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

Kia Sport Cars Kia GT Concept At 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, it’s a turbocharged version of the direct-injected 3.3-liter V-6 engine the conglomerate sells in other markets. In this application, it’s tied to the new eight-speed automatic seen in the Genesis and Equus, and delivers 390 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. The engine makes sense as the downsized replacement for the Koreans’ current 4.6-liter V-8. When the GT—or some semblance thereof—goes into production, either a turbocharged four-cylinder or a naturally aspirated V-6 will likely power the base model.

Kia Sport Cars Kia GT Concept At 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

“This concept allows us to explore exciting new design directions, as using a rear-drive layout creates very different proportions compared to a front-wheel drive car,” says Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer. ”The classic front-engined, rear-wheel drive layout of a performance saloon has distinct appeal not just for the domestic Korean audience, but also for the European and American markets.”

Kia Sport Cars Kia GT Concept At 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

Ignore the carbon-fiber wheel fins and sills, the glass-panel OLED interior controls, and the suicide doors, and you still end up with an attractive and eye-catching design. Kia design chief Peter Schreyer has gone on record saying he wants to build more interesting and fun-to-drive cars, and this is one about which he’s clearly excited. The GT’s silhouette reminds somewhat of the Porsche Panamera and Audi A7, which is no bad thing. At least when it comes to styling, where it has in the past diverged most from its Hyundai sibling, Kia seems to be heading in the right direction.

Kia Sport Cars Kia GT Concept At 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

New vehicle platforms being the expensive, engineering-intensive undertakings that they are, we fully expect the production version of this concept to ride on underpinnings shared with Hyundai. Kia even supplied dimensions for the GT (more evidence of an imminent if not already lit green light), quoting a wheelbase of 112.6 inches, which is three inches shy of the Hyundai Genesis sedan’s and 1.6 greater than the Genesis Coupe’s. In other words, it’s doable with the company’s current rear-drive parts.

Kia Sport Cars Kia GT Concept At 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

The Kia Sport Cars Kia GT Concept At 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, 690 mm long and 1.890 mm wide concept car, which signals Kia’s distinctive new design direction, has the classic front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout of a high performance sport car sedan which ensures very different proportions from a front-wheel drive car.

Kia Sport Cars Kia GT Concept At 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

The new concept allowed Kia to explore exciting new visual paths – with an extended bonnet, the front wheels pushed to the very front of the car, the cab-rearward stance with powerful rear shoulders and a truncated rear end. The front doors and rear-hinged back doors open at a slight upward angle ensuring easy access to the spacious and airy interior which provides generous, uncluttered cabin accommodation for four – thanks in part to the Kia GT’s unusually long wheelbase (2.860 mm) and despite its low stance, overall height is just 1.380 mm.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Lamborghini Sport Cars Rompighiaccio Electric Concept by Denis Archambault

Lamborghini Sport Cars Rompighiaccio Electric Concept by Denis Archambault

The Lamborghini Rompighiaccio Electric Concept is one example of their new drawings. This was designed by Denis Archambault and wants to be the next future supercar. Lamborghini releases on the market amazing fast cars almost every year, proving that incredible vehicles can be manufactured by imperfect human beings.

Lamborghini Sport Cars Rompighiaccio Electric Concept by Denis Archambault

All the Lamborghini cars are usually impressive because of their exterior design which is meant to follow the aerodynamic rules in order to improve the top speed of these supercars. In addition, the Italian automaker tried to improve each and every one of the components used for manufacturing the cars no matter if it was about the main material (nowadays mainly carbon fiber) used to build the frame and the interior of the car or about the engineering and technical components.

Lamborghini Sport Cars Rompighiaccio Electric Concept by Denis Archambault

The Lamborghini Sport Cars Rompighiaccio Electric Concept by Denis Archambault that allows an eco drive without compromising on luxury. Conceived by designer Denis Archambault, the electric car draws inspiration from the snow sculpts created by wind in the Arctic landscape to provide a zero-emission ride in utmost luxury. The rear spoiler of the Lamborghini Sport Cars Rompighiaccio Electric Concept by Denis Archambault adjusts its shape to lower the speed without much braking force.

Lamborghini Sport Cars Rompighiaccio Electric Concept by Denis Archambault

The vehicle takes inspiration from the snow sculpts created by wind in the Arctic landscape and also by a wolf’s anatomy. The absence of the distinctive engine allows utilization of space in a better way.

Lamborghini Sport Cars Rompighiaccio Electric Concept by Denis Archambault

Being an electrical model, the Lamborghini Sport Cars Rompighiaccio Electric Concept by Denis Archambault will not feature it’s bulky engine that other cars have and because of this, there will be more interior space to use. Nevertheless, the Rompighiaccio is said to deliver the same or even better performance as it’s competitor models, which is frankly a very daring statement. It will be interesting to see a Lamborghini will have more or less the same power and also have no emissions.

Lamborghini Sport Cars Rompighiaccio Electric Concept by Denis Archambault

With a zero-emission electric drive, the Lamborghini Sport Cars Rompighiaccio Electric Concept by Denis Archambault will not produce any emissions, while offering the same performance as its gas-powered competitors. The interiors have also been created to give a new experience to the occupants. The seats move and get closer as the speed of the car increases.

The passenger seat can also be removed completely, bringing the driver in the center of the Lamborghini Sport Cars Rompighiaccio Electric Concept by Denis Archambault, a position most favorable when riding this beast on a race track. The rear spoiler also adjusts its shape at high speeds to lower the speed without using much braking force.

Lamborghini Sport Cars Rompighiaccio Electric Concept by Denis Archambault

This future Lamborghini is unique due to its ultra modern and compact design that is completed with an interior that goes to the next level when it comes to luxury. The competition between these two “green” supercars will be fierce, but interesting and exciting for the ones that will take advantage of the final products.