Lexus IS430 Project, 2003

 Lexus IS430 Project, 2003

The Lexus IS is an entry-level luxury car / compact executive car produced by the Lexus marque of Toyota Motor Corporation and originally sold as the Toyota Altezza in Japan. It was introduced as an entry-level model to slot below the ES in the Lexus lineup and to compete against the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Nissan Skyline/Infiniti G35 sports sedans.

The first-generation Altezza (codename XE10) was launched in Japan in October 1998, while the Lexus IS 200 made its debut in Europe in 1999 and the IS 300 in North America in 2001. The second generation IS was launched in 2006. The Lexus range of cars are very successful in North America, but it is still lagging behind its German rivals in the rest of the world.

First generation
European and North American-market Lexus IS vehicles, as well as the Japanese hatchback/station wagon version called the Gita (called Lexus IS Sportcross in the U.S. and Europe) were only available in the 6-cylinder versions. US and European sales of the Lexus IS 300 were disappointing. In the American market, after hitting a high of 22,486 units in 2001, IS sales dropped below the 10,000-unit mark in 2004. The IS200 fared better in Europe and Asia, but still fell well short of the sales volume achieved by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and other, mostly German-made competitors.

Second generation
The IS was redesigned for the 2006 model year and was introduced in the fall of 2005. The Toyota Altezza name ceased to be used with the introduction of the Lexus name in Japan. A pre-production example of the second generation IS model was shown in the 2005 Geneva Auto Show. The slow-selling SportCross station wagon version was dropped from the lineup worldwide.
Lexus IS430 Project

For the United States, three IS models are sold by Lexus:

• IS 250 - 2.5 L V6, 204 hp (152 kW), Rear wheel drive
• IS 250 AWD - 2.5 L 4GR-FSE V6 with all wheel drive, 204 hp (152 kW)
• IS 350 - 3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6, 306 hp (228 kW), Rear wheel drive

In the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, 2 models are sold by Lexus:

• IS 250 - 2.5 L V6, 204 hp (152 kW), Rear wheel drive
• IS 220d - 2.2 L Inline-4, 175 hp (130 kW), Rear wheel drive. Manual transmission only.

The IS 250 RWD comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, and a 6-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. The IS 250 AWD and the IS 350 are only available with the 6-speed automatic. A precrash system is a novelty in the market.

The IS 350's performance has been admirable, and its acceleration is class-leading. Some say this marks Lexus' first foray into the sport compact market that compares fairly well with its German competitors. However, prevailing criticisms are that its steering is not as communicative as that of the BMW 3 Series, its stability and traction control systems cannot be fully disabled, and that the higher-performance IS 350 is only offered with an automatic transmission. 

However, the stability control system/traction control system can be disabled through non-conventional methods by using a code during engine start. This involves starting the car with the parking brake engaged, releasing the parking brake, pushing the brake pedal twice, holding it on the second push, engaging the parking brake twice, holding it on the second, and repeating until the vehicle traction light appears on the dash. This will effectively disable the system until the car is turned off. It is also criticised for poor packaging as it has the least boot space in its segment by a significant margin.

Lotus Hot Wheels Concept, 2007

 

 

 

 

Lotus Hot Wheels Concept, 2007

Group Lotus plc has teamed up with Hot Wheels, the famous global die-cast brand, to design, develop and produce a Lotus Hot Wheels Concept vehicle. The 1:5 scale model was on display to the world at the annual SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Centre between 29th October and 2nd November 2007, and a 1:64 scale version of the design  become part of the Hot Wheels product range in spring 2008.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, Hot Wheels approached Lotus and other world leaders in he automotive industry with the challenge for each company to produce a vehicle that embodies its own engineering philosophy and brand. The result from Lotus is a stunning open-top two seat sports car concept. Russell Carr, Head of Lotus Design said; "This was a dream job for the design team because, for many of us, when we were children, it was Hot Wheels® that first ignited our passion for cars and design.

The Lotus Design's international reputation for designing visually dynamic and exhilarating sports cars perfectly fitted the brief for this programme and we relished the opportunity to design a concept that was free from the typical technical and legal constraints of a full size car. In addition the design offered unique challenges because it has to work as a toy and we therefore had to remember how specific views, features and tactile qualities of toy cars fascinated us as children.

Hot Wheels cars are barely 75mm long, so specific attention went to create a bold shape that would work well at this scale. Another challenge was to create an exciting design that would work well as a toy. The car needed to be recognisable as a Lotus without having to turn it over to look at the badge underneath. The dynamic voluptuous curves make the car look agile and fun to drive. Bold aerodynamic aids are incorporated to achieve exceptional Lotus handling. 

The top exit radiator at the front, a distinctive Lotus design feature, the rear diffuser and a large rear wing all provide down-force helping the vehicle stick to the road. In addition, large side air intakes and an open rear end aid engine breathing. Inside the car, the exposed centre spine is part of the structure and incorporates the switches and gear linkage and supports the rear wing.

Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita, 2008

 

 

 Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita, 2008

When sunlight hits the Koenigsegg CCXR Trevitas, it sparkles like millions of silvery white diamonds infused inside the visible carbon fiber weave bodywork.

Trevita is an abbreviation in Swedish and translates into - three whites. The Koenigsegg visible carbon weave body work is renowned around the globe for its perfection and uniqueness. However, so far it has only been possible to utilize the classic black carbonfibres.

As Koenigsegg always strives to create new unique technologies and solutions, we have now reached a new milestone - The Koenigsegg Proprietary Diamond Weave.

By utilising a new and unique method, Koenigsegg has managed to coat fibers with a diamond finish. The process was fully developed at Koenigsegg headquarters in Ängelholm Sweden, where the fiber treatment is conducted carefully in small quantities, prior to further processing the prepreg material.

The Koenigsegg  only produce three Koenigsegg CCXR Trevitas in total, hence the name. This makes the Trevita one of the most rare versions in the Koenigsegg family cars.

The three cars are fully equipped with Koenigsegg Shimmering Diamond Weave bodywork, double carbon wing, paddle-shift, inconell exhaust system, carbon ceramic brakes with ABS, hydraulic lifting system, infotainment system, tyre monitoring system, chrono instrument cluster and airbags.

Hummer H2 SUV, 2003

 

 

 

Hummer H2 SUV, 2003

The H2 is the second vehicle sold under the Hummer marque of General Motors. It is a large SUV (though smaller than the Hummer H1) with room for five passengers and substantial off-road ability. The rearmost part of the H2 SUV was modified to a pickup truck bed for the 2004 H2 SUT ("Sport Utility Truck").

Overview
The H2 is built under contract by AM General at a specially constructed plant in Mishawaka, Indiana, USA. Although it shares GM's GMT820 truck platform with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, those vehicles differ in many ways and are constructed in three other GM plants. The H2's final frame assembly is made up of 3 sections: The front uses a modified GM 2500-Series utility frame, the mid-section is all new and is completely boxed, and the rear section uses a modifed GM 1500-Series frame which is upgraded for the 8000 pound (3629 kg) gross vehicle weight.

H2 sales were initially strong, but fell to 28,898 for 2004 and 23,213 for 2005.
The H2 was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2003.

Engine
2003–2005 6000 6.0 L (366 in³) V8

Capabilities
With its high ground clearance, large tires, protective underbody plates, and low gearing, the H2 is capable of climbing over a 20-inch-high (0.4 m) step-up wall. A massive truck frame and wide track offer stability against overturning compared to some of the more common light truck SUVs, although objective tests have not been performed by the government or other outside parties due to its specialised vehicle class.

Fuel economy
For typical travel on improved roads, users report fuel economy of between 10 and 14 miles per gallon, which converts to between 14 and 17 L/100 km. Worst case urban driving is said to be in the range of 8 to 14 U.S. mpg (21 to 25 L/100 km). Although General Motors does not provide official H2 fuel economy ratings, most reviews have observed high single to low double-digit mileage, similar to the numbers above.

It should be noted that other large vehicles also have poor fuel economy especially with optional larger engines including the Dodge Ram 1500 series pickup trucks equipped with either the 8.3L V10 (MSRP US$48,500) or the 4.7L V8 Flexible Fuel engine running E85 fuel (MSRP US$31,300). Both of these engines are rated at 9 U.S. mpg city and 11 U.S. mpg highway by the E.P.A. as one example.

Tax benefits
Under the United States income tax code, the cost of vehicles over 6,000 pounds (2722 kg) can be deducted from income. This deduction was enacted decades ago to assist self-employed people in purchasing a vehicle for business use. The weight minimum was intended to limit the deduction to commercial-type trucks. For many years, the deduction remained below the average cost of a new vehicle, since large trucks were relatively inexpensive. Since it is a reduction in taxable income, the actual value of this deduction averages 30% of the price of the vehicle in question.

The increasing popularity of these vehicles in the last decade, however, pushed their average price to nearly double the average passenger car cost. In response, the 2002 Tax Act increased this "Section 179 depreciation deduction" to US$75,000, and it rose again to US$102,000 for the 2004 tax year. This is more than three times the current average cost of a passenger car in the United States and covers a large number of luxury models, including the Hummer H2. In late 2004, the deduction was again reduced to US$25,000.

Criticism
The Hummer H2 is one of the most severely criticized civilian vehicles on the market today. Critics have expressed concern at the fuel economy which they cite as being among the most inefficient of vehicles. The Environmental Protection Agency does not test them for fuel economy because of their weight, they are thus categorised as light trucks and thus are not bound to fuel economy standards.

The Hummer H2 is criticised for contributing towards petroleum comsumption in the United States. In addition, they are criticized for obstructing the views of drivers behind them with their large vehicles. Criticism is also leveled at the H2 by safety advocates who have expressed concern that their size and height make them far deadlier to smaller vehicles as well as bicyclists, and pedestrians since the front of the Hummer H2 will likely strike the head and/or chest where injuries are far more life-threatening instead of the knees where regular cars are most likely to impact a pedestrian.

GM HyWire Concept, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 GM HyWire Concept, 2002

The Hy-wire (Hydrogen drive-by-wire) is a concept car from General Motors. The car runs on hydrogen fuel cells and uses a drive-by-wire system, meaning that the car is controlled electronically. GM asked school children to name the car, and one of them suggested "hy-wire".

The General Motors has stated that it is confident that it can produce a commercially viable model by 2010.

Elfin Clubman MS8, 2004

 

 

 

 Elfin Clubman MS8, 2004

The Elfin MS8 models have been designed by Elfin Sports Cars and styled by the Holden Design team. This collaboration between two Australian manufacturing icons has been an enthusiastic exercise, by car enthusiasts, for car enthusiasts.

The Elfin MS8 sports cars are successors to the Elfin MS7, the Chevrolet V8 powered Elfin which won the 1975 and 1976 Australian Tourist Trophy Sports Car Championships.

Drivetrain
    * 5.7 litre alloy V8
    * From 245 kW
    * 6 speed gearbox
    * Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

Safety
    * Traction control
    * ABS braking system
    * Cruise control

Suspension
    * Fully independent rear suspension with top and bottom wishbones plus toe link adjustment
    * Front suspension with top and bottom chrome moly, unequal, aerofoil wishbones
    * Fully adjustable race spec rose joints throughout
    * Elfin alloy uprights (front and rear), fully adjustable for camber, caster & toe
    * Coil over Koni shock absorbers, adjustable for bump, rebound and ride height

Brakes
    * Slotted & ventilated 4 wheel disc brakes Front: 32 x 343mm discs
    * Elfin alloy billet machined 6 pot calipers Rear: 18 x 315mm discs with handbrake
    * Elfin alloy billet machined 4 pot calipers

Wheels/Tyres
    * Alloy 18" wheels
    * 235 x 40 tyres

Dimensions
    * Length 3200mm
    * Front Track 1460mm
    * Width 1700mm
    * Rear Track 1430mm
    * Wheelbase 2290mm
    * Kerb Weight 925kg

Covini C6W, 2004

 

 Covini C6W, 2004

The original idea for the Covini C6W was conceived by Ferruccio Covini in '74 and made provision for 10 inches front wheels because there where no low profile tyres at the time. The project was ditched in favour of the Soleado prototype, deemed more important, and lay dormant until the 80s when hydro-pneumatic suspension for the four front wheels where devised to optimise weight distribution under various loading conditions. High development costs and other contingencies forced the project to be delayed again. Its use of new ABS technologies and airbags in the 90s pointed in the direction of new research into active and passive safety. This aspect encouraged backing from companies for its development.

Why six wheels?

• in case of a front tyre deflation, the vehicle control is guaranteed by the other wheel next to it.
• four front disc brakes, although a smaller single area, ensure a greater braking surface; this means less overheating and a higher brake effort
• low risk of aquaplaning, due to the two foremost wheels, which wipe the water for the ones behind them, ensuring a better roadholding
• comfort is a consequence of more evenly distributed reaction forces in the supension: the reaction in case of a pot hole is divided between the four front wheels and the shudder in the chassis is limited.
• reduced unsprung weight in the wheels improves the grip. Directional stability is improved: a change of angle due to slack in the steering mechanism (in stuctures like silentblocks) is compensated by the second set of wheels.
• two additional springs and dampers provide a better handling for the vehicle.

Technical Specifications

• ENGINE: rear, longitudinal, 8 cylinder in V formation, 4 valves per cylinder, naturally aspirated, petrol direct injection Bosch-motronic.
• CAPACITY: 4200 cc
• MAX POWER: 380 PS (260KW) at 6400 rpm
• MAX TORQUE: about 450 Nm (45.9 Kgm) at 2700 rpm
• TRANSMISSION: rear wheel drive transaxle
• GEARBOX: mechanical 6-speed + reverse. Manual and electro-hydraulic steeringwheel mounted servo
• CHASSIS: steel tubular with carbon fibre reinforcements and structural parts
• SUSPENSION: independent front and rear wishbones
• WHEELS AND TYRES: front 16in wheels with 215/45-16 tyres; rear 20in with 345/25-20 tyres
• BRAKES: front and rear vented Brembo discs. Bosch servo and electronic brake distribution
• BODYWORK: glass fibre and carbon fibre
• DIMENSIONS: length 4180mm; width 1990mm; height 1080mm; wheelbase 2230mm/2750mm (to foremost/middle front transaxle); front track 1540mm; rear track 1620mm ; dry weight 1150 kg
• TOP SPEED: 300 km/h (185mph)