2010 Mercedes-Benz Biome Concept images

2010 Mercedes-Benz Biome Concept photo
2010 Mercedes-Benz Biome Concept
2010 Mercedes-Benz Biome Concept image
2010 Mercedes-Benz Biome Concept picture
2010 Mercedes-Benz Biome Concept wallpaper

It’s really natural vehicle in my opinion, the BIOME Concept design by designers of the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios in Carlsbad, California. Designers taking their inspiration from nature, they designed a vehicle which is fully integrated into the ecosystem, from the moment of its creation right through to the end of its service life.

“The Mercedes-Benz BIOME Concept is a natural technology hybrid, and forms part of our earth’s ecosystem. It grows and thrives like the leaves on a tree” according to Hubert Lee, Head of the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios in Carlsbad. This year the competition had called for the creation of a vision of a safe and comfortable 2 2 compact car featuring good handling and a first-class design, and weighing only 1,000 lbs (around 454 kg/kerb weight).

The BIOME Concept symbiosis vehicle is made from an ultralight material called BioFibre and tips the scales at just 875.5 lbs (around 394 kg). This material is significantly lighter than metal or plastic, yet more robust than steel. BioFibre is grown from proprietary DNA in the Mercedes-Benz nursery, where it collects energy from the sun and stores it in a liquid chemical bond called BioNectar4534. As part of this process, the vehicle is created from two seeds: The interior of the BIOME grows from the DNA in the Mercedes star on the front of the vehicle, while the exterior grows from the star on the rear. To accommodate specific customer requirements, the Mercedes star is genetically engineered in each case, and the vehicle “grows” when the genetic code is combined with the seed capsule. The wheels are grown from four separate seeds.

The BioNectar4534 is stored in the BioFibre material of the chassis, interior, and wheels. Also it is equipped a technology to equip trees with special receptors which can collect the excess solar energy and turn it into BioNectar4534. Like plants, the Mercedes-Benz symbiosis vehicle also produces oxygen, thereby contributing to improving air quality. At the end of its service life, the Mercedes-Benz BIOME can be fully composted or used as building material. Thanks to the exclusive use of green technologies, the BIOME vehicle thus blends seamlessly into the ecosystem.

2011 Volvo S60 images

2011 Volvo S60 photo
2011 Volvo S60 image
2011 Volvo S60 picture
2011 Volvo S60 2010
2011 Volvo S60 wallpaper

Today, Volvo unleashed a slew of photos and details of its very promising all-new 2011 S60 sedan that will have its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on the 2nd of March.

The premium model, which this time is aimed directly at cars like the Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class, is described by Volvo as the firm's most dynamic car ever produced, not only in terms of styling but also in terms of driving characteristics.

It's sculptured shape with the coupe-like roofline was previewed by the S60 study at the 2009 Detroit Show, and even though the design has been toned down a notch, it remains very close to the (well-accepted) original concept.

"Its profile radiates so much coupe feeling that the rear doors come as something of a pleasant surprise when you examine the car close-up," says Volvo Cars' Design Director Peter Horbury.

Inside, the styling is equally fresh with Volvo's designers paying extra attention to details and the choice of materials. The Swedes also claim that it's more spacious that its predecessor offering 30mm more knee room for the rear passengers while boot opening has been made 107 mm wider than in the previous S60.

"The interior has a more extrovert attitude than before, but without losing any of its practical Scandinavian roots. The all-new S60 brings us up to a whole new level when it comes to the integral experience of colour, form, material and technology," says Peter Horbury.

Volvo is pitching the new S60 as a driver's car due to its refined chassis that is backed up by a range of electronic systems and the new engine line up.

The new sedan can be specified with a choice of two chassis - Dynamic and Comfort- with the differences concerning the dampers and the front and rear subframes.

In Europe, the newly developed dynamic chassis is standard, while most markets in North America and Asia will have the comfort chassis as standard with the sport variant available as an option.

All variants of the new S60 can be specified with the latest iteration of the firm's self-adjusting FOUR-C active chassis.

Special features include the new Advanced Stability Control with a new roll angle sensor, the Corner Traction Control that uses torque vectoring to improve cornering and the available Pedestrian Detection system that can detect pedestrians who walk into the road in front of the car, warn the driver and automatically apply full braking power if the driver does not respond in time.

At launch the car will be available with two diesel and two gasoline units with three more petrol and one diesel to follow later on.

The most powerful engine is the 3.0-liter T6 petrol with 304HP and 440 Nm of torque that's combined with standard AWD and second-generation six-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (62mph) takes 6.5 seconds and top speed is 250 km/h or 155mph.

The new four-cylinder 2.0 GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine has produces 203HP and 300 Nm with acceleration from 0-100 km/h (62mph) taking 7.7 seconds with the manual gearbox and 8.2 seconds with the automatic. The top speed figures are 235 km/h (manual) and 230 km/h (automatic).

The S60 2.0T with manual gearbox uses 7.9 litres of fuel per 100 km equal to 29.8mpg US.

Volvo said that during the first year of production, the all-new S60 will also be offered with a 2.0 GTDi variant (T5) producing 240HP and torque of 320 Nm and a 1.6-litre GTDi engine available in two versions with 180HP (T4) and 150HP (T3).

All the GTDi gasoline engines will be available in combination with Volvo's automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.

The range also includes two five-cylinder turbodiesels. The D5 with 205HP and 420 Nm of torque propels the S60 from 0-100 km/h (62mph) in 7.8 seconds (manual and automatic) while top speed is 235 km/h (manual) and 230 km/h (automatic).

Fuel consumption is 5.9 l/100 km (EU Combined, preliminary figure) or 39.9mpg US with the manual gearbox.

In addition there is the newly developed 2.0-liter D3 producing 163HP and 400 Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (62mph) takes 9.2 seconds (manual and automatic) while top speed is 220 km/h (manual) and 215 km/h (automatic).

With a manual gearbox, fuel consumption (EU Combined, preliminary figure) is now down to 5.2 l/100km or 45.2 mpg US

Both turbodiesels are available with six-speed automatic transmissions or a six-speed manual gearbox while the D5 can also be specified with all-wheel drive.

The most fuel efficient S60 will be the DRIVe version fitted with a 115HP 1.6-liter turbo diesel and a six-speed manual gearbox that returns 4.3lt/100km or 54.7mpg US.

Lincoln MKT (2010) pics

Lincoln MKT (2010) image
Lincoln MKT (2010) photo
new Lincoln MKT (2010)
Lincoln is offering full-size luxury crossover customers a fresh new choice with the 2010 Lincoln MKT, a three-row tourer that delivers the optimal blend of fuel economy, performance, technology and spaciousness.

"We're growing Lincoln's product portfolio with a full-size crossover that offers more of everything luxury buyers want today - including more variety," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "Lincoln MKT will help us further build momentum for Lincoln, which has been outpacing its luxury competitors and growing market share in recent months."

The all-new 2010 Lincoln MKT is larger than the two-row Lincoln MKX mid-size premium crossover and joins the sumptuous and sporty Lincoln MKS luxury sedan launched in 2008 and the new Lincoln MKZ sedan that hits the market in spring.

Standard on every Lincoln MKT is the brand's signature design - complete with a split waterfall grille, a beveled chamfer along the vehicle's shoulder line, a flowing cantrail that frames the greenhouse and full-width horizontal taillamps that span the subtly curved weight-saving magnesium liftgate that adds visual character while protecting generous rear cargo space.

Precision Lincoln MKT craftsmanship is reflected in world-class panel margins, and in the high tactile quality of interior surfaces and trim.
Lincoln MKT (2010) wallpaper
Lincoln MKT (2010) picture

2011 nissan sentra images

2011 nissan sentra photo
2011 nissan sentra pics
Nissan has raised the prices on its Maxima and Sentra sedans for 2011, while treating both to detail refinements. Although Nissan has just released pricing information, the automaker says the Maxima and Sentra are already on sale nationwide.

The Maxima is offered in two trims for 2011: – Maxima 3.5 S and Maxima 3.5 SV. Each version features the laudable 3.5-liter, 290-horsepower DOHC VQ-series V-6 engine and CVT transmission. Notable updates for the new model year include new tailpipe finisher on all models. The Sport version get smoked headlights, dark chrome grille, and unique shiny gray interior stitching. The Maxima will be available in two new body colors: Metallic Slate and Brilliant Silver. (Read our Nissan Maxima review.)

2011 Nissan Maxima pricing
$30,810 - Maxima 3.5 S CVT
$33,530 - Maxima 3.5 SV CVT

The 2011 Sentra benefits from an SE-R style rear spoiler being added to the 2.0 CVT, 2.0 S, and 2.0 SL models. The Sentra 2.0, 2.0 S and 2.0 SR benefit from a full additional of safety equipment that includes ABS with brake-force distribution, stability control, and traction control. That’s about it for updates. If you haven’t driven the fun and frugal Sentra for a while, you might be surprised that the current model offers such upscale niceties as an intelligent key and five-inch navigation system. Base power is a practical 140 horsepower, though there are 177-hp and 200-hp versions available for considerably more entertainment. (Read our Nissan Sentra review.)
new 2011 nissan sentra
2011 nissan sentra wallpaper
2011 nissan sentra interior picture

2010 Cadillac Area Concept pics

2010 Cadillac Area interior
2010 Cadillac Area Concept photo
2010 Cadillac Area Concept image
new 2010 Cadillac Area Concept
2010 Cadillac Area car

GM officially unveiled the Cadillac CTS Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show this past January. At the time the automaker would not say if the car was ever going to enter production, although we all new better.

The 2010 CTS coupe has been caught testing at GM's Milford Proving Grounds and as you can tell much of the same details from the concept will carryover to the production model. Production is expected to start in the spring of 2009 and the coupe, which could be officially named the Cadillac CTC will be released as a 2010 model.

2010 Peugeot HR1 Concept pics

2010 Peugeot HR1 Concept image
2010 Peugeot HR1 interior photo
2010 Peugeot HR1 Concept wallpaper
2010 Peugeot HR1 Concept
2010 Peugeot HR1 Concept image

The Peugeot HR1 Concept is an exclusive and innovative urban concept car that blends together a number of genres (city run-around, coupé and SUV). It is targeted at active young city dwellers smitten with design and innovation who are in search of a vehicle that matches their profile.

Peugeot is always exploring new motoring ideas and this inventiveness has already given rise to many production vehicles and concept cars, including a number of genuine commercial and design successes (Coupé/Cabriolet, the 3008... and more recently the BB1 concept vehicle).

The Peugeot HR1 Concept is based on several different body designs: city run-around, coupé, SUV... and, in doing so, is creating its own identity and new and original benefits.

The Peugeot HR1 Concept has been created to appeal to young city dwellers; individuals and couples, who lead an active outgoing life and who seek out new lifestyle experiences in relation to their leisure activities and their mobility.

It is designed to make urban travel easy and pleasurable even in the busiest or most confined urban areas. It is helped by its particularly compact dimensions (a length of 3.67 m and very short front and rear overhangs) but also an original system for getting into and out of the vehicle. Based on the Marque's experience in this field, the Peugeot HR1 Concept has two electric "scissor" doors to facilitate access under all circumstances (restricted parking, small garage, etc...). To improve visibility and manoeuvrability and provide a dominant driving position, the ride height of the vehicle has been raised, also improving ground clearance.

The Peugeot HR1 Concept contains all the genes of the Peugeot Marque, whose new stylistic design codes were first unveiled on the SR1 Concept car. The Peugeot HR1 Concept shares the same expressive headlamps with their finely chiselled design and the single "floating" front grille which seems to be detached from the rest of the body, as the SR1.

The overall styling is athletic, powerful and dynamic and is strengthened further by the flowing wheel arches, large wheels and the raised sections above the rear windscreen, reminiscent of the "double bubble" roof design of the RCZ Coupé. The finesse of the superstructure, the two-tone interplay of polished and chrome materials, every component expresses the high level of build quality, a sign of the meticulous attention paid to every detail. This is true also of the headlamps and "full LED" rear lights, finished in the style of hi-tech jewels which give the car a unique signature by day and by night.

Innovation is a strong feature of all Peugeot models and especially the Peugeot HR1 Concept. At the rear, the roof bars serve as an ingenious hinge for the opening one-piece, dark tinted glass tailgate.

In keeping with the recent design trends of the Marque's latest vehicles, the interior of the Peugeot HR1 Concept has a structured design, with a "High-Tech Coupé" driving position, providing a special ambiance through the combination of style, quality of finish, equipment and ergonomics.

The driver and passenger are both provided with a "privileged area" within the vehicle, separated by a centre console which adds to the futuristic design and helps increase light levels due to the use of electroluminescent diodes. The fitment of the two glazed roof sections, dedicated to the right and left occupants, with an electro-chrome finish, also help to diffuse more light on request.

The car's instrumentation suggests total command of the vehicle by the driver, with ergonomically placed controls, a small steering wheel, and a "Head-Up" display allowing information to be seen without the driver taking their eyes off the road.

The passenger compartment of the Peugeot HR1 Concept has a very "authentic" feel, dynamic, technological and protective, able to shield its occupants from the stress of the outside world.

The Peugeot HR1 Concept is equipped with particularly innovative controls which operate what is known as the "man-machine interface". The concept car thus has a "movement recognition" system. Simple and intuitive, this allows the driver to scroll through functions and select available settings with a simple movement of the hand. For example, by rotating the hand the user can scroll menus, displayed in the manner of a carousel. The driver can also choose to switch control of the menus to the front passenger, with a sweep of the hand from left to right.

The technology controlled by this method includes the audio, satellite navigation and air conditioning systems. The driver can also select, at his discretion, the preferred type of information to be displayed in the instrument panel: rev counter, water and oil temperature during "dynamic driving", or tourist information when "cruising". The front passenger, meanwhile, benefits from a mobile PC tablet which allows data to be shared and exchanged with the driver's display.

The ingenuity of the Peugeot HR1 Concept resides also in its modularity. It has been designed primarily for young city dwellers without children, in search of a fun vehicle that is fashionable and roomy enough to carry their leisure equipment (bicycle, diving equipment, etc...) or be loaded up with shopping. Its load area, practical and accommodating thanks to its flat floor and sides, offers a load space of 734 litres.

The passenger compartment can be very quickly configured to accommodate either three or four full size seats, thanks to the clever "stowaway seat" system. With this system the rear seats fold down flat and then fit snugly behind the front seats creating a flat load area floor. As on the RCZ, the special shape of the rear tailgate glass with its raised "double bubble" sections, allows the rear headroom to be optimised. When both rear seats are raised, the boot capacity is reduced, but it still offers a substantial 180 litres of space.

One of Peugeot's key priorities is to retain its environmental leadership over the coming years. In this respect, the Peugeot HR1 Concept, which is most at home in the city, needed to meet this brief by being particularly efficient and innovative.

The Peugeot HR1 Concept, therefore, incorporates Peugeot's innovative HYbrid4 technology with all its associated benefits. With an internal combustion engine at the front and an electric motor at the rear it can be driven as often as possible in "zero emissions" mode in town at low speed, or with both "engines" together, providing four-wheel drive capability where challenging surfaces warrant it.

Under the bonnet, the internal combustion engine which drives the front wheels is a new three cylinder petrol unit. It has a capacity of 1.2 litres and, using Peugeot's THP technology, produces 110 bhp. It is one of the members of the future family of three cylinder engines currently under development. As part of Peugeot's downsizing strategy, the engine has been developed using the most advanced technologies, combining both a high level of performance with environmental efficiency.

It is linked to a 37 bhp electric motor and, therefore, has a maximum potential power output of 147 bhp, with a combined fuel consumption of 81 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 80 g/km.

The electronically-controlled 6-speed manual gearbox (with control paddles on the steering wheel and a centrally mounted gear lever) coupled with this power train is designed to offer maximum control. The driver can also opt between two modes of operation, sequential or automatic.

The Peugeot HR1 Concept has a pseudo McPherson front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. Steering is provided by an electric power steering system which offers excellent handling characteristics at low speed, astonishing agility during manoeuvres and maximum accuracy at higher speeds, for good all-round performance.

With its high-performance suspension, efficient steering and new power train, the Peugeot HR1 Concept provides a unique driving experience, combining the emotion of real driving enjoyment with the rigour of genuine environmental efficiency.

Lotus 2-Eleven (2007) pics

Lotus 2-Eleven (2007) image
Lotus 2-Eleven (2007) photo
new Lotus 2-Eleven (2007)
Lotus 2-Eleven (2007) car

Lotus 2-Eleven head light

2010 Zenvo ST1 photos

2010 Zenvo ST1 pics
2010 Zenvo ST1 image
2010 Zenvo ST1 pics
new 2010 Zenvo ST1
2010 Zenvo ST1 picture

The design brief from the Zenvo creators to the designers at hermann & brandt design consultancy was to design a supercar that looked like no other supercar. The design had to be aggressive mixing supercar styling with race car elements.

The design of the Zenvo ST1 is made from free flowing accelerating lines creating the shape of the wheel arches, the roof line, side line and the lower side air intake. The sharp lines are connected by muscular organic surfacing creating dramatic reflections. Contrasting the general surfacing the design features a race car inspired lower carbon splitter.

The front of the Zenvo ST1 is designed around the hexagonal trademark Zenvo grille flanked by the large front air intakes used for brakes and engine cooling. The intakes are raked back to minimize drag and at the same time making the side impression of the car more compact.

The theme of the front is repeated in the rear which is designed around the big diffuser necessary for high speed stability. As on the front the center volume is flanked by large air exits extracting hot engine air as well as housing the exhaust and rear lights.

The rear spoiler mandatory for a car capable of extreme high speeds is partly integrated in the rear wing. It has a unique aerodynamic design following the raked shape of the rear end.