Automotive
Citroen's versatile Pluriel - five cars for the price of (a cheap) one
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September 14, 2004 Different cars suit different purposes. It's a sad fact that few cars tend to meet more than a handful of those purposes. Accordingly, we love Citroen's convertible C3 Pluriel, a single car that can convert in seconds from a versatile hatch back, to a hatch with a massive open roof, to cabriolet, then a spider and, finally a Ute with a drop down tail gate. All of this versatility does not come at the expense of good looks, as would be expected of a company that has already won world's most beautiful car crowns for the Citroen C3 and C2 models. Nor does it come at the expense of ... err, expense. At AUD$31,490, the Pluriel versatility is very cost effective. Read More
Details of the Volvo Extreme Gravity Car
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The origins of the soapbox derby or billykart race are not well documented, or so we thought. Volvo's press release on its Extreme Gravity car dates the first organised soapbox derby in 1933 at Dayton Ohio, USA. Regardless of the accuracy of that claim, the Volvo Extreme Gravity Racer is far removed from those original vehicles. Comprised of water-jet-cut high-strength aluminum, carbon fiber composite and fiberglass, the machine is a feast for the eyes of anyone who has ever built such a gravity machine. Read More
A new breed of high performance electric car
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The Tango is an electric car no wider than a motorcycle, with a passenger or luggage space located tandem-style behind the driver. It is so narrow that four Tangos can fit in a normal-sized parking space. Despite its precarious looks, it has a very low centre of gravity and will stop , accelerate and corner faster than almost anything else on the road. It may look vulnerable but it has a carbon fibre body shell and a race-approved roll cage structure which make it a very safe, capable and environmentally responsible vehicle. Read More
Toyota patents cars that show their (and your) feelings
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Toyota has been granted a patent for a system which enables a vehicle to recognise its surroundings, the actions of other road users and the emotional response of its driver and convey the driver's emotions to the public via a vehicle expression system on the exterior of the vehicle. The car's emotion expression system uses the cars headlights, the colour of the vehicle, a set of "eyebrows" over the cars headlights, external LED displays and the height of the vehicle and the antennae to inform other users. Read More
The most successful F1 car in history?
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Ferrari's domination of F1 this year is not without its equal in history. After 11 wins from 12 races, Ferrari is on track to equal the 1988 feat of the McLaren F1 team which won 15 of 16 races. McLaren's drivers were the late Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, who between them took 15 of 16 poles and led for 1003 of the 1031 race laps that season. The pair also scored the most one-two finishes in a season with ten from 16 starts. The F2004 Ferrari just may become the most successful F1 car in history. Read More
Sony releases 3D car navigation system and media player
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Sony has released a new car navigation system which displays realistic 3D models of the road and buildings to aid the driver in navigating. The new top-of-the-range NV-XYZ 77 also has a 30Gb hard drive and is designed to dock in cradles on the car dashboard and on a PC to download audio and video entertainment and new maps as they become available. Currently, only Tokyo and some other major cities are in this map format but work is underway for other areas too. Read More
GMG Sportscar offers bargain supercar performance
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There's a new exotic German sportscar on the scene - the Apollo. To be built by GMG Sportscar Manufacturing and sold through OssiVersand, the two-seater will be powered by a 4.2-liter Audi V8 engine, and will come in three versions - a 360 horsepower basic version, a 460 horsepower turbo version, and a 650 horsepower biturbo version which will push the 1000 kg sportscar to a top speed of 360 kmh Read More
Volvo unveils commuter concept vehicle
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Volvo has unveiled a futuristic car of the future developed at its Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center (VMCC) just outside of Los Angeles. The Tandem is a two-passenger, capsule-shaped vehicle whereby the passenger sits directly behind the driver giving it its distinct name, which in design draws obvious comparison to the tandem bike. Read More
Shell Eco-Marathon winner averages 9737mpg
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Perennial economy competition winner Microjoule again took the top step on the podium of the Shell Eco-Marathon (UK) in 2004 with an average fuel consumption of 9737 mpg. The Shell Eco-Marathon is an annual fuel economy competition which last year saw a new world economy record set during the event when Team MicroJoule achieved an average fuel consumption of 10,705 mpg. Though it encountered many problems this year, it still beat its nearest competitor by 2000mpg and once again showed that it is possible to drive from London to Melbourne on less than one gallon of fuel, at least theoretically.! Read More
Batmobile for sale – ideal second car for superheros
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Yes folks, if you’re in the market for truly unique roadgoing vehicle, this may be just the thing you need. One of the world’s most elite automotive marketplaces is the Barrett-Jackson Los Angeles Collector Car Auction which this year numbers amongst its offerings the Batmobile used by Batman (Michael Keaton) in the 1992 filming of Batman Returns. Read More
BMW's new V10 engine in detail
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Each time BMW M introduces a new model, the focus of attention is centred on what lurks beneath the domed bonnet bulge. For the E60 M5 sedan due on sale in Australia mid-2005, the answer is a high-revving ultra-powerful V10 - a superb, state-of-the-art engine which BMW recently detailed for the world's press. Read More
Mobiledesk is an office desk designed for the car
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A new mobile office desk designed to occupy a car passenger seat promises a whole new world of organisation, productivity and safety for travelling professionals who do most of their work from behind the wheel of a car. Anyone who has ever seen their briefcase go sailing into the footwell, or hunted around the car for lost documents, will recognise the potential of the AutoExec mobile desk in enabling travelling professionals to be properly organised when carrying their office in their car. Read More
Lamborghini takes title as the world's fastest police Car
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The title of the world’s fastest police car has been secured by the Italian State Police (Polizia di Stato) wehich will soon begin using a Lamborghini Gallardo Police Car. The Gallardo Police Car will be used by the traffic police (Polizia Stradale) during emergencies and alarm situations on the Salerno-Reggio Calabria highway, also under the powers of the special safety operative which is already being employed along this tract of highway. Read More
Two New Versions of the Porsche 911
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For the first time since 1977, Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is launching two new 911 models at the same time: the 911 Carrera with a 239 KW (325 BHP), 3.6 litre boxer engine, and the 911 Carrera S, powered by a newly developed 3.8 litre engine, which delivers 261 KW (355 BHP). With torque... Read More
Ford Seattle-ite: one of history's most significant concept cars
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Concept cars attempt to predict the future, demonstrating new technologies to make our lives safer, more comfortable and anjoyable. With the 20-20 vision afforded by hindsight, Ford's 1963 World Fair Showpeice stands out as one of the most visionary concept cars in history. Many concept cars have forecast technologies that have become standard equippe but few have forecast as many technologies so far before their time as the Ford Seattle-ite XXI. Built to symbolise the future of American technological knowhow for the 1963 World’s Fair, it encompassed some remarkable concepts – interchangeable fuel cell power units, interchangeable bodies, interactive computer navigation, mapping and auto information systems, and four driving and steering wheels. Read More
BMW Brake Force Display
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BMW will incorporate a new Brake Force Display on most models from May 2004 - Brake Force Display is a simple yet effective way of communicating to following traffic that the BMW in front is stopping quickly, providing extra advance warning of a potential road hazard ahead. Read More
Covini's six wheeled sportscar
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Covini is a name which is not well known in automotive circles outside of Italy - that's almost certain to change thanks to the small company's latest design - a six wheel sports car along similar engineering lines to the famous Tyrrell P34 Formula One racing car of the mid-seventies. The six wheeled design offers many advantages over a conventional design as it offers more traction for cornering and braking and minimises the risks associated with tyre punctures and aquaplaning. The P34 experienced a host of development issues which technology has since solved. Covini's car certainly looks the business - in the go-department it is powered by an Audi 4.2 litre V8 motor (283.4 kw / 380 bhp @ 6400 rpm) which powers it to a top speed of 300 kmh. Read More
BMW shows the new 1 Series
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BMW has announced an all-new 1 Series five-door rear-wheel drive sports tourer hatch which will be unveiled to the public at the Paris Motor Show this September. The new premium compact will make its Australian debut just weeks later at the Sydney International Motor Show where it is sure to be one of the stars of the show. Read More
Toyota's Hybrid Supercar Concept
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In releasing details of its third futuristic concept car of the last fortnight, Toyota once again displayed its vision of the future when it showed a hybrid-powered supercar in conjunction with famous Italian design studio Giugaro. The hybrid supercar is one of the keys to promoting an environmentally-friendly automotive future, asserts Fabrizio Giugiaro. Read More
Volvo Concept Car Designed by women for women
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VVolvo's 'Your Concept Car' (YCC) is a concept vehicle designed by women for women. Conceived by Volvo in June 2002 with a view to targeting the most demanding premium customer, the independent professional woman, the YCC was presented at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. The idea of an all-woman team making all the decisions in the development of a new concept car arose at Volvo Car in the autumn of 2001. Visiting Volvo at the time for a series of workshops was Marti Barletta, an American expert on female consumer patterns. She claimed: "If you meet the expectations of women, you exceed the expectations of men." "We're sure it's right," says Camilla Palmertz, one of the two project managers for the YCC. "That's why that thesis has been our guiding light in developing Your Concept Car." Read More
Koenigsegg makes world's most powerful production car
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Swedish supercar manufacturer Koenigsegg specialises in brutally fast exotica - Koenigsegg's CC8S is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's most powerful production car. With the introduction of the CCR at the Geneva Motor Show, they have effectively broken their own record - 806 hp at 6,900 rpm. The two-door, two-seater CCR's outrageous figures don't stop there. With a dry weight of 1180 kg, it has a power to weight ratio of 1.46 kg per hp, which is another industry best figure. With so much horsepower and so little weight, it's no surprise the CCR runs a standing quarter mile in nine seconds flat, with a terminal speed of 235kmh. The CCR does 0 to 100 kmh in 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of close to 400 kmh (245mph), thanks to a slippery Cd (drag co-efficient) of just 0.297 and a very low frontal area (1.825 m2). Read More
Rinspeed Splash - amphibious sportscar unveiled
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The Rinspeed Splash Amphibious Hydrofoil Sportscar previewed by Gizmo in December 2003 was unveiled to the world at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show - the Splash is capable of 80 kmh (approx. 45 knots) on the water and 200 kmh on land. The design is yet another concept from Swiss creative studio Rinspeed, whose concept designs have graced the pages of Gizmo several times in our short history. In 2002 it was the Presto, a collapsible car which turned from a four seat convertible to a two-seater at the press of a button. Then, last August Rinspeed showed the Bedouin, an off-road vehicle capable of extending and retracting just like the Presto. In early January this year we showed the CAD drawings of the Splash and now the car has been unveiled, the tenth Rinspeed concept car and the most outrageous to date. Read More
Renault Wind Concept Car
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The Renault Wind concept car is a 2+1 roadster with streamlined design and lively performance which will be shown at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. Read More
Mazda Space Wagon
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Mazda Motor Corporation heads into the 74th Geneva International Motor Show with the world debut of its newest concept vehicle, the MX-Flexa. The six-seat concept demonstrates one possible direction Mazda could take in creating a future space wagon. Read More
Radical Nissan Actic Concept
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The Nissan Actic is a "content rich" design exercise created by Nissan Design America which made its debut at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit Read More
Volkswagen T-concept unifies the SUV and sports car
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Volkswagen opened yet another door to the future of the automobile at the North American International Autoshow in Detroit earlier this month when it showed the 'concept T', a crossover vehicle blending a high-capability off-roader and an uncompromising sports car to produce an off-road coupe. Read More
Lexus HPX Concept Car combines sportscar and utility
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Lexus' latest concept vehicle is making an appearance at the North American International Auto Show. Known as the HPX, or High Performance Crossover, the vehicle combines the versatility of a luxury utility vehicle and the performance of a sports sedan in a sleek and stylish package. Read More
Chrysler ME Four-Twelve Mid-Engine Super Car
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Chrysler used the media focus at the 2004 NAIAS in Detroit to announce a spectacular quad-turbo, V-12 powered, mid-engine super car which it has named the "ME Four-Twelve."The ultimate engineering and design statement, and a brilliant example of the Chrysler Group's capabilities, the ME Four-Twelve will establish a real-world performance record for a rear-wheel drive, mid-engine super car and may also set a record for lightening-quick vehicle development. Taking less than one year to complete from start to finish, the Chrysler Group partnered with some of the best in the business to assist in its development. Read More
Mazda turbo
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The LA Motor Show was the venue for Mazda to show its turbocharged MX-5 which will go on sale in May in Australia at a price point of just $46,000. At that price, it's almost certain to invigorate the roadster marketplace with a high level of performance and style at a remarkable price point. Read More
Downsized Hummer H3T concept to expand sports utility range
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Hummer have unveiled a concept vehicle which extends the brand to an even more civilised, more environmentally responsible and smaller sports utility vehicle - the H3T concept. Read More
BMW announce new 6 Series Convertible
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BMW has announced the arrival of the BMW 6 Series Convertible, a variant on the 6 Series Coupe that incorporates a side fin roof designed to give the same visual impact as wide C-pillars and maintain the unique balance between coup'-like styling and the new 2+2-seater Convertible form. Read More
Mitsubishi to unveil Eclipse Concept-E at Detroit Motor Show
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The attention of the automotive world will turn to Detroit in January for the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) - and manufacturers are already providing a taste of what to expect. Among them, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation have announced that the Eclipse Concept-E high-performance sports concept car will make its global debut... Read More
Porsche convertible wins automotive beauty award
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The Porsche 911 Carrera 4S convertible has been voted the "world's most beautiful open sports car" by an international jury in Italy. The 235 kW (320 hp), all-wheel drive 911 Carrera 4S convertible took the award in the "Convertible, roadster and convertible coupe" category. Read More
Automotive accolades for Bentley, Mazda And Fiat
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Examples of automotive excellence from Bentley, Fiat and Mazda have earned the respective manufacturers accolades in separate awards around the globe... Read More
In-car audio system offers digital streaming
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Sunday November 9, 2003: CD stackers and removable HDD car audio systems are already looking old fashioned beside the Omnifi mobile audio wireless digital transfer system - a 20GB hard-drive that not only stores approximately 275 hours of digital audio content, but can wirelessly stream music, audio news and information updates from PC or Internet directly to your car. Read More
