Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept (2007)

The show-stopping Acura "Advanced Sports Car Concept" made its world debut today at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. The dynamically styled concept provides a preview of the design direction for the successor to the Acura NSX.

Created to take exotic sports car styling to a new level, the concept is designed to incorporate a powerful front-mounted, V-10 engine and a new high-performance, rear-wheel-drive based version of Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)).

"The Acura brand will always be a home for people who love to drive," said Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. "As we advance toward building a car like this, I can tell you it will feature advanced technology matching our passion for performance."

The concept's exterior demonstrates a dynamic fusion of advanced technology and emotion. The long, pronounced hood features deeply sculpted lines and embossed air vents, both of which hint at the powerful engine beneath. The exterior lines run the length of the body, creating a ribbon-like effect from the front headlights to the rear wheel arches, evoking a feeling of movement and power.

Although modern in its appearance, the Advanced Sports Car Concept retains the subtle cues associated with its predecessor, the NSX. The concept's slim, LED headlights are pushed wide and designed to mimic the pop-up headlights found on the first generation NSX. Other styling hints include a modern take on wraparound rear taillights and the all black cockpit.

"Our intention was to design an exotic sports car that gracefully combines advanced technology and strong emotion," said Jon Ikeda, principal designer, Acura Design Center. "The technical, machined surfaces and keen-edge design are balanced with sweeping curves and dramatic lines, all of which results in the ultimate exotic sports car."

Wide and low to the ground with a 108.8 inch wheelbase, the concept is anchored by grippy 19 inch front and 20 inch rear performance tires which are mounted to custom billet-machined, polished aluminum wheels. Powerful, ventilated carbon ceramic brake discs and eight-piston calipers accent the wheels. Bold wheel arches and flares add to the concept's aggressive appearance.

The low slung cabin is constructed entirely of tinted glass and sits flush against the body. Door handles are also flush mounted, allowing the sports car to retain a clean and aerodynamic appearance. The Advanced Sports Car Concept features a carbon fiber underbody and the rear is finished with aggressive quad exhaust pipes and integrated rear diffusers, further communicating its high performance potential.

The Advanced Sports Car Concept was designed by the Acura's Los Angeles-based design team that will be based at the new Acura Design Center, opening this summer.

2007 , Acura

Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang (2007)

Visitors to the Atelier in Molsheim are always intrigued to see the Veyron's high-tech components being meticulously assembled into an automotive work of art. Watching the car coming together, coupled with an admiration for the technical beauty of its structure, gave the designers the idea of finishing the car in its pure material configuration - meaning no colour coating. The result is the EB 16.4. Veyron "Pur Sang", a two-tone study of pure materialness showing the car's true essentials: carbon and aluminium. The carbon monocoque holds the engine plus the passenger cell, while the polished aluminium panelling is enhanced by reflections in the sculpted bodywork.

Interestingly, the rawness of the materials even more strongly highlights the dual character of this car: performance power coupled with cruising comfort, structure and body, dark and light. A closer look at the details reveals the technical logic behind this stylistic appearance. The sophisticated monocoque contains all the core structural components, including the W16 engine, the passenger cell, the crash box and the linkages to the wheels. It is this purpose-driven fundament that is visible as the centre of the car in clear-coated carbon fibre.

Equally consistent is the use of the aluminium panelling. This lends shape and a unique body sculpture to the car, covering the wheels in a muscular and powerful expression by way of elaborately shaped fenders. Highly polished, these perfectly tensioned shapes strongly visualize the fascinating surface reflections that define every Veyron. The balanced graphic appearance is also visible when looking down onto the car from above. These qualities take on a distinct appearance - almost like that found in a Mondrian painting.

As its pur sang label suggests, this individualised customer car shares the same kind of DNA as that of classic cars from the Bugatti past: the "Atalante", the Type 55, the Type 41 "Royal" all had an unmistakeable and characteristic graphic signature. It is this precise division of performance components and body panelling - in this form - that makes the EB 16.4. Veyron "Pur Sang" unique in the supercar world.

2007 , Bugatti , Bugatti Veyron

Volkswagen Passat R36 (2007)

A 220 kW / 300 hp 3.6 liter six cylinder direct injection gasoline engine will power the Volkswagen Passat R36 - the most powerful Passat of all time. As part of standard equipment power transmission is handled by a direct shift gearbox (DSG) and permanent four-wheel drive (4MOTION). The top speed of the sedan is an electronically regulated 250 km/h. In terms of speed, the Volkswagen Passat R36 outstrips every other Volkswagen in accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h: the sedan reaches the 100 km/h mark in 5.6 seconds (5.8 seconds for the Variant).

The VW Passat R36 was conceived by Volkswagen Individual, the specialist team for very fast and/or special models. Following the Golf R32, the Volkswagen Passat R36 is the second series version under the "R" sports label. The "R32" label already represents a top-selling model; the first Golf R32 (177 kW / 241 hp) based on the VW Golf Mk IV and introduced in midsummer 2002, took off better than expected in every way; 14,000 cars were sold. On the foundation of this success the idea arose to develop a whole series of R models in the future. In Autumn 2005 the second Golf R32, 184 kW / 250 hp, equipped with 4MOTION four-wheel drive as standard equipment, was introduced. It was also a terrific seller. And it continues to sell well today. The "R36" shows how sporty a Passat Sedan and a Passat Variant can be.

Visually, with a whole range of specific features the Volkswagen Passat R36 shows that it is the most dynamic model of the globally successful series. Special features of the front section: an R-specific bumper and a crest radiator grill in matte chrome finish. Other R exclusives are the dual fins of the upper radiator grill designed in aluminum look and the radiator air inlets in slatted look.

The rear of the Volkswagen Passat R36 sedan features a newly designed spoiler on the luggage compartment lid; in the case of the Volkswagen Passat R36 Variant a new roof edge spoiler provides additional downward force to the rear axle. Identical for both body versions: the chrome dual exhaust pipes. On the sides it is, among other things, the newly designed 18-inch "Omanyt" alloy wheels and wheel arch extensions in the car color that were specially developed for the Volkswagen Passat R36.

Articles By : netcarshow

2007 , Passat R36 , Volkswagen , Volkswagen Passat R36

Volkswagen Golf Variant RaVe 270 Concept (2007)

The Volkswagen Golf Variant RaVe 270 is a concept car. It makes it unmistakably clear how much potential lies in the Golf Variant, both in its design and basic technology. RaVe 270 stands for 270 PS, for a completely modified design in race car style, a very sporty interior and techno music from a powerful 1,400 Watt high-end sound system.

The basis for this unique system is the new RNS 510 radio-navigation system. A total of 13 loudspeakers are supplied via three powerful output amplifiers. A strong 880 Watt subwoofer and two other 250 Watt subwoofers in chrome are responsible for the distinctly "palpable" sound. The 880 Watt subwoofer - just like the output amplifiers - is located so that it is visible on the cargo floor. Also integrated in the rear were two 12-inch monitors, so that the music of the best bands could not only be heard but seen too.

The Golf Variant RaVe 270 was developed and built by Volkswagen Individual GmbH. The idea behind this car: to transfer GTI and R32 feeling to a Golf Variant for the first time. So the RaVe 270 was made faster by a performance-enhanced version of the Golf GTI engine and the 4Motion all-wheel drive of the Golf R32. Forces between the engine and all-wheel drive are distributed by the DSG dual clutch transmission.

After just 5.8 seconds, the Volkswagen Golf Variant RaVe 270 is already moving at 100 km/h. Not until 250 km/h is reached do the electronics stop further acceleration. Despite its awesome driving performance, average fuel consumption of the Golf Variant RaVe 270 is just 9.1 liters of Super gasoline (95 ROZ) per 100 kilometers.

Volkswagen developed a new design line for all add-on body parts. The bumpers, radiator grille, side skirts, taillights, headlamps, and even the mirrors - everything was modified. Take the front end, for example: the classic Golf radiator grille is used here. Directly below it is a completely modified bumper with three large air inlets, like those typically used in car racing. The xenon headlamps of the RaVe 270 got a new look by extending the engine hood and fenders and adding new special caps. Integrated here: daylight running lamps in LED technology. At the rear end, there are two twin-fluted tailpipes on the left and right. Between them is a diffuser that provides for additional traction. In its side profile, details like the 19 inch alloy wheels of the "Zaragoza" type give the concept car a distinctive character in combination with the sport chassis that was lowered by 20 millimeters.

Among other features, the upgraded interior is characterized by leather sport bucket seats with R-Logo and painted door handle recesses.

Articles By : netcarshow

2007 , Concept , Golf Variant RaVe 270 , Volkswagen , Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf GTI W12 650 Concept (2007)

Daring to create something unique, leaving conventions behind and awakening passion - these have been at the heart of the GTI concept since its inception. To date, more than 1.67 million car drivers have fallen under its charm. The VW Golf GTI has been an icon for a long time now. A brand in itself. A label of sportiness. To drive a GTI is to make a statement; across the globe. Since 1982, its greatest fans have been celebrating it every year at the Wörthersee in the Austrian state of Kärnten. Thousands come for this event. Five days of Mardi Gras in May. For this occasion, Volkswagen has put a Golf on wheels that is like no other: The VW Golf GTI W12-650 Concept. This sports car is a tribute to our GTI friends at the Wörthersee, car fans who made the GTI a legend. It is a concept that was designed just for them.

No Golf has ever been more powerful, or wider, or faster. The GTI W12-650 gives the appearance of having come directly from the racetrack. A Golf that could be the pace car for the 24 hour race at Le Mans. Its name is its mission: W12 cylinders, 650 PS (477 kW at 6,000 rpm). A showcar, no more, no less. At the same time it demonstrates the enormous potential that such a car can offer.

3.7 seconds, 325 km/h, 750 Newton-meter

Its 6.0-liter bi-turbo engine is longitudinally mounted directly behind the driver and front passenger. This transforms the GTI into a classic mid-engine sports car. A six-speed automatic transmission hammers the maximum torque of 750 Newton-meters (at 4,500 rpm) to the rear axle. It catapults the GTI to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. The bi-turbo propels drivers who keep their foot to the gas pedal well beyond the 300 km/h barrier. The speedometer needle does not pause until it reaches 325 km/h. The Volkswagen Golf GTI W12-650 Concept outpaces nearly all other cars of this world.

1.88 meters wide, 235 tires in front, 295 in back

Under the broad 1.88 meter (production: 1.76 meter) width and low 1.42 meter (production: 1.50 Meter) height of its body, engineers and designers have brought together automotive technologies not seen in this combination on any other car. Each component is sourced internally. That in particular is a tribute to the unequaled breadth of technology at Volkswagen AG.

The chassis components of this showcar, for example, were adapted directly from a super sports car. Mounted on the front axle are 235 tires in 19-inch format, while in the rear there are 295 tires. Naturally, alloy wheels are also used: Due to the gigantic tire dimensions, the brightly machined "Detroit" GTI wheels are "dished" in the direction of the wheel hub and are custom built; the pitch circle with the wheel nuts lies much deeper than the rim circle.

70 millimeters lower, 160 millimeters wider

The axles were "pushed" 70 millimeters further into the body; the wheel well cutouts and gigantic wheel arches are part of the shoulder section, as in a coupe. Klaus Bischoff, Director of Volkswagen Design: "In the rear, the showcar is 80 millimeters wider on each side. However, the body of the GTI easily takes this in. We already have a strong shoulder section here on the production model. We were able to draw it outward even more distinctly, like on a sports car."

The chief designer continues: "Our goal was clearly defined - despite the somewhat dramatic engineering changes, it was very clear that the GTI was to remain a classic GTI. The design of the Golf is like a fingerprint. If it is erased, the entire character of the car is ruined. That could not be allowed to happen under any circumstances." That is also why as many components as possible, such as the headlamps, the doors - newly hung due to the wide side skirt - front hood and taillights were taken from the Golf.

C-pillars as part of air duct for engine cooling

"Our greatest challenge", says Klaus Bischoff, "was to provide the six-liter mid-engine with sufficient air, without watering down the GTI's side profile. In addition, provisions had to be made for sufficient downforce at the rear axle on such a fast type of car. But for aesthetic reasons we did not want to put an enormous rear spoiler on the car."

In both cases a trick helped. Klaus Bischoff: "The strongest Golf design elements are the C-pillars. But it is precisely here that we needed air ducts for engine cooling air. Therefore, the C-pillars were redesigned on short order to assume this function of routing air to the engine. In doing so, we simply made the rear windows turn inward. This created two ducts between the windows and the C pillars, on the left and right, through which air flows for engine cooling. We got the rest of the cooling air in front via the gigantic radiators and the ducts connected to them, as well as on the sides via air inlets on the side skirts." Expressed differently: At first glance all parts of the rear section look like a production GTI, but it was actually redesigned intensively.

Carbon-fiber roof is a diffuser

Innovative body construction has also prevented the lines of the Volkswagen Golf GTI W12-650 Concept from being ruined by a roof-mounted wing. Klaus Bischoff: "This GTI carries its wing internally. The roof is part of an enormous diffuser that supplies sufficient downforce to the rear axle. It consists of a carbon-fiber material and directs the air over and under the rear spoiler to achieve road grip, like in car racing."

The bumpers of the showcar are powerful and at the same time coherently designed. In the rear, as in the front, the GTI W12-650 is characterized by enormous air inlets and outlets. Two dual chrome-plated tailpipes frame the air outlet in the rear. At the front of the car, the eye-catching straight-line grille between the headlamps, with its red frame, is reminiscent of the first GTI.

Interior with racing ambitions

Every modern-day GTI driver would feel at home right away in this interior. The leather Alcantara covers for the race car bucket seats are newly designed. Three round gauges in the middle of the instrument cluster are also reminiscent of the original GTI. Details taken from car racing, on the other hand, include the transparent "flip-up switch covers" for important functions such as ESP deactivation. To prevent accidental switch activations, the transparent covers are "flipped up" with the index finger before activating the switch underneath. Another reference to car racing is the integrated fire extinguisher in place of a glove box. For weight reasons, the door trim was completely "stripped"; only screens are used, which quite intentionally offer a view of the internal workings of the door mechanisms.

Articles By : netcarshow

2007 , Concept , Volkswagen , Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Eos (2007)

After more than one million VW convertibles of the Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Golf and New Beetle series, the new Eos takes off to a flying start in May 2006. As the first standard automobile world wide the four-seater is equipped with a five piece convertible, sliding and coupe roof (CSC-roof).

The hard top folds tightly together providing a powerful design

A friendly panorama: The CSC-roof opens or closes completely within 25 seconds and offers technical as well as visual finesse. Firstly: the front section is held in a transpa-rent glass look and can be used as a panorama sun roof opening it either completely or tilting it upwards by 35 millimeters. Even in the closed mode the roof creates a bright, friendly and fresh atmosphere in the interior. Second-ly: thanks to the wide CSC-roof span it was possible to design a short windscreen frame. This creates a pure conver-tible feeling. Thirdly: another benefit is that the proportions are streamlined, the roof line is elongated, the rear is muscular and the overall impression is one of high quality.

One VW, two segments: The clientele addressed by the Eos is comparatively large because the convertible-coupe is positioned between the A and B class. Example A-class (Golf-class): the Eos recommends itself as a vehicle with the overall impression of the higher quality B-class. In addition the Eos stands out from many of its competitors in the A-segment because of the higher end performance spectrum of the engines and high-end technologies such as the automatic DSG double clutch transmission, a Dynaudio sound system and of course the new CSC-roof. Example B-class (Passat-class): Even though the Eos is a little shorter than its com-petitors it offers a comparatively spacious and in any case comfortable interior. No top-end convertible in the B-class offers a glass sun roof, only one offers a folding steel roof. On top of this, the Eos has a clearly more favorable price. To put it differently: this Volkswagen transcends class borders.

New designs throughout

CSC-Design: When closed, the CSC-roof curves in an arc between the rear and the windscreen. This creates an outstanding coupe roof, elegant and sporty. The roof's curve is elongated, the rear is muscular and the overall impression is one of high quality. With the roof open, it is obvious that the Eos was specifically designed as a convertible-coupe and that its bodywork design was not derived from an existing model. Due to the CSC-roof it was possible to keep the windscreen frame short and the rear compact. Consequence: clear cut proportions in the style of classic convertibles. Not even one antenna disturbs its appearance. Background: the developers built each antenna into the trunk lid made of high rigidity synthetic.

CSC characteristics: The five-section CSC structure offers not only visual, but also practical advantages. Firstly, the pure convertible-feeling. Since the windscreen frame - or to be precise - the roof cross member - projects out into the interior to a far lesser degree than many similar vehicles there is nothing but the sky above the driver and front passenger. Secondly: optimal entry and exit. The reduced width of the wind screen frame makes it easier to get into the open Eos, since it is not necessary to maneuver around the frame. Thirdly: the integrated CSC-roof of the Eos captures light, air and a good mood. The complete opening and closing of the roof systems happens very quickly - from the first 'clack' to the last 'click' it only takes around 25 seconds. Once everything is covered, the system confirms the completion of the action by sounding a signal. In addition the CSC-roof offers the general advantages of an unlimited all-year-round suitability as well as lower driving noise levels when closed. The hard shell also makes life harder for vandals and thieves.

Very wide and powerful

Dimensions: The convertible-coupe is 1.79 meters wide, 4.41meters long and 1.44 meters high. In their relationship to each other these dimensions affect the dynamics of the Eos: due to the relatively broad width in comparison with the length and height, the Eos sits powerfully on its wheels. The considerable track width (more than 1.55 meters) doesn't just look good; it rather adds to the agility and road handling. The result is a fun driving experience, whether the top is up or down. Five engines with a performance spectrum from 115 hp to 250 hp

Engines: The Eos is available with four gas engines (performance spectrum 85 kW / 115 hp, 110 kW / 150 hp, 147 kW / 200 hp and 184 kW / 250 hp) as well as a 103 kW / 140 hp strong TDI with standard diesel particulate filter. For engines up to 147 kW a four cylinder direct injection system is used. The 184-kW option gets its power from six cylinders; gear changes are made via the DSG double clutch transmission.

Sporty-elegant interior

Interior: The interior was also newly designed. While the details for function and use (e.g. lights, air conditioning; radio systems) are familiar from other models, many of the Eos elements were newly developed. These include the cockpit, door and side cover as well as the rear seats and an air conditioning automatic specifically designed for a convertible. For the first time Volkswagen optionally features electrically activated easy-entry-seats: they 'remember' the driver's and front passenger's longitudinal seating position and return to it - just by pushing a button - after the rear passengers have gotten in or out. A lordosis support is also integrated into this electric 12-way seat adjustment system.

Trunk: With an open roof the available space is 205 liters, when closed the volume increases to 380 liters. For the last few millimeters the lid of the trunk closes via a power latching system as a standard feature. In addition there is a service hatch which is integrated into the rear seat bench.

Comprehensive standard equipment / Eos Individual

Equipment: The Eos reaches the market exclusively equipped with high quality components. The standard equipment that is always present: ESP, maximum safety head rests in the front, front airbags and specially developed head-thorax airbags; 16'' alloy rims (V6: 17''), air conditioning (Climatic / V6: Climatronic)), fog lights, power windows, leather steering wheel*, leather leaver knob* and leather hand brake handle* as well as sport seats* (* = standard starting from 103 kW, customized only for 85 kW). It goes without saying that a retractable roll bar system is pushed out in a maximum of 0.25 seconds in a critical driving situation providing extra safety. There are optional innovative features available for the Eos, such as a Dynaudio sound system with a 10 channel amplifier, 10 loud speakers and 600 Watt output or bi-xenon head lights with a dynamic curve light and a static turning light. Among other things, Volkswagen Individual also developed a particularly noble and elegant Eos with two color leather equipment, 18''inch alloy rims and a dark chrome-radiator grille.

Articles By : netcarshow

2007 , Volkswagen , Volkswagen Eos

Volvo C70 (2010)

At its launch in early 2006, the Volvo C70 broke new ground as the world's first four seater convertible with a retractable hard top. Now, more than three years on, the new Volvo C70 coupe/convertible has been given a design refresh to give the car a new look, roof up or down. The new Volvo C70 retains the three-piece retractable roof, spacious seating for four adults, and class-leading convertible safety standards as the outgoing model.

"We have carefully redesigned the front and rear of the car so they harmonise more with the larger Volvo models. We have also increased the exclusiveness of the interior materials and trim details to enhance the feeling of luxury," explains Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer of Volvo Cars.

The new Volvo C70 is an extraordinary sports coupe that can transform itself into a full convertible at the touch of a button. The unique three-piece metal roof goes up or down in less than 30 seconds and makes the Volvo C70 two cars in one: a sports coupe that offers excellent performance and agile handling, and a convertible just fine for lazy days open-sky motoring.

The hard-top roof design is particularly innovative. Its three-piece - rather than conventional two-piece - design reduces folding bulk to improve style and increase packaging space.

Three trim levels - S, SE and SE Lux - are offered with comprehensive standard specification, including, ECC (Electronic Climate Control), cruise control and Trip Computer. There is a choice of three five-cylinder engines; a 2.4i 170 PS petrol, 2.4-litre 180 PS turbodiesel D5, the top-of-the-range turbocharged petrol T5 230 PS and a four-cylinder 2.0D 136 PS turbodiesel.

The new Volvo C70 retains the four individual seats to offer comfortable rear seat room for two adults. The interior cabin has also been given an update to create a more comfortable and luxury feel. Featuring a modern, innovative design, and distinctly Scandinavian feel thanks to its clean surfaces, use of genuine materials - including aluminium and wood-effect - and fine functionality. The interior also features Volvo's 'floating' ultra-thin centre dashboard that stylishly houses all the main audio, ventilation controls with a display for the car's menu system that allows locking and sound preferences to be individually customised.

It has also been engineered as one of the safest convertibles on the market with regard to both preventative and protective safety. The car has an advanced body structure and several solutions that are unique to convertible cars and the lack of a fixed roof has been compensated by structural reinforcements.

The Volvo C70 Is built in the Uddevalla factory in Sweden, in a collaborative effort with the legendary Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina.

2007 , Volvo , Volvo C70

Volvo C30 Heico Concept (2007)

A surf-pattern exterior, a stunning orange dream interior and 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds.

The special-version Volvo C30 by Heico Sportiv is ready to go to Las Vegas and the SEMA show.

"We wanted to turn up the "visual volume" of the sporty Volvo C30. And this is not just a one-off prototype. All the parts used are available in our tuning product range," says Holger Hedtke, president of German tuning and motor sports company Heico Sportiv.

The white Volvo C30 has a special surf-pattern design kit and a body kit with redesigned, widened skirts all round.

The front features integrated spoiler flaps, three larger air ducts, integrated fog and cornering lights, and an integrated sport grille with the Volvo iron mark.

The deeper and wider rear skirt features a quad-pipe exhaust system made of stainless steel.

The bespoke high-quality interior has orange leather with matching orange stitching and Heico Sportiv logos on the sport-contoured front seats. The safety belts and floor-mats are also orange.

The radiant interior also has a sports steering wheel in leather and a leather gear lever with a silver accent. The entrance trim in stainless steel features the Heico Sportiv logo.

Beefed-up T5 powerplant

An upgraded, turbocharged T5 engine powers the C30. Is produces 300 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 3500 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to100 km/h takes 5.4 seconds.

Top speed is 250 km/h (governed). The car also has a specially developed sport suspension.New shocks and springs lower the chassis by 40 millimetres.

The 4-pot sport brake system has blue callipers featuring the Heico Sportiv logo, sport brake pads and 326x30 mm discs. The 19-inch VOLUTION® V TITAN wheels are shod with 235/35R19 Continental tyres.

"The already sporty and distinctive personality of the C30 model makes it the perfect tuning product. Our car is a spectacular extension of the individualisation philosophy that is a part of the C30," says Holger Hedtke.

The SEMA (Speciality Equipment Manufacturers Association) show in Las Vegas is open between 30 October and 2 November 2007. SEMA is the biggest automotive specialty products trade event in the world.

2007 , Concept , Volvo , Volvo C30