BMW M Concept

By GM Holden designer Idries Noah.

Idries Noah grew impatient waiting for BMW to come up with a model to rival the Audi R8, so he designed his very own BMW M Concept.

The design combines typical BMW styling cues such as the trademark grille and hockey stick pillar, with new elements inspired by water. The side detail for instance was inspired by, what's called in surfing terms, a 'Barrel' or 'Tube', where the wave is hollow when breaking. Overall the design also flows and ripples, as does water.

Dimension wise the car is roughly the same as an Audi R8. Powered by a tweaked version of the 5L V10 found in the M6, it could perform too.

I'll let Idries Noah's 3d skills inspire you further - enjoy.

[Source: idi3d.com]

Vario Perfect Platinum Motorhome

A High Tech Luxury Mobile Home

Individually and luxuriously designed, the VARIOmobil motorhomes feature every possible home comfort and push further the limits of... Read on >>

[Source: Bornrich.org]

The Goodwood Festival of Speed

The world’s biggest and most diverse celebration of the history of motor sport and car culture.

The Festival of Speed is far more than just a hillclimb, it is a celebration of the history of motor sport and can justifiably claim to be the world’s biggest and most diverse classic motor sports event.

Taking place outside Goodwood House, using the main road through the Park as the track, it’s the only occasion where you’ll see in action the greatest competition cars and star drivers from the entire history of motor sport.

The Festival is an unrivalled social and sporting occasion in the motor racing calendar - don't miss it.

You can buy your ticket:

By telephone: call the Festival Hotline on +44 (0) 1243 755055
By fax: on +44 (0) 1243 755058
Book online: Click here to go to the online ticket booking section.
By email: Click here to email us

FAQ's, hints & tips are all covered here

The Goodwood Festival of Speed - 3rd to 5th July 2009

[Book Online]

Ginetta G50 EV

Ginetta gunning for electric Goodwood

Article by Alun Taylor - Register Hardware.

British sportscar maker Ginetta has announced plans to enter an electric version of its G50 vehicle into the Hill Climb race at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The Goodwood Hill Climb’s a 1.16 mile course through the grounds of Goodwood House in West Sussex. The current record holder is F1 driver Nick Heidfeld, who hustled a McLaren Mercedes MP4/13 to the course’s end in 41.6 seconds back in 1999.

Two G50 EVs will tackle the climb; one driven by Ginetta’s Chairman, Lawrence Tomlinson, and the other by Ginetta G50 Cup race series driver Richard Sykes.

Ginetta’s keeping most of the technical details about its G50 EV a secret for now. But the firm has said that... Read on >>

[Source: Register Hardware]

GT by Citroen

The GT by Citroen Supercar, as seen in London this week.

Making its first official appearance in the UK the GT by Citroen will be at next weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Citroen, keen as ever to show its supercar in action, will drive it up the famous 1.16 mile Goodwood Hill Climb.

Source: Cars UK

[A Concours d'Elegance]

The Rossion Q1

The Rossion Q1 is a sports car from US car maker Rossion Automotive. It is based on the Noble M400. When 1G Racing Partners Ian Grunes, Dean Rosen and Ron Rosen set out to create a new alternative, to conventional supercars, their quest for the ultimate driver’s car led them to Noble and after acquiring the rights to the Noble M400 in February 2007, the rest is history.

Read On >> Welcome to Rossion - Performance Redefined

Spyker C8 Aileron

Spyker enters the Jet Age

The hand-crafted Spyker C8 Aileron is an all-new-second-generation sports car from Spyker, that's been developed from scratch and heavily inspired by the company’s aviation heritage (note the bright polished air inlets that have been converted into turbine-engine shaped air scoops).

Powered by an Audi 4.2 litre mid-mounted V8 engine, it develops 400 bhp, accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4,5 seconds and has a top speed 187 mph.

The first cars are being built now and deliveries should be already underway. European retail prices (excluding taxes) are as follows: €189,990 with manual gearbox, excluding options, and €195,990 with automatic gearbox, excluding options.

Further Info: Spyker Cars

* Spyker's factory race team, SNORAS Spyker Squadron, finished fifth in the 24 Hour Le Mans.

The Dutch team started from eleventh position. The Spyker C8 Laviolette GT2R was driven by the Le Mans Series' drivers Jarek Janis (CZE) Tom Coronel (NLD) and last year's LMP2 class winner Jeroen Bleekemolen (NLD).

[Visit the Spyker Collection Webshop]

JOSS Supercar

Australia's Joss Supercar disappeared off the radar in 2006. It appears now though to be back on track. With potential investors and buyers knocking at its door its planned debut is now just over two moths from fruition.

Australia's first real competitor to the likes of the Ferrari Enzo and Lamborghini Murcielago will be powered by a V8 of unannounced origin, will generate over 373kW, and propel the Joss to 100km/h in a lightning-fast 2.98 seconds. Its top speed is claimed to be over 340km/h.

Joss expects to build 25 supercars in its first year of production at an estimated asking price of $600,000.

Source: The Motor Report

Lotus Electrive

The Lotus Electrive is an electric powered sports car concept designed in-house by Diseno-art.com.

READ ON >> Diseno-art.com

Design: Muska Marussia by Igor Krasnov

Budding Russian car designer Krasnov Igor has already managed to impress a number of people with his renderings of what a four-door Ferrari may look like, but now the designer has unveiled his latest project, one that is definitely sportier than the last car he tackled.

Looking like something of a cross between a stealth fighter jet and a modern supercar, his latest design called the 'Muska' appears to take styling elements from a number of manufacturers and marry them into a single, fluid design. Starting at the back, the ominous rear exhausts look like thrusters that you may find on the back of a jet plane, and while they may not be the most practical of ideas they certainly give the car some visual flair.

Read On >> Motor Authority

KTM X-BOW

A street-legal sports car with pure-bred racing technology

The KTM X-BOW displays breathtaking driving performance for both road and track. With carbon fibre monocoque and modular design, KTM has applied Formula 1 technology at every stage of its development.

Not only is the monocoque for the KTM X-BOW extremely robust it is also remarkably safe, thanks to an integrated crash box. The silencer, which is centrally located in the rear of the car, has been designed to act as a crash box, absorbing the force of any impact to the rear of the vehicle.

The basic version weighs in at just 790 kilos. Powered by an Audi 2.0 TFSI engine that develops 177kW (240hp), the KTM X-BOW accelerates to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

With no roof, doors or windscreen, only a 70-millimeter transparent wind deflector, the KTM X-BOW driving experience is more akin to that of a motorcycle or a Formula 1 racecar.

Step into a new sports car dimension - KTM-Sportcar GmbH

[street-legal]

Hulme CanAm

Celebrating Hulme's F1 World Championship in 1967 and the New Zealander's CanAm series victories in 1968 and 1970, the Hulme CanAm takes conceptual, engineering and styling cues from current Formula One and sports racing car technology.

Created for both road and track use, the car blends the raw flavour and appeal of a formula racing car with dramatic design, traditional craftsmanship, exceptional performance and a thrilling driving experience.

Designed and hand-built by the Hulme technology team in New Zealand - including members responsible for the nation's America's Cup triumph - in co-operation with Massey University, the road-legal CanAm features an ultra-lightweight carbon composite tub and bodywork and race-orientated chassis, suspension and braking, and is powered by a hand-built 7-litre (427cu.in) Chevrolet V8 developing 600bhp and 600Nm torque, fed through a close-ratio, six-speed CIMA gearbox.

As a consequence of its lightweight construction, the Hulme CanAm weighs in at less than 1,000kg but, despite its sensational performance and emphatic race car credentials, Hulme Supercars' design and development focus has been on driveability, with power delivery and handling dynamics optimised for maximum driving enjoyment on track and on the road.

Hulme Supercars first unveiled a prototype - a closed cockpit derivative of the CanAm - at the UK's Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2006, before inviting and assessing further consumer opinion at high-status events in the Middle East and China.

Positive feedback has led to the development of the open-top CanAm, and the unveiling of the pre-production car, which will now enter an extensive dynamic testing phase, prior to build of the production model.

Commenting on the CanAm following a drive in the pre-production car with Hulme Supercars' founder and Managing Director, Jock Freemantle, Greeta Hulme said: "The car is the most wonderful tribute to Denny, and I feel sure he would have applauded the sheer spirit, enthusiasm, technical expertise and craftsmanship that has come together in the creation of it."

The Hulme CanAm is scheduled for limited production build in 2010, with a provisional price of Euro 295,000. The development of further model derivatives is planned, including a Coupe version.

All enquiries to Hulme Supercars Ltd

[Read more >> News Flash - Hulme Supercars Ltd]

Priceless Ferrari Enzo Burns

Ferrari Enzo burns to a crisp in Okanagan Falls, Canada. The driver sits at the side of the road besides his duffel bag, all that he has left.

Source: Jalopnik

Aerial Atom 500

The Ultimate Road Legal Track Day Car


Aerial Motor Company's limited edition Atom 500 V8

The Ariel Atom 500 will feature an Aerial badged V8 engine developing 500bhp, giving the Atom a staggering power to weight ratio of around 1000bhp per tonne. With a predicted 0-60mph time under 2.5 seconds and 0-100 mph of less than 6 seconds the Atom 500 V8 promises to be one of the fastest, if not the fastest, production cars ever made.

Only 25 limited edition Atom 500's will be made. Standard specification will be very high, featuring new suspension and brakes specific to the 500, aero package and many Atom options as standard. Price has not been set yet but will be over £100,000.

Welcome to the Aerial Motor Company - the home of the Atom.

Knight XV

The Worlds largest, biofuel powered, full armoured SUV

Inspired by the Gurkha military vehicle, the Knight XV™ is powered by a V10, 6.8-litre engine and sits on a commercial class chassis. It provides 400 hp and 498-ft lbs of torque.

The Knight XV™ is built using ballistic hardened steel, making it fully armoured, included are ballistic fiberglass fenders, bumper and up to 2.5 inches thick armoured glass.

The Knight XV™ is 240” in length, 98” wide with a ground clearance of 14”, and stands 100” high. It’s wheelbase is 141” and has an armoured curb weight of 10,000 pounds. The vehicle holds 40 gallons of fuel and sits on four, LT40X13.50R20 Mickey Thompson Baja Radial ATZ tires with ballistic run flats.

Providing the ultimate in security and luxury, this environmentally friendly vehicle is priced at $295,000 USD.

Only 100 will be made available as a limited first run. Each vehicle takes 1,500 hours to build by hand.

For more information about the Knight XV™ or Conquest Vehicles - Customization and after-market Design please visit: www.conquestvehicles.com

Bailey Blade XTR

Neil Bailey's commitment to build a high-performance car has grown way beyond an ambitious idea.

[press release]

Fast Ventures selected as strategic advisor to BXR Motors, Inc.

Dallas-Forth Worth, Miami – January 05, 2009. Fast Ventures announced today that it has been selected as exclusive strategic advisor to Dallas-Fort Worth-based BXR Motors Inc., which is home to the widely anticipated Bailey Blade Roadster.

The company’s founder, Neal Bailey, initially achieved semi-celebrity status through his commitment to build the high-performance car based on a shoestring budget in his garage.

Today, Neal Bailey’s vision has grown way beyond an ambitious idea and led to the development of a curvaceous super car that will be available with a zero-emission electric powertrain, or a traditional 750 horsepower, 5.4L V8 combustion engine. Neal has also teamed up with his friend and business partner Eric Rodela to further his vision and make the Bailey Roadster a reality. The company’s website regularly receives more than 250,000 hits every month and has been featured in more than 80 periodicals, blogs, and articles from around the world. While BXR Motors, Inc. has yet to set a definite sales price for the Bailey Blade Roadster, they expect to be able to accept orders as of October of 2009.

“It’s funny, but when Eric and I received the first inquiries from people who wanted to know when the car becomes available and how much of a deposit we require to reserve a car, we knew that we needed the help of a seasoned strategic advisor to reach the full potential of our project,” said Neal Bailey. “By teaming up with Fast Ventures’ technology group we feel that we are not only in very capable hands, but also work with people who share our vision, enthusiasm, and commitment to the future success of our company,” he continued.

“Neal’s and Eric’s commitment to BXR Motors, Inc. is a text-book case that proves that the entrepreneurial spirit and can-do attitude is still going strong in America,” said Mark Alexander, Director of Fast Ventures’ technology group. “In times when American automakers whine over declining sales and line up in Washington, D.C. to apply for government handouts, these two entrepreneurs prove that timeless design, high-performance, and alternative fuel technologies do no longer reflect a far-fetched futuristic vision, but rather a prerequisite for building a successful car company,” he added.

Fast Ventures will assist BXR Motors, Inc. with its strategic business development, including the exploration of a viable capital market strategy to fund the completion of the Bailey Roadster prototype and subsequent production of up to 50 cars.

About BXR Motors, Inc.
BXR Motors, Inc. was founded by Neal Bailey and Eric Rodela. Although Neal initially conceived the idea for the Bailey Blade Roadster in 2007, the two have only recently decided to turn their vision for a next-generation high-performance car from a hobby into a business. As of January 2009, BXR Motors, Inc. plans offering the Bailey Blade Roadster with a 100% electric powertrain, powered by leading-edge lithium phosphate battery technology and a fuel efficient 750 horsepower 5.4L V8 combustion engine. While the company has yet to set a definite sales price for the car, they anticipate being able to accept reservations as of October of 2009. For more information, please visit http://www.baileyspeed.com.

About Fast Ventures
Fast Ventures is a leading boutique consultancy advising talented entrepreneurs and emerging growth companies on strategic business development, corporate finance, and marketing & sales related issues. The firm has offices in London, Budapest, and Miami and recently announced plans to launch its own venture capital fund in 2009. For more information, please visit http://www.FastVentures.com.

BXR Motors Inc - Bailey Blade XTR, EVR - Hybrid, and HDR.

Proof that entrepreneurial spirit and can-do attitude is still going strong in America

Tesla Roadster Brabus

Tesla Roadster Brabus debuts at Motorexpo, Canary Wharf, London.

Exclusively customized by Brabus; the Tesla Roadster, the world’s first electrically powered production sports car, runs on a lithium-ion battery with 6,831 individual cells (laptop batteries to you and I). It will accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 4 secs and has an electronically limited top speed of 125 mph. The battery stores enough energy for the vehicle to travel about 220 miles without recharging.

To give the sports car a more exciting sound the Brabus electronics specialists have developed a ‘space sound generator'. Occupants on-board the Tesla Roadster can choose from several simulated engine sounds including that of a typical V8 combustion engine, a racecar engine and two futuristic soundscapes named ‘Beam’ and ‘Warp.’ The volume of the sound is dependent on the momentary power output of the electric motor.

A custom-tailored Brabus tire/wheel combination further improves handling characteristics. The two-seater is refined with weight-optimized Brabus Monoblock S light-alloy wheels in size 7Jx18 in front and in size 8.5Jx19 in back.

The two-seater also receives an even more striking exterior: Customization measures include a special high-quality matte-white paint job, the front apron gets a lightweight carbon-fiber front lip, daytime running lights are integrated into the front grille and the headlamps get matte-white surrounds.

The sides of the Tesla are upgraded with Brabus entrance lights shaped like futuristic space lights. They are activated with a keyless fob or by pulling on a door handle. Brabus carbon-fiber air inlets add even more sporty flair. Immediately apparent in the rear is the Brabus rear wing and the Brabus rear diffuser, both made from light yet extremely strong carbon fiber. The round tail lights are accentuated further by matte-white applications.

The Brabus customization program for the Tesla Roadster also includes exclusive interior options. The range of products starts with scuff plates with illuminated Brabus logo. They are integrated into the top of the rocker panels. The company-own Brabus upholstery shop masterfully handcrafts exquisite custom interiors for the Tesla. The designers chose a combination of especially soft yet durable Brabus perforated lightweight leather and Alcantara. The cockpit features white seams to reflect the exterior color. The vehicle floor is also upholstered with lightweight leather for added exclusivity.

The goal of the Brabus customization concept for the Tesla Roadster is to define a potential limited edition as well as an individual tuning program for the Tesla driver.

"One cool roadster for the Tesla driver", I'd say. If in two to three years time we get fast charge batteries, say 10 minutes for a full charge, maybe EV (electric vehicle) heaven won't sound so bad after all.

BRABUS - High Performance Automobiles

Tesla Motors

Motorexpo London from Monday 8th – Sunday 14th June 2009.

Devon GTX

Devon Motorworks Futuristic Supercar

Noted Swedish designer Daniel Paulin has created a design masterpiece for Devon Motorworks. With a subtle blend of muscle and curves, the design navigates between the past and science fiction. Paulin’s new design language gives the Devon GTX a classical yet futuristic line with exquisite shapes, making it a beautifully designed Supercar in the modern mold.

The interior of the Devon GTX is a Miesian “less is more” design inspiration, as the clean electronic dashboard further demonstrates the intent of Paulin’s vision. A neo-retro gear lever sprouts from the central transmission tunnel, topped by a white gear knob. The shifter connects the driver to the machine, mind with engine.

The Devon GTX is a pure driving oriented vehicle where design intent is all about simplicity, functionality and beauty. Among the most striking visible features are wheel surrounds over both the front and rear wheels which are a different color to the rest of the body. The swooping lines and minimal overhangs achieve the vision of inspiring the future of the sports car.

Devon Motorworks will introduce the Devon GTX at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours.

Devon Motorworks - Inspiring the Future

300SL Panamericana

2009 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing Panamericana Replica

Here is the the rebirth of an Icon, the 2009 300 SL Panamericana, based on a Reproduction from Hoope'r, Gullwing-AG in Germany, who produce the closest model you can get to the real thing. Arturo Alonso and his company, Gullwing-America , modified this already outstanding automobile into an exotic for the 21st century.

A combination of the Glorious Carrera Panamericana cars of the 50's and new technology, they came out with this incredible sports car, Alonso himself raced the Carrera for years in a Mercedes 300SE, where the passion for this legendary Race and the Mercedes was born.

The 300SL body is constructed with the use of aircraft composite technology. This construction comprises of a sprayed layer of aluminum to a thickness of .5mm into the mold over which an epoxy adhesive is laid and several layers of 7oz woven glass cloth are then applied with epoxy resin.

Chassis is made from RHS steel reinforced and powder coated, has independent suspension with adjustable coil overs, four wheel disk brakes, a 5.5 liter Mercedes engine, (M-133-55) the one used on the AMG Mercedes models and the SLR, mated to a six speed transmission, special made radiator and exhaust system.

The Panamericana will have a re tuned electronics raising the HP about 370, 530nm of torque @5400RPM. The car will sit lower, have speedtronic transmission, side mufflers, no bumpers, a special grill, four spoke leather steering wheel with power assist, a start button, A/C , a four point harness, Becker Mexico Radio with CD and I pod adapter, and fitted leather luggage. It also includes specially made old school 17 X 8 AMG wheels all around with 235/45/17 Continental Sport contact tires, AMG calipers painted in red, HID headlights, and stripes on the fenders like the "Works" Cars from La Barrera.

For 2010 there will also be the option for the new V6 Mercedes engine (M-272-E35) used on the 350 Models, which has almost the same power of the V8 ( 320HP And 360nm torque @4900RPM)) and could be ordered with a manual six speed.

The cars will all be painted in silver with blue accents in the front fenders like the race cars of the Panamericana, there is the option of a white with red stripes and a Black version. The interiors will be red cover in leather and plaid cloth, typical from that model; The instrument panel is identical as the original 300Sl.

Gullwing-America thinks that this is a true rebirth of the legendary 300SL Gullwing. Updated with technology from 50 years later, the car will be more powerful and handle better than the original. It will be a very drivable car with all the convenient accessories like air conditioning, power steering, etc. from modern cars.

For price and more information contact Arturo Alonso at info@gullwing-america.com

[Official Gullwing-America Press Release]

Lumeneo Smera

Smera e-car goes live in Paris

Lumeneo say they will open Smera shops in main European Cities during 2010.

The Lumeneo Smera is powered by twin 15Kw electric motor that generates 1000 Nm torque to the wheels. It can go from 0-60 mph in eight seconds, has a top speed of 80 mph and has a range of about 90 miles from a 144 volt lithium ion battery.

The Smera is a 1+1, four-wheel drive car, with semi-active suspension, capable of tilting around bends by up to 25 degrees. Its electronically controlled tilting mechanism is managed by an on-board computer that automatically figures out the optimum lean angle. Electric motors handle the actual tilting, ensuring the driver doesn't have to worry about maintaining balance - no fear of a roll round the Arc de Triomphe then!

From the 5th to the 7th of June, 2009, Lumeneo will be present at the 15th Sport & Collection Weekend, at the circuit du Val de Vienne-le-Vigeant, near Poitiers.

Further information>> Lumeneo - Innovation for Individual Mobility Innovation

McLaren F1

Brings a tear to the eye - a burnt-out McLaren F1

Read the article by Cars UK: McLaren F1 - the California Burn-Up!

McLaren Automotive - The Official Website

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400

Available June 2009, this is the fastest and most extreme, motorsport derived, Lancer Evolution ever released by Mitsubishi Motors in the UK.

Powered by a lightweight aluminium 2.0-litre turbocharged MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) petrol engine, it develops 403bhp and 387lb.ft of torque, pushing it from 0-62mph in an estimated 3.8 seconds before reaching an electronically limited 155mph.

Ensuring all the FQ-400's power is put to good use is Mitsubishi's sophisticated Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) four-wheel-drive system. The S-AWC system combines a number of electronic systems that both enhance the FQ-400's performance and safety. Depending on the conditions the driver can select the most suitable set-up for the S-AWC system, three choices – Tarmac, Gravel and Snow – being offered via the wheel-mounted button and displayed in the central instrument binnacle.

Increasing the FQ-400's cornering ability even further over its FQ relatives is a wider track and lowered suspension featuring Eibach springs and Bilstein Shock Absorbers. Lightweight 18-inch, nine spoke alloy wheels fitted with Toyo Proxes R1R tyres enhance the FQ-400's grip, giving it sharper cornering response on the road and more incisive steering. The enhanced agility and performance is backed by a revised braking system which uses aerospace grade aluminium alloys and floating sealed discs grabbed by high performance pads.

Despite its obvious focus the FQ-400's usefulness as a daily driver is not compromised overly. Thanks to Mitsubishi's chassis tuning the FQ-400 is just as able to trickle through town traffic as it is taking a rally special stage.

The FQ-400's acceleration is sensational though, and with performance that's the measure of any rival and many exotic sports and supercars that cost way more it's bound to be in great demand.

For all the latest Mitsubishi updates: Register Interest.

Mitsubishi Motors UK

Mini Monte Carlo

The Z Cars Monte Carlo Mini probably the Ultimate Mini Conversion

It’s not just any Mini. It may look like a Mini but it is exactly there that the similarity stops. It has a Mini shape but nothing more. This is Z Cars own chassis, its own suspension front and rear, its own steering and hubs and its own glass fibre bodyshell. There is nothing more than image about this car that is Mini - except its soul, in character remains very much a Mini.

This makes Z Cars a truly independent manufacturer since it no longer has to use an original Mini bodyshell as the basis of each car. The chassis has been designed and built in house. It is a full space frame with double wishbone front suspension and the time honoured rear trailing arms. It has rose-jointed spring damper units all round. Just behind the driver nestles the heart of the machine, its engine; a 1300cc Hayabusa unit in standard form delivering a shattering 175bhp and there's more...

Video Clip: Mini Monte Carlo

Z Cars Ltd - Innovators not Imitators