2012 Paulin VR Concept Car

The VR Concept is a 2-seat sportscar designed for the year 2010. It is the first creation of Swedish Paulin Motor Company, founded by ex-Ford designer Daniel Paulin.

This concept car aims to demonstrate Paulin’s vision of future design directions aiming for the market requirements of 2010 and further. Below we report a description of the project and some exclusive images.

The main proportions are typical of two-seat GT cars. The exterior is characterized by the cockpit design, which is inspired by modern jet-fighters, and by the original scheme of the opening panels. The windshield/roof is hinged in the cowl area.

With windshield/roof in open position, the doors can be open independently. The rear wing is integrated in body with a flush condition. In use it moves up and rotates to create appropriate down force.

Side mirrors are replaced by external cameras, located above the rear fenders. The view can be seen on a wide display just above the instrument panel. "In the interior, less is more – 2 bucket seats, steering wheel, gear shifter and a control unit," Paulin continues. "This concept car is a pure driving oriented vehicle where the design intent is all about simplicity and functionality in true Scandinavian fashion." 

Paulin, currently involved on several design projects around the globe, will continue to launch concepts to highlights trends and ideas of where automotive are and should develop.

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2012 Mazda Furai Concept Car

The Mazda Furai is a concept car revealed on 27 December, 2007 and manufactured by Mazda. A teaser image of the vehicle was released on 11 December, 2007. The Furai officially debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Wing and Exhaust in detail from the Mazda Furai on display at the 2008 Canadian International Auto Show.

The Furai, meaning "sound of the wind", is the fifth and last of the Mazda Nagare line of concept cars that have been made by Mazda since 2006. The chassis is based on the Courage Compétition C65 Le Mans Prototype that Mazda last used to compete in the American Le Mans Series, two seasons previously[3] and is designed to use E100 ethanol fuel, it is powered by a new generation 3-rotor wankel engine that puts out 450 brake horsepower (340 kW). The engine is developed and built by renowned rotary tuner, Racing Beat, who also built the car's rotary-shaped muffler canister.

The car bears the #55 number that of its 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans winning ancestor, the 787B. Unlike many concept cars, the Furai is fully functional and is currently being tested at various tracks. It has run at Laguna Seca and Buttonwillow.

Head designer, Laurens van den Acker, has stated in an interview with Top Gear magazine that there are possibilities of the Furai being used for racing in Le Mans, and he also has strong hopes that the car could be brought to the market.

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2012 Hummer HX Concept Car

Well, there's another embargo blown. HUMMERForums dropped all the images they had of the HUMMER HX concept that was due to be officially unveiled in a scant five days, and Jalopnik followed suit. So here it is, HUMMER's Wrangler-competitor in concept form, complete with a 3.6-liter SIDI E85 FlexFuel engine which sends power to all four wheels via a six-speed auto 'box. The HX is technically a convertible, meaning that the roof panels and modular rear can open or be stowed, while the interior instruments can be reconfigured depending on the type of driving you'll be doing. All the details are available in the press release after the jump.

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Ferrari Enzo 2012 latest car

Ferrari cars have always been one of the most coveted cars by many enthusiasts. When the company decided to develop the Enzo, there was a rave about what it will be like and how much it can offer to customers. The Ferrari Enzo, a 650 horsepower super car named after its founder, was developed in 2002 using Formula One technology.

With the car already using carbon fiber for its body and an electro-hydraulic F1 transmission, more innovations were even made that were not present in the F1 such as aerodynamics and active traction control. Its ultra-light, V12 engine with four valves per cylinder was a first in the new generation of Ferrari cars. Sports Car International ranked the car third on their list of top sports cars of the year 2000. Consequently, it also ranked fourth in Motor Trend Classics' Ten Greatest Ferraris.

The Enzo was designed by Japanese Pininfarina head Ken Okuyama was initially introduced at the 2002 Motor Show in Paris and had a limited number of units priced at $ 659,330. Pininfarina wanted a car the will be entirely different from the usual approach used for its predecessors (GTO, F40 and 50). A mid-engine vehicle whose weight distribution is at 43.9 at the front and 56 in the rear, the Enzo has variable valve timing and dual overhead cams to add to its naturally aspirated engine.

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Latest 2012 BMW Reveals 2013 M6 Coupe and Convertible

BMW M6 Coupe:
 

Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.2 seconds, acceleration [0 – 200 km/h (124 mph)]: 12.6 seconds,top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph), 305 km/h (189 mph) with M Driver’s Package, average fuel consumption: 9.9 lt/100 kilometres (28.5 mpg UK / 23.8mpg US), CO2 emissions: 232 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.
 

BMW M6 Convertible:
 

Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.3 seconds, acceleration [0 – 200 km/h (mph)]: 13.1 seconds, top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph), 305 km/h (189 mph) with M Driver’s Package), average fuel consumption: 10.3 lt/100 kilometres (27.4 mpg UK / 22.8mpg US), CO2 emissions: 239 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.

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Latest 2012 Aston Martin Vantage V8 Mildly

The time has come for Aston Martin to unveil the subtly facelifted Vantage V8 in what is being described by the British sports car maker as "the most comprehensive programme of enhancements since 2008". However, what Aston Martin is really trying to tell us is that it has upgraded the base Vantage V8 with many of the improvements first seen on the Vantage S.

While the standard six-speed manual transmission remains, the optional six-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission has replaced with the seven-speed Sportshift II. In addition, the base V8 model gains the Vantage S' quicker steering with a ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1, bigger brakes with 380mm two-piece ventilated cast-iron front discs and six piston calipers, and 10mm wider tires.

On the outside, the 2012 Vantage V8 inherits a number of styling changes from the Vantage S and N400 limited edition, which include a new lower front bumper piece with a splitter, more sculpted side sills and and a rear diffuser.The base Vantage's 4.7-liter V8 engine that produces an output of 420bhp (426PS/313kW) remains intact. The technical and styling changes have been applied to both the V8 Vantage Coupe and Roadster models, with prices starting from £84,995 in the UK and from €108,500 in Germany.

Production of the other Vantage models, which include the Vantage S featuring a 430bhp version of the 4.7-liter V8 along with a bespoke sports exhaust system and a carbon fiber aero package, and the 510bhp Vantage V12 continue unchanged for 2012. We'll remind you that Aston recently also launched the V12 Zagato, which assumes the role of flagship model of the series and will be produced in a strictly limited run of 150 units.

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Latest 276HP Astra OPC Hot Hatch

After the new Mokka shots [pun intended], Opel's Geneva Motor Show presentation continues with some fresh pictures of the brand-new Astra GTC, which will be marketed as the Vauxhall Astra VXR in the United Kingdom. The most powerful (regular production) Astra ever is based on the sporty-looking Astra GTC three-door hatch and features a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine developing 280PS (276hp/206kW) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).

A six-speed manual gearbox and a specially developed mechanical limited slip differential transfer power to the front wheels. The OPC model also benefits from a raft of bespoke chassis modifications with changes to the suspension, steering and braking systems while it is also employs Opel's FlexRide adaptive dampers featuring a dedicated Sport- and OPC-drive mode.

Without going over the top, the Astra OPC looks the part with a new front bumper sporting a larger lower vent, side skirts, roof spoiler, a new rear bumper that houses a diffuser and rectangular tail pipes, and delicious 20-inch alloy wheels. Likewise, the interior boasts select upgrades such as the body-hugging sports seats trimmed in leather with contrasting stitching that also feature on the door panels, the flat-bottom steering wheel and gear shifter.

The new Astra OPC will compete against the Ford Focus ST, the VW Golf GTI/R (depending on pricing) and the Renault Megane RS.

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MELKUS PRESENTS NEW RS2000 BLACK LIMITED EDITION

If you've never heard the name Melkus before, we won't blame you. The German company founded by race driver Heinz Melkus started building racing and sports cars in the mid-1950s before closing shop in 1986 only to reopen again in the 1990s by Heinz's son Peter. Currently, the company's sole model is the RS2000, the range of which is being expanded with the addition of the new Black Edition variant.

There's no prize for guessing where it's name comes from. We'll just note that according to Melkus, this is no ordinary black paint job but a special black lacquer finish that requires six layers with each layer being sanded separately. The exterior upgrades also include a carbon-fiber bodykit.

The black color theme continues inside with the leather seats and Alcantara interior roof lining as well as numerous piano lacquer and carbon fiber applications. Melkus has also added a new infotainment system with a navigation function.

Under the sheetmetal, we find a new high-performance braking system, while the VW or Opel sourced 2.0-liter turbo engines (the buyer can choose which one he or she wants) both receive a mild boost from 300PS (296hp) in the regular RS2000 to 325PS (321hp) in the Black Edition.

The increase in power allows for a zero to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 270km/h (168mph). And for all this, Melkus will charge you €149,000, which is equal to US$195,600 or £124,200

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New McLaren MP4-12C Diabolically Preview

The Latest  McLaren MP4-12C Diabolically Tricked Out to 666-Horses, with McLaren's newest creation gradually making its way to most markets around the world, the tuning industry is stepping up its efforts to satisfy the needs of power-thirsty buyers. After Hennessey, German tuning firm Wheelasandmore has also presented a new package for the McLaren MP4-12C, which includes both styling and performance products. In factory guise, the MP4-12C's mid-mounted 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 Engine is rated at 600PS (592HP) and 600Nm (442.5 lb-ft).

A reprogrammed ECU along with a custom sports exhaust system push those numbers to 666-horsepower and 640Nm (472 lb-ft) respectively. Wheelsandmore noted that it's currently working on a more aggressive tune with modified turbochargers and intercooler upgrades that will lift output to around 800-ponies. For now, the company's tune also includes an electronic hydraulic suspension system that lowers the ride height by another 25mm and is said to improve handling and steering.

The package is complemented by a new set of lightweight forged alloy wheels finished in black with an orange rim (20-inches with 245/30 Continental Sport Contact 5P tires up front and 21-inches shod in 325/25 rubber at the back), with matching color racing stripes.

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Pininfarina's Cambiano Preview

The first official photos of Pininfarina's Cambiano concept car are out in the open ahead of its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show thanks to the folks over at Italian car magazine Quattroruote. When Pininfarina first announced the Cambiano, it made word of a sedan model but the teaser pictures that followed clearly showed a two-door coupe. As it turns out, the Cambiano study is both a coupe and a sports sedan.

To elaborate, on the driver's side, the concept has one large door while on the passenger's side Pininfarina opted for a suicide door solution and also eliminated the center pillar to afford better entry and exit to all seating positions. The sleek design of the exterior, which was inspired by Pininfarina's 1957 Lancia Florida II, is matched by a minimalistic interior with seating for four, while other highlights include the glass roof and wood trimmed floors.

The GT model measures a little over five meters in length (196.9-in.) and 2 meters in width (78.7-in.), while it tips the scales at 1,700kg (3,748 pounds). It is a range extended electric vehicle with power coming from four 60kw (80hp) electric motors, one for each wheel. A diesel turbine engine located up front works like a generator to recharge the batteries. According to Pininfarina, the Cambiano accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 275km/h (186mph). It's batteries offer a driving range in excess of 200km.

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Audi Urban Sportback and Spyder Concepts

After teasing us with a couple of videos and a few sketches, Audi has now unleashed a wave of computer generated images of its two-seat Urban Sportback and Spyder concept models, both of which will receive their world premiere at the upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.

The German brand says the tiny pure-electric technical studies are not descended from any previous Audi model, and that their development "is based on the strict principles of lightweight construction, efficiency and reduction". The tiny concepts with the exposed 21-inch wheel wheels stretch 3,200mm long, 1,700mm wide and a mere 1,200mm tall. Propulsion comes courtesy of two e-tron electric motors that draw energy from a lithium-ion battery.

To keep the weight down, Audi has used a mix of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer and aluminum to construct the two models. The Urban Sportback model features a canopy that forms part of the body and slides up and to the rear to reveal a 1+1 seat layout with the passenger positioned back and to left

of the driver.

In Spyder form, the concept does away with the sliding canopy but gains a pair of doors that open up diagonally along with a lowered windshield and continuous side window area. More information on the two studies are to be released closer to the Frankfurt Motor Show.

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Infiniti's Sebastian Vettel-Inspired FX50 Breaking Cover

When the doors open to the 64th IAA International Motor Show on September 13, Infiniti will premiere a new concept study that takes the firm's partnership with F1 racing team Red Bull to the next level. The Infiniti FX50 Performance Concept was inspired by reigning Formula One World Champion and Red Bull driver, Sebastian Vettel. The 24-year old German, who is Infiniti's first ever Global Brand Ambassador, is said to have helped in the design of the FX50 study.

The Japanese company is keeping mum about the technical details of the FX50 Performance Concept, but the photo shows that it is based on the facelifted model featuring Infiniti's new corporate grille that we first saw earlier this month. Unique elements to the concept include the redesigned front bumper with LED daytime lights incorporating a carbon fibre apron, the shape of which mimics the design of an F1 car's front wing.

Carbon fibre can also be found on the newly designed side skirts, the roof spoiler, and the rear bumper, while Infiniti did away with the roof rails. Also included are Vettel badges on the front fenders and newly styled alloy wheels shod in performance tires.

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2012 Seat Exeo Saloon and ST Refreshed Once More

Starting from this fall, the Volkswagen Group's Spanish division Seat will offer a revamped version of its former Audi A4-based Exeo series that includes the sedan and estate (ST) models in Europe.

The subtle styling enhancements on the outside include a revised face with new bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights, a honeycomb style grille insert, plus new 17 and 18-inch alloy wheel designs. Upgrades to interior are limited to the redesigned leather steering wheel and the revised upholstery options.

From a technical standpoint, Seat said improvements made to all diesel-powered engines see CO2 emissions cut by around 7 grams per kilometer, with the 120HP and 143HP TDI saloon models fitted with manual transmission now dipping below the 130 g/km mark. The Spanish automaker added that economy is similarly improved, too, with the Exeo saloon now being capable of returning up to 57.6 mpg UK (4.9lt/100km or 48mpg US) on the EU’s combined cycle.

These latest updates come only a year after Seat introduced some minor changes to the Exeo including revised tail lamps with LED technology, reshaped seats that improved rear passenger space and a 7-speed Multitronic transmission on the 2.0 TDI CR Diesel model.

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New Audi S6 and S6 Avant preview

Acura continues the celebration of its 25th anniversary with the launch of a new version of the 2012 TSX sedan named Special Edition that is available exclusively with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine.

The Japanese company says the new model was "designed to evoke the fun-to-drive 4-cylinder Acuras of the past" (so does that mean it's current portfolio isn't "fun-to-drive"?), which in reality translates to a subtle aero package, added standard equipment and the availability of a manual gearbox.

On the outside, the TSX SE gains a front apron, a new rear bumper fascia, side skirts, a set of Special Edition badges and bespoke 17-inch alloy wheels featuring a polished finish with dark grey background.Interior upgrades include a variety of cosmetic appointments such as the seating surfaces in perforated black Lux Suede inserts and red backing, red stitching for the seats, steering wheel and the shift knob, plus red lighting for the instrument cluster gauges, overhead lighting and footwell lighting.

The aluminum pedal covers and the bright silver plating for the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters along with black headliner material complete the look.As previously noted, the TSX Special Edition is powered by the firm's K24 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine available with either a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox or a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission.

Sales will begin in late September with the TSX SE to make its first public outing at the Orange County International Auto Show on September 22nd.

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McLaren MP4-12C Latest Review

If you are one of the few lucky people in this world to be able afford an MP4-12C, but you want the supercar to differ from the one parked in the garage of your obviously wealthy neighbor, the new Special Operations division of McLaren Automotive has a solution.

The new division, which was announced at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance show, aims to create bespoke versions in order to satisfy customer needs for differentiation.

The car on display had a satin matte “Light Silver” paint, finish alloy wheels with black inners, and plenty of carbon fibre applied on the sills, the steering wheel, the front wheel arches, the engine cover vents, the rear deck vent and the wiper covers. Now, that’ a lot of carbon…

If orange is not your style, perhaps you will find the chrome-coated MP4-12C painted in the same lightweight AkzoNobel Sikkens’ color used exclusively on McLaren’s Formula 1 cars more appealing.

Unfortunately, even customizing has its limits: this drag-minimizing paint will not be available on the Special Operations catalogue and will solely adorn Hamilton’s and Button’s cars.

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