LA 2010: Mercedes-Benz BIOME Concept

Mercedes-Benz will debut Mercedes-Benz BIOME Concept at 2010 Los Angeles auto show. Which is a safe and comfortable 2+2 compact car that comes with excellent handling and cutting-edge design.

This concept comes from Mercedes-Benz, which, incidentally, was built not far from Los Angeles at the company’s US design headquarters in Carlsbad, California. The vehicle is called the Biome Concept and is described as a vehicle that “grows in a completely organic environment from seeds sown in a nursery”. In layman’s terms, the Biome Concept is pretty much an organic hybrid that was created in complete symbiosis with nature, producing its own oxygen and contributing to the improvement of air quality.

M-B's German design team created the Smart Weight-Watch, an ultra-compact dunebuggy with removable and recyclable plastic and cloth panels, a carbon fiber tub and tires (you read that last part right) and a lithium-ion battery powering two 15 kW motors. Total weight: exactly 1,000 pounds.

The Biome isn't built the same way normal cars are. Instead, its bodywork is grown from two seeds -- one for the interior, one for the exterior -- that produce an ultralight 'BioFibre', which is then harvested and knitted together to form the car. The wheels, meanwhile, are grown from four separate seeds. This may mean you have to wait 18 years for your car to grow up and become road-legal.




Press Release

At this year’s Los Angeles Design Challenge, the designers from the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios in Carlsbad, California, surprised everyone with a revolutionary vision. Taking their inspiration from nature, they designed a vehicle which is fully integrated into the ecosystem, from the moment of its creation right through to the end of its service life. The Mercedes-Benz BIOME grows in a completely organic environment from seeds sown in a nursery. Out on the road the car emits pure oxygen, and at the end of its lifespan it can be simply composted or used as building material.

"As the inventor of the motor car, we wanted to illustrate the vision of the perfect vehicle of the future, which is created and functions in complete symbiosis with nature. The Mercedes-Benz BIOME is a natural technology hybrid, and forms part of our earth’s ecosystem. It grows and thrives like the leaves on a tree" according to Hubert Lee, Head of the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios in Carlsbad. This year the competition had called for the creation of a vision of a safe and comfortable 2+2 compact car featuring good handling and a first-class design, and weighing only 1,000 lbs (around 454 kg/kerb weight).

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

The Mercedes-Benz BIOME is powered by BioNectar4534, which is stored in the BioFibre material of the chassis, interior, and wheels. In addition, Mercedes-Benz has developed a technology to equip trees with special receptors which can collect the excess solar energy and turn it into BioNectar4534. This creates a direct link with nature’s energy sources and acts as an incentive to cover mobility energy requirements through more trees and at the same time maintain natural resources. Like plants, the Mercedes-Benz symbiosis vehicle also produces oxygen, thereby contributing to improving air quality. At the end of its service life, the Mercedes-Benz BIOME can be fully composted or used as building material. Thanks to the exclusive use of green technologies, the BIOME vehicle thus blends seamlessly into the ecosystem.

Cadillac XTS Luxury Sedan to Arrive in 2011?

A new luxury sedan called the Cadillac XTS is apparently being planned for production by the new General Motors. The car is said to be going after the best from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, which means the A8, 7 Series, LS and S-Class respectively. Suppliers were told about this high-class stretch sedan at a briefing where it was also revealed that manufacturing will happen at the company's plant in Oshawa, Ontario. Cadillac will be replacing the slow-selling DTS with the XTS.
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Corvette ZR1 to get Upgrades & Price Bump in 2010

The cost to own America's own 638-horsepower supercar just got more expensive. GM recently released prices of all Corvette models to dealers and the 2010 Corvette will now start at $107,830. Add the required $1,700 gas guzzler tax for the Corvette ZR1 and the new out the door price increases to $109,530, an increase of $2,910 over the 2009's MSRP + gas tax of $106,620.


To offset the price bump, Chevy is equipping the '10 ZR1 with performance traction management technology, launch control and standard side air bags. According to GM, the PTM system "optimizes traction for greater and more consistent on-track performance" by modulating engine torque 100 times per second and automatically managing acceleration dynamics when exiting corners at full throttle.


The 2010 Corvette ZR1 does feature several new enhancements over the current model. New is the Performance Traction Management technology, Launch Control and standard side air bags. A new cashmere interior will be available later this fall and now the Corvette ZR1 can be ordered in any of the Corvette’s standard colors including Torch Red, Arctic White and Crystal Red Metallic.


Thankfully, the ZR1's supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine carries over untouched. With 638 horsepower (476 kW) and 604 lb-ft (819 Nm) of torque, the ZR1 rockets to a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).
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Kuga Coupé on the prowl

TAKE a look at the new 4x4 that’s going to turn heads on and off-road! This striking machine is a coupé version of Ford’s popular Kuga, and it’s set to take style to the top of the agenda in the SUV sector.

Now that the Kuga is firmly established in the off-road market, Ford has decided it’s time to expand the range. With plans to grow the five-door version, there’s room for a sporty little brother that puts the brand in a class of its own.

As BMW demonstrated with the X6, there is a demand for cars that combine the raised seating position SUV buyers love with coupé looks and a sporty driving experience. And as you can see in our exclusive images, the new Ford certainly has style on its side. Pivotal to the remarkable shape is the dramatically sloping roofline, while the distinctive C-pillar takes some of its inspiration from the three-door Fiesta.


The muscular yet athletic proportions are reminiscent of the original Iosis X, which previewed the Kuga. A neatly curved rear window, classy roof spoiler and sleek tail-lights complete the look. At the front is an evolution of the new design language seen on the Iosis MAX concept. Huge alloys fill chunky arches, the ride height has been raised, and off-road cues include front and rear skid plates.

The Kuga Coupé won’t command an X6-style price tag or cost a lot to run, though. While the current five-door model is a 4x4, most versions of the three-door are likely to be sold with two-wheel drive for better fuel economy and emissions figures.

Under the bonnet, the newcomer will benefit from the same range of EcoBoost direct-injection turbocharged petrol engines as the upcoming third-generation Focus. These are set to include a new 1.6-litre turbo, available with 148bhp or 178bhp outputs, which will combine storming pace with excellent consumption. Diesel options for the Kuga Coupé are going to include a new 128bhp 1.6 TDCi and a flagship 2.0-litre, available with 168bhp or 197bhp options.


As for transmissions, a Powershift twin-clutch auto is to be available for the first time on the Kuga. It will an optional alternativve to the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Expect the new model to get stop-start from the factory, too. Sitting on a modified platform from the next-generation Focus, the Kuga Coupé is to have class-leading driving dynamics with sharp steering, well controlled body roll and plenty of cornering grip.

It will be the sportiest car in its class and while most sales are likely to be front-wheel drive, an all-wheel-drive variant will also be offered. Options such as a panoramic glass roof, the latest hi-tech integrated sat-nav and Bluetooth compatibility, along with a reversing camera, are going to help make the Ford feel every inch the mini X6.

Production is still some way off, though, because Ford’s immediate priority is the launch of the new Focus and C-MAX next year. Those are set to be followed by a Vauxhall Meriva-rivalling, Fiesta-based MPV. So we will see the new model, along with its five-door brother, at a major motor show in 2011.
Source:autoexpress

More Details Emerge for New Ferrari F450

The new Ferrari F450 will feature a massively enhanced technical spec compared with the outgoing F430, Autocar has learned from well placed sources in Italy.


According to Autocar, Ferrari will be employing a host of technologies derived from its Formula One and GT racing divisions. These will include a 7-speed, double-clutch trans-axle transmission, a next-generation version of traction control from the Scuderia, a software program that corrects under-steer, and radiators placed just before the front wheels.


The lightweight aluminium structure of the new car will also bring gains over the F430’s rigidity. It is said to reflect Ferrari’s dream of cutting weight to improve handling and emissions, while negating the need for more power.


Ferrari may still be fine-tuning the styling on the model and is working with legendary coach-builder Pininfarina to match design with aerodynamic requirements.


Although the F450 will employ cutting-edge tech, it won’t initially adopt any of the new patents that Ferrari recently applied for, including twin-turbo, direct-injection V8 petrol engines and all-wheel-drive hybrid technologies.


The F450 will likely make its public debut at the Los Angeles auto show in December. A hybrid version may also be featured, but Ferrari is holding off on introducing its latest patented technologies on the F450, such as Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), fearing that its customer-base is not yet ready to see eco-friendly Ferraris.
via:worldcarfans

Honda's Mugen Motorsports Readying Civic Type R with 240bhp

According to a recent report, Honda is preparing to unveil a high performance Mugen Civic Type R.


Potential owners will also be offered a variety of performance and personalization options which will allow them to custom tailor their car.


Although details are still limited, CAR is reporting that the new Civic will feature a 2.0-liter VTEC four-cylinder engine with at least 240bhp. The new hot hatch is also expected to boast a sports suspension, gripper tires, an aggressive carbon fiber body kit, and a racing-inspired interior with no rear seats.


Expected to be launched later this fall, the new Mugen Civic Type R will be priced from £35,000-£40,000. A tad steep considering that the 300bhp Ford Focus RS costs £25,745 while the Renault Mégane R26.R starts at £24,040.
via:worldcarfans

Mercedes E-Class shooting brake

It’s a fascinating discovery! Our sources have revealed that Mercedes is readying a production version of the Fascination Concept, first seen at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

Should this three-door estate really make it out of the concept phase it would become part of a growing lineup of cars based on the new E-Class. These are the sedan itself, the coupe, the convertible and the five-door estate.


With its distinctive wheelarches and angular front end, the Paris concept was originally a preview of the E-Class Coupé. But latest reports suggest that it could become a standalone model. Mercedes is crossing its fingers that the originality of a sports estate will match the success currently enjoyed by the CLS four-door coupé.

Premium car manufacturers are inventing new segments on what seems to be a yearly basis. Mercedes-Benz itself was first to market a four-door coupe with the CLS. They would therefore plan and hope for similar levels of success with a three-door estate or shooting brake.


The engine line-up will be shared with the E-Class Coupé, which means a choice of frugal four-cylinder and V6 diesels. Mercedes’ BlueEFFICIENCY technology will be available, while four-cylinder petrol engines will be fitted with stop-start. At the top end of the range, an E500 complete with a 5.5-litre V8 will be offered, as well as a storming AMG variant.

The Frankfurt Motor Show is expected to showcase the E-Class Estate while the Convertible would soon follow.
Source:autoexpress

Leaked Photo:MINI-i MegaCity?

I’ll make this short and sweet, apparently the photo posted here is the actual MINI-i vehicle we spoke about a few days ago. The MINI-i MegaCity Vehicle is part of the Project i initiative and will be sold under the MINI brand.

Someone close to BMW speaks further of the MINI-i and BMW’s future plans:

The MINI-i will be equally recognizable as a MINI but with the MINI Brand , BMW intend to split the brand with the smaller “MegaCity” cars and then the Austrian built “Urban Adventure” vehicles which will be the MINI-X and the SpaceBox project.

The BMW Motorrad Division will accompany the MegaCity Scooter , For Project-i. Basically a two seater covered scooter similar to the C1 but lower and longer. Think of the BMW Clever Concept.

BMW has not been entirely clear about how these new vehicles will be branded. They seem to be rather bold in claiming it will represent a new paradigm in urban transport and that Project-i will be developing cars for volume production. As things stand now, the MegaCity is set to be a sub-brand of MINI. And some reports surfaced earlier in the year saying that BMW Design Chief, Chris Bangle, left BMW over this very issue, having grave reservations about how Project-i was set to evolve.
Source: Automobile-magazine via:bmwblog

Audi R8 V12 TDI Production Model Development Halted

According to AutoExpress who spoke with a "high level" Audi official, the cost of modifying the R8 to accommodate the massive 6.0-liter V12 TDI engine was simply too high for them to recoup through the limited sales this model would have produced. The issue was further complicated by the fact that diesel sales in the US are nothing short of dismal, making the V12 TDI a hard sell considering that the US accounts for nearly a third of all R8's sold.
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MINI John Cooper F1 Special Edition In Works...

For the 50th anniversary of John Cooper's first Formula One car, MINI's releasing a very limited edition MINI JCW F1 Special Edition featuring a unique aerokit, F1 badging and the fun 211 HP JCW drivetrain.
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Cadillac Converj given production green light- Report

One of the most exciting cars from January’s Detroit Auto Show was the Cadillac Converj concept car, which General Motors used to showcase its plug-in hybrid technology in a luxury platform. Despite the concept featuring one of the most striking designs we’ve seen in a while, GM vice chairman Bob Lutz said it was designed so that any eventual production version would look “exactly like” the show car, hinting that we may eventually see such a car in showrooms.


The Cadillac plug-in hybrid would feature extra batteries to power a higher-output electric motor than the one in the Volt. The styling of the vehicle would also be slightly different to the Converj concept as much of internal structure, such as the firewall, would need to be sourced from the taller Volt.


The coupe's powertrain would likely feature a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery which would be recharged by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine after the car travels past its 40 mile electric only range. GM would probably make some minor modifications to the powertrain in order to help differentiate it from the Volt, although we can't be sure what this implies as it seems logical that the Cadillac would either feature a larger battery or a more performance oriented setup.


According to an inside source, the new model will be on the road by 2011 if GM’s financial situation improves. The car would be based on the same Delta platform as the upcoming Chevrolet Volt, and power would also come from the same Voltec plug-in hybrid system. The source also revealed that a seven-seater MPV plug-in hybrid was in the pipeline – already previewed by the 2008 Chevrolet Orlando concept.


GM has consistently stated that its Voltec plug-in hybrid system would be used in other models to spread the investment costs as much as possible, and reports of a Cadillac plug-in hybrid date back as far as last August.
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