New Sports Car

Details on a possible future eco-friendly model, called SHC (Super Hatchback Concept), were revealed by designer Jamie Martin, a UK based designer whose previous works include the Cobra Venom V8 concept and the London Navigator bus. The SHC was conceived out of a desire to fuse the two very different worlds of hatchbacks and supercars. And in a world where limiting CO2 output is becoming increasingly important, the SHC also has some green tech up its sleeve.

Designed to compete against the likes of the Honda Civic Type-R and Ford Focus RS, the SHC would be offered with a choice of two different engine/transmission packages.

It has similarities to both a supercar and a 3-door hatchback and boasts of both styling and performance characteristics. The concept car is available in a choice of three next generation powertrains, including an electric / hybrid option. Interestingly, the body is composed of 65% Steel and 35% aluminum used for front wings, bonnet & bumpers. Alternatively, 30% glass reinforced plastic can be used for designated sections. 

Other features include front and rear window ‘air-streams’, combined with hydrophobic and super-fast screen heating and high-intensity LED/Single-Source fiber-optic illumination used on the headlight wing, lower fog light, and rear lights. Martin describes the car to have a “balanced formula of raw power, racing spirit, practicality and eco engine choices.” He said that this means that you have a supercar-inspired drive to use for weekly shopping.

The first proposed powertrain of the concept consists of a twin-turbocharged internal combustion engine with direct injection, stop-start technology and regenerative braking. Transmission would be via a 6-Speed Short-Shift manual gearbox or a 7-speed paddleshift auto.

The second option is a system dubbed the 'Delta Drive Hybrid (DDH)'. This setup consists of a smaller displacement internal combustion engine and a pair of electric motors. Nano-Titanate batteries located in the engine bay, and under the floor would feed power to the high-torque electric motors mounted within the front wheels. 3-performance modes would be available: Economy (low bhp town driving), Normal (medium bhp - motorway driving), and Performance (high bhp - utilising both the petrol engine and electric generator together for ultimate power). The car could also be driven in full electric mode for around 70 miles before the engine was needed to recharge the batteries.

Further highlights of the SHC include a magnetorheological fluid suspension system with Normal, Sport & Track modes. This system, first used by Ferrari, features dampers with iron filings suspended in fluid. When an electrical current is passed through the fluid it instantaneously changes the damping rate and stiffens up the suspension.

While the SHC is just an independent concept with no intention of production, it does seem more and more likely that hybrid technology will filter very quickly into performance vehicles - and hot hatches could be one of the first segments to make the switch.

The Capstone CMT-380 was the surprise basement find of the LA Auto Show.The Capstone CMT-380 is essentially a prototype show car designed to highlight the technology and products available from Capstone Turbine Corporation. The concept for the high performance hybrid electric microturbine vehicle was developed by Electronic Arts (EA) Chief Creative Director Richard Hilleman.

After working on the car for four years, inventor Richard Hilleman was the man of the hour as he fielded questions about his unusual microturbine-lithium-ion hybrid powertrain fitted to a GTM Supercar kit body. It may still be in the test phase, but Capstone claims that the car can reach a top speed of 150mph, and is able to sprint from zero to 60mph in just 3.9 seconds.

The CMT-380 features an unusual hybrid drivetrain which uses one of Capstone's new C30 (30-kilowatt) microturbine engines to extend the range of the primarily electric powered vehicle. The turbine can be run on either diesel or biodiesel.

The CMT-380 features lithium-polymer battery cells that can be charged at home or at a public recharging station. While driving, the CMT-380 can operate on 100 percent battery power in zero emissions mode for a range of up to 80 miles. When the batteries reach a predetermined state of discharge, the Capstone C30 microturbine quietly fires up and recharges the batteries on the fly to extend the driving range up to 500 miles. The diesel fueled C30 microturbine requires less maintenance than traditional combustion engines and produces ultra-low exhaust emissions. Hilleman has owned an electric vehicle – a converted Porsche 550 Spyder – for at 15 years and has constantly upgraded it. The EV used to have just 30 hp with lead acids but now uses lithium ferrous batteries and has 200 hp. The 100-mile range hasn't changed, though, and so he knew it was time to build a hybrid. He decided on Capstone's diesel microturbines as the range extender.
He knew he could rely on them – they've been used in buses for years – but there was still the challenge of fitting the unit into a car like this. Hilleman built the CMT-380 just for himself, but Capstone is happy to show it off as a proof of concept vehicle. It would be too pricey to put into mass production (Hilleman estimated he put in about $375,000 hours of work), but it's not impossible that a high-end, expensive, limited production run could be made some day.

Right now, Hilleman is really happy with his creation. He especially loves the sound of the vehicle. Three feet to the side of the car, the microturbine puts out about 87 dB, but in the cabin, it's nearly silent. California law might require him to add a muffler, but it's already quiet enough without one. He's got a solution for that problem, should he need it.
The chassis and bodywork of the Capstone CMT-380 are borrowed from the Factory Five GTM kit sports car, and modified to accept the hybrid drivetrain.

"Capstone's CMT-380 is just now finishing up the conceptual design and first article testing stage," said Darren Jamison, Capstone President and CEO. "We plan to finalize very soon a limited production plan, in part, based on interest received at the [2009] LA Auto Show. We anticipate customers will be a select group of individuals who appreciate its many innovative high-performance and high-technology driving characteristics, long driving range and ultra-low emissions," added Jamison.

Zenvo ST1 is a real supercar with excessive power supplied from a V8 engine with both supercharger and turbo. Zenvo ST1 has 1.104 BHP and 1.430 NM
The car is 100% Danish design. Danish design has always been cutting edge design, but this is the first Danish designed supercar.

With an electronically limited 233 mph top speed, the ST1 won't be breaking any production land speed records, though. Presumably Zenvo threw the governer into the equation to simplify safety and aerodynamic precautions, as one 200+ mph speeds are reached, stress on tires and body components increases very quickly.

The design of the Zenvo ST1 is made from free flowing accelerating lines creating the shape of the wheel arches, the roof line, side line and the lower side air intake. The sharp lines are connected by muscular organic surfacing creating dramatic reflections. Contrasting the general surfacing the design features a race car inspired lower carbon splitter.

The theme of the front is repeated in the rear which is designed around the big diffuser necessary for high speed stability. As on the front the center volume is flanked by large air exits extracting hot engine air as well as housing the exhaust and rear lights.
The rear spoiler mandatory for a car capable of extreme high speeds is partly integrated in the rear wing. It has a unique aerodynamic design following the raked shape of the rear end.

The Bentley Continental Supersports is the first Bentley model to be designed with some thought given to the environment. Bentleys will never be the most economical or environmentally friendly of vehicles but at least they're recognizing the fact that times are changing.The Continental Supersports began as an 'under the radar' project exploring the possibilities of weight reduction on the Continental GT but with more power and torque.The Bentley Continental Supersports is the fastest and most powerful Bentley ever. It is the extreme Bentley, a muscular two-seater that delivers supercar performance and a highly focused driving experience. The Bentley Continental Supersports is also the first Bentley capable of running on both petrol (gasoline) and biofuel, pioneering the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector. This represents stage one of the company's commitment to make its complete model range compatible with renewable fuels by 2012. Available worldwide from autumn 2009, the Bentley Continental Supersports will be FlexFuel compatible in the majority of markets from launch with North American cars offering the capability by summer 2010, following regulatory approval

A largely experimental process crystallised over a period of 24 months into an official new car programme, driven by the passion and enthusiasm of a small group of Bentley engineers and designers.

Commenting on the new Supersports model, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley's Chairman and Chief Executive said: "The Bentley Continental Supersports reflects the passion and enthusiasm of Bentley's engineers and designers. This is the fastest, most extreme Bentley ever, dramatically styled to underline its supercar character. Importantly, it also pioneers the use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector."

Introduction of the new Bentley Continental GTC range builds on this success with a subtle evolution of its distinctive style and a range of technical and feature enhancements benefiting comfort and customer choice. The appeal of the GTC is further strengthened by the addition of the new 600bhp (610PS) Bentley Continental GTC Speed model. It is Bentley's most powerful convertible ever and inspired by Bentley's legendary 'Speed Models' from the 1920s.

The GTC Speed's 600bhp (610PS) W12 engine develops 9 per cent more power than the standard GTC. However, it is the 15 per cent increase in torque that really distinguishes the Speed model, which now develops an impressive output of 750 Nm (553lb ft). This is achieved across virtually the complete rev range, from just 1700 to 5600 rev/min, delivering that characteristic Bentley wave of torque.Engine efficiency improvements result from the use of

The Bentley Continental GTC Speed has a unique set of design cues, notably a dark-tinted matrix grille to the upper and lower air intakes, a black very stable platform for the aluminium-intensive suspension system, optimising its performance. Despite the boost in power and torque for the GTC Speed model, no changes to the body structure were required.The Bentley Continental GTC Speed has a unique set of design cues, notably a dark-tinted matrix grille to the upper and lower air intakes, a black lower bumper valance, wider, rifled exhaust tailpipes and 20-inch, silver-painted, multi-spoke alloy wheels.The wheels are available as an option with a special dark tint finish.

Lamborghini "Concept S"

The House of the Raging Bull has shown the first driveable prototype of the Lamborghini "Concept S" at the Monterey Concorso Italiano and at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the USA.It was created at the Centro Stile Lamborghini in Sant'Agata Bolognese by Luc Donckerwolke, who drew inspiration from the classic single-seater racing cars of the past.The astonishing amount of public interest at the Geneva Motor Show prompted the decision to build a driveable prototype in order to further gauge potential customer demand.
The driveable "Concept S" prototype has only changed slightly compared to the original design study. For example, the so-called "saute-vent" windscreens were re-designed for homologation reasons. The look of the car results even more extreme than the original.

The aerodynamics of the "Concept S" have been optimised thanks to front and rear spoilers and a large rear diffuser. An electronically controlled, retractable central rear view mirror allows the driver to see what is happening behind the car - when required!
The House of the Raging Bull has shown the first driveable prototype of the Lamborghini "Concept S" at the Monterey Concorso Italiano and at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the USA.
They also create a space between them that acts as an additional air inlet for the engine, which is positioned behind the seats. And like the Gallardo, which serves as the basis for this stunning supersportscar, the "Concept S" is equipped with a powerful V10 engine. ..............................Lamborghini "Concept S"

The Lamborghini "Concept S" design study premiered at this year's Geneva Motorshow as an extreme and spectacular expression of the Lamborghini brand. It was created at the Centro Stile Lamborghini in Sant'Agata Bolognese by Luc Donckerwolke, who drew inspiration from the classic single-seater racing cars of the past.
The driveable "Concept S" prototype has only changed slightly compared to the original design study. For example, the so-called "saute-vent" windscreens were re-designed for homologation reasons. The look of the car results even more extreme than the original.

The car is equipped with a standard production 720bhp Chevrolet V8 engine option built specifically for Ultima by our OE engine suppliers American Speed.
The Ultima GTR720 is a fully road going production car with standard features such as air conditioning, stereo system and sealed luggage compartments etc and is often used as a daily driver.

The Ultima GTR used for the successful record attempt was the factory's standard production specification Ultima GTR640 demonstrator, which has recently been upgraded with a 720bhp Chevrolet V8 engine, and hence now known as the Ultima GTR720. The GTR720 was fully road legal, road tyred and equipped with a standard 5 speed G50 transmission and a standard production engine option from Ultima's official OE engine suppliers American Speed. No traction control devices or ABS braking aids were used.

Ted Marlow commented, ' Quite frankly the Ultima has opened up a new league of road car performance with these new independently verified figures. The Ultima GTR with its superior power to weight ratio is now over two seconds quicker from 0-100mph-0 than the £750,000 McLaren F1 LM, and over one and a half seconds quicker than the £450,000 Ferrari Enzo. What's more the GTR720 performed these world beating statistics consistently and reliably time after time. The mind boggling 30-70mph time of just 1.8 seconds is further proof that the Ultima is so far ahead of any other car in terms of outright performance. ................ Ultima GTR720 Chevrolet 720bhp V8 Engine
This new catalogue of Ultima world records was once again strictly conducted, overseen and verified by an official from 'Datron Technology' who are acknowledged by the Guinness Book of Records and the motoring press as official timekeepers.. The use of their official Microsat GPS timing equipment which is based on incorruptible data provides irrefutable proof of the astonishing Ultima times. The Ultima GTR720 used for these records which is a company demonstrator was driven to and from the test venue.

The 2009 Nissan GT-R, the first Skyline GT-R model to be released in the United States, offers performance unlike any Nissan sports car in the history of the Japanese automaker. The "Skyline" moniker has officially been dropped, but the 2009 GT-R, which was delivered to its first US customers in July 2008,represents a new era for the Skyline GT-R, the most storied sports car in Japanese automotive history.

The interior of Nissan Skyline R34 GTR is simple, sporty, and luxurious, with plenty of head and leg room for taller drivers. Seats are comfy for long trips yet still hold you in when cornering hard. Center gauges have been replaced with a LCD screen. This shows loads of information like, throttle position, boost pressure, torque split, a built in G-meter, and it has a com-port so you can download your trips data onto a laptop.

And it makes this compromise asconvincing as hardly any other car does.These refinements make driving the GTR a pleasure with every aspect improved. Steering is responsive and grip is phenomenal making Nissan Skyline R34 GTR a true cornering machine. Ride quality is on the firm side but harsh bumps are absorbed well, but this is asports car after all.

Turbo chargers where also revised featuring a dual ball bearing core which reduced lag and improved the power band. The gearbox was replaced by a 6-speedgetrag which features, shorter ratios, and a shorter throws. Acceleration times have improved, 0-100 is achieved in 4.9
seconds and the 400m sprint in completed in 12.9.

The Ascari A10 lightweight carbon fiber body of less than 3,000 pounds is designed more for the racetrack than the road. There were only a few models of this fast car built, somewhere between 10 and 50, and although expensive, it promises incredible speed and power.The Ascari A10 sports car, developed by British manufacturers and similar to the Spanish GT version, is rated in the top ten supercars for 2006.
The power of the Ascari A10 comes from the modified BMW 5.0 liter V-8 engine, with the standard six-speed sequential transaxle, where the gearshifts operate as paddles, similar to other race cars. Additions and modifications to the engine, however, include cams with advanced timing, new rods, and pistons, as well as a dry sump lubrication system. It has the same steel sub-frame for the power train and rear suspension as the KZ1 sports car, but the height of the coil spring units can be adjusted hydraulically on front and rear. This is a unique feature, not found on most other supercars, where adjustments can only be made manually. Handling should be easier than before, with front and rear anti-roll bars installed, which are also adjustable. The builders of the A10, not to be outdone by their competitors and to ensure adequate braking at such high speeds, have installed ventilated ceramic disc brakes, with 6-pot calipers on the front and 4-pot calipers on the rear.
Ascari A10 rear view image
The exterior design of this luxury race car is more dramatic than its predecessor the KZ1, with wider headlamps, a different grille, and higher wheel arches to accommodate larger rear tires. In addition, it features a splitter in the front, fixed rear wing, and five detachable body panels for added race trace utility. Even with standard features such as a battery isolator, rollover cage, electric windows, and air conditioning, it still weighs 55 pounds less than the KZ1.
Klaas Zwart, the owner of Ascari, may well have designed the fastest exotic car in the UK, outperforming the Ferrari Enzo as is claimed. The A10 is certainly a rare and distinctive car, one that is much desired to own.

The Beck LM 800 is built on the principle of lightweight and aerodynamic efficiency. It uses composite materials to to keep the weight down and a form over function styling brief to keep the frontal area and drag coefficient to a minimum.
The LM 800 is a supercar from Beck Engineering & Composites GmbH based in Switzerland. The Beck LM 800 went on show in January 2007 in Vienna.
The construction of the Beck LM 800 is similar to that found in Formula 1 race cars with a carbon, Kevlar and aluminium composite monocoque protecting the driver and passenger, as well as providing a rigid base to attach the engine and transmission mounts and front control arms of the chassis. The LM 800 has an electronically controlled, hydraulic active chassis also influenced by F1 technology, which reacts to telemetry data and helps to keep the car firmly stuck to the road.
The engine is a V8 especially produced by MTM for the Beck LM 800 with a displacement of 4.2 litres and, thanks to two turbochargers, delivers a performance of around 650 HP (variable from 550 - 1000 hp) to the drive shaft. The drive unit is designed in such a way that even acceleration is achieved across the entire range up to a top speed of over 217 mph. The semi-sequential 7-speed gearbox is perfectly coordinated with the Beck LM 800 and reacts instantly to driver input.
The wheels of the Beck LM 800 are specially made and formed from aluminium. An in-built hydraulic jacking system makes tire changes a breeze.