It had to happen. Manufacturers are fighting to fill every possible niche these days, but only Rinspeed has thought to make an underwater zero-emissions car. Due to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008, Rinspeed says the aptly named sQuba is the ‘world’s first real diving car’. And we don’t think even James Bond is going to argue with them.
The Swiss manufacturer, which has previously made a 911 Turbo pick-up, claims the sQuba can dive to a depth of 10 metres. Not bad for an Elise lookalike with Aston Martin rear lights.
So what’s this car all about then?
The sQuba automatically switches from car to a submarine as it enters or exits the water. An electric motor either drives the rear wheels on land, or two propellers and two jets underwater.
Being powered by giant batteries means the vehicle doesn’t emit any emissions or pollutants, so the birds, bees - and fish - won’t be harmed directly by the sQuba.
Er, it looks like an open-top....
It is, but an on-board breathing system means you can breathe underwater. Unless you pull on a full wetsuit, we can’t imagine straying beyond the barmy waters of the Bahamas is a good idea.
Apparently, the sQuba opens up a new and fascinating world to its occupants, but Rinspeed doesn’t say how the manoeuverability is affected underwater.
Thứ Sáu, 2 tháng 3, 2012
Land Rover LRX concept
Here is Land Rover’s riposte to the anti-SUV brigade: the long-awaited baby Landy – a hybrid 4x4 so small it shares a footprint with a Ford Focus. The LRX will be shown at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2008 and presages a new, compact Land Rover due on sale in the next decade.
Think shrunken Freelander coupe and you’ve got the LRX in a nutshell. It’s just 4351mm long (149mm shorter than a Freelander) and 1535mm high (-205mm). Land Rover calls it a ‘cross-coupe’ and in the metal this cars games looks surprisingly compact – every inch as small as a Focus or Golf.
Smaller dimensions won’t bring smaller prices, however. The LRX will be pitched as a replacement for the three-door Freelander and priced accordingly. This is a car for people who deride the unnecessary heft of large SUVs, but want to retain the visual presence of 4x4s. It’s Land Rover lite.
So when’s Land Rover going to build the LRX?
That’s the $64,000 question. Forget all the chat about ‘gauging interest’ and the usual concept-car nonsense. Land Rover is deadly serious about stretching its range down into smaller segments, as the market turns against big, lumbering off-roaders cluttering up city streets.
The LRX concept is equipped with the necessary green technology to get the right message across. There’s a 2.0-litre hybrid diesel powertrain that has been Federalised for US sales (a detail that makes it sound like it’s heading for production) and E-RAD, Land Rover’s new system for electric rear axle drive.
This is the first car to be designed under new Land Rover design director Gerry McGovern. He references cars like the Mini, Audi TT and VW Beetle, saying ‘they all appeared at motor shows as concepts, but the production cars were very faithful to those designs. That was unusual back then, but not anymore. There’s no reason why any of what you see on the LRX can’t happen – interior included.’
A solid hint that the LRX will be built in similar form, then. Our advice is to expect something as toned down as the transition from Range Stormer to Range Rover Sport.
Think shrunken Freelander coupe and you’ve got the LRX in a nutshell. It’s just 4351mm long (149mm shorter than a Freelander) and 1535mm high (-205mm). Land Rover calls it a ‘cross-coupe’ and in the metal this cars games looks surprisingly compact – every inch as small as a Focus or Golf.
Smaller dimensions won’t bring smaller prices, however. The LRX will be pitched as a replacement for the three-door Freelander and priced accordingly. This is a car for people who deride the unnecessary heft of large SUVs, but want to retain the visual presence of 4x4s. It’s Land Rover lite.
So when’s Land Rover going to build the LRX?
That’s the $64,000 question. Forget all the chat about ‘gauging interest’ and the usual concept-car nonsense. Land Rover is deadly serious about stretching its range down into smaller segments, as the market turns against big, lumbering off-roaders cluttering up city streets.
The LRX concept is equipped with the necessary green technology to get the right message across. There’s a 2.0-litre hybrid diesel powertrain that has been Federalised for US sales (a detail that makes it sound like it’s heading for production) and E-RAD, Land Rover’s new system for electric rear axle drive.
This is the first car to be designed under new Land Rover design director Gerry McGovern. He references cars like the Mini, Audi TT and VW Beetle, saying ‘they all appeared at motor shows as concepts, but the production cars were very faithful to those designs. That was unusual back then, but not anymore. There’s no reason why any of what you see on the LRX can’t happen – interior included.’
A solid hint that the LRX will be built in similar form, then. Our advice is to expect something as toned down as the transition from Range Stormer to Range Rover Sport.
Mitsubishi Evo X prices announced
Mitsubishi has just announced prices for the tenth evolution of its Lancer, and it will cost considerably more than its rival from Subaru. The cheapest Evo X will be £27,499, £2504 more than the Subaru Impreza WRX STi.
But if you’re not in the market for the all-out, all-paw Lancer then fear not, because the base 1.5-litre front-wheel drive model will cost only £12,499, just £4 more than the equivalent Scooby. A five-door Sportback model will follow, going on sale on 1 September 2008.
And what if I want something to fill the gap between the shopping trolley and supercar-slaying models?
There’s now a mid-range Evo to answer your prayers, and to take on the WRX Impreza. Called the Lancer Ralliart, it comes with a 237bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, four-wheel drive and a twin-clutch transmission. No word on prices yet, but expect it to cost at least £22,000, over two grand more than the manual Subaru.
But what about the full-on Evo X?
Oh yes, that little chestnut. There are three trim levels; GS, GSR, and GSR SST. GS only gets you a five-speed manual, whereas GSR means six forward gears, while the aptly named GSR SST gives you the twin-clutch Sport Shift Transmission. The Evo X makes 290bhp from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, although it's called the FQ-300.
Any other FQ models?
Available from launch will be both FQ-330 and –360 models with HKS power upgrades. The FQ-330 gets an ECU re-map amongst other tweaks, while the FQ-360 gets even more go-faster goodies, including a Sonic hedgehog-esque vortex generator on the roof.
Power outputs and performance figures will be available shortly, but prices have been announced. The 330 model will start at £30,499 in GS-spec, while the 360 will be £35,499. GSR-spec will set you back a further £2k, and the twin-clutch transmission is currently not available on the FQ models.
But if you’re not in the market for the all-out, all-paw Lancer then fear not, because the base 1.5-litre front-wheel drive model will cost only £12,499, just £4 more than the equivalent Scooby. A five-door Sportback model will follow, going on sale on 1 September 2008.
And what if I want something to fill the gap between the shopping trolley and supercar-slaying models?
There’s now a mid-range Evo to answer your prayers, and to take on the WRX Impreza. Called the Lancer Ralliart, it comes with a 237bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, four-wheel drive and a twin-clutch transmission. No word on prices yet, but expect it to cost at least £22,000, over two grand more than the manual Subaru.
But what about the full-on Evo X?
Oh yes, that little chestnut. There are three trim levels; GS, GSR, and GSR SST. GS only gets you a five-speed manual, whereas GSR means six forward gears, while the aptly named GSR SST gives you the twin-clutch Sport Shift Transmission. The Evo X makes 290bhp from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, although it's called the FQ-300.
Any other FQ models?
Available from launch will be both FQ-330 and –360 models with HKS power upgrades. The FQ-330 gets an ECU re-map amongst other tweaks, while the FQ-360 gets even more go-faster goodies, including a Sonic hedgehog-esque vortex generator on the roof.
Power outputs and performance figures will be available shortly, but prices have been announced. The 330 model will start at £30,499 in GS-spec, while the 360 will be £35,499. GSR-spec will set you back a further £2k, and the twin-clutch transmission is currently not available on the FQ models.
Nissan Forum concept
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Forum. No, not that Forum where Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did his best work, but Nissan’s new minivan concept.
Due to be unveiled at Detroit in January 2008 the concept is, according to Nissan, 'a forum for family gatherings'. Very clever, but even better is the turntable seating. The second row of seating can rotate, so you can face forwards, sideways, or towards the third row of passengers.
The interior also features wireless monitors, and a console-mounted microwave, so you can heat your own motorway service station food. The carpet is one-inch thick ‘modern shag’ which Nissan says is easy to clean.
There are speakers for each row of seats, cameras to monitor the second and third rows, and a ‘one-button audio muting system’. That’d be a mute button, then.
The outside gives hints to the next Quest, though the lack of a B-pillar is pure concept car fantasy, but hopefully the sliding doors that do without the unsightly tracking rail will make production. The Forum also features Nissan’s Around View Monitor parking system.
Due to be unveiled at Detroit in January 2008 the concept is, according to Nissan, 'a forum for family gatherings'. Very clever, but even better is the turntable seating. The second row of seating can rotate, so you can face forwards, sideways, or towards the third row of passengers.
The interior also features wireless monitors, and a console-mounted microwave, so you can heat your own motorway service station food. The carpet is one-inch thick ‘modern shag’ which Nissan says is easy to clean.
There are speakers for each row of seats, cameras to monitor the second and third rows, and a ‘one-button audio muting system’. That’d be a mute button, then.
The outside gives hints to the next Quest, though the lack of a B-pillar is pure concept car fantasy, but hopefully the sliding doors that do without the unsightly tracking rail will make production. The Forum also features Nissan’s Around View Monitor parking system.
Honda Pilot concept (2007): first official pictures
Honda will show a concept of the next-generation Pilot at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2008. Although the Americans call it ‘midsize’ the current car is hardly small: at 4775mm long it’s over 200mm longer than a BMW X3 so expect the new car to be as big as the X5. However, that means the concept can offer seating for eight.
That styling is clearly more 4x4 than crossover, and in line with that Honda claims the next Pilot will have ‘all-weather, medium-duty off-road capabilities’.
The Pilot won’t be coming to the UK, but looks set to cost under $30,000 on the other side of the Pond. The current car starts at $27,595, which is less than £14k in our money.
Also on the Honda stand will be the company’s production hydrogen fuel-cell car, the FCX Clarity, and the hybrid CR-Z concept, which looks set to make production.
That styling is clearly more 4x4 than crossover, and in line with that Honda claims the next Pilot will have ‘all-weather, medium-duty off-road capabilities’.
The Pilot won’t be coming to the UK, but looks set to cost under $30,000 on the other side of the Pond. The current car starts at $27,595, which is less than £14k in our money.
Also on the Honda stand will be the company’s production hydrogen fuel-cell car, the FCX Clarity, and the hybrid CR-Z concept, which looks set to make production.
Kia Borrego (2007): first official pictures
Kia will show its new, mid-size (by American standards) SUV at Detroit in January 2008. Called the Borrego, after a Californian bighorn sheep, the styling is derived from a previous Detroit concept, the 2005 Mesa.
The SUV will be available with either a V6, or Kia’s first V8. It'll seat seven, and the construction isn't a monocoque, but a body-on-frame set-up. Much of the architecture is shared with sister company Hyundai's Veracruz, and the V8 will also feature in the Hyundai Genesis saloon, which also takes a bow at Detroit in January 2008.
The Borrego goes on sale in Korea (where it will be built) at the start of 2008, before reaching the States in summer 2008. There are no plans to bring the car to Europe.
The SUV will be available with either a V6, or Kia’s first V8. It'll seat seven, and the construction isn't a monocoque, but a body-on-frame set-up. Much of the architecture is shared with sister company Hyundai's Veracruz, and the V8 will also feature in the Hyundai Genesis saloon, which also takes a bow at Detroit in January 2008.
The Borrego goes on sale in Korea (where it will be built) at the start of 2008, before reaching the States in summer 2008. There are no plans to bring the car to Europe.
Mercedes SLK facelift (2007): first official pictures
Mercedes has given its SLK a spruce-up just in time for Christmas. Blink and you most certainly will miss it – but the company claims there are 650 modified parts on its renowned roadster, which gets freshened looks inside and out, and fettled engines to take it into 2008.
Anoraks will spot the facelifted two-seater by its reshaped bumper and front air dam, and the large three-pointed star is given more prominence on the SLK’s snout. At the rear, a faux diffuser is grafted onto the car’s behind, alongside trapezoidal tailpipes and smoked, AMG-style rear lights.
Bigger door mirrors sprout from the flanks – now illuminated with arrow-shaped indicator repeaters, and new designs of alloy wheel evolve the look originally penned by Brit designer Steve Mattin, now design chief at Volvo.
New engines
The four-strong engine line-up will continue, led by the SLK55 V8. The three smaller engines are all revised for lower consumption and emissions: the SLK200 Kompressor (up 21bhp to 182bhp), SLK 280 (unchanged at ) and SLK350 (up 33bhp to 301bhp).
Also new is a variable ratio steering system called Direct-Steer. It’s optional on the three base models and standard on the AMG, and is wholly mechanical, meaning a much more direct ratio when just 5deg of lock is applied for quicker responses. Merc claims the turns lock to lock has reduced by a quarter as a result.
Changes inside include a new instrument cluster and three-spoke steering wheel design. Merc’s latest telematics system has been shoehorned in, letting owners use Bluetooth and operate their iPod remotely through the usual stereo controls.
The revised SLK goes on sale in Britain in April 2008. Pricing will be announced in the new year. Despite being the priciest car in its segment, the SLK remains a strong seller – Merc has flogged nearly half a million since its debut in 1997, nearly a tenth of those in the UK.
Anoraks will spot the facelifted two-seater by its reshaped bumper and front air dam, and the large three-pointed star is given more prominence on the SLK’s snout. At the rear, a faux diffuser is grafted onto the car’s behind, alongside trapezoidal tailpipes and smoked, AMG-style rear lights.
Bigger door mirrors sprout from the flanks – now illuminated with arrow-shaped indicator repeaters, and new designs of alloy wheel evolve the look originally penned by Brit designer Steve Mattin, now design chief at Volvo.
New engines
The four-strong engine line-up will continue, led by the SLK55 V8. The three smaller engines are all revised for lower consumption and emissions: the SLK200 Kompressor (up 21bhp to 182bhp), SLK 280 (unchanged at ) and SLK350 (up 33bhp to 301bhp).
Also new is a variable ratio steering system called Direct-Steer. It’s optional on the three base models and standard on the AMG, and is wholly mechanical, meaning a much more direct ratio when just 5deg of lock is applied for quicker responses. Merc claims the turns lock to lock has reduced by a quarter as a result.
Changes inside include a new instrument cluster and three-spoke steering wheel design. Merc’s latest telematics system has been shoehorned in, letting owners use Bluetooth and operate their iPod remotely through the usual stereo controls.
The revised SLK goes on sale in Britain in April 2008. Pricing will be announced in the new year. Despite being the priciest car in its segment, the SLK remains a strong seller – Merc has flogged nearly half a million since its debut in 1997, nearly a tenth of those in the UK.
Subaru Forester (2009): first official pictures
This is Subaru's all-new Forester estate, set to be unveiled at January's Detroit motor show. Devoted fans won't be disappointed, because the 2009 model year Forester dogmatically sticks to the Forester formula: a jacked up, four-wheel drive wagon, but with a newish look, more refinement and improved safety levels, says Subaru.
I see why you're calling it a newISH look...
Today's boxy, oldschool Volvo-look makes way for a boxy, newschool Mitsubishi Outlander-look. The lamps, grille and glasshouse are slightly more expressive than on the current car, but Subaru isn't breaking any new ground for car design. Good job, because last time that happened, the Tribeca MPV was inflicted on the world. It's all about functionality, hence the big tailgate, raised ride height/seating position and plastic underbody protection.
What's the story beneath the skin?
Naturally, the Forester employs Subaru's trademark four-wheel drive system, split 50:50 front:rear, to get countryfolk to the parts other estate cars can't reach. Subaru has only confirmed Foresters running the 2.5-litre petrol engine. The turbocharged unit currently kicks out 230bhp and 236lb ft, but tweaks will produce more low-end torque and mid-range mettle, claims Subaru. But the big news for Europe is the first Forester diesel. The diesel boxer engine, with a 2.0-litre capacity and outputs of 163bhp and 251lb ft, is being rolled out across the Subaru range, with the Forester in the queue behind the Legacy and Impreza.
I see why you're calling it a newISH look...
Today's boxy, oldschool Volvo-look makes way for a boxy, newschool Mitsubishi Outlander-look. The lamps, grille and glasshouse are slightly more expressive than on the current car, but Subaru isn't breaking any new ground for car design. Good job, because last time that happened, the Tribeca MPV was inflicted on the world. It's all about functionality, hence the big tailgate, raised ride height/seating position and plastic underbody protection.
What's the story beneath the skin?
Naturally, the Forester employs Subaru's trademark four-wheel drive system, split 50:50 front:rear, to get countryfolk to the parts other estate cars can't reach. Subaru has only confirmed Foresters running the 2.5-litre petrol engine. The turbocharged unit currently kicks out 230bhp and 236lb ft, but tweaks will produce more low-end torque and mid-range mettle, claims Subaru. But the big news for Europe is the first Forester diesel. The diesel boxer engine, with a 2.0-litre capacity and outputs of 163bhp and 251lb ft, is being rolled out across the Subaru range, with the Forester in the queue behind the Legacy and Impreza.
G-Power Hurricane (2008): first official pictures
M5 not powerful enough for you? German tuner G-Power has announced a frankly ludicrous supercharged version of the fast BMW. The Hurricane is an apt name for the blown Beamer – it produces a scarcely credible 720bhp and has been certified at 211mph.
G-Power uses two belt-driven compressors for each bank of the 5.0-litre V10; using two smaller superchargers keeps the weight down and makes them more efficient – each uses 0.5 bar of boost pressure. And it’s not just a bolt-on-and-leave-the-rest-alone job. The German tuners have also fitted new forged pistons, a new intercooler, bigger oil cooler and revised engine mapping.
Peak power lands, with considerable force, at 7500rpm while maximum torque of 516lb ft arrives at a heady 7200rpm. Sounds worryingly peaky, but G-Power claims the Hurricane out-pulls the M5’s maximum thrust by 3800rpm.
End result? The two-tonne saloon scampers to 62mph in 4.2 seconds (half a second faster than the regular M5) and by 124mph the gap has stretched to five seconds. G-Power has a barrage of performance claims, and says the Hurrican will keep on accelerating all the way to 211mph.
The sort of people who’ll buy the maxed-out M5 will love the styling accoutrements. There’s a new front apron (crafted from carbonfibre upon request), rear diffuser and spoilers to channel air to the correct places, while 21-inch wheels wear chunky 30-section Dunlop high-speed rubber and house bigger, six-piston brakes.
All this excess carries a price, of course. The finished item costs a faintly ridiculous £178,000, or you can convert an existing car for £66,000. Which is the same as the M5 costs in the first place…
We’d dispute G-Power’s claim that the Hurricane is the most powerful street-legal BMW on sale. Californian tuner Currency Motors produces a twin-turbocharged M5 that develops 800bhp. Just goes to show you can have too much of a good thing.
G-Power uses two belt-driven compressors for each bank of the 5.0-litre V10; using two smaller superchargers keeps the weight down and makes them more efficient – each uses 0.5 bar of boost pressure. And it’s not just a bolt-on-and-leave-the-rest-alone job. The German tuners have also fitted new forged pistons, a new intercooler, bigger oil cooler and revised engine mapping.
Peak power lands, with considerable force, at 7500rpm while maximum torque of 516lb ft arrives at a heady 7200rpm. Sounds worryingly peaky, but G-Power claims the Hurricane out-pulls the M5’s maximum thrust by 3800rpm.
End result? The two-tonne saloon scampers to 62mph in 4.2 seconds (half a second faster than the regular M5) and by 124mph the gap has stretched to five seconds. G-Power has a barrage of performance claims, and says the Hurrican will keep on accelerating all the way to 211mph.
The sort of people who’ll buy the maxed-out M5 will love the styling accoutrements. There’s a new front apron (crafted from carbonfibre upon request), rear diffuser and spoilers to channel air to the correct places, while 21-inch wheels wear chunky 30-section Dunlop high-speed rubber and house bigger, six-piston brakes.
All this excess carries a price, of course. The finished item costs a faintly ridiculous £178,000, or you can convert an existing car for £66,000. Which is the same as the M5 costs in the first place…
We’d dispute G-Power’s claim that the Hurricane is the most powerful street-legal BMW on sale. Californian tuner Currency Motors produces a twin-turbocharged M5 that develops 800bhp. Just goes to show you can have too much of a good thing.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (2008): first official pictures
The Corvette ZR1 is back. Affectionately known by GM as ‘King of the Hill’, this range-topping ‘Vette will be powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre V8. And before you complain about the lack of the 7.0-litre V8 from the Z06, you should know that the ZR1’s forced-induction lump will kick out 620bhp and 607lb ft. That’s 108bhp and 137lb ft more than the Z06 and, at 1519kg, it's only 98kg heavier than its 7.0-litre brethren.
The 620bhp comes courtesy of a Roots-type supercharger developed by Eaton. The engine, designated LS9, is hand-built at GM’s Performance Build Centre, while drive is through a six-speed manual. The ZR1 should be the first production Corvette to officially top 200mph.
What else is new on the ZR1?
Twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes measuring 394mm up front and 380mm rear, and magnetic dampers. There's car games bonfibre everywhere: the front spoiler, bonnet and removable roof panel are all made of the black stuff, and there’s a polycarbonate window in the bonnet through which to view the intercooler.
The 620bhp comes courtesy of a Roots-type supercharger developed by Eaton. The engine, designated LS9, is hand-built at GM’s Performance Build Centre, while drive is through a six-speed manual. The ZR1 should be the first production Corvette to officially top 200mph.
What else is new on the ZR1?
Twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes measuring 394mm up front and 380mm rear, and magnetic dampers. There's car games bonfibre everywhere: the front spoiler, bonnet and removable roof panel are all made of the black stuff, and there’s a polycarbonate window in the bonnet through which to view the intercooler.
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