2011 Renault Wind Sport coupe-roadster

2011 Renault Wind Sport coupe-roadster 

Renault announced its plans to unveil the brand-new Wind coupe-roadster at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show 2010 on 2 March. The 2011 Renault Wind is designed for two persons. Despite the fact that Renault pitches the car as a coupe-roadster, unlike other CC models with retractable hardtops, the Wind uses an exclusively innovative electric roof that rotates 180 degrees into the trunk, which is capable to open in just 12 seconds.

2011 Renault Wind Sport coupe-roadster 

Renault Wind brings a completely different take on a car for drivers who enjoy wind-in-the-hair motoring. Renault Wind is aimed at motorists who lust after a car that is not only distinctive and compact, but also convertible yet practical enough for everyday use.

2011 Renault Wind Sport coupe-roadster 

Advantages of this car is the only car of its class to provide just as much luggage space (270dm3 VDA) whatever the position of the roof.  The Renault Wind has a 3.83 metres in length which features a highly innovative way of opening up. The strictly two-seater model shares its platform and mechanical hardware with the Twingo, though at 3.830mm long, it's 230mm longer than the hatchback.

2011 Renault Wind Sport coupe-roadster 

The French automaker is keeping a tight lid on other details for now, but it is expected that the Wind will be offered with two of the Twingo's petrol engines, a 1.2-liter turbo with 100HP and a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter unit with 133HP.

2011 Renault Wind Sport coupe-roadster 

Although Renault Wind’s compact dimensions make it a nimble machine in and about town, it is the only car of its class to provide just as much luggage space (270dm3 VDA) whatever the position of the roof. True to Renault's brand signature "Drive the Change", Wind makes passion affordable for everyone.

 

2011 Renault Wind Sport coupe-roadster

2010 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro V10 engine

2010 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro V10 engine

While everybody and their brother likes the R8, there is a small, but vocal minority that's always thought coupe looked a little funny. Well, that group of naysayers can now put a sock in it, as the R8 Spyder is simply gorgeous. Gone are the carbon fiber side blades, in are sensible but somehow better looking slab sides. Regardless, it's simply hot. Exceptional performance and breathtaking dynamism coupled with the intense sensations of open-top driving: Audi presents the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro. Its lightweight cloth top opens and closes fully automatically; several body parts are made of a carbon fiber composite material.

2010 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro V10 engine

The V10 engine produces 386 kW (525 hp) and launches the open-top two-seater to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.1 seconds; 0 – 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in 12.7 seconds; on its way to a top speed of 313 km/h (194.49 mph) with the six-speed manual transmission. The 5.2-liter engine features FSI direct fuel injection. Equipped with a manual transmission, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro consumes an average of 14.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (15.79 US mpg) – a good figure given its power. With R tronic, this figure improves to 13.9 liters (16.92 US mpg). Featuring technologies such as the Audi Space Frame (ASF), quattro permanent all-wheel drive, full-LED headlights and with an innovative seatbelt microphone available as an option, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro is the new top-of-the-range Audi.

2010 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro V10 engine

Unlike the Coupé, the Spyder does not have sideblades behind the doors. The side panels and the large cover over the storage compartment for the cloth top are made of a carbon fiber composite. Two arched cowls, which extend to the spoiler lip and include large, integrated air vents, give the rear of the open-top two-seater a powerful profile.

2010 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro V10 engine

The electrohydraulic soft top opens and closes in 19 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph). When opened, it folds like a Z into its storage compartment over the V10 engine. The compartment cover opens and closes automatically. The heated glass window, which is separate from the cloth top, is lowered into the bulkhead. It can be independently raised and lowered at the press of a switch, with the top up or down. Audi offers the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro with a choice of three colors for the top. The body is available in eleven paint finishes, with metallic and pearl effect finishes standard. The windshield frame is coated with anodized aluminum. The leather for the seats are colored with pigments that reflect the infrared component of sunlight, which keeps the seats up to 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) cooler.

2010 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro V10 engine

A worldwide first is the optional seatbelt microphone for the hands-free unit, which makes it possible to talk on the phone even with the top down on the highway. Three small, flat microphones are integrated into both seatbelts. At least one of them is ideally positioned relative to the speaker when the belt is on. There is a fourth microphone in the windshield frame. 

2010 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro V10 engine

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive features a central viscous coupling and distributes power to all four wheels with a heavy rear bias. It works together with the locking differential on the rear axle to provide significantly greater traction, stability, cornering speed and precision. It is the superior technology – in particular for a high-performance sports car.

Venturi Electric Sports Car Volage Concept

Venturi Electric Sports Car Volage Concept

The result of close technological collaboration between Venturi Automobiles and Michelin, the Venturi Volage, marks a major step forward in the evolution of the Automobile. This new Venturi incorporates innovations which have enabled radical changes in terms of the vehicle’s architecture, style, dynamic behaviour and, more generally, the design of a modern vehicle. All these changes constitute several world premières which, with the presentation of the Venturi Volage, reinforce Venturi’s capability for constant innovation, as well as its position as the most advanced company in the field of electric vehicles.

Venturi Electric Sports Car Volage Concept

The Volage takes the electric sports car concept and really runs with it — the all carbon-fiber car is equipped with the first application we've seen of the Michelin Active Wheel, the compact unit using in-wheel electric drive motors is installed at all four corners with a suspension driven by a second set of e-motors. With 4 drive wheels with active suspension, the Venturi Volage has no equivalent. “Michelin Active Wheel” technology in fact incorporates 2 electric motors per wheel (1 for suspension and 1 for drive), ie. a total of 8 electric motors piloted in real time by spearhead electronics.

Venturi Electric Sports Car Volage Concept

Playing down the mechanical aspect in favor of electronics, close to the concept of a robot, this car belongs to a new era, the digital era. Thanks to a dashboard touch screen, the driver can configure the vehicle entirely as he wishes. This total control marks significant progress in terms of management, particularly of the energy stored in the car’s batteries: the driver can, for example, decide to give preference in certain cases to range rather than power, comfort rather than speed, an important factor for an electric car.

Venturi Electric Sports Car Volage Concept

The only part that the Venturi Volage shares with the Venturi Fétish is its carbon fiber bodywork. Developed by the Venturi Design Office, this body is still a unique concept worldwide, as it is the only one to have been specifically designed to be that of an electric car and thus carry batteries within its very structure. The ideal distribution of the Venturi Volage’s masses - 45% at the front, 55% at the rear – and its perfectly mastered weight of 1,075 kilos enable it to attain 100 km/hr (62 mph) in less than 5 seconds.

Venturi Electric Sports Car Volage Concept

A real demonstration of spearhead technology, the car presented in its world première is entirely operational and prefigures the production of a limited series of this model, scheduled as from 2012. Like the Venturi Fétish assembled in our workshops in Monaco, the Venturi Volage will be assembled by hand, in the form of very limited production. 

Venturi Electric Sports Car Volage Concept

The technological repercussions of these two cars positioned at the very top end of the market are to be found on other vehicles bearing the Venturi brand, enabling as many people as possible to benefit from the firm’s advances in the field of sustainable mobility.

2010 Heynsdyk 2500SF roadster from Dutch

2010 Heynsdyk 2500SF roadster 

Once in a blue moon in the automotive industry an unique vehicle comes to play. Such vehicle is 2500SF roadster from Dutch Heynsdyk. The Dutch have always had a penchant for the bizarre and unorthodox. From their unique 'coffee shops', to their individualist sense of style the people of Holland have always liked to go their own way. And that applies to car design as well. Spyker supercars are from Holland, and whether you love them or hate them, they really are very different in style to any other vehicle on the road.

2010 Heynsdyk 2500SF roadster 

A small independent builder in Eindhoven has given further weight to the argument by introducing this, the Heynsdyk 2500SF. Designed and engineered by Ronald Heijnsdijk, the car is based on the Porsche 944 platform and is essentially a kit car which can be ordered in component or fully finished form. However instead of being some sort of generic copy of another the vehicle, the 2500SF has a completely original style which is a mixture of hits and misses.

2010 Heynsdyk 2500SF roadster 

This is the Heynsdyk 2500SF from Holland: a bespoke body placed over the engine, electronics, and drivetrain of a Porsche 944. The design process took years to complete, but the decision to base the car on the 944 was made quickly. 100% galvanized, reliable and readily available. The substantially lighter body, in galvanized steel, takes weight down to 900 kilograms (1,980 pounds) while maintaining 50/50 weight distribution. There are six engine choices, from a basic 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 163 horsepower, to a 2.5-liter four-pot S-motor with a turbo. That one will get you 250 horsepower, and from 0 to 60 in six seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 kilometers per hour (155 miles per hour). The transmission is handled by a 5 speed manual which sends the power to the rear wheels.

2010 Heynsdyk 2500SF roadster 

Specification   

Year               : 2010

Engine             : four cylinder, 2.5 cylinder, Turbo or naturally aspirated

Transmission    : 5 speed manual, RWD

Max speed      : 155 mph (limited)

0-60 mph        : 6 seconds (turbo)

Horsepower    :    250 horsepower (turbo)

weight             : 900 kgs / 1,980 lbs

2010 Heynsdyk 2500SF roadster

The front angle is by far and away the worst area of the vehicle aesthetically. Here a random and mismatched assortment of lights and grilles come together to form a unique but far from pretty face. In profile things start to get better, and the proportions of the car are generally quite pleasing. The car shows off its best side when viewed from the rear. The well thought out mix of nicely sculpted roll bars, beefed up wheel arches, neat taillights and sloping decklid come together very well indeed.

You can buy the car as a kit or a finished product, and prices start at €14,750 ($20,798 U.S.) for the kit, or €36,995 ($52,158 U.S.) for a ready runner. Like its countrymate Spyker, what the car might lack in beauty it makes up for in unique and arresting looks.

Source: Heynsdyk.com

2010 Carlsson C25 Super-GT Concept a beautiful sports coupé

2010 Carlsson C25 Super-GT Concept

At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show the German tuning firm Carlsson, who unsurprisingly specialize in modding Mercedes-Benz models, will unveil the C25 - an insanely aggressive 753 horsepower monster.

2010 Carlsson C25 Super-GT Concept

Carlsson C25 is the first self-developed automobile from Carlsson and are presenting C25 at Geneva Auto Show this March. The concept of this Super-GT is based on the vision of combining maximum driving performance with an entirely new design and high exclusiveness. The result is a breathtaking and beautiful sports coupé with 753 hp in a limited edition of only 25 cars world-wide. Thereby, each automobile will be as individual as its future owner.

2010 Carlsson C25 Super-GT Concept

Carlsson presents an own developed automobile at this year’s Geneva Motor Show – the Carlsson C25 Limited Super-GT. The concept of this Super-GT is based on the vision of combining maximum driving performance with an entirely new design and high exclusiveness. The result is a breathtaking and beautiful sports coupé with 753 hp in a limited edition of only 25 cars world-wide.

2010 Carlsson C25 Super-GT Concept

The performance data of the six litre V12 Bi-Turbo is impressive. The high-performance aggregate with a motor management optimisation patented by Carlsson renders 753 hp (554 kW) and allows fast acceleration as well as smooth travels at lower speeds. Also responsible for the perfect performance evolvement is the elaborately developed stainless steel exhaust system with ends in four edgy pipes at the back. The power catapults the C25 with a torque of 1320 Newton metres at 3750 r.p.m. which is electronically limited to 1,150 Newton metres from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds and achieves a maximum speed of 352 km/h.

2010 Carlsson C25 Super-GT Concept

The Carlsson C25 Super-GT Concept also comes with an ultra-light and forged wheels 1/10 UL in the dimensions 9,5×20 and 12×20 inches have been especially designed for the C25 and are equipped with high performance tyres measuring 265/30 at the front and 325/25 at the rear live axle.

2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro high-performance Sports Car

2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro

Audi announced that the price for the highly anticipated 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro V10 sports car will be rolled out in Germany in the second quarter of 2009 at a basic price of EUR 142,400. The Audi R8 V10 is the result of cumulative know-how from Audi's string of Le Mans victories. Its naturally aspirated engine combines racing technology such as dry sump lubrication with FSI gasoline direct injection. The ten-cylinder design is the perfect synthesis for impressive top performance, mighty pulling power, and low weight. Starting in 2009, this engine will also prove its potential on the world's racetracks - in the new Audi R8 GT3 racing car Audi is developing for customer teams in conformance with the GT3 rules.

2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro

Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro is the next variant of its top-of-the-line model. With the Audi R8, the brand has established itself at the forefront of high-end sports cars from the very start - and now comes the Audi R8 V10. Its 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine churns out 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, which makes for breathtaking performance. With superior Audi technologies such as quattro all-wheel drive, the lightweight aluminum body, the innovative all-LED headlights, and its striking design, the Audi R8 V10 takes pole position against the competition.

2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro

The V10 engine in the production sports car will be almost identical in construction to the one in the racing version. Its displacement is 5,204 cc, at 6,500 rpm it delivers 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, at 8,000 rpm its power tops out at 386 kW (525 hp). The specific power output is 100.9 hp per liter of displacement - and each hp has to propel only 3.09 kilograms (6.91 lb) of weight, because the Audi R8 V10 in the version with the six-speed manual gearshift weighs only 1,620 kilograms (3571 lb). The engine accounts for 258 of these kilograms (569 lb) - that's only 31 kilos (68 lb) more than the V8.

2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro

The 5.2-liter powerplant uses direct injection according to the FSI principle developed by Audi. The Audi R8 V10 with R tronic gets by on an average of 13.7 liters per 100 km (17.17 US mpg). The Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro rockets from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.9 seconds. In the version with the sequentially shifting R tronic it reaches 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in another 8.1 seconds. Even then its propulsive power hardly lessens: it's sufficient to reach a top speed of 316 km/h (196.35 mph). The immense force, the spontaneity and the thrust of the acceleration, plus the sound of the engine - all these impressions coalesce into a breathtaking sports car experience. The V10 plays a concert with growling bass tones and powerful high notes, which grows into a grandiose fortissimo as the engine revs up. This sonorous acceleration doesn't reach its limit until 8,700 rpm.

2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro

A contributing factor to the wide lead in traction and driving safety of the Audi R8 V10 over the competition is quattro all-wheel drive - it's the superior technology especially for a high-performance sports car. Four powered wheels get more grip than two. They enable the driver to step on the gas sooner when coming out of a curve. It's not only the traction that benefits, but also the transverse dynamics and the stability.

 2010 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

SCOTTSDALE – Jan. 18, 2010 – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), will fulfill the dreams of enthusiasts by returning the legendary Shelby GT350 to its lineup of American performance cars.

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

The Shelby team unveiled a supercharged concept version of the Mustang-based 2011 Shelby GT350 to the surprise of thousands gathered at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Opening Night Gala to honor the 45th anniversary of the first GT350 and first Shelby big block Cobra.

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

"The 2011 GT350 balances heritage with modern necessity," said Shelby American president Amy Boylan. "Former Hot Wheels and Ford designer Larry Wood joined Vince LaViolette, Walter Cardenas, Andrew Smidt and the rest of our Las Vegas team to help integrate 1965-1970 Shelby styling cues with modern aerodynamics. We worked with Ford Racing to supercharge the engine with a goal of 500 horsepower, as well as to sharpen the handling. Baer Brakes helped engineer the fantastic brakes and we shod the GT350 with 19" modern Cragar wheels and super sticky Goodyear tires. This Shelby is truly a complete performance package"

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

Each Shelby GT350 will be clad in traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes and feature the new Ford V8 coupled to a 6 speed manual transmission and center exit exhaust. Blue Shelby GT350 valve covers and billet caps set off the supercharged engine. The Baer brake system features 6 piston kit in the front, as well as 14″ ERADISPEED rotors in the rear with cooling ducts for all four corners.

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

The suspension was upgraded with new Ford Racing springs, struts, sway bars and adjustable caster/camber plates. The 2011 Shelby GT350 also receives a new front fascia, tail light trim, front splitter, rear deck lid filler panel and rear fascia. Functional scoops are located on the side rockers and hood. GT350 badges on the outside and inside include a Shelby serial number. The A pillar carries a fuel pressure, oil pressure and boost gauge.

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

The Shelby GT350 is a post title program; a customer purchases a car from their local Ford Dealer, which is turned into a GT350 by the Shelby American Team. A limited number will be built in the 2011 model year. The Shelby GT350 up-fit completed by Shelby American has a MSRP of $33,995 and does not include the price of the base car.

2011 Shelby GT350 Sports Car

2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

Nissan announced its new sports car design and performance, the 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster. The 370Z Roadster offers everything the hardtop 370Z Coupe does and more. 370Z Roadster comes with more classic open-air sports car driving excitement and more refinement than any Z convertible that has ever come before, including a standard automatic latching power top and Nissan Intelligent KeyTM. Also offered are an array of technology and convenience features, including the first-ever Z® Roadster-available heating and cooling ventilated net seats, satellite radio and advanced Nissan Navigation System. The new Z® Roaster is offered in two well-equipped models – 370Z Roadster and the 370Z Touring Roadster. Nissan Nissan 370Z Roadster Joins 370Z Coupe in Nissan Showrooms In Late Summer 2009.

2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

The wait is over, the Roadster is here and the 370Z line-up is even more exciting than ever. While the quality, performance and thrills of Nissan’s much loved Coupe have already made it a hit with sports car fans, the 370Z range is now complete following the arrival of the stunning Roadster version. Anyone wanting the ultimate wind-in-the-hair performance will have a choice of two trim levels – the standard 370Z Roadster or the GT Pack. Crucially, all models come with the same 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine which is at the heart of every 370Z. Now compliant with the latest Euro 5 emissions regulations, the V6 packs a 328 PS punch to go with its glorious engine note.

2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

Even standard Roadster models come equipped with newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable seats, an engine start/stop button, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel mounted controls and Bi Xenon headlamps. Upgrade to the GT Pack and the list of standard kit grows to include black suede and leather seats, an 8 speaker BOSE audio system, 19-inch forged alloy wheels and cruise control. Every inch the understudy to the mighty GT-R supercar, the 370Z’s performance is far from diluted in Roadster form.

2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

Best of all, this can all be experienced with the roof down. The Roadster’s black hood not only gives an authentic convertible look and feel, but its shape has been styled to look great up or down. The one motion closed-to-open movement takes around 20 seconds and a specially developed full body-colour hard tonneau cover helps to eliminate wind turbulence at speed.

2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

Prices start at £29,900 for the 370Z Roadster and rise to £36,150 for the Roadster GT Pack with Sat Nav. A full price list can be found below.

2010 Nissan Sports Car 370Z Roadster

The launch of the 370Z Roadster also marks the arrival of the 2010 model year Coupe. In addition to the engine tweaks bringing its V6 powerplant in line with the latest environmental regulations, the Z is now available with Uphill Start Support to make getting the best out of the sporty Nissan even more stress-free (not fitted on the standard model).

Volare The Aston Martin Sports Car Concept is an eco-friendly

Aston Martin Volare is an eco-friendly

The Aston Martin Volare is a proposal for a next-generation Aston Martin supercar which features an environmentally friendly drivetrain. Aston Martin, like all other supercar manufacturers, faces a dilemma over the next decade; How to dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of their vehicles while also maintaining performance levels which are equal, or superior, to past models.

 

Volare The Aston Martin Sports Car Concept

The Aston Martin Volare is a design study of a two-seater sportscar that combines the typical styling cues of the brand with a fuel-cell powertrain and an interior characterized by the use of eco-friendly materials. The author is Coventry graduate James Trim. The two-seater Aston Martin Volare Concept features a high-power fuel cell stack, located between the front seats, a rear mounted battery pack, and a co-axial electric motor at the front. To aid the Volare’s weight distribution, the two hydrogen storage tanks have been positioned directly above the car’s rear axle. The Aston Martin Volare concept was a vehicle developed by James Trim during his final year at Coventry University studying Automotive Design. He is currently looking for placement opportunities.

Volare The Aston Martin Sports Car Concept 

Speaking about the exterior design of the concept, James Trim explains, "The underlying aim when designing the Volare was to combine present day technologies with the profile of a car that would be instantaneously recognisable as that of an Aston Martin."

Trim said of the design; “Aesthetically the vehicle sharpens up the familiar Aston Martin proportions, with much crisper shoulders and a noticeable ‘floating’ rear deck. The solid front grille was inspired by the older V8 Vantage, while the flexible front fenders can alter their shape to reveal daytime running lights or full headlamps.”

Volare The Aston Martin Sports Car Concept 

The interior uses eco-friendly leather. The materials used in the tanning process are derived from sustainable, farm bred, Mimosa trees. The natural extract from the trees is used to produce the chemicals necessary for farming leather.

This results in an enironmentally-friendly natural process, producing breathable and highly flexible hides. The center console is made from recycled aluminium. The emerging binnacle and Bang & Olufsen twin lens speakers add a touch of theatre to the cabin. "The principle concern being confronted by Aston Martin is the harmful impact their cars are having on the environment. With this in mind, the Aston Martin Volare retains the fantastic sound and outright performance customary with that of a gasoline equivalent.

Volare The Aston Martin Sports Car Concept  

Side from the eco-friendly drivetrain, another dictating factor in the Volare’s design was the desire to create a car which was instantly recognizable as an Aston Martin. It was important that the styling was influenced more by the heritage of the brand, rather than the source of power. On the Volare concept all the hallmarks of Aston Martin are instantly apparent, sleek profile, short front and rear overhangs, trademark grille, powerful rear arches and uncluttered lines.