Cool & New info

Jay Leno's EcoJet

2009-10-09T16:41:00.004+03:00

For all those who believe Jay leno’s fleet of cars is responsible for global warming, EcoJet has come out as a jab. Television host, comedian, and well-known car enthusiast, Jay Leno’s biodiesel-powered EcoJet has recently claimed its fame with its ability to run on biodiesel and at the same time putting out an impressive 750 horsepower and 700 ft-lb of torque at 48,000 RPM from its Honeywell LT101 jet turbine engine. Covered in carbon fiber is an aluminum chassis kept in contact with the ground using existing suspension bits from the Chevrolet Corvette along with a four-speed automatic transmission from General Motors that minimizes engine speed down to 6,000 rpm. Adding to the luxury is its special carbon fiber brake discs from Brembo paired up with aluminum six-piston calipers and something new to the luxury is the Microsoft built dash, including a full Windows Vista-powered computer, of course, fully connected to the internet.

We are sure you would like to see how fast this beast can go. Check out the EcoJet’s race against a private jet in the video below:

Versiunea manga a "Mein Kampf", un succes în Japonia

2009-10-09T16:35:00.001+03:00

via Antena3 - Bizar

Vânzările versiunii de benzi desenate a cunoscutei cărţi a lui Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf, a devenit un adevărat hit în Japonia. Revista manga descrie atât biografia lui Hitler, cât şi manifestu, său nazist sub forma unor desene uşor de citit.

De la publicarea în Japonia, în noiembrie anul trecut, popularitatea a devenit din ce în ce mai mare, cu peste 45.000 vânzări.

Cartea, ce face parte dintr-o serie de texte clasice transformate în manga, acoperă o serie de aspecte ale vieţii lui Hitler, de la copilărie la formarea partidului său politic.

Succesul său din Japonia a născut o largă dezbatere în Germania dacă interdicţia asupra cărţii, impusă în 1945, ar trebui ridicată.

Drepturile de autor pentru carte în Germania aparţin ministerului de Finanţe din Bavaria.

Editorul Japonez East Press a mai adus şi alte evenimente politice în atenţia cititorilor de manga: actuala serie mai include şi versiunea manga a Das Kapital al lui Karl Marx.

Laboratoarele Berkeley au confirmat existenţa elementului 114

2009-10-09T16:24:00.001+03:00

via Realitatea .NET - IT & Ştiinţă

O echipă de cercetători de la Laboratoarele Berkeley, condusă de Heino Nitsche şi Ken Gregorich, a sintetizat doi atomi din elementul 114, în luna ianuarie, la zece ani după ce cercetători din Dubna, Rusia, au pretins că au fost primii care au obţinut acest element.

Rezultatele experimentului au fost publicate pe 24 septembrie, în Physical Review Letters Journal. Procesul folosit pentru crearea elementului 114 a implicat ciocnirea atomilor de calciu şi plutoniu, aceştia având masele atomice de 20 şi respectiv 94.

Particulele de plutoniu şi calciu au fost accelerate în acceleratorul de particule Cyclotron, de la Berkeley şi ciocniţi la viteze foarte mari. În două momente diferite particulele au fuzionat, formând elementul 114.

"Când imprimi o energie foarte mare ionilor de calciu şi îi ciocneşti cu plutoniul, nucleele lor vor avea câteodată suficientă energie pentru a depăşi forţa de respingere şi vor fuziona", a declarat Nitsche.

Potrivit lui Nitsche, principalul ţel al ştiinţei nucleare este să descopere "insula stabilităţii", un element supergreu cu un număr ideal de protoni şi neutroni care îi va permite să rămână intact pentru o mare perioadă de timp.

Toate elementele mai grele decât uraniul sunt în prezent instabile şi îşi înjumătăţesc perioada de viaţă foarte rapid. De exemplu, unul dintre cei doi atomi din elementul 114, produs la Berkeley, a dispărut după o zecime de secundă şi al doilea după o jumătate de secundă.

Heino Nitsche a mai adăugat cercetările sale nu vor aduce nici un fel de profit, dar că vor putea conduce la alte descoperiri în viitor.

DIY Ferrofluid

2009-10-09T16:19:00.002+03:00

via Gizmodo

Ferrofluid is a beautiful mess of iron particles suspended in oil, but the beauty comes at a price of $165 a liter ($624.59 a gallon, for you Standard folks). Let's take the DIY route to this, shall we?

Before you run off to grab the magnetic ink developer, ferric chloride, or recycled cassette tapes needed to make it, let's review what ferrofluid is and how it works:

Basically there are plenty of uses for the liquid, in engineering, electronics, optics, and most importantly: art. Due to the oil portion of ferrofluid following the iron particles, you can control the substance with some strong magnets and make it dance around like in the video.

Wacom Bamboo

2009-10-09T16:17:00.001+03:00

via Gizmodo

Wacom seems to finally understand that sometimes a stylus isn't as good as a finger. The new line of Bamboo tablets includes one that is touch only, another that is pen only, and three with a combo of both.

The $69 Bamboo Touch is basically the product to add a multitouch trackpad to your laptop or desktop. The 5.0 x 3.5 inch surface is larger than the typical touchpad and supports all the typical gestures, including two finger zooming and scrolling. The Bamboo Pen costs the same amount and is, as you might expect, pen only. Then there is the $99 Bamboo Pen and Touch for the best of both worlds. And the $129 Bamboo Craft and $199 Bamboo Fun that are larger in size and are bundled with lots of software.

I am still most intrigued by the Bamboo Touch since I think everyone should have the goodness of a multitouch touchpad and the ability to two finger swipe all day long. The artistic folk, however, will have their eyes on the Pen and Touch combo.The new tablets work with both Mac and PCs (Win 7 support included) and are attached by a USB cord.

Alienware Area-51 ALX

2009-10-09T16:08:00.003+03:00

via Gizmodo

The updated Area-51 case design includes an eye-catching active-louver cooling system (those fins at the top), internal lighting, and a motorized front door. And Alienware says the top-end ALX version of the liquid-cooled rig is the "most powerful" it's created.

Specs on the full-tower go as high as a factory-overclocked 3.86GHz Core i7 975 processor, 12GB of DDR3-1600MHz memory, and dual 1.8GB GeForce GTX 295 graphic cards. Both it, and the standard Area-51, also have a variety of high-end Blu-ray and RAID hard disk configurations (the case supports six SATA 2 hard disks). Prices start at $2000.

The redesigned Aurora MicroATX (mid-size) desktops are a little cheaper; they start at $1200. They're also liquid-cooled systems, and options include a factory-overclocked 3.6GHz Core i7 processor, dual 1GB ATI Radeon HD 5870 graphic cards, and up to 24GB of DDR-1333Mhz or 12GB of DDR3-1600Mhz RAM.

MIT's Eyeball Chip

2009-10-09T16:04:00.001+03:00

via Gizmodo

MIT researchers are developing a microchip that adheres to an eye to revive sight, and it could begin human trials within three years.

The chip, encased in titanium to withstand the tortures of the human body for 10 years, sticks to the outside of your eyeball. The eye's lens still seems to be used, but light strikes implanted electrodes that in turn cause the chip to fire image information directly into the optic nerve.

Users will still need to wear glasses, but not for the reasons you'd think. The glasses house a power source to transmit necessary energy to the sight chip wirelessly.

Researchers admit that the footage won't be a 1:1 replacement for normal vision, especially at first when trial participants will help refine MIT's algorithms. But the device should theoretically enable someone to navigate a room and even recognize faces, making social tasks quite a bit easier.

Am putea deveni nemuritori în 20 de ani, graţie nanotehnologiei

2009-10-09T15:58:00.002+03:00

via Realitatea .NET - IT & Ştiinţă

Omul de ştiinţă american Ray Kurzweil susţine că oamenii ar putea deveni practic nemuritori în aproximativ două decenii. Nanotehnologia şi înţelegerea mai bună a felului în care funcţionează organismul uman ne vorajuta să trăim veşnic.

Kurzweil, care a mai prezis apariţia unor tehnologii revoluţionare, spune că drumul spre nemurire este chiar accelerat de ritmul “incredibil” în care evoluează tehnologiile calculatoarelor şi de progresele înregistrate în cercetarea genetică.
Ajuns la 61 de ani, omul de ştiinţă american apreciază că, teoretic, având în vedere repeziciunea cu care ne îmbogăţim cunoştinţele, nanotehnologii capabile să înlocuiască multe dintre organele noastre vitale ar putea să apară pe piaţă în 20 de ani.

Wait, This Is a Shoe?

2009-10-09T15:51:00.002+03:00

via Gizmodo

A shoe? What do you mean a shoe? This can't be a shoe! Oh well, I guess it is a shoe.

And a high heel shoe at that. Designed by London architect Julian Hakes, the Mojito shoe is made of carbon fiber—to give it strength and spring—and laminated with rubber on the bottom and leather—from furniture manufacturers in High Wycombe, England—on top. According to Hakes:

With a high heel providing the heel is supported, even by standing on a wooden block the foot naturally 'spans' the gap naturally, with bones and tendons.

Kamui (2009)

2009-10-09T15:39:00.004+03:00

via Asiacinefil

Tara: Japonia
An: 2009
Gen: Aventuri/Drama
Regia: Yoichi Sai
Cu: Koyuki, Ken’ichi Matsuyama
Data lansarii: 19 septembrie 2009

WHY Wally-Hermes Yachts

2009-10-09T15:29:00.003+03:00

via Born Rich

While the yacht lovers are still drooling over Roman Abramovich’s “Eclipse,” the Monaco-based yacht maker, Wally has quietly gone into bed with the prestigious luxury brand Hermes to give shape to a revolutionary yacht design. WHY Wally-Hermes Yacht has an air of exclusivity to it that you would expect from this rarefied collaboration. This revolutionary yacht is developed with the latest and most advanced sustainable technologies, recycling thermal energy, as well as any organic and inorganic waste without compromising on its luxury aspects. The 38-meter-wide yacht takes the WallyIsland concept forward with dramatic silhouette that comes with a triangular hull shape that doesn’t features a superstructure. The interior of the yacht is fitted with water resistant buffalo leather using the calpinage technique. The luxuries on board include a 25-meter interior swimming pool, three decks and a 36-meter “beach” along the back.

The environmental and ecological advantages are also a strong point of WHY. The yacht is powered using a diesel electric engine and it features a surface of the photovoltaic panels measuring 900 square meters covering the roof and sides of the vessel to provide solar electricity which is sufficient to subsist the power needs of the boat. Different sources of energy are managed by a central computer. The yacht has been tested in Gothenburg, Sweden, in a specialized tank testing facility, to see how it would perform in big seas. This innovative concept was developed by president and CEO of Wally Luca Bassani Antivari, artistic director of Hermes, Pierre-Alexis Dumas and design director of Hermes Gabriele Pezzini.

ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series DirectX 11

2009-10-09T15:19:00.005+03:00

via Gizmodo

Do you remember that crazy, 6x30-inch monitor rig by AMD? Well their upcoming ATI Radeon HD 5800 series graphics cards are what drive the uber display.

The two new cards, the ATI Radeon HD 5870 and the ATI Radeon HD 5850, are the first video cards in the industry to fully support DirectX 11. Beyond that tidbit, they're capable of producing 2.72 TeraFLOPS of computing power and are equipped with 1GB GDDR5 memory.

And yes, each is capable of driving six 30-inch monitors at once—what AMD refers to as "Eyefinity" technology.

Alienware Quad-Core M15x Laptop

2009-10-09T15:12:00.003+03:00

via Gizmodo

Intel's Core i7 processor kicks ass, as we already know. Alienware is busting out an update to its M15x laptop today with the new mobile version of i7, which is to be officially unveiled today at Intel's Developer Conference.

The 15-inch Alienware M15x, which was introduced back in January, is a mobile gamer's paradise. You now have a choice of the speediest Intel mobile processors, including a 1.6 GHz Intel Core i7 720QM, a 1.73GHz Intel Core i7 820QM, and finally the world's fastest mobile processor, a 2GHz Intel Core i7 920XM. The illuminating wonder of a notebook will be configurable with a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M GPU (with 1GB of RAM) and up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM to take on the harshest of games.

As for aesthetics the main chassis appears the same, though you can now get it in metallic red, silver or black. And for those that love to game after dark the entire body lights up customizable color accents.

Shockingly the price is actually pretty reasonable for a high end gaming system. It will start at $1,500 and it will be configurable on Dell.com. It will ship for now with Vista and with Windows 7 come October 22.

Toshiba Qosmio X500

2009-10-09T15:10:00.001+03:00

via Gizmodo

This big 18.4-incher with Windows 7 has plenty for gamers to drool over. A Core i7 mobile processor and 1GB Nvidia GeForce GTS 250M graphics should crunch out respectable framerates, and the Blu-ray drive and Harmon/Kardon speakers are nice, too.

Yep, that's Blu-ray on a Toshiba laptop. Don't be shocked, you knew it was coming. The X500 also has an HDMI-CEC port, Harmon/Kardon speakers, a multi-touch touchpad (two-finger pinch, swipe, rotate, scroll), and a LED-backlit keyboard with a 10-key numberpad.

Toshiba says you'll be able to tailor the processor and DDR3 memory (it's still deciding on specifics), opt for a 1080p or 720p-capable screen, and go with either a 7200rpm hard disk on its own, or combined with a solid-state drive. We'll know full specs and pricing sometime in mid-October.

Looks like a pretty decent addition to the Qosmio family, but you'll have to wait until Windows 7 arrives on October 22 to get your hands on one.

The Long Endurance Multi-intelligence Vehicle (LEMV)

2009-10-09T15:05:00.002+03:00

via Gizmodo by Danny Allen on 9/23/09

Sometimes it feels like I'm already living in the future. The U.S Army's Space and Missile Defense command plans to have an unmanned spy-ship capable of loitering at 20,000-feet (for up to three weeks) ready to deploy by mid-2011.

Dubbed the Long Endurance Multi-intelligence Vehicle (LEMV), the craft will be based on Lockheed Martin's P-791 experimental hybrid airship, which you can see in the video below. The smaller P-791 was 125-foot long, but flew six tests in 2006. It's known as a hybrid because only 80% of its lift comes from buoyancy; the other 20% comes from three downward thrusters on each side.

As for the LEMV: a 40-foot long, 15-foot wide area behind the only sometimes-manned cockpit will carry intelligence systems, like radar and wide-area motion sensors, that will beam information back to commanders on the ground.

Totally makes me think of Aeon Flux or Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. Crazy.

Intel Light Peak Optical Tech 10Gb/s

2009-10-09T14:58:00.003+03:00

via Gizmodo

Today at IDF, Intel unveiled Light Peak technology, a plan for an extremely high-speed optical cable they hope will land on consumer products in 2010. Imagine transferring an entire Blu-Ray disk in 30 seconds. And that's just the beginning.

In Intel's words:

Existing electrical cable technology in mainstream computing devices is approaching practical limits for speed and length, due to electro-magnetic interference (EMI) and other issues. However, optical technology, used extensively in data centers and telecom communications, does not have these limitations since it transmits data using light instead of electricity. Light Peak brings this optical technology to mainstream computing and consumer electronic devices in a cost-effective manner.

Light Peak delivers 10Gb/s speeds right now, and could conceivably go as fast as 100Gb/s within a decade or so. Those kinds of speeds are even sustained over a 100-meter distance, which is really impressive. Intel is currently working with hardware manufacturers (computers, handhelds, etc) to try to get the optical tech onto devices sometime in 2010.

Seabreacher

2009-10-09T14:52:00.003+03:00

via Designboom - Weblog

No your eyes aren’t fooling you, the Seabreacher is a submersible watercraft inspired by dolphins. The vehicle is designed and manufactured by Innespace Productions and comes in a few different models as well as customized builds. Just like a dolphin, the Seabreacher can jump dive and roll through the water at speeds of up to 40mph or 20mph underwater. The driver and a passenger are kept dry inside a sealed cockpit, but are free to look around through the glass top. The boat took
over 10 years to develop and is now easy enough to drive and maintain for the average person. The design retails for around 48,000 USD and comes with a number of options such as additional view ports and custom upholstery.

http://www.seabreacher.com

10 Amazing Modern Watch Designs of the Future

2009-10-08T15:37:00.003+03:00

via StyleCrave

The techniques of luxury watch design can be as intricate and delicate as those of a precision automobile, albeit on a much smaller scale. From crystal to carbon fiber, diamond to gold, the materials and make of today’s luxury watches spare no expense to achieve perfection. Benjamin Clymer of the excellent watch blog Hodinkee.com examined 10 of the greatest modern watches on the market today, and how they are shaping the luxury watch world of tomorrow. If you’ve got a case of watch lust, you’re going to love what Benjamin outlined below.

Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti 370

To commemorate Bugatti’s release of their now legendary Veyron super-car, Parmigiani Fleurier created an equally impressive machine for the wrists of its well-heeled customers. The Bugatti 370 was designed to mimic the appearance of a transversal engine, and the movement in this driver’s watch is actually spread across five separate plates lined in a row. The cylindrical design of this watch allows for easy viewing of the face while the wearer has his hands on the wheel and access to the award-winning movement. Only 150 of these watches are made each year. (Parmigiani.ch)

GreubelForsey Quadruple Tourbillon

A tourbillon is a mechanical complication designed to reduce the negative effect gravity has on the precision of a timepiece. A watch with a single tourbillon is something few can afford; a watch with four of them is truly incredible. The Quadruple Tourbillon from GreubelForsey contains four separate tourbillons that operate independently of each other. It contains a differential much like a car that allows each tourbillon to contribute to the movement’s precision as needed. (GreubelForsey.com)

Maître du Temps Chapter One

What do you get when you take three of the greatest living watchmakers and put them in a room? The Maître du Temps Chapter One. This super-brand consists of Peter Speake-Marin, Christophe Claret, and Roger DuBuis, all of whom have lead their own brand of high-grade watches as well as worked for some of the most prominent companies in Switzerland. This 558-piece marvel of modern engineering is not the most complicated watch today but it is the most interesting. It features a manual-wind mechanical movement, one-minute tourbillon, a mono-pusher chronograph, retrograde date indicator, and a retrograde GMT indicator. However, it is the two rolling bars on top and bottom of the case that attract most of the attention. The upper, moon-phase roller is so precise that Maîtres du Temps actually holds a patent on it. (MaitresduTemps.com)

Linde Werdelin SpidoLite

The SpidoLite is really Linde Werdelin’s breakout model. In the months since its release at BaselWorld 2009, it has graced the pages of countless blogs and magazines as one of the most interesting and innovative designs in modern horology. The case is made of drilled titanium, the movement is a rehashed vintage automatic from independent manufacturer Svend Andersen (that also happens to feature a blue gold rotor), and it seamlessly holds an in-house developed digital tool capable of tracking and reporting a host of valuable information. The SpidoLite along with The Rock instrument create perhaps the truest luxury sport watch in the world; stylized yet supremely functional. (LindeWerdelin.com)

Armin Strom Blue Chip Skeleton

Armin Strom employs less than 20 people across all departments (16 to be exact) and yet they have recently opened a state of the art manufacturing facility in Biel. In fact, they are on the verge of producing a completely in-house watch, something that requires a level of investment far greater than your average 16-person company can afford. The Blue Chip Skeleton represents the core of the Armin Strom brand; it features a hand decorated skeletonized movement and a level of quality unsurpassed in this price point. (ArminStrom.com)

The MB&F HM2

The MB&F HM2 (“horological machine 2”) is the most recognizable offering from this boutique brand founded by the former head of Harry Winston timepieces. Max Busser and friends (MB&F) collaborated to create a 450-piece machine that stands as the first watch with an Instantaneous Jumping Hour, Concentric Retrograde Minutes, Retrograde Date, Bi-Hemisphere Moon-Phase and Automatic Winding. On top of the technical firsts, the HM2 represents a whole new look for wristwatches. Its wide rectangular case has already seen a few imitators; none however match the sleek industrial tones of the HM2. (MB&F.com)

Pita Barcelona Oceana

The Oceana from small Spanish brand Pita Barcelona holds the record as the deepest diving watch in production at a rating of 5000 meters below the water’s surface. These extraordinary numbers are made possible via a truly innovative case-design and some the most durable construction used in watches today. The case features no winding crown and no back cover, thereby eliminating the two most common areas where the watertight seal of a watch is broken. There is also no seal between the 10mm thick crystal and the case. Only 80 units are produced each year and they are completely customizable by case material, face color, bezels, straps, and buckles. (Pita.es)

Angular Momentum Verre Èglomisé Crystal

More so than any other watch in production, Angular Momentum’s watches are true canvases on which art is created. Their Verre Èglomisé Crystal line of timepieces feature crystals on which miniature paintings have been created by hand. Dubbed “miniature painting”, the work is actually done on the inside of the crystal and only a select few artisans in the world are trained in this Roman era field of artistry. While many companies perceive watch making as art, Angular Momentum extends that label to the decoration. (Amusa2008.com)

Cabestan Winch Tourbillon Vertical

The WTV from Cabestan is built in a unique vertical manner in what is perhaps the most mechanical of mechanical wristwatches. The movement is wound with a large key that turns a set of visible cogs. A set wheels, pinions, and drums turn in synchronization to power this impressive timepiece. There is no face to this watch either, but instead two rotating drums set atop a ball bearing. The vertical tourbillon, which is run by what looks like a small bicycle chain, is the first of its kind. Even the crystal on this watch is unique; it consists of 6 hand blown pieces of Pyrex. (Cabestan.ch)

The Urwerk 202

Released in May 2008, the Urwerk 202 was the very first timepiece to integrate fluid dynamics into a watch’s movement. Each of the three minute gauges extend and retract to point to the appropriate time while the automatic winding is regulated by two small turbines seen through the back of the case. The hour is displayed via three orbiting and rotating satellites. These miniature air compressors act as shock absorbers to the movement and increase the lifespan and accuracy of the watch. (Urwerk.com)

Peugeot BB1 Concept

2009-10-08T15:27:00.002+03:00

via Car Body Design - News

Unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Peugeot BB1 Concept is a vision of a compact urban vehicle that maximizes versatility and agility.

The BB1 is based on a tubular chassis designed by Peugeot Motorcycles, and the body is made up of carbon fibre. The weight is limited to 600 kg.

Among the exterior styling cues are the extended wheelarches,low door waistline, reverse opening doors and the double bubble roof, similar to the RCZ, which integrates solar cells.

The cabin features large glazed surfaces and motorcycle-inspired controls.

The BB1 is powered by two rear-mounted electric motor, each developing 20hp, coupled with two lithium-ion battery packs located under the rear seats, which allow for a range of 75 miles.

From the official Press Release:

With its BB1 concept car, Peugeot has pushed back the conventions and boundaries of current automobile manufacturing to create a totally new solution to the current and future needs of urban mobility.

Capable of seating four people in a vehicle just 2.5 metres long, the BB1 concept car is a full electric vehicle that reinvents the automobile in architecture, style, interior design, interior space, connectivity – while respecting the environment.

The BB1 concept car, unveiled at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show, aims to explore new grounds with regards to urban mobility.

The BB1 is fitted with two electric motors mounted in the rear wheels, designed in association with Michelin. This original set-up maximises the interior space and draws its inspiration from the world of the quad bike.

They produce a maximum power output of 15 kW (20hp) - or 7.5 kW per motor, proving the optimum power to weight ratio for the vehicle in its urban driving environment.

This ensures the best possible response at start-up (0 to 19 mph in 2.8 seconds) and excellent in-gear acceleration (19 - 37 mph in 4 seconds), ensuring good driveability and safety.

The power for the vehicle is provided by two lithium-ion battery packs supplying energy to the respective electric motors located under the right and left-hand rear seats, with a comfortable range of 75 miles.

UMID M2 has Windows 7 and 1GB RAM

2009-10-08T15:19:00.003+03:00

via Gizmodo

UMID is showing off its upgrade to the M1 ultra mobile PC. The M2 runs Windows 7 (instead of XP), faster 1.2Ghz or 1.6GHz Atom processors, and no longer needs USB port dongles.

And while the M1 costs $600 with a 1.33GHz processor and 512MB memory, the upcoming M2 is expected to be $400 when it arrives around November. It will use the same keyboard and 4.8-inch (1024x600) screen, but design changes improve the screen angle, add an optical mouse and mouse buttons, and do away with the need for a USB port dongle.

A non-working prototype is felt up in the video below, but we should see the M2 running Windows 7 at IDF later this week.

Citroën REVOLTe Concept

2009-10-08T15:10:00.002+03:00

via Car Body Design - News

The ultra-chic REVOLTe concept was unveiled by Citroën at the Frankfurt Motorshow.

It represents a bold vision of the luxury, compact city car of tomorrow.

The hybrid powertrain features a small-capacity conventional combustion engine combined with an electric motor and a battery re-charging function.

"REVOLTe reflects the changing role of small cars with style and elegance becoming as important as economy and practicality."

Şopârla Spider-Man

2009-10-08T15:07:00.002+03:00

via Realitatea .NET - Divertisment

O şopârlă care arată ca Spider-Man este noua modă în ceea ce priveşte animalele de casă.

Reptila Mwanza are acelaşi colorit ca eroul din benzile desenate de la Marvel şi fanii lui Spider-Man se înghesuie la pet shopurile exotice pentru a cumpăra minunăţia.

Şopârlele-erou se obişnuiesc cu proprietarii şi devin docile, dacă sunt îngrjite corespunzător. Ele au nevoie însă de un echipament special pentru a le menţine temperatura corpului.

Mwanza pot creşte până la 30 de cm lungime, iar dieta lor este mai complicată: trebuie să includă lăcuste, greieri şi viermi.

Reptila nu poate arunca plase precum Spider-man, însă îşi poate schimba culoarea. Masculii, foarte coloraţi în timpul zilei, devin maro pe timpul nopţii sau atunci când sunt speriaţi.

Up in the Air - Trailer

2009-10-08T15:04:00.001+03:00

via Trailers MovieNews.ro

Ryan Bingham is a corporate downsizing expert whose cherished life on the road is threatened just as he is on the cusp of reaching ten million frequent flyer miles and just after he’s met the frequent-traveler woman of his dreams.

From Paris with Love - Trailer

2009-10-08T15:01:00.001+03:00

via Trailers MovieNews.ro

In Paris, a young employee in the office of the US Ambassador hooks up with an American spy looking to stop a terrorist attack in the city.

Obscura CueLight Pool Table

2009-10-08T14:54:00.001+03:00

via Gizmodo

If you like being distracted by projections and badass animations while you play pool, the Obscura CueLight is for you. It uses sensors and an overhead projector to create images that follow the balls as they bang around the table.

The system itself will set you back $80,000, no pool table included. At the Esquire Ultimate Bachelor Pad, where it's currently set up, it's projecting on a $125,000 pool table. Bottom line: you can't afford it.

In addition to this setup, where the balls reveal an image hidden underneath, you can also set it up to have flames track behind the balls, or water that ripples as the balls pass over it. It's a pretty awesome trick, one that works surprisingly smoothly.

They're working on new software that will make it more useful than flashy, too. Imagine playing pool and having the lines where you should shoot projected down on the table, with a computer doing all the math necessary to show you just where to aim and how hard to hit. Pretty sweet.

Renault Fluence Z.E. Concept

2009-10-08T14:47:00.003+03:00

via Car Body Design - News

Debuting at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Renault Fluence Z.E. Concept is an all-electric car "aimed at the single-car family father who would use the car every day to go to the office, but who would also want to take his wife and children to the country at the weekend."

Therefore, the car needs to serve to an extent as a status symbol, but it must also provide enough interior space to function as a comfortable family car.

The range is up to 160km, and the battery can be charged using one of three methods: a standard charge (between four and eight hours), a quick charge (20 minutes) or an immediate solution (three minutes) which takes the form of the exclusive 'Quickdrop' rapid battery exchange system.

Powertrain

Motor Type: Electric
Transmission type: Direct drive with forward/reverse inverter
Maximum power EEC (kW/hp): 70/95
Maximum torque EEC (Nm): 226
Battery: Lithium-ion
Range (km): 160

I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell - Trailer

2009-10-08T14:37:00.002+03:00

via Trailers MovieNews.ro

A guy tries to patch things up with his soon-to-be-married pal after botching things up at his bachelor party. Based on Tucker Max’s best-seller "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell"

A Christmas Carol - Teaser

2009-09-25T00:20:00.003+03:00

via Trailers MovieNews.ro

An animated retelling of Charles Dickens classic novel about a Victorian-era miser (Jim Carrey) taken on a journey of self-redemption, courtesy of several mysterious Christmas apparitions.

Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, Cary Elwes

Sony A-Series Walkmans

2009-09-25T00:04:00.003+03:00

via Gizmodo by Danny Allen

The pretty player has a 2.8-inch OLED screen (240x400), FM radio, TV-out, noise canceling, and is beautifully thin at 7.2mm. Oh, and it only weighs 2.2 ounces. But unlike the failed X-Series, the A has no touch screen or Wi-Fi.

Along with standard codec support, there's also new drag and drop feature that auto-transcodes video from your computer. And in Japan at least, the player comes with premium MDR-EX300SL earphones. Battery life is listed as 29 hours for music, and 9 hours for video.

Summer in Tokyo

2009-09-24T23:57:00.001+03:00

via Kirainet.com - A geek in Japan

I love this video arranged and with original music by Joan Jiménez showing images from last summer in Tokyo.

Reality is the contrast between what we have inside and what exists outside. I invite you to a shared trip to Tokyo where I put eyes and music and you all put the sensations…

Musashi: The Dream of the Last Samurai - Trailer

2009-09-24T23:46:00.003+03:00

via JapanSugoi

Earlier this summer, there was one anime movie that was released we highly recommend to all otaku. Musashi: The Dream of the Last Samurai (宮本武蔵-双剣に馳せる夢-) was released 13th May 2009. Scripted by Mamoru Oshii the man who made anime like Ghost in the Shell, Patlabor and Sky Crawlers, it gained much attention in both Japan and also overseas and the anime was shown at the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival in Korea and the Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland.

The film was directed by Mizuho Nishkubo and the excellent animation was produced by Production I.G. which also did many anime films like Ghost in the Shell movies, the Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex TV series, and Blood+.

Musashi: The Dream of the Last Samurai trailers

Electric motorbike prototype

2009-09-24T23:40:00.003+03:00

via Kirainet.com - A geek in Japan

The electric motorbike prototype in the video is able to reach 150 km/h, while the battery charging time is only 6 hours and has autonomy of 200 km. It will cost around 3.000 euros and will be released to the Japanese market next year.

The motorbike design reminds me of the motorbikes in the movie Akira.

Dalian Stadium

2009-09-24T23:33:00.003+03:00

via Designboom - Weblog

NBBJ has finalized their proposal for the new Dalian Shide Football Stadium in Dalian, China. The structure is designed with principles of organic architecture in mind, modeling itself after a garden by having only what is needed to thrive.

The design imagines if the ground were folded open to create two garden walls to contain the venue. This concept creates a strong visual impact and leaves both ends open to overlook the ocean and mountains nearby. The exterior of the walls are clad with living plants that naturally change colour throughout the year, while the inside features giant LED panels. A roof made from a flexible cable
system covers the stadium and is interwoven with fabric to shield the fans from the elements.

The design is an attempt to improve the in-stadium experience, rather than focus on the exterior form like many other modern stadiums. The stadium will have 40,000 seats and intends to set a new standard for sustainable stadium architecture.

http://www.nbbj.com

Playstation 4 Clear

2009-09-24T23:26:00.004+03:00

via Yanko Design by Chris Burns

Forget all your Playstation 3s. Forget your Playstation 3 thin models with multiple lovely colors, forget even the earlier design by this same designer, Tai Chiem, that PSP 2 concept he whipped up last year, no! Check this thang out. It’s the Playstation 4. Tai Chiem’s Playstation 4 concept: that’s how you know it’s wild. And with clear material and minimalistic aesthetics in play, you’ve got one Tai-tastic amalgamation, to be sure.

SO! PS4! What’ve we got here? Bluetooth integration, plastic/glass backs and middles. LCD screen(s) on both the controller and the system itself. The same classic aesthetic bone structure for the controller that PS has always had. The same ability to turn the system on it’s side (I always thought that was a super-simple super-genius feature of the PS series.) And the continuation of the standard “CD” disk size for games.

Lenovo Ophone: rivalul lui iPhone

2009-09-24T23:20:00.002+03:00

via Realitatea .NET - IT & Ştiinţă

Gigantului chinez Lenovo a scos pe modelul Ophone, un telefon mobil multimedia de ultimă generaţie.

Prezentarea noului produs a avut loc ieri, la Beijing. Conducerea China Mobile speră ca Ophone să acopere celor puţin 50 la sută din piaţa chineză de smartphone, în maximum 5 ani. Asta înseamnă cel puţin 700 de milioane de abonaţi, cifră care va propulsa Lenovo pe locul întâi pe piaţa mondială a telefoniei mobile. Costul de producţie este de 200 de dolari, dar preţul final va varia în funcţie de valoarea tarifelor stabilite pentru abonaţii China Mobile.

ITG xpPhone

2009-09-24T23:11:00.004+03:00

via Antena3 - Hightech

Telefoanele celulare au ajuns adevărate computere mobile, iar xpPhone, care poate fi admirat în imaginile de mai jos, este ultimul din această serie. ITG, compania chineză care a dezvoltat slider-ul, ce rulează sistemul de operare Windows XP, a anunţat că telefonul poate fi comandat de doritori, informează dvice.com. Preţul său nu a fost făcut public, deocamdată.

Handsetul are un display cu touchscreen de 4.8 inci şi rezoluţia de 800x480, fiind astfel aproape la fel de mare ca o ramă foto digitală. Capacitatea de stocare este de 38GB. Compania chineză "s-a dat peste cap" în încercarea de a comasa cât mai multe în acest telefon ce utilizează un procesor AMD Super Mobile. Printre acestea se numără Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ieşirea VGA, dar şi posibilitatea de a fi folosit pe post de hard disk extern.

Problema ar fi greutatea cam mare a device-ului, care se apropie de o jumătate de kilogram. Adică va cam trage de buzunarul pantalonilor. Acumulatorul are o autonomie de 5 ore, potrivit producătorului. Dacă ar fi mai uşor, şi ar rula Windows 7, acesta ar putea fi însă telefonul inteligent al viitorului.

Configuration
• CPU: AMD Super Mobile CPU
• Memory: 512M/1G
• SSD: 8G/16G/32G/64G
• HDD: 30G/60G/80G/120G
• LCD: 4.8' TFT Touch-screen LCD 800*480
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP
• Network: GSM/GPRS/EDGE/WCDMA (HSDPA/HSUPA)
• CDMA/CDMA2000 1X/CDMA1X EVDO,TD-SCDMA，TD-HSDPA
• Wireless: WiFi 802.11b/g,WiMax(optional),Buletooth,Stand-alone GPS
• Camera Specifications:CMOS, 300k/1.3 Million
• Ports: 1 x earphone jack, 1 x microphone jack,Docking Connector (includes VGA output signal ), 1 x USB 2.0, SIM Slot
• Battery: Removable Lithium-ion
• Talk time: about 5 hours,Stand by time: about 5 days
• Real life: about 7 hours(Standard), about 12 hours(Large)
• Talk time: Standby time，Operation time may vary depending different usage.
• Weight: 400g (include battery)

Dorian Gray - Trailer

2009-09-24T23:01:00.002+03:00

via MovieNews.ro

A corrupt young man somehow keeps his youthful beauty eternally, but a special painting gradually reveals his inner ugliness to all.

Directed by: Oliver Parker
Starring: Ben Barnes, Colin Firth

Lamborghini Reventon Roadster

2009-09-22T03:46:00.003+03:00

via RSportsCars.com

Lamborghini presents the ultimate driving machine among open-top two-seaters – the Reventón Roadster is a sports car of breathtaking fascination, menacing power and uncompromising performance. The 6.5 liter twelve-cylinder generates 493 kW (670 PS), catapulting the Roadster from 0 to 100 Km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 330 KM/h (205 mph). The open-top Reventón is not only one of the fastest, but also one of the most exclusive cars in the world – Lamborghini has limited the series.

Lamborghini Reventon Roadster Specifications


Engine
Type:	12 cylinders at 60°
Compression Ratio	11 : 1
Bore X Stroke	88 mm x 89 mm (3.46 in x 3.50 in)
Maximum Torque	660 Nm (487 lb-ft) at 6000 rpm
Maximum Power	670 PS, 493 kW at 8000 rpm
Engine & Transmission
Displacement cu in (cc):	6496 cc
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:	660 Nm
Transmission:	Permanent all-wheel drive with Viscous Traction system
Performance
Top Speed	330 km/h (205 mph)
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)	3.4 s
CO2 Emissions	495 g/km
Fuel Economy EPA combined mpg (l/100 km):	12 mpg

Base Price: [1.1 Million Euro]

Volkswagen L1 Concept

2009-09-22T03:36:00.002+03:00

via Supercars.net News

Wolfsburg/ Frankfurt, 15 September 2009 - At the 63rd International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Volkswagen is presenting a pioneering fleet of sustainable automobiles as an update on the future. Its IAA premieres range from the world’s most fuel-efficient production cars (BlueMotion) and hybrid technology to the L1 – a new study with one-litre fuel consumption – and an electric car, the E-Up!

The zero-emissions concept car designed under the leadership of Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Brand, and Head of the Development business area, is based on modules of the New Small Family anticipated for the year 2011, but at a length of 3.19 meters it is even more compact. The powerful and clean lines of the E-Up! body reflect par excellence styling based on the new Volkswagen "design DNA", and the car shows cult potential.

The 3+1 seater, with a top speed of 135 km/h, is powered by an electric motor with a peak power of 60 kW (continuous power: 40 kW). From a stop, the front-mounted engine of the front-wheel drive car develops a maximum torque of 210 Newton-meter. The driver activates forward or reverse gear by a pushbutton on the centre console. The E-Up! will very clearly be fun to drive; one indication is its classic 0-to-100 km/h sprint performance of 11.3 seconds. On the one hand, this dynamic performance is due to the excellent torque characteristic of the electric motor, and on the other to the low kerb weight of the E-Up! of just 1,085 kilograms.

Today, Volkswagen is also celebrating the world premiere of the most fuel-efficient car in the world, the L1. This full-hybrid vehicle, weighing just 380 kilograms, offers an initial glimpse at how a production version might appear. The CFRP body is a masterful achievement in car making, both technically and visually. Unique on this car are its proportions. While the length of the L1 at 3,813 millimetres is still similar to that of a Volkswagen Fox, and its height of 1,143 millimetres nearly matches that of a Lamborghini Murciélago, the car’s aerodynamically optimised width (1,200 millimetres) has no comparisons in the world of today’s production cars.

With a combined fuel consumption value of 1.38 litres diesel, this Volkswagen – designed for everyday use and extremely aerodynamic (Cd of 0.195!) – will become a world champion fuel-saver. CO2 emissions of the 160 km/h L1 are 36 g/km. The TDI, E-motor and 7-speed DSG are installed at the rear; as a unit they represent the most fuel efficient hybrid drive in the world. In the standard "ECO" mode, the 800 cm3 TDI develops a power of 20 kW / 27 PS (at 4,000 rpm); in "Sport" mode – used to reach the car’s top speed, for example – the car’s power increases to 29 kW / 39 PS (at 4,000 rpm). The maximum torque of the TDI is 100 Newton-meter (at 1,900 rpm). Naturally, the L1 also has a Stop-Start system, which automatically shuts off the drive unit when the vehicle is at a stop and restarts it when the gas or E-pedal is pressed.

Mini Roadster Concept

2009-09-22T03:24:00.002+03:00

via Supercars.net News

Presenting the MINI Roadster Concept, the brand once again sets a new trend for individual mobility. This is where a purist character, elegant design and fascinating driving qualities come together in the vision of an open two-seater meeting the demands of a modern and self-confident target group. Individual style, premium quality and exactly the right balance of driving pleasure and efficiency in our modern day and age give the MINI Roadster Concept its very special character, the design of the car clearly reflecting this focus on maximum driving pleasure with nothing but the sky above.

The MINI Roadster Concept offers ideal conditions for an emotional experience also on short trips, at the same time urging the connoisseur and aficionado to escape the usual congestion of city traffic. With its intentional restriction to two seats and lightweight construction, the car from the start expresses its focus on uncompromising agility. Its stylish looks and high-class interior ambience, in turn, give this very special two-seater truly exclusive character.

Carbon Fiber Mansory Aston Martin DBS

2009-09-22T03:13:00.002+03:00

via Born Rich by Nandini

Mansory, the refining specialist who has earlier presented the carbon fiber parallels for Porsche and Bugatti Veyron, has done it again with the Mansory Cyrus, an all-carbon fiber Aston Martin DBS. The black beauty comes with a list of accessories including a new aerodynamic power pack, a coil over suspension and massive rims in XXL. The exteriors feature a newly designed carbon bonnet along with a newly designed rear skirt. And the interior refinements include pedals and foot rests made of aluminum, new door sills and head rests with embroidered Cyrus logos and a re-designed steering wheel with airbag. Also available on demand is a set of tailor-made carbon parts for the dashboard and center console. The Cyrus aerodynamics components are made of light “prepreg autoclav carbon” and include wing extensions for the front and back besides side skirt attachments and linings.

Carbon Fiber Mansory Bugatti Veyron LINEA Vincerò

2009-09-22T02:53:00.005+03:00

via Born Rich

Bugatti has always earned appreciation for its limited edition Veyrons, and the new LINEA Vincerò is no exception. Done by German tuner Mansory, the Veyron LINEA Vincerò comes with a refined power engine. An advanced cooling system and exhaust system produces 1109 hp and 1310 Nm. Exterior modifications include a new front fascia, smaller hood, striking front apron, newly developed side skirts, a diffuser, larger air outlets and new forged wheels. The LED daytime running lights integrated in the front mount add to the overall aesthetics of the supercar. The interiors come with carbon fiber accents (we just love it), leather seating and trim and an LED ambient lighting system. Only three examples of this stunning special edition Veyron will be put into production.

How Would Dubai Look In the Future?

2009-09-22T02:48:00.002+03:00

via Gizmodo by Jesus Diaz

Ah Dubai, you and your glittery airports and your insane skyscrapers and your Death Star Island. If you don't fall into the desert first, this is how you may look in the future.

For some reason, some production company thought it would be nice to promote themselves using an annoying fake trailer depicting a futuristic version of Dubai. I don't care. I just like the coruscantbladerunnery of it all. I wish they included the one kilometer-high Nakheel Tower, though.

ILoveSketch: The future of design drawing?

2009-09-22T02:43:00.002+03:00

via Core77

IloveSketch essentially lets you draw while rotating your "paper" in 3D.

Glass Cast Vessels from Taiwan

2009-09-22T02:28:00.002+03:00

via Designboom - Weblog

Tittot glass manufacturer is part of the 'The Harder They Fall' exhibition currently on show at Moss Gallery in New York. Their collection of vessels are glass cast using the lost wax technique, a method which was favored by artists in France during the
Art Nouveau period. Requiring about 50 interconnected steps, the art form was revived by Mr. Heinrich Wang, Creative Director of Tittot, Taiwan in 1987.

The process begins with a hand drawing on paper which is then sculpted into a clay prototype. A silicone mould is cast in order to create a positive model in wax. The wax piece is then removed from the mould and the imperfections are removed to create a seamless piece. A wax model is then cast in a plaster mould and placed in a steam room to allow the wax to melt away slowly, exiting the mould through a small gate. Various colors of glass stones are then selected by the artist and placed inside the plaster mould and fired in a kiln, where the glass melts together, combining the colors together and filling the plaster form. When firing is complete, the piece is carefully removed from the mould and polished.

Japan's Most Insane Custom Cars

2009-09-22T02:02:00.004+03:00

via Gizmodo by Adam Frucci

In Japan, they take custom cars seriously. Just look at some of these! A Buddhist priest spent $110,000 creating a car with gullwings, scissor doors and a splithood. Oh, and then there's the $280,000 Batman van.

The vehicles appearing in this video are:

- A rather ordinary-looking BMW E66 whose trunk is decked with Buddhist sutras written in 30,000 Swarovski crystals (the owner, a Buddhist priest, also owns the next vehicle).
- A Toyota Celsior UCF20 with gullwings, scissor doors and a split hood, which took 12 years to build and cost 10 million yen ($110,000). The interior includes 24 monitors, including several mounted in the headrests behind the passengers’ heads (you can watch them with the eyes in the back of your head, according to the priest).
- Batman van, a rolling tribute to the superhero that cost 25 million yen ($280,000), took 13 years to complete, and earned the owner a divorce.
- Rocket launcher van, a 1981 Daihatsu Hijet outfitted with a cheap launcher for an 8-meter (26-ft) water rocket (the owner is an eggplant farmer).
- Replica of the “Pointer,” the famous battle vehicle used by the Earth Defense Force in the Ultra Seven TV series that aired on Japanese TV in the late 1960s.
- Fan-flapping Hitachi ASTACO machine, which the Tokyo Fire Department Hyper Rescue Team uses to clear debris from disaster sites.

Creatură bizară, descoperită in Panama

2009-09-20T01:47:00.004+03:00

via Antena3 - Bizar

O creatură bizară a fost descoperită într-o localitate din Panama. Localnicii sunt îngroziţi şi susţin că un grup de adolescenţi a fost atacat de ciudata creatură care a ieşit dintr-un lac din apropiere, arată The Sun.

"Monstrul", aşa cum este denumită creatura printre localnici, a fost descoperit de un grup de adolescenţi cu vârste cuprinse între 14 şi 16 ani. În momentul în care au văzut creatura, adolescenţii s-au speriat şi au început să arunce cu pietre în ea.

Băieţii au reuşit să o omoare cu pietre, apoi i-au aruncat corpul în apă. Ajunşi acasă, adolescenţii au povestit întâmplarea părinţilor şi i-au condus în locul în care au abandonat creatura. Oamenii au descoperit corpul ciudatei creaturi la o zi după întâmplare.

Până în prezent, oamenii de ştiinţă nu au examinat creatura şi nu au făcut nici un comentariu referitor la bizara descoperire.

Renault ZOE Z.E. Concept

2009-09-20T01:37:00.003+03:00

via Car Body Design - News

The Renault Zoe Z.E. Concept is a compact daily driver which targets motorists who are looking for a versatile second car.

Zoe Z.E. Concept combines cutting-edge electric-vehicle technology - offering a choice of three battery-charging techniques - with a dynamic, edgy design which points to driving enjoyment.

The special roof optimizes the management of the climate control system to ensure extended range, while the ambience inside the cabin can be customized.

The climate control system features hydrating, 'detox' and active scent functions which enhance the travelling experience.

Zoe Z.E. Concept is 4.10m long and is powered by a 70kW electric motor which develops 226Nm of torque.

The large 21-inch wheels and large body panels are reassuring touches for the four occupants.

At the rear, a retractable spoiler deploys at speeds in excess of 90kph to make a further contribution to Zoe Z.E. Concept's aerodynamic efficiency.

This LED-equipped spoiler also serves as a brake light, as does the integrated light in the shark's fin-type aerial on the roof.

Powertrain

Engine Type: Electric
Transmission type: Direct drive with forward/reverse inverters
Maximum power EEC (kW/hp): 70/95
Maximum torque EEC (Nm): 225
Battery Type: Lithium-ion
Range: 160km
Steering/Brakes: Power steering - Electric variable rate power steering - Parking brake Electric

Performance

Aerodynamic performance (CdA): 0.25
Top speed (kph): 140

Audi e-tron

2009-09-20T01:23:00.004+03:00

via Supercars.net - Newest Supercars

Audi presents the highlight of the IAA 2009: the e-tron, a high-performance sports car with a purely electric drive system. Four motors – two each at the front and rear axles – drive the wheels, making the concept car a true quattro. Producing 230 kW (313 hp) and 4,500 Nm (3,319.03 lb-ft) of torque, the two-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 – 62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and from 60 to 120 km/h (37.28 – 74.56 mph) in 4.1 seconds. The lithium-ion battery provides a truly useable energy content of 42.4 kilowatt hours to enable a range of approximately 248 kilometers.

The performance figures are by no means the only evidence of the consistent and holistic strategy. The design makes it clear that the e-tron belongs in the major leagues of sports cars, and the package takes into account the specific realities of an electric vehicle. The battery is directly behind the passenger cabin for an optimal center of gravity and axle load distribution.

The e-tron is able to freely distribute the powerful torque of its four electric motors to the wheels as required. This so-called torque vectoring allows for dazzling dynamics and an undreamed-of level of agility and precision when cornering.

Audi has taken a new and in some cases revolutionary approach to many of the technical modules. A heat pump is used to efficiently warm up and heat the interior. The drive system, the power electronics and the battery are controlled by an innovative thermal management system that is a crucial component for achieving the car’s range without compromising its high level of interior comfort. Networking the vehicle electronics with the surroundings, which is referred to as car-to-x communication, opens new dimensions for the optimization of efficiency, safety and convenience.

type	Concept / Prototype Car
released at	2009 Frankfurt Motor Show
engine	Four Electric Motors
position	Frond And Rear Electric Axles
power	233.39999 kw / 313 bhp
torque	4500 nm / 3319 ft lbs
body / frame	Aluminum & Carbon Fiber Body over Aluminum Space Frame
driven wheels	AWD
weight distro	42 % / 58 %
length	4260 mm / 167.7 in
0 - 60 mph	4.6999998 seconds

Abarth 695 ‘Tributo Ferrari’

2009-09-20T01:06:00.004+03:00

via Supercars.net - Newest Supercars

The Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari” makes its world debut at Frankfurt. This new performance version of the Abarth 500 confirms the link between Abarth and Ferrari based on shared values that include a passion for performance, a racing soul, attention to detail and Italian style.

Abarth and Ferrari are two great names that have contributed, with conviction and dedication, to the legend of Italian racing that is known around the world. The legendary men behind both marques followed very similar careers: first drivers, then tuners and finally heads of companies that command genuine respect in the world of motor racing. These extraordinary men were associated in the past: in 1953, for example, a unique Ferrari-Abarth was born, the Ferrari 166/250 MM Abarth. The car raced in various international trophies including the legendary Mille Miglia.

The tie between the two companies has been reinforced above all by the exhaust systems designed by Abarth specifically for the cars built at Maranello: numerous exhaust systems have been made for various Ferrari models, some of which have won World Championship titles.
The two brands have recently renewed their collaboration. The first result of this was the supply of a limited and numbered series of Abarth 500’s to Ferrari’s European dealers in recent months for use as “courtesy cars”.

Now, attention turns to the new Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari”, an exclusive vehicle that not only enables Abarth to extend its range by entering into the luxury sports car market, but also offers Ferrari customers a small but exciting small car for all their mobility needs, including practical urban mobility.

type	Production Car
released at	2009 Frankfurt Motor Show
engine	Inline-4
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Garrett 1446 Turbocharger
displacement	1368 cc / 83.48 in³
power	134.2 kw / 180 bhp @ 5750 rpm
specific output	131.58 bhp per litre
torque	230 nm / 169.6 ft lbs @ 3300 rpm
body / frame	Unitary Steel Monocoque
driven wheels	FWD
front brakes	Inner-Ventilated Discs w/Brembro 4-Piston Fixed Calipers
rear brakes	Inner-Ventilated Discs w/Brembro Single-Piston Floating Calipers
f suspension	MacPherson struts with w/Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension	Torsion Beam w/Anti-Roll Bar
transmission	C510 5-Speed
top speed	225 kph / 139.72 mph
0 - 60 mph	6.9 seconds

Bugatti Galibier 16C

2009-09-20T00:41:00.003+03:00

via Car Body Design - News

During its centenary celebration ceremonies, Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. presented customers and opinion-makers with the Bugatti Galibier Concept, intended to be the most exclusive, elegant, and powerful four door automobile in the world last weekend in Molsheim.

Bugatti's current president, Franz-Josef Paefgen emphasised that the Bugatti Galibier 16C is one of several concept studies with which the company is considering for the future of the Bugatti marque.

"Art - Forme - Technique" are the historic brand values to which the design and engineering team of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. oriented themselves in the development of the Bugatti Galibier.

The four-door concept features a body is constructed of handmade carbon fibre parts coloured dark blue so that, when illuminated, the woven structure shimmers through strikingly. The wings and doors are out of polished aluminium.

The Bugatti Galibier's design adopts a basic architecture inspired by the torpedo-like character of the Type 35, which was already revived in the Bugatti Veyron, and reinterprets it.

With the typical Bugatti radiator grille, big round LED headlights and the clamshell running the length of the vehicle which became synonymous with the brand identity under Jean Bugatti in the Type 57, this car transports the Bugatti genes into the modern world.

Beneath the hood, which folds back from both sides, resides a 16-cylinder, 8-litre engine with twostage supercharging.

The engine is a flex-fuel unit and can optional be run on ethanol. Technical highlights include four-wheel drive, specially developed ceramic brakes and a new suspension design enable the agile, always-sure handling of a saloon of this size.

The interior reflects the elemental design of the exterior. The dash panel has been reduced to the essential; two centrally located main instruments keep even the rear passengers constantly informed of the actual speed and previous performance.

Parmigiani, the Swiss maker of fine watches, created the removable Reverso Tourbillon clock for the Bugatti Galibier, which may be worn on the wrist thanks to a leather strap.

"Galibier" is not just the name of one of the most difficult alpine passes along the Tour de France but, in its time, was a version of the four door Type 57.

type	Concept / Prototype Car
engine	W16
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Quad-Turbochargers
body / frame	Aluminum & Carbon Fiber
driven wheels	RWD
top speed	349.14999 kph / 217 mph