BMW i8

 BMW i8 is the second member of the BMW i range, the new series of models dedicated to electric and hybrid models. If the BMW i3 is a fully electric city car with a good amount of power under the bonnet and a decent driving range, the new BMW i8 sports car is clearly dedicated to the people who are addicted to high performance.

The German model is based on the Vision EfficientDynamics concept and is powered by a hybrid powertrain delivering outstanding performance considering the fuel consumption.

To be more precise, the new BMW i8 produces a total of 349 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque thanks to a three-cylinder turbodiesel engine and two electric motors. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 4,8 seconds and it hits a top speed of 250 km/h.

Even we talk about impressive performance figures, BMW says that the average fuel consumption is rated at only 3,7 liters/100 km and CO2 emissions of 99 g/km. The new BMW i8 will be built at the Leipzig plant in Germany while it is scheduled to enter production somewhere in 2013.

 Gallery Picture of BMW I8 :

       

 

    

  

  

  

  

  

   

   

  

  

  

  

   

   

   

   

 

Spied! 2013 Ford Escape by The Auto Car Lover's

While this sporty crossover was introduced as the Vertrek concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, it’s assumed that the production version will have the more recognizable (and easier to pronounce) Escape nameplate.

Ford Vertrek Concept at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show

The Vertrek styling influences represent a major change in crossover design at Ford. While the new Explorer has a tough truck look, the new Escape, taking its cues from the concept, promises to be sleeker and more wagon/carlike, something along the lines of a Honda CR-V.

 

Now our spies have captured an early development mule of the Vertrek/Escape, which is based on Ford’s Global C-platform that underpins the new Focus and Transit Connect as well as related crossovers sold in Europe as the C-Max and Kuga. Speaking of the Kuga, Ford uses some of that vehicle’s bodywork on the mule, since it is much sleeker than the current boxy Escape sheetmetal.

While this vehicle does not represent the final design of the 2013 Ford Escape, it does show us that testing well under way. We can see a large piece has been tacked onto the front clip, likely to make room for components related to turbocharging. At the rear, the fascia has been modified to make room for a new exhaust system.

 

The Escape will follow the industry trend of doing away with V-6 engines, instead sporting a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder for the base model and an Ecoboost 4-cylinder for the upmarket model. Also a possibility is a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine as a fuel-economy leader, plus a 2.0-liter turbodiesel currently being developed primarily for Europe.

There will also be a hybrid model available, with Ford's next-gen hybrid powertrain providing the motivation. We hear it should be available shortly after launch.

 

The 2013 Escape will also look to boost its fuel-economy numbers by offering a start-stop system that will idle the engine when the vehicle is at rest. That system will feature an electric motor/starter backed by a larger-capacity battery. Regenerative braking will make sure the battery has plenty of juice for multiple starts.

 

Much like the Fiesta and Focus, this new Ford Escape will be a global vehicle. Europe will also get a version to replace the Kuga. While there will be subtle design changes between the Escape and Kuga, expect these two to look fairly similar once the curtain drops. Also planned on the same platform is an entry-level crossover for the Lincoln brand.

Caught Testing : 2013 Ford Mustang GT500 by The Auto Car Lover's

The rising price of gasoline might have distracted you from the ongoing muscle car battle that is raging among the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger. One of the latest salvos was the supercharged Camaro ZL1, shown during the Chicago Auto Show, which will offer somewhere in the region of 550 bhp.

If you thought Ford’s engineering team didn’t notice what Chevy was up to, well, think again. Our spy photographers have caught images of the next generation 2013 Ford Mustang GT500 rumbling around on public roads.

 

Behind the Grille
 
Now if only we’d been able to pop the hood and snap a pic. As it is, a new front fascia and hood – complete with a power dome and heat extractors – offer some tantalizing hints as to what engine will power the next top ‘Stang.

 

The 2011 GT500 already serves up 550 bhp, courtesy of its 5.4-liter supercharged V-8. According to our sources, the next incarnation could have between 600-625 bhp – though this seems a tall order with the current engine.

 

Will Ford fit a twin-turbocharged version of the 5.0-liter V-8, or a larger (supercharged) 5.8-liter V-8 engine into the next GT500? With that much power on tap, at least we know those heat extractor vents in the hood are definitely a good idea.

 

The front grille and bumper have also been revised. A larger chin spoiler has been incorporated into the front and, at first glance, sleeker fog lights are also in the works. A second set also appears to be migrating onto the grille itself. Or is Ford bringing back a pair of grille-mounted air intakes, like those used on the 1964 Ford Thunderbolt? Let the conspiracies run wild.

This prototype runs on GT 500 wheels and Pirelli P Zero tires. Weight reduction was a key component of making the 2011 GT 500 faster and more responsive, so expect a similar weight-saving regime with the 2013 edition.

 

Pagani Zonda Cinque Specifications by The Auto Car Lover's

 

After last year's record braking lap at the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife, the official Pagani representatives from Hong Kong made their special request for the most radical road legal Zonda ever, the Zonda Cinque. Limited to just 5 (Cinque) pieces the production is already sold out.
Technology.

In order to satisfy the downforce requirements of 750kg at 300kph, the Cinque features a new larger front splitter, a new adjustable rear wing as well as a modified underbody and rear diffuser. New intakes for brake ducts increase the airflow to brake disks and wheelhubs.

The air scoop on the central monococque feeds the 678hp Mercedes-AMG V12 powerplant. Up to 780Nm are unleashed on the bespoke Pirelli Pzero tyres. For the first time ever in a Zonda a sequential 6 speed gearbox is installed. The adaptive gearbox demands no compromises from the driver, offering lightning fast gearshifts and comfortable use in heavy traffic. Having become a public issue only recently, fuel economy and efficiency have been grappled with since the mid 1990s at Pagani, its engineers constantly developing new technologies and materials to reduce the weight of their cars.

A new composite fibre, carbon-titanium, a development by Pagani, has been purposely created for the Zonda Cinque and will find its use in future generations of Pagani vehicles. Forged monoblock aluminium wheels, bolts and nuts are realised in titanium to significantly reduce the unsprung masses. The fully adjustable ergal shock absorbers with titanium springs have been developed at Öhlins according to the latest technologies and to the Pagani specifications.

Interior

While maintaining the level of refinement usual for Pagani cars, the interior reveals the sporty pretensions. Leather racing seats developed by Toora with 4-point seatbelts are surrounded by carbon fibre laminated Cr-Mo roll-bars. The ergonomic shift paddles behind the steering wheel as the rest of the controls have been studied to offer highest levels of precision for a deep immersion into the driving pleasure.

Driven by passion and following the renowned automotive tradition of Modena and the Renaissance concepts of art and science by Leonardo Da Vinci, another automotive sculpture is born at the Pagani Ateilier, the 1 million (+ tax) Zonda Cinque with its unmistakable, bespoke livery is reserved for five lucky owners, guaranteeing unique emotions every time they will get near it.

Technical Specifications

• Mercedes Benz AMG engine, 678 hp
• ECU, Traction control , ABS by Bosch Engineering
• Inconel/titanium exhaust system coated with ceramic
• Suspensions in magnesium and titanium
• Cima sequential gearbox (6 speed), robotized by Automac enginnering
• APP monolitic wheels forged in aluminium and magnesium
• Size: front 9x19 - rear 12,5x20
• Pirelli PZero tyres. Size: front 255/35/19 - rear 335/30/20
• Toora Racing leather/carbon fibre racing seats
• Carbon fibre steering wheel
• Brembo brakes in carbo-ceramic self ventilated with hydraulic servo brake
• Size: front 380x34 mm, monolitic 6 piston caliper;rear 380x34 mm, monolitic 4 piston caliper
• Dry weight 1.210 kg
• Weight distribution in driving condition: 47% front, 53% rear
• Acceleration: 0-100 Km in 3.4 sec., 0-200 in 9.6 sec
• Braking: 100-0 km in 2.1 sec., 200-0 km 4.3 sec
• Maximum side acceleration: 1,45 G (with road tyres)

Pagani Zonda Cinque - Galerie