MOTOR| Bugatti Sports Cars Veyron Type 35 Grand Prix Edition

In a highlight on this year’s agenda of centennial celebrations, Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. presented fourBugatti Veyron specials at Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza. These one off models are reminders of Bugatti’s glorious motor-racing history which played a central role in popularising and ultimately establishing the myth which the brand continues to enjoy to this day.

2009 Bugatti Sports Cars Veyron Type 35 Grand Prix Edition

The Bugatti brand is almost inextricably linked to the Type 35. The Type 35 Grand Prix was by far the most successful racing model. The unmistakable radiator grille and eight-spoke aluminum wheels of the Type 35 have become defining features of the Bugatti automobile. In its day, the Grand Prix was also well ahead of its time in terms of engineering ingenuity.

The front axle design of this vehicle, which, for reasons of weight minimization, is hollow, is a true masterpiece of workmanship and was deemed nothing less than revolutionary. Its springs were passed through the axle to produce a high level of stability. The Grand Prix’s brake drums were integrally fitted into its lightweight aluminum wheels. Unfastening the central wheel nut allowed the wheel to be easily removed within a matter of seconds and the brake to be exposed. This was a crucial advantage at the pit stop.

The blue racers made their first appearance on the race track at the Grand Prix held by Automobil Club de France in Lyon in 1924. In the decade that followed, they remained practically unchallenged thanks to sophisticated manufacturing efforts, their lightweight design and easy handling. During that ten-year era, they won almost 2000 races – more than any other model ever has.

Grand Prix races were highly fashionable events in those days, and Bugatti was not the only brand with considerable interest in substantiating the reputation of its products by winning races. In fact, in the 1920s, Europe was regularly host to a number of different races in different countries on a single weekend. The teams set up by different automobile manufacturers competed at popular race circuits such as Targa Florio, Le Mans, Monza and Spa as well as in Rome, Nice, Antibes and even a village in Alsace.

The main reason Bugatti won such an enormous number of races – on the back of which successes the brand was also able to forge its image – was the fact that Bugatti sold not only its normal sports and touring cars to private buyers, but its racing cars too. Thus it was that its automobiles took part in such a large number of Grand Prix events.

Tradition being what it is, the Bugatti Veyron Specials built to mark the 100th anniversary of the brand feature the racing colors of the respective countries: blue for France, red for Italy, green for England and white for Germany. Each of the four new Veyrons has a specific “predecessor” in the form of an original Grand Prix Bugatti on which it was modelled.

These four historic race cars represent the generation of legendary Bugatti Grand Prix racers which were piloted by world-famous race-car drivers and which scored countless racing victories in the 1920s and ‘30s. Each of the four Veyron Specials is named after a Bugatti race-car driver of the 1920s and 30s. Jean-Pierre Wimille has given the blue Veyron its name, Achille Varzi the red one, Malcolm Campbell the green one and Hermann zu Leiningen the white Veyron.

“We have put a lot of effort into translating colour and material, the defining characteristics of our historic role models, into the designs of the modern-day Veyrons,” explains Alasdair Stewart, Director Sales & Marketing at Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. “We have taken extreme care to match the original colours of the original race cars, exterior and interior”

On Sunday, the four historic racing Type 35s and the four modern-day Centenaire Edition Veyrons will be exhibited alongside each other in the park of Villa Erba for the first and only time.

Ahead of that presentation, Bugatti will on Saturday be prominently represented in the park of Villa d’Este by a special-display-class exhibition of models, which will serve to portray the 100-year history of the brand. Bugatti’s participation in the classic Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este at Lake Como will be the second highlight event to mark the carmaker’s centennial celebrations after it took part in the International Geneva Motor Show in early March.

This latest event will be followed by the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California in mid-August and the main celebratory event on 12 September in Molsheim (Alsace), which has been the home of this unparalleled automobile brand for 100 years.

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Sport Car Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. donated a police version of the company’s newest super sports car to Prefect Antonio Manganelli, the head of the Italian State Police with a private ceremony was held at the Viminale Palace.

The new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia, which replaces the previous Lamborghini Gallardo Police Car in use by the Italian police force since 2004 has a 560 horsepower engine that can reach speeds of up to 203 mph. The car will begin service with the Lazio Highway Police Department in order to continue accident and crime prevention to sustain security on the Italian roads.

Its predecessor is proof of Lamborghini’s outstanding product quality. Since 2004, Rome’s police force has had the first-generation Lamborghini Gallardo in regular police service. The sports car has clocked nearly 87,000 miles of patrol duty on the motorways of central and southern Italy, as well as on emergency medical transport detail.

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New Honda Efficiency Einstein | Honda insight-hybrid

100% New Honda car The insight-hybrid

Family Ties Car

The all-new Honda Insight 2010 shares a family resemblance with the sleek and sophisticated FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle. The front of the car is strong and lean with eye-catching projector-beam headlights. The taller rear helps this 5-door hybrid slip easily through the air, and unique LED brakelights complete the look.









Space, Man

The Insight was designed with a low center of gravity and a generous 5-passenger cabin. Five-door access helps meet the needs of an active lifestyle. The use of smaller internal components allows for more cabin and cargo space, making the Insight family-friendly and versatile. And the Insight was designed and built from the ground up to be what it is: a hybrid



There are two important facets to an efficient hybrid:

1) An efficient machine, and 2) an efficient driver. Working in unison, they can dramatically enhance fuel economy.

Eco Assist™ is composed of two basic functions:

* A sophisticated feedback system teaches you to drive more efficiently,

* An ECON™ button that automatically helps increase your vehicle's fuel efficiency.



These components can work individually or in tandem to help boost your overall fuel economy. As the EPA tests have shown, the Insight is capable of excellent fuel economy without any special techniques. Utilizing the tools of Eco Assist™ can take the Insight to higher levels of efficiency. For a demonstration of how Eco Assist™ works.





Interior New Honda insight-hybrid

FUN.

Green Screens

Half the fun of driving on less gas is listening to full sound in the all-new Insight. Standard on the LX is an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, including an MP3/auxiliary input jack. A built-in Radio Data System (RDS) gives you additional information about your music. EX models add a pair of tweeters and Honda's USB Audio Interface.



Choose the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice recognition and also enjoy the factory-installed Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® communication tool.

Toss it in

The all-new Insight was designed with versatility in mind. It seats five, and has five doors to match. The 60/40 split rear fold-down seatback offers maximum flexibility for people to poles to pets—and everything in between.

411 Before You

You don't have to look far for the information you need while driving. As part of its two-tier instrument panel, the Insight features a sophisticated Multi-Information Display (MID) that provides data on fuel consumption, temperature and other essentials. The MID is used as part of the Eco Assist™ system for enhanced efficiency.

[1] The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

[2] The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is available on the EX model in the United States, except Alaska. See your local Honda dealer for details.

[3] The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is under license.

[4]Eco Assist is a trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and may not be used or reproduced without prior written approval.

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MOTOR| Ford Mustang Sports Cars Dub Edition

DEARBORN, Mich., May 3, 2010 – Ford Motor Companyis teaming up with automotive lifestyle magazine DUB to roll out a specially customized version of the new 2011 Mustang, introducing the iconic sports car to a new generation of enthusiasts.

The DUB Edition Mustang is based on Ford’s outstanding new 3.7-liter V-6 Mustang and will be available this fall. A collaboration between Ford, DUB and Roush Industries, the DUB Edition Mustang will be offered as a coupe, convertible or with the best-of-both-worlds Glass Roof option. Both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available.

Ford Mustang DUB Edition

The 2011 Ford Mustang DUB Edition, customized especially for the Grammy Award-winning artist Nelly, will be a part of the artwork for his new album. The 2011 Ford Mustang DUB Edition is based on the GT 5.0-liter V8 powered model that develops 412 hp and 390 ft.-lb. of torque. Nelly's 2011 Ford Mustang DUB Edition features a gloss black exterior paint job, flat black racing stripes and 22 and 24 inch rims.

“The Ford Mustang is the most customized vehicle in the world, and this collaboration pushes the boundaries even further,” said Fritz Wilke, Mustang brand manager. “We’re proud of our relationship with DUB and Roush and how they worked together to bring a new look to Mustang, helping the 2011 DUB Edition Mustang V-6 appeal to a whole new audience.”

For 2011, Mustang is available with a lightweight, all-new high-performance powerplant. Displacing 3.7 liters, the double-overhead-cam (DOHC) 24-valve V-6 uses Ford’s Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) to produce remarkable power output – 305 horsepower and 280 ft.-lb. of torque – while still achieving up to 31 mpg highway.

“Working with Ford and Roush is an honor and has been a dream come true for DUB,” said Myles Kovacs, president and co-founder of DUB magazine. “The Mustang is such an iconic muscle car and has always been a customizer’s favorite. The DUB Edition Mustang stays true to its roots, but I think we’ve successfully brought a ton of hustle to the muscle.”

Television commercials for the sporty new 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 – the first-ever car to deliver an unrivaled combination of 305 horsepower and 31 mpg highway – have already started airing and included an appearance by the new 2011 DUB Edition Mustang, a special edition collaboration between Ford, DUB and Roush Industries.

Drivers can get the most out of the new V-6 engine using either an all-new six-speed manual or automatic transmission. With either choice comes the flexibility and fuel economy benefit of six forward ratios. The 2011 Mustang has also received enhancements to its chassis to maintain the outstanding balance and driving behavior Mustang owners expect. Combined with state-of-the-art safety and technology features, the 2011 Mustang sets a new standard in the sports coupe class.

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CAR| New Honda’s FCX Clarity | No gasoline | hydrogen | electric Car

powered vehicles in converting chemical energy into power. The Honda FCX Clarity FCEV is not an experimental or prototype vehicle.

In gasoline-powered vehicles, fuel (gasoline) is used to heat and expand air, which then drives the engine’s pistons and crankshaft.

Fuel cell vehicles, on the other hand, are much more efficient, because the conversion of fuel (hydrogen) to electricity, used to power the electric drive motor, is a more direct electrochemical process. Water is a by-product.









And since the FCX Clarity FCEV has significantly fewer components in the drive system, no pistons and no camshafts, the energy loss from these systems is eliminated.



Vehicles that use hydrogen fuel cell technology instead of gasoline are about the cleanest around because they emit only water vapor into the air. They also use hydrogen from domestic energy sources, reducing our dependence on oil. And driving fuel cell vehicles significantly reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, helping to slow the increase in greenhouse gases.



To develop a fuel cell vehicle worthy of the Honda name, our engineers worked tirelessly to ensure that the FCX Clarity FCEV was:



* Safe for the public

* Operable in freezing weather

* Able to drive a reasonable range before refueling

* Easy to refuel

* Sporty and fun to drive

* Spacious and comfortable



Hydrogen Safety

Sensors are located throughout the vehicle to provide a warning in the unlikely event of a hydrogen leak. Should such a leak occur, the ventilation system is activated and an automatic system closes the main cut-off valves on the hydrogen tank or supply lines as necessary. The high-voltage lines are electrically isolated. In the event of a collision, the system controller automatically shuts off the flow of hydrogen and electric current. Repeated flood and fire testing have confirmed a very high level of safety and reliability.



Refueling Safety

Honda has taken safety precautions with regard to refueling safety. To prevent reverse flow from the tank, the hydrogen filler inlet has an integrated check valve. The fuel intake mechanism is also designed to prevent contamination by other gases or the connection of nozzles designed for hydrogen stored at incompatible pressure levels.



Vehicles that use hydrogen fuel cell technology instead of gasoline are about the cleanest around because they emit only water vapor into the air. They also use hydrogen from domestic energy sources, reducing our dependence on oil. And driving fuel cell vehicles significantly reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, helping to slow the increase in greenhouse gases.

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MOTOR| Pininfarina keeps coach building rolling on its four wheels.

Coach building is a virtue, which dates back several centuries to a time when man and machine were in the early stages of becoming truly engaged. Names such as Rippon, Barker, Carrozzeria Ghia and Chapron decked the lime light in the era of peace and love. In essence each firm wildly exhibited a unique style, grace and a forthcoming character in the automobile industry.







However, just like with most things in life. All good things in due course come to end and the scent of death and gloom prayed heavily on world of automobiles and coach building. As Picassco quoted "Every act of creation is first of all an act of destruction." The death Chapron and the prostitution of Carrozzeria Ghia was not in vain. It paved the way for renowned firms such Pininfarina. The matrimony consequently was truly never salvaged during the purge. However today, the spirit of coach building is kept alive by keepers such as Rolls-Royce, Ferrari and Bentley.

The image and dream of Ferrari embedded in my mind, usually consists of me and Gabriela Sabatini and her beautiful long black hair blowing in the wind, cursing through the Italian coastline in a 355. However we live in Modern-day and Pininfarina have angled a new approach to the tackling design manifestation and asked clients -- specific clients -- to envision their ideal Ferrari, as one lucky customer put it "My Ferrari". This lead to the birth of the 'Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta which is a one off creation conceived over a 11 month period. In essence however, owning this car, would probably give one the same detained honor as being married to Cindy Crawford and Monica Bellucci's daughter if females could mate with one another.



Rolls-Royce has also bestowed themselves to give Pininfarina a Drophead coupe to use as a donor car for the amazing Pininfarina Hyperion. The car itself looks like it has been crafted by the ancient sea monster Leviathan. The Catholic Pope would probably consider an automobile this immaculate to be his method of transportation to heavens. However, it is certain, that one having the option to experience the joyful – ceramic like beauty of this car would feel like being of the oceans.

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MOTOR| The sun and GQbyCitroen concept car shines in London.

Although petrol-headed car enthusiast, Berkley Magazine decided to forgo attendance of the hybrid bonanza at the annual Geneva auto show that took place last week. The consolation is owed to GQ Magazine and Citroen who knocked their heads together and held a private auto show of their own in trendy and vibrant Covent Garden, where the Hospital Club played host to an unveiling party for an electrifying concept on Thursday the 4th of March.







In a deep and lustrous shade of red the car was the centre of attention in a small sized hall with curious eyes orbiting around it while mesmerising over the muscular rear flanks and seductive lines stretching beautifully across the doors. Named GQbyCitroen, the car is a gentleman transformed into a vehicle of independence and sophistication. The self-assurance is expressed through the revival the fastback body shape that drifted into oblivion at the end of the 1970s. It is a crossover between a wagon and a coupé, fostering otherwise contradictory versatility of being spectacular enough for Park Lane but practical enough for days when a mate needs a gentleman's helping hand, and car, for a lift to the airport.

Patrick Grant, head of design at E.Tautz - a Savile Row tailor, took the inside job of treating the car with an interior fit for a gentleman. Inside the cabin, driver and passenger will be engulfed in black and red leather caringly stitched together by one of Savile Row's rising stars. Unfortunately the Concept car at the unveiling was a clay model and thus, getting personal with the car remains in our dreams. However, a fully functioning prototype should not be ruled out as Citroen's previous partnership, with the Gran Turismo 5 racing game, climaxed with a physical entity parading the streets of London in June 2009. Both GQ and Citroen remain coy over details about what is to follow, but if the vision is to be turned into reality, it will be powered by a 1.6 litre hybrid engine thrusting the car from 0-60mph in 4.5 and the driver from chap to gentleman in zero seconds flat.

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