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Saturday, June 27, 2009
Flying car to be unveiled in 2011
An American company Terrafugia Transition, based near Boston, is set to unveil the dual-purpose car-cum-plane vehicle called 'The Flying Car' as early as 2011. The two-seater vehicle can let you fly if you wish to avoid the congested city traffic.
If you want to drive on the road, just touch the road. The vehicle will fold up its wings in 30 seconds and transform itself into a car.
"The Flying Car" can travel up to 725 kilometres in the air at a speed of more than 115 kilometres per hour.
Fuelled by gasoline, it has front wheel drive on the road and a propeller for flight.
With its wings folded, it can be parked in your ordinary car garage.
Its initial cost is expected to be around $200,000 (nearly Rs.1 crore), says the company which has already orders for 60 vehicles.
The CEO of the company told Canadian TV (CTV) network here that they have successfully test-flown "The Flying Car" as many as 28 times.
The tests have shown that the vehicle can drive, fly and switch from being a plane to a car in just 30 seconds.
"It (testing) has been very successful," Carl Dietrich, co-founder and CEO of Terrafugia, told the television network.
" We have got a very good handling vehicle and our test pilot said that the flights were just remarkably unremarkable - it just flies like a really nice, little airplane,” he said.
He said this miracle vehicle will ease problems for pilots who currently face problems like weather which sometimes doesn't allow them to take off or land.
"This vehicle allows a pilot any time, if the weather changes, to divert to the nearest airport, fold up their wings and drive safely under the weather."
"The Transition (the name for "The Flying Car" is not designed to replace the automobile. However, it will solve transportation issues for a variety of circumstances,” company vice president Richard Gersh said.
Asked whether the vehicle will be mass produced one day, he said: "That is certainly a possibility, but a number of years away."
He said the vehicle will be able travel on ordinary roads.
"Our depositors represent a wide-cross section in terms of age, interests, and intended use of the vehicle. We have deposits from both experienced pilots and non-pilots who intend to earn their Sport Pilot certificate," said the vice president of Terrafugia.
Set up in 2006, Terrafugia is run by trained aeronautical engineers and MBAs from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Source: timesofindia - Youtube
Ferrari Debuts at Goodwood including Scuderia Spider 16M, 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE and California
Ferrari will be showcasing three exciting new models during the Sunday Times Supercar Run at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed: the California, the Scuderia Spider 16M and the 599 GTB Fiorano with HGTE package.
The Ferrari California is the Prancing Horse’s first front-engined V8 which has been classically styled to echo one of the greatest designs from Ferrari’s history, the 250 GT California. The new California, however, is packed with the latest technology and includes Ferrari’s first dual-clutch 7-speed gearbox, a direct injection 4.3 V8 engine with 460hp, the latest F1-Trac traction control system, a new multi-link rear suspension, and, of course, an innovative retractable folding hardtop that opens or closes in only 14 seconds. The California has already received the critical acclaim of the automotive press around the world, with Top Gear claiming it is a “proper God’s honest, marrow-deep Ferrari”, and Autocar describing it as “absolutely bloody marvellous!”.
The Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M is a very special high-performance model launched to commemorate Ferrari’s 16th F1 Constructors’ Title in 2008. Limited to an exclusive 499 examples worldwide, the Scuderia Spider 16M features the same honed-to-perfection handling of the 430 Scuderia, but with some additional livery options, interior detailing and, of course, the extreme thrills that come with open-top motoring in Ferrari’s fastest convertible car around the company’s Fiorano test track in Maranello. The Scuderia Spider 16M has already been described by EVO as “utterly, totally, mesmerisingly visceral” and by CAR as “breathtakingly gorgeous” and “simply biblical”.
The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano with HGTE package completes Ferrari’s presence at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year, with a car that takes the handling of the award-winning 599 GTB Fiorano to another level, with improved steering feel, brake response, throttle response, suspension and traction control settings to ensure the sharpest driving experience of any front-engined V12 GT car on sale today. The HGTE package can also be identified by additional visual cues such as revised front grille, new wheel design, exhaust tips and a bespoke interior with HGTE stitching on the seats. Like the California and the Scuderia Spider 16M, the 599 with HGTE package has received praise from the automotive press, with Performance Car declaring it “Ferrari’s most complete supercar to date” and the Daily Telegraph succumbing to the appeal of a “supercar named desire”.
Ferrari is also represented by the Scuderia Ferrari team who will be demonstrating the 2008 Championship-winning F1 car, driven by Marc Gené, throughout the weekend. Additional fine examples of Ferrari’s illustrious racing heritage can also be seen in the Cathedral Paddock, with the following privately-owned cars entered in this year’s event:
1956 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta (Legends of Le Mans)
1961 Ferrari 196 SP Dino (Classic Endurance Racers)
1967 Ferrari 312/68 (Classic Grand Prix Cars)
1969 Ferrari 312 P (International Sports Cars)
1969 Ferrari 512 S (International Sports Cars)
1969 Ferrari 365 GTS4 ‘Daytona’ (Cartier Style et Luxe)
1978 Ferrari 312 T3 (Evolution of the F1 Car)
1980 Ferrari 512 BBLM (International Sports Cars)
2003 Ferrari 550 Maranello GTS(Contemporary GT racers)
2008 Ferrari F2008 (Current F1 Cars)
Source: Ferrari
Rossi feeling good after first ‘real’ pole of 2009
Italian reflects on Assen top spot and hopes for dry conditions.
Valentino Rossi in the parc fermé after QP in Assen
Valentino Rossi will start from the head of the MotoGP grid for the second time in 2009 for Saturday’s Alice TT Assen, although he regards his Friday result in the timed session as his first ‘real’ pole position of the year.
The Fiat Yamaha rider was previously given the honour of leading the riders off the line at the Japanese round of the MotoGP World Championship in Motegi, courtesy of his free practice times after the rain-hit qualifying run was cancelled. This time his rivals could have no complaints, as he sent them all packing with a 1’36.025 lap.
“I’m so happy about the qualifying session. This morning we worked a lot on the bike and this afternoon we put it all together,” said the joint World Championship leader. “I have a good pace with the race tyres as well, and I’m looking at a few places where we can improve tomorrow. “I’m also happy to have taken pole position, because even though it is always great this one is my second of the year. Motegi was a strange case because of the rain in qualifying, so this is a real pole position with a really good lap at the end.”
Not a fan of flag-to-flag races, Rossi is praying for sunshine at the ‘Cathedral of Motorcycle Racing,’ where he believes that he can challenge for a 100th Grand Prix victory.
“I’m in good shape, just like my M1, and I just hope for good weather tomorrow. To have the grandstands full today for practice sessions is something incredible, so we’ll try to put on a good show for the fans tomorrow.”
Source: MotoGP
New Honda V4 sports : Spy Photos
Honda’s new V4 – the beginning of a ‘new breed of bike’ according to the firm – is today revealed in MCN as a 1200cc sports-tourer closely related to the concept revealed in Autumn.
The firm is still surveying potential buyers about the concept, but MCN’s scoop reveals at least one iteration of the bike is finalised and ready to roll. While it’s lost the hubless wheels and frameless look of the concept, the bike – thought at this stage to be called the VFR1200 – retains at least one revolutionary feature to justify Honda’s ‘new breed’ claims.
That’s it’s variable-cylinder engine, which enables the rear bank of cylinders to shut down completely, leaving the bike effectively a parallel twin on light loads, which should dramatically boost fuel economy and emissions performance.
But what of the sports side of the sports-tourer equation? A truly massive beam frame – reminiscent of the first ZZR1100’s vast girders – hints at what must be approaching 200bhp potential.
• Every angle of the bike’s ground-breaking appearance
• Its extraordinary V5-derived engine
• What it means for the VFR800, Blackbird & Pan-European
Source: MCN2010 Honda VFR1200: Spy Photos
Here's all the leaked shots of the 2010 Honda VFR1200, initially obtained by MCN. Since there's been a lot of speculation about this bike and these shots are fairly low-res (click to enlarge them), we understand that many of you are skeptical, but check out the 2010 Honda VFR1200 spy photos for definitive proof that this exists. Expect Honda to officially launch the bike this fall, with sales following early in 2010.
MCN goes on to report that the new VFR uses Honda's Variable Cylinder Management system, which can shut down the fuel supply to some of the cylinders under low engine load conditions, such as cruising at a steady speed on the highway. We've used that technology in cars like the 2009 Honda Pilot and there found it to be virtually undetectable in action, but have saw real improvements in fuel economy. It's thought that the VFR system will shut down the rear bank of cylinders, effectively turning it into a 600cc parallel-twin to save fuel.
Speaking in 2007, Honda President Takeo Fukui said such an engine could improve fuel efficiency in a motorcycle by 30%.
That's not to say that this isn't a performance bike, just that it offers the best of bother worlds; fuel economy and performance. MCN, which has seen leaked specifications, says to expect close to 200bhp, making this a rival for bikes like the Suzuki Hayabusa, but here with shaft drive and a fairly upright riding position.
Source: MCN - hellforleathermagazineChina 'to block' Hummer takeover
A Chinese firm's bid to buy the gas-guzzling Hummer car brand will be blocked on environmental grounds, according to Chinese state radio.
Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery emerged as the surprise buyer for the brand earlier this year.
But China National Radio said Hummer is at odds with the country's planning agency's attempts to decrease pollution from Chinese manufacturers.
But Sichuan Tengzhong disputed the accuracy of the radio report.
"The fact that it is from an article from a state media organisation does not mean it is government policy," the company said in a statement.
"Some people may have views and speculation, but the Chinese government has a process that we respect."
The acquisition from General Motors needs Chinese regulatory approval.
'Lacks expertise'
The value of the bid was not disclosed at the time, but analysts say that GM would have made about $100m (£61m) from the sale.
National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) will also block Sichuan Tengzhong from buying Hummer because the Chinese construction equipment maker lacks expertise in car production, the state radio added.
Sichuan Tengzhong said: "The view expressed on China National Radio's website did not quote or source anyone at NDRC."
"We do not yet have a definitive agreement, but are developing our proposals with GM and Hummer and we will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities in an appropriate manner."
Hummers were originally built as military off-road vehicles by a company called AM General.
GM bought the Hummer brand in 1999.
The brand took off as US consumers flocked to large cars and sport utility vehicles and were favoured by celebrities including Arnold Schwarzenegger.
But sales have suffered as the military image has become less popular and petrol prices surged.
Hummers weigh up to five tons and have fuel consumption of around 15 miles per gallon.
The sale of Hummer, known as "Han Ma" or Bold Horse in China, has been part of GM's plan to reinvent itself by concentrating on fewer brands.
Source: BBC
Friday, June 26, 2009
2010 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport in Sardinia and Napa Valley
Napa Valley, June 2009 - Last year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance in California was the
setting for the very first public presentation of the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. The
response was extremely positive and now production of this roadster – limited to 150 units – is to
begin at Molsheim. At the same time, the media and customers are taking their first test drives.
The new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport confronted the marque renowned for impeccable automotive
solutions, aesthetics and driving dynamics with a completely new set of challenges. In response to
customer demand, significant modifications have been made to the vehicle’s complex structure to enable open-top driving, thereby adding a new dimension to this high-performance sports car. Incorporating a host of new and innovative safety and equipment features, it is the world’s fastest and most exciting roadster. It is immediately recognizable because of its slightly higher windscreen, stylized daytime running lights, and lightweight, transparent polycarbonate roof.
The main challenge in developing the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport with its removable roof
resulted from the unique structure of the fixed-roof Bugatti Veyron. An optimum combination of rigidity
and lightweight engineering ensures the monocoque passenger cell of the original model is extremely
strong, while weighing an absolute minimum. As the roof is an integral part of the vehicle’s structure,
removing it meant the load paths had to be completely redesigned to maintain the vehicle’s rigidity and
crash safety, and to offer additional protection from side impacts and rolling.
As a result, the monocoque structure has been reinforced around the side skirts and the transmission
tunnel. The B-pillars have been cross-stiffened using a carbon fibre support, and a central carbon plate has been positioned beneath the transmission tunnel to ensure the vehicle suffers from less torsional flexing than any other roadster.
The doors of the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport are made of carbon fibre, and house an integrated longitudinal beam. In the event of an accident, this transfers the load from the A to the B-pillar, thereby dissipating impact energy. Furthermore, the two redesigned air intakes for the 16-cylinder mid-engine now feature 10-centimetre wide carbon-fibre elements to offer protection in the event of a roll.
Along with moisture-resistant, backstitched leather, a range of new equipment features has been added to the interior, including a reversing camera with 2.7-inch monitor integrated in the rear-view-mirror, and the “Puccini” sound system with digital signal processor.
When the roof is closed, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport can reach 407 km/h, while speeds of up to 360 km/h are possible with the roof off. Should it rain, an innovative soft-top roof, like an umbrella, stored in the luggage compartment, can be opened up at any time. With this soft top in place, the car can travel at up to 160 km/h.
More than just an open Veyron
“When I had the chance to test-drive the new Grand Sport for the first time myself, I was filled with
excitement”, said Pierre Henri Raphanel, Bugatti’s Pilot official, “as soon I shifted into second gear, I knew this was a completely different car. I could immediately feel the difference. Even with the roof still on, in the tips of my fingers and at the base of my spine everything was more present, more intimate. More precise with less understeer, almost as if you had taken away some filters from the suspension and the steering.” The former Le Mans winner has probably driven more kilometres in a Veyron than anyone else, presenting the car to numerous customers and the press. Taking off the roof “the excitement comes directly from the engine – giving you the feeling that you had a horsepower factory just thirty centimetres behind your head, trying to suck you up and swallow you,” he raves.
Assembled by hand at the company’s headquarters in Molsheim, Alsace, the Grand Sport will be delivered from July 2009 onwards at a price of 1.4 million euros (excluding taxes and transportation). Just 150 units will be made, with the first 50 of these going exclusively to registered Bugatti customers. So far 30 Grand Sports have been ordered. The Chassis Number one auctioned at the Pebble Beach Auction by Gooding and Company last summer and sold for 3.19 million Dollar. The additional revenues of 900.000 Dollar were donated by Bugatti to the Pebble Beach Company Foundation Charity.
Source: BugattiPop icon Michael Jackson dies at 50
If tears could build a stairway, I would walk right up to Heaven and bring you home.
May your soul rest in peace : HighThrottle
Popstar Michael Jackson, 50, has died after suffering a suffered a cardiac arrest early Thursday afternoon at his home in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Times, the Associated Press and other US media outlets reported.
Reports said that when the paramedics arrived, Jackson reportedly had no pulse and that he was not breathing. Once at the UCLA Medical Center, the staff tried to resuscitate him but he was completely unresponsive.
A large crowd of his fans had gathered outside the hospital as news of his death spread.
Jackson was supposed to perform in a series of 50 shows in London starting next month. The shows meant to be his farewell tour had been sold out and had created huge interest in Britain and across the world.
Source: rediff
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