6 Minute SUV Sketch

How to sketch SUV in 6 minute.

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Jaguar C-X16 to be modeled in clay at Clerkenwell Design Week

From the official Press Release: Skilled clay modelers will be working on a full size model to reveal the artistry involved in sculpting the cars of the future.

Julian Thomson, Advanced Design Director, Jaguar Cars, said: “Jaguar is one of the most technologically advanced companies in the field of product development but we still believe in the sense of artistry. Emotional connections are at the heart of our vehicles and the traditional process of working with clay with some of the best sculptors in the world allows us to refine them into the purest surfaces.”

Joining the C-X16 clay model at the London event are three bespoke sculptures that show the past, present and future of Jaguar. Commissioned by Julian Thomson and painted by two designers from the Jaguar design team the artwork is based on the bonnets of an E-type, C-X16 and C-X75. Just as the specially created creations span Jaguar’s ages, so too do the vehicles on display. The XJ13, created in 1966 and the only one in the world, is joined by an XFR and XKR-S. Designed, engineered and built in the UK, both modern cars demonstrate the very best in British creativity and industry-leading engineering. Clerkenwell Design Week runs in London from 22nd to 24th May 2012. The Jaguar C-X16 clay model, XFR, XKR-S, XJ13 and Jaguar sculptures are all located in the Farmiloe Building.

For more information and for free entry registration you can visit www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com.

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Alfa Romeo 8C Spider 3ds Max Tutorial

Software Used: 3ds Max Introduction:

The project, Alfa Romeo C8 Spyder, started as a personal challenge in order to improve my modelling techniques and final renders. The modelling of cars has always attracted and fascinated me, and this is what I specialise in. I have created some car models and the treatment of each finished model is better than the previous one. I choose this model for this personal project because, from the very first time I saw it in a car magazine, my attention was simply drawn to its form. It decided it was time to bring it into the world of 3D!

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Exclusive: Renault Twizy design story Part 1

On May 10th we had the chance of participating to the presentation of the Twizy design story, with Renault VP Design R&D and Nissan Synergies Patrick Lecharpy and Renault Design Manager R&D Design Studio Luciano Bove. Both Patrick and Luciano shared many details on the work done on the car, not only in term of design, but also carrying out a complete reorganization of the concept development process, which resulted so successful that it is now adopted by the whole Renault R&D Design Studio.

This design story is particularly interesting given the unconventional nature of the Twizy, and it shows how a new concept was created from scratch, from the initial briefing to the final road tests. Patrick and Luciano also gave many tips and suggestions for design students and aspiring designers. We have collected them in an upcoming exclusive article, so check back soon on these pages! The context: innovation and new markets

Patrick Lecharpy starts by underlining the importance of innovation: “The history of car design shows that the big successes for the automobile industry comes from innovation, and that represents an investment and a risk for a company.” “When you are innovating it is important to identify where the Blue Oceans are, i.e. where nobody is. This doesn’t mean there are no customers, it just means there are no answers for customers’ needs.” “So you can decide whether to be in Red Oceans – where there is a huge amount of customers but also many competitors – or to be in Blue Oceans and try to create a new market.” The initial goal was not only to explore a new concept of mobility and make it available to the general public, but also to search a new way for bringing original ideas into production. “A few years ago Carlos Ghosn stated that in the future Renault would focus on the production of electric cars, which was initially greeted with some skepticism. “According to his analysis from 2020 the cost of fossil fuel would be extremely high and electricity would be less costly for daily use.” Based on this, Renault designers started to research in this field, and this investment eventually resulted in the presentation of a complete range of electric concepts (Twizy, Fluence, ZOE and Kangoo ZE Concepts) in 2009, all aimed at envisioning series production models.

Briefing and initial concept While the other three projects were centered around the design of family vehicles, for the Twizy the development team was given much more freedom, in terms of both technical specifications and organization. The initial goal was to offer a new solution for the urban commuters’ needs. Patrick explains: “According to statistics data, the average number of occupants per car is just 1.4 and the average distance traveled each day is about 60 km.

“Based on this information, the idea was to design a single-seat, four-wheeled vehicle that provided a minimum range of 80 km” The vehicle needed to be safe, affordable, agile and fun: each of these requirements influenced the choices made during the first phase, where the basic layout of the Twizy was outlined.

Luciano Bove explains: “We understood that it was not so important for the car to be extremely sophisticated. It was more important to achieve a feeling of energy, agility, a good balance between costs and quality and also a sense of motorcycle-like freedom.” The need for safety led to the idea of providing a car-like protection: this translated into a four-wheel layout. In order to reinforce the feeling of safety, the target driving position had an eye-level comparable to that of a Twingo. Having a car-like safety also led to incorporate the “half doors” on the sides, while the original concept was doorless: their purpose is to provide protection in case of side impacts. The basic vehicle layout consisted of a low-positioned large battery pack for maximum stability and an upper passenger safety cell inspired by helmets and aluminum building structures. True to the briefing, the cabin was mainly developed for one, with the possibility of accommodating an additional passenger if needed. The need to keep costs low led the Renault team to avoid complex dynamic systems such as leaning wheel suspensions.

For the “fun” part, raising emotional reactions was another interesting challenge. Luciano Bove comments: “When designing the Twizy one of the starting requirements asked by the product planning in the briefings was to create an emotional driving and to offer an outstanding experience. This reflected in our sketches, that communicated the impression of unique driving experience.” “Taking inspiration from modern three-wheel scooters, we also tried to incorporate a very strong connection between driver and machine.”

Styling The Twizy project was unconventional also in terms of look. Patrick explains: “When dealing with a new concepts we had two options ahead: to follow the conventional styling trends of automobile design or to search for a different imagery and look.” “With the Twizy we wanted to reach new customers, not necessarily attracted by conventional design.” The need for a distinctive look was also aimed at meeting the needs and tastes of customers different from the ones targeted with the Zoe, and this reflects in the research sketches, mostly created by designers Francois Leboine and Eduardo Lana. “Given the nature and the performances of the car we deliberately decided to avoid a sporty look that would evoke speed. We stayed true to the brief of creating a design that would express dynamism, fun and joy, while being appealing to both female and male customers.” The final look of the Twizy Concept also incorporated a number of distinctive styling elements which contributed to express its diversity as well as to raise fun, curiosity and expectation for something new to happen. On the exterior, these included the distinctive wheel covers and the LED screen face, capable of communicating emotions. The interior of the featured a range indicator inspired by lotus flowers, with petals that close progressively as the range decreases, which was another hint at rising positive emotions. A new organization

The development of the Twizy concept took just nine months, compared to a standard period of about 2 years. This result was enabled by the implementation of an innovative organizational structure, necessary for such an unconventional project to be accepted for production. When developing a new vehicle, car companies usually establish a dedicated technical platform consisting of a Director and a large number of managers, each responsible of a different aspect.

Then, the initial development is generally carried over in sequential phases: product planning, design and engineering. For the Twizy Renault decided to take a different route. Patrick Lecharpy explains: “We decided to integrate these three phases into a single organization, where the three areas of competence – each consisting of just about 15 people – would work at the same level in a more dynamic and integrated process.”

This helped each member of the team to have more responsibilities, and allowed to cut bureaucracy and bouncing decisions Luciano Bove adds: “We avoided the risk of having too many discussions between different departments, which would have delayed the process and ultimately increased the costs.”

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Volkswagen Develops Crowd-Sourced All-Electric Hover Car Concept

As part of its People's Car Project (PCP) in China, Volkswagen has developed a concept car based on a crowd-sourced idea for an all-electric hover car that it will debut at the Beijing Auto Show.

The car is a two-person city car that hovers above the ground and travels via electromagnetic roadways. The Hover Car looks a lot like a flattened fish bowl with its circular design and large glass panels. Simon Loasby, Head of Design at Volkswagen Group China, said "The creative ideas from the ‘People's Car Project' give us a valuable insight into the wishes of Chinese drivers. The trend is towards safe cars that can easily navigate overcrowded roads and have a personal, emotional and exciting design." Out of 119,000 submitted ideas, the other two picked by Volkswagen to become concept cars were The Music Car, which features OLED lights that create light shows to the driver's music and The Smart Key, which is just what it sounds like -- a car featuring a touchscreen key that provides information on the car's fuel level, security and more. None of the cars will go on to become production models, but Volkswagen says they will use the people-designed vehicles to inspire features in future car models. Darn. I really wanted that Hover Car. via Volkswagen

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What Is TSCiTM Technology

TSCiTM is a revolutionary combustion system enabled by injecting supercritical fuel directly into the combustion chamber. Direct injection of fuel in the supercritical state enables significant fuel efficiency improvements to be achieved. For example, supercritical injection enables cost-effective compression ignition of gasoline in engines with a conventional architecture. This is described as “Injection Ignition”, and it results in efficiencies that are equal to or better than today’s Diesel engines. TSCi™ also enables new combustion strategies to help OEM’s achieve future reductions in emissions levels. So far, a number of top automotive and engine manufacturers have engaged Transonic and are advancing their powertrain plans to incorporate TSCiTM technology.

Why TSCiTM Technology Powertrain technologies have expanded to include not only direct propulsion, but also parallel and series hybrids, and plug-in electrics with range-extending internal combustion driven generators. Internal combustion is at the core of all of these, and will continue to be the prime powertrain technology well into the foreseeable future. From a refinery output standpoint, it is impractical to move our entire vehicle fleet to Diesel fuel. Therefore, major efficiency gains need to occur with gasoline fueled engines to meet the future’s ever more stringent fuel economy and emissions requirements. TSCiTM addresses the problem of spark ignited gasoline internal combustion being less efficient than compression ignition of Diesel.

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The Challenge: Current Internal Combustion Engine Inefficiency

he fundamental problem is that on average about 15% of the energy from the gasoline you put into your tank gets used to move your car down the road (U.S. Department of Transportation: Transportation Research Board). The rest of the energy is lost to engine and driveline inefficiencies and idling. The engine is where most thermal efficiency loss takes place. Combustion irreversibility results in large amounts of waste heat escaping through the cylinder walls and unrecoverable exhaust energy. Normal engines run with rich air-to-fuel ratios, which also result in fuel being trapped in the crevice as well as partially combusting near the cylinder walls. These energy losses are at the core of the internal combustion engine inefficiencies.

While we explore solutions for a car industry that accounts for half of the transportation sector’s fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, many short-term and long-term alternatives are being considered. Each option has deep implications in terms of sourcing raw materials, changing automotive powertrain architectures, revamping energy infrastructures, and many unknown technological and environmental consequences. The considerable economic costs to consumers and society must be carefully considered to pursue the most viable, sustainable solutions. Industry and academia experts agree that the technologies required to improve the efficiency of new cars and trucks mainly involve incremental change to conventional internal combustion engines. According to a recent study, efficiency improvements of internal combustion engines can reach 30% by 2020 and up to 50% by 2030 (FIA Foundation: “50 by 50: Global Fuel Economy Initiative”). The potential benefits are large and greatly exceed the expected costs of improved fuel economy. Cutting global average automotive fuel consumption by 50% would reduce emissions of CO2 by over 1 gigaton a year by 2025 and over 2 gigatons by 2050, resulting in annual savings of imported oil worth over $300 billion in 2025 and $600 billion in 2050 (oil = $100/barrel). For consumers, the cost of improved technology for more fuel efficient cars could be recovered by fuel savings in the first few years of use of a new car. But volatile oil prices create conditions that influence new car buyers purchase consideration of higher-efficiency, higher-priced vehicles that in turn influence product offerings from global car manufacturers.

Another study found that fuel efficiency improvements enabled by advanced combustion technologies of 50% or more for automotive engines (relative to spark-ignition engines dominating the road today in the U.S.) and 25% or more for heavy-duty truck engines (relative to today’s diesel truck engines) are possible in the next 10 to 15 years (U.S. Department of Energy: “Basic Research Needs for Clean and Efficient Combustion of 21st Century Transportation Fuels”). The most promising directions for novel combustion strategies for high-efficiency, clean internal combustion engine technology involve combustion of lean or dilute fuel-air mixtures beyond limits that have been reached to date. Local mixture composition is the driving parameter for ignition, combustion rate and pollutant formation. Therefore it is crucial to understand and control how fuel, air, and potentially recirculated exhaust gas are mixed. The potential to improve fuel efficiency with advanced internal combustion engine technologies is enormous. Transonic’s breakthrough high energy efficiency, low carbon footprint solution disrupts the stagnant efficiency trajectory of the internal combustion engine over the past 100 years. Our lean combustion process utilizes lean air-to-fuel ratios that minimize many of thermal efficiency losses from today’s engine technology. Transonic’s precision controlled fuel injection systems address these issues to dramatically improve the efficiency and halve the emissions of modern internal combustion engines.

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Transonic Combustion Improves Gas Engine Efficiency Over 50%

Conventional gasoline engines are terribly inefficient things. Only 13% of the energy of the fuel actually moves the car. 62% is lost in the engine as waste heat, and driveline losses, accessories, and idling also reduce the efficiency.

Transonic Combustion is planning to build automobile engines with improved efficiency obtained through heating and pressurizing gasoline before injecting it into the combustion chamber. "This puts it into a supercritical state that allows for very fast and clean combustion, which in turn decreases the amount of fuel needed to propel a vehicle," according to MIT Technology Review. A transonic test vehicle achieved 64 MPG in highway driving, compared to a 48 MPG hybrid Prius, and running at a steady cruising speed of 50 mph, the test vehicle achieved 98 MPG. Like diesel and HCCI, the Transonic Combustion technology operates without needing a spark plug. Timing software also further enhances the operating efficiency of the system. Transonic injection is being developed for use with gasoline engines at present, but will also be compatible with advanced low carbon footprint bio-fuels in the future. Transonic expects its system will be comparable in cost to other current high-end fuel injection systems. Because of the higher operating pressure, the longevity and durability of the engine will be important considerations the company will need to address. The company plans to build its production facility in 2013 and expects to be building engines for production vehicles in 2014. via: Inhabitat

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New gasoline engine design has 4x efficiency of pistons

This looks promising. It is basically a continuous combustion wave turbine. While not super powerful in this early design and not intended to replace a V-8 it can be brought to market for a hybrid vehicle application soon, according to the researcher. See the video below. While they’ve got a focus on CO2 for the usual reasons, I’ll take increased efficiency any day.

Schematic model of a wave disk engine, showing combustion and shockwaves within the channels. Source: Michigan State University. Researchers from Michigan State University have been awarded $2.5 million from the Department of Energy’s ARPA-E program to complete its prototype development of a new gasoline-fueled wave disc engine and electricity generator that promises to be five times more efficient than traditional auto engines in electricity production, 20% lighter, and 30% cheaper to manufacture.

The wave disc engine, a new implementation of wave rotor technology, was earlier developed by the Michigan State group in collaboration with researchers from the Warsaw Institute of Technology. About the size of a large cooking pot, the novel, hyper-efficient engine could replace current engine/generator technologies for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The award will allow a team of MSU engineers and scientists, led by Norbert Müller, an associate professor of mechanical engineering, to begin working toward producing a vehicle-size wave disc engine/generator during the next two years, building on existing modeling, analysis and lab experimentation they have already completed. Our goal is to enable hyper-efficient hybrid vehicles to meet consumer needs for a 500-mile driving range, lower vehicle prices, full-size utility, improved highway performance and very low operating costs. The WDG also can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 95 percent in comparison to modern internal combustion vehicle engines. From ARPA-E The Wave Disk Generator revolutionizes auto efficiency at lower vehicle costs. Currently, 15% of automobile fuel is used for propulsion; the other 85% is wasted. A Wave Disk Generator hybrid uses 60% of fuel for vehicle propulsion. MSU’s shock wave combustion generator is the size of a cooking pot and generates electricity very efficiently. This revolutionary generator replaces today’s 1,000 pounds of engine, transmission, cooling system, emissions, and fluids resulting in a lighter, more fuel-efficient electric vehicle. This technology provides 500-mile-plus driving range, is 30% lighter, and 30% less expensive than current, new plug-in hybrid vehicles. It overcomes the cost, weight, and driving range challenges of battery-powered electric vehicles. This development exceeds national CO2 emission reduction goals for transportation. A 90% reduction is calculated in CO2 emissions versus gasoline engine vehicles. Wave Disk Generator application scales as small as motor scooters and as large as delivery trucks, due to its small size, low weight, and low cost. This technology enables us to radically improve the atmosphere and human health of major global cities. Last week, the prototype was presented to the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), this video was released:

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BMW, Zagato Tap Coachbuilding Tradition for One-Off BMW Zagato Coupe

BMW, Zagato Tap Coachbuilding Tradition for One-Off BMW Zagato Coupe

Italy’s Zagato is one of the legends of the coachbuilding industry, having penned some of the most expressive cars in Italian automotive history. BMW is one of the world’s most respected and recognized automakers. Together, they’ve collaborated to design the BMW Zagato Coupe, which was just revealed at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. From the looks of it, they’ve worked very well together.

While the BMW Zagato Coupe was mainly a styling exercise that allowed BMW and Zagato to collaborate and stretch their design teams in new directions, this car is a runner. BMW says the Zagato coupe is a fully road-legal car that has undergone high-speed testing, which challenged the designers further as they had to pen a car that could actually hit the streets and the track. While BMW made no mention of powertrain or running gear, the Zagato coupe appears to be Z4-based, no doubt making it easier to get the car to the street.

This is far from the first time BMW has worked with Italian designers and firms, but it’s been more than 30 years since it has done so, making this the first true modern collaboration. The BMW/Zagato designers used all the latest techniques and technology at their disposal to create the BMW Zagato Coupe, but the car’s aluminum body was fully hand-built and molded into its dynamic shape.

The Zagato coupe’s long hood is reminiscent of the Z4, and its set back greenhouse features a double-bubble style roof — a Zagato signature design cue. It also employs a take on the Kamm- tail made famous in part by the 1940 BMW 328 “Mille Miglia” Kamm coupé. Out front, air intakes have been integrated into the hood in order to send extra air into the engine. Zagato gave the BMW grille some new touches, with matte kidney frames (highlighted by z’s in the grille mesh) inspired by Buckminster Fuller geodetic structures, for all you Buckminster Fuller aficionados out there.

The rear end of the BMW Zagato coupe is highlighted by an upper transparent panel that’s also a traditional Zagato flourish. The three-section look uses dark-tinted glass surfaces to help open up the interior and create better sight lines. The rear bumper feeds into a large diffuser and matte finish tail pipes that give it an aggressive, race-themed feel. The car rolls on 19-inch, five-spoke propeller-look alloys (also with a matte finish), and it’s sprayed in a special paint finish called Rosso Vivace, a rich, red sheen that can change hue depending how the light hits it thanks to a complex, multi-layered paint process.

Inside, the Zagato coupe has several hand-designed elements, including specially designed horizontal lines in the instrument panel and doors, gray materials with contrasting red stitching, and other red accents. There’s also a Z embroidered in the seats — we’ll give you one guess what that means.

In recent years at Villa d’Este, BMW rolled out its M1 Hommage and 328 Hommage design exercises — concepts paying tribute to two of the most amazing cars in its history. But with the BMW Zagato Coupe, BMW and Zagato have designed a vehicle that melds their design DNA into something new and expressive — a car that would easily look at home on today’s roads.

“Working with Zagato was a fantastic experience. It was extremely enriching for us to create something with people who share our understanding of good design and passion for cars,” said Karim Habib, BMW’s design chief in a statement announcing the car. “And that is what makes the car so special — the open and constructive dialogue with Zagato, their experience, craftsmanship, and incomparable sense for forms. All of these gifts are wrapped up in the BMW Zagato Coupé.”





Source: BMW



Read more: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/bmw-zagato-tap-coachbuilding-tradition-for-one-off-bmw-zagato-coupe-143457.html#ixzz1wGsvYexo

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2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line Coming This Fall

2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line Coming This Fall

The R-Line treatment has been applied to many of Volkswagen’s models sold in Europe, including the Tiguan, Passat, and other models. The one U.S. model that has consistently offered the trim level has been the CC, and the tradition will continue with the 2013 model, which will be headed to U.S. showrooms this fall.

The R-Line package will be available on the CC 2.0T model, and will add premium features and trim in addition to equipment available on the Sport model. However, for those of you thinking of the Golf R from the “R-Line” designation, don’t get too excited. Horsepower and torque remain the same on the CC R-Line, with 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque.

But the package does include some pretty sweet hardware nonetheless. In addition to a more aggressive front bumper with a large lower air intake and projector-style foglights, the R-Line also gets side skirts, and an R-Line badge on the front grille. Lighting upgrades on the CC R-Line include bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights and adaptive front lighting, LED taillights, LED license-plate lighting, and unique 18-inch alloy wheels.

Opening the door reveals R-Line scuff plates, a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters on models equipped with the DSG transmission, automatic climate control, 12-way power heated front seats, premium sound system with HD Radio and six-disc CD changer, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces.

Pricing for the R-Line package will be announced closer to introduction.

Source: Volkswagen



Read more: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/2013-volkswagen-cc-r-line-coming-this-fall-143549.html#ixzz1wGsMxzQZ

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Toyota Prices 2013 Venza

Toyota Prices 2013 Venza

 


Coming up on four model years in the U.S. the 2013 Venza represents the biggest change to the stylish crossover model yet. When introduced, the Venza came in one trim level with various options and packages that could be individually selected. For 2012, Toyota decided to have the Venza follow the rest of the Toyota lineup with distinctly-defined trim levels. In this case, the LE, XLE and Limited. Those trims carry over for 2013, with prices going up from $270-$1585 depending on model.

The 2013 Venza also brings higher pricing for all models across-the board, but most notably the XLE models, which see an increase of as much as $1585. Entry LE models go up as much as $275, and Limited models go up $955 compared to 2012 models. The biggest change for the 2013 model is the addition of Toyota’s Entune multimedia interface system and navigation as optional features on all trim levels. The choice of interior colors in Ivory, Light Gray and Black in cloth upholstery on the LE and leather on XLE and Limited trims is the other big change for the 2013 model year.

Standard on all 2013 Venza models is dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar, 3.5-inch multi-information display, and a tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel with audio controls.


Source: Toyota



Read more: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/toyota-prices-2013-venza-143587.html#ixzz1wGrYPTzz

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Mega Model: 1/8 Scale Mercer Raceabout Expected To Fetch $18,000 At Auction

Mega Model: 1/8 Scale Mercer Raceabout Expected To Fetch $18,000 At Auction
Written by: Evan McCausland [G+] on May 28 2012 7:00 AM
 

The Mercer Type 35 Raceabout shown above is expected to fetch anywhere between $18,000 and $25,000 when it crosses the auction block in early June. If that sounds inexpensive for a Raceabout – a car that typically commands close to seven-figure prices — it isn’t. Or, at least, it isn’t least once you consider the car shown above is actually a 1/8th scale replica.

This yellow Raceabout is the handiwork of Sapor Modelltechnik, a small shop in Ingolstadt, Germany, that produces – or, at least, produced – exquisite 1/8th-scale models of classic cars, including the Mercedes-Simplex, the Mercedes-Benz SSK roadster, and the Hispano Suiza H6. From 1992-1994, the company also focused on building a similar-sized replica of the Type 35J Raceabout.

Sapor’s model isn’t anywhere as large or as fast as the actual car, but it’s still impressive nonetheless. Though it won’t actually run, the big four-cylinder can still crank over, while steering, brake, and gearbox, mechanisms are also workable. Plug it into an electric power source, and both lamps and horn spring to life. Though the Raceabout is a rather simple design, Sapor’s model still consists of nearly 3000 parts – many of them handmade. The finished product measures in at 21.25 inches long, 8.3 inches wide, and weighs nearly 11.5 pounds – and that’s without the custom wood display stand.

Of course, models with this sort of detail, precision, and passion don’t come cheap. Though we’re unable to find an original MSRP for the model when new, Sapor models continue to fetch incredible sums when placed at auction. A similar model – albeit painted blue – was sold by Christie’s for $8700 in 2005. Another yellow 35J replica fetched an incredible $28,000 earlier this year at an RM Auctions event in January.

Exactly what this mini-Mercer brings remains to be seen: it’s scheduled to cross the block at Auctions America’s Auburn Spring event in Indiana sometime between June 1 and June 3rd..

For more information on the model – and other full-scale vehicles up for auction – visit www.auctionsamerica.com



Read more: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/mega-model-18-scale-mercer-raceabout-expected-to-fetch-18000-at-auction-143605.html#ixzz1wGqtl51t

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2013 Ford Fusion Makes Music, Literally

2013 Ford Fusion Makes Music, Literally
 

Techno music may be a love-it or hate-it affair, but that doesn’t make what three Detroit-area musicians did with the 2013 Ford Fusion any less special. The three techno artists recently created their own original tracks using nothing but the sounds produced by the 2013 Fusion.

The three artists — Joshua Harrison, Keith Kemp, and Tom Newman — each spent time with the 2013 Fusion recording everything from the windows going up and down, the chimes from the Fusion’s various warning systems, the sounds of the doors opening and closing, and even the hum of the 2.0-liter hybrid’s engine. They then took the sounds to their own studios, where they each created a track featuring nothing but the sounds of the Fusion.

Ford’s tie-up with the techno artists comes from the automaker’s sponsorship of the Movement Electronic Music Festival in Detroit. Check out the three tracks here, and watch the making-of video below.

Read more: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/2013-ford-fusion-makes-music-literally-143397.html#ixzz1wGq0U483

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Eric Clapton’s Bespoke SP12 EC in Latest Issue of Ferrari Magazine

Eric Clapton’s Bespoke SP12 EC in Latest Issue of Ferrari Magazine

The term “bespoke” is used rather loosely now. As used by luxury manufacturers, it generally signifies a non-common trim, material or color to meet the tastes of well-heeled customers that simply can’t have the same vehicle as their one-percent neighbors. But even “bespoke” models typically don’t have radical styling or sheetmetal changes. But the term certainly applies in the one-off Ferrari SP12 EC, built for legendary British rock guitarist Eric Clapton.

Ferrari has taken the bespoke concept to a new level with the Ferrari SP12 EC, a model based on the 458 Italia incorporating some styling details of the 512 BB model, of which Clapton has owned three. The legendary guitarist’s wish was for a modern model with styling influences from the classic model. Although not powered by a boxer 12-cylinder like the original 512 BB, the SP12 EC’s front grille and dark lower body painting give it a striking resemblance to the 512, the predecessor to the over-the-top Ferrari Testarossa model of the 1980s.

The car’s styling was a collaboration between Ferrari, Pininfarina, and Ferrari’s One-Off bespoke program. More details about Clapton’s involvement in the creative process for the car can be read in the latest issue of the Ferrari Official Magazine.

Source: Ferrari

Read more: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/eric-clapton-bespoke-sp12-ec-in-latest-issue-of-ferrari-magazine-143621.html#ixzz1wGpCITYc

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Porsche Unveils 2012 911 Club Coupe

Members Only: Porsche Unveils 2012 911 Club Coupe

The Porsche 911 Carrera S is exclusive in that it costs about $96,000 to get one, but the new 2012 911 Club Coupe is even more restricted: it costs about twice as much as a 911 Carrera S, it’s only available to Porsche Club owners, and you’ll have to win a lottery in order to have the privilege of buying one.

The first Porsche owners clubs came to life in Germany in 1952, and in the 60 years since some 181,000 members have joined the rolls of clubs around the world. As a thank you of sorts to those people, Porsche will build 13 special edition 911s and sell them exclusively to club members.

The car is called the 911 Club Coupe, and it’s based on the 2012 911 Carrera S coupe. Porsche adds a dash of power (total horsepower is up to 430, from 400), and all manner of exclusive design tweaks. All 911 Club Coupes will have the Sport Design Package, sit on 20-inch Sport Techno wheels, and wear a new shade of Brewster Green paint.

Porsche also promises to finish each of the 13 Club Coupes with illuminated door sills that have the 60th anniversary and 911 Club Coupe logos, and customer cars will also have trim pieces with screened lettering that bears the owner’s name. Inside, Porsche will allegedly reach deep into its Porsche Exclusive custom catalog to spruce up the interior, but the company refrains from detailing its interior revisions.

Sadly, obtaining an example is not going to be as easy as walking into your local Porsche dealer and ordering a 911 Carrera. One car of the 13-car run will stay with Porsche, probably to perform museum duty, so only 12 will be sold. Those 12 units are allocated only for Porsche Club members, and potential owners must put their names into an online lottery to determine just who will get the cars. Each of the 12 owners must then cough up 142,831 euros ($179,053) for the privilege, nearly twice the price of a base 911 Carrera S. Then again, it’s hard to put a price on exclusivity.

Source: Porsche

Read more: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/members-only-porsche-unveils-2012-911-club-coupe-143637.html#ixzz1wGmvMUz2

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