2011 BMW Alpina B7

In today's consolidated and homogenized global auto industry, Alpina is an odd duck. Based in the southern German town of Buchloe, not far from Munich, the company started taking form back in 1961, when a German entrepreneur called Burkard Bovenspielen began to diversify the family typewriter company into an activity he was more passionate about—making high-performance automobile components. By the late 1980s, the company had focused on its current business: modifying BMWs (BMW:GR) to improve their performance and reselling them through BMW dealers. Mercedes' AMG division has similar roots, the difference being that founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht sold AMG to Mercedes in the 1990s, while Alpina remained independent.

I recently test-drove the 2011 BMW Alpina B7, which hit dealerships in May and is the only Alpina model sold in the U.S. It's quite a car. If you've ever wondered why there's no high-performance "M" version of the 7 Series, as there is of most other BMW models, it may be because of Alpina. The B7 lineup consists of extensively retooled and upgraded versions of the BMW 750i, the long-wheel-base 750Li, and the all-wheel-drive versions of those vehicles. Alpinas are not only quicker and sportier but offer smoother riding than the equivalent BMW production models. They're also among the most exclusive cars on the market: Alpina expects to sell only around 1,000 B7s annually, about 400 of them in the U.S.

Alpina makes extensive mechanical modifications to the 7 Series. For starters, BMW's 4.4-liter V8 engine is significantly tweaked, with enlarged turbos, high-performance pistons, reinforced cylinder heads, and other modifications that raise horsepower to 500 and torque to 516 ft./lbs. (up from 400 hp. and 450 ft./lbs. of torque for the BMW 750i). Cooling capacity is dramatically expanded, the engine fan is enlarged and the rear differential has a shell made of cast iron, rather than aluminum, to improve heat transfer. Enlarged brakes are added, as are big, beautiful 21-in. spoked wheels clad with Michelin performance tires. Special front and rear spoilers and a new front fascia are added, too.

The car's springs are stiffened and the chassis lowered a fraction of an inch closer to the road. BMW's electronic suspension system is reconfigured to emphasize the difference between the "comfort," "normal," and "sport" settings. BMW's six-speed automatic transmission is beefed up and sport-tuned via Alpina's proprietary shift controls.

In width, length, interior space, and luggage capacity, the B7 is comparable to an equivalent BMW (which is to say the B7 is roomy and has a 14-cu.-ft. trunk). The classic paint job is a metallic Alpina blue, but the B7 is also offered in all the colors the 7 Series comes in.

The Alpina comes with all of a BMW's standard safety gear, including a full complement of air bags and stability and traction control. Fuel economy is similar, too. The B7 is rated to get 15 miles-per-gallon in the city and 21 on the highway. (City mileage drops to 14 with all-wheel drive.) That's about the same as the 2011 BMW 750i, which is rated at 15/22 with rear-wheel drive, and 14/20 with all-wheel drive.

Not surprisingly, however, an Alpina is considerably pricier than a comparable BMW. The B7 starts out at about $124,000, including destination and gas-guzzler taxes—about $40,000 more than a 2011 BMW 750i. Add $3,000 to the B7's price for all-wheel drive and $3,900 for a long wheel base. However, the B7 comes packed with around $14,000 worth of standard equipment that is optional on a comparable BMW (heads-up display, premium sound system, full leather interior, and so forth), reducing the real price premium.

BMW 4-Door CLS Rival

It’s rare for BMW to be caught napping. But the German firm has only just given the green light to its stunning four-door Gran Coupe, which will take aim at the Porsche Panamera, Mercedes CLS and Audi A7.

Product development chief Klaus Draeger announced the decision at BMW’s Design Night in Munich, where the Gran Coupe concept made its European debut.

The car will be positioned in the range close to the new 6-Series, and aimed both at those who would like a more practical version of the 6-Series two-door, and at owners considering a 7-Series, but who prefer to drive themselves.

Styled by BMW design chief Adrian van Hooydonk, the Gran Coupe doesn’t have a hatchback like the Audi or Porsche. Instead, the firm has opted for a saloon bodystyle, which is preferred in the Chinese market, where this car is expected to be well received.

Buyers will have to wait until 2012 for the Gran Coupe to debut. It will share the same engines and front end styling as the new 6-Series, which debuts next year. So expect the usual 3.0-litre six cylinder petrol and diesel units, as well as a version of the 4.4-litre V8 found in the X5 M.

A hybrid version is currently being considered. Draeger said, “Since we use the same drive architecture as the Five, Six and Seven, we are able to bring a hybrid version.”

New Mazda Taiki Concept will debut in the Tokyo Motor Show 2007

Mazda unveiled their latest concept car today for journalists touring their Yokohama, Japan, facilities. The Mazda Taiki follows in the path of Mazda’s “flow” design concept with elements of real-world technologies.

The Taiki is equipped with a next-generation RENESIS rotary engine under the hood, which Mazda claims “sets new standards for environmental and driving performance.” Mazda’s rear-wheel-drive concept is a two-seater inside a body that looks light as air.

Not surprisingly, the nose of the Taiki is similar to previous Mazda concept Ryuga. The new car also looks to be a more refined sibling of the Nagare concept. Both the Ryuga and Nagare were introduced under the “flow” design banner.

The Japanese word “Taiki” roughly translates to atmosphere. Mazda used this name to equate the car’s stretched cabin, short overhangs, and glass canopy with the “protective mantle” around Earth.

One of the key differences from previous concept cars is the Taiki’s rear wheels, which seem to stick out a bit, and are covered by a sort-of simulated wheel well. The effect of this is the illusion that the rear wheels are not protected as part of the chassis, but if you look at a picture of the car from behind the wheels look more integrated.

The inspiration behind Taiki’s exterior came from the idea of two floating Hagoromo, “the flowing robes that enable a celestial maiden to fly in Japanese legend,” states the press release. When thinking about the interior, designers looked to the Japanese koinobori carp streamers, and decided to try and create a space depicting the flowing wind.

The Taiki will be debuted to the public at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

Mazda also introduced the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid, which the company claims gets 40% better output compared to the RX-8 Hydrogen RE. The end result is faster acceleration and a fuel range of roughly 200 km (124 mi). Five adults should be able to sit comfortably into this hydrogen/gas hybrid.

The Premacy has a rotary engine that rests in a transverse layout, intake/exhaust resistance and combustion efficiency seeing solid output at different engine speed. Ultimately, the car is believed to have a quick responsiveness along with high energy efficiency.

The car also has a lithium-ion battery that recharges from the car’s braking, and is used for the car’s electric motor. The electric motor also derives power from the rotary engine.

Although the engine runs on hydrogen, it can be switched to gas when the hydrogen runs out.

The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will be available in Japan next year, at a leasing cost of around $3,500 per month. The car is being targeted towards government and ecological agencies. It will also see its public debut at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The Taiki and Premacy are another step in an awfully busy period for Mazda. The brand new Mazda Atenza was just introduced at Frankfurt, with expectations to be available for order soon. Atenza comes as either a four-door sedan, five-door sport hatchback, or sport wagon, and is expected to be more economical. This despite its 2.5litre engine that supposedly provides more torque, more response, and more acceleration.

Futuristic Cool Cars

With main focus on extreme design but keeping an eye on the environment, the graduates at the Royal College of Art have competed for the 2008 Pilkington Automotive Vehicle Design award, with several futuristic cool cars ideas.
Among these graduates were Ian Callum, the Jaguar design chief, Peter Schreyer, the original designer and current head of Kia design, Marek Reichman, the design director at Aston Martin, and many other important figures from the industry.


Audi TT
The winners of the RCA Vehicle Design 2008 were Pierre Sabbas for the best car concept and Jon Radbrink for best using of glazing.




First comes the Phoenix concept by Sergio Loureiro Da Silva, the Spanish designer who used this innovative car concept design to express the regeneration of lost energy through movement. He said: “It’s about improving sustainability by designing every element to aspire to less energy consumption.”
“The beauty of a vehicle comes from the contrast of a fluid shape with precise technical elements”, added the designer.




The winner for best concept, Pierre Sabas, created the Airflow glass car design, placing both the electrically driven engine and suspension in the wheel, this leading to a high degree of architectural freedom. Inside, the car is made of glass and has 4 capsules for the passengers.




“I’ve tried to wrap it around like fabric,” says Sabas. “It allows for a new driving sensation and it gives the occupants a new perception of the outside world.”




The winner for best use of glazing is a Swedish designer who wanted to increase sustainability of the whole car elements using aerodynamic principles to help reduce fuel consumption. He called his creation inspired by building facades, Lexus Nuareo.
Jon Radbrink declared: “There is no real differentiator between normal and hybrid cars.”
“I was inspired by architecture,” he added. “I used glass in conjunction with other materials to create a layered affect that gives the feeling of transparency for the occupants.”




Nereus concept by Ceri Yorath gives the driver the possibility to relive previous speed experiences with the 3-seat fuel cell-powered car, by capturing them on a a memory card, using transformable plates covering the car, which change during driving time to visually reflect the driving style and the route.




Ilaria Sacco’s Multibrand Car My Lounge concept allows the owner to personalize it a a high level: “I’m thinking about a new way of consuming cars, like how you would design your living room.”




Iomega concept by Joonas Vartola is described in a few words by the Finish designer himself: “The structure and layout of the car supports and fosters the idea of this being a passenger car rather than the usual driver's car architecture.”




The South Korean designer Jung Hoon Rhee focused on ergonomics and preferred to eliminate the rigid seating position in cars. Noah car would give the occupants the sensation they are light and carried by the water.
The wave seats “can cope with various body sizes from infants to obese people providing equal comfort everywhere” said he.




This green car design from Arturo Peralta Nogueras is based on the riding horses experience, and is fueled by algae with the exterior made of a solid holographic technology. The inside evolves and adapts to its environment, passengers and scenarios.




Soft Vehicle comes from Raquel Aparicio Lopez. It is a foam car with a zip in the rear for the boot, capable to resist during accidents. “I would like to extrapolate rubber, textile and other soft materials into vehicle design,” said the designer.




Here is another impressive car with a futuristic look. It was designed by Paul Howse who explained his creation: “'The idea is to create a local quality, something that is completely unique to you.” He refers at the fact that his car concept made of bronze will change its aspect over time giving the impression of an old collective car.



Korean Yunwoo Jeong’s concept transforms in to a commuter or SUV, when the driver pleases.

Caparo T1 RRV, Coolest Police Car Ever

If no speed limit is your motto and you live in the UK I have bad news. Apparently the Metropolitan Police teamed up with Caparo, Britain’s supercar manufacturer to create the cool F1-looking police car, Caparo T1 RRV (Rapid Response Vehicle) that can go from 0 to 100mph in just 5 seconds.Though it’s just a concept car right now, Caparo T1 RRV was designed to patrol the M25 Highway for getaway drivers or speed limit breakers. It sports 575hp at 10,500 rpm from a 3.5L V8 engine and a top speed of 200mph, so believe me you don’t want it on your tail if you did something bad.

If the concept becomes true, I am sure what I want to do when I grow up: become a police car driver.

via MotorAuthority

Shed Some Weight in the Gym Car!

Designer Da Feng has created the unbelievable. His Gym Car packs in an entire workout and the cockpit is stashed with workout machines. The car is a human-electric hybrid and turns driving in to a healthy and sweat releasing activity. The car looks just as unbelievable as it is inside and has turbine-like rims, open wheel suspension, pointed nose, and a sleek design, which reminds you of those hot war planes that zoom past in the sky.

It apparently zooms like a fighter jet too, if speed was one of your criteria. However, it isn’t clear which exercise you could do while driving and if it all you could drive and exercise at the same time.

futuristict biodesel car concept Design

New Design biodiesel car concept for future

Cool Design biodiesel car concept future

Luxury biodiesel car concept

Design biodiesel car concept

This design biodese car is looks futuristc and modern car concept. i think this car very simple and modern. like a smart car. So I was driving down Jordan Lane in Huntsville, Alabama yesterday and I see this: Now that's an odd looking car. Is that a propeller on the back? And it's a convertible? With horns on the hood? Hmm...SAFuel Biodiesel? Off to Google I went. Custom license plate: SCHAPER.