Citroen C-Metisse Diesel Hybrid Sports Car: Fast and Furiously Responsible

Our hybrid fetish lives on, especially for the Citroen C-Metisse Diesel Hybrid Sports Car that'll be rolled out at this year's International Motor Show in Paris. This four-door rocket is powered by a 205hp diesel V-6 engine and two electric motors, one on each rear wheel. That combo delivers pretty good numbers, too: 0-to-62 mph in 6.2 seconds at a top speed of 155mph, all the while sipping the fuel at just 42 miles per gallon.

While we probably won't be seeing a car like this on these shores or anywhere else anytime soon—yeah, it's a concept car—these design exercises will likely bear fruit somewhere, somehow. Plus, we're really digging those four gull-wing doors, inviting a quartet of lucky riders to jump in and hit the triple miles-per-hour digits. Someday. But for today, check out more pics after the jump. – Charlie White

Trev (two-seater renewable energy vehicle)

Suppose you decided that you weren't going to use fossil fuels anymore. How would you get around?Solar racing cars are able to travel 750km per day, at highway speeds, powered only by sunlight. Surely it is possible to use similar technologies to build a car in which you could do your daily commuting, but without the noise and pollution of a petrol engine. Staff and students at the University of South Australia have designed and built such a car—Trev.

Its features include:two comfortable seats, since more than 90% of urban trips have only one or two people in the car;enough luggage space for at least two overnight bags;270kg mass—because using a 2.5 tonne vehicle for commuting is ridiculous;energy-efficient tyres, brakes and suspension;a clean, quiet and efficient electric drive system;compliance with road safety and worthiness regulations;good performance, with a top speed of 120km/h; andat least 150km of city driving before the car must be recharged.

Most importantly, it uses less than 1/5 of the energy required by a conventional car, and can be recharged using electricity from clean, renewable sources such as solar and wind.

And it doesn't look too bad...

Features

The tandem seating layout gives good aerodynamics, good balance, and good vision.

The acrylic canopy, with integrated roll hoop, give the driver an unimpeded view of the road.

The canopy and door open on the kerb side of the car.

A 30kW IEMS brushless motor gives smooth, quiet acceleration from 0–100km/h in under 10 seconds.A composite tub chassis, with foam and plastic body panels, gives a total car mass of 350kg.A 45kg lithium ion polymer battery gives over 150km of city driving.

Low-energy tyres on low-mass alloy wheels give low rolling resistance.

The single rear drive wheel simplifies the suspension, and allows a simple, efficient transmission.In 2002 two Industrial Design students develop some body concepts, and some engineering students look at aerodynamics. In 2003 they started the project in earnest, with 25 Industrial Design students working with an experience automotive designer to develop concept designs for the car, and seven Mechanical Engineering students working on initial engineering designs. They also did extensive performance modelling to show that the concept was sound.In 2004, an Industrial Designer and five final-year Mechanical Engineering students completed the detailed design of the car. In 2005, a group of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering students built and demonstrated the prototype car. In 2006, The aim is to get the prototype car registered and on the road.Source-unisa.edu.au

BMW H2R Hydrogen Record Racecar

BMW's H2R (Hydrogen Record Car) is powered entirely by the clean-burning process of liquid-hydrogen combustion, and this futuristic racecar has already set nine speed records of 300 km/h and above.

1991 Chrysler 300 Concept Car V10

The Chrysler 300 concept car is the direct spiritual descendant of the original Chrysler 300 series from the '50s. It combines the features of an ultra-luxury car with blistering performance, thanks in part to an 8-liter V-1 0 "Copperhead" engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. With its striking good looks, the Chrysler 300 Concept Car helped blaze a path for Chrysler's styling in the 1990's, including the Viper and LH series.

Tesla Roadster the 100% Electric Car

Tesla roadster is one electric car that boasts of a 0-100 kmph in about 4 seconds-a figure many sports cars and supercars will struggle to match.The car will move on to a top speed of over 200 km/h and has a range of almost 400 kms.

At present price of electricity the average cost of fuel for this car comes to 2 cents per mile.

The car is priced at US$ 100,000 plus taxes(approximate).The next delivery of this car will start from Feb 2008.You can even customize your car.The website gives all the details about booking.

But why is it important to go electric with tesla cars:

Pollution control - Go Green
Reduce dependent on Oil
Special tax benefits
Cost saving on fuel

BMW-THE NEW 3 SERIES HARDTOP CONVERTIBLE

New retractable hardtop with power-operated three-piece steel roof for safety and convenienceiDrive with Programmable Memory KeysElegant 328i Convertible comes with an Aluminum/Magnesium 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine featuring Valvetronic rated at 230hp & 200 lb-ft of torquePowerful 335i Convertible features a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 300 hp / 300 lb-ft of torque and Direct InjectionLuxurious and roomy interior with seating for four and enhanced details.

The fourth generation of BMW’s 3 Series four-seat convertible makes its world debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on January 7th, 2007. A new dimension in the world of motoring comes with the introduction of a retractable hardtop for the first time in a BMW.Made of lightweight steel, the three-piece roof opens in just 22 seconds and folds smoothly into the rear compartment of BMW’s newest convertible. The new roof structure ensures a lower level of noise even at high speeds while the ultra-stiff platform provides extreme torsional strength for rigidity and incredible handling inherent to all BMWs.

The new BMW 3 Series Convertible retains all the elegance and unique style that is characteristic of the 3 Series with the top either open or closed. The long and sleek hood, low shoulder line and the broad-shouldered rear end make the new BMW 3 Series Convertible unmistakable from any angle. And with the new retracting hardtop, it offers performance, comfort, safety, and value unique in its segment

The Latest Rolls-Royce, 101EX

The latest experimental creation from Rolls-Royce, 101EX has been designed and built to investigate the stylistic and engineering requirements of a more dynamic Rolls-Royce. To this end the EX team has created a thrilling 21st century interpretation of the classic Grand Touring coupe.Once again its aluminium spaceframe is a modified version of that used in the Phantom, along with the familiar 6.75 litre, V12, 48 valve direct injection petrol engine. Shorter, and with a lowered roofline, the 101EX is a sleek, lithe, muscular machine, with tighter, more overtly sporting lines to emphasise it's high performance capability, while under the bonnet a black engine bay and specially finished black cam covers set a suitably distinctive tone.In contrast to production Rolls-Royce cars, which rely on predominantly alloy body panels, the 101EX's sleek lines are formed from special carbon-fibre composites. Once again, a pair of rear-hinged doors are used, and the waistline of the car is high, to emphasise the cocoon-like nature of the interior.

Providing, intimate, opulent space for four, the 101EX features an extraordinary 'Starlight headliner', which employs fibre-optics to create the illusion of a star-filled night sky. The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy has also been the focus of attention. In place of the traditional nickel-plated steel mascot, the EX team fashioned it from a polycarbonate material. With a frosted finish and illuminated via fibre-optics, the 101EX's Spirit of Ecstasy is a fittingly spectacular figurehead for a truly extraordinary car. In the finest tradition of Rolls-Royce's experimental cars, the 101EX is the latest tantalising taste of what might be.

No more Genaddi GTX1 after August

Acquiring luxury vehicles is one thing and buying a rare collector’s piece is something very special. The collector’s item need not be an old sixties or seventies archaic piece but a designer car with the latest technology – one of the 600 pieces that would roam on the streets

throughout the globe. This is exactly what a car enthusiast can adorn his garage with only if he acts quickly before 31st August 2008. After the said deadline, Genaddi will cease to take further orders to produce its supercar GTX1.

The upgraded version of Ford GT designed by Genaddi Design is available in two editions – SEMA and non-SEMA editions. Both the editions have the same technology, design and comfort with the difference lying only in the outer finishing. The SEMA editions are painted Valencia orange with titanium silver stripes while the non-SEMA ones have a sporting flashy exterior.

Car nerds name their kids Audi, Porsche and Lexus

Ever wondered till what extent people can go to publicise their items of fascination? A couple of Kilgore has apparently named their children after three renowned car manufacturers. Yes, it is hard to believe, but the story is real. Craig and Sondra Harrington have a 6-year-old daughter by the name of Lexus. Their twin daughters born on 28th October last year have been named Porsche and Audi. I wonder what made the family choose such names for their children. Is it just owing to their immense interest in stylish and trendy cars? Whatever be the reason, living with names like these could be a tough task for the toddlers.

Tokyo Car with Fsh Tank and a Slot Machine

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Tokyo Auto Salon is a place with many interesting cars ondisplay.
One of them has an inbuilt fish tank on one side and a slot machine on
the other. Nice car I’d say and the animal right activists may be a bit happy
as well, because the fishes get a good option for recreation. ‘Fishies love to
gamble you see.’

Cadillac-XLR-V - The Latest Cadillac

StandardInteriorAccents

Aluminum on the center console; left-hand and right-hand door armrests and door switch bezels; center air outlet; climate control; audio system; and steering wheel

Zingana Wood Accents

Air Bags

Dual-stage frontal and side-impact airbags with Passenger Sensing System for driver and right-front passenger (side-impact airbags include head and thorax protection)

Audio and Video Systems

XM Satellite Radio, with 3 trial months at no obligation**AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and DVD-based navigation; digital clock; RDS; TheftLock; weather band; 6.5" LCD color display touch-screen; voice recognition; and Bose® premium 9-speaker system

Cargo Net

Trunk mounted, removable cargo net

Climate Control System

Dual-zone automatic with individual climate settings for driver and right-front passenger

Rear window electric defogger with front and side window outlets for the driver and right-front passenger

Air-filtration system with pollen filter

Console

Floor-mounted console with ashtray; cigar lighter; auxiliary power outlet; 2 cup holders; coin holder; and accessible storage compartments in console and between seat backs

Door Locks

Programmable door locks with lockout protection

Driver Information Center20-character display includes

Tire Pressure Monitor and 5-language capability (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish)

Floor Mats

Carpeted driver and passenger-side floor matsInstrumentation

Head-Up Display, with digital readouts in 5 languages (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish) for vehicle speed, selected gear, Adaptive Cruise Control indicator, audio-system information, high-beam indicator, and fuel level

BVLGARI-designed electronic-analog instrumentation

BVLGARI-designed electronic analog instrumentation, with V-Series logo

Interior Color Choices

Ebony†Cashmere†Keyless EntryKeyless entry includes 2 remote transmitters that enable automatic door unlock and open by touching door switch

Keyless IgnitionKeyless ignition engaged with push-button start

LightingIlluminated entry and exit feature, courtesy lights and entrance lights in base of door

Memory Package

Recalls 2 driver "presets" for power driver seat, outside mirrors with parallel park assist, steering column, climate control, audio system and Driver Information Center

Mirrors

Inside rearview auto-dimming mirrors with OnStar controls

OnStar System1-year of Directions and Connections plan. Includes automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle location assistance, emergency services, roadside assistance, remote door unlock, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, hands-free calling, AccidentAssist, remote horn and lights, information, and convenience services and driving directions delivered through OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation (where available)††Safety Belts3-point, driver and right-front passenger belt-to-seat mounting#SeatingFront bucket seats with leather seating surfaces, 8-way power driver and passenger seat adjusters, adjustable upper and lower lumbar control, easy-exit seat position, cooled and heated seat cushions and seatbacks, and integrated audio system

Front bucket seats with leather seating surfaces and sueded fabric inserts, 8-way power driver and passenger seat adjusters, adjustable upper and lower lumbar control, easy-exit seat position, cooled and heated seat cushions and seatbacks and integrated audio system

Steering

WheelLeather-wrapped steering wheel includes controls for audio, voice recognition and cruise controls. Power tilt and telescopic.StoragePassenger-side lockable and illuminated glovebox

Map pockets, door storage

Universal Transmitter3-channel programmable universal transmitter

Windows

Power windows with driver and passenger Express-Down/Up and integrated automatic indexing seal system

Exterior Color ChoicesBlack Raven†Light Platinum##Infrared§Xenon Blue##LightingFog lamps
Steerable adaptive forward lighting system, bi-functional High-Intensity Discharge (HID) with headlamp washers and Twilight Sentinel

LED tail lamps

LED backup lamps and LED center, high-mounted stop/brake lampMirrorsExterior rear-view heated mirrors are power-adjustable and feature driver-side auto-dimming with memory, manual-foldingParking AssistRear Parking Assist - Ultrasonic with rearview LED display and audible warning

Roof

Power retractable hardtop roof

Wheels & Tires

Tire Pressure Monitoring System19-inch Sterling Silver-painted aluminum wheels with P235/45WR19 front and P255/40WR19 rear extended mobility tires

Windshield Wipers

Rainsense windshield wipers with automatic actuation

Drivetrain150 amp alternator

Battery with rundown protection2.56 rear axle ratio

Engine Type

Northstar supercharged 4.4L DOHC Variable Valve Timing V8 SFI engine with 443 hp @ 6400 rpm, 414 lb-ft of torque @ 3900 rpmExhaust SystemExhaust outlets with dual chrome-plated tipsTransmission6-speed automatic transmission, electronically controlled with overdrive and Driver Shift ControlBrakes4-wheel antilock brakes with 4-wheel discsStabiliTrak4-channel electronic vehicle stability enhancement system

SteeringMagnasteer, speed-sensitive, rack-and-pinionSuspension4-wheel independent suspension with performance-tuned Magnetic Ride ControlSource- Cadillac.com

My Alma Mater - AIMS 'd Best!

It's been less than a year already since I left my alma mater, Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (Pasay City, Metro Manila). It was some kinda mixed emotions: joy and sadness. I am happy for I have succeeded in earning my degree, but then I am missing those times when I was still there at AIMS, busy with my studies and at the same time having fun with my classmates-friends.

Reminiscing all of those memories I had in my college years can never deny the fact that I indeed treasure every hour of my AIMS life. Keep in touch mga pare koh!

San man kayo makarating, tandaan nyo lang lagi iyong motto natin, "In every port, report!" hahaha! O baka iba na naman yan ha! Ang ibig ko lng sabihin ay wag naman makalimot!