TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID 2012

Toyota has officially announced the debut of Prius Plug-in Hybrid to Frankfurt Motor Show. This is the standard version of the prototype already presented by month and subject to several tests, ready to respond to competition in the hybrid. PHEV technology is the new flagship of the Japanese house, and proposes new lithium ion battery that allows an average consumption of just 2.2 l/100 km, with emissions of just 49 g / km. Aesthetically, the car does not undergo any change from the current model, with the exception of a cover specific to the external power supply.

The Prius Plug-in can travel in all-electric mode for much longer than in the past (the official figure is not yet available) and can recharge the battery via an electrical outlet: on this subject, are still lacking information on when and how charge available, which will be unveiled on the occasion of the German saloon. For reference, the concept of the Prius plug-in in his time claimed a mileage of about 20 km in zero emission mode.

2012 NEW LEXUS IS-F MODEL

LEXUS  IS-F MODEL 2012LEXUS IS-F MODEL 2012

Lexus today announced the first details on the official account of the IS-F renewed for the model year 2012. The most interesting with regard to superordinate Japanese regard the technique: the IS-F 2012 has been redesigned in some parts dynamically in order to be more effective than before.

LEXUS  IS-F MODEL 2012

Lexus has introduced this new shock absorbers, stiffer springs and stabilizer bars for increased section. The changes, ensures the house, are able to make the car more responsive, but do not imply any waiver on the level of comfort.

LEXUS  IS-F MODEL 2012

Nothing new under the hood instead, where it remains the feisty 5.0 V8 from 423 hp and 505 Nm, able to push the IS-F from 0 to 100 in 4.8 if it reaches 270 km / h top speed . With the introduction of MY 2012 finally goes on the list marked the debut of the optional BBS wheels 19 "and sports seats with two-tone leather upholstery.

Lamborghini Wannabe Hits the Road USA


Joining a long list of unknown companies with no prior experience that wish to enter the supercar building industry is firm called Arrinera Automotive. from Poland.
Last month, Arrinera showed the first prototype of its newly created sports car during a local presentation. Now the Polish firm has released some fresh photos as well as video footage of the prototype model on the road, which you can check out in detail after the jump.

Arrinera says the two-seat sports car rides on a tubular steel chassis with the body made of carbon fiber and Kevlar composite materials.

Motivation is said to come from a mid-mounted 6.2-liter supercharged LS9 V8 engine sourced from the 2011 Chevrolet ZR1 that's capable of delivering 638-horsepower and 819Nm (604 lb-ft) of peak torque.

New Honda CR-Z Limited Edition Yellow

New Honda CR-Z  Limited Edition Yellow
For some automakers such as Porsche and BMW, a black edition version of one of their cars means everything is finished in black, for others including Mazda and Holden, it's more like a secondary trim color.
Honda's CR-Z "α Black Label" ("Alpha Black Label") can be classed in the second category as the Japanese market only edition of the hybrid sports coupe justifies its name only through the color choices inside and to a lesser extent, the darker shade of the alloy wheels.

Inside, Japanese buyers can opt for black fabric or leather seats with a light blue stitching.

Honda offers several colors for the exterior including black, white and red, but the most interesting option is a new yellow finish that will be available in limited numbers.

Sales of the CR-Z "α Black Label" edition will commence in Japan on August 8 with prices starting from 2,510,000 yen (approx. US$32,400 or €22,700).

New Honda CR-Z Limited Edition Yellow

Lamborghini Wannabe Hits the Road USA


IED Turin graduate Samir Sadikhov took second place in the Ferrari World Design Contest with his Xezri concept, and now we have a full gallery of images as well as a video of the study.
Sadikhov explains that Xezri was named after, “a local wind which is in the western part of Caspian sea,” and that it exemplifies an innovative, high-technology solution to the needs of a lightweight car for both the road and track.

It is, he says, “a synthesis of its technological knowledge and its sporting experience,” that embodies, “the quintessence of Ferrari past and present and looks to the Ferrari of the future”.

Sadikhov’s main focus in the design was on increasing downforce through aerodynamics, the deletion of wing mirrors and other drag-inducing components, a flat underbody and deforming aerolastic winglets inspired by the Ferrari 458 Italia.

The young designer from Azerbaijan attempted to reduce weight through extensive use of carbon-fibre on both the exterior and interior. He wanted his design to be seen as, “very original, elegant, pure, modern, simple,” as well as, “dynamic” and, “lightweight, simple and striking”.

Like Rolls-Royce’s Spirit of Ecstasy, the Xezri is, “supposed to look like beauty fluttering in the wind”.

Unique features abound, like the centrally-mounted F1 / jet fighter inspired cockpit with room for only the driver and twin touch-screens in place of wing mirrors and analogue buttons / switches.

There are also two horizontally mounted air propellers that generate electrical power for the interior and gauges when the Xezri is on the move. And that great silver wing, that dominates the design’s top-down view, doubles as both an air intake and an adjustable aerodynamic spoiler.

It is truly an inspired design, and one of the best Sadikhov has produced so far. I think it would be best to leave you with his summary of the design:

“Xezri [is] designed for [the] owner for whom the priority is on uncompromising on-road performance [and] occasional track day capability, but who still demand a car that is useable in day-to-day driving like all Ferrari’s models.”

Well put, sir. You can check out our full gallery of images and a video below.