Categories
Cars

Ferrari LaFerrari: Why Ferrari Named Ferrari F70 as LaFerrari?

Ferrari LaFerrari is the name of the Ferrari Enzo predecessor. Until now, we all thought that LaFerrari name was not under consideration and F70 or F150 names were rumoured on internet for very long time. I think it was a very good tactic and Ferrari managed to keep the LaFerrari brand secret, it is a bit Apple style. So Why LaFerrari? I will tell you the secret in the last paragraph.
So, LaFerrari is basically a road legal Formula 1 car with an extra seat and proper doors and a boot. All the technology available in LaFerrari is transferred from Ferrari’s Formula 1 experiences. 
LaFerrari is a hybrid vehicle like McLaren P1. The core of the LaFerrari is harmonised with a V12 petrol engine (800 HP and 700 Nm of torque) and an electric motor (163 HP and 270 Nm of torque). V12 engine is capable of 9250 rpm. Combination of the V12 and the electric motor, the total output is 963 HP. Thus, LaFerrari can accelerate to 100 km/h less than 3 seconds, and only needs 7 seconds to reach 200 km/h and 15 seconds for 300 km/h. And the top speed is more than 350 km/h. Unfortunately, Bugatti Veyron is still faster than Ferrari but that’s a different car.
Hybrid system of LaFerrari, the HY-KERS is capable of supplying energy to electric motor and recharging the batteries on braking and excess torque from the V12 engine.
LaFerrari will be sold only 499 units and will cost around €1.3 million. 
And where did the inspiration come from for the LaFerrari name? LaFerrari unfortunately resembles the fashion brand LaSenza and also does not sound that bold. But I know where the inspiration came from; the epic song L’Italiano from Toto Cutugno. If you don’t believe me, just listen the song :) 

Categories
Cars

Vauxhall/Opel Ampera: Electric Cars with Generator

Vauxhall Ampera or Opel Ampera, I was waiting for this car for quite long time. I know, I do sound a bit funny, why I should wait a Vauxhall/Opel? Actually, Ampera is the electric car of the Vauxhall/Opel, that’s right they made an electric car that looks like a proper car and with an on-board generator.
You might be thinking there are plenty of electric cars why Ampera is different. Most of the electric cars do not have an on-board generator to charge the batteries, but Ampera does have one. And do not confuse with hybrid technology. In hybrid technology, petrol engine is also connected to wheels but with Ampera, the petrol engine is not connected to wheels and is only designed to charge the batteries when they are out of charge.
The most fundamental problem of electric cars is the charging for long journeys and with the Ampera, you don’t have to worry about this. You can drive as much as you want, until your tank is empty. Or you can charge the Ampera with any electric socket, board computer shows you the estimated charging time.
Today I had opportunity to drive the Ampera with pure electricity. And it was a bit different than the normal driving experience. First of all, when you start the engine there are no engine noise at all. Ampera is more silent than many laptops! 
Driving the Ampera is no different from an automatic car, just move the gear lever into Drive position and depress the throttle. As soon as you depress the throttle, you will feel the torque instantly. The electric motors have an advantage, they can deliver their maximum torque instantly. Ampera accelerates much better than many other cars, consumption is nearly to nothing. Interior comfort is much better than any other Vauxhall/Opel vehicle, sorry to say this. And Ampera features two screens, one for instrument panel and one for navigation. And both them offers very clear image, this is really important with screens.
Honestly, I was expecting a dull driving experience with a senseless steering wheel but it was totally the opposite. I had so much fun! Even though, I don’t like to drive car. Ampera is the future, until we have the hydrogen cars. You experience the electric power without worrying about the battery, this is what customers want!
However, there is a minor problem. Button on the central console are touch sensitive and it makes your life very hard while driving. With touch sensitive button, there are feedback from the button and you cannot be sure whether you pressed it or not. And also, accidental touch is unavoidable.
In general, I couldn’t find anything really annoying with Ampera. If I had the money, I would definitely ordered one today. It is fun, it very economical, it looks very good and it does offer a better experience than any other Vauxhall/Opel. You might be thinking, what about Fisker Karma? Fisker Karma is a luxury electric car with on-board generator and yes it does look better than Ampera and at them same time, more expensive.
Ampera is powered by a 73 PS electric motor, fuel is electric but you need to fill up petrol for generator. Fuel consumption is 1.3 lt/km (217.3 mpg) for extra-urban, 0.9 lt/km (315.9 mpg) for urban and 1.2 lt/km (235.4 mpg) for combined. And CO2 emission is only 27 gr/km.
Ampera Electron features;
Driver’s and front passenger’s airbags
Front seat side-impact airbags
Full-size curtain airbags
Driver’s and front passenger’s knee airbags
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with traction control and Emergency Brake Assist
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
CD/MP3 CD player with stereo radio
DAB digital radio
USB connection with iPod control
Aux-in socket
Hands-free mobile phone system with Bluetooth®
Multi-function trip computer
Electronic Climate Control (ECC)
Cruise control
Automatic lighting control
LED daytime running lights
Electric parking brake
Electrically operated front and rear windows
Electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors
17-inch five-Y-spoke alloy wheels with aero covers
Remote control security alarm
Leather seat facings with electrically heated front seats
Leather-covered steering wheel
Front and rear parking distance sensors
Rear view camera
Sat nav/DVD player
Sat nav system with voice activation
‘Pseudo 3D’ street level mapping for 20 European countries
Audio/video DVD player
Hard Drive Device (HDD) with 30GB music file capacity
Bose® ‘Energy Efficient Series’ sound system with six high-performance speakers and single subwoofer

Categories
Cars

Paris Motor Show: Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept

Porsche revealed Panamera Sport Turismo Concept model during the Paris Motor Show. Last one decade, Porsche revealed Cayenne and succeed, revealed Panamera succeed and I am definitely sure that, Panamera Sport Turismo will succeed as well. Porsche is very good at achieving success with interestingly looking cars, such as Panamera Sport Turismo.
Panamera Sport Turismo represent the new path of Porsche’s design approach  As you can see there are not exterior mirrors, they are replaced with cameras. I assume, it won’t be that practically to check screen instead of mirrors. Full digital instrument panel will be present in future Porsche models, which I really don’t like!
Panamera Sport Turismo is a hybrid and powered by 3-lt V6 petrol engine with 333 PS and coupled with 95 PS electric motor powered by a 9.4 kWh li-ion battery. This combination generates 416 PS of power! Sport Turismo only need less than six seconds to reach 100 kph, with 3.5 lt/km consumption level. 82 g/km is the CO2 level for the Porsche. 
From top to bottom, Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo is very interesting :)

Pictures’ Copyrights
Porsche

Categories
Cars

New Ford Mondeo in Details

New Ford Mondeo, this time a proper new one! More competitive, more innovative than ever! I would like to start with Advanced Active Park Assist; Mondeo will be the first Ford that is capable of parking perpendicular. I know many cars do this nowadays, not that exciting!
The more exciting functions are coming! In Mondeo’s segment there was a feature missing for ages and I was really annoyed with that, electric steering wheel adjustment. This function is very useful and reflects the brand’s precision to detail. And new Ford Mondeo is going to offer electric steering wheel adjustment with memory function, keep in mind you cannot have this function in an Aston Martin. Like many other brands, new Mondeo will feature electric assisted power steering and don’t worry about feeling, steering wheel will offer heating function :)
Another sexy function is the massaging seats, I always envy the BMW, Mercedes and Audi for their sexy massage function and now we can have it with new Mondeo. Moreover, seats also feature 10-way adjustment with memory as well. 10-way adjustment is really amazing and makes your journey more comfortable.
Let’s go under the new Mondeo; a new integral link suspension will be feature. This new technology improves the handling, ride comfort and noise especially for rear passengers. Previous Mondeos were a bit tough to rear passengers. Interior quality is also improved with soft-touch materials to increase premium feeling. For estate or station wagon model will be offering panoramic glass roof.
The engines of new Mondeo are; 1-lt EcoBoost petrol engine, ECOnectic 1.6-lt diesel, 2-lt petrol powered hybrid with 3.5kW li-ion battery, 1.5-lt and 2-lt EcoBoost petrol engines. Another diesel will be 2-lt TDCi. There is more under the new Mondeo, diesel models will be available with all-wheel drive system. 6-speed automatic gearbox will be available and I am sure Ford will offer double clutch automatic option as well.
Full LED will not be privilege to particular brands, new Mondeo will feature full LED headlights. First on the segment.
Ford SYNC with MyFord technology will be available and you will have a WiFi hotstop inside the new Mondeo with 8-inch touchscreen.
Lastly, new Mondeo improves the rear passenger safety by rear inflatable seatbelts.
In my opinion, new Mondeo moved the benchmark up to a new level. After the new Mondeo, this segment will not be same again. Audi A4, Volkswagen Passat, BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class are others will be outdated with these new technologies. Especially with all-wheel drive option, Mondeo will be my first choice on this segment.

Pictures’ Copyrights
Ford
Categories
Cars

Twitter Interview with Scott Brownlee (PR Manager of Toyota GB) #toyotainterview

Today I did my first twitter interview with PR manager of Toyota GB, Scott Brownlee. I was a bit excited as it was my first live twitter interview, my previous interview always recorded and uploaded to YouTube later. However, this time what I wrote was going to be seen my hundreds of people.

During the interview with Scott Brownlee; we talked about Toyota Prius Hybrid, indestructible SUV Land Cruiser, new sports car GT86 and future of social media. Also, he reminded the rally version of Toyota Prius from year 2002.


I totally forgot, Scott mentioned why Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the best SUVs on market.

You can read the rest of the interview here or check it from twitter by #toyotainterview hashtag.
My first twitter interview is with a #mipaa member #toyotapr, you can follow the conversation with #toyotainterview hashtag
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

Today I am with Scott Brownlee @toyotapr for my first twitter interview #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

Thank you very much @toyotapr for the interview #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr Good afternoon. Happy to be involved. #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR This is my first twitter interview and I hope it will go well #toyotainterview :))
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@ToyotaPR Before we start, could you tell us about your background? #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr I studied mechanical engineering at Strathclyde University. I wanted to be a race car designer. #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@uygarr After graduation I applied to just one car company and was lucky enough to get the job. It was Austin Rover in 1984 #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR It seems like you are very close to your dream. Did you ever have chance to race? #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr There is joined a mysterious department called PR. #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR For how long do you work for #toyota ? #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr Only in karts. I did get the drive the 6R4 Group B rally car. It was also driven by Senna #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR Sounds amazing! I think that’s a great chance to race with Senna’s car #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr I joined Toyota GB 16 years ago this month. I came from Cosworth, BMW before that. #toyota #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@uygarr “My” car. ;-) #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@uygarr I didn’t compete in it, just drove it at a test track. No pictures, sadly. #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR You had opportunity to work in different car companies. Sad to here that no photos :( #toyotainterview Now a bit #ft86
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@ToyotaPR It seems like #Toyota is going to back rear-wheel drive segment with #ft86. Last rear-wheel drive one was Supra #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@ToyotaPR sorry it is #gt86 #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr Yes, although don’t forget the MR2. It was fun. #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@uygarr The benefit of rear wheel drive is the fun you can have with the balance of the car in corners. #gt86 #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR You are definitely right #mr2 is also rear-wheel drive #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr The GT86 gets back to the basics of a good sports car. #gt86 #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@uygarr We are all excited to have a sports car again and it seems a hit with media and owners too #gt86 #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR Does it mean #toyota will reveal more sports car in future ? #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr I can’t talk about specific future plans, but Akio Toyoda has already said there will be more. #toyota #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR that sounds great!! #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@ToyotaPR And my next topic is #hybrid. If there is a conversation about #Toyota, we cannot skip the hybrid #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@ToyotaPR Correct me if I am wrong, #Toyota is the first company introduced the mass-production #hybrid cars with #Prius #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr To be fair, Honda were slight ahead with the original Insight, but Prius was a much bigger seller. #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@uygarr I remember the meeting where an engineer described this new technology to us. Amazing to think millions now sold #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR Millions of #toyota #hybrid are driven. That’s a very big number and great achievement #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@ToyotaPR especially in terms of #toyota reliability #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr We have a couple of original Prius here, one standard and one a rally car. Very proud of that project. #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR I know about the #prius #hybrid #rally car. Many people may not know it. Could you tell about it a bit? #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr Sure. We were approached by a journalist, Nik Berg, with the idea which we thought was a good one…. #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@uygarr The rally was 5000 miles from Sweden Jordan. It became the world’s first hybrid to finish an FIA sanctioned event. #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR 5000 miles is a real a long journey even for a non-hybrid car! Well done to #toyota #prius #hybrid #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@ToyotaPR Lastly and my favourite, #Toyota #LandCruiser. For me, it is the best of the best four-wheel drive #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr Here’s a link to the press release isued at the time. http://bit.ly/IGarzF #prius #hybrid #rally #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR Nothing in the world runs like #Toyota #LandCruiser and they never broke down #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@ToyotaPR Can you tell about a bit about #Toyota #LandCruiser? #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr Thank you. They are renowned for their go anywhere ability. #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@uygarr Almost everywhere in the world apart from the UK Land Cruiser is the 4×4 of choice. #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@uygarr There is an apocryphal story about a road in Australian outback which has a sign reading… #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@uygarr …”Land Cruisers Only Beyond This Point” because you breakdown out there you risk death. #Toyota #LandCruiser #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@uygarr There is funny TV commercial on a similar theme http://youtu.be/isC32ev4Lw4 #Toyota #LandCruiser #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR I guess this road sign explain everything about #toyota #landcruiser #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@ToyotaPR And why we don’t see many #toyota #landcruiser in UK? #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr In the UK we are in Land Rover’s home market so we understand it is different. #toyota #landcruiser #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@uygarr I like to think UK Land Cruiser customers buy for a purpose, not posing ;-) #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR That’s why I love #toyota #landcruiser #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@ToyotaPR And I have noticed something with #Toyota #LandCruiser. It is the most common security vehicles for politicians #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@ToyotaPR We always see Toyota Land Cruiser in the convoys regardless of country. Why #LandCruiser? #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr I think it is a sixty plus year reputation for reliability in many countries, especially Middle East and Africa #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@uygarr Combined with Hilux, our other indestructible 4×4, the Land Cruiser is very common when the going is tough #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR that explains everything about #toyota #landcruiser and #hilux #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@ToyotaPR And #socialmedia. What do you think about the future of #socialmedia in #automotive industry? #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr Big! #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@uygarr The great thing about social media is interacting directly with owners and fans. #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR a note, I met with you from twitter before #mipaa event #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@ToyotaPR I totally agree with you. And this makes #socialmedia dynamic and creates its own path for #marketing and #pr #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr We have a social team here at @ToyotaGB. Our greatest advocates are our owners and potential owners… #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@uygarr ….like to “speak” to them so social is the perfect way to do it. It will only get bigger and more influential #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR that’s a great explanation of #socialmedia, bigger and bigger #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@ToyotaPR And how @ToyotaGB perceive the bloggers? #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr I have to say those that I’ve met, and we try to meet up as much as possible, are great enthusiast for cars. #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR That sounds great for us, #bloggers #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@ToyotaPR and lastly, what car do you drive? #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr I see people willing to put in time and effort to publish. As such I see a close similarity to traditional media #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR that’s exactly what we are doing #bloggers, and great to hear from a such big company #toyota #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr I am very lucky. Not only do I get to drive all the Toyota and Lexus range, we borrow competitors cars too. #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@uygarr This week we have something of both at once – an Aston Martin Cygnet. #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@uygarr But my usual car is a Prius. I also had the tartan iQ for a while, but it has been sold now (sadly) #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR Did you like the Aston Martin Cygnet? #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr I haven’t driven it yet, but I am sure I will. I imagine buying an old (i.e. afordable) Cygnet for when I retire. #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR And that’s the end of the #toyotainterview. Thank you very much for joining and apologise for any typo :)
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

@uygarr Thank you!. It was fun (for us anyway). #toyotainterview
Scott Brownlee ‏@ToyotaPR

@ToyotaPR The interview will be available tonight http://www.CarAndLife.net and greetings to everyone in @ToyotaGB #toyotainterview
Uygar Kilic ‏@uygarr

Pictures’ Copyrights
Toyota
Categories
Cars

Lexus LF-CC: Sport Car with Superb Efficiency

Lexus LF-CC is the new concept car for the Paris 2012 Motor Show. For many years, I never liked any model of Lexus due to its design. Lexus is not designed badly but it wasn’t giving a message or reflecting its character and, not charming at all.
However, with the Lexus LF-CC things have totally changed! I really like the LF-CC in terms of design and I am sure that many people will share the same thoughts with me. Lexus defines this new design concept as L-finesse design language and gives a bold statement of the car. And we can see the influence of LFA.
Lexus LF-CC offers three-LED projector headlamp with separate daytime running lights. Interior offers newly designed human-machine interface; dashboard is divided into upper and lower zone. Upper zone with a multi-display screen and lower zone with a new-design shift lever and touch tracer display. Also, Lexus improved the ergonomic with the LF-CC with driver’s seat and location of the buttons around the dashboard.
As usual, Lexus LF-CC is a hybrid car. LF-CC is powered by a 2.5-lt full hybrid powertrain with CO2 level lower than 100 g/km. 2.5-lt engine is coupled with a high-output electric motor with high-performance battery.
I am definitely sure that, LF-CC is going to be one of the most efficient sports cars on the market.
Lexus LF-CC can be seen at Paris Motor Show on stand 120, hall 4 at 8.45 on 27 September.

Pictures’ Copyrights
Lexus
Categories
Cars

Mercedes E300 BlueTec Hybrid is Now in UK

Mercedes E300 BlueTec Hybrid is a diesel hybrid car. Usually, if you want to buy a hybrid, you end up with petrol hybrids. Because, hybrid market is created by Japanese companies and they are keen on manufacturing petrol engines; this is one fact. Another fact, hybrids are loved by American and the quality of diesel is really bad over there, therefore hybrid cars are concentrated on petrol engines. Thus, hybrid manufacturers did not miss the US market.
Mercedes E300 BlueTec Hybrid offers way better fuel efficiency than a petrol hybrid. Because, diesel consumes less fuel and offers way longer range, and when we add this with electric drive benefit of hybrid. The range of E300 BlueTec is really impressive. However, I couldn’t find that information.
Anyway, Mercedes E300 Bluetec Hybrid is powered by a 2.2-lt turbo diesel engine with 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque. These figures are the same with E250 CDi, but Mercedes did not prefer to brand this hybrid as E250. E300 alters the percetion ;) Electric motor is 20 kW powered by 19kW Li-Ion battery. Thanks to excess amount of torque in 2.2-lt diesel engine and electric motor, E300 manages to reach 100 kph (62 mph) in 7.5 seconds with the top speed of 240 kph (150 mph). E 300 consumers 65.7 mpg (4.3 lt/km) diesel, with the price tag of around £40,000. You can have the all Mercedes toys and gadgets!
Mercedes E300 BlueTec Hybrid sounds really charming with the superb economy figures.

Pictures’ Copyrights
Mercedes
Categories
Cars

Goodwood Festival of Speed: Peugeot 5008 RXH Hybrid

Peugeot 5008 RXH is a new car from Peugeot, which is quite similar to Audi A6 Allroader. Neither SUV nor estate car. I saw 5008 RXH in Goodwood Festival of Speed and I really like the car. Although 5008 was not appealing to me, 5008 RXH looks totally different and one of the best looking Peugeot available on market. I don’t have more information about 5008 RXH but first impression was really good.

 

 

Categories
Cars

BMW i Store in London with i3

BMW i Series started as a concept vehicles, moved to production and now there is a dealer for i Series. Couple of months ago I visited the BMW dealer in Park Lane, actually I couldn’t visit because it was under construction. I was thinking, BMW will refurbish the dealer and open again. However, it did not happen like that! BMW opened the first i Series Store in Park Lane, London.

Now, you have the opportunity to see the future of mobility by BMW in Park Lane, London. BMW i3 and i Pedelec bicycle. BMW i3 is powered by an electric motor with 170 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque with the top speed of 150 kph (95 mph). And BMW i Pedelec produces 250 W of power with 20 Nm of torque with the top speed of 25 kph (16 mph).

If you want to see more, visit the BMW i Store in Park Lane, London.

Pictures’ Copyrights
BMW
Categories
Cars

Porsche 918 Spyder with Electric Power

Porsche 918 Spyder, this new Porsche will take the space after Carrera GT left the production. Porsche 918 Spyder is a totally new concept, unlike Carrera GT it does not run on only petrol power, Porsche 918 runs with electric power as well. There are two electric engines are placed in 918 Spyder, one in front axle (122 PS) and the other one in rear axle (108 PS) act as a hybrid and runs with petrol engine. Moreover, 4.6-lt V8 petrol engine is also present and produces 570 PS of power. The combination of electric and petrol engines deliver more than 770 PS of power to Porsche 918 with only 3lt/km of consumption level! In addition, batteries can be charged by plug-in but charging times are not announced yet. The top speed is more than 325 kph (200 mph).
918 Spyder will also feature adaptive rear-axle steering and fully adaptive aerodynamics. Rear-axle steering can be found in BMW cars today and improves the cornering and parking significantly. Adaptive aerodynamics will be similar to Bugatti Veyron’s adaptive rear spoiler; acting as an air brake and improve handling at high speed.
Porsche 918 Spyder will go into production end of September 2013 and first delivery will be before the end of 2013. Porsche will be using carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFPR) to manufacture 918 Spyder. This enables to reduce the weight significantly and improve consumption, better handling and also better safety in higher speeds. As a result of this new technologies, Porsche defines the 918 Spyder as minimum consumption and maximum of performance.
According to press release and technical information, Porsche 918 Spyder will create a path in super car segment. During 2000s; we saw Ferrari Enzo, Mercedes McLaren SLR, Porsche Carrera GT and Ford GT. Each of these cars developed and improved the meaning of super car, and in following years we will a new type of super car territory. 

Specifications of the Porsche 918 Spyder*

Body: Two-seater Spyder; carbon fibre reinforced plastics
(CFRP) monocoque interlocked with CFRP unit carrier;
two-piece Targa roof; fixed roll-over protection system.

Drivetrain: Parallel full hybrid; 4.6-litre V8 mid-engine with drysump
lubrication; hybrid module with electric motor and
decoupler; electric motor with decoupler and gear unit
on front axle; electrical system recuperation; four
cooling circuits for motors, transmission and battery;
thermal management.

Engine Power: > 570 hp (V8 engine)
~ 90 kW (hybrid module on rear axle)
~ 80 kW (electric motor on front axle)
> 770 hp (combined)

Suspension: Double-wishbone front axle; optional electro-pneumatic
lift system on front axle; electro-mechanical power
steering; multi-link rear axle with adaptive electromechanical
system for individual rear wheel steering

Brake system: High-performance hybrid brake system with adaptive
recuperation; ceramic brake discs (PCCB).

Energy supply: Lithium-ion battery with 6.8 kWh capacity (BOL
nominal), 202 kW maximum power and mainscompatible
plug-in charger.

Performance: Top speed > 325 km/h
purely electric > 150 km/h
Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h < 3.0 s

Consumption
(NEDC): Total ~ 3.0 l/100 km
CO2 emissions: Total ~ 70 g/km
Range: Purely electric > 25 km
* Provisional specifications

Pictures’ and Video’s Copyrights
Porsche