2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

The ESFLOW concept cars will be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show (3-13 March) where it will share the Nissan stand with a number of other innovative and exciting newcomers - but with one major difference: these are production ready.

The 2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept isn’t scheduled to be unveiled until the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in just a couple of weeks. Nissan plans to reveal its new electric concept, called Esflow, at the Chicago Auto Show this year. The car will make its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show from March.

2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

Nissan has a reputation for creating some of the most exhilarating sports cars on the market. Nissan has also developed the world's first practical Zero Emission family car, the Nissan LEAF. Now Nissan has put that expertise together. It has captured the excitement of a sports car and the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle and blended them into one dramatic two-seater concept: ESFLOW.

It may be a concept, but the Nissan ESFLOW electric sports cars proves it's possible to remain environmentally sympathetic without having to give up the joy of driving. It looks like a sports car, handles like a sports car and performs like one too. But Nissan ESFLOW Concept cars is different to every other sports car yet built: it's electric. Using technology pioneered in the award-winning Nissan LEAF, the EV concept shows that driving can still be as much fun tomorrow as it is today.

2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

Ecological minimalism need not come at the expense of luxury. The cabin of the 2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept is clean and open and weight saving has been a priority throughout its design, but it is still a comfortable and pleasant place to sit. By far the heaviest components in modern cars' interiors are the steel framed, thickly upholstered and increasingly motorized seats. In 2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept the seats are sculpted into the rear bulkhead of the car, negating the need for a heavy frame. This of course means that they are immobile, but this is of no consequence as the fly-by-wire steering and pedals adjust electrically to the best spot to suit each individual driver's size and preferred driving position.

Nissan ESFLOW Concept is rear-wheel drive and it runs on two motors. The car's graceful proportions allow the twin electric motors to be placed above the axis of the rear wheels, in a mid-ship position,. These motors independently control the left and right wheels, and so the torque is optimized to ensure outstanding vehicle stability and control as well as efficient power regeneration. The motors produce enough torque in an instant for it to reach a 100kph in under 5 seconds.

2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

Power for the motors comes from the same laminated lithium-ion battery packs used in the Nissan LEAF, but in ESFLOW the packs are located along the axis of the front and rear wheels. This centralizes the mass of the car, and thus its rotation point, close to the driver's hips. These cleverly positioned batteries enable the car to travel over 240km on one charge.

2011 Nissan Electric Sports Cars ESFLOW Concept

The colors of this Esflow are inspired from glaciers, with highly reflective blue-tinted solidified liquid shapes. Even if this concept will not hit the production line too soon, it could be a great source of inspiration for Nissan’s future sports cars.

Honda Civic CVCC, 1975

Honda Civic CVCC, 1975

The Honda Civic is an automobile manufactured by Honda. It was introduced in July 1972 as a two-door coupe, followed by a 3-door hatchback version that September. With the transverse engine placement of its 1169 cc engine and front wheel drive, like the British Mini, the car provided good interior space despite overall small dimensions.

Early models of the Civic were typically outfitted with a basic AM radio, rudimentary heater, foam cushioned plastic trim, two-speed wipers, and painted steel rims with a chromed wheel nut cap. The current Civic has become much more luxurious with satellite-linked navigation, a six-speed manual, power locks and power windows available. Still, many regard the Civic as representing a good value for the money, combining good performance, reliability and economy, as well as a very low rate of depreciation.

The Civic evolved from having a 1170 cc engine (1973) to having engines with larger capacities and more creature comforts (air conditioning, power windows, etc.) through the 1980s, 1990s and into the 2000s.

First generation (1973-1979)
The original 1973 Civic had a wheelbase under 87 inches and an overall length of 140 inches

Initially the Civic was sold with either a four-speed manual or a two speed "HondaMatic" model. Later models went to a five-speed manual and a full four-speed automatic transmission. Like the Mini, the transaxle was integrated with the engine unit.

Second generation (1979-1983)
The second generation Civic had a new, sleeker body and increased wheelbase to 88.6 inches for the hatchback and 91.3 inches for the wagon. The two-door sedan was no longer produced. All engines was now of the CVCC design ranging from 1335 cc giving 55 hp to 1488 cc giving 67 hp. The transmission was either a four-speed manual, a five-speed manual or a two-speed automatic. In 1981 a four door sedan was introduced and the two-speed automatic gearbox was replaced by a three speed. In 1982 it was slightly restyled with rectangular headlamps and black bumpers. In 1983 the sportier Civic S replaced the 1500GL.

Third generation (1983-1987)
For the third generation the wheelbase was increased by 5 inches to 96.5 inches. A new 12 valve (three valves per cylinder) 76 hp 1500 cc engine was introduced. The base hatchback still used the 1300 cc engine giving 60 hp. Supension was updated to independent rear suspension. The CRX was a Civic with a slightly different body. In 1985 the CRX Si was introduced. It came with a fuel-injected version of the 1500 cc engine giving 91 horsepower. In 1986 the Civic got flush-mounted headlights. Other news for the year was a four-speed automatic and an Si version of the Civic hatchback.

Fourth generation (1987-1991)
Again the wheelbase was increased to 98.4 inches. The body was designed with lower hood line and more glass giving less drag. The Civics also got a new family of engines. A 1500 cc 16-valve engine giving 92 hp was used in the DX hatchback/sedan, new LX sedan and the wagon. The base hatchback had a 70 hp version of the same engine. All engines were fuel injected. All wheels had double-wishbone suspension. In 1990 the EX trim was introduced.

Fifth generation (1991-1995)
The fifth generation had a more wedge shaped body and the wheelbase was increased to 101.3 inches for the two-door hatchback and 103.2 inches for the four-door sedan. The wagon was also dropped.

Sixth generation (1996-2000)
Beginning in 1997, Honda produced the first iteration of Civic to receive the "Type-R" appellation (applied first to the Integra Type-R), with the EK9 chassis Civic Type-R. The EK9-generation Civic Type-R had a maximum output in the range of 180 PS JIS (177 hp/132 kW), increased over the more common 160 PS (158 hp/118 kW) B16A engine in the SiR/VTi models, and included various alterations to the chassis to improve handling and reduce weight (such as better welding of the frame, and removal of the radio and noise-suppressing materials).

Seventh generation (2001-2005)
In 2001, Honda announced the release of the Civic Type-R for the EP chassis, a more sporty variant of the most recent model of Civic and successor to the EK9 Civic Type-R. Unlike the EK9 version, which was produced solely in Japan, the EP Civic Type-R is produced in the United Kingdom and exported to Japan. The EP Civic Type-R has a specific output of 200 PS (197 hp/147 kW) at 8000 rpm, a six-speed manual transmission, a reworked exterior with a bullet-like hatchback design, aeroform bumpers, spoiler, and 17 in wheels. The interior of the Type-R includes Recaro seats and a Momo steering wheel, and the model also includes Type-R-specific badging, a helical limited-slip differential, and has been reported to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 6.6 seconds (6.4 in facelifted model).

The hybrid version became available in 2003, which uses both a small (1.3 L) main gasoline engine and auxiliary electric motors. The electric motors are powered by a battery array which is charged by regenerative braking during deceleration, which reduces exhaust emissions and extends fuel mileage.

The new Sport Hatchback model with futuristic styling was unveiled in August 2005 for the European market only. This model featured from launch a 1.4 L I-DSI and a 1.8 L i-VTEC rated at 83 PS (81 hp/61 kW) and 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) respectively, with 177 and 207 km/h (110 and 129 mph) top speeds and 14.2 and 8.6 sec 0-100 km/h sprint. The Sport Hatchback is also available with a 2.2 L I-CTDI Diesel engine from the Accord, Edix/FR-V and CR-V, rated at 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) and is capable of 205 km/h (127 mph) and accelerating from 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds.

 

Honda N600, 1967

Honda N600, 1967

 

The N600 was introduced in 1969. It was technologically advanced for its time, with an all alloy engine which could achieve 9000 rpm. Engine output was 36–45 hp (27–34 kW) and the N600 was capable of 81 mph (130 km/h). It delivered surprisingly peppy performance because of its light weight (around 550 kg/1100 pounds), due to compact dimensions and some plastic parts (like the boot lid). The first brakes were very weak. Rear suspension was a torsion bar and leaf springs. Production was stopped in 1972, after the sportier Honda Z600 (or Z-Act, depending on country) was introduced.

Honda AZ-600, 1971

Honda AZ-600, 1971

Honda AZ-600, 1971

2011 Rolls-Royce Sports Apparition Concept Cars by Jeremy Westerlund

2011 Rolls-Royce Sports Apparition Concept Cars by Jeremy Westerlund

Here is a personal limousine that, Rolls-Royce Apparition concept was designed by Jeremy Westerlund, who designed it as an independent project while studying at the Art Center. 2011 Jeremy Westerlund  Rolls Royce Apparition has Clever design features abound, like the spare wheel secreted into the bodywork at the front like 1930s Rollers, an open cockpit for the driver and the twin rear windows that mirror the shape of the headlights. It’s like something out of a science fiction film, and a heck of a lot more interesting than some of the so-called concept cars Rolls-Royce has show in the past five years.

2011 Rolls-Royce Sports Apparition Concept Cars by Jeremy Westerlund

The idea blends classic design elements with futuristic ones, with mahogany wheel inserts and a shape that places the chauffeur out in the open like in vintage motor carriages, with the occupants coddled inside.

2011 Rolls-Royce Sports Apparition Concept Cars by Jeremy Westerlund is a personal limousine that, if it were built, would be 23 feet long. The 2011 Rolls-Royce Sports Apparition Concept Cars by Jeremy Westerlund that features yacht-like styling and mahogany inserts on the wheels. This created by a student designer like Jeremy Westerlund comes along with a design as interesting and unique as the Rolls Royce Apparition.

2011 Rolls-Royce Sports Apparition Concept Cars by Jeremy Westerlund

Design of the 2011 Rolls-Royce Sports Apparition Concept Cars by Jeremy Westerlund is based around the old motor carriages that had a chauffeur sitting up front, exposed to the elements, with the passengers coddled inside. Like most contemporary Rolls models, the front is utterly dominated by the prominent grille and hood ornament.

2011 Rolls-Royce Sports Apparition Concept Cars by Jeremy Westerlund, it features unique touches like real mahogany inserts in the wheels, and the imposing overall shape is long and low: the designer took his cues from sailing yachts, and even though the model is built to 1:4 scale, it’s still nearly six feet long. If such an extreme example of fantasy ever became reality, it would measure 279 inches overall – that’s over 23 feet, or about four feet longer than the Phantom.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira

They have been teasing this car 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira for a long time, but now just in time for 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon it is ready to be unveiled. This is one of the finest body kits we’ve seen for the mighty GT-R so far. We know that Japanese tuner’s Tommy Kaira finished the early stage of their Nissan GT-R plan for the launch at the 2010 Tokyo AutoSalon. This Kyoto based tuner, who is known to have  started out by modifying Mercedes car is now all focused on GT-R as it brings out the Silver Wolf Nissan GT-R from its stable.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira

Called the Silver Wolf, this 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira comes with a full body kit, plus new rolling stock, brakes, exhaust and suspension components. The carbon fiber widebody package gives the GT-R a serious attitude adjustment. Two kit choices are available, the first being a very comprehensive one while the second just works on the front end.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira

With no change to GT-R’s twin-turbo V6 engine, 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira has just got some fabulous interior work and upgraded breaks, exhaust and suspension systems. Carbon and red leather interior will give it’s driver a very luxuries feel while the carbon fiber widebody of the silver wolf still keep it  decent and stylish. Tommy Kaira has well managed to keep its name in the auto industry and it is expected that the Japanese icon will not compromise on the performance of their new GT-R project. So until there is some final testing on the Fuji Speedway, check out the greatest performance car more closely in the pictures below.

The 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira full kit consists of, among others, a wet carbon front bumper, a front grille cover, lip spoiler, under diffuser, side ducts and side skirts. The rear also features wet carbon in the form of a racing diffuser, a rear wing and rear fender extensions. The AVS Model F15 Platinum black wheels are shod with Pirelli P-Zero 255/40R20 and 285/35R20 front and rear tyres respectively.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R by Tommy Kaira

2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept

2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept

BMW officials has announced that a new Vision ConnectedDrive Concept Vehicle will be showing up at the Geneva Motor Show and that it will “revolutionize driving in terms of comfort, infotainment and safety. The two-door roadster’s "layered" appearance evokes the EfficientDynamics concept from 2009, while its asymmetrical layout brings back memories of 2001’s X Coupe concept. Just as the former previewed a wild, forthcoming production car and the latter ushered in the Bangle design era, the 2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept provides a glimpse of BMWs to come.

2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept

” BMW is only offering up a few details on this concept, but judging by its name, we expect a vehicle that will include the latest car-to-car communication features. It is an efficient and technologically advanced roadster, not sacrificing anything in terms of driving pleasure. It is unclear whether the model is related in some way with rumors of a future BMW roadster, smaller than Z4, or is a natural development of the GINA concept, but the new model is said to predict the future appearance of the BMW series vehicles.

Official BMW representatives said: “In 2011 the automobile industry is celebrating the anniversary “125 yeas of the automobile,” reason enough to not only look back, but also to look forward. Connectivity is one of the key fields of tomorrow’s world. And of course, we at BMW are proud to be among the pioneers of connected driving: for example, with the first on-board internet access in 2008, the first iPod integration in 2004, or the first ultrasound-based park distance control PDC in 1991.”

2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept

“2011 is also the year in which we are setting course for the future. Initial insights are already available to you now in the Future Lab from BMW Vision ConnectedDrive. Or soon right here, with an extraordinary vehicle concept, which will once again revolutionize driving in terms of comfort, infotainment and safety. Exactly as you have come to expect from BMW.”

Some rumors suggest that the model will have a “3D interface” that will relate to the driver, with a futuristic design. The second feature is visible and will go in the direction of future BMW models. Instead, it is unclear how much influence the future creation of the BMW model, since the differences between the current range and the concept presented in Geneva 2011 are quite large, which hampers a rapid transition.

2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept

The layered surfaces are enhanced with fiber-optic lighting effects that highlight the different functions and sections of the 2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept car. It certainly isn't possible to design a car like this with just a few pen strokes. And it is a remarkable and potentially trend-setting approach that is every bit as daring as the one taken by BMW design ten years ago with the X Coupe.

The windshield acts as the medium for a three-dimensional head-up display, and additional information is shown on the monitor behind the steering wheel. Tellingly, the layer that displays relevant driving information is christened the "safety layer," and it is fed by plenty of watchful sensors. A larger zone that also encompasses the passengers is called the "infotainment layer," and it offers movies, music, and internet access. Passengers also get their own display with nav and music info, which can then be sent to the driver’s attention at the press of a finger.

The 2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept design and technology of this spectacular roadster are aimed at making the vehicle an integral part of a networked world. Comfort, safety and the infotainment experience in the vehicle can be precisely optimized by the innovative functionality, individually tailored to suit the requirements of both the driver and passenger. New technologies and design concepts are employed to add even more facets to the unmistakable BMW driving pleasure.

 2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R FIA GT1

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R FIA GT1

Nissan Motorsports International announced that NISMO just signed the official partnership agreements for the FIA GT1 World Championship with Sumo Power GT (UK) and Swiss Racing Team (CH). Both teams will run two NISSAN GT-Rs respectively in the inaugural World Championship. Two teams for the FIA GT1 World Championship series in which the R35 GT-R will compete in 2010.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R FIA GT1

The R35 Nissan GT-R will be raced by the Sumo Power GT team from the UK as well as the Swiss Racing Team. Further details, such as the driver lineup, will be released later on. NISMO will provide technical support to its new racing partners.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R FIA GT1

The prospect of a new world championship, run under fresh regulations was appealing enough for Nissan Sports Cars to develop the highly acclaimed GT-R Sports Cars into a GT racer. It was going to be the first time since 1996 that the (Skyline) GT-R would compete in international GT events. While the FIA GT1 World Championship will not kick off until the spring of 2010, the cars built to the new regulations could already compete from 2009 onwards. Nissan Motorsport (Nismo) opted to use the extra year and worked had to get the new car ready for the official pre-season test at Paul Ricard.

The 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R FIA GT1 is a rear-wheel drive GT1 racer and comes with a naturally aspirated 5.6-liter VK56DE V8 engine tuned to 600 hp and 650 Nm of torque. It is fitted with a 6-speed transmission from Ricardo by way of a carbon triple-plate clutch and grips the ground with 18-inch x 13-inch forged wheels by Rays.

Nissan’s participation in FIA GT1 racing has been in the works for some time. Last year it tested the 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R FIA GT1 in several GT1 races. Now, they seem ready for the real competition.

To be eligible for the 2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R FIA GT1 World Championship a manufacturer has to field at least four cars. Gigawave was expected to continue with the GT-R but unexpectedly the team closed its shop late in 2009. At that point Nissan had already signed a deal with Swiss Racing Team for the other two cars. In January Nissan announced that Sumo Power GT would fill the void left by Gigawave.

2010 Nissan Sports Cars GT-R FIA GT1

At the same time Nissan released the first details of the 2010 version of the car. The specifications were left unaltered but numerous aero tweaks were made for improved performance. Drivers and other details will be announced at a later time.

Ferrari Enzo 2010 white

Ferrari Enzo 2010 white

Ferrari Enzo 2010 Red

Ferrari Enzo 2010 yellow

VW Polo, 1975

VW Polo, 1975

 

The Mk I Polo, a rebadged version of the Audi 50, was introduced in 1975. The differences between the Audi and VW models were minor, with the Polo being cheaper and much more basic. The two cars were initially sold along side each other, but the Audi 50 never sold as well, and was withdrawn in 1978. The Polo was manufactured at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg. In 1977, the Derby sedan was released, which was simply a Polo, identical to the hatchback from the C-pillar forward, with a large boot attached (an old Audi proposal, but never sold by this brand).

When first on sale the range topping car, the LS model, featured the 50 PS (37 kW) 1043 cc engine found in the Audi 50. Other specifications included parking lights, rear wash wipe, sun visors, chromed bumpers and 4.5J X 13" wheels. The N model was the basic starting spec lacking many of the features of the LS. In 1979 the GLS was introduced, replacing the LS as the range-topping car; specification upgrades included chrome headlight and grill surrounds, sunroof, a cigarette lighter and chrome wheel trims.

895 cc, 1093 cc and 1272 cc engines were used, with the smaller one used only in the Polo hatchback, and the 1272 cc only in the Derby, Audi 50, and the rare Polo GT. Different levels of compression were used on each size to achieve different power outputs, and the variations are numerous, often differing depending on the country of sale, ranging from 35 to 60 PS (26 to 44 kW).

Mk IF (1979-1981)
The Mk I Polo and Derby were facelifted in 1979 (Mk IF) with plastic bumpers, a different front grille and a revised dashboard. The round headlights of the Derby were replaced with square ones, bringing it inline with the similar Golf-based Jetta sedan.

Further models were added including CLS, S and an out run LX model. The Mk I's production run finally ended in October 1981 with over 500,000 Polos sold worldwide.