Alfa Romeo 158, 1947
The Alfa Romeo 158/159, also known as the Alfetta (Little Alfa in Italian), is one of the most successful racing cars ever produced. The Alfa Romeo 158 and its derivative, the 159, took 47 wins from 54 Grands Prix entered. It was originally developed for the pre-World War II voiturette formula (1937) and has a 1.5 litre straight-8 supercharged engine. Following World War II, the car was eligible for the new Formula One introduced in 1947. In the hands of drivers such as Nino Farina, Juan-Manuel Fangio and Luigi Fagioli, it dominated the first two seasons of the Formula One World Championship.
The first version of this successful racing car, the Alfa Romeo 158, was made during 1937/1938. The main responsibility for engineering was given to Gioacchino Colombo.
The car's name refers to its 1.5 litre engine and eight cylinders. The voiturette class was for racing cars with 1.5 litre engines, standing in the same relation to the top 'Grand Prix' formula (usually for 3 litre engines) as the GP2 series does to Formula One today. Alfa's 3 litre racing cars in 1938 and 1939 were the Tipo 308, 312 and 316.
The Alfa Romeo 158 debuted with the works Alfa Corse team at the Coppa Ciano Junior in August 1938 at Livorno, Italy, where Emilio Villoresi took the car's first victory. At that time the 1479 cc engine produced around 200 bhp (150 kW) at 7000 rpm. with the help of a single-stage Roots blower. More success came at the Coppa Acerbo, Coppa Ciano and Tripoli Grand Prix in May 1940. Soon World War II stopped development of the car for six years. After the war the engine was developed further to push out 254 bhp (189 kW) in 1946.
In 1947, the Alfetta became eligible for the newly-created Formula One. The new rules allowed 1500 cc supercharged and 4500 cc naturally aspirated engines. The Alfa Romeo 158 was modified again, this time to produce over 300 bhp (220 kW) and was denoted as Alfa Romeo Tipo 158/47. The car made a tragic debut in the 1948 Swiss Grand Prix where Achille Varzi lost control of his car and was killed. Another loss for the team came in practice for the 1949 Buenos Aires Grand Prix, where Jean-Pierre Wimille was killed in an accident (driving with Simca-Gordini).
The car won every race in which it competed during 1950; it was incredible that a car which had originated in 1938 was so victorious. The Alfa Romeo team included talented drivers such as Giuseppe Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio, the latter of whom later won the World Drivers' Championship five times.
At the end of the 1950 season, a further updated version known as the Alfa Romeo 159 was produced.
Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Villa DEste, 1946
Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Villa DEste, 1946
The
Alfa Romeo 6C name was used on road, race and sports cars made between
1925-1954 by Alfa Romeo. 6C refers to a straight 6 engine. Bodies to
these cars were made by coachbuilders such as James Young, Zagato,
Touring, Castagna, and Pininfarina. Starting from 1933 there was also a
6C version with a factory Alfa body, built in Portello.
The Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 (2309 cc) was designed by Vittorio Jano as a cheaper alternative to the Alfa Romeo 8C.
The Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 (2309 cc) was designed by Vittorio Jano as a cheaper alternative to the Alfa Romeo 8C.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Lincoln Navicross Concept, 2003
Lincoln Navicross Concept, 2003
The
Lincoln Navicross was a concept car by the Ford Motor Company's luxury
Lincoln division. The Lincoln Navicross was first unveiled at the 2003
Detroit Auto Show.
The vehicle features styling similar to that of the Zephyr and MK9 concept car. Two chrome accent bars placed on the vehicle's left and right front fenders run the full length of the vehicle as in the MK9 and Mark X concepts. The vehicles features Lincoln's hallmark waterfall grille with the Lincoln emblem at its center. Much like the MKS concept models presented at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, the Navicross features suicide doors which according to Ford, give "unrestricted ingress and egress to the luxurious interior." Suicide doors also appeared in the Continental concept car and the MKS concept car.
The interior itself featured power adjustable, climate controlled leather seats along with a "symmetrical" dashboard that like other Lincoln concept models and the Zephyr production model featured both metal as well as more tradition wood grain trim.
The Navicross concept was 186.6" long and featured 20" alloy wheels along with a supercharged 4.2 L V8. Permanent all wheel drive and Hill Descent Control (HDC) were among the technical highlights of the concept vehicle.
The vehicle features styling similar to that of the Zephyr and MK9 concept car. Two chrome accent bars placed on the vehicle's left and right front fenders run the full length of the vehicle as in the MK9 and Mark X concepts. The vehicles features Lincoln's hallmark waterfall grille with the Lincoln emblem at its center. Much like the MKS concept models presented at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, the Navicross features suicide doors which according to Ford, give "unrestricted ingress and egress to the luxurious interior." Suicide doors also appeared in the Continental concept car and the MKS concept car.
The interior itself featured power adjustable, climate controlled leather seats along with a "symmetrical" dashboard that like other Lincoln concept models and the Zephyr production model featured both metal as well as more tradition wood grain trim.
The Navicross concept was 186.6" long and featured 20" alloy wheels along with a supercharged 4.2 L V8. Permanent all wheel drive and Hill Descent Control (HDC) were among the technical highlights of the concept vehicle.
Lincoln MK9 Concept, 2003
Lincoln MK9 Concept, 2003
The Lincoln MK9 was a Lincoln concept car first showcased in 2004. The vehicle hinted at a future comeback of a Lincoln Personal luxury car. The MK9 was a follow-on vehicle from the 2003 Lincoln Navicross concept, with similar styling cues.
The MK9 kicked off Lincoln's new naming convention of using letter and number combinations while hinting at a continuation of the Lincoln Mark series. While the naming system is similar to that of Mercedes-Benz or BMW, it does not contain any references regrading the vehicle's engine size or generation.
The Concept car features Lincoln's hallmark waterfall grille with the Lincoln diamond at its center. Two chrome accents on top of the vehicle's left and right shoulder run the entire length of the car. Chrome accented air vents are located near the doors on the front fenders.
The interior is flushed with lacquered wood and leather. Dark Cherry wood is used for the floor, while white leather is used for the headliner. The seats are models after the "Eames Lounge Chair" from the 1950's and are trimmed in red leathe
Monday, January 24, 2011
Rinspeed Yello Talbo Concept, 1996
Rinspeed Yello Talbo Concept, 1996
Concepted
as a symbiosis between nostalgic and futuristic elements, the unusual
appearance, based on the traditional design of a Talbot-Lago 150 SS by
„Figoni & Falaschi" of 1938, shows off in a pastel yellow color.
This in a play of words and colors about the partner „Yello" - one of
the world's most renown music groups.
The interior is decorated with precious fabrics of „En Soie". The fiber-optics controlled „ODR"-stereo system of „Pioneer" is unsurpassed in its quality. A „Crash" watch - made from recycled aluminum material - can be easily switched from the wrist of the driver to the horn button by a simple twist - and, of course, vice versa.
The supercharged V8-engine - coupled to an automatic gearbox - with a 5.0 liter displacement and an output of 320 HP enables the RINSPEED YELLO TALBO to breathtaking acceleration figures (5.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h). The suspension was concepted by „Eibach" and the ultra-wide Dunlop tires (265/35 ZR 20 - SP 8000) are mounted on chromed BBS RS-II wheels (9x20") and guarantee an optimal handling.
The interior is decorated with precious fabrics of „En Soie". The fiber-optics controlled „ODR"-stereo system of „Pioneer" is unsurpassed in its quality. A „Crash" watch - made from recycled aluminum material - can be easily switched from the wrist of the driver to the horn button by a simple twist - and, of course, vice versa.
The supercharged V8-engine - coupled to an automatic gearbox - with a 5.0 liter displacement and an output of 320 HP enables the RINSPEED YELLO TALBO to breathtaking acceleration figures (5.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h). The suspension was concepted by „Eibach" and the ultra-wide Dunlop tires (265/35 ZR 20 - SP 8000) are mounted on chromed BBS RS-II wheels (9x20") and guarantee an optimal handling.
Rinspeed Roadster Concept, 1995
Rinspeed Roadster Concept, 1995
The
roadster, built in a small series, represents today's spirit of the
times and the design trends of the nineties. The body reflects a mixture
of classic shapes of the sixties, paired with ultra-modern elements and
a futuristic look. The congenial bold and dynamic appearance is
orientated to a buyer potential which enjoys life and fresh air.
Although rather concepted as a leisure vehicle, it can be used any day
in any weather.
The body is made from aircraft quality aluminum and is joined with a tubular stainless steel chassis. Four small projector headlights, fastened on small wings, and the free-standing front fenders round up the clean design.
The front suspension consists of unequal length double wishbones and the rear live-axle is linked to the chassis four times. The shock absorbers are especially made by Koni. All mechanical components (engine, transmission, brakes and rear axle) are taken from the existing Ford Mustang. The powerful V8-engine with a displacement of almost 5 liters is coupled to a manual five speed gearbox.
The RINSPEED ROADSTER is offered with two engine options. The "R"-version uses the stock Ford engine offering 218 HP, whereas the "SC-R"-version comes with a supercharger with a boost of 0.3 bar. The result is not only impressive by the increased output of 305 HP, but also by the breathtaking torque of more than 570 Nm produced at 3'400 rpm.
The tires are well filling the wheel wells: Pirelli P Zero's of the dimension 225/40-18 are mounted in the front, the rear even uses 295/35-18. The three-piece chromed aluminum wheels (front 8?x18" and rear 10x18") are made to order by the well known specialist BBS.
The interior is upholstered in exclusive leather and offers sporty bucket seats, an almost invisibly installed stereo system with a CD-changer from Pioneer and a Momo steering wheel. The mobile communication is ensured by the latest Nokia product of the type C232 - small, light weight and easy to use.
The RINSPEED Harley-Davidson "Rock'n'Roll" derives from the same philosophy of enjoying fresh air rides. Made to fit the image of "his-and-hers", identical elements of design, colors and materials reflect the Roadster concept and create a unique synopsis between a car and a motorcycle.
The small and coherent projector headlights demonstrate a new and innovative element for motorcycles. The new headlight bucket sits efficient, but almost invisible, on the front. The customizing was completed by a large number of chrome parts, individually milled from billet aluminum. These parts were taken from the most reputable shelves of America's customizing professionals as "Arlen-Ness", "Pro-One" and "KüryAkyn" and installed in endless hours. The original wheels are chromed and fitted with Pirelli tires.
The body is made from aircraft quality aluminum and is joined with a tubular stainless steel chassis. Four small projector headlights, fastened on small wings, and the free-standing front fenders round up the clean design.
The front suspension consists of unequal length double wishbones and the rear live-axle is linked to the chassis four times. The shock absorbers are especially made by Koni. All mechanical components (engine, transmission, brakes and rear axle) are taken from the existing Ford Mustang. The powerful V8-engine with a displacement of almost 5 liters is coupled to a manual five speed gearbox.
The RINSPEED ROADSTER is offered with two engine options. The "R"-version uses the stock Ford engine offering 218 HP, whereas the "SC-R"-version comes with a supercharger with a boost of 0.3 bar. The result is not only impressive by the increased output of 305 HP, but also by the breathtaking torque of more than 570 Nm produced at 3'400 rpm.
The tires are well filling the wheel wells: Pirelli P Zero's of the dimension 225/40-18 are mounted in the front, the rear even uses 295/35-18. The three-piece chromed aluminum wheels (front 8?x18" and rear 10x18") are made to order by the well known specialist BBS.
The interior is upholstered in exclusive leather and offers sporty bucket seats, an almost invisibly installed stereo system with a CD-changer from Pioneer and a Momo steering wheel. The mobile communication is ensured by the latest Nokia product of the type C232 - small, light weight and easy to use.
The RINSPEED Harley-Davidson "Rock'n'Roll" derives from the same philosophy of enjoying fresh air rides. Made to fit the image of "his-and-hers", identical elements of design, colors and materials reflect the Roadster concept and create a unique synopsis between a car and a motorcycle.
The small and coherent projector headlights demonstrate a new and innovative element for motorcycles. The new headlight bucket sits efficient, but almost invisible, on the front. The customizing was completed by a large number of chrome parts, individually milled from billet aluminum. These parts were taken from the most reputable shelves of America's customizing professionals as "Arlen-Ness", "Pro-One" and "KüryAkyn" and installed in endless hours. The original wheels are chromed and fitted with Pirelli tires.
Rinspeed Dodge Viper Veleno Concept, 1993
Rinspeed Dodge Viper Veleno Concept, 1993
The
base car, successor of the legendary classic of American "muscle-cars"
named AC Cobra, is a Dodge Viper RT/10. This dream car of the nineties,
so far built only in a very small volume of a few hundred units, was
individually customized with many new components.
At first sight the unusual viper-green color distinguishes this car from others, especially as all originals came only in red. The strong effect underlines the aggressive lines of the body to its best. The front with its altered front skirt, the rear view mirrors on the windshield frame, the futuristically styled rear roll protection with the integrated rear lights and the modified rear end make the car even more desirable without distorting its original character.
The original one piece wheels were exchanged for three piece O.Z. wheels of the dimensions 10?x18" in front and 13?x18" in the rear. Enormous Pirelli P Zero tires (275/35-18 front and 335/30-18 rear) improve the handling and traction abilities.
New trends are set with the interior set-up. Instead of the traditional leather upholstery, the seats, door panels and the dashboard are covered with a new material called "Vinerus". "Vinerus" is a specially manufactured high-quality artificial material which is used by the well-known Maison Mollerus Inc (Zurich and Dusseldorf) for their collection of hand bags and traveling luggage. The advantage of this material is not only in its exclusive appearance but also in its weather fitness and sturdiness. It combines the elegant with the useful to a personal touch. The instrument panel and the center console are painted in the cars color to give it a high-tech look.
The revolutionary, integrated CD-changer by Alpine is controlled without distortion from driving by a touch of a button from the steering wheel.
The latest cellular phone from Nokia Mobiles phones, the model 121 with its feather weight of only 275 grams and its power of up to 6 watts (with a booster) being the lightest and most mobile unit in the world, solves all telecommunication problems.
The engine, with its ten cylinders and eight liters of volume being the biggest production unit in the world, is improved by a electronically controlled nitro-(NO2)-oxide-injection. The power output is thereby increased from 400 to 550 hp and the torque is raised to an incredible 820 Nm. The exhaust gases are routed through two catalytic converters to the side of the car.
At first sight the unusual viper-green color distinguishes this car from others, especially as all originals came only in red. The strong effect underlines the aggressive lines of the body to its best. The front with its altered front skirt, the rear view mirrors on the windshield frame, the futuristically styled rear roll protection with the integrated rear lights and the modified rear end make the car even more desirable without distorting its original character.
The original one piece wheels were exchanged for three piece O.Z. wheels of the dimensions 10?x18" in front and 13?x18" in the rear. Enormous Pirelli P Zero tires (275/35-18 front and 335/30-18 rear) improve the handling and traction abilities.
New trends are set with the interior set-up. Instead of the traditional leather upholstery, the seats, door panels and the dashboard are covered with a new material called "Vinerus". "Vinerus" is a specially manufactured high-quality artificial material which is used by the well-known Maison Mollerus Inc (Zurich and Dusseldorf) for their collection of hand bags and traveling luggage. The advantage of this material is not only in its exclusive appearance but also in its weather fitness and sturdiness. It combines the elegant with the useful to a personal touch. The instrument panel and the center console are painted in the cars color to give it a high-tech look.
The revolutionary, integrated CD-changer by Alpine is controlled without distortion from driving by a touch of a button from the steering wheel.
The latest cellular phone from Nokia Mobiles phones, the model 121 with its feather weight of only 275 grams and its power of up to 6 watts (with a booster) being the lightest and most mobile unit in the world, solves all telecommunication problems.
The engine, with its ten cylinders and eight liters of volume being the biggest production unit in the world, is improved by a electronically controlled nitro-(NO2)-oxide-injection. The power output is thereby increased from 400 to 550 hp and the torque is raised to an incredible 820 Nm. The exhaust gases are routed through two catalytic converters to the side of the car.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Lotus Esprit Turbo, 1980
Lotus Esprit Turbo, 1980
By the close of 1980, Lotus were effectively building three different models of Esprit, with distinct chassis designs and body moulds - the Domestic (i.e. UK) S2.2, the Export S2.2, and the dry-sump Turbo Esprit. Introduced in April 1981, the Turbo Esprit and S3 (Series 3) Esprits marked a necessary consolidation: both new models had a common chassis, inheriting much of the configuration of the Essex cars, whilst body production was based on a single common set of moulds.
The S3 continued to use the 2.2 L type 910 engine of the S2.2, whilst the Turbo Esprit reverted to a less complex wet-sump lubrication system, retaining the power and torque outputs of its dry-sump predecessor. The interior for both cars was revised and featured new trim; combined with changes to the body moulds this resulted in more headroom and an enlarged footwell. Externally, the Turbo Esprit retained the full aerodynamic body kit of the Essex cars, and featured prominent 'turbo esprit' decals on the nose and sides; the S3 gained the more substantial bumpers, yet retained the simpler sill line and glazed rear hatch of the S2.2 body style. Both models were supplied with 15" BBS alloy wheels.
In April 1986, the final incarnations of the Giugiaro-styled Esprit were announced, with raised engine compression giving rise to their 'HC' moniker. This increased the output of the naturally aspirated engine to 172 horsepower (128 kW) and 160 lb·ft (220 N·m) for the Esprit HC, and to 215 horsepower (160 kW) and 220 lb·ft (300 N·m) for the Turbo Esprit HC, with the increased torque available at a lower rpm. For markets with stringent emissions requirements, Lotus introduced the HCi variant, teaming the higher compression engine with Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection - the first fuel-injected Esprits.
Lotus Elite, 1973
Lotus Elite, 1973
Lotus' first saloon car was front engined with rear wheel drive. Like all production Lotuses since the Elan, the Elite II used fiberglass for the hatchback bodyshell, mounted on a steel backbone chassis evolved from the Elan and Europa. It had 4-wheel independent suspension using coil springs. Power steering and air conditioning were optional from 1974. The Elite II was the basis for the Eclat, and the later Excel four-seaters.
The Elite II was Lotus' first car to use the "907" aluminium-block 4-valve, DOHC, four cylinder, 2.0 L engine. (The 907 engine had previously been used in Jensen-Healeys.) The 907 engine ultimately became the foundation for the Lotus Esprit powerplants, both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged. Elite IIs were available with a 5-speed gearbox standard; from January 1976 an automatic transmission was optional.
The Elite and Elite II (and the related Eclat) are notable in that the stock curb weight is not much over 2000 lb (907 kg). Once the motors reach their power band, both acceleration and handling are impressive.
Lotus Esprit Concept, 1972
Lotus Esprit Concept, 1972
The
Lotus Esprit was a sports car built by Lotus in the United Kingdom from
1976 to 2004. The silver Italdesign concept that eventually became the
Esprit was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in 1972, and was a
development of a stretched Lotus Europa chassis. It was among the first
of designer Giorgetto Giugiaro's polygonal "folded paper" designs.
Originally, the name Kiwi was proposed, but in keeping with the 'E...'
naming format of Lotus tradition, the name became Esprit.
Lexus SC430 Pace Car, 2001
Lexus SC430 Pace Car, 2001
The Lexus SC series is a personal luxury coupé manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation under the Lexus brand and sold in Japan as the Toyota Soarer. The first generation, available as the SC 300 or SC 400 was in production from 1991 until July 7, 2000. A second-generation model, the SC 430, went into production in 2001.
Lexus showcased its new sports convertible, the SC 430, at the Paris Motorshow in 2000, and the car entered production the following year. Power was provided by a 4.3 L 3UZ-FE V8 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. This produces 0-60 runs around 6 seconds using the same engine found in the Lexus LS.
Lexus designers from Europe and Japan worked together to create the convertible's sleek, streamlined design. The car features a retractable aluminium hardtop, all-leather interior, and 18 in alloy wheels. It can seat four and has a base price of US$63,825.
Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Cadillac XLR, and Jaguar XK, and BMW 6-series.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Jaguar XJ13, 1966
Jaguar XJ13, 1966
The
Jaguar XJ13 was a prototype racing car developed by Jaguar to challenge
at Le Mans in the mid-1960s. It never raced, and only one was ever
produced.
