Audi revealed 2011 Audi A8

Audi has finally revealed the new 2011 Audi A8. The new Audi A8 shows off the brand’s new Vorsprung durch Technik theme and features a new light aluminum body, powerful and highly efficient engines, Audi’s new MMI system, new driver assistance systems, full LED headlights and an elegant interior.

The 2011 A8 weighs same as the outgoing model which is 3 inches longer, 2 inches wider and has more standard equipment with 8-speed tiptronic auto transmission, pre sense basic, keyless go and power trunk. The car is 50lbs less than S Class RWD, and more than 200lbs / 90.7kg less than S Class AWD, 200lbs less than 7 Series RWD and 400lbs / 181.4kg less than 7 Series AWD.

The 2011 A8 will go from 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph which is electronically governed. Audi says that fuel-economy is improved by 15% when compared to the current A8.

The A8's MMI or Multi Media Interface using a system called MMI Touch which operates something like touchpad cursor you find on most laptop computers. On it you can trace out letters and the system will understand what you're probably misspelling. The MMI Touch interface is backlit to allow it to change to a pointer for map functions, a number pad for radio functions and can be used to scroll through various menus.

The new A8 has the full LED headlights, which use light emitting diodes for all light functions. They give the luxury sedan an unmistakable appearance even in daylight and even more so after the fall of darkness. The full LED headlights herald a new chapter in lighting technology.

The new 2011 Audi A8 will go on sale in the U.S. in late 2010, simultaneously with the LWB version, which will be announced to the public by mid 2010. Production will take place in Neckarsulm, Baden Wuertemberg, Germany.

Golf Ball Art Car or Tiger Wood's career falling apart

With all this talk about Tiger Woods I though it would be appropriate to go out and find some Golf Ball Art Cars. Honestly I haven't even followed the news on the latest Tiger Woods Scandal and frankly I am bored already. But I am an opportunist and figured I get some hits by using Tiger Woods name over and over again so I decided to do a Golf Car vs Tiger Woods Career art car entry. All I found were three golf ball cars and golf ball car prank video that have nothing or maybe everything to do with Tiger Woods career. So what is it?

A-One giant golf ball crushed car
or
B-Tiger Wood's career getting crushed under the weight of his ego


A) Car destroyed by multiple golf balls at a golf range
or
B) Tiger Woods life takes a wrong turn?


A) Aerodynamic golf ball car
or
B) Tiger Wood flying through all this media attention unscathed?


A) Prank video of a car filled with golf balls
or
B) Tiger Wood's career falling apart?

Ducati 1100 Evo and 1100 Evo SP

Ducati have announced two new versions of Hypermotard, the Hypermotard 1100 Evo and 1100 Evo SP. The EVO and EVO SP are both seven kilos / 15.4 pounds lighter and five horses more powerful than the 2009 Hypermotard 1100.

Ducati have removed artificial elements on the older Hypermotard trellis frame and made it lighter and stiffer to reduce weight. The weight of wheels is lighter in EVO. 17-inch wheels rised on big axles are fixed with Pirelli Diablo Rosso tyres, while stopping power is given by radial-mount Brembo four-piston callipers gripping twin 305mm discs up front and a single 245mm disc at the rear.
Ducati Hypermotard 1100 Evo SP obtains extra ground clearance, enhanced suspension, higher bars and a decrease in weight. The Evo SP gets new 50mm Marzocchi Supermoto racing spec fork with 30mm more travel. That 30mm extra travel has provided 30mm more ground clearance.

The Evo SP gets fully higher-spec shock with Ohlins remote reservoir, Brembo brakes with Monobloc callipers, wheels by Marchesini with Z-rated Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres with less weight, serrated footpegs for increased boot grip, and various carbonfibre bits sprinkled across the bike.

The Hypermotard 1100 Evo SP obtains Ducati Data Analyser system, which includes software and a data retrieval card that allow customers to evaluate and analyse the performance of the bike and its rider, and evaluation between various channels of information.The cost and availability aspects of the Hypermotard 1100 Evo and Evo SP bikes will be announced by Ducati later.

Iguana Art Car - For Sale

The Iguana Art Car is a one of a kind art car and is for sale on ebay craigslist for only $2,500. It is a 2000 Dodge Caravan (with a trailer) that has been converted into a 42 ft iguana that gets a lot of attention everywhere it goes. Really? Wow had no idea that car like that would get so much attention. It took the artist 2 months to build it, and now they want to part with it. I love it.

BMW 7 Series M Sport revealed European Auto Source

BMW has revealed its latest 7 Series model with aggressive M Sport package at 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The car is constructed with hard sports belongings Aerodynamics Package, chrome trim on both front and rear aprons, illuminated M entry trim, BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line, exclusive Carbon Black Metallic paintwork, and a 19-inch double-spoke alloy design with front and rear wheels with optimised tyres. There are also 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design, with different tire sizes front and rear in option.

California based company European Auto Source few months later revealed their version of M Sport with OEM M-sport front bumper with matte black trim, OEM BMW 21-inch wheels in matte black alloys , matte black side grilles and kidney grilles, body color door handles, body color trunk trim and a matte black rear diffuser.

Ferrari F70 successor of Enzo upcoming in 2012

Ferrari the Italian automaker will show the successor for its Enzo is F70 will be an aggregation of the latest high-tech race technology, tremendous looks and a fantastic light frame.

Ferrari F70 is based on Millechilli concept in Italian it means 1.000 kg. According to the concept, the weight of entire car is around 1000 kg which is 365 kg less than actual Enzo.

Ferrari is expected to come with a lighter version twin-turbo V8 engine having more than the Enzos 650 bhp. The 0 – 62 mph/100 km per hour sprint time is expected to be just 3 seconds and the F70 could hit a top speed of 230 mph/370 km per hour.

Ferrari uses carbon fiber monocoque chassis is a single-piece frame and traveler compartment structure made fully on light-weight material, which is used in vehicles like the McLaren MP4-12C, the Lexus LFA and the Aston Martin One-77. The car will also, no doubt, use carbon fiber body panels and brakes.

Ferrari has openly declared that it is looking at turbochargers for future models and wishes to virtually remove the problem of turbo lag before it makes production of turbocharged cars. The solution is that the Prancing Horse has looking into is the use of electric motors to temporarily get the turbos up to speed. This raises the possibility that an electric motor is a part of regenerative braking system.

The F70 is probably to go on sale in 2012 with just 399 models being built with cost approximately one million dollar.

1000mph Britain car revealed

Britain’s 1000mph car has been revealed in Bristol, which cracks the world ground speed record. Bloodhound SSC has left 10 design developments since October 2008 and the final design has now been agreed. The car’s first attempts at the record, which currently stands at 763mph, will take place on the Hakskeen Pan in Northern Cape Province of South Africa in 2011.

The car is powered by an EJ200 Eurofighter Typhoon jet engine and a 400kg hybrid rocket which is 45 cm/18 inches in diameter and, at 425 cm/14 feet long sitting below the engine. The rocket is designed to create 122 kN /27,500 lbs of thrust and EJ200 jet engine creates 90 kN/20,000 lb thrust, totally the car creates 212 kN/47,500 lb of thrust which is equal to 133,150bhp or equal to the power of around 180 Formula One cars.

The original plan is to place a small 200kg rocket above the EJ200 jet engine, but more thrust was needed to overcome the aerodynamic drag. This led to a 400kg rocket being used, which caused the car to pitch nose-down, to destabilize the vehicle. Engineers found the best compromise to be positioning the rocket below the jet engine.

The diameter of car wheels is 90cm which is made from forged aerospace-grade aluminium to withstand the g-forces required of supporting a 6.5-tonne car traveling at 1050mph.

The greatest challenge of project is to find a place suitable for the car to make its record attempt. The site needs to be 10 miles long and must have one mile of clear run-off at each end and be firm enough to support the weight of the car. Several locations, including the Bonneville Salt Flats in the US, were sounded out using Google Earth.

Hakskeen Pan is the best site which is 12-mile track across a perfectly flat dried-up lake. The record attempt is being supported by the Northern Cape Government.

FIM launch e-Power in direct competition to TTXGP

FIM is to launch its own electric race series to run in direct competition to the TTXGP eGrandPrix. FIM e-Power is in its early stages no information of the formula has yet been released but four provisional dates have been marked in 2010 to run in combination with existing events.


“The FIM, as governing body of motorcycle sport, must take into account current environmental problems. In the framework of our agreement with United Nations Environmental Programme we put in place every year initiatives aimed at making the motorcycle world aware and reminding us of our duties towards our planet. FIM e-Power International Championship will be managed by the Road Racing Commission.” said in a report by Vito Ippolito, FIM President

FIM has drawn the rug out from under the TTXGP eGrandPrix motorcycle race. The TTXGP held its inaugural race and 13 teams drew to an event endorsed by the FIM. Azhar Hussain said his organization working with the FIM, sharing technical expertise and inviting FIM to help for race.

"We are disappointed that, despite our best efforts over many months to establish a truly inclusive world series, the FIM has decided to launch one independently of TTXGP. We would like to reassure all those involved with TTXGP that our 2010 racing calendar remains unaffected and many of our leading championship teams and manufacturers have already confirmed they will race exclusively in TTXGP", said in a report by Mr.Azhar Hussain.

Got Canadian Bike Flair?

by raptortheangel.

You could never accuse this man of not having enough flair on his bike, with enough windmills to make a little on the side from PG&E. Photo was taken in Queen Alexandra, Edmonton, AB, Canada, the hat says it all.

Rolls Royce Motor Cars launched super luxury model car Ghost

Rolls Royce Motor Cars, British luxury car maker launched its latest super luxury model car, Ghost for India. The model is priced at Rs. 2.5 crores. Rolls Royce which is now a part of BMW group and it already has its model Phantom in India. Ghost is cheaper than Phantom which falls in price band of Rs. 3.5 crore and above.

The car is powered by a 6.6L twin turbo V12 petrol engine, coupled with the 8-speed ZF gearbox, which accelerates from 0-100 mph in just 4.9 seconds and has a governed top-speed of 155 mph. Peak power outputs of 563bhp / 420kW / 570PS at 5250rpm is combined with a maximum torque of 780Nm / 575lb ft at only 1500 rpm. This latest model is technologically advanced model, smaller than its forerunner and more dynamic.

The car is built on steel monococque chassis and suspension system including Dynamic Stability Control and Anti-Roll Stabilisation to create a dynamic drive and the Rolls-Royce magic carpet ride. In addition, Rolls Royce Ghost comes with an optional panorama sunroof, picnic tables, four-zone automatic air-conditioning and air recirculation, along with two 9.2-inch LCD screens.

Rolls Royce expects to sell at least 45-60 units of the model in India.

Fun and Unsafe Mad Max Mutant Vehicle at Burning Man.

by Simon Blanc.

I am not sure what this is but it has a Mad Max feel to it, on the extremely unsafe side of the spectrum. So there is no side, or rear impact protection but their is front end roll bar with a massive spare tire. Trunk space is minimal but the spare tire doubles up as a passenger seat with a fantastic view. I would say unsafe at any and all speeds with a rating of -10 but totally fun to drive around burning man, a rating of +10.

2010 Lexus GX 460 launched with new 4.6L V8

Lexus has launched the new second-generation 2010 Lexus GX 460 SUV, which features more power, efficiency and luxury than GX 470 model. The 2010 GX 460 achieves all important growth as its 10 standard airbags and accessible Pre-Collision System help enhance safety. The standard 7-passenger SUV fits between the luxury brands LX 570 and the RX models. The car has a body-on-frame construction with full-time four-wheel-drive and Lexus advanced Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System to provide dynamic on-road ride and handling and off-road capability.

The Power for new 2010 Lexus GX 460 comes from a 4.6L V8 that replaces the outgoing 4.7L V8. The new engine produces a total of 301-hp with a peak torque of 329 lb-ft. Combined fuel-economy is increased by 13 percent with an EPA-rated 15/20 mpg . Inside, the 2010 GX 460 has a roomier interior with a second row seat that slides 4.1 inches fore/aft. The foldable and reclining second row seat also has a 60/40 walk-in function to access the fold-flat third row seats. Lexus says that the new GX 460 also features a quieter cabin. The car features standard heated and ventilated front seats. The luxury options are semi-aniline leather, heated steering wheel and heated outer second-row seats. New multimedia features are both standard and optional enlarge onboard family entertainment choices.

The model of 2010 GX 460 is all-new 4.6-liter V8 engine. The new 32-valve DOHC engine features aluminum alloy cylinder heads and block with dual Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence, which powers valve timing and overlie on both intake and exhaust camshafts to increase power, fuel efficiency and emissions. Peak torque is also up for new 4.6, 329 lb.-ft. at 3,500 rpm vs. 323 lb.-ft. at 3,400 rpm for the 4.7-liter engine.



Vehicle Stability Control aids the GX 460 leaving its intended course by detecting front- and rear-wheel slide during cornering and attempting to control either condition with a combination of torque intervention and individual wheel braking. Electronic Brake-force Distribution uses the anti-lock brake system and issues proper brake force between front and rear wheels according to driving conditions and wheel load.

Brake Assist is designed to resolve if the driver is attempting emergency braking, and if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage ABS, the system supplements the applied braking power.The Supplemental Restraint System has a top standard 10 airbags, dual front and side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, second-row seat-mounted side airbags, and roll-sensing side curtain airbags covering all two or three rows. The Pre-Collision System can help reduce collision damage. Driver Attention Monitor and Lane Departure Alert are present in the 2010 GX 460.

Patchwork Art Car

by cyclist451.

I found this great looking patchwork art car on flickr today. It's painted but it sure look like a quilt of some sort.

Ford and M-Sport launched Fiesta S2000

Ford Motor Company and rally master M-Sport have launchd their latest rally car, the Fiesta S2000. The new rally car was presented by M-Sport managing director Malcolm Wilson. The royal blue-trimmed Ford Fiesta is the next winning car of the Ford production line. The rally car make its debut at the Rally of Scotland this week, the result of nine months work by the team at M-Sport, lead by technical director Christian Loriaux.

The Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car will be eligible to compete in national rally championships around the world and the IRC and S200 World Cup is due for homologation in January 2010. The rally car will make its public debut this weekend appearing as course car at the final round of the IRC series, the Rally of Scotland.



The Fiesta S2000 power comes from a 1998cc I4 Duratec S2000 engine good for 280 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of twisting torque all the while spinning to an 8,000 rpm redline. The engine is mated with an all-wheel-drive system curved up to a sequential manual transmission with an AP clutch and a 6-speed sequential gearbox. The car includes Brembo brakes and an adjustable sports suspension. Sizable Brembos are at all four corners.

World Rally Championship Matthew Wilson, son of Malcolm Wilson, has been heavily involved in testing the rally car. The car has completed nearly 3000kms of testing in UK and Europe and testing will continue into the start of the next year to competitive debut.

The Fiesta S2000 will be sold to customers competing in national and international rally championships across the globe and M-Sport expect to sell 50 within the next year.The Fiesta S2000 is second new car launched by M-Sport in this year, next to the success of Fiesta R2.

Volvo hybrid refuse truck tested in London

Volvo Trucks is launching an upgrade of worlds first hybrid refuse truck. After a year and a half of initial field testing with excellent results, an upgraded truck is now being released with new components and software. Development is very speedy, and the technology in our new test vehicle is much closer to a production-ready solution. The new refuse truck will be tested by Veolia Environmental Services in central London.

The new refuse truck is an improved version of the trucks. The new truck is known as a parallel hybrid. That is it has two separate drivelines, one for diesel and one for electricity, which can be used either separately or together. The benefit of this is each fuel type can be used where it is fuel-efficient: the electric motor at low revs and the diesel engine at high revs.

The new refuse truck has electric power steering, totally new control systems and advanced battery management strategies to optimise the performance of battery. Loading and refuse compaction are electrically motorized by plug-in compactor that is charged by main electricity grid. The battery is also new, with enhanced reliability and longer lifetime.

The initial results from all Volvo hybrid test vehicles show that the prediction of up to 30 percent less fuel and carbon dioxide emissions has been validated. The electrical power system provides high torque from start-up, low noise level and emission-free loading and refuse compaction. In terms of fuel consumption and climate impact, our calculated results are better than predicted and have achieved reduction of an incredible 35 percent. The hybrid saves us 5 250 litres of fuel compared to a traditional diesel engine.

Small-scale series production of the hybrids is scheduled to begin at 2012. This is later than Volvo had originally intended and it attributes the delay to the global financial crisis.

Swing Set Car Mod - Unsafe at Any Speed

via There, I fixed It

This fantastic Swing Set Car Budget Mod is brought to you by There, I fixed It, a very disturbing photo indeed. Its either a case of not wanting to break down the entire swing set to move it or the kids love to spice things up a bit by swinging while driving. Frankly this swing set is unsafe at any and all speeds.

2010 BMW S1000RR

The long awaited BMW S1000RR makes its debut to the world's press at Portimao circuit in Portugal. According to BMW the S1000RR makes 193bhp, 83lb/ft of torque and features four-stage ABS among other electronics systems. It is the most powerful 1000cc production motorbike on the market. It is weighing 183kg dry and 204kg fully fueled, it also has the best power-to-weight ratio. The bike will go on sale in most markets, including the US, in January.

The S1000RR is largely conventional mechanically. It creates great march in electronics, with standard ride-by-wire throttle and variable-length intake tracts, plus optional anti-lock brakes and traction control. The 4-mode variable engine mapping and a very clever traction control system that's integrated into the mind-boggling fly-by-wire engine management system. The bike is packed with some of the most sophisticated and complex technology in the motorbike world and kept out of the rider's way in the name of huge, controllable power, safety and cute handling on wet or dry roads.

The S1000RR features traction control, fly-by-wire throttle management, variable engine mapping or linked ABS braking seems woefully inadequate - BMW have integrated all these systems in a clever and rider-focused way. The Rain mode gives the rider access to a 150 horsepower, but puts grip manage and ABS on a hair-trigger.

The slick mode gives the full balance of horsepower, with the most direct and aggressive throttle response, changing the traction control to allow restricted sliding and power wheel lies for up to 5 seconds on a bend under 20 degrees before the computer starts retarding the spark and altering the fuelling to get things under control. Snatching the front brake in slick mode sends a fraction of braking power to rear wheel as well to maximise braking stability, if the rider apply the rear brake, the rear wheel circuit is switched off so a skilled biker can lock up the rear wheel and back the bike in to a corner on the racetrack.

The BMW's wonderful electronics are just a part of an overall package that seems set to deliver big-time on control, safety and giggle factor when it hits the showrooms before the end of 2009.

2010 Fiat Doblo

Fiat Doblo is the car designed to lodge up to seven people comfortably. The prior version was sold one million cars. The new car has been totally refurbished in terms of style, engines and mechanical terms. The interiors are designed to tender functionality and beautiful, warm environment with combination of colors, resources and neat.

Fiat Doblo is available in 4 power units at its launch. In that three are diesel multijet engines 90 HP, 105 HP, 135 HP and a 95 HP petrol engine. The wheel of car is 2755 mm, a spacious 790 liter baggage section, less CO2 discharge 129 g/km with 90 HP engine, the lowest in its category, typical security aspects and highly modular interiors which can be folded and skewed.

The car tenders a Start Stop device as standard, which cuts off the engine momentarily when the car is stopped to guarantee reduced fuel consumption and emissions. All parts are dynamic and tender soft torque release. These are significant for driving fulfillment, outstanding performance, with less noise, less operating costs and also for their reliability.

To ensure optimum dynamic behaviour, comfort and active safety in all road surfaces and load conditions, the vehicle has been equipped with new mechanical features. The vehicle has been designed and built to achieve the highest levels of safety, a body with wrinkle zones, front air bags, modern front side bags and the latter offer protection for both head and chest.

The vehicle also offers technical solutions and equipment that create best environment and helps to keep attention on the road during driving which include an automatic climate control system with sharing to back seats, speed control, parking sensors, a navigator and a built-in hands-free system.

Dave Hervey's Cosmic Groove Lizard Art Car

Cosmic Groove Lizard Art Car - Guitar View

Cosmic Groove Lizard Art Car - Lizard View

Cosmic Groove Lizard Art Car - Closeup Hood View


I just got this great email today from Dave Harvey who created the Cosmic Groove Lizard Art Car as a result of reading Harrod Blanks book on Art Cars. He is also a musician, puppet maker and painter of guitars furniture and now a very beautiful and amazing art car. The copy below is his bio taken directly from his web site and be sure to go check out his web site for a peek at his other works of art.

Hello- David Hervey here. I am a painter and musician from Wilmington, NC. I grew up at the beach and have enjoyed art and music since a young age. I started my painting career shortly after graduating from ECU in the spring of 1997. My main media interests are in acrylic painting as well as mask and puppet making. Recently, I have started custom painting guitars to get a true one-of-a-kind instrument look. I draw my inspiration from God my creator, and from my awesome friends and family. I love to spark feelings of happiness in my paintings, though serious subject matter is often portrayed as well. Both realism and abstraction are captured in my works as I feel it helps to keep me balanced and never bored with my projects. I strive for my work to exhibit vibrancy, though not necessarily perfect realism. I enjoy impressionistic realism because it captures life’s beauty in an original, energetic way. People (specifically faces) are often expressed in my paintings and masks. I find humans to be very interesting subject matter. I consider harmony and balance to be very important in art and life in general. This makes life sweet and continually interesting… Until we meet again, may your journey be blessed… David Hervey Artist/Musician

Dave Hervey Puppet and Painting

Twinkle Twinkle Little Art Car - Happy Fridays:)

I woke up this morning and glitter was on my mind so I remembered that Twinkle Twinkle Little Car was sent in by Nicole Strine some time ago and decided it was time to put her up on Art Car Central. This Honda Civic, I think, and is covered in thousands of cut up CD's donated by a few software companies in Texas. Nicole and her Husband spent about 6 years working on the car and unfortunately this beauty is not longer with us. After it was vandalized they scraped all the CD's off the car and some time later was broadsided at an intersection. May she put a twinkle in your eye today and may she live forever here on Art Car Central.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Art Car Covered in CD's

15 of the Worlds Sexiest Garbage Art Trucks

The world of "waste management disposal" has been for a very long time lacking in "aesthetics", but things are turning around. I was fortunate enough to find 15 of the worlds sexiest Garbage Art Trucks mostly here in the states but a few rising stars in foreign lands. Are we headed to the worlds first Garbage Art Truck Pageant? I am not sure yet, but we are headed in the right direction. So it is my honor to present this years 15 of the Worlds Sexiest Garbage Art Trucks Contestants.

1) Miss Graffiti Garbage Art Truck

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2) Miss Santa's Garbage Truck

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3) Miss Pink Garbage Art Truck

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4) Miss Kyoto Garbage Art Truck

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5) Miss Lotus Flower Garbage Art Truck - Balese

by AnnieGreenSprings

6) Miss Patchwork Garbage Art Truck -Africa



7) Miss Tribal Garbage Art Truck - Philadelphia

via

8) Miss Peacock Garbage Art Truck - Philadelphia

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9) Miss Kindergarden Garbage Art Truck

by Jesus H. Shatner

10) Miss City of Metal Garbage Art Truck - New York

by Joseph D’Alessandro

11) Miss Broken Egg Shell Garbage Art Truck - New York

by Chuck Davidson

12) Miss Public Works Garbage Art Truck - New York

by Nicoletta Barolin

13) Miss Clean Water Garbage Art Truck - New York

by Joy Taylor

14) Miss Environmental Awareness Garbage Art Truck - New York

by Patricia Villate

15) Miss Yonkers Chomper Garbage Art Truck - New York

by Tom Duncan

I just found Miss Flowery Iraqi Garbage Art Truck moments ago.

via