Three electric motors are located in
the rear compartment of the Rinspeed “sQuba”. One provides propulsion on land,
the other two drive the screws for underwater motoring. Image Credit:
Rinspeed

That’s right, a “green” car that can go into and tool
around in the blue!

The “sQuba” by Rinspeed, is to be introduced to the
world at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show (March 6th - 16th, 2008) in Geneva,
Switzerland. With this introduction comes the first, ever, car that can actually
fly under water.

You drive the car into the water and
the car floats. That is, until you crack the door to let the water in.
Immediately the “sQuba” starts on his way to the underwater world. The
occupants’ breathing air comes from an integrated tank of compressed air that
divers know from scuba diving. Image Credit: Rinspeed

Growing up,
we all remember going to the movies to watch James Bond take off from a pier,
into the water in order to investigate the hijacking of submarines carrying
nuclear warheads, in “The Spy Who Loved Me.” Problem was is that this concept
car in the 1977 film never existed … movie tricks!

With the introduction
of the Rinspeed “sQuba,” the world’s first real submersible car, the movie
fakery now becomes reality.

This excerpted from the Rinspeed website
-

Thirty years after the movie thriller
‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ hit the silver screen “sQuba” is the first car that can
actually ‘fly’ under water.

“Dive it again,
James!” If the situation gets too hot for the secret agent he’ll go underground
- or under water. So demonstrated impressively by Roger Moore in ‘The Spy Who
Loved Me” in 1977 when he dove below the waves in a sleek vehicle that moments
before seemed to be an ordinary car.
—-
The scene never really took
place; it was an animation.
—-
Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht (52)
is known for his extraordinary automotive creations. The acknowledged James Bond
enthusiast and Swiss automobile visionary kept revisiting this scene in his mind
over and over: “For three decades I have tried to imagine how it might be
possible to build a car that can fly under water. Now we have made this dream
come true.”

Levers help to steer the “sQuba” when
it is underway, underwater. Image Credit: Rinspeed

And it is
this submerged stabile flight at a depth of 10 meters that sets the “sQuba”
apart from military vehicles. While the latter can go under water, they are
limited to driving slowly over the submerged ground. Rinderknecht: “It is
undoubtedly not an easy task to make a car watertight and pressure resistant
enough to be maneuverable under water. The real challenge however was to create
a submersible car that moves like a fish in water.”

It also had to be a
sports car that was converted into a diving dream in the facilities of Swiss
engineering specialist Esoro.

In a first step the combustion engine was
removed and replaced by several electric motors. Three motors are located in the
rear. One provides propulsion on land, the other two drive the screws for
underwater motoring. They are supported by two powerful Seabob jet drives in the
front, which ‘breathe’ through special rotating louvers from HS Genion (for
opening and closing the water intake). The rotating outlet jets were designed to
be extremely light yet twist resistant by using high-tech nano materials,
so-called Carbon Nano Tubes.

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Some of us only afford a family car all our life. But this guy here is special. He doesn’t settle for just one sport car or two, he gets an entire garage. The guy has an impressive collection of 12 sport and unique cars. An estimative cost of his collection is about $3 million dollars. We couldn’t find his address, take a look at the pictures and you’ll see why he doesn’t want all the publicity

(more…)

Honda will position its edgy CR-Z to better compete with hybrid sales leader Toyota.  Hybrids don’t have to sacrifice looks to be environmentally friendly — they can be muscular and stylish, too. That’s the message Honda hopes to send at this month’s Tokyo auto show with its new gas-electric hybrid sports car, the CR-Z.“This is something rivals can’t offer”, Tetsuji Morikawa, a Honda engineer, said of the CR-Z, whose sales date is promised for the “near future”.

The vehicle has maintained “the essence of the sports car” while still delivering good mileage and less pollution, he said. Hybrid vehicles tend to be bulkier than sleek sports cars because of the size and complexity of the hybrid systems, which include a battery, electric motor, engine, converter and other parts. They’re usually not known for their speed, acceleration and handling.

The CR-Z comes with a new hybrid system developed by Honda whose breakthroughs allowed designers to get around such size restrictions to achieve its lean, cutting-edge look, said Morikawa. He declined to give details about the hybrid system and the vehicle.

The model will be on display at the biannual Tokyo Motor Show, which opens to the public Oct. 27 in the Tokyo suburb of Chiba.  Japan’s No. 2 automaker already sells the Civic Hybrid, but discontinued the Accord Hybrid and hybrid Insight. It has promised a new hybrid in 2009.

Interest in hybrids is high among the world’s automakers amid concerns about global warming and rising oil prices. Japanese rival Toyota has emerged as the leader in the technology, having sold more than a million hybrids globally over the last decade.

Tokyo-based Honda, which has sold about 220,000 hybrids worldwide so far, is eager to make its stamp by showing how its reputation for sporty cars will also work for hybrids.

The 2007 Elise is a 2-door, 2-passenger convertible sports car, available in one trim only, the Convertible.Upon introduction, the Elise is equipped with a standard 1.8-liter, I4, 190-horsepower engine that achieves 24-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2007 Elise is a carryover from 2006.

Key Standard Features:

• Alpine(R) AM/FM Radio With 180-Watts and 4 Speakers Total; CD Player
• 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
• Driver Airbag

Standard Features: Mechanical Features

Transmission

• 6-Speed Manual Transmission With Overdrive and Floor Mounted Shifter

Steering

• Power Rack and Pinion Steering

Suspension

• Independent Double Wishbone Front Suspension With Eibach Coil Springs and Bilstein(R) Gas Charged Shock Absorbers
• Independent Double Wishbone Rear Suspension With Eibach Coil Springs and Bilstein(R) Gas Charged Shock Absorbers
• Front Stabilizer Bar

Electrical

• Drive-By-Wire Control For Throttle
• Battery
• Audio Pre-Wiring

Standard Features: Safety & Security

Safety

• Driver Airbag
• Passenger Airbag
• Crumple Zones
• Front Outboard 3-Point Seatbelts
• Front Pretensioners
• Side Guard Door Beams

Anti-Theft & Locks

• Power Door Locks
• Vehicle Anti-Theft Via Alarm and Engine Immobilizer
• Wheel Locks

Remote Controls & Remote Releases

• Keyless Entry Operated Via Key Fob
• Multi-Function Remote Operates Anti-Theft and Door Lock/Unlock

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition has all the attributes of a thoroughbred racing car. Refined in numerous respects, this super sports car has more output, a tailor-made suspension configuration and a decidedly sporty interior. Sale of the SLR 722 Edition in the U.S. has not been confirmed.

Continuing the Tradition
The new model variant SLR 722 Edition is a homage by Mercedes-Benz to the unforgettable victory won by the British racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722 (indicating a start time of 7.22 a.m.) at the Mille Miglia in 1955. With an output of 650 bhp and a corresponding performance, the new super sports car, which goes on sale on July 11, 2006, will not only make the hearts of car enthusiasts beat faster.

The supercharged 5.5-liter V8 engine in the 722 Edition, which is hand-built in the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach, generates 650 bhp. The particular strengths of this high-performance engine are immediate response to movements of the accelerator, highly emphatic torque build-up and an unmistakable V8 sound. The performance figures are outstanding even for a high-end sports car: the 722 Edition accelerates from standstill to 62 mph in only 3.6 seconds, and 124 mph is reached in just 10.2 seconds. The top speed (209 mph) is above the 207 mph previously achieved by the SLR.

Handling characteristics worthy of the racetrack are also provided by the sophisticated suspension, with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a stiffer damper configuration and 0.4 inches lower body. Larger brake discs with a diameter of 390 mm ensure excellent braking performance, Fast cars , wheels and tires .

Discreet visual modifications mark the Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition out as special, in line with the wishes of the enthusiastic gentleman drivers and wealthy sports car collectors who make up the core target group. The modified front spoiler with an air splitter, as well as the rear diffuser, improve both the aerodynamics and contact pressure at high speeds, and reflect the transfer of cutting-edge technology from motor racing. At the same time, the use of clear-lacquered carbon as an extremely strong yet lightweight material symbolizes the practicality of these technical features. Bucket-type sports seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara provide outstanding lateral support, while the grippier racing steering wheel with a hunting-leather lining, gearshift paddles and black carbon highlights lend a thoroughbred racing touch to the interior.

Exclusive “SLR. Club” for SLR owners
Before the sales release date, customers and selected guests will have the advance opportunity to appraise the new SLR 722 Edition. This is to mark the foundation of the worldwide “SLR. Club” at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, southern France. As an ultra-exclusive community of which SLR customers automatically become members, the “SLR Club” provides an attractive platform for outstanding events related to the SLR, as well as numerous other benefits. Another exciting feature is the club’s SLR Safety & Speed Academy, which offers special driver training courses and seminars. David Coulthard, Jochen Mass, Klaus Ludwig, Chris Goodwin and Christina Surer are among the highly skilled and well-known instructors.

Base Price: 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition - 646,840€

Via [rsportscars]

Specialty automobile manufacturer, Saleen, expands its product lineup and celebrates legendary racecar driver, Parnelli Jones, by announcing the Saleen Mustang Parnelli Jones Limited Edition.

Steve Saleen, President & CEO of Saleen, said, “Parnelli Jones is an American racing icon. In the fifties, sixties, and seventies Parnelli won just about every race that he appeared in, including the Indy 500. 1970 was the year that the SCCA Trans Am Series boasted the most competitive field ever, and Parnelli Jones and his Boss 302 Mustang competed against the likes of Mark Donahue and Dan Gurney, and there he captured the championship.

Our relationship began in 1987 when Parnelli raced for me on the Saleen team, and helped us win our first SCCA Manufacturer’s Championship at Sebring, Florida. I can’t think of any other individual that brings with him the unique connection between championship winning Mustangs and Saleen.”

Parnelli Jones commented, “It’s a true honor to have a special edition Saleen wearing my name. This impressive car takes me back in time – it makes me want to take it for a run around the track. I’m sure that this car will be an adrenaline-pumping experience for anyone who has the chance to own or drive one. I think that this car is going to evoke nostalgia not only for Steve Saleen and myself, but for everyone that lays their eyes on it.”

The Engine
In 1970, spectators wore bell bottom pants and mood rings and watched Parnelli in his Grabber Orange Boss 302 Mustang with black striped hood, cross the finish line to take numerous checkered flags and overall championship.

Today’s Saleen Mustang Parnelli Jones Limited Edition reflects the same authentic vintage attitude but comes complete with a new Saleen 302 cid V-8, 3-valve engine. This engine produces a whopping 370 horsepower at 6000 RPM, and with 370 ft-lb of torque at 4000 RPM.

The high compression engine transforms a normal drive into an exciting thrill ride. Awakening the senses, the new Saleen engine is equipped with a high compression, high revving valve train, utilizing forged pistons, rods, and crankshaft and a lightweight, aluminum flywheel. Top performance calibrations are thanks to Saleen’s PowerFlash technology.

Also included in this Limited Edition are new Saleen 302 valve covers. Completing the authenticity and providing additional high performance capabilities is the new exhaust system that provides a low- resonating sound that is a legacy of Saleen.

Exterior Design
The new Saleen / Parnelli Jones Limited Edition comes in one color, Grabber Orange. Period correct details include a black striped “shaker” hood, race-style hood pins, black trunk deck, and 302 side stripes.

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Designed to reflect speed and beauty with exquisite flowing lines, the Farbio GTS brings to reality the merger of a road car with a racing pedigree. The latest technological advances are encompassed with dynamic styling and superb road holding. The stunning Sports Car has a full carbon fibre body, space framed chassis, complete flat underfloor (incorporating a rear diffuser), giving the GTS an exceptional aerodynamic grip level. It has an understated elegance combined with style, giving a truly refined sports car with outstanding performance.

GTS customers will be able to tour in comfort with the spacious, ergonomic interior, with fully adjustable Sparco reclining seats allowing for a 6’6” driver. The controls have an easy accessibility with the touch-screen featuring satellite navigation, air conditioning and sound system as standard. Long distance touring is made easier due to the 76 litre fuel tank and 220 litre boot capacity, which can incorporate a full size set of golf clubs or luggage.

The route followed when developing the Farbio range was clearly defined: a powerful engine, high-tech space framed steel chassis and carbon fibre body, race inspired seating, racing brakes, advanced aerodynamics incorporating a flat underfloor with rear diffuser, all these ingredients combined with a beautifully styled body. With the addition of an exceptionally spacious and refined interior, excellent all round visibility… you have the breathtaking Farbio GTS.

Supercharged Power
The supercharged Farbio GTS comprises of a bespoke induction and exhaust system and along with a specially mapped ECU it can produce an exhilarating 384bhp. This combined with the lightweight full carbon fibre body shell delivers powerful acceleration. The Farbio GTS also incorporates a flat floor the full length of the car, joining the front splitter and rear diffuser, which provides exceptional downforce giving excellent handling qualities.

Via [fast-autos]

Celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the original Shelby Cobra GT500KR, Ford and Shelby collaborate on a new ‘King of the Road’ Mustang with the 2008 Shelby GT500KR. Ford Shelby GT500KR features an estimated 540-hp 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack, 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, short-throw shifter, and unique suspension tuning. Exterior design draws inspiration from the classic Shelby KR Mustangs and features unique carbon composite hood, wheels, and special 40th Anniversary badging and unique striping.

Crowning the New “King of the Road”
Gary Davis, vice president of production and product development for Shelby Automobiles, played a key role in defining the look of the custom designed carbon composite hood for the GT500KR. His knowledge of the original GT500KR helped sculpt a modern interpretation of the original’s bulging hood scoop, a visual indication of the extra horsepower packed beneath it. The hood is secured by a pair of stainless steel, twist-down hood pins. The composite front valance houses a pair of chrome-trimmed, functional brake ducts to cool the large 14-inch, vented Brembo front brakes.

Side stripes are true to the original KR right down to the font used for the ‘GT500KR’ lettering, while the classic LeMans-style striping that races down the center of the car has been deleted between the leading forward edge of the hood scoops and the front of the hood, accenting the scoops and giving the KR its distinctive face. “That was Shelby’s idea,” said Gaffka. “It’s a special touch that adds some down-the-road differentiation. There will be no doubt that it’s a ‘King of the Road’ Mustang that’s filling up your rearview mirrors.”

The show car wears exclusive, Shelby-designed 20-inch, forged, polished aluminum wheels with special custom center caps, mounted on Pirelli rubber. Production models will arrive with an 18-inch version of the design.

Each KR model is identified by special 40th Anniversary KR badges on the fenders and grille, distinctive body colored mirror caps and Shelby lettering stretching across the front of the hood and along the rear portion of the deck lid. A special Shelby VIN tag is affixed to each vehicle, mounted in the engine compartment.

The all-leather interior features Carroll Shelby signature embroidered headrests and an official Shelby CSM 40th Anniversary GT500KR dash plate mounted at the top of the center stack.

The KR’s 5.4-liter V-8 Gets the Royal Treatment
Just like its namesake, the 2008 ‘King of the Road’ packs a walloping dose of Ford performance power under its massive composite hood scoops. The Ford SVT-engineered 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 is treated to a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that boosts horsepower to an estimated 540 and torque to 510 lb-ft, thanks to revised ignition and throttle calibration and a cold air intake system that replaces the stock unit.

Calibration modifications include advancing the ignition timing as well as re-mapping of the electronic throttle settings to provide quicker throttle response for better off-line and mid-range acceleration. Increased throttle response will be met with a sharper roar from the Ford Racing-inspired exhaust system.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission and 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, upgraded from the standard GT500’s 3.31:1. Gear selection is courtesy of an all-new Ford Racing short-throw shifter making its debut on the KR. Topped with a white ball, the new shifter is 25 percent shorter than the unit on the GT500 providing for crisper, sharper shifts.

Ford SVT, Ford Racing and Team Shelby worked together to develop the KR’s suspension tuning. Based on initial work by Ford Racing and the team at Shelby, often at Shelby’s own facility on the grounds of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Ford SVT chassis engineers will apply fine tuning techniques to prepare it for the streets.

The Shelby GT500KR will be produced in an exclusive run of 1000 units and will begin arriving in Ford dealers in the spring of 2008.

Via [rsportscars]