Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is a four-engine heavy bomber aircraft developed in the 1930s for the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC). Competing against Douglas and Martin for a contract to build 200 bombers, the Boeing entry outperformed both competitors and more than met the Air Corps' expectations. Although Boeing lost the contract because the prototype crashed, the Air Corps was so impressed with Boeing's design that they ordered 13 more B-17s for further evaluation. From its introduction in 1938, the B-17 Flying Fortress evolved through numerous design advances.

The B-17 was primarily employed by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in the daylight precision strategic bombing campaign of World War II against German industrial and military targets. The United States Eighth Air Force based at many airfields in southern England, such as Thorpe Abbotts airfield and the Fifteenth Air Force based in Italy - with many units stationed at the existing bases surrounding Foggia - complemented the RAF Bomber Command's nighttime area bombing in Operation Pointblank to help secure air superiority over the cities, factories and battlefields of Western Europe in preparation for Operation Overlord. The B-17 also participated to a lesser extent in the War in the Pacific where it conducted raids against Japanese shipping and airfields.

[Continue reading...]

Mercedes Ener-G-Force

Is it possible that the Mercedes-Benz G-Class will still be around in 2025? A cool design study from Mercedes-Benz demonstrates how the genes of the classic off-roader from 1979 may still assert themselves far into the future. It is based on the concept of a future police car developed for the Los Angeles Design Challenge.

The Los Angeles Design Challenge 2012 looks far ahead with a quest for the "Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025". Law enforcement will have to prepare for even more crowded roads with electronically monitored and guided traffic, a much larger population and changes in human behavior. People will still feel young and active even later in life. Outdoor activities will dominate leisure, as will the desire for freedom and adventure. The new times will also call for new police vehicles. They must be able to reach any place conceivable quickly and reliably - even far away from any pavement. And they must do so in an exceptionally environmentally friendly way using alternative energy sources. Enhanced green-car characteristics and off-road capabilities will be among the fundamental virtues of a police car in 2025.

As an environmentally friendly SUV, the Ener-G-Force, which Mercedes-Benz is presenting in Los Angeles as a design study, meets these requirements and would be fully capable of supporting police and emergency services in every corner of the world. Gorden Wagener, Director of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars: "The Ener-G-Force is the vision of an off-roader that, while reflecting tomorrow's adventures, also invokes the genes of the Mercedes-Benz off-road icon, the G-Class. Modern and cool, it could also be a clue about a new beginning for the off-road design idiom of Mercedes-Benz". The small glass areas make the police vehicle a safe cocoon for law enforcement officers who are faced with many dangers. Emergency lights integrated into the roof are impossible to ignore; the striking front leaves no doubt as to the commanding presence of the police, and the gigantic wheels guarantee the right-of-way even where no way exists.

[Continue reading...]

Czeers MK1

The Czeers MK1 is an electric powered speed boat created by the Dutch company Czeers Solarboats. Czeers Solarboats was formed from the race winning Technological University Delft solar boat team. Team leaders Nils Beers and David Czap started Czeers (pronounced cheers) using the experience gained in construction of the race boat. After selling a replica of the race boat, and spurred on by the positive reaction and belief in sustainable energy, Czeers decided to build a more upmarket watercraft.

During the design phase of the Czeers MK1 there were several key requirements. Solar power, high-performance, and stunning looks were essential. The construction was undertaken by Lightweight Structures who formed the hull from carbon-fibre.

Powering the Czeers MK1 is a semi-custom electrical motor which weighs less than 80kgs (176 lbs). The battery pack is also specially designed for the boat. To keep the batteries topped up, the Czeers MK1 employs unique solar panels developed by Tendris. These are mounted flush into the deck and provide a higher output than comparable panels. The resulting 107 horsepower gives the Czeers MK1 a top speed of 30 knots (55 km/h). 

Because of the luxury nature of the Czeers MK1 the trimmings and interior elements are of the highest quality. The leather seats and sunbeds are made by Perida. While the dash mounted touch-screen panel controls all important information about the batteries and solar cells, as well as navigation, audio and lighting controls.

Year (of Specifications)	2008
Engine(s)	Electric motor
Horsepower (max)	107 hp
Weight	900 kg / 1,984 lbs
Length	10 m / 32.8 ft
Beam	2.7 m / 8.8 ft

[Continue reading...]

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" was an advanced, long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft. It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by Lockheed and Skunk Works. Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for many of the design's innovative concepts. During reconnaissance missions the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats. If a surface-to-air missile launch was detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outfly the missile.

The SR-71 served with the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1998. Of the 32 aircraft built, 12 were lost in accidents, though none to enemy action.The SR-71 has been given several nicknames, including Blackbird and Habu, the latter in reference to an Okinawan species of pit viper. Since 1976, it has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, a record previously held by the YF-12.

General characteristics:

•  Crew: 2 (Pilot and Reconnaissance Systems Officer)
•  Payload: 3,500 lb (1,600 kg) of sensors
• Length: 107 ft 5 in (32.74 m)
•  Wingspan: 55 ft 7 in (16.94 m)
• Height: 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m)
• Wing area: 1,800 ft2 (170 m2)
• Empty weight: 67,500 lb (30,600 kg)
• Loaded weight: 152,000 lb (69,000 kg)
• Max. takeoff weight: 172,000 lb (78,000 kg)Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney J58-1 continuous-bleed afterburning turbojets, 34,000 lbf (151 kN) each
• Wheel track: 16 ft 8 in (5.08 m)
• Wheelbase: 37 ft 10 in (11.53 m)
• Aspect ratio: 1.7

Performance

•     Maximum speed: Mach 3.3 (2,200+ mph, 3,530+ km/h, 1,900+ knots) at 80,000 ft (24,000 m)
•     Range: 2,900 nmi (5,400 km)
•     Ferry range: 3,200 nmi (5,925 km)
•     Service ceiling: 85,000 ft (25,900 m)
•     Rate of climb: 11,810 ft/min (60 m/s)
•     Wing loading: 84 lb/ft (410 kg/m²)
•     Thrust/weight: 0.44

 

[Continue reading...]

Lotus Exige Extrema by Composite Worx

 Composite Worx is an Italian car company working on this interesting Lotus Exige-based Extrema.

Located in Bergamo, Composite Worx is an unknown name in the car industry but this might change after seeing their Lotus Extrema project. It's based on the Exige and comes with a Chevrolet Corvette-sourced LS9 V8 engine producing 649 hp (484 kW).

With a curb weight of just 970 kg (2138 lbs), the Extrema is able to run the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in only 2.9 seconds and needs 7 seconds from 0 to 100 mph (161 km/h) on its way to a top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h). That low curb weight was possible thanks to the vehicle's carbon fiber body and SP-1 twin skin full carbon seats.

[Continue reading...]

Lexus IS-F Sport

 Lexus unveiled the all-new 2014 IS sedan at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. Lexus IS will be available in rear- and all-wheel drive versions of the IS 250 and IS 350, a further evolution of F SPORT available across the entire model range, and for Europe, Japan, and select international markets, the IS 300h, the first IS to feature Lexus Hybrid Drive.

Driving performance isakey selling point in the sport sedan segment. In conjunction with a bold new design including the Lexus spindle grille, the all-new Lexus IS has been painstakingly engineered to have excellent dynamic capabilities to provide an exceptionaldriving experience.

"I adopted an entirely different approach to the development of the all-new IS," said Junichi Furuyama, IS chief engineer. "Specifically, it was to make an entertaining driving experience a major premise behind all aspects of performance.

[Continue reading...]

Jeep Wrangler Moab Limited Edition

 To kick off the 2013 model year, Jeep Wrangler debuts a limited-edition model named after one of the most popular off-road destinations in the world – Moab, Utah – home of the annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari. The Jeep Wrangler Moab is based on the premium Sahara model and is equipped with hardware that off-roading enthusiasts desire.

Off-road modifications to the Wrangler Sahara model to create the Moab edition include 17-inch Rubicon alloy wheels painted gloss black and wearing new 245/75R17 Goodyear Silent Armor off-road tires with Kevlar reinforcement, a standard Trac-Lok anti-spin rear differential with an available electronic rear locking differential, winch-ready steel bumpers and premium rock rails. When equipped with a manual transmission and a 3.73 rear axle ratio, Wrangler Moab has a crawl ratio of 45:1.

Other unique exterior features on the Wrangler Moab include a unique Mopar power dome hood, black fuel filler door and tail lamp guards. Also included are Wrangler’s new-for-2013 premium soft top, black wheel arches, matte black Jeep grille badge and “Moab” decals on the hood. A body-color three-piece hard top is optional.

Interior modifications include black or saddle premium leather seating with black stitching on the newly-designed 2013 Wrangler seats, “Moab” embossed instrument panel grab handle, Mopar slush mats and Iron Gray trim on the vent rings, grab handles and steering wheel spokes.

The Jeep Wrangler Moab is available as a two-door Wrangler or four-door Wrangler Unlimited model and is offered in Crush, Dozer, Rock Lobster, Gecko, Black and Bright White exterior colors.

[Continue reading...]

Nissan Extrem

The vibrancy, color and excitement of Brazil has been captured in Nissan Extrem Concept, a radical concept car aimed squarely at young (and young-at-heart) car enthusiasts keen to make a statement on the roads.

Nissan Extrem Concept has been created especially for Brazil. It has been designed for and built in the country and has its world debut at the 2012 Sao Paulo International Motor Show

"Brazil is a country of great natural beauty and it has a passionate, rich culture. But this is not always reflected in the cars on its streets, especially the more affordable locally produced vehicles which tend to be conservative in design, color and specification," said Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer.

"Extrem, with a dynamic, high-character design, is far from conservative. It was created to appeal to the country's growing band of city-based young professionals who are passionate about design and want to make a personal statement. The lightweight two-door 2+2, has a dynamic stance, fresh surfacing, and a clear rugged ability to tackle the urban jungle everyday," he added.

[Continue reading...]

Ferrari F12berlinetta

The Ferrari F12berlinetta has arrived! The first vehicles have just been delivered to their
proud owners and already NOVITEC ROSSO, the world’s leading tuner for the powerhouses
from Maranello, ignites the first tuning stage: The V12 Coupe receives a power upgrade to
561.5 kW / 763 hp, giving it a new top speed of more than 345 km/h. The car’s appearance
and handling are further improved with NOVITEC ROSSO sport springs and high-tech forged
wheels with diameters of up to 22 inches. Exclusive interior appointments round out the product
line-up for the two-seater.

Performance optimization and an even sportier exhaust note at the push of a button. The first performance
package for the 6.3-liter V12 of the F12berlinetta leaves the inner workings of the engine untouched. Newly
calibrated mapping for injection and ignition boost peak power output from standard 545 kW / 740 hp to 561.5
kW / 763 hp at 8,500 rpm. Peak torque grows to 703 Nm at 6,300 rpm.

[Continue reading...]

Russian su-47

The Sukhoi Su-47 Berkut (NATO reporting name Firkin), also designated S-32 and S-37 (not to be confused with the twin-engined delta canard design offered by Sukhoi in the early 1990s under the designation Su-37) during initial development, was an experimental supersonic jet fighter developed by Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. A distinguishing feature of the aircraft was its forward-swept wing that gave the aircraft excellent agility and maneuverability. While serial production of the type never materialized, the sole aircraft produced served as a technology demonstrator prototype for a number of advanced technologies later used in the 4.5 generation fighter SU-35BM and current fifth-generation jet fighter prototype Sukhoi PAK FA.

[Continue reading...]

Aston Martin Rapide S

he stunning new Aston Martin Rapide S is making its debut with yet more luxury and yet more power on offer in its quintessentially elegant four-door silhouette.

The iconic British car maker's new luxury GT has been sympathetically redesigned and painstakingly re-engineered to reassert its position as the world's most beautiful, and beautifully balanced, four-seat sports car.

Aside from the extensive design and engineering improvements, the luxurious new Aston Martin Rapide S - which replaces the outgoing Rapide in markets worldwide - is now even more refined thanks to a range of additions to the four-seater's sumptuous interior.

[Continue reading...]

Lamborghini x BMC – Limited Edition Bicycle

The latest bike-car collaboration is to come from Italian super car marque Lamborghini and BMC of Switzerland. Known as the BMC Impec Automobili Lamborghini Edition, the all carbon-fiber road bike is a premium derivative of BMC Impec bikes. It also shares design traits with the model rode by cyclist Cadel Evans to his win at last year’s Tour de France. To feature accents in Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4′s “Argos Orange”, the BMC Impec Automobili Lamborghini Edition will also include suede-cover handlebar and saddle, all crafted by Lamborghini artisans. Along with the luxurious trim, the bike will be quip with SRAM Red and Shinano DuraAce Di2 electronic group set, 60mm MAVIC Cosmic aero wheels, and Lamborghini’s “House of Raging Bull” emblem at the front. Similar to another 2-wheel exotic, the Specialized S-Works + McLaren Venge, price for the BMC Impec Automobili Lamborghini Edition is set around EU€ 20,000, or US $35,000, only 30 will be made by BMC. Currently available for order at Lamborghini dealerships and BMC retail locations around the globe. via: Sneaker Freaker//The Age

[Continue reading...]

Alfa Romeo

 To mark its 80th anniversary, Pininfarina proposes an “open” Alfa Romeo that is exciting and a delight to drive

For those who still like to dream in a car. For those looking for a mixture of vanity, entertainment, and the pleasure of life in the open air. For those who love icons as the greatest expression of the age we live in. For those who want their cars to be an uncommon sensory experience in terms of both style and driving, without being obsessed by performance. For those who want to be excited by a dynamic, sporty car that transmits the exclusiveness and refinement typical of an Alfa Romeo spider designed by Pininfarina.

[Continue reading...]

Acura NSX

 The dynamically-styled Acura NSX Concept gives an indication of the next great performance vehicle from the Acura brand. Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V6 engine, the Acura NSX Concept employs several new technologies for Acura, including application of Acura's innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) hybrid system.

Utilizing an unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the all-new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. Acura anticipates the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems. In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, a powerful next-generation VTEC® V-6 engine with direct-injection works in concert with a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency.

[Continue reading...]

Ariel Atom V8

The Atom V8 is here! After three years of development the latest version of the iconic Ariel Atom is released. Offering a power to weight ratio previously only found in single seat race cars the Atom V8 brings unparalleled levels of performance to the driver who wants the ultimate trackday car. Described as the ‘Savile Row of the Automotive World’ Ariel are taking the handmade and exclusive nature of the ultra high performance Atom to another level.

To be built in a Limited Edition of just 25 cars the Atom V8 builds on the success of the normally aspirated and supercharged Honda engined cars, which continue in production alongside the V8. Every car and engine will be individually numbered and the Atom V8 will be built to suit individual customer requirements as regards specific use, whether road, track or race. The ultra low volume nature of Ariel’s production means that the very personal relationship between them and their customers allows for a completely tailor made car.

[Continue reading...]

Acura MDX

The 2014 Acura MDX Prototype made its world debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, offering a strong indication of the styling and design direction for the third generation of the popular, 7-passenger Acura MDX performance luxury SUV, launching by mid-2013 in both all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive layouts.

"Our goal is to advance on MDX's already great dynamic performance while improving fuel economy and luxury comfort," said Mike Accavitti, vice president of national marketing operations. "Building on the great momentum we established in 2012 with the launch this year of our flagship RLX, followed later this year by a terrific new luxury SUV in MDX we are very excited about the direction of the Acura brand. And we are truly looking forward to a great 2013.

[Continue reading...]