prototype: 
General Motors demonstrated its progress on developing a future advanced engine technology for consumers that squeezes more miles per gallon of gas and reduces emissions. GM engineers have brought the advanced combustion technology from the laboratory to the test track and, now, to the highway in a driveable concept vehicle - a Saturn Aura equipped with homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI).
GM demonstrated its latest progress with the HCCI technology during a media test-drive program in the Washington, D.C. and the New York City areas. Journalists drove the HCCI-enabled Aura concept on public roads to get a real-world feel for the efficient and low-emissions engine. HCCI provides up to a 15-percent fuel savings when combined with several additional advanced technologies, while meeting current emissions standards.
The Saturn Aura concept vehicle is capable of operating in HCCI mode during idle, in addition to highway driving. The HCCI operation at idle represents a significant technological advance that GM engineers believe could be the first for the industry. The breakthrough enables a wider range of HCCI operation, extending the efficiency-enhancing benefit of the technology.
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Real or not, this M1 Prototype looks amazing, and we only hope that BMW will built it in the near future, or that the production version will look at list as hot as this one! Only few days after the launch of the M1 Hommage Concept, FreshTarmac claims the thing you see in the picture is the 2008 BMW M1 Prototype. It looks like its sitting on a stretched chassis of the current BMW M3 incorporating various parts including the front fascia and the hood.
It’s for sale, in Brussels, Belgium. Though AutoBlog reports that the car was originally designed to the specifications of Luigi Chinetti, at one time Ferrari’s importer to the United States, it actually has a more interesting history.
In fact, this car was something of a joint project of General Motors and Chinetti, originally envisioned as a super-luxury vehicle that could compete with expensive grand touring vehicles being imported into the United States. The project started in 1968, with GM providing the powertrain, Chinetti the engineering, and Zagato assigned to provide the bodywork. In the following year, however, GM pulled out of the project due to delays in meeting project deadlines. (more after jump) >> read 
Though it was wearing black padding over the rear quarter panels, trunk, rear bumper and fascia, it was clearly a production version of the Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept premiered to rave reviews at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year.
Visually, the production car carries over the center-mounted split rear exhaust from the concept car, as well as the skeg line along the lower part of the car, at the bottom of the doors and on the rocker panel area. The car also appears to wear rear parking sensors and have the same sharply slanted roofline of the concept car. So, at least from what can be seen, it appears that Cadillac is being true to the concept car in the production version. General Motors hasn’t hinted at a production timetable. But, the original CTS sedan premiered as a concept car at the NAIAS the year prior to introduction of the production version. If Cadillac follows a similar timetable for the coupe, it will be a 2009 model. 
At the Geneva Motor Show Mitsubishi will unveil the Lancer Prototype S, the prototype version of the Lancer hatchback, a model specially designed for the European market. Until next week, here are the first official images of the prototype. It will come to compete with Ford Focus ST, Mazda3 MPS and Opel Astra OPC.
The Lancer Prototype S will be powered by the same engines as the Lancer sedan: 1.5 and 2.4 gas engines, but also a few turbos and turbo-diesel. The top version will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter and all-wheel-drive system. Mitsubishi Lancer Prototype S first official images Picture Gallery /BOUCLE_root>.
BMW has been giving celebrities opportunities to drive the 7 Series-based “Hydrogen 7,” in a campaign that began with chauffeuring Brad Pitt to the Oscars in one last year, but BMW is now admitting that the Hydrogen 7 isn’t even close to reality. In fact, they’re admitting that no production hydrogen powered car is close to reality. According to Drive, a magazine published in Australia, Jochen Schmalholz, the head of BMW’s clean-air technology group, admits that hydrogen cars in “significant numbers” are fifteen to twenty years away. Meantime, BMW’s working on an electric car. (more after the jump) >> read This is not one of those regular spy shots or rumors. It is an art-student’s version of the next Ferrari. Atilla Tay - a Transport Design graduate from the Art Center College of Design, Pasadena has created this concept and I think he’s done a wonderful job. Ferrari F460 Tifosi concept would be a replacement for the current Ferrari F430. The Tifosi concept would be powered by a 4.6 litre, mid-mounted V8. Dimensions and layout are more or less similar to the F430. The exterior design of the concept is inspired by the shape of DNA, using continuous flowing lines to define the surfaces. The matt black paint helps to bring out the style lines of the car. And just like its parent, the Tifosi’s engine is also visible through a glass rear hatch. Passion for a Ferrari doesn’t come purer than this! Ferrari F460 Tifosi concept Picture Gallery /BOUCLE_root>.

A prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot is being unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today >> read 2009 Honda Pilot Prototype Picture Gallery /BOUCLE_root>.

At the Tokyo Auto Salon, Lexus revealed the racing version of the IS-F sedan. And even if Lexus said "It is only a research prototype", the IS-F Racing Concept will be used at the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) racing. >> read 
Guy Nègre does not miss air. The engineer proved himslef to be very reliable on Formula 1; and now he is unveiling an engine that is working with compressed air. After ten years of work he is unveiling a vehicle (also created by his care) that is powered by this kind of engine. >> read Pages: 1 2 3 4 next > |