Aston Martin Rapide

The official information and the latest images of the Rapide 4-door coupe, presented by Aston Martin at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The model - based on the bonded aluminum VH architecture - will go on sale in early 2010.

The Vertical / Horizontal (V/H) architecture – a platform technology derived from the aerospace industry employing aluminium which is bonded rather than welded to create a lightweight and ultra-stiff chassis.

The use of lightweight materials has resulted in the Rapide’s projected weight gaining only 190 kg over its DB9 sibling delivering a target kerb weight of 1950 kg.

The front mid-mounted 6.0 litre V12 engine produces 470 bhp (477 PS / 350 kW) with peak power being delivered at 6000 rpm and 600 Nm (443 lbft) and peak torque at 5000 rpm. The 0-60 mph time is 5.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds).

The brake discs are made from two materials, cast iron and aluminium (dual cast brake system), which reduces unsprung mass with a brake that is 15-20% lighter than a standard cast iron brake.

Exterior Design

Director of Design, Marek Reichman who led the in-house design team which penned the Rapide said: “Like a race horse standing still, you can see its power and elegance, the shape of Rapide’s rear haunches are muscular conveying the power that lies beneath while its low stance produces a powerful look.

“There is a real sense of proportion with this car, akin to a tailored suit; the new double grill gives more presence on the road while the iconic signature side strake has been lengthened through to the rear doors to enhance its lateral proportions in a subtle, yet elegant way. The car’s purity makes it look right from every angle.”

The opening angle of the doors has been increased to 70 degrees to allow easy ingress and egress.

Adding to the sense of proportion, Rapide’s low roof linecombined with uniquely styled 20” wheels contribute to its sporting stance, and the iconic side strake, housing the side LED indicators is elongated to meet the rear doors. The pillarless sideglass helps convey Rapide’s coupe lines.

(Car Body Design's news)

Range Rover LRX?

Land Rover has confirmed the car industry’s worst-kept secret: it will build a production version of its LRX concept car, which will join the Range Rover line-up in 2011.

Designed and engineered at the company's facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire, Land Rover claims the new Range Rover will be the smallest, lightest and most efficient vehicle the company has ever produced.

The new car will be built at the multi award-winning plant in Halewood, on Merseyside and will be sold in over 100 countries around the world.

Ever since its first appearance at the Detroit Motor Show in 2008, the LRX has seemed a likely car to help Land Rover adapt to a (western) world where 4x4s are seen as nasty, evil gas-guzzlers. However, Land Rover has also taken the car around the world – to motor shows, dealership and customer clinics – to gauge feedback. Unsurprisingly, that feedback has proven sufficiently positive to reinforce the carmaker’s belief that the LRX will have a market when it goes on sale.

The new ‘baby’ Rangey should also look very similar to the concept, which Gerry McGovern, Land Rover design director, has always said would be the case: ‘It will be true to the concept and have many recognisable Range Rover design cues including the signature clamshell bonnet, the floating roof and the solid “wheel-at-each-corner” stance.’

(Sky Motoring's news)

Buick Avant Concept

The Buick Avant Concept is a design study of a small luxury vehicle targeted to premium customers. Innovative solutions include smart doors with double opening system, a sliding driving position and a roof with variable opacity.

The interior is characterized by a flexible layout: when there is no passenger on the front seat, the driver's seat and all the controls - steering wheel, pedals and gauges - slide towards the center of the car to offer a "more natural position" and more room to the driver.

The so called "smart-doors" can open both by swinging and sliding forwards, depending on the space available detected by the in-door sensors when the vehicle is parked.

A theatrical addition is the "micro-pergola" roof, which can change its transparency by means of an array of transversal rotating surfaces. To make easier the luggage loading and unloading operations, a "luggage shelf" slides outwards to "present" the luggage.

"We designed six exterior themes and four interior concepts as proposals. Each utilized some of the features we developed, and took the Buick aesthetic in a new direction."

(Car Body Design's news)

458 Italia Tribute Trailer by Gran Turismo 5

2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Road Test Video by InsideLine