2010 Nissan Ellure Concept photos

2010 Nissan Ellure Concept pics
2010 Nissan Ellure Concept image
2010 Nissan Ellure Concept photo
As a longtime industry innovator in sedan design, notably the original Datsun 510 and numerous generations of Nissan Maximas, Altimas and Sentras, Nissan has always had an affinity for both the form and its buyers. So it should come as no surprise that in an environment where traditional sedan buyers have been migrating toward coupe and crossover SUV alternatives, along comes the engagingly seductive Nissan Ellure Concept, which makes its world debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.

"While not intended as a preview of any upcoming production model, Ellure confirms Nissan's intention to be a strong player in the sedan segment for many years to come," explains Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML), who supervised the global design effort. "As an expression of our long-term vision for the next generation of great Nissan sedans, Ellure allows us to introduce a new sedan concept - one that honors the sedan's unmatched daytime functionality, yet has a more emotive, almost hidden ambience that comes to life after dark. It's an ideal fit for the needs of its projected owners, women in their '30s and '40s with a sense of sophistication and rebellion."

2010 Nissan Ellure Concept seats

2011 Buick GL8 pictures

2011 Buick GL8 image
2011 Buick GL8 photo
2011 Buick GL8 car
2011 Buick GL8 head light
2011 Buick GL8 interior

Had a model been especially popular or highly successful in races, Ettore Bugatti's customers often pushed the master to tease out of the engine a few horsepower more for their future car. Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. had been in a similar situation when their existing customers asked the company to not only design their second model optically differently but to also create a version with a sportier and more extreme driving experience. The result is a car with a uniquely high performance of 1,200-hp (882 kW) offering experienced drivers a whole new dimension of excitement, with a maximum torque of 1,500 Newton metres and a limited top speed of 415 km/h (to protect the tyres) but, the technique of the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is identical to the record car. The first five Bugatti Veyron Super Sports to come off the production line will constitute a special series of their own, with the same configuration as the landspeed record car.

The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is a consequent of the further development of the classic exclusive 1,001-hp Bugatti Veyron 16.4, launched in 2005. This model offers a stunning set of specifications, such as the twin clutch gearbox with seven speeds, the extraordinarily precise driving performance in bends and excellent stability when braking and accelerating.

Continuous work in extreme performance ranges lead to constantly new conclusions, which enabled the engineers at Bugatti to develop the Veyron into a direction in which the driver can reach new dimensions. Every modification is designed to produce an even more powerful car for an agile ride. Four enlarged turbochargers and bigger intercoolers have been used to boost the power of the 16-cylinder engine, and the chassis has been extensively redesigned to maintain safety at extreme speed - thanks to slightly raised main-spring travel, stronger stabilisers, and new shock absorbers with a complex architecture originally developed for racing cars. This gives noticeably more precise control of the wheels and the car as a whole. With lateral acceleration of up to 1.4 G and improved interaction between the tyres and the intelligent all-wheel drive system, the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport offers perfect handling and even more powerful acceleration of 1,500 Newton metres on corner exits.

The body has been fine-tuned to improve aerodynamic efficiency and maintain perfect balance in every situation, while the new fibre structure of the all-carbon monocoque ensures maximum torsion rigidity and passive safety - at reduced weight. The skin is made entirely of carbon-fibre composites, and the new Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is available in 100 per-cent clearlacquered exposed carbon on request.

Saleen Car images

Saleen Car photo





Saleen S7 SilverMost of Saleen Inc. was bought by Michigan Group after the specialty car company’s recent fold up last November. A few months ago, the company’s future was all blurry with the dismissal and rehiring of its employees.

Saleen Inc.’s future is a little clearer today after the Michigan Group’s purchase. Late last year, Saleen’s performance street car program and supercharger was purchased by MJ Acquisitions. The deal included the aftermarket business in Los Angeles formerly owned by Hancock Park Associates.

Among the few of Hancock’s remaining properties include Saleen’s supercars: the S5 and S7 Raptor concept, and the Viper paint-shop operation.

For now, ASC, Saleen’s sister company, is also still under the management of Hancock. The terms of the sale with MJ Acquisitions were not disclosed to the public.

This year also saw the stepping down of Saleen President Chris Thedore from position. He is set to leave by the end of February, and is currently closing the sales of what’s left of Saleen, Inc.

A number of Saleen’s top executives already left the company last year. This downfall seems to have been initiated by the departure of Saleen’s founder in 2007.

2010 Nissan 370Z photos

2010 Nissan 370Z image
2010 Nissan 370Z pics
2010 Nissan 370Z car in red
2010 Nissan 370Z interior

2010 Nissan 370Z wallpaper

The more compact exterior dimensions and expanded use of lightweight materials help reduce weight, while at the same time the body structure has been extensively reinforced, improving rigidity.

Along with its new structure and stance, the Nissan 370Z has a taut new skin - one that looks completely new, yet completely Z. The exterior design incorporates intentional 240Z styling cues, a sleek aerodynamic shape, a "dynamic motion" feel with a dramatic cantilevered roof (with Nissan GT-R styling cues) and a "low visual gravity."

The 370Z's sleek silhouette is defined by its upswept quarter window design that is echoed by the dynamic upward curvature in the lower rocker panel and the sense of the taut sheet metal molding itself around the wheels and frame. Attention to detail and functionality is evident throughout the exterior design, including the addition of a turn indicator integrated into the Z logo mounted between the front wheel and door.

Nissan 370Z Interior: putting the driver at the heart of the action

The interior design of the new Nissan 370Z continues the Z tradition of enhancing driving pleasure, no matter what the road or traffic conditions offer. Additionally, particular attention has been paid to the quality of the material, as well as the fit and finish.

The traditional 2-seat layout is built around a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length centre console separating the driver and passenger's seat. In the rear is an open luggage area with enhanced storage and accessibility.

The information layer provides enhanced visibility with easy access to all key data. The gauges are once again attached to the steering column, so the driver doesn't have to choose between the perfect steering wheel position and visibility of the gauges.

Interior packaging is also enhanced from the previous generation, including the removal of the rear strut brace (replaced with less intrusive structural reinforcements) and by adding a new "shelf" area behind the seats, creating an ideal area for storing briefcases. A retractable cover is standard on the 370Z and locking glove compartment has been added.

Life on board has been improved thanks to the addition of an engine start and stop button, larger diameter dials and thanks to the use of premium-feel material on seats, armrest and door trims (depending on grade).

3.7-litre engine: the Z's heart and soul

As its new moniker suggests, the new Nissan 370Z is now powered by a 3.7-litre VQ37VHR engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift). Along with its larger displacement, the new engine gives better power delivery all the way to the 7,000 rpm redline, improved low-end power and more high-end torque, creating an entirely new driving experience. Approximately 35 percent of the engine's parts are new, versus the previous design. Power is rated at 331PS, while torque is 366Nm. Engine output, figures for Europe are subject to homologation.

The new engine is backed by a choice of two new advanced transmissions, both designed to improve driver performance. The newly improved close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox includes the world's first synchronized down/ up shift rev control system, which allows drivers of any skill level to experience perfectly smooth gear shifts every time. The "SynchroRev Control" function automatically adjusts engine speed when changing gear to the exact speed of the next gear position, essentially "blipping" the throttle to smooth out any down/up shifts.

"This exciting new Z represents the essence of the Nissan brand, just as the original 240Z did nearly 40 years before," said Loing. "It provides passionate performance at an excellent value - just what was needed then and just what sports car enthusiasts are looking for today."

2012 BMW 650i Convertible pics

2012 BMW 650i Convertible image
2012 BMW 650i Convertible photo
2012 BMW 650i Convertible picture
2012 BMW 650i Convertible

new 2012 BMW 650i Convertible car

BMW’s followup to the dramatic 6-Series won’t bring anything shocking to the table, but it should address concerns with the existing model and increase the large coupe’s competitiveness, according to a new report by Germany’s AutoBild.

While the current 6-Series ? introduced in 2004 ? is arguably one of BMW’s most aggressive and controversial designs, its successor won’t do anything to push the envelope further. Instead, it will serve to move the 6er further toward grand tourer territory.

Longer than today’s model, the 2011 6-Series will offer more legroom for rear passengers. At the same time, it will get a sportier cockpit with a more driver oriented console layout.

As signaled by BMW’s new CS concept, the automaker will be abandoning its awkward trunk design features on the 5-,6-, and 7-Series in favor of a more streamlined design.

Three engines options will give customers a choice between 306, 408, and 507 horsepower, the report claims. The 306 hp model will make use of BMW’s new twin-turbo inline-six found in the 335i. It’s unlikely the 635i will make it to U.S. shores, since Germany luxury makers generally don’t offer entry-level engines in premium cars in America.

The 650i’s successor will climb in output to 408 horsepower ? up from 360 horsepower in the current model, which itself was a significant jump from the 645i’s 325 horsepower. The M6 is expected to retain BMW’s 5.0-liter V10, with output of at least 507 horsepower.

The convertible version is expected to make use of a folding metal roof, like the new 3-Series convertible. Front overhang on both models will decrease by an inch and a half, despite increased pedestrian safety requirements. Wheelbase will grow three inches.

A previous Autobild report suggested BMW would also offer a four-door variant of the next-gen 6-Series codenamed F14, but it now appears rivaling the Mercedes CLS will be the job of the CS-based 8-Series.

[Illustration by CarAdvice and Autobild ]