FM Auto Antas V8 GT, 2006

FM Auto Antas V8 GT, 2006

  

F&M Auto Antas V8 GT is the first "Berlinetta" (touring car) created in the F&M workshop. It is completely inspired by the philosophy and material used in the "special series" of the past: the body, for example, is made of aluminium and completely built by hand. The car was featured the 2008 movie Speed Racer.

F&M Auto Antas V8 GT is driven by a powerful V8 Maserati engine fed by carburettors and endowed with a pleasing elasticity of power, which gives the driver the sensation of "true" steering typical of the great touring cars of the past. Because of this, when the time came to name this "jewel", a word was chosen that comes from the ancient Tuscan language of the Etruscans: Antas, which means Eagle, the noblest and most audacious dominator of open spaces.

On delivery, F&M Auto Antas V8 GT comes equipped with a case covered in blue velvet bearing the silver plate with the identification numbers; inside are a photography book and a DVD documenting the construction of the vehicle.

Audi Q7, 2006

Audi Q7, 2006

The Q7 is the large Audi for sporty individualists, for people who are seeking a vehicle that will take them anywhere they want to go for sports, recreation, and business. Its dynamic proportions and distinctive lines express this character, and subtle modifications endow its styling with even more elegance.

The design: The language of dynamics
At the front end, the large single-frame radiator grille has been redesigned. Vertical chrome bars contrast with its black high-gloss finish. The bumpers too have been restyled. Their lower section is now painted in a contrasting black or gray, depending on the body color. The newly integrated underbody protection in the center section of the bumper has a distinctive ribbed design.

The side view too, with its coupe-like roofline, low window area and tautly curved body surfaces, reinforces the dynamic look of the Audi Q7. Door moldings have been modified to add interest. The lightweight alloy wheels are size 7.5 J x 18, the wheels size 235/60. In the V6 vehicles they have seven spokes, in the V8 versions they have six.

At the rear end, the bumper has also been given two-tone paintwork; the tailgate, which includes a portion of the rear pillars in an S-shaped contour, has been given a new and distinctively 3D shape in the vicinity of the license plate bracket. To reduce the weight of the Audi Q7, the tailgate has been made of aluminum, as have the engine hood and the fenders. Standard LEDs in the tail lights create a distinctive lighting pattern.

The interior: Room to spare
Thanks to its luxurious 300-centimeter (118.11-inch) wheelbase within an overall length of 5.09 meters (16.70 feet), the Audi Q7 has interior room to spare, and the interior flexibility is unrivalled. The seatbacks in the second row are divided into three fold-down sections to provide a level cargo floor.

The power train: Performance and efficiency
The Audi Q7 is available with six powerful and highly efficient direct injection engines, two of them gasoline-powered and four diesel engines, including the world's most powerful diesel SUV, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI. Their power is transmitted via a convenient and fast-shifting six-speed tiptronic to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which distributes it between the axles with slightly more than half to the rear.

The 3.0 TDI puts out 176 kW (240 bhp) and delivers as much as 550 Nm between 2,000 and 2,250 rpm, yet on the EU cycle it consumes only 9.1 liters / 100 km (25.85 US mpg). The optionally available 3.0 TDI clean diesel even consumes 0.2 liters (0.05 US gallons) less.

Despite highly complex exhaust gas recirculation and the resulting world's cleanest diesel technology, it consumes just 8.9 liters/100 km (26.43 US mpg). It meets the strict LEV II Bin 5 US standard and already complies with the Euro 6 limits announced for 2014.

The technology of the TDI clean diesel is highly complex. An advanced version of the common rail injection system with 2,000 bars of pressure, new combustion chamber sensors and a high-performance exhaust recirculating system ensure a highly efficient combustion process. An innovative DeNOx catalytic converter reduces the remaining nitrogen oxides. Just upstream of it, a pump injects an additive named AdBlue into the hot exhaust flow, where this solution decomposes into ammonia, which splits the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water. Audi partners replenish the additive during regular maintenance servicing.

In the Q7 4.2 TDI too, fuel consumption has been drastically reduced - from 11.1 (21.19 US mpg) to 9.9 liters per 100 km (23.76 US mpg). Yet the V8 diesel is more powerful: with an output of 250 kW (340 bhp) and a torque of 760 Nm, it develops enormous propulsive power. This maximum torque is available in the range from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm.

The chassis: Safe and sporty
In its suspension technology too the Audi Q7 is exceptional. As a customer option, Audi equips the Q7 with adaptive air suspension - a pneumatic suspension system that operates in conjunction with an electronic shock absorber control, varies the ground clearance at five different levels, and lets the driver select three driving modes: comfort, automatic and dynamic. In its road handling the Audi Q7 excels in its sporty, highly responsive precision. Off-road, it provides a superior ride on widely varying terrains.

The equipment: Luxury and high-tech
The Audi Q7 comes with a splendid range of standard equipment. The speed-dependent servotronic steering system is standard, as is a double floor in the cargo area complete with a storage compartment and a dirt tray; there is also a roof rack, an automatic air conditioning system, and an MMI radio operating system complete with a CD audio player and eight loudspeakers.

The Audi Q7 also offers many intelligent solutions for the practical needs of everyday use - such as an electric luggage space cover, a reversible floor mat, a set of luggage rails, a removable ski bag, and a moveable storage box. The options program includes separation grids, an interior bicycle stand, various roof-mounted carriers, a distinctive off-road styling package, and a pivoting trailer hitch: this powerful SUV can tow up to 3.5 metric tons.

Mazel Identity i1, 2006

Mazel Identity i1, 2006

The Identity i1 has made concrete a proposal which is not only the answer to the challenge of a new model realization but also to the creation of a new brand, a goal which is not easy to reach today.

H2R Design Consulting have studied the concept of the car, developing the design completely in Virtual Reality, and MAZEL-GROUP have executed the physical model. Both companies, located in Barcelona, demonstrate with this project their high technological capacity in the execution of this kind of projects.

The chassis, studied in composite material will be developed with ATR, a prestigious Italian company with a great experience in this field. The development of the body in white (in RTM and composite material) is on its execution phase by Studio Linea 2 in Turin (Italy)

The engine, an aluminum eight cylinder in central position with rear wheel drive with an robotized six gear Gearbox guarantees high performances and an excellent road performance.

The exterior, following the best European tradition, is characterized by generous dimensions (4,43m long per 1,92m wide, is only 1,26 m high) combined with the remarkable tires size of 19" in the front and 20" in the rear, gives the car an exclusive and sporty image. Furthermore the strong character of its designs originates not only a "pure race" sports car but also a design able to characterize a whole new brand.

The front part, consisting of three main volumes, have a lower main air intake, clearly inspirited in aeronautical solutions, which is, beyond all doubt, its most important part. The remarkable intakes for the front brake refrigeration makes up a dynamic ensemble with a strong sports character. The upper air intake, refined and perfectly integrated in the bumpers volume and the head lights in vertical position, emphasize the important width of the vehicle.

The side part is characterized by a new treatment of the surfaces, bringing together new design trends and classic solutions, which permits to obtain a product really different in relation to the solutions actually on the market. The doors, which are opening vertically, reinforce its extremely personal presence. The perfectly integrated external mirror has a new lighting system developed by FICOSA.

The rear part, characterized by its separated rear lights and its remarkable lower engine cover part which is used as an air outlet conductor with a ventury effect, is easily recognizable from afar. This contribute to reach the purpose to make a car with an own, strong character.

The interior, a two seats, has been developed against the traditional solutions searching a sporty elegance combined with a high sensation of space, using a new distribution of the internal mechanical components.

The control components of the vehicle are situated in the central panel where the Shift by Wire and the Brake by Wire solutions have permitted a new distribution of the gear and hand brake in the interior of the vehicle. This solution gives a new drive sensation. These elements have been developed by FICOSA, who also cooperated with the realization of the design.

To resume, it is not only a concept car proposal but also the realization of a project focused on its future production.

Loremo LS Concept, 2006

Loremo LS Concept, 2006

Bavaria is well-known for its innovative car-makers and Loremo AG is the newest of this breed. The company was founded in 2000 by Gerhard Heilmaier, Stefan Ruetz and Uli Sommer and is planning to introduce a small series of the first 1,5 liter (157 mpg) 2 + 2 seater onto the roads. The Loremo is a lightweight vehicle whose development has taken a radical new direction: less is more and the most efficient use of energy is not to use it at all. From this motive new ideas sprang which gradually made it into the design. Even the name Loremo - Low Resistance Mobile - speaks of its streamlining and economy.

The Loremo's construction handbook would make an excellent diet recipe. Slim lines and no unnecessary ballast distinguishes the Loremo from all other cars. Its superior safety concept, excellent aerodynamic characteristics, revolutionary bodywork, the linear cell structure, and a radically new rear-axle keep it in form. It combines the economy of a compact car with the handling and feelings of a sports car. The Loremo LS - light and simple is a car which awakens emotions and yearns for sinuous roads.

Bodywork and chassis concept
The 95kg (209 lb) lightweight steel chassis - a patented linear cell structure - is one of Loremo's key elements. It performs well-above average in crash simulations and provides excellent handling characteristics with its low center of gravity and torsional stiffness. Longitudinal supports, extend at fender height along the length of the entire vehicle, increase stability and ensure that the linear cell structure remains practically undamaged in offset and side crash-tests. The centrally mounted cross-support, on which the roll bars are mounted, stiffens the longitudinal beams and houses the engine.

The non-load-bearing, self-supporting, thermoplastic body panels mould to the linear cell structure and help the Loremo to achieve its aerodynamic shape. This material has a number of advantages: it is light weight, weatherproof, scratch-resistant and it is economical. It substitutes the classical paint by a thin film, in the color of the car, during the manufacturing process. In this way the Loremo receives a high-quality, paint-like surface without environmental- damaging paints.
The intelligent, chassis air-guiding system is perfected with the help of lower tire fins and by the air stream optimized chassis design. The Loremo achieves its optimum driving characteristics with its minimized wind resistance and reduced buoyancy.

Design
Not only is the energy efficiency reflected in the dynamic, elegant lines of the Loremo but also in its sporting nature. The distinctive, powerful front stretches softly into the extended rear. There is no B-pillar as the panorama roof has no load-bearing function and is simply bolted to the roll-bar. The nose close to the street does away with a monstrous radiator grill and instead an opening provides access to the aerodynamic underside. The LED headlamps give the vehicle both a distinctive look as well as exhibiting tomorrow's display technology.

Unusually the car is entered from the front for which the entire hood of the car including the windshield is tipped forwards, allowing for upright boarding to the interior. The opened front shows the trunk, which also provides additional 600 mm (24 in) of crumple zone. The vertically- opening tailgate provides the entry to the back seats.

Interior
The Janusseater - two seats are in front of the pyramidal cross-support and two rear-facing behind it - is equipped with super-light ergonomic seats. The seats, embedded in the linear cell structure, create a feeling of sporty security and comfort. There is plenty of room for sporting equipment or for additional suitcases, if the rear-facing seats are not with passengers.

The spartan, sporty interior design does away with unnecessary fittings and its two-ply plastic construction doesn't need any additional finishing. High-quality interior furnishing in alcantara and high-tech fabrics provides spacious luxury and comfort.

If required the Loremo LS can be equipped with a simple air-conditioning system, an on-board PC with navigation system, an mp3 player, and a driver information system.

Technology
Of particular note is the rear differential-link axle, specially-developed for the Loremo, which combines the advantages of longitudinal- and semi-trailing link axles. With maximum load, the axle is indifferent to toe and camber at full suspension compression. In curves, however, the wheel leans inwards to achieve better lateral traction. An optimal load distribution of 50:50 is achieved by placing the motor centrally and 105/70 R14 low-profile tires give good road holding and perfect straight-line driving.

The 20 PS (15 kw) two-cylinder turbo-diesel motor powers the 450 kg (204 lb) light Loremo LS to up to 160 km/h (100 mph). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (63 mph) in 20 s and its aerodynamic form achieves a Cw value of 0.20. Fuel consumption: tiny 1.5 liters for 100 km (157 mpg)! Thus the Loremo can travel from Munich to Rome (over 800 miles) on only one 20 liter (5 gallon) tank of fuel.

At 384 cm (151 in) long, 136 cm (62 in) wide, Loremo AG has developed a true small car. In driving fun the 110 cm (43 in) flat, economical sports car easily runs against the large competitors.
Those who want more should look forward to the Loremo GT. With 50 PS (37 kw) and a 3-cylinder turbo-diesel motor it reaches a top speed of 220 km/hr (138 mph). And with 2.7 liter for 100 km (88 mpg) it is still very fuel-efficient.

Caparo T1, 2006

Caparo T1, 2006

The Caparo T1 to present next generation supercar.

The Caparo T1 - possibly the world's quickest 2-seater road and track car with a performance equal to an A1 GP racecar - will join a showcase of exotic vehicles in a special 'SuperCar Paddock' feature area at the British International Motor Show.

Commenting on Caparo's intention to commoditise advanced composite materials for high volume vehicle manufacture while maintaining a strong UK component manufacturing base Macgowan added: "Not only does this show real technical prowess and solid commitment but it's also a rational business decision given the UK hosts more volume car makers than any other country in Europe. In addition, the Caparo T1 provides further evidence of the UK working hard to deliver more sustainable motoring by using its advanced motorsport and aerospace technology to help car makers develop new models fit for the 21st century."

The Caparo generated £725m of income last year and has put its considerable financial muscle behind the high profile Caparo T1 project to help spearhead its ambition to become a leading Tier 1 supplier particularly in advanced composite materials, which will help carmakers reduce vehicle mass and in turn fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The ultra lightweight Caparo T1 has been developed using aerospace and high formula racing technology. The car's efficient and compact 2.4-litre V8 engine develops almost 500bhp in a vehicle weighing less than 500kg. The result is a significant technical breakthrough; being the world's first ever road and track car to produce 1,000bhp-per-tonne which defines an entirely new breed of exotic - and far from ordinary - supercar that is lighter than a Caterham but with twice the power-to-weight ratio of a Bugatti Veyron. In turn, this endows the car with an extraordinary 0-100-0mph time of 8.5 seconds, which is directly comparable to an A1 GP race car.