WONDER CAR

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

2008-04-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

As if there weren’t enough superlatives surrounding the 2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1, we learn General Motors undersold the grunt of its most expensive and most powerful production Corvette ever.

We were already enthralled as we dreamed of an estimated 620 hp at 6500 rpm and 600 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm from its supercharged LS9 6.2-liter V-8. Not so fast, says GM to anyone wed to those impressive figures—it’s actually more powerful!

Having completed SAE certification for the first factory-built Vette with forced induction, the true numbers are a dizzying 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque. Do the math and that’s nearly 103 horses per liter, or just about 1.7 hp for each of the engine’s 376 cubic inches. Well worth the expected hundred grand price tag (or about $110,000 for the loaded 4LZ trim level).

GM says it has not completed its fuel economy testing, but engineers assure us it will be “the most fuel-efficient 600-plus-horsepower car on the market.” We actually thought it was illegal to put the words ‘fuel efficient’ and ‘600 horsepower’ in the same sentence—and given that enthusiasts likely will be willing to maim one another for one of only 2000 ZR1s (all with handmade engines) to be built a year, we suggest anyone who asks about mpg be immediately disqualified from ownership.

MERCEDES BENZ M CLASS

2008-04-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

The best mid-size luxury SUV in the world — and it proves it every day. Built to take on the conditions of 135 countries, off-road and on, the 2008 M-Class delivers power and style with effortless agility.

With class-leading safety ratings, award-winning quality, more standard features than ever before, and your choice of four high-performance engines — from the fuel-sipping ML320 CDI to the 503-horsepower ML63 AMG with a 0 to 60 time of under five seconds* — the 2008 M-Class is the luxury utility vehicle the world's been waiting for.

New BMW Cars

2008-03-22T23:31:00.000-07:00

2008 BMW Cars by Model
• 2008 BMW 1-Series
• 2008 BMW M5
• 2008 BMW 3-Series
• 2008 BMW M6
• 2008 BMW 5-Series
• 2008 BMW X3
• 2008 BMW 6-Series
• 2008 BMW X5
• 2008 BMW 7-Series
• 2008 BMW Z4
• 2008 BMW M3

BMW X6

2008-03-22T23:30:00.001-07:00

BMW is introducing a new sports activity coupe here in the U.S. sometime early next year called the X6. The BMW X6 concept shown at this fall's Frankfurt Auto Show was a thinly veiled version of the real X6 we will see here next year.

The production BMW X6 will be manufactured at the company's SUV plant in South Carolina, and it will look almost exactly like this concept when it arrives in early 2008. Unlike the conventionally styled BMW X3 and X5, the company's five-door SUVs, the production X6 will have seats for only four occupants, with much less rear-seat headroom and a very small cargo compartment by comparison. That's part of the Sports Activity Vehicle concept, though we'll likely call it an SUV. Think of it as an SUV take on four-door coupes such as the Mazda RX-8 and Mercedes-Benz CLS.

BMW has shown two strikingly different concepts of the X6, a high-riding SUV that's a four-door coupe version of the 6 Series and a hybrid version of the same hatchback coupe that was claimed to get about 20 percent better fuel economy than the standard version, with a concomitant reduction in tailpipe emissions.

The production version of the X6 is expected to offer the 4.8-liter V8 and 5.0-liter V10 engines available in the BMW 6 Series and M6 coupes, and it may use the twin-turbocharged inline-6 from the 3 Series as a base engine. We don't know, they haven't officially said yet.

The major difference between the X6 and 6 Series Coupe will be the full-time computer-controlled BMW X-Drive underneath the X6, featuring a new torque-distributing and selective-braking system called Dynamic Performance Control.

The X6 hybrid is expected to arrive on the U.S. market in 2009 with a two-mode hybrid powertrain. The X6 hybrid is expected to use BMW's version of the gasoline-electric hybrid technology developed along with an international group of partners, Daimler AG, Chrysler, and General Motors.

BMW 1 Series

2008-03-22T23:28:00.000-07:00

Overview

BMW already offers more different size and shapes of cars and SUVs than at any time in its history, and the North American debut of the 2008 BMW 1 Series signals another attempt to provide the sporty-minded buyer on a budget a car that he or she will really enjoy driving.

For its U.S. debut, BMW is adding a two-door coupe to the lineup, which will arrive at BMW dealerships in the first quarter of 2008, and a two-door convertible, which is expected to arrive just in time for summer weather. (The BMW 1 Series has been available in Europe and other markets for more than a year in three-door hatchback and five-door hatchback body styles.)

The 1 Series is currently offered with two diesel and three gasoline engines in most markets, but initially the U.S. will get only the full-dress, high-performance coupe, the BMW 135i, which offers more than 300 horsepower. This will be followed later on by a slightly less frenetic BMW 128i with a 230-hp inline-6 engine and nearly all of the same amenities as the 135i will have, for about $5000 less.

The 1 Series is about seven inches shorter overall than the next car up in the lineup, the popular 3 Series. The 1 Series wheelbase is four inches shorter than that of the 3 Series, and it's slightly narrower in width. The 1 Series is meant to be a serious, sporty competitor to all the front-wheel-drive Japanese, Korean, and domestic cars in the entry luxury coupe class. BMW brings its highly developed rear-wheel-drive platform to the fight.

In many ways, the 1 Series is nothing more or less than a scaled-down coupe version of the 3 Series two-door coupe, with similar looks, similar equipment and similar performance and handling because it uses many of the same components and systems, including the big twin-turbocharged engine that was introduced last year in the 335i, so the 135i is a smaller, lighter package with the same engine for about $4000 less starting money, said to be starting around $35,000.

The 1 Series convertibles will feature soft tops expected to be of the level of quality of the previous-generation 3 Series, which is to say top quality with three-layer sound insulation.

Model Lineup

Initially, the BMW 1 Series lineup is limited to the 135i coupe, but it will soon be followed by a less-expensive, lower-performing 128i coupe. Both the BMW 128i and BMW 135i will be offered in convertible versions, but these will not be available initially.

The BMW 135i comes with a high-performance 3.0-liter inline-6 with twin turbochargers, with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission with conventional floor shifter and wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

An AM/FM/CD changer will be standard. An AUX input for MP3 and iPod players will be standard, with a USB port a likely option.

Options include bi-xenon headlamps, cornering lamps, premium sound systems, a demountable rear rack, and a choice of three interior and upholstery schemes, cloth, leather and cloth, and leather.

Safety features that come standard on the 135i include six air bags, ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, cornering brake control, and launch control for getting started on slippery surfaces. The 135i comes with run-flat high-performance tires. The brake lights include a panic-braking mode that lights up the entire lens extra bright whenever the brake pedal is stomped hard.

BMW 5 Series

2008-03-22T23:27:00.000-07:00

Overview

Substantial improvements to the BMW 5 Series sedans and wagon for 2007 add a lot, but change little. The 5 Series remains a truly sporting sedan that stands out in the fiercely competitive market for mid-sized luxury cars.

Changes for 2008 represent the most significant model-year update since the current 5 Series was launched in 2003. They include mild exterior revisions, improvements to the interior and a significant power boost for six-cylinder models. The new 528i, formerly the 525i, is the most powerful entry-level 5 Series to date. The twin-turbo 535i, formerly the 530i, is the quickest six-cylinder 5 Series car ever. The change in BMW's numeric naming scheme is a result of the change in engines, but the various models and their relationship to each other remain basically the same.

Their basic character hasn't changed a bit, because every 5 Series puts an emphasis on the driving. This mid-size luxury sedan remains a true sports sedan in any of its variations, including the 535xi wagon and other models equipped with all-wheel drive. Regardless of engine size or equipment level, the 5 Series line delivers lively acceleration, precise handling and outstanding brakes. It's available with a conventional manual transmission, which is increasingly hard to find in this class.

This car has just about everything you could ask for in a luxury sedan, including the features, comfort and convenience of full-size luxury models, the sporting character of smaller ones, and a good compromise between interior space and physical bulk.

The 5 Series line offers more model choices than most cars in its class, with prices spread from the mid-$40,000 range to over $90,000. Even the base 528i boasts spirited performance, with decent fuel economy to lower operating costs. The 300-hp six-cylinder in the 535i matches some V8s, while the V8-powered 550i delivers true high performance by any definition. The limited-production M5 can out-accelerate, out-brake and out corner some expensive sports cars, with comfortable seating for five. There's a wagon for those who want more room for cargo and BMW's x-Drive full-time all-wheel drive for drivers in the snow belt.

Now familiar, the 5 Series' flared-nostril front end and overall appearance may still make it difficult for some buyers to embrace. It's still loaded with the technology that's made it a benchmark for critics and auto industry engineers alike, and some of its systems and features have a dark side. The i-Drive point-and-click control system, for example, takes time and energy to learn, and drivers who aren't willing to invest the energy, or those who just prefer things simple, might want to look at another car.

However, those who put driving satisfaction first should put the 5 Series near the top of their test-drive list.

Model Lineup

With new engines and more power for 2008, BMW's numeric nomenclature for six-cylinder 5 Series models has changed. But the model line hasn't really changed at all. There are two six-cylinder engines, a V8, and an ultra-high performance V10, manual and automatic transmissions and optional all-wheel drive. The 5 Series Sports Wagon is offered only with the more powerful six-cylinder and all-wheel drive.

The least expensive 5 Series is now the 528i ($44,300), powered by BMW's high-tech magnesium alloy 3.0-liter inline 6 generating 230 horsepower, or 15 more than the previous 525i. With all 5 Series models, buyers can now choose either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission for the same price. The 528xi ($46,500) adds BMWs x-Drive automatic all-wheel drive system.

The 528s come with leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control with active micro-filtration, an AM/FM/CD stereo with 10 speakers, 17-inch alloy wheels, four power outlets and a rechargeable flashlight in the glovebox.

The newly designated 535i ($49,400) and 535xi ($51,600) get a 300-hp, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six launched in 2007 3 Series cars. That's an increase of 45 horsepower over the former 530i. The 535xi Sports Wagon ($54,000) has x-Drive all-wheel drive. All 535s add xenon adaptive headlights.

The most popular option for the six-cylinder models is the Premium Package ($2,300 for 528i, $2,100 for 535i), which adds Dakota leather upholstery, a universal garage door opener and the swanky interior lighting package with ambient light, auto-dimming and outside approach lighting.

Those items come standard on the 550i ($58,500), which is powered by a 360-hp, 4.8-liter V8. The 550i also comes with Park Distance Control parking assist.

For 2008, the 535s and the 550i can be equipped with a Sport Automatic ($500) transmission, which adds paddle shift bars on the steering wheel and shifts more crisply in manual mode. BMW's Sequential Manual Gearbox, which works like a manual without a clutch pedal, is no longer offered on any 5 Series except the ultra-high performance M5.

The M5 ($82,900) sits atop the 5 Series lineup. It's powered by a hand-built 500-hp 5.0-liter V10, with suspension and brakes enhanced to match all the power, offered with either a six-speed full manual or a seven-speed SMG clutch-less manual gearbox.

Two big ticket options have been added for 2008. BMW's Lane Departure Warning system ($500) is camera based, and notifies the driver via mild steering-wheel vibration of any movement that might indicate an inadvertent lane change. The new Stop and Go feature for Active Cruise Control ($2,400) is space age. Like the previous system, it uses radar to keep the 5 Series from moving to close to a car ahead, without driver intervention. Yet the new Stop and Go system works even in heavy traffic, accommodating speeds all the way down to a complete stop, and resuming to the set speed from 0 mph.

Other option groups include: the Cold Weather Package ($750), with heated front seats, heated steering wheel and heated, high-pressure headlight washers; the Sport Package ($2,800 for six-cylinder models, $1,300 for all-wheel drive and $4,600 the 550i), with BMWs Active Steering and Active Body Control systems, larger wheels with performance tires, more potent brakes and sport seats; and Logic7 audio ($1,200) with six-CD changer.

Stand-alone options include a navigation system ($1,900), a folding rear seat ($475), Sirius satellite radio ($595), and a new auxiliary iPod/USB jack ($400). HD Radio ($500) delivers enhanced digital audio quality, with FM reception that compares to CD quality and AM reception comparable to analog FM. BMW's head-up display, or HUD ($1,200), projects speed and other data on the windshield, while Night Vision ($2,200) uses a thermal-imaging camera that monitors the road ahead and displays images on the navigation screen before they might be visible to the naked eye.

Safety features nearly cover the gamut. Passive safety equipment includes front airbags with dual threshold deployment, front-passenger side airbags and curtain-style head-protection airbags for all outboard passengers. All 5 Series models come with antilock brakes with Dynamic Brake Control auto-proportioning, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control anti-skid electronics, seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters. The standard BMW Assist communication package includes automatic collision notification, an SOS button, roadside assistance and locater service. Beyond the Lane Departure Warning System, optional safety features include rear passenger side-impact airbags ($385).

2008 BMW M3

2008-03-22T23:26:00.000-07:00

Overview

BMW has come a long way in the past 50 years, from the low point in the winter of 1959 when its fortunes were so bad that it was nearly sold to Mercedes-Benz, to becoming a world powerhouse of motorcycles, high-performance cars, luxury sedans and SUVS. Like Mercedes-Benz with its AMG in-house racing and high-performance specialists, BMW has created its M division, primarily responsible for motorsports, but also for high-performance cars, including the M3 version of the 3 Series, the M5 version of the 5 Series, and the M6 version of the 6 Series (no M7 yet, and no high-performance versions of their SUVs, but it's only a matter of time). The M3 is the one with the longest history and the most affordability, so it has become extremely popular over the last four generations of the 3 Series.

Every generation of BMW 3 Series, for the past four generations, has offered the enthusiast driver an M3, something rare and special at the top of the lineup, something that the cognoscenti will recognize and appreciate every time it goes by, and something that is quicker, faster, flatter and flashier than the regular 3 Series, for the owner's maximum driving and bragging enjoyment.

Every one of the previous generations was powered by a modified version of the famous BMW inline six-cylinder engine, but this new generation has broken with that long tradition to become the first V8-powered M3 in BMW history.

For now, the BMW M3 in the North American lineup comes as the coupe and the less-expensive sedan, but if history is any indicator, these will soon be followed by a convertible version, the same model flow as the last two generations of M3. The first car to arrive, the M3 coupe, will be replete, including every available safety feature from ABS to stability control, traction control, six air bags, and run-flat high-performance tires.

The M3 also packs a tremendous amount of electronic wallop, with dynamic stability control having new interconnected control features, electronic damper control for the shock absorber settings, iDrive for the radio, navigation and telephone as well as two different power steering modes, normal and sport, that can be selected through iDrive.

Model Lineup

The 2008 BMW M3 coupe ($57,275) and sedan ($54,575) come with a high-performance 4.0-liter V8 mated with a six-speed manual transmission.

Although the M3 is quite complete, there is an option list, containing items like DVD navigation, the competition brakes, Electronic Damper Control, the MDrive electronic control system, adaptive headlamps that turn corners before the car does, an optional interior lighting scheme that paints a rim of light around the entire cockpit, leather upholstery, and a 16-speaker, 825-watt sound system.

An important option is MDrive, an electronic control system that enables the driver to tailor suspension, steering, and engine performance to his own personal tastes and style, with almost 300 possible combinations, using a single button on the multi-function steering wheel to switch from the normal mode to the M mode. The MDrive system was piloted on the larger, more expensive M5 sedan and M6 coupe and convertible and is available on the new 3 Series for the first time. Another new feature is the Variable M Differential Lock, which automatically apportions traction to the two rear tires depending on which has more grip at the moment, a feature that really enhances high-performance driving in bad weather conditions or on twisty roads.

2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe

2008-03-22T23:21:00.000-07:00

Overview

The BMW 3 Series coupes have been completely redesigned for 2007. These all-new, fifth-generation coupes follow on the heels the new BMW 3 Series sedans that were introduced last year.

With sleeker styling and carrying less weight than a four-door sedan, the two-door or coupe version of BMW's 3 Series model has special appeal for drivers who demand sporty driving dynamics but need a back seat and a decent sized trunk.

If you think of a coupe as merely a sedan with two less doors, you need to change your thinking as it applies to BMW. The coupe is nearly two inches longer, more than an inch trimmer and has a roofline that is more than two inches lower than the sedan's. In fact, the only exterior component the coupe shares with the 3 Series sedan is door handles, and the coupe needs only two of them, so right there, one segment of component weight is cut in half.

Handling is sharp, responsive, precise, yet the ride isn't harsh, in spite of the fact that a sport suspension comes as standard equipment.

The 2007 BMW 335i coupe features a new twin-turbocharged engine that puts out 300 horsepower, which makes for the ultimate driving machine. We found it to be an extremely responsive and pleasing car, with none of the turbo lag associated with turbochargers. Meanwhile, the 328xi features all-wheel drive, which enhances traction in wet or snowy weather. A new convertible with a retracting hardtop and the next ultra-high-performance M3 are anticipated for launch in calendar year 2007.

Model Lineup

The 2007 BMW 3 Series coupe is available in three versions: 328i, 328xi, and 335i. Variables among the models include engines, transmissions, drivetrain and standard and optional equipment. The 328i and 335i are rear-wheel drive; the 328xi is all-wheel drive.

The 328i ($35,300) and the 328xi ($37,100) are propelled by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that pumps out 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. They offer a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

The 335i ($40,600) also has a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, but two small turbochargers and special fuel injectors boost the engine's output to 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. That power flows to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The 335i adds matte 18-inch wheels (vs. 17s on the 328i and 328xi), larger brake discs front and rear, chrome exhaust tips, eight-way power front seats with memory on the driver's side and a 13-speaker Logic 7 audio system.

Safety features that come standard on all 2007 3 Series coupes include frontal, side-impact and side-curtain airbags; dynamic stability control with several advanced braking technologies including one that helps remove water from the brakes in rainy weather, run-flat tires with a tire-pressure monitoring system. The 328xi features BMW's xDrive system for improved stability in adverse conditions.

Standard equipment on all 3 Series coupes includes leatherette upholstery, automatic climate control, xenon headlamps, fog lamps, heated windshield washer nozzles, door handles with ground lighting, adaptive brake lights that alert trailing drivers to harder braking by the BMW driver, a start/stop button rather than a traditional turn-key ignition, power mirrors and windows and locks with remote locking, tilt and telescoping steering column with audio controls on the steering wheel, power front seats, a choice for four interior trims (two shades of walnut, gray poplar or brushed aluminum), a power moonroof, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, front and rear cup holders, fold-down rear seatbacks and a four-year/50,000-mile warranty with free maintenance (including oil changes and wiper blades) and roadside assistance. The rear-wheel-drive 328i and 335i come with Sport suspension much like that which was optional on the previous generation of the 3 Series coupe.

Options include automatic transmission ($1,275), active steering ($1,250), Comfort Access ($500) that allows entry (unlocking) and exit (locking) with the key in your pocket or purse, heated front seats ($500), rear park distance control ($350), active cruise control ($2,200), satellite navigation ($2,100), Sirius satellite radio ($595), leather upholstery ($1,450).

The Sport package ($1,000) includes sport seats with adjustable side bolsters, 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires. The Premium package ($3,150) includes leather upholstery, digital compass in the interior mirror, universal garage door transceiver, power folding exterior mirrors, auto-dimming for all three mirrors, memory seats and four years of BMW assist safety plan that automatically notifies emergency services in a collision as well as providing concierge, traffic, weather and other information; it costs less on the 335i. The cold weather package ($750) includes heated front seats, headlamp washers and a ski bag; it costs less on the 328xi

Mobile phones and driving don’t mix

2008-02-23T09:14:00.000-08:00

Mobile phones have many benefits. They provide security and can be
a great help in an emergency. But tests have shown a driver cannot help
being distracted by a phone call or text message. If you are distracted,
you will not register hazards or react quickly. A conversation on a
hands-free phone is no less distracting than using a hand-held one.

James, Bond, Car, Aston, Martin ,DBS ,is, Revealed

2008-02-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

n January 17, 2006 it was announced that a new Aston Martin DBS would be used in the 21st James Bond film Casino Royale. The new DBS is based on the DB9, more specifically the DBR9 race car. Built on the VH Platform the car shares its roof, sidescreens and wheelbase with the DB9, but sits lower (by 25mm) and wider (by 40mm) than the DB9. Visually, the front end is dominated by air scoops and cooling ducts which help cool the six-litre V12 engine which has reportedly been uprated to produce more than 500 bhp. At the rear are a carbon diffuser and an integrated rear lip spoiler. Other details include a six-speed manual transmission and a removable stopwatch. A special helmet pod behind the driver's seat is present for Casino Royale but will not feature in the production version. Aston Martin is expected to build only 300 examples of the new DBS.
A combination of elegant design, innovative manufacturing processes, race-derived materials and components and Aston Martin’s unrivalled hand-build expertise makes the DBS a luxury sports car without equal. Every line, crease and curve conveys the enormous potential of the DBS, a seductive blend of refinement and raw power, provided by the hand-built V12 producing 380kW (510bhp/517PS), a top speed of 191mph (302km/h) and a 0-62mph (0-100km/h) time of 4.3 seconds.

10)Ruf RT 12 and Barabus TKR

2008-02-01T11:32:00.000-08:00

On the 10th position are placed 2 beautiful cars: Ruf RT 12 a 200 mph + top speed and Brabus TKR an UK wild car with 270 mph top speed.

2008 Ferrari F430 Challenge Stradale

2008-01-20T10:32:00.001-08:00

Ferrari will boost power in the F430's 4.3-liter V-8 to 520 hp for the street-legal F430 Challenge Stradale arriving in fall 2007.

2008 Ferrari Dino

2008-01-20T10:30:00.000-08:00

Here is the first proof that Ferrari is working on a new 911 fighter, in the spirit of the Dino. The classic Dino was built between 1968 and 1976, and its name honored founder Enzo Ferrari's son, Alfredino "Dino" Ferrari, who died in 1956 at age 24 from muscular dystrophy.

These exclusive pictures show a Dino test mule undergoing early tests. Based on an F430 body, the prototype's front fenders are a little wider and the side rocker panels are missing due to a different cooling system. It also looks like the area around gearbox and rear axle is slightly different. Another thing that identifies the test car as a mule for the Dino is the engine sound, or should we say the lack of it. It clearly doesn't sound as sharp as an F430.

While that vintage Dino had a V-6 behind the driver, the new one will be powered by a V-8 with 400 hp. A Coupe will come first, with a Spider version to arrive later. It's likely that Pininfarina will do the design work with input from former Ferrari design boss Frank Stephenson, who now heads Fiat's Centro Stile operation.

Both BMW M6 and Aston Martin V8 Vantage testers were spotted at the Ferrari facility in Maranello, so it seems like they are the main target for the Dino as well, along with the Porsche 911. Insiders expect the Dino to be priced from about $140,000, with estimated production of 4000 units annually, which would double Ferrari production.

The Dino could arrive as early as 2009. Our computer illustration shows an artist's interpretation of the new vehicle's styling direction. -Hans G. Lehmann/ Hidden Image

2008 Saturn Ion

2008-01-20T10:29:00.000-08:00

Our friends in Europe might see this as a facelifted Opel Astra with a redesigned grille, modified air intakes, and new front fascia. But the 2007 Opel Astra could adopt an alternate identity - as the 2008 Saturn Ion.

The Astra has been rumoured in recent weeks to be a stopgap replacement for today's Saturn Ion until a new model with more distinctive sheetmetal can be developed. Indeed, a new Astra is scheduled for the 2010 model year, when it might also be built in America at one of GM's assembly plants.

The rebadged Astra could go on sale as soon as next year. Saturn also is prepping a new Vue SUV for 2008, one that shares its essentials with a new Opel compact SUV. -Brenda Priddy

2008 Jaguar S-Type

2008-01-20T10:28:00.000-08:00

aguar is testing the next generation S-Type in the Californian desert - and some of the latest prototypes are shown in these recent photos.

Code-named X250, the next S-Type will take direct aim at the BMW 5-Series. According to insider information, the new S-Type will adapt styling elements from both the RD6 and R Coupe concept cars and will be getting an oval mesh grille split by a chrome bar with the Jaguar badge. Twin single-unit headlights and a bumper with integrated twin fog lamps are in the offing, too.

Engines come from the current S-Type lineup: a 2.7-liter turbodiesel, a 3.0-liter V-6 and a 300-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 will be carried over. A 420-hp V-8 will be derived from the XKR.

The new S-Type is scheduled for release in 2008. The photos show S-Type prototypes, while two additional computer renderings give an artist's impression of how the new model could look like upon its release. -Hans G. Lehmann/Hidden Image

2008 Maserati GT Coupe

2008-01-20T10:27:00.000-08:00

Is this the new Maserati "Mistral?" Rumors say that Maserati may use one of their old names for their new upcoming Coupe. The current names, Coupe and Spyder, do not really give the cars a true identity like the evocative names from the Sixties and Seventies.

The new Maserati GT/Mistral will come as a coupe and as a two-seater Spyder with a retractable steel top. Its engine is based on the Ferrari-built 4.2-liter V-8, as used in the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The new GT's engine will displace 4.5 liters and will deliver about 500 hp, instead of 450 hp as in the Alfa.

The new car will have a double-wishbone suspension with the Skyhook adaptive damping system and also the Cambiocorsa clutchless gearbox mounted in the rear. Another source is talking about a completely new six-speed gearbox with paddle shifters from ZF, but also of a traditional manual gearbox with a clutch.

The design will be a mixture of modern and classic Maserati, as shown in a computer illustration our spies have prepared.

The new Maserati is expected to make its debut at the Geneva motor show in 2007.

CAR LOVER

2008-01-20T04:48:00.000-08:00

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2008-01-17T10:43:00.000-08:00

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BMW cars

2008-01-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

BMW (Bavarian Motor Works) founded on March 7, 1916 is an independent German Company. This ultimate driving company is the parent company of MINI and Rolls- Royce car bands. It is one of the major automobile manufacture companies in the international market today. BMW caters to all sectors of automobile market, from smaller cars to top range luxury limousines. When you drive it you are piloting a car several classes up.

Barabus TKR takes over as world's fastest car?

2008-01-16T12:16:00.000-08:00

The Bugatti Veyron may no longer be the world's fastest car. Today — following a number of teasers and leaks — Barabus officially unveiled the TKR: a new 1005 horsepower supercar the automaker says is capable of doing zero to 60 mph in 1.67 seconds. What's more, the car reportedly has a top speed of 270 mph — nearly 20 more than the Veyron. Power comes from a 6.0 liter V8 twin-turbocharged with dual intercoolers. The car has a full carbon fibre body and chassis. Further details remain sparse, but the automaker says it will sell the car for £360,000, which should translate to around $500,000, using typical automotive market conversion rates.

It's worth noting that Barabus sometimes refers to the car as being able to hit 60 mph in "under 2 seconds," rather than the stated 1.67. Even so, there is still some doubt among enthusiasts if such a figure is even possible. Nonetheless, the car is on display at the 2006 British International Motor Show, and we expect to get more details in the near future. The TKR is said to have been in development for the last 10 years. The car is to be made in Italy and the power plant is built in the United Kingdom. Worldwide volume is projected to be 300-400 cars over the estimated three-year production run.

Delhi auto expo 2008

2008-01-13T10:20:00.000-08:00

Bajaj Auto Ltd. managing director Rajiv Bajaj poses with the newly unveiled Lite passenger car that was displayed at the 9th Auto Expo on January 10

Delhi auto expo 2008

2008-01-13T10:17:00.000-08:00

Member of the board of sales and marketing of Skoda Auto Thomas Kuhl (left) and chairman of the board of directors Reinhard Jung pose with the newly launched Fabia at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi on January 9.

Delhi auto expo 2008

2008-01-13T10:15:00.000-08:00

President of BMW India Private Limited Peter Kronschnabi poses next to the BMW M3 Coupe at its launch during the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi on January 9. The M3 Coupe is priced at Rs.74,90,000.

Delhi auto expo 2008

2008-01-13T10:12:00.001-08:00

Fiat Powertrain Technologies chief executive officer Alfredo Altavilla (left) shakes hands with chairman of Fiat India Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. Ravi Kant at the launch of Fiat's new car, Linea, at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi on January 9.

Delhi auto expo 2008

2008-01-13T10:10:00.001-08:00

Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata poses next to the new Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) version of the Indica at its launch at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi on January 9. The Indica V2 Dicor is priced at Rs.4,25,000 (US $10897)

The promise of the Rs one-lakh car

2008-01-13T10:08:00.000-08:00

The car is supposed to be have a rear engine and will weigh around 600 kg.

It is likely to be powered by a 32-HP engine.

The car will also be Euro 3 compliant.

2008-01-13T10:06:00.001-08:00

The world's cheapest car

2008-01-13T09:58:00.000-08:00

A promise is a promise," Chairman Ratan Tata said, as he announced a dealer price of 100,000 rupees ($2,500) as pledged five years ago, even though commodity prices have gone up and despite rivals' claims such a knock-down price was impossible.

For its supporters, it will revolutionise ownership in India, by allowing millions of the aspiring middle classes to own a car, and send a shock through the auto world with its cheaper engineering that will be copied across the globe.

For its detractors, it will provoke a nightmare on India's already clogged roads and worsen choking pollution levels.

HYUNDAI

2007-12-24T20:29:00.000-08:00

vailable Models		Starting From
	Hyundai Santro Xing	Rs. 2,82,786.00
	Hyundai i10	Rs. 3,55,438.00
	Hyundai Getz Prime	Rs. 4,14,471.00
	Hyundai Accent	Rs. 5,58,047.00
	Hyundai Verna	Rs. 6,56,891.00
	Hyundai Elantra	Rs. 7,55,011.00
	Hyundai Sonata Embera	Rs. 13,92,290.00
	Hyundai Tucson	Rs. 16,66,933.0

MITSUBISI

2007-12-24T20:27:00.001-08:00

Available Models		Starting From
	Mitsubishi Lancer	Rs. 6,75,000.00
	Mitsubishi Cedia	Rs. 8,30,000.00
	Mitsubishi Pajero	Rs. 18,81,000.00
	Mitsubishi Montero	Rs. 34,11,000.00

CHEVROLET

2007-12-24T20:25:00.000-08:00

Available Models		Starting From
	Chevrolet Spark	Rs. 3,25,334.00
	Chevrolet Aveo U-VA	Rs. 4,19,609.00
	Chevrolet Aveo	Rs. 6,23,932.00
	Chevrolet Tavera	Rs. 6,36,881.00
	Chevrolet Optra SRV	Rs. 7,32,187.00
	Chevrolet Optra Magnum	Rs. 8,40,081.00

TATA

2007-12-24T20:23:00.000-08:00

Available Models		Starting From
	Tata Indica V2 Xeta	Rs. 2,58,160.00
	Tata Indicab	Rs. 3,19,369.00
	Tata Indica V2	Rs. 3,54,936.00
	Tata Indica V2 Turbo	Rs. 3,90,897.00
	Tata Indigo	Rs. 3,95,151.00
	Tata Indigo Marina	Rs. 4,68,513.00
	Tata Sumo	Rs. 4,88,227.00
	Tata Indigo XL	Rs. 5,44,201.00
	Tata Safari	Rs. 6,59,042.00

MAYBACH

2007-12-24T20:22:00.001-08:00

Available Models		Starting From
	Maybach 62	Rs. 5,40,00,000.00

LAMBORGHINI

2007-12-24T20:20:00.000-08:00

Available Models		Starting From
	Lamborghini Gallardo	Rs. 1,55,00,000.00
	Lamborghini Murcielago	Rs. 2,60,00,000.00

FORD

2007-12-24T20:18:00.001-08:00

Available Models		Starting From
	Ford Ikon	Rs. 5,00,338.00
	Ford Fusion	Rs. 5,98,918.00
	Ford Fiesta	Rs. 6,16,322.00
	Ford Endeavour	Rs. 15,54,903.00

BENTLEY

2007-12-24T20:17:00.001-08:00

Available Models		Starting From
	Bentley Continental GT	Rs. 1,65,00,000.00
	Bentley Continental Flying Spur	Rs. 1,70,00,000.00
	Bentley Continental GTC	Rs. 2,20,50,000.00
	Bentley Arnage	Rs. 2,25,00,000.00
	Bentley Azure	Rs. 3,99,00,000.00

OPEL

2007-12-24T20:14:00.000-08:00

Available Models		Starting From
	Opel Astra [Discontinued]	N/A
	Opel Corsa [Discontinued]	N/A
	Opel Vectra [Discontinued]	N/A

MARUTI

2007-12-24T20:13:00.002-08:00

Available Models		Starting From
	Maruti 800	Rs. 2,07,942.00
	Maruti Omni	Rs. 2,12,606.00
	Maruti Alto	Rs. 2,48,810.00
	Maruti Zen Estilo	Rs. 3,31,678.00
	Maruti Wagon R	Rs. 3,38,909.00
	Maruti Wagon R Duo	Rs. 3,61,314.00
	Maruti Versa	Rs. 3,86,796.00
	Maruti Swift	Rs. 4,17,280.00
	Maruti Esteem	Rs. 4,63,020.00
	Maruti Gypsy	Rs. 5,20,639.00
	Maruti SX4	Rs. 6,54,200.00
	Maruti Grand Vitara	Rs. 14,05,000.00
	Maruti Baleno [Discontinued]	N/A
	Maruti Zen [Discontinued]	N/A

FIAT

2007-12-24T20:13:00.001-08:00

Available Models		Starting From
	Fiat Palio Stile	Rs. 3,60,935.00
	Fiat Adventure	Rs. 5,65,000.00
	Fiat Palio D [Discontinued]	N/A
	Fiat Palio NV [Discontinued]	N/A
	Fiat Petra [Discontinued]	N/A
	Fiat Petra D [Discontinued]	N/A
	Fiat Uno [Discontinued]

AUDI CAR

2007-12-24T20:12:00.001-08:00

Available Models		Starting From
	Audi A4	Rs. 28,40,000.00
	Audi A6	Rs. 45,25,000.00
	Audi Q7	Rs. 64,84,000.00

HONDA

2007-12-24T20:03:00.000-08:00

Available Models		Starting From
	Honda City ZX	Rs. 7,16,200.00
	Honda Civic	Rs. 11,45,300.00
	Honda Accord	Rs. 15,45,200.00
	Honda CR-V 2007	Rs. 18,35,800.00

History

2007-12-24T19:58:00.000-08:00

BMW was officially founded as a public company in 1922, but traces its origins to the pioneering days of German aviation all the way back to 1913. Two of these pioneering men, Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, are credited by BMW as the "founding fathers". However, BMW owes its actual founding by three men- Josef Popp, Max Friz, and Camillo Castiglioni. These men brought BMW through many turbulent times in the company's early life, as well as taking the company public in 1922 to form BMW AG. BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke.

Beginning with aircraft engines, BMW AG produced a variety of products in its early years, eventually shifting to motorcycle production in 1923 and automobiles in 1929. The circular blue and white BMW logo, which has not been altered throughout the company's history, does not in fact symbolize a spinning propeller according to a BMW spokesperson (although the imagry did apear in post-WWI advertisements). The BMW Trademark is believed to have been partially derived from the logo of its predecessor company Rapp Motorenwerke[citation needed], while ultimately taking on the colors and checkers of the Bavarian flag. Significant aircraft powerplants of pre-WWII and WWII included the BMW 132 and BMW 801 air-cooled radial engines, and the pioneering BMW 003 axial-flow turbojet. BMW's factories were damaged badly in the war, and many surviving machine tools were confiscated by the victorious Allies.

Out of production

2007-12-24T19:54:00.000-08:00

* M1: a 1970s mid-engine sports car, designed in conjunction with Lamborghini. As Lamborghini went into bankruptcy the production was shifted to the German Karmanwerke.
* Z3: a 2-seater roadster.
o M coupé and roadster: high-performance hard-top and soft-top versions of the Z3, very popular among enthusiasts. The Z3 was first shown on the big screen in the James Bond film GoldenEye, marking the first time Pierce Brosnan played Bond and the first time the MI6 agent's gadget-laden car wasn't British.
* 8 Series: a fast, high-technology coupé of the 1990s. Unconfirmed rumors suggest that this may be revived, see BMW CS Concept, to compete against the globally acclaimed Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.
* Z1: a late 1980s two-seater with innovative modular construction; only 8,000 were made. Best known for the feature of the vertically sliding doors.
* Z8: a roadster with design based on the classic 507 roadster from the 1950s. Debuted in the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, marking the last time Bond would drive a BMW. Only 5000 were built, the last 500 being a special edition built by Alpina but sold directly from BMW. This exciting halo car was built on an aluminium space frame design.

Classics

2007-12-24T19:53:00.000-08:00

BMW made many cars over the years which have had great impact on the world of motoring.

3.0 CSL
M1
M3
M5
M6 (e24) First production line M car. Supercoupe capable of over 150 mph (241 km/h)
M Roadster
Dixi, 3/20, 303, 309, 315, 319, 320, 321, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 335
Isetta, 600, 700
501, 502, 503, 507
3200 CS, 2000 CS
New Sixes (2500/2800/Bavaria/2.5/2.8/3.0/3.3): Predecessor to today's 7 Series
New Class (1500/1502/1600/1800/1802/2000/2002): Predecessor to the 3 Series

Series Generations

2007-12-24T19:47:00.000-08:00

Series Generations

Internally, BMW associates an "e-code" for each generation of a series ("E" stands for Entwicklung, German for development or evolution). These "chassis codes" only change to signify a major redesign of a series, or the introduction of a new series. BMW AG reported in September 2006 that BMW would switch to the letter "F" for their future models, beginning with the F01 7 Series replacement.

BMW E3 — (1968–1977)

2.5, 2.8, 3.0, 3.3 "New Six" sedans

BMW E9 — (1969–1975) 2800CS, 3.0CS, 3.0CSL "New Six" coupés
BMW E12 — (1974–1981) 5 Series
BMW E21 — (1976–1983) 3 Series
BMW E23 — (1977–1986) 7 Series
BMW E24 — (1976–1989) 6 Series
BMW E26 — (1978–1981) M1
BMW E28 — (1981–1987) 5 Series
BMW E30 — (1984–1991) 3 Series (1982-1983 E30 sold in Europe)
BMW E31 — (1989–1997) 8 Series
BMW E32 — (1986–1994) 7 Series
BMW E34 — (1988–1995) 5 Series
BMW E36 — (1992–1999) 3 Series
BMW E36/5 — (1995–1998) 3 Series Compact (US market known as "318ti")
BMW E36/7 — (1996-2002) Z3 Series Roadster
BMW E36/8 — (1998-2002) Z3 Series Coupé
BMW E38 — (1994–2001) 7 Series
BMW E39 — (1995–2003) 5 Series
BMW E46/5 — (2000–2004) 3 Series Compact
BMW E46/4 — (1998–2005) 3 Series Sedan
BMW E46/3 — (1999–2005) 3 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
BMW E46/2 — (1999–2006) 3 Series Coupé
BMW E46/C — (1999–2006) 3 Series Convertible
BMW E52 — (2000–2003) Z8
BMW E53 — (2000–2006) X5
BMW E60 — (2004–present) 5 Series
BMW E61 — (2004–2007) 5 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
BMW E63 — (2004–present) 6 Series coupé
BMW E64 — (2004–present) 6 Series convertible
BMW E65 — (2002–2007) 7 Series short wheelbase
BMW E66 — (2002–2007) 7 Series long wheelbase
BMW E67 — (2002–2007) 7 Series Protection
BMW E70 — (2007-present) X5
BMW E71 — (2008) X6
BMW E72 — (2008) X6 Hybrid
BMW E81 — (2007-present) 1 Series (3-door)
BMW E82 — (2007-present) 1 Series Coupé
BMW E82/2 — (2010) Z2
BMW E83 — (2004–present) X3
BMW E85 — (2003–present) Z4
BMW E86 — (2006–present) Z4 Coupé
BMW E87 — (2004–present) 1 Series (5-door)
BMW E88 — (2008) 1 Series Convertible
BMW E89 — (2009) Z4 roadster
BMW E90 — (2005–present) 3 Series
BMW E91 — (2005–present) 3 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
BMW E92 — (2006–present) 3 Series Coupé
BMW E93 — (2007–present) 3 Series Convertible
BMW E99 — (2009) V5 Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS)
BMW F01 — (2008) 7 Series
BMW F02 — (2009) 7 Series long wheelbase
BMW F03 — (2008) 7 Series Protection
BMW F04 — (2009) 8 Series Light Base
BMW F10 — (2010) 5 Series
BMW F11 — (2012) 5 Series Touring/Sports Wagon
BMW F12 — (2011) 6 Series Coupé
BMW F13 — (2011) 6 Series Convertible
BMW F25 — (2011) X3

Recently BMW has become concerned with the rising number of their vehicles being imported from the United States into Canada and with the cooperation of the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (a private contractor to the federal Government of Canada) has placed impediments to the importation of BMW vehicles into Canada. All BMW dealers in the United States and Canada are now forbidden from printing vehicle history reports that list warrantee work that has been performed as well as the status of any safety recalls and supplying this document to the legal owners of the vehicles. Owners of BMW vehicles are considered to be a "third party" to information regarding the safety of BMW products. BMW now requires owners importing their cars into Canada to pay a fee of $300 (CDN) for a document guaranteeing the vehicle's admissibility into Canada and $500 (CDN) for a letter advising the Registrar of Imported Vehicles that there are no outstanding recalls on that vehicle.

History

2007-12-24T19:45:00.000-08:00

Several Italians recorded designs for wind driven vehicles. The first was Guido da Vigevano in 1335. It was a windmill type drive to gears and thus to wheels. Vaturio designed a similar vehicle which was also never built. Later Leonardo da Vinci designed a clockwork driven tricycle with tiller steering and a differential mechanism between the rear wheels.

A Catholic priest named Father Ferdinand Verbiest has been said to have built a steam powered vehicle for the Chinese Emperor Chien Lung in about 1678. There is no information about the vehicle, only the event. Since Thomas Newcomen didn't build his first steam engine until 1712 we can guess that this was possibly a model vehicle powered by a mechanism like Hero's steam engine, a spinning wheel with jets on the periphery. Newcomen's engine had a cylinder and a piston and was the first of this kind, and it used steam as a condensing agent to form a vacuum and with an overhead walking beam, pull on a rod to lift water. It was an enormous thing and was strictly stationary. The steam was not under pressure, just an open boiler piped to the cylinder. It used the same vacuum principle that Thomas Savery had patented to lift water directly with the vacuum, which would have limited his pump to less than 32 feet of lift. Newcomen's lift would have only been limited by the length of the rod and the strength of the valve at the bottom. Somehow Newcomen was not able to separate his invention from that of Savery and had to pay for Savery's rights. In 1765 James Watt developed the first pressurized steam engine which proved to be much more efficient and compact that the Newcomen engine.

The first vehicle to move under its own power for which there is a record was designed by Nicholas Joseph Cugnot and constructed by M. Brezin in 1769. A replica of this vehicle is on display at the Conservatoire des Arts et Metiers, in Paris. I believe that the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D. C. also has a large (half size ?) scale model. A second unit was built in 1770 which weighed 8000 pounds and had a top speed on 2 miles per hour and on the cobble stone streets of Paris this was probably as fast as anyone wanted to go it. The picture shows the first model on its first drive around Paris were it hit and knocked down a stone wall. It also had a tendency to tip over frontward unless it was counterweighted with a canon in the rear. the purpose of the vehicle was to haul canons around town.

The early steam powered vehicles were so heavy that they were only practical on a perfectly flat surface as strong as iron. A road thus made out of iron rails became the norm for the next hundred and twenty five years. The vehicles got bigger and heavier and more powerful and as such they were eventually capable of pulling a train of many cars filled with freight and passengers.

As the picture at the right shows, many attempts were being made in England by the 1830's to develop a practical vehicle that didn't need rails. A series of accidents and propaganda from the established railroads caused a flurry of restrictive legislation to be passed and the development of the automobile bypassed England. Several commercial vehicles were built but they were more like trains without tracks.

The development of the internal combustion engine had to wait until a fuel was available to combust internally. Gunpowder was tried but didn't work out. Gunpowder carburetors are still hard to find. The first gas really did use gas. They used coal gas generated by heating coal in a pressure vessel or boiler. A Frenchman named Etienne Lenoir patented the first practical gas engine in Paris in 1860 and drove a car based on the design from Paris to Joinville in 1862. His one-half horse power engine had a bore of 5 inches and a 24 inch stroke. It was big and heavy and turned 100 rpm. Lenoir died broke in 1900.

Lenoir had a separate mechanism to compress the gas before combustion. In 1862, Alphonse Bear de Rochas figured out how to compress the gas in the same cylinder in which it was to burn, which is the way we still do it. This process of bringing the gas into the cylinder, compressing it, combusting the compressed mixture, then exhausting it is know as the Otto cycle, or four cycle engine. Lenoir claimed to have run the car on benzene and his drawings show an electric spark ignition. If so, then his vehicle was the first to run on petroleum based fuel, or petrol, or what we call gas, short for gasoline.

Siegfried Marcus, of Mecklenburg, built a can in 1868 and showed one at the Vienna Exhibition of 1873. His later car was called the Strassenwagen had about 3/4 horse power at 500 rpm. It ran on crude wooden wheels with iron rims and stopped by pressing wooden blocks against the iron rims, but it had a clutch, a differential and a magneto ignition. One of the four cars which Marcus built is in the Vienna Technical Museum and can still be driven under its own power.

In 1876, Nokolaus Otto patented the Otto cycle engine, de Rochas had neglected to do so, and this later became the basis for Daimler and Benz breaking the Otto patent by claiming prior art from de Rochas.

The picture to the left, taken in 1885, is of Gottllieb Daimler's workshop in Bad Cannstatt where he built the wooden motorcycle shown. Daimler's son Paul rode this motorcycle from Cannstatt to Unterturkheim and back on November 10, 1885. Daimler used a hot tube ignition system to get his engine speed up to 1000 rpm

The previous August, Karl Benz had already driven his light, tubular framed tricycle around the Neckar valley, only 60 miles from where Daimler lived and worked. They never met. Frau Berta Benz took Karl's car one night and made the first long car trip to see her mother, traveling 62 miles from Mannheim to Pforzheim in 1888.

Also in August 1888, William Steinway, owner of Steinway & Sons piano factory, talked to Daimler about US manufacturing right and by September had a deal. By 1891 the Daimler Motor Company, owned by Steinway, was producing petrol engines for tramway cars, carriages, quadricycles, fire engines and boats in a plant in Hartford, CT.

Steam cars had been built in America since before the Civil War but the early one were like miniature locomotives. In 1871, Dr. J. W. Carhart, professor of physics at Wisconsin State University, and the J. I. Case Company built a working steam car. It was practical enough to inspire the State of Wisconsin to offer a $10,000 prize to the winner of a 200 mile race in 1878.>

The 200 mile race had seven entries, or which two showed up for the race. One car was sponsored by the city of Green Bay and the other by the city of Oshkosh. The Green Bay car was the fastest but broke down and the Oshkosh car finished with an average speed of 6 mph.

From this time until the end of the century, nearly every community in America had a mad scientist working on a steam car. Many old news papers tell stories about the trials and failures of these would be inventors.

By 1890 Ransom E. Olds had built his second steam powered car, pictured at left. One was sold to a buyer in India, but the ship it was on was lost at sea.

Running by February, 1893 and ready for road trials by September, 1893 the car built by Charles and Frank Duryea, brothers, was the first gasoline powered car in America. The first run on public roads was made on September 21, 1893 in Springfield, MA. They had purchased a used horse drawn buggy for $70 and installed a 4 HP, single cylinder gasoline engine. The car (buggy) had a friction transmission, spray carburetor and low tension ignition. It must not have run very well because Frank didn't drive it again until November 10 when it was reported by the Springfield Morning Union newspaper. This car was put into storage in 1894 and stayed there until 1920 when it was rescued by Inglis M. Uppercu and presented to the United States National Museum.

Henry Ford had an engine running by 1893 but it was 1896 before he built his first car. By the end of the year Ford had sold his first car, which he called a Quadracycle, for $200 and used the money to build another one. With the financial backing of the Mayor of Detroit, William C. Maybury and other wealthy Detroiters, Ford formed the Detroit Automobile Company in 1899. A few prototypes were built but no production cars were ever made by this company. It was dissolved in January 1901. Ford would not offer a car for sale until 1903.

The first closed circuit automobile race held at Narragansett Park, Rhode Island, in September 1896. All four cars to the left are Duryeas, on the right is a Morris & Salom Electrobat. Thirteen Duryeas of the same design were produced in 1896, making it the first production car.

At left is pictured the factory with produced the 13 Duryeas. In 1898 the brothers went their separate ways and the Duryea Motor Wagon Company was closed. Charles, who was born in 1861 and was eight years older than Frank had taken advantage of Frank in publicity and patents. Frank went out on his own and eventually joined with Stevens Arms and Tool Company to form the Stevens-Duryea Company which was sold to Westinghouse in 1915. Charles tried to produce some of his own hare-brained ideas with various companies until 1916. Thereafter he limited himself to writing technical book and articles. He died in 1938. Frank got a half a million dollars for the Westinghouse deal and lived in comfort until his death in 1967, just seven months from his 98th birthday.

In this engraving Ransom Eli Olds is at the tiller of his first petrol powered car. Riding beside him is Frank G. Clark, who built the body and in the back are their wives. This car was running by 1896 but production of the Olds Motor Vehicle Company of Detroit did not begin until 1899. After an early failure with luxury vehicles they established the first really successful production with the classic Curved Dash Oldsmobile.

The Curved Dash Oldsmobile had a single cylinder engine, tiller steering and chain drive. It sold for $650. In 1901 600 were sold and the next years were 1902 - 2,500, 1903 - 4,000, 1904 - 5,000. In August 1904 Ransom Olds left the company to form Reo (for Ransom Eli Olds). Ransom E. Olds was the first mass producer of gasoline powered automobiles in the United States, even though Duryea was the first auto manufacturer with their 13 cars.

Ransom Olds produced a small number of electric cars around the turn of the century. Little is known about them and none survive. The picture at left is the only known picture of one of these rare cars. It was taken at was taken at Belle Island Park, Michigan. In 1899 and 1900, electrics outsold all other type of cars and the most popular electric was the Columbia built by Colonel Albert Augustus Pope, owner of American Bicycle Company.
an interesting footnote to the Olds electric.

J. A. Koosen and H. Lawson in a 1895 Lutzmann. This is typical of American design in the mid 1890's. It was truly a horseless carriage. Tiller steering, engine under the floorboards, very high center of gravity, not designed for road travel. Imagine climbing into one of these and trying to drive across town and around a few corners. Kind of scary, huh?

This Daimler of 1899 was owned by Lionel Rothchild. The European design is much advanced of the American designs of the same time. Gottlieb Daimler took part in the London-to-Brighton run in 1896 but died in 1900 at the age of 66 without ever meeting Benz. His German engines powered the automobile industries of Britain and France.

The 1908 Haynes in the back ground shows the rapid development of the petrol powered car when compared to the 1894 model in the foreground. Consider the present difference between a 1998 Tarus and the 14 year old 1984 Tarus. Some difference. Old man Haynes claimed to have build the 1894 car in 1893 but had no proof.

The Rolls Royce Silver Ghost of 1906 was a six cylinder car that stayed in production until 1925. It represented the best engineering and technology available at the time and these cars still run smoothly and silently today. This period marked the end of the beginning of the automobile.

Automobile

2007-12-24T19:41:00.000-08:00

An automobile (via French from Greek auto, self and Latin mobilis moving, a vehicle that moves itself rather than being moved by another vehicle or animal) or motor car (usually shortened to just car) is a wheeled passenger vehicle that carries its own motor. Most definitions of the term specify that automobiles are designed to run primarily on roads, to have seating for one to eight people, to typically have four wheels, and to be constructed principally for the transport of people rather than goods. However, the term is far from precise because there are many types of vehicles that do similar tasks.