2012 Kia Sportage - Review

Small SUVs sometimes earn the nickname "cute-utes," and it's never been more true. Trucky imitation is so 2005; crossovers like the Kia Sportage are sleek little gym shoes, packing the same convenience in much more stylish duds. It's grown up and out, in size and price and performance, and that means the latest Sportage is now in the thick of things, alongside best sellers like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, its kin Hyundai Tucson, and the grassroots favorite Subaru Forester.

Priced from below $20,000 in base form to more than $30,000 as a turbo SX, the Sportage overlaps a lot of larger vehicles now, but it does it with a confident look. We think it's one of the best-looking compact utes, with its deft mashup of SUV and hatchback lines. The tipped-back stance shares some sass with the Soul, and a few well-chosen details lighten up thick body sides. It's chunky, but not at all clunky--we think, what the Jeep Compass could have been. The cockpit relates to the sheetmetal in a way most cars and utes gloss over. Big gauges are framed by a rectangular dash that's toned down significantly versus the one in the Tucson, though if you look hard, you can see how the two share some common hard points. It's workmanlike in the best way possible--it looks substantial, and feels authentic.

All Sportages offer a four-cylinder engines, and in most models the 2.4-liter four makes 176 horsepower. Direct injection is new this year; it hasn't changed the measured acceleration the engine and a six-speed automatic dole out (a manual's available), but pokey, the Sportage is not. It's fairly refined in motion, too, and the automatic's unstressed and reasonably quick to shift when you move the lever to manual mode.
Opt for the turbocharged SX and the Sportage's output rises to a breathy 260 hp, enough to spin the front wheels a little before traction control mellows out the party, and the automatic gets shift paddles for less distracted driving and better response. All-wheel drive is an option across the board, and comes with a differential lock that splits power 50:50 at speeds up to 25 mph. Gas mileage ranges from 22/32 mpg with the front-drive four-cylinder, to 20/27 mpg with the SX AWD.

In either trim, the base four-cylinder Sportage isn't quite as savvy at muting road surfaces as, say, a Subaru Forester. Ride quality's improved a bit this year with more sophisticated shocks on base versions, like those standard on EX and SX versions. Big 18-inch wheels don't help, so think twice before blinging out. Kia tunes its electric power steering systems on the heavy side, which gives them a little more realistic feel than its Hyundai cousins, and better control over minor road modulations. The SX makes great strides toward a truly sporty driving experience, something a little bit more tuning could bring home.
With its wider footprint, the Sportage delivers more interior space than its ancestors, but it's still on the smaller side of crossovers. The front seats benefit from the relatively high dash, and have good leg and shoulder room. As usual, add a sunroof, subtract headroom. The seats themselves are well-shaped and can be air-cooled on high-line Sportages. The back seat's like that in the Tucson--bigger adults will slouch a bit to find a good seating position perched on the otherwise nicely angled cushions. Cargo space measures 26.1 cubic feet, more than some luxury utes, and the rear-end styling means more of the cargo space is hidden behind sheetmetal--great for valuables, not so great if you carry pets often.

Standard curtain airbags and stability control are joined by optional rear parking sensors and rearview camera, which help with the Sportage's sizable blind spots. The IIHS calls the Sportage a Top Safety Pick, too.
Standard features include air conditioning; power windows, locks and mirrors; and 16-inch wheels. Moving up to more expensive models adds features like keyless start; satellite radio; Bluetooth; steering-wheel audio and phone controls; and a USB port. Top models get a telescoping steering wheel; a cooled glove box; a power driver seat; 18-inch wheels; leather steering wheel and shifter trim; roof rails; and a rear spoiler. Major options include leather upholstery; seat heaters; a cooled driver seat; and finally UVO, Kia's version of the Microsoft voice controller sold by Ford as SYNC. Kia's version has a more limited vocabulary and controls fewer functions, but it can search all your media to find the perfect soundtrack to your next drive, whether it lives on your iPod, an SD card, or HD Radio.

2012 Jeep Liberty - Review

The Jeep Liberty is boxy and rugged. And while we're becoming accustomed to seeing carlike vehicle masquerading in trail clothes, that's not at all the case here: The 2012 Jeep Liberty remains mostly truck. But for families who plan on spending most of the time on pavement—and with the trail-focused Renegade model dropped—the Liberty's appeal is limited because of its poor fuel economy and lack of comfort.

Looking tough and traditional—though a bit slab-sided from some angles—the Jeep Liberty appearance hasn't changed much over the years. A few years ago, Jeep amped up the macho-man appeal and added chunky details to look even more trail-tough. The Liberty's styling inside keeps to that role with a stark and simple look, although there are more hard plastics than in most crossovers this size.
The Liberty's powertrain can move the Liberty quickly enough, but we have no kind words for it. The 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 engine is torquey enough, but its rather low-revving, raspy, and not altogether smooth character just barely fits in with the Liberty's more rugged character. Because it's a low-revver, relatively speaking, it manages just fine with the somewhat rough-shifting four-speed automatic. But this powertrain's true downfall is gas mileage; at 15/21 mpg with 4WD, the Liberty is no more fuel-efficient than a full-size SUV.

Off-roading remained one of the best reasons for choosing the Liberty over a more easygoing crossover model, yet Jeep has, puzzlingly, dropped the trail-focused Renegade model for 2012. Two 4WD systems remain offered: Selec-Trac II is a full-time system that's also off-road capable but better oriented for snowy roads, while Command Trac is a part-time system intended for trail-running.

At first impression, the 2012 Jeep Liberty feels relatively well laid-out—as well as airy, given the tall greenhouse. Seats feel skimpy, though, and don't offer much support. But there's enough space in back, even for adults on a weekend trip, for instance. And the story is pretty good if you plan to haul cargo and gear: The cargo floor is low, too, and the seats fold neatly.
But there's still plenty to make the Liberty an unappealing choice in today's market, which is brimming with well-designed, family-friendly utility vehicles. The Liberty's on-the-road ride and refinement are probably the biggest turn-offs of this vehicle. There's a fair amount more interior road and wind noise than in more carlike compact crossover vehicles. And as a tall, narrow vehicle with a pitchy ride, the Liberty results in lots of 'head toss' on rough roads, or even choppy freeways, and blemished road surfaces seem to upset the composure of occupants just as much as they seem to upset the Liberty's grip.
Safety features are respectable in the 2012 Liberty, but the federal government hasn't tested it under the new ratings system, and the IIHS gave it a worrisome 'marginal' in side impact and 'acceptable' in rear impact. Base Sport, more luxurious Limited, and new Limited Jet trims are offered. Limited Jet models offer a spiced-up appearance, with big 20-inch aluminum wheels, chrome molding, and other black and bright trim throughout, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and alarm system. Limited models are dressed up with a a long list of equipment over the sport, including leather upholstery, heated front seats, steering-wheel audio controls, a Bluetooth hands-free interface, and a garage-door opener. There are plenty of cool options, such as a music hard drive system, a new Garmin nav system, rain-sensing wipers, and a Sky Slider sunroof, if you don't mind the higher price tag.

For 2012, Jeep has dropped prices on Liberty Jet models by $795, and it's added a Bluetooth hands-free interface (with voice command), a garage-door opener, overhead console, and rear park assist as standard equipment on all models.

2025 Bugatti Aerolithe Concept Design by Douglas Hogg

Price £900,000, Engine microturbine/electric hybrid, Weight 3000 lbs, Aspiration turbine, Torque 1500 lb-ft, HP 450 hp (electric), HP/Weight 6.7 hp per liter, 1/4 mile 10.5 seconds, 0-62 mph 2.7 seconds, Top Speed 220+ mph.

2025 Bugatti Aerolithe Concept By Douglas Hogg, Coventry University Graduate, now a designer at Ford Motor Company

HISTORY

Ettore Bugatti was the founder of Bugatti cars and in many ways the ultimate perfectionist. He believed his cars should be the best in the world and constantly strove to make them the fastest, lightest and most luxurious cars possible. "Nothing is too beautiful, nothing is too expensive" was one of his guiding mantras. Together with his son Jean, they were a world leading force in premium automobiles. Many believe that Ettore’s engineering genius and Jeans visionary styling reached their collaborative zenith with the 1935 Aerolithe prototype.

The original Aerolithe was unveiled at the 1935 Paris motor show and was the instant star attraction. It looked like nothing else - Its elegant, highly aerodynamic styling and super lightweight construction was years ahead of its time. Such was the reception the Aerolithe received that 1936 a production version was offered as the legendary Type 57 SC Atlantic, of which three exist today and sell at auction for around $40 million. As for the Aerolithe, it disappeared sometime in the late 1930’s. To this day no one knows for sure its fate.
The 2025 Bugatti Aerolithe – The vanguard of a new wave of intelligent Luxury.

‘Super luxury’ Grand Tourer for 2025, inspired by Ettore Bugatti’s principles of automotive design, the original Aerolithe, and the theme ‘aerodynamic elegance’.

Key themes; Extravagant Graceful Sporting

The new 2025 Bugatti Aerolithe concept represents a return to the brand values and holistic attitude of Ettore Bugatti that made Bugatti cars so great – simplicity, beauty and intelligence. The new Aerolithe takes theme and style inspiration from the lightweight original and re imagines it as a futuristic and exclusive GT car for 15 years in the future - the vanguard of a new wave of intelligent luxury.

The typical buyer of a new Bugatti is the man who has it all. He statistically already owns 8+ cars, A boat and/ or a private jet. He can afford to choose to buy the very best in everything and the Aerolithe was designed to be the best grand tourer money can buy.
The dramatic styling is an exercise in pure surfacing. It references the original with its elegant proportions and split windows, whilst carving out a new design direction for Bugatti utilising clean, unbroken surfacing and advanced aerodynamics. The main bodywork is completely smooth, uncluttered by external mirrors, door handles and clunky spoilers. The lines are inspired by organic forms, science fiction and the original 193 Aerolithe. Up front, the signature Bugatti ‘Horseshoe’ grill in is a direct ram air intake to the turbine engine, whilst the headlights apertures in the front double up as cooling ducts to cool the brakes. At the rear, the boot lid features two jet fighter inspired pop up air brakes to stabilise the car under braking, whilst the rear lights also double up as cooling ducts. Advanced technology integrated so harmoniously into the clean bodyshell that you would never know it was there.

Underbody aerodynamics are a key feature of the Aerolithe and allow it to have such clean styling. Two air channels run the full length of the underbody of the car directing air from the front, around the almond shaped cabin, back to the massive double diffuser at the rear. This generates enough downforce to keep the car firmly glued to the road at speed without the need for any visible rear spoiler.

The Aerospace inspired split canopy doors of the Aerolithe concept are a stand out feature designed primarily to allow easy access to the cabin, but also to generate street theatre when the car pulls up. Each side opens independently of the other, and splits into a top and bottom half. The bottom half of each door tucks under the sill, whilst the top half swings up and forwards taking with it a massive swathe of bodywork and the whole dashboard. The steering column can then raise into the space left by the door, giving an enormous aperture to allow users of all shapes and sizes to easily get in and out.
The polished aluminium centre spine is a key styling and construction feature. It references the riveted central seam line of the original and develops it into a key structural component running throughout the interior and exterior. Beneath the sensuous carbon fibre bodywork is a highly efficient and dynamic mechanical package. The Aerolithe features titanium, magnesium and composite materials throughout to keep the weight down to around 1400kg. The passenger safety cell is bullet proof, with Aluminium Oxynitride windows. Driving a one million pound car you never can be too careful.

Propulsion is provided by an advanced Microturbine battery hybrid drivetrain. Microturbines are an emerging technology that will see great use in the automotive industry in the coming years. They are compact, lightweight and highly efficient. They can run on almost anything that burns –petrol, diesel, kerosene, alcohol, even perfume. In the Aerolithe the Microturbine functions only as a generator with no mechanical link to the wheels. Its only function is to generate electricity to charge the batteries on the move. In general terms, the Aerolithe is an electric car. The Microturbine engine is a range extender for the batteries, giving a theoretical range of up to 800 miles on one tank of fuel with minimal harmful emissions.

2012 TIKT Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 Tripple X

Engine 7 liter V8, Torque 671 lb-ft, HP 758 hp, HP/Liter 108.3 hp per liter.

TIKT Corvette C6 ZR1 : Tripple X - for the road Despite its solid technology even an ex-works Corvette C6 Z06 is no weakling. With 648 PS and 810 Nm it quite unashamedly plays in the super sportscar league - and makes a good impression whilst doing so.

If a high-tech and precision company such as TIKT from XXXX then decides to lend it its support, then one can justifiably look forward to the results.
First of all the performance was improved by using modified cylinder heads, camshafts, strengthened valve springs, modified compressor ratios, a larger throttle valve and a completely modified exhaust. After a fine tuning of the engine's controls a peak of 769 PS and a top torque of 910 Nm was printed out at the performance test station.

In a second step PS and Torque were stabilised by regrinding and finely adjusting the valve seats.

Even greater adjustments were made to the cooling system of Z06, that thanks to numerous special modifications now push up to four times as much cooling fluid through the engine of this super sportscar.
In addition the cooler was encapsulated and installed in combination with a new front skirt. It sounds simple, but because of the targeted air flow to the side a real venturi effect is created. A real advantage for the Corvette's aerodynamics.

So as not to negatively influence the cinematics of the suspension and still simultaneously increase the performance on the tarmac the leaf springs on the rear axle were retained and new wheel mounts made that brought the vehicle around 30 millimetres to the ground without any lowering. Together with a new suspension set-up - comprising new race shocks - the sportscar was brought approximately 50 millimetres closer to the road, on which the powerful engine can now convert its performance into propulsion better than before.
Better grip can be also be had with the very light Zerra Ultralight Evo 2 wheels, that once more reduce the overall and unsprung mass.

In order to keep so much performance in check you not only need a competent driver but also extremely stable brakes that of suitable size are mounted behind the ultra-light allow wheel rims.

Aerodynamic "assistants" in the shape of a rear spoiler were also constructed of equally weight-saving carbon.

All these measures have turned the Corvette into a Triple X ZR, as improvements have been made to it to fit it for all of sports driving spheres: country roads, motorways and racing tracks.

2012 Scion FR-S Race Car

HP 600 hp

Scion Racing Debuts FR-S Race Car
• FR-S race car will compete in 2012 Formula DRIFT series
• 'First 86' program offers chance to be among the first to own the FR-S
• FR-S will offer brand new connected audio system called BeSpoke

Detroit – January 9, 2012 – Scion today unveiled its Scion Racing/GReddy FR-S race car during a press conference at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. The FR-S will be competing in the 2012 Formula DRIFT series with veteran driver Ken Gushi behind the wheel.
The 600-horsepower FR-S race car is the result of a collaboration between Scion Racing and GReddy, a performance-products company that has been involved with Toyota and racing for over twenty years.

The race car is inspired by the 2013 Scion FR-S, a compact rear-wheel-drive sports car that will go on sale in the spring of 2012. The high-performance coupe is the fifth model to join the Scion family.

2013 Honda Accord Concept

Honda Unveils 2013 Accord Coupe Concept

All-new Accord will feature next-generation powertrain technologies, class-leading fuel economy plus innovative safety and technology features

Honda unveiled the dynamic Accord Coupe Concept today at the North American International Auto Show, providing the first official glimpse of the athletic styling direction, as well as revealing a host of new technologies for the all-new, ninth-generation 2013 model, set to go on-sale this fall.

The 2013 Accord will feature three all-new powertrains, including the first U.S. application of both a 2.4-liter direct-injected engine and two-motor plug-in hybrid system from Honda's suite of next-generation Earth Dreams™ powertrain technologies. In addition, the V-6 Accord will be the first Honda sedan to feature a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Both the Accord Sedan and the Accord Coupe models are expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy ratings and will be available with a number of innovative new safety and technological features.

"Marking the 30th anniversary of U.S. production, this new ninth-generation Accord will raise the bar again through a tour de force of new Honda powertrain and safety technologies, geared to ensure that Honda and the Accord continue to lead in fuel economy, safety and fun-to-drive performance," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.
Design and Packaging
The Accord Coupe Concept features an athletic styling direction for Honda's best-selling model. The front bumper's dynamic lines are highlighted by a revised four-sided honeycomb grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. Lower fog-light spoilers are accented by crystallized chrome inlays.

The Accord Coupe Concept's 20-inch, machine-finished, 5-spoke wheels contribute to its solid stance. The rear taillights aggressively sweep into the body, while a trunk -lid spoiler and large exhaust finishers integrated into the bumper underscore the Accord Coupe Concept's muscular exterior.

While the Accord Coupe will remain similarly sized, the Accord Sedan will feature a more compact exterior footprint, adding to its sportier appearance. A shortened length and reduced weight will also give the 2013 Accord Sedan more responsive handling and improved driving dynamics. Both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will retain the current model's generous cabin space.
Advanced and Efficient Powertrains
The Accord will offer three all-new powertrains for the 2013 model year. The Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will be the first models in the U.S. to receive the new Earth Dreams 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® four-cylinder engine featuring direct- injection (DI). The engine will be paired to a 6-speed manual transmission or a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which utilizes an innovative cooperative control system for excellent acceleration and responsive shifting. The all-new 2.4-liter DI engine generates significant performance improvements compared to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine it replaces, producing more than 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. In addition to an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the 2012 model, the new four-cylinder-equipped 2013 Accord models are targeted to deliver class-leading fuel economy1.

The 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will also be offered with a re-engineered 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine, paired to a new 6-speed automatic transmission or an available 6-speed manual transmission. The new V-6 engine generates an increase in horsepower and torque over the current model. The 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe models equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission will utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management ™ (VCM™) technology and are targeted to achieve class-leading fuel economy1 along with an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model.

The 2013 Accord lineup will also feature the first application of a new two-motor plug-in hybrid system to the Accord Sedan. The Honda two-motor hybrid system moves continuously through three modes - all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive - to maximize driving efficiency and fuel economy.
In all-electric mode, the 2013 Accord Plug-In Hybrid will use a 6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor to achieve an all-electric range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving scenarios and a top speed of 62 mph. Fully recharging the battery will take less than four hours using a 120-volt, outlet and less than 1.5 hours using a 240-volt charger.

In the gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the Accord is powered by its fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, i-VTEC inline four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). For more efficient high-speed cruising, the Accord Plug-In Hybrid can engage in a direct-drive mode, in which only the engine drives the front wheels. The Accord Plug-In Hybrid launch next winter.
All 2013 Accord models will incorporate the Honda ECO Assist™ system, an innovative technology that can enhance efficient vehicle operation at the touch of a button, while also providing visual feedback to the driver to promote and confirm a more efficient driving style.

2011 Novitec Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

Engine 4.7 liter V8, Aspiration supercharger, Torque 434 lb-ft @ 5400 rpm, HP 600 hp @ 7300 rpm, HP/Liter 127.7 hp per liter, 0-62 mph 3.9 seconds, Top Speed 190 mph.

The World’s Most Powerful and Fastest Alfa Romeo: 8C Spider with 600-hp Supercharged Engine and a Top Speed of 190 mph
The most powerful and fastest street-legal Alfa Romeo of all time comes from NOVITEC, the world leader in tuning for the automobiles from Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia. Power output of the Alfa Romeo 8C, Coupe and Spider, jumps to 600 hp thanks to a high-tech supercharger system. Top speed grows to 190 mph. In addition, the tuner offers a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system, a custom-tailored tire/wheel combination with 21- and 22-inch diameters and a height-adjustable sport suspension.
The limited-edition sports car is based on the technology of the Maserati GT. For this reason NOVITEC adapted a development by sister company NOVITEC TRIDENTE, which specializes in tuning the models carrying the trident emblem, to the 8C. The high-tech supercharger conversion for the 4.7-liter V8 was modified to fit into the space under the hood of the Alfa Romeo 8C.

The supercharger is driven by a cogged-tooth belt directly from the crankshaft and thus breathes more power into the eight-cylinder four-valve engine even at very low engine speeds. Maximum boost pressure is limited to 0.37 bar. The mechanical charging system is rounded out by a water-to-air intercooler with dedicated radiator, and by custom injectors.
Newly calibrated mapping for injection and ignition ensure a potent and harmonious power delivery and clean emissions.

Performance figures are accordingly impressive: The compressor conversion, which sells for EUR 19,900, boosts power output of the 450-hp stock V8 by 150 hp. The maximum rated power output of 600 hp is available at 7,300 rpm. Peak torque jumps to 434 lb/ft torque at 5,400 rpm.

This elevates driving performance to a level never before attained by a street-legal Alfa Romeo: the sprint from rest to 62 mph is shortened to just 3.9 seconds. Top speed increases from standard 180 mph to 190 mph.

The optionally available NOVITEC stainless-steel sport exhaust system for the Alfa Romeo 8C benefits more than just power yield. The integrated flap system varies the exhaust note depending on engine speed from sporty to racing-like. The exhaust system with its four tailpipes is designed to perfectly fit into the standard cutouts in the rear apron.

While the body of the 8C Coupe or Spider remains untouched, NOVITEC adds some thrilling highlights to the appearance of the two-seater with three-piece NA3 wheels. To further emphasize the wedge-shape design of the 8C, the specialists chose a staggered combination with 21-inch diameter in front and 22 inches on the rear axle. The alloy wheels feature five double spokes and are available in any desired color. In sizes 9×21” and 11.5×22” they fill out the available space in the wheel wells perfectly. The matching high-performance tires are supplied by Formula 1 supplier Pirelli in sizes 255/30 ZR 21 and 315/25 ZR 22.
The height-adjustable NOVITEC threaded coil-over suspension is precisely calibrated to these king-sized tires. It allows each driver of the Alfa Romeo to select ride-height and damper rates to suit his or her personal taste.

Upon customer request NOVITEC also personalizes the cockpit of the 8C with exclusive appointments made from the finest leather and Alcantara in any desired color.

For additional information please contact:
NOVITEC Automobile GmbH
Hochstrasse 8
D-87778 Stetten
Germany
Phone: +49 / (0) 82 61 / 2 13 48
Fax: +49 / (0) 82 61 / 2 16 40
E-mail: info@novitec.net
Internet: www.novitec.com

NOVITEC ROSSO USA
18471 NW Chemeketa Ln Unit C
Portland, OR 97229
Phone: 503-336-0176
E-mail: rosso@novitecrosso.com

Exotica Motorsports
Phone: 360-607-0709
Fax: 360-326-1584
E-mail: info@exotica-motorsports.com
Internet: www.exotica-motorsports.com
About Exotica Motorsports
Exotica Motorsports was founded by Jason Godsil to be the best parts supplier in the marketplace for high-end luxury and exotic sports cars. Exotica Motorsports has spent many years ensuring that we stay true to our roots and only offer the finest parts from the premier tuners from around the world. Combine this with superior customer service and Exotica Motorsports is second to none in the industry. Exotica Motorsports currently represents companies like Novitec, Elite, ASI, Premier 4509, as well as many other premier tuners. If you don’t see it in our website then it probably isn’t good enough.

Fenice Milano Ferrari 360 Modena Su Misura F101

0-62 mph 4.5 seconds.

The Ferrari 360 Modena is still one of the most loved by the fans of supercars, with a 'rampant' career that marked an important technical stylistic turn for the sedan rear engine cars of the 'Cavallino', introducing the characteristics later developed with the F430 and F458 Italia.

An in-depth study of the shapes in the wind tunnel determined a thinning of the body lines, in particular in the front, in the underbody and in the slides extractors of the back. The general rounding of the body results in a grater aerodynamic raciness, while the exclusive use of aluminum permitted to realize a frame weighing a total of 1,290 for the whole car, the 28% less of the F355 one, a value that added to the 0,33 Cx permit the Modena to reach a top speed of 295 km/h and to accelerate form 0 to 100 km/h in 4,5 seconds.
Fenice Milano presents today 'Su Misura F101', the renewed version of this masterpiece of technique, including the integration of internal and external aesthetical components made in composite materials (carbon fibre) and fiberglass. The restyling, realized in 2008 from direct request of the client, includes the equipment of new 20'' rims forged in aluminum and partitioned in three pieces, assembled with tires measuring 225/30 in the front and 315/25 in the rear, suspensions with totally adjustable shock absorbers and springs and a stainless steel exhaust system.
Moreover a new ECU combined with a new suction system has been studied to improve considerably the performance of the car. In the passenger compartment the roll bar and the adjustable seats are in carbon, while the dashboard has been integrated with a multimedia navigation center and a satellite alarm.
The 'Su Misura' line was studied by Fenice Milano to satisfy at best the desire of its clients who already possess luxury supercars or who prefer to buy and personalize them according to their personal taste, with customized enhancements. Studying together with the client the best solutions to answer his requests and carrying out special feasibility studies, Fenice Milano offers the chance to take advantage of the experience of its artisans, designers and technicians also to those who would like to realize their own projects, starting from models other than the ones proposed and branded Fenice Milano.

2012 Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Sport Coupe Concept

 
Lexus Unveils Sleek Hybrid 2+2 Sport Coupe Design Concept at North American International Auto Show

Lexus today unveiled a new design concept for a hybrid 2+2 sport coupe at the North American International Auto Show. Showcasing the future design direction for Lexus with an emphasis on a driver-focused vehicle, the LF-LC concept will be at the Lexus display through January 22.

“The concept we’re showing here in Detroit continues the Lexus design revolution started with the CT and GS,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The concept hybrid 2+2 liberates the idea of a sport coupe and pushes the boundaries of performance, style and technology.”

Challenged by the Lexus Center in Japan to come up with a design for a future hybrid sport coupe concept, the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, Calif., sought to advance the redefinition of Lexus with emotive, avant-garde beauty and advanced technology, yet remain within reach for premium buyers.

“Our entire studio worked to develop this beautiful interpretation of Lexus originality,” said Kevin Hunter, president of Calty. “The LF-LC concept embodies our vision of what a premium sport coupe could be.”

The LF-LC displays the new Lexus design language in its bold interpretation of the signature Lexus spindle grille and rear architecture. Sumptuous curves blend smoothly into dynamic angles, creating an inviting display of lines, shadows and corners.

Framed by a deep aluminum surround, the mesh pattern of the spindle grille takes 3D sculpture form, and functional air intakes in the bottom corners of the grille show the fusion of distinctive style and engineering functionality.

Daytime running lights are shaped like an “L” while the vertical fog lamps utilize a fading dot matrix pattern to suggest a sense of movement.

The profile of the LF-LC creates a powerful, dynamic silhouette that is unmistakably that of a serious driver’s car. The lines of the vehicle emphasize direction and motion.