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This is how it all started.

Tom Walkinshaw, 64, the man who did most to promote Michael Schumacher’s first grand prix victory, died early yesterday after a brave battle with cancer.

Jaguar bosses have supported the idea of the firm having a supercar ‘halo’ model in its range — and admitted that the idea of producing the stunning C-X75 for sale has not been ruled out.

You might not know Sandro Munari. But do you remember the Lancia Stratos? You will.

Before the Panamera came into fruition Porsche had more four-door sportscars than ever. None of them was produced though.

by Jonathon Ramsey on Nov 24th 2010 Lotus ' gave us an in-depth look at both what the company wishes to become and how the cars it builds will drive them there. In our previous installment we looked at the Lotus Group as a whole. Here we'll break down the vehicles Lotus hopes will make it a global success and discuss the two cars that are conspicuously absent from Lotus' next great renaissance. Follow the jump to find out what they are and how Lotus' line-up is set to undergo a massive evolution.

Yet another rumor concerning the crossover segment.

Ok, we know for quite some time that Mercedes-Benz is busy with a new model that may be named SSK.

According to Automobilemag this is the new Cadillac ATS.

Everybody knows that Jaguar is working on a new sportscar. Well, not one, but at least two. Or even three.

J. White pointed out that Ralph Gilles said, during CEMA: “There is a lot of pressure on me to bring the ‘Cuda back. I think somehow we will find a way to do that, right?”

Audi extends motorsport commitment New Audi R18 for the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours Dual project in the DTM Endurance races with the Audi R8 LMS

Here we go again. Another C30 derivative. Volvo is not only working on the new C30, but the crossover version, the XC30 as well.

Chuck Jordan, the legendary designer who helped usher in the modern era of car styling at General Motors, died on Thursday evening, Dec. 9. He was 83.

According to Automotive News Lamborghini will put the Sesto Elemento concept into limited production. There will be 5 to 10 units built, and like usual the exclusivity has a big price: 2,5 million Euro (almost $3,500,000 at the current exchange rates). Now that the Murcielago is out of production, Lamborghini’s sales will have to suffer, and this decision was made in an attempt to improve the company’s profit that has been hit hard by the global economic crisis.

ZERO-OFFSET STEERING Designed to minimize torque-steer on front-wheel drive cars during acceleration or braking with each wheel on a different surface, the zero-offset steering has a scrub radius of zero. In other words, the lateral forces that act upon the wheels during aforementioned situations are kept to a minimum and the vehicle's stability is improved.    

YAW Yaw is the measurement of a vehicle's rotation around its central axis (its center of gravity.)

X-Drive all-wheel drive system X-Drive X-Drive is BMW's trademarked name for the all-wheel drive system used on the X5, X6, X3, 3, 5 Series and other future series. Its latest generation employs a multi-plate clutch transfer box situated between the axes to direct the power split between front and rear wheels. Not depending on the ABS sensors alone, like the previous generation, the X-Drive is now controlled by a central ECU which transformed the system from a reactive to an active one. In other words, if just one of the wheels starts slipping the ABS sensors detect it and send the gathered data to the ECU which in turn commands the wet multi-plate clutch trough a high speed electric servo-motor which turns an actuator shaped like a disc. In normal driving mode, the system splits the torque with a 38% - 62% distribution ration between the front and rear axles, but depending on driving conditions it can send up to 100% to a single axle.

WEIGHT-TO-HORSEPOWER RATIO The weight to power ratio is the result of a vehicle's weight divided by the power its engine develops, thus enabling a measurement of performance. WHEELBASE Wheelbase is the distance between the front axle and the rear axle of a vehicle. Cars with a longer wheelbase are more stable at high speeds and provide better interior room, while cars with a shorter wheelbase have better city handling and are generally shorter. WINCH A winch is an externally mounted mechanical device consisting of a cable spooled onto a drum. It is used to pull heavy or bulky objects or to retrieve a vehicle that is stuck in mud. The drum can be driven in a rotating motion by the engine itself, by hydraulic power or even electrically. WINDOWBAGS Like any other airbag, windowbags are designed to protect a vehicle's occupants in case of an accident. They are called windowbags because in the event of a side collision

VALVES A valve is a device that regulates the flow of gases in and out of the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. Intake valves allow the air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber, while exhaust valves allow the burned gases to exit after combustion. Viscous Coupling VCU Viscous Coupling (VCU) can act either as limited slip differential (LSD) or as a central differential in some all-wheel drive vehicles. The device itself consists of two sets of alternating and perforated metal plates mounted in a sealed drum, which are engulfed into a silicone or similar liquid. Each set of plates is connected to a propshaft, and can transmit or limit the power between the two shafts depending on the speed of the plates, which heat up the aforementioned liquid, thus modifying its viscosity. In turn, more or less torque can be transmitted between two axles or two wheels according to the individual speed of the axles (or wheels.) Vehicle Dy

Universal Joint U-JOINT Designed to transmit a rotary motion between an output shaft and an input shaft with a different angle between them, the U-joint (or Universal) is comprised of two rods (or shafts) connected via a pair of hinges. Unified Chassis Control UCC The Unified Chassis Control (UCC) is a Delphi technology which integrates different safety systems under the same umbrella in order to provide enhanced vehicle control. By integrating systems like the ABS, stability control, traction and even suspension control under a single ECU, the Unified Chassis Control can respond better to unforeseen driving situations. UNITIZED CONSTRUCTION A unitized (also called unibody or monocoque) body integrates the chassis and other structural elements into the construction of the vehicle, and does not require a separate frame or chassis to provide rigidity to the body, thus reducing the total weight.

Yesterday I posted that the new Lamborghini will feature a new V12 engine and some cutting edge touches. I ended the post by saying more news soon. ( Lamborghini Aventador 700-4 ) Today is soon. We have the press release. First on GMI.

TACHOMETER The tachometer is essentially a gauge that can display an engine's revolutions per minute (rpm or revs). Traction Control System TCS Developed to minimize wheel slippage through turns and low grip surfaces, Traction Control works by using the ABS wheel sensors to detect if any of the wheels is spinning uncontrollably and individually brake it or even reduce engine power until the grip is restored. Turbo Diesel direct Injection TDI TDI is Volkswagen's AG trademarked moniker for their Turbo Diesel direct Injection engines. While in the beginning they were all direct injection engines, now common rail ones also bear the same name in the VAG group. TELEAID The TELEAID is a Mercedes-Benz optional feature based on a built-in telephone. Essentially, it can emit an automatic distress call to alert emergency services in the case of an accident. Depending on the type of accident or vehicle, th

SEDAN The sedan is the most common configuration of a modern automobile. Sedans usually have four doors, although the term can be used to describe a two-door body also. Most of them have a three-box configuration, but two-box bodies are also common, mostly in Europe. SEMI ELLIPTIC MULTI LEAF SPRINGS Usually found on trucks and sport utility vehicles, this type of springs consists of arched steel leafs that are stacked together horizontally to form the foundation of the rear suspension. SEQUENTIAL TURBOCHARGERS Sequential turbochargers were created from the need to decrease spooling lag. Two or sometimes more turbochargers are put to work in sequence. Usually, a smaller one begins working at low rpms and the other(s) at higher rpms, thus improving the power delivery throughout the power curve, not only above a certain number of revs. SHIFT-ON-THE-FLY Most part-time four-wheel drive systems in the past required their dri

RACK-AND-PINION STEERING Delivering a more precise feel than recirculating ball systems, rack-and-pinion steering is a common type of steering mechanism on modern automobiles. In simple terms, it consists of two gears that convert rotational movement into a linear one. One of the gears meshes with a rack (a toothed metal bar), which in turn is directly linked to the wheels via tire rods. By rotating the gear with the steering shaft, the circular motion converts into a linear one and moving the rack from side to side, therefore turning the wheels into the desired direction. RAMP BREAK-OVER ANGLE The ramp break-over angle measures a vehicle's ability to safely pass over a ramp without touching its underside. For the best break-over angle possible, a high ground clearance together with a short wheelbase are necessary. REBOUND Rebound is the opposite of jounce, so it's still a vertical motion of the wheel. In other words, when

Kompressor Kompressor Kompressor is the marketing name given by Mercedes-Benz to its supercharged engines and is also the German word for supercharger (or compressor).      

Chrysler Group LLC plans to bring the iconic Dodge Viper back to its lineup in the summer of 2012. The all-new Viper will be a 2013 model. The Auburn Hills automaker ceased production of the all-American sports car last summer after 18 years. There has been speculation since then that the hiatus would be short-lived and Chrysler would bring the car back.

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After a four-year absence, Porsche will be making a comeback to the 2011 Detroit Auto Show with a "spectacular new concept that points towards a future road going model." This new concept car is closely related to the 918 Spyder concept from which it takes key components, including elements of its platform. "Porsche’s return demonstrates the relevancy of the Detroit show for luxury manufacturers," said Rebecca Lindland, an analyst at IHS Automotive in Lexington, Mass. "They target a very specific audience with their cars and the U.S. market is incredibly important for Porsche." The German publication, AutoZeitung, suggests that this new model is known as the 929 and that it will be revealed sometime in 2013. A hybrid drivetrain that will combine a 4.8 liter V8 Biturbo engine with three electric motors, something similar to the 918 Spyder, is expected to be found under the hood. "We’ll have something spectacular to show there," H

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http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...886439544.html By MIKE RAMSEY Hyundai Motor Co. may add two luxury models and create a luxury brand that would likely be called Genesis to compete directly with Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus and other upscale makes, Hyundai's top U.S. executive said.

Geneva 2011 Preview: link

by Keith Cornett on December 2, 2010 As the C7 Corvette project moves along, gird your loins for many of these prognostications about the status of the new car, including new features and options that are being considered. Today’s rumor about the next generation Corvette is a two-fer from the MT Confidential column on page 17 of Motor Trend’s December 2010 issue.

HALF-SHAFT A half-shaft is an articulated, rotating shaft used in independent suspension systems to transmit power from a differential to a drive wheel. Hardtop HARDTOP Hardtop is an automotive term which usually describes a rigid (sometimes detachable or even retractable) vehicle roof. Hatchback HATCHBACK A hatchback is a type of automobile layout, consisting of a passenger cabin which includes an integrated cargo space, accessed from behind by a hatch or a flip-up window - which is usually counted as a 3rd or 5th door. Hatchbacks are also often called three-doors (two entry doors and the hatch) or five-doors (four entry doors and the hatch) cars. HAULING CAPACITY The hauling capacity is the maximum amount of weight - including driver, passengers, options, accessories and luggage - that can be carried by a vehicle, according to the manufacturer. Hight Pressure Diesel direc

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MANUAL STICK SHIFT Manual stick shift is just another term to describe a manual transmission in the United States. Besides a clutch pedal, drivers of such equipped cars use a stick shaped gear lever to manually change gears. Microcar MICROCAR Called "bubble cars" in the past, modern microcars are very small vehicles designed purely for city driving. Most of them have engines borrowed from scooters or use electric power, can only sit one or two passengers and are generally found in crowded cities. Multi-Plate Transfer MPT A multi-plate transfer (or multi-plate clutch) is a set of several hydraulic clutches that are progressively engaged and disengaged to limit slip at the drive wheels. They can act either as a normal differential or a limited slip one (LSD). Most multi-plate clutches are microprocessor-controlled, using various speed sensors to determine when to engage or disengage the clutche

LADDER FRAME Ladder frames are used in vehicles with body-on-frame layouts, and is usually shapped like a large metallic ladder. In recent years, only pickup trucks and certain SUVs are still using this chassis solution, while other types of cars have switched to unibody constructions. Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children LATCH Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) refer to a standardized system for child seat attachment, required by US and Canada legislation to be used in new vehicles. in other parts of the world it is known as ISOFIX. Lane Departure Warning system LDW The lane departure warning system is a newly introduced safety technology in use by various manufacturers. Most LDW assistance features can identify a vehicle's position in relation to the road's lane boundary markings using cameras or laser sensors integrated into the vehicle. If the vehicle should deviate from bet

Integrated Chassis Control System ICCS The Integrated Chassis System (ICCS) is a General Motors technology that integrates brakes, steering, suspension and traction control, using electronic sensors for more precise handling. It is currently used in some Cadillac models. Independent Suspension INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION The independent suspension is a system where each wheel can be moved on a vertical axis without influencing the other, and can react independently to bumps on the road. Inline-6 INLINE 6 An inline-six (or straight six) is an engine configuration where all cylinders sit in a straight line across the crankcase, while all the pistons are driving the same crankshaft. Along the V12 and other similar layouts, it is the best naturally balanced engine configuration. Instant Traction INSTA TRAC Insta Trac is a GM marketing name for a 4WD system that gives a vehicle the ability to sh

QUATTRO quattro is Audi's trademarked name for their four-wheel drive system. Now at its fifth generation since it was introduced in 1980 (on the Quattro model, or Ur-Quattro as it is known), the quattro all-wheel drive system is a permanent one, without the possibility of switching from four to two wheel drive. Since on most of Audi's vehicles since the '80's it was designed around a Torsen (torque-sensing) central differential, in case of grip loss on certain road surfaces it can distribute torque between front and rear axles depending on the grip level.