Concept Cars and Prototype Vehicles - Vehicle information from concept to production

The Classics At The Trump Taj Mahal

---

The Classics At The Trump Taj Mahal is schedule for Friday, February 24th, 2012 at 7PM. A cocktail reception will be held from 5:30PM to 7:00PM.

Formed by two long time automobile enthusiasts, Worldwide reflects the background of its two Principals, who literally grew up in the auction business. Rod Egan and John Kruse have each held management/partnership positions at leading auction houses throughout the United States, refining their trade working with and learning from some of the best collector car enthusiasts and owners in the business.

In addition to the acquisition and sale of classic automobiles at auction, Worldwide offers an extensive range of services to the serious collector-appraisal, collection direction and consultancy, estate planning and asset management. Our dedication to integrity, service and expertise is wholehearted, a commitment that has enabled us to become one of the most respected and trusted businesses in the world of vintage motorcars.

The 1955 Ford Thunderbird | Wallpaper | Ford vehicles

---

The naming of the Ford Thunderbird was a difficult process, since over 5,000 entries were entertained. A $250 price was offered to anyone who could come up with a name. The name 'Thunderbird' was submitted by Alden Gibberson, the stylist. The name became official on February 15, 1954. Gibberson never claimed his prize, though he did settle for a new suit and an extra pair of trousers from Saks Fifth Avenue.

At the Detroit Auto Show held on February 20th of 1954, the Thunderbird was shown to the public. The first production vehicle came off the line on September 9th of that year. Delivery of the vehicles began on October 22nd with over 4,000 orders taken on its first day of sale.

The fiberglass removable top was standard. Offered as optional equipment was the fabric convertible top. Under the hood was a 292 cubic-inch Y-Block V8 that produced just under 200 horsepower. This was the only engine available for the Thunderbird when first introduced.

F2012: new single-seater presentation | Wallpaper | Ferrari vehicles

---

The F2012 is the fifty eighth car built by Ferrari wîth the express purpose of taking part in the Formula 1 World Championship. It adopts a well established tradition of being named after its year of manufacture.

The project, which goes by the internal code number of 663, constitutes the Scuderia's interpretation of the technical and sporting regulations that apply this year: the main changes when compared to 2011 concern the height of the front section of the chassis, the position of the exhaust pipes and the mapping for the electronic engine management. Practically every area of the car has been fundamentally revised, starting wîth the suspension layout: both the front and rear feature pull-rods, aimed at favouring aerodynamic performance and lowering the centre of gravity. The front wing is derived from the one introduced on the 150º Italia in the final part of its racing life and has been evolved from there. Further evolutions are planned in this area for the opening races of the season. The nose has a step in it that is not aesthetically pleasing: wîth the requirement from the regulations to lower the front part, this was a way of raising the bottom part of the chassis as much as possible for aerodynamic reasons. The sides have been redesigned, through modifications to the side impact structures, the repositioning of the radiators and revisions to all aerodynamic elements. The lower part of the rear of the car is much narrower and more tapered, a feature achieved partly through a new gearbox casing and a relocation of some mechanical components. In recent years, the area of exhausts has been crucial in terms of car performance and much effort was expended on this front, based on changes to the regulations introduced this year. The rear wing is conceptually similar to the one used in 2011, but every detail of it has been revised and it is now more efficient. Naturally, it is still fitted wîth DRS (a drag reduction system,) which is operated hydraulically. The front and rear air intakes for the brakes have been redesigned and work was carried out in collaboration wîth Brembo to optimise the braking system.

Exclusive aura raises the roof of the MINI Convertible Highgate | Wallpaper | MINI vehicles

---

For MINI fans looking to combine open-top driving fun wîth sophisticated individuality and an essential dose of Brit-cool, the MINI Convertible Highgate provides the perfect stage. The new special-edition variant of the soft-top four-seater seizes the limelight wîth its innovative and precisely coordinated splash of colours and materials. The MINI Convertible Highgate boasts numerous exterior and interior design features developed specially to suit the character of the car. Together wîth the extensive selection of on-board equipment, they provide a fresh interpretation of British style and premium feel in an open-top small car.

Four engine variants will be offered for the MINI Convertible Highgate, which will be produced over a limited period at MINI Plant Oxford. The new special edition is due to go on sale worldwide from spring 2012.

MP4-27 TECHNICAL LAUNCH SHOWCASES STRENGTH IN DEPTH AT VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES | Wallpaper | McLaren vehicles

---

The continuation of our double world-champion driver line-up, further consolidation of our championship-winning engineering team and a subtle, yet deep-reaching technical update of our car all underpin the world-class strength, experience and ambition that exists at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes ahead of the 2012 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

This morning's technical presentation of the MP4-27 at the McLaren Technology Centre showcased a natural evolution of last year's six-race-winning car and underlined the message that the new season is very much one of growth through strength and continuity.

VOLKSWAGEN TO DEBUT THE FUEL-EFFICENT BEETLE TDI® AT THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW | Wallpaper | Volkswagen vehicles

---

The Volkswagen Beetle 2.5L and Turbo were launched to great acclaim from both consumers and the media in 2011. At the Chicago Auto Show, VW will unveil the third model in the Beetle lineup: the fuel-efficient TDI Clean Diesel model, which has manufacturer fuel economy estimates of 39 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city. The Beetle TDI, the only Clean Diesel offering in the compact coupe category, will go on sale this summer as a 2013 model. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

The biggest difference between the TDI and other Beetle models lies, obviously, under the hood. The Beetle TDI uses the company's 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection Clean Diesel engine that makes 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Volkswagen pioneered the use of turbocharging and direct injection in diesel engines and continues to lead the industry in this technology.

Ford's All-New B-MAX to Showcase Unique Design and Unrivalled Technology at Geneva Motor Show | Wallpaper | Ford vehicles

---

Ford will throw open the doors to its all-new production-ready B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle when it takes a starring role at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally will be in Geneva to unveil the new B-MAX, which promises to set new standards wîth its unique design and best-in-class technological features. Its return to Geneva, in full production form, comes just a year after the concept was unveiled at the Geneva show.

Michael Shank Racing Captures Historic 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona

---

On his ninth attempt, team owner Michael Shank finally captured America's most prestigious sports car race – the 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona.

The team of Oswaldo Negri, John Pew, AJ Allmendinger and Justin Wilson in the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian Ford Riley survived a tight battle for the lead in the final hours to take home the grueling twice-around-the-clock challenge by a 5.198-second margin of victory.

'I feel like we deserved it to be honest,' Shank said. 'I think we've worked hard. I don't make any excuses for that. We paid our dues for sure and I hope it can take us to new cool places in the coming years.'

The BMW M550d xDrive : Best-seller raises the bar once again | Wallpaper | BMW vehicles

---

In what seems like the blink of an eye, the BMW 5-Series range has established itself as the best-selling model in the executive §egmènt. A convincing balance between dynamics and ride comfort, exemplary efficiency, premium quality and innovative equipment features has earned both the Sedan and the Touring versions their huge popularity. Added to which, sporty yet elegant design and agile handling have helped fuel the fascination associated wîth the brand. And now the arrival of the BMW M Performance Automobiles aims to accentuate the sporting aspects of the BMW 5-Series' character. The BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring capture the imagination wîth performance figures that leave their diesel-powered class rivals firmly in the shade. And they combine these leading values wîth the efficiency drivers have come to expect from diesel BMW cars.

The sporting focus of the BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring is highlighted by bespoke modifications to power transfer, chassis and design components. These upgrades bear the signature of BMW M GmbH, which uses its development expertise to mould the two models into extraordinarily harmonious overall packages. The outstanding power of the tri-turbo straight-six diesel engine is translated into thrilling driving dynamics wîth impressive precision. This allows the 5-Series-based BMW M Performance Automobiles to offer the driver not only supreme diesel power, but also remarkably agile handling and predictable, controllable responses when exploring their dynamic limits.

TOYOTA RACING UNVEILS 2012 LE MANS CHALLENGER | Wallpaper | Toyota vehicles

---

Toyota Racing today announced more details of its forthcoming FIA World Endurance Championship participation, including an intention to race two cars in specific races.

The new team, which is based at Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) in Cologne, Germany, will make its race debut on 5 May in the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Toyota Racing intends to enter two TS030 HYBRID cars in the subsequent Le Mans 24 Hours (16-17 June. Participation in further rounds is yet to be confirmed.

A driver line-up of Alex Wurz, Nicolas Lapierre and Kazuki Nakajima has already been confirmed for one car while discussions are still ongoing to finalise the driver line-up for the other. Additionally, Andrea Caldarelli, from Pescara, Italy, has joined Toyota Racing as a junior driver.

Lexus Unveils Sleek Hybrid 2+2 Sport Coupe Design Concept | Wallpaper | Lexus vehicles

---

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 wîth 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 wîth 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 wîth 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 wîth emotive, avant-garde beauty and advanced technology, yet remain within reach for premium buyers.

Next Page >>