MINI Coupe Concept
Scheduled to be unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, MINI’s Coupe Concept has been revealed in these official images. In the front, the Coupe uses standard MINI sheet metal, but the side profile reveals a dramatically sloping aluminum roof and wrap-around greenhouse, which combine to create a unique fastback impression. New wheels and a more aggressive rear bumper finish the exterior modifications.
Inside, special leather buckets and carbon fiber trim contribute to the sporty feel, and an open cargo area replaces the rear seats. Power is provided by a 1.6 liter turbocharged mill that makes 211 horsepower and 192 lb-ft. of torque. A unique “overboost” feature allows torque to spike temporarily to 206 lb-ft. Performance should be slightly improved over the top of the line John Cooper Works MINI.
More images of the MINI Coupe Concept after the jump.
Trek Urban Bikes for 2010
Trek has been creating great bikes and rides for over 30 years. The models in their 2010 Urban Bike line are made especially sleek and agile for the spinning around the obstacles of the city. The line spans both retro and modern designs with bikes like the eco-friendly Belleville which features a classic, French-inspired design or the bleeding edge technology of the District (pictured above), Trek’s first belt-driven bicycle. Visit Trek’s website for more information on their newest selections.
2011 Maserati GranCabrio
Once again, Maserati comes through in grand fashion. Just as we found out that we weren’t on the list for the Alfa Romeo Spider, Maserati has rescued the summer from complete ruin. A far cry from the Maserati Spyder that marked the Trident’s Stateside reemergence, this Pininfarina-styled droptop exudes elegance and power. Equally as appealing is the GC’s ability to seat four adults, something unheard of in any previous Maserati open-air vehicle and a tribute to its engineering. As the longest-wheelbase convertible on the market, the GranCabrio will (like everything else, it seems) debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show on September 15th (we’ll be there firsthand!). Look for the familiar 4.7 liter V8 to power the refined ragtop.
Cadillac Sixteen Concept
Originally conceived in 2003, the Cadillac Sixteen Concept appears to have been revived again as other superhuge supercars have taken to production over the last few years. As the name suggests, the Sixteen boasts a massive V16 engine saddled within its exceptionally large bonnet. The V16 is itself a tribute to the Cadillacs of the 1930s, when the custom-built Fleetwood coach cars firmly secured Caddy’s reputation as the benchmark for luxury sedans. The Sixteen seems to combine 1930s proportions with modern technology; its engine is said to produce roughly 1,000bhp and a similar amount of torque, more than enough to handle the car’s obscene 5,000lb weight. Beautiful 24-inch wheels comprise the rolling stock, but it’s the interior that really makes a statement. The hand-stitched Tuscany leather sprawls throughout the cabin, which is complimented by hand woven silk carpets and custom designed crystal on the cluster dials. It’s safe to safe if Cadillac put as much effort into their production cars as they did their concept vehicles that they would once again be able to occupy their old seat at the head of the table.
Continue reading to see more images of the Cadillac Sixteen Concept.
Renovo Hardwood Bicycles
More than just purely aesthetics, Renovo Bicycles are returning the bicycle to its original form with their all-wood frames. If you’re skeptical about an all-wood bicycle, you’d be pleased to know that Renovo’s heirloom quality frame’s fatigue life is substantially longer than aluminum or steel and rivals that of carbon.
The frames are made from hollow wood and laminated bamboo, which Renovo claims to have, “superior ride quality and durability compared to man-made materials, and when combined with an array of advanced technologies, it becomes a high performance [component],”
These bikes are also almost entirely handmade, from the sorting and matching of the wood, to bonding, machining and shaping. Future Renovo owners are also able to chose their desired wood, as opposed to most hand-built bike companies which have their parts sourced from other countries.
Continue reading to see more images of Renovo Hardwood Bicycles.
BMW R 1200 GS Motorcycle
Looking for one of the most accomplished dual-sports on the market? Look no further than BMWs best selling motorcycle of all time, the R1200 GS. This uber-versatile bike can handle just about anything that comes its way, and its tremendous capabilities were made well known after celebs Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman used them on a trek from Scotland to South Africa. The potent 105bhp 2-cylinder makes enough power to weave through traffic on the highway, and the newest feature, BMWs ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) allows you to adjust both front and rear suspensions between Sport, Normal, Comfort, and Off-road settings. Snag yours for around $15k.
Ferreti 560 Yacht
Renowned yacht manufacturer Ferretti collaborated with Studio Zuccon International Project to produce the Ferretti 560, the latest offering in the company’s lineup of luxury vessels. Powered by a pair of 900 horsepower V8 engines, the 560 is capable of cruising at 28 knots, and reaches its peak speed at 32 knots. The exterior design of the yacht reflects its performance capabilities- a steeply raked windshield and expansive glass flanking either side of the upper cabin engender a sleek and sporting appearance. The extensive use of windows also allows natural light to brighten living spaces and sleeping quarters. The 560 incorporates four separate sleeping quarters, with capacity for eight guests. The upper deck living space opens onto the lower exterior deck through a pair of sliding doors, where passengers enjoy ample seating and a full bar. Other exterior spaces include a sunning platform atop the bow and the obligatory fly bridge.
Rallyracing Fantastigraphics
Rally racing, perhaps the most underappreciated of all motorsport, can now be seen through the lenses of both amateurs and professionals. Even if your knowledge of the sport itself is minimal, any gearhead or photog is bound to find World Famous Design Junkies’ collection a terrific compilation. Whether you prefer Lancia to Lancer, or sideways to airborne, these pictures are a must.
See more graphics after the jump.
Elite Aston Martin LMV/R
It’s amazing how a few simple pieces can make a beautiful car like Aston Martin’s Vantage look so sinister. Florida-based tuner Elite will produce 30 versions of their Le Mans Vantage Racer, and they have spared no expense with their liberal use of carbon fiber. Their body kit consists of a new front bumper, visible carbon canards, a carbon front splitter, a menacing hood, wider fenders, side skirts, rear quarter panel extensions, a carbon trunk lid with visible carbon rear wing, and a rear bumper with carbon diffuser. Non-carbon fiber upgrades include a big brake kit, revised exhaust, lowering springs, terrific 20 inch matte black wheels, and the so-exclusive-every-supercar-has-it Alcantara interior (hey, at least you can pick the color). The cost of it all? A whopping $173,000 on top of whatever you might have shelled out for your Aston.
More images after the jump.
P800 911 Twin-Turbo by Switzer Performance
The first Switzer car we featured, an 800bhp GT2, was so popular among Porsche owners that regular (if you could call them that) 911 Turbo owners requested a similar package. Now aided not only by all-wheel-drive but also 800bhp, the P800 screams through the quarter mile in only 10.5 seconds, and hits 60 in less than 3 seconds. Familiar upgrades to the turbos and intercooler, as well as to the ECU, exhaust, and clutch help create and transfer all 800 ponies to all four wheels. Oh, and it looks good, too.
Head on over after the jump to see more images of the P800 911 Twin-Turbo.
