Peugeot RCZ 2011
The RCZ debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007 and, after strenuous effort from Peugeot’s research and development teams, appears to be entering the market in one year’s time. This compact 2+2 coupe appears to be a direct shot at the Audi TT (from a looks perspective, at least) and will be based on the familiar Peugeot 308 lineage. From the pictures, the RCZ looks curvaceous and elegant, with bulging fenders and a brilliant bubbled roof leading to a sleek glass rear hatch. Horsepower and engine data are unknown, but the car is expected to be revealed in production guise at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, and will go on sale in Spring of 2010.
See more images after the jump.
Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept
Admittedly, it’s been awhile since we’ve shown an eco-friendly car, but the BlueZero is just the vehicle to break that streak. What M-B had in mind when they designed this vehicle was to create an affordable, eco-conscious car that offered a multitude of platforms and was suitable for daily use. Enter the BlueZero. Keeping Mercedes’ sandwich floor concept in mind, the BlueZero’s structure allows for three different platforms to be realized: an E-Cell with battery, E-Cell plus with battery and gasoline, and an F-Cell with hydrogen. Without elaborating too much, the sandwich floor concept allows for the powertrain to move into cells in the floor in the event of a front-end collision. Such an innovative creation proved not only to be great for safety but also helped to create the universal platform you see here. From a design standpoint, not much is shared with other Benz models except the obligatory 3-pointed star in the center of the grille. A sweeping curve seems to be the defining look of the car, and starts right behind the front quarter panel begins low on the vehicle but finishes up by the beltline, near the back of the car. A lor of electric cars make a lot of bold claims, but this new Benz is relying on existing architecture, practical ideas, and strong support from confident clientele; we hope to see this in production soon.
See some of the BlueZero’s latest images after the jump.
2010 Hennessey Z700 based on Corvette ZR1
Never ones to stand idly by and let others do their work, the venerable gearheads at Hennessey Performance Engineering have really created something special here. These tuners from Texas, best known for their mindblowing twin-turbo Viper setups and other jaw-dropping creations, have put together a tuner package that would make even the most ardent Corvette fan blush. Their ZR1-based Z700 puts out over 700bhp, thanks to severely upgraded superchargers and newly fabricated intake and exhaust systems. To gain every advantage on the journey to 60mph and beyond, HPE has lightened the car by over 60lbs and increased downforce dramatically via a new front splitter and rear spoiler. The results take America’s favorite supercar-beater and turns it into a supercar in its own right: 60mph comes in just 2.9 seconds and the Z700 hits 100 in a scant 6.4; the quarter mile is accomplished in 10.6 seconds. Of course, Hennessey throws in a full day of professional training on how to keep the rear wheels planted, and for $207,150 we expect nothing less.
More images after the jump.
Gemballa Mirage GT – Matt Edition
We’re not sure whether they mean Matt or “Matte,” but this flat black paint job and blue Alcantar trim on the Gemballa Mirage GT (you can link to our old post on the Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon here) look stellar. Performance specs are the same overpowering 670bhp (and corresponding 3.7 second 0-60 time), but the car looks more forboding than its high-gloss brethren. The sharp blue interior is a nice contrast to the no-nonsense paint job, and is literally wrapped throughout the car, even on the ceiling, door sills, and seat inserts. Expect the Matt Edition to cost in excess of €300,000.
See more of the Gembala Mirage GT Matt Edition after the jump.
Jaguar XJ
Jay Leno was in London last week to unveil the new Jaguar XJ, the Coventry firm’s new top-of-the-line saloon. Having attracted criticism at times for the relatively traditional – if not retro – appearance of their products, Jaguar has gone on the offensive since the launch of last year’s sharp-looking XF and the daring XJ is evidence of a new-found aesthetic boldness matched only by BMW in the luxury saloon car market.
At the front, the upright grille links the XJ clearly to its smaller stablemate, the XF, and the slim, flowing LED and Xenon headlamp units pick up on themes first established by the C-XF concept car. In side view the profile is strong with a sporting stance and an almost fastback-like silhouette suggesting not just pace but the hallmark Jaguar grace as well. It is at the rear of the XJ that chief designer Ian Callum and his team have really set the cat amongst the pigeons though, the C-pillar of the car is hidden behind black polycarbonate to give a wrap-around feel to the rear screen – unique in a car in this class – and the vertical tailights frame an unadorned rump that is home to little more than the company’s classic leaping cat logo. Jaguar have made sure that there will be no mistaking this car for anything else on the road.
The interior is cosseting in typically Jaguar fashion. A sweeping feature line wraps from one side of the cabin to the other, framing the dashboard like a classic 1950s speedboat. Sumptuous leather is set against expertly applied wood veneers and all of this is matched with the very latest technology: an 8inch touchscreen in the centre console, the pop-up cylindrical gear selector first seen in the XF, virtual instrumentation on a TFT screen in the dashboard and a 1200W, 12 speaker stereo system from UK hifi experts, Bowers & Wilkins.
These are tough times for car makers and we’re witnessing seismic upheavals amongst the established order. All of which makes the boldness of Jaguar, in creating a truly modern design, all the more remarkable.
See more images and Jay Leno’s introduction video on the Jaguar XJ after the jump.
RHD Mercedes Limousines
High-end Limo executive car company LimousinesWorld has been in the business for over thirty years and now introduces the RHD Mercedes limo. This new Mercedes is available in both S-Class & E-Class models with an abundance of features. It comes equipped with a champagne chateau for the hardwood bar with ice chests, and also has a hands free intercom.
For entertainment purposes passengers will enjoy AM/FM stereo, a CD/DVD system, and either dual 7 or 13 inch flat screen televisions. For business, the limo provides Wi-Fi capabilities for internet & 12V electric ports (nifty for gadgets).
Other amenities include illuminated vanity mirrors, facing seats, armrests with cup holders, vanity console, and storage area lighting. This beauty can seat up to 10 people (dependent on the size). If this thing had a bed, you’d only have to leave to use the bathroom.
See more images after the jump.
Porsche at Goodwood Festival
Continuing the parade of excellence at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed was Porsche, who marked the event with the 40th anniversary of one of the greatest racecars off all time, the 917. The 917 did battle with an iconic car in its own right, the Ford GT40, in the late 60s and early 70s, and gained a lot of fame by winning the overall spot in the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1970 and 1971. The car was also canonized in Steve McQueen’s 1971 film Le Mans . Porsche plans on featuring at least five different 917s, and is also planning some activities: they will reunite driver Richard Atwood with his 1970 Le Mans-winning vehicle, and will trot the 917/20 and 917/30 out with their respective drivers. Porsche will also show off their upcoming Panamera luxury sedan, and shuttle visitors around the track as part of a Cayenne driving experience.
See more after the jump.
Seat Leon by JE Design
After tweaking VWs newest project, the Scirocco, it looks like JE Design moved quickly over to VWs Spanish counterpart, Seat. Their sixth iteration of the Leon will soon be available, and as with most of JE’s kits, it will be offered for purchase individually or as a complete kit. A new front spoiler, side skirts, rear spoiler, grill, eyelids, hood scoop, and carbon fiber-look rear diffuser round out the package. JE Design is also making a suspension kit and a number of custom wheels available.
See more images of the Seat Leon by JE Design after the jump.
Pagani Cinque Roadster
What good is 700 horsepower if you have a fixed roof above your head? Luckily, the crew at Pagani shares our sentiments here, and is producing the ultra-rare Cinque Roadster. While the roadster shares the hardtop’s preposterous AMG-sourced engine (boasting 678bhp), it has been structurally reinforced to maintain the same rigidity as the coupe. The Roadster boasts a beautiful ceramic-coated titanium exhaust and a Cima six-speed sequential transmission. Saddled inside the aluminum and magnesium APP wheels are the obligatory Brembo six-piston calipers. The Enzo-beater is rumored to cost around €1.3 million, but don’t cash in your 401k just yet; after we buy ours, there will only be four left.
More images of the Pagani Cinque Roadster after the jump.
Lotus Elise Black & White Editions
Let’s be honest, the Lotus doesn’t really need to be any faster, or handle any better. However, two new style packages definitely add some panache to the mix. Borrowing just slightly from Porsche’s No. 1 and 2 Design Editions, the Lotus’ feature red or silver painted calipers, black forged wheels, and a new black rear diffuser. The two color schemes offered are Lotus Sport Black (with Phantom Black tri-stripes) and Aspen White (with Ice White stripes). The renowned UK dealership Bell & Colvill will offer the package for £1,950, and it is available immediately.
See more images after the jump.
