About Modified-Cars.Info

Modified Cars is a database of vehicles which have been enhanced by their owners to make them stand out from the crowd. We hope to feature thousands of motors that have been modded to improve their looks and / or their performance.Modified Cars is a database of vehicles which have been enhanced by their owners to make them stand out from the crowd. We hope to feature thousands of motors that have been modded to improve their looks and / or their performance. At the present time, most of the photographs are our own, but we hope to receive pictures from our users to enhance our database. If your car is already pictured here, then please get in touch to tell us a little bit more about it; we'd love to be able to list full details of the work done on all of the cars in our database.
If your car isn't shown here, then please send us pictures and some information about it. Note - we understand that there is no restiction on showing pictures of cars including their number plates. However, if your car is in our database showing its plates, and you would prefer the numbers to be obscured then we will happily do that for you. Most owners don't have any problem with plates being displayed; the plates are after all, on display on the road. Many of our pictures were taken at car shows and owners who don't want their plates visible tend to remove them or else cover them with an appropriate show plate.

Modified Hyundai Coupe

Modified Hyundai Coupe

Modified Ford Escort

Modified Ford Escort

Modified BMW

Modified BMW

Solar Cars

In the last times lots of scientists and the general society have been discussing a lot about the creation and development of ecological cars, more environment friendly.
One of the types of ecological cars is the group of solar cars.
As its own name suggests, solar cars are cars that obtain energy through the sun energy. In this process the radiation coming from the sun is collected by solar panels. These solar panels are going to transform solar energy in electric energy, allowing the car to work without the use of any pollutant gases and with a lot of autonomy.
Anyway, to achieve a good performance with this kind of vehicles it is needed to think about the car’s structure very well before, in fact, developing it. We must be aware that the bigger the area of solar panels the bigger the energy produced. But, we must also be aware of the fact that we can’t create a very big car in order to produce more energy. So, the key to success is the way the car is developed and its design.
There is a tournament related to solar cars and it’s called the World Solar Challenge. This challenge is a competition organized in Australia in which some teams compete in a race with solar cars, trying to get the best results and the best performance of the vehicle. In this challenge some results revealed that some these solar cars are able to make 3000 kilometers with the same energy used with 5 liters of gasoline, which is very good and clearly reveals the low usage of energy in all this process.
These cars aren’t available to the general society yet, being only models to be shown in technology events or specific competitions, like the race challenge mentioned above.
In the last times lots of scientists and the general society have been discussing a lot about the creation and development of ecological cars, more environment friendly.
One of the types of ecological cars is the group of solar cars.
As its own name suggests, solar cars are cars that obtain energy through the sun energy. In this process the radiation coming from the sun is collected by solar panels. These solar panels are going to transform solar energy in electric energy, allowing the car to work without the use of any pollutant gases and with a lot of autonomy.
Anyway, to achieve a good performance with this kind of vehicles it is needed to think about the car’s structure very well before, in fact, developing it. We must be aware that the bigger the area of solar panels the bigger the energy produced. But, we must also be aware of the fact that we can’t create a very big car in order to produce more energy. So, the key to success is the way the car is developed and its design.
There is a tournament related to solar cars and it’s called the World Solar Challenge. This challenge is a competition organized in Australia in which some teams compete in a race with solar cars, trying to get the best results and the best performance of the vehicle. In this challenge some results revealed that some these solar cars are able to make 3000 kilometers with the same energy used with 5 liters of gasoline, which is very good and clearly reveals the low usage of energy in all this process.
These cars aren’t available to the general society yet, being only models to be shown in technology events or specific competitions, like the race challenge mentioned above.
In the last times lots of scientists and the general society have been discussing a lot about the creation and development of ecological cars, more environment friendly.
One of the types of ecological cars is the group of solar cars.
As its own name suggests, solar cars are cars that obtain energy through the sun energy. In this process the radiation coming from the sun is collected by solar panels. These solar panels are going to transform solar energy in electric energy, allowing the car to work without the use of any pollutant gases and with a lot of autonomy.
Anyway, to achieve a good performance with this kind of vehicles it is needed to think about the car’s structure very well before, in fact, developing it. We must be aware that the bigger the area of solar panels the bigger the energy produced. But, we must also be aware of the fact that we can’t create a very big car in order to produce more energy. So, the key to success is the way the car is developed and its design.
There is a tournament related to solar cars and it’s called the World Solar Challenge. This challenge is a competition organized in Australia in which some teams compete in a race with solar cars, trying to get the best results and the best performance of the vehicle. In this challenge some results revealed that some these solar cars are able to make 3000 kilometers with the same energy used with 5 liters of gasoline, which is very good and clearly reveals the low usage of energy in all this process.
These cars aren’t available to the general society yet, being only models to be shown in technology events or specific competitions, like the race challenge mentioned above.

Ecological Cars

Nowadays, one of the main problems that scientists and society discuss every day is the environment and pollution of the environment. Some scientists made studies about pollution in Earth and they came to the conclusion that in a short period of time we will be able to notice catastrophic changes in Earth’s environment and surface. To clear this problem, or at least to turn it less bad, some associations and organizations have been organizing some campaigns. The goal of this kind of campaigns is to decrease pollution levels and to improve the environment and the life conditions on earth.
One of the most important pollutants of the air is the smoke coming from cars’ exhaust pipes. If we think about the number of gases emitted by these exhaust pipes, the number of kilometers of each car and the number of cars all over the world, we will conclude that the pollution levels on Earth are going wild.
To prevent this situation and help Earth’s atmosphere, some scientists and car factories had the idea of creating ecological cars.
Ecological cars are cars made thinking about the environment and the reduction of the emission of pollutants. Some of them aren’t even fueled by gas, avoiding the emission of carbon gas to the atmosphere.
As mentioned above, there are different types of ecological cars, there’s not a standard model for an ecological car. Some examples of the most important types of ecological cars: solar cars, hydrogen cars, electric cars and cars fueled by biofuel.
Anyway, we must be aware that there’s no car completely environment friendly. But, this kind of cars are still very important, since they help a lot in the reduction of pollution all over the world.
Ecological cars aren’t the solution yet, but so far they’re the best way we can protect our planet and our atmosphere.

Hydrogen Cars

Nowadays cars have a very negative impact in environment because they use energy coming from fossil fuels. The big problem of fossil fuels is that their burning emits some gases that have a very bad impact in environment and in people’s health. On the other hand, fossil fuels are not renewable, which means that if we use them more than we should one day they will end and we will have no more fuel.
But, what if we could use other ways of obtaining energy for our cars? Other ways that would be environment friendly and would help us to preserve our planet?
Yes, now it’s possible. Besides the regular fossil fuels, it’s not possible to get energy for our cars using another gas, hydrogen.
Hydrogen is one of the gases that we use to breath, being the most abundant element in the whole universe.
In this way, we can easily notice that this gas is not negative to the atmosphere nor to the human health, being a great option for an alternative way of producing energy to cars.
Anyway, using hydrogen to produce energy also has some problems related. First of all, its industrial production emits some pollutants to the atmosphere. Then, only 1/10 of the total of hydrogen produced is, in fact, used to keep our car working.
Still, hydrogen is a very good alternative, at least much better than using fossil fuels.

Electric Cars

A great alternative to the normal and pollutant cars are, among other options, is the electric car.
As its own name suggests, this cars are fueled by electricity, whether they are or they are not hybrid.
We can divide the energy origin in two groups: the energy coming from gas fuel and the energy coming from electricity. Hybrid cars are cars that work with both kinds of energy. But, cars that only work with electricity are not hybrid, therefore they aren’t fueled by any kind of fossil fuels, so they’re not so pollutant.
Normally, these kinds of cars are equipped with some rechargeable batteries that can be recharged in any electrical outlet and give your car some autonomy. Anyway, the disadvantages of electrical cars are that these kind of cars don’t have that much autonomy and the vehicle can only work very slowly, being incapable of having the same driving velocity when compared to regular cars.
Among all the alternatives in ecological cars market, electric cars are the more developed ones. The studies and production of these cars are already in a very advanced level when compared to solar cars, for example. Some enterprises are already starting to sell electric cars. The prices are still very high, though.
Electric cars are a very good alternative in what concerns the reduction of pollution coming from vehicles. Anyway, we must notice that these cars are fueled by electricity and recharged in electric outlets. Where is electricity coming from then? Yes, from the stations responsible for the production of energy, the stations that emit pollutants to the atmosphere. Well, but in any case electric car is still the best and less pollutant option.

Auto show's coolest cars

Daily News writer Patrick Huguenin takes a look some of the cars from the 2008 New York International Auto Show. First up: BEST MOVIE HERO CAR: Audi R8 V12 TDI Le Mans concept: The Audi R8 has already earned its spot in pop culture. Courteney Cox uses one to zip around Tinseltown in FX's tabloid drama "Dirt." She'd be lucky to get her hands on a Le Mans concept version, which upgrades the engine to a 12-cylinder that runs on diesel. It's got a paparazzi-chasing top speed of just under 200 mph, but it's also fuel efficient. We know James Bond loves his Aston Martins, but wouldn't fuel efficiency and lower emissions give a good guy more room to be bad?

Mitsuoka Orochi Concept Car 2006

The “Orochi Nude Top Roadstar” is a new design proposal that expands the frame of the conventional “Orochi”. There are many reasons for loving and for selecting a car. These include specifications, driving performance, environmental performance, new technologies and how well the vehicle matches your lifestyle. However, one other key reason is “design”.

Isn`t it fair to say that “design” is one of the simplest and easiest to understand reasons? Some designs just seem cool and leave a powerful impression. These designs move your spirit and sensibilities in a way that can only be described as “love at first sight”.

Our design approach is to vividly and directly appeal to one`s sight, spirit and sensitivity. The “Orochi Nude Top Roadster” exemplifies how this new approach is taking form. We applied a more open design and gull-wing doors to the previous road-version prototype “Orochi”. The name “nude top”is well suited for this beautiful and stylish design.We even went so far as to not attach any side mirrors in order to create a daring design that would bring forth this new “Orochi”. We hope that you will take aclose look at this unique design.

Basic SpecificationsOverall length: 4,587mmOverall width: 2, 060mmWheel base: 2,570mmDrive system: MR* Other detailed specifications are still undetermined as this is a design study car* The type of engine, transmission and other components have yet to be determined.

We have redone the chassis and body panels for the commercial “Orochi” currently being developed and various other preparations are being made for the start of testing. We have had many inquiries from customers eagerly awaiting the new “Orochi”. All of our employees have been working hard together with an unwavering purpose in order to realize commercialization of this car. We would like to ask these loyal customers to wait just a little bit longer.

In the past, we’ve seen the Orochi referred to as a supercar, but while it looks as (if not more) exotic as just about any limited-production vehicle on the planet, it lacks the performance credentials (on paper, at least) to put it in supercar territory. In fact, the powertrain will be familiar to many. The 3.3L V6 mounted aft of the passenger compartment is Toyota’s well-known 3MZ-FE, which sees duty in the Camry, Solara, Sienna, Highlander, and Lexus RX (hybrid and standard versions). It makes around 230 horsepower and is connected to a Toyota 5-speed automatic. The decision was made to place efficiency and ease of use ahead of high performance.

In the past, we’ve seen the Orochi referred to as a supercar, but while it looks as (if not more) exotic as just about any limited-production vehicle on the planet, it lacks the performance credentials (on paper, at least) to put it in supercar territory. In fact, the powertrain will be familiar to many. The 3.3L V6 mounted aft of the passenger compartment is Toyota’s well-known 3MZ-FE, which sees duty in the Camry, Solara, Sienna, Highlander, and Lexus RX (hybrid and standard versions). It makes around 230 horsepower and is connected to a Toyota 5-speed automatic. The decision was made to place efficiency and ease of use ahead of high performance.

Speaking of performance, no numbers were released along with the technical specifications, but don’t expect anything earth-shattering. The car’s average power, combined with a weight of approximately 3,400 pounds (around 100 less than a Solara), is not a recipe for big-time track numbers. In Japan, though, exclusivity seems to trump all, and that’s a commodity the Orichi has in abundance. So what if it has just 230 horsepower? In Japan, arriving anywhere in one of these will bestow instant superstar status upon the driver.

400 Orochis will be built over the next four years, each costing ¥10,500,000 (around $89,000 USD). Orders can be placed beginning today with the first deliveries taking place in January 2007.Technical Specifications:Total length / Width / Total height = 4560mm / 2035mm / 1180mmWheelbase: 2600mmGround Clearance: 130mmVehicle weight: 1580kgPassengers: 2Engine: 3.3L V6DOHC (Toyota 3MZ-FE)Max output: 233ps (172kW) at 5600rpmMax torque: 33.4kg-m (328Nm) at 4400rpmFuel capacity: 60 liters (unleaded premium)Transmission: 5-speed AT (Toyota)Drive system: Mid-engine/rear driveSuspension: front and rear double wishboneTires: Front: 245/45ZR18, Rear: 285/40ZR18Body: hand made FRP make bodyDoor: side impact door with built-in steel beamsChassis: handmade steel space frameEquipment:Low-beam side HID, motorized door mirror, airbags, automatic A/C, the Panasonic HDD Navigation, power windows, immobilizer, and full leather interior all standard

Tops for 2010: Hot sports cars

2010 NISSAN 370ZBase MSRP: $36,970
The 370Z perfectly channels the sports car purity of the 1969 240Z; you can see the old car in the shape of the new car’s upper canopy and its overall “squat.”
Its standard V-6 has been enlarged to 3.7 liters, and power is up to 332 horsepower. The standard six-speed manual transmission is available with computer-controlled, rev-matching downshifts (the system “blips” the throttle for you when you upshift or downshift, for ultrafast gear changes). With more power (and weighing nearly 100 pounds less), the 370 can nail 60 mph in five seconds.
The Z-car is often compared with the (thoroughly excellent) Chevrolet Corvette, but the Nissan is much smaller — its wheelbase is only 100.4 inches vs. the ’Vette’s 105.7 inches and it is nearly 8 inches shorter overall — which gives it the feel of a true sports car while the Corvette, with its huge V-8 and larger footprint is really more of a hybrid sport-muscle car. The 370Z has another virtue: It costs $10,000-$15,000 less than a new Corvette.
• 2010 VW GTIBase MSRP: $25,700 (estimated)
Volkswagen intends to bring the GTI back to its roots for 2010 — and provide a more budget-friendly alternative to last year’s fun but largely unaffordable R32 ($32,990). The new Golf-based GTI will feature a 210 hp turbocharged, direct injected 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine and the buyer’s choice of six-speed manual or six speed “clutchless” manual Direct Shift Gearbox.

Tops for 2010: Hot sports cars

Gerard Spinks as The Underground Millionaire Mercedes Benz Armor Protection for Black Men

When I say protect ya neck, I mean it. Here’s the specs on the Mercedes Benz armored vehicle. This car will protect you from 9 MM and .44 Magnums. This will keep Plaxico and others safe. Do it now. Don’t go to jail. I’m serious.

Mercedes Benz Armored Vehicle E-guard

Mercedes Benz Armored Vehicle E-guard

“A brother of the Mercedes-Benz S Guard, the E Guard class represents itself as very safe, reliable and luxurious armored car which comes fully armored from a production line. The B4 protection level protects passengers from hand guns such as 9mm gun, 0.357 Magnum, 0.44 Magnum with speeds up to 440 m/s.

Production of the model series W 211 started in the year 2002 and continues until today (2007). The E Guard models use 4 types of engine; the E320 and E500 (both of which were released in 2002*), E350 (2005*) and E320 CDI (2006*). Unlike the S 600 Guard class with B6/B7 armoring protection and speed electronically limited to 210 km/h, the E class’ weight is 2580 kgs (see the table below for more details) which makes it possible to reach a maximum speed of 240 km/h which is also electronically limited.

Due to it’s armor weight, the Mercedes-Benz E Guard cars use the Anti-Dive system which prevents the vehicle suspension from deflecting. Such deflects are caused by braking, when the front wheels and wheelbase get put under enormous pressure. Naturally, similar forces develop on the rear wheels and wheelbase during the acceleration process which is why the Anti-Squat system is also used there. Anti-Squat is simply the same system as Anti-Dive, but designed for the rear.”

Cup holder Mounted Laptop Tray: Hot or not?

Lodging Laptops and gadgets in the car is as normal as taking a walk. Okay, these two can’t be compared, but the basic point that I’m trying to convey is that the use of laptops is inevitable, not that we encourage you to use it while commuting. Vehicles, these days are office-goers’ prime mobile offices, so it’s important that the workplace be made as comfortable as it can be, in a meager budget. Designer Mike Davis has created an in-vehicle laptop tray for his pick up truck for one tenth the cost of the high-end, commercial laptop trays.

Laptop Car Mount General Business - Gamber-Johnson

Laptop Car Mount Select by: Industry

Business Laptop Car Mount

Gamber-Johnson’s broad line of modularly-designed products enables most customers to find a solution that fits their needs. We have innovative products like the seat mounted vehicle base and NotePad universal laptop cradle that help small business owners, salespeople and real estate and insurance agents find mounting systems that will safely and securely restrain laptops for field usBusiness - Gamber-Johnson

Laptop In Car Builtin

1. Satellite Radio Car Kit

The most popular kits among gadgets are universal vehicle kit for satellite radio. The last generation of such kits gives motorists the possibility to enjoy radio in first, second, third etc vehicles.

universal vehicle kit for satellite radio

2. Car Printer

A portable car printer that is printing documents from a PDA or laptop via hardwire or Bluetooth is another useful gadget designed mostly for businessmen. Imagine the situation when a driver needs some urgent report but the trouble is that he forgot to do it at home. The gadget will solve the problem in no time within the vehicle.

portable car printer vehicle Printer

3. Integrated Gaming System

A special gadget for playing games during the rush hours was possibly designed for people to be very nervous during rush hours. Some types of such gadgets give the possibility to play the games with other drivers. Sociologists say it is really good for people who can’t concentrate themselves in traffic jams.

integrated gaming system

4. Solar Powered Ventilator

Hi-tech solar powered ventilator was created for making mild climate in your vehicle. Such ventilators have different regimes. The drivers can choose various options, as an option for driving at night when the motorist shouldn’t be asleep and don’t want to keep the window opened.

Hi-tech solar powered ventilator Hi-tech solar powered ventilator

5.GPS transmitter

A special portable hi-tech map was designed to inform a driver about all traffic jams on the road. It carries out this easily: the device displays the scheme of all roads and highways and informs about their congestion by means of special colored signals. However, the device lacks GPS transmitter.

Hi-tech solar powered Car ventilator

6. Back Up Camera

Some brands producing gadgets for security pleased all motorists interested in hi-tech with a new type of motorist gadget. Such devices have an outlook of an ordinary auto mirror. But thanks to inside camera the device can display the images on its 2.5 inch LCD. The camera can show autos moving in front and behind. It also has an option of saving the video so that in case of an accident you can prove your rights.

Camera With Auto-Dimming Mirror Display System

7. Signalization System

Possibly, each motorist wants his vehicle to stay at the place where he left it. Today hi-tech signalizations are capable not only to make sounds but also to lock the motor. Previously this system was used for notebook security. Nowadays it saves your auto. Some signalizations need a master’s finger to identify him. Then they let him drive a car.

hi-tech Car signalization

8. Moving String Display

A special device with moving string is another device for the car comfort. The devices like these are released for reminding you necessary information, or, if you want, expressing your feelings about the traffic jams. The device can be adjusted to the glass of a vehicle. The information and data can be obtained from PC, notebooks or cellar phones.

Car Moving String

9. Board Computer

The special board computer is one more cute hi-tech achievement. It is installed into a car. The parameters of this motorist assistant are 40 Gb HDD, 1.22 GHz, standard memory 256 Mb but sometimes the computer can be produced with 512 Mb memory. These computers support both Windows and Linux. They also usually posses GPS navigation system and wi-fi internet.

Board Computer

10. Internet without laptop

Some car corporations stepped farther, and let the clients have internet even without laptop. The new software was released recently. It gives drivers a possibility to surf the internet using the firm’s in-car display instead. Drivers can select a URL from a list of stored favourites to access any web page they want. Nevertheless, such devices work mostly when the vehicle is in stationary state.

car Internet without laptop

Take care of your car, hope it will have best hi-tech achievements soon.

2009 Lexus LF-Ch Concept

Lexus has just released the complete information along with interior and exterior images of their new concept vehicle set to be unveiled next week at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The 2009 Lexus LF-Ch Concept is scheduled to go into production by 2012 but there is no word yet as to whether or not the vehicle will be available here in United States. The compact hatchback is set to compete with the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series.
The Lexus LF-Ch will have a front-wheel-drive train. The Lexus LF-Ch will come with enchanced safety systems, a new suspension and a wide variety of interior and exterior colors.
More details will be available next week when the car is officially revealed.

KEY POINTS
Concept proposing the first Lexus full hybrid for the European premium compact segment
Advanced interior design with asymmetric dashboard and Remote Touch controls
Blacked-out B-pillars and concealed rear door handles create the look of a pillarless coupé
L-finesse exterior styling with powerful surfacing and hand-sculpted details
World debut at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show

Spice Up Your Car Interior…

Everyone in the industry has woken up to the fact that there are great opportunities in interior styling, perhaps more than the exterior. Traditional materials are now being used, recycled wood is ground up, processed and polished into smooth new wood without cutting down any additional trees. Wood isn't the only material being recycled in carinteriors as old is new when it comes to seat fabric as well. Fabrics are now being made from 100 per cent post-industrial waste. This material, which comes from things like plastic pop bottles and un-dyed polyester fibers, is processed, spun into yarn and then woven into seat fabric. Using sustainable materials in new vehicles provides real environmental benefits.

Another popular feature on dashboards and other interior parts is chrome-plated plastic, which has made a comeback after giving way to solid colors for several years. Not wanting to be left behind, the giant car company, Land Rover has also manufactured their new leather seats to make their cars interiors more stylish. The Range Rover´s classic yet contemporary design extends to its masterful interior. The spacious, luxurious cabin is superbly crafted, expertly upholstered and beautiful to look at. There are a wide variety of interior colors and 10 exterior colors of wood trim. The quality leather of Land Rover’s seat is impressing that it was soft sculpted and comfortable. Leather-bound premium luxury floor mats are also available in the cars.



Besides having a high quality of leather seats, heated seats cushion are also widely used. You just need to plug the heated seat cushion 12V outlet in your car and you are good to go. However, it is only suitable for cars in cold climate countries where you need to feel warm. Not ideal for cruising along the beach in Miami.

Cup holders paved way for interior car design

They showed automakers that people wanted to do more than just drive

up holders have come a long way from when some carmakers considerd them an annoying design afterthought. These days, all new cars have two husky cup holders in the center console and usually a pair in both front doors, and in the back seat and cargo areas. Cup holders led the way for a host of other amenities people now enjoy — and demand.

The cup holder, in its modern automotive incarnation, is about 30 years old. It merits its own Wikipedia entry, which claims it was invented in 1943 by somebody named James Guillow. Well, who knows, really? However, the cup holder as we know it achieved industrial-design celebrity status in the 1980s, and it's been proliferating ever since. Last year, I test-drove a Chrysler Town & Country minivan that had 13 cup holders placed deftly throughout the vehicle. Prior to that, I attended a model debut for the 2009 Subaru Forester in which some of the product development people boasted that they had created a new breed of cup holder specifically designed to accommodate 24-ounce bottles.

Most Americans, regardless of how jaded they are about what cup holders represent (our lifestyle of never-ending, on-the-go consumption, with hundred of sugary, creamy calories never far away, even when driving), have grown to demand them. Moreover, after more than a decade of pushing the envelope with bolder and bolder exterior designs, automakers — prompted by the kind of expectations that cup holders inspired — have taken on the inside of vehicles, with a vengeance.

Despite the seeming simplicity of cup holders, their early deployment was far from ideal. I own two Swedish automobiles that date to the period before cup holder standardization, when European carmakers considered cup holders an annoying afterthought. On the 2000 Volvo, the cup holder is a spidery thing that deploys from the dashboard and blocks the radio and climate controls. It also does a crummy job of holding a cup. On the 1998 Saab, the cup holder is located inside a console between the seats, sort of behind the driver, and doesn't allow a beverage to be easily accessed. I usually revert to the old-school technique of placing my (cold) drink between my legs.

Electric Ford Focus is the Car for Stars on “The Jay Leno Show”

“The Jay Leno Show” will have a new guest starting on Friday, September 18: An all-new battery-electric Ford Focus. The electric car will appear in a segment called “Green Car Challenge.” Tuned to perform on a racetrack that was specifically designed for “The Jay Leno Show,” the battery-electric Ford Focus will be the car used throughout the first season. Celebrities who accept the challenge will be at the wheel, driving quickly to establish a fast lap time that future guests will try to beat. Actress Drew Barrymore is the first celebrity to accept Leno’s “Green Car Challenge.”

The electric Focus to be driven by celebrity guests on “The Jay Leno Show” (NBC, Monday – Friday, 10 – 11 p.m. ET) is one-of-a-kind vehicle, based on the European five-door production Focus ST, modified into a battery electric vehicle (BEV) as part of Ford’s BEV test fleet. This specific car started life as a European production Focus ST, built in Germany in July. The car was delivered to Ford in Dearborn, Mich., where engineers went to work, removing the traditional engine and gas tank and installing an entire electric powertrain – all in six weeks. With Recaro racing seats, a roll cage, a five-point racing harness and wearing a unique (and fitting) Electric Orange paint scheme, the battery electric Focus ST is ready for racing.

Thanks in part to the battery placement, the race-ready Ford Focus BEV has a nearly ideal 50/50 weight distribution for improved race track handling. The front springs and dampers come from the performance-minded Ford Focus RS, a popular, high-performance European production model. The rear dampers and springs are unique to Leno’s Focus BEV.

The car is specifically tuned to perform on the track built alongside “The Jay Leno Show” studio at NBC. To help improve performance, Ford created a similar track at their proving ground in Michigan to test the vehicle so it would be ready to handle the tight turns.

funny Car

The shockingly boring Chevy Volt

Why do car companies go geeky ugly when designing electric/hybrid cars?

Take a look at this picture and tell me that the car doesn’t look ‘futuristic’. Futuristic is another word for geeky and in the case of the Chevrolet Volt it represents what boring cars from the future would look like.

I wonder what evil spirit comes over and possess the designers whenever the are told to design a purpose buit hybrid or electric cars. Just look at the hideousness that are the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight and now the Chevrolet Volt.

What next after the Proton electric car?

I want to ask readers of this blog and also those in power this question: Why do we want to promote electric car technology?

Is it because we are Star Wars/Star trek fans and like the electric sounding buzz from their transport pods?

Is it because we think electric cars are cool?

Or maybe because we think electric cars will save the planet?

Perhaps because we are jsut caught up in the future-tech hype but do not really know why electric cars are important?

It’s great that Proton has the foresight to partner with Detroit Electric for the production of noiseless cars but that joint-venture will die a slow death if the country is unclear why electric-drive technology is important, why it MAY be one of the solution for the future of transportation.

The truth is we do not really know which way things will move in the future. What most scientists agree is that fossil fuel is a finite resource so we will ahve to find an alternative energy source.

The most abundant element in nature is Hydrogen, it fuels the universe. The sun runs on hydrogen and so do all the stars.

So scientists are saying the the future is hydrogen.

So how are we going to power our world on this light and highly flammable gas?

Well, one could burn it inside a normal internal combustion engine like petrol. Companies like BMW are hedging their future with this option.

You can also run the gas through a series of special membranes in a fuel cell and generate electricity to drive motors for a car. Mercedes-Benz and GM are looking at this possibility with Ballard Technologies.

In the second option, the primary drive of the car is electric and the motor can be supplied with current in many different ways – fuel cells, batteries, wireless transmission, or maybe we will see a future where our roads are magnetised to interact as linear induction motors with vehicles running over it.

The future is far from clear so ti is just as well that we start understanding the eelctric drive technology a little better because it is one of the major possibility junction for the future.

In the meantime we, as a country needs and energy policy and by that we need a set of goals and a roadmap on how to get there.

We need the Government to work out the national energy needs for the next 10, 20, 50 or even 100 years and once we figure out how much we need, then the experts need to agree where the energy is going to come from.

Finally we need a roadmap onhow to achieve those goals.

Many countries are now looking at a long range goal that is totally free of fossil fuel. In the medium term many developed economies want to achieve significant reduction in their fossil fuel reliance.

Since we all know that oil is going to run dry one day, it is every Government’s responsibility to predict when it is going to happen and how we are going to prepare ourselves before things become critical.

We need to know now whether the country should focus on solar energy, wind power, wave power, hydroelectric, nuclear technology or maybe we want to just rely on magic.

At the same time we need to actively promote energy efficient technologies and sadly we do not see this happening in any serious or concerted effort outside of Northern Europe, Japan and California.

While we congratulate Proton, we must push our Government to formulate a national energy policy to make sure that we are not caught out.

US: New president, new limo

Those attending the inauguration of Barack Obama in Washington DC on 20 January will also see the first ever African-American president's official ride - a new, custom-built Cadillac limousine.

The car replaces the DTS-based presidential limousine delivered to George W Bush in 2004.

For mostly functional reasons, such as optimal outward visibility, the latest car is slightly more upright than its predecessor but much the same size.

The rear passenger area includes an extensive executive compartment with ample seating space, outward visibility and mobile office features.

Cadillac, understandably, did not detail the car's security features but US reports have said the presidential limousines have the most sophisticated communications systems available plus extensive security measures including bullet-resistant glass and body panels, run-flat tyres and armour-protected body, under-body and mechanical components that can withstand a substantial bomb blast.

An embroidered presidential seal is positioned in the centre of the rear seat back panel, as well as on each rear door trim panel. Presidential seals are on the exterior rear doors. The US flag is placed on the right front fender, and the presidential standard is located on the left front fender when the president travels in the vehicle. LED spotlights illuminate the flags at night.

"Cadillac is honoured to again provide a new presidential limousine," said Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/premium channel.

"This is a great American tradition that we're delighted to renew with an all-new car."

President Woodrow Wilson was one of the first commanders in chief to use a Cadillac and many - but not all - of his successors have followed suit.

Ford's Lincoln Continental line was a popular alternative in the 1960s and John F Kennedy was assassinated in one of his - the last open-top car used by a US president - in Dallas in 1963. That car was subsequently sometimes used by Kennedy's successor Lyndon Baines Johnson and is now in a US museum, just-auto understands.

Cadillac's government car role began during World War I, when many of its engines and vehicles were transferred to military and government service because of their superior durability and power.

Wilson rode through the streets of Boston during a World War I victory parade in 1919. A 1928 Cadillac town car was used in the Calvin Coolidge administration.

In 1938, two Cadillac convertibles, dubbed the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, were delivered to the US government. Named after famous Cunard ocean liners of the time, the vehicles were 21.5ft long, weighed 7,660lbs and had a full ammunition arsenal, two-way radios and heavy-duty generators. The two 'queens' served presidents Franklin D Roosevelt, Harry S Truman and Dwight D Eisenhower.

President Eisenhower, known as a car fan, rode in one of the first Cadillac Eldorado models produced during his 1953 inaugural parade.

In 1956, the Queen Mary II and Queen Elizabeth II convertibles replaced the original series. The vehicles were slightly smaller, but like their predecessors, were fully armoured and featured state-of-the art communications. Moreover, the vehicles were fitted with narrow rims inside the tyre in case the tyres were shot out. The pair served Eisenhower and also Kennedy and Johnson. Both vehicles were retired in 1968.

The Ronald W. Reagan administration had a 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine while a Fleetwood Brougham - Presidential Series was delivered to the William J Clinton administration in 1993.

Unlike previous models that typically were Cadillac cars adapted and modified by independent limousine companies, the 1993 Presidential Brougham was designed, developed and manufactured totally within General Motors and Cadillac. This included an extensive set of security measures to maintain confidentiality, a process that continues today.

The 1983 Fleetwood limousine is now in the Reagan presidential library and museum in Simi Valley, California, while the 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham is at the Clinton presidential centre in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Cadillac has produced two presidential limousines this decade that remain in service. The first was a Deville Presidential model delivered to George W Bush in 2001 and he received the new DTS Presidential model three years later. This was the first application of a new design launched later that year for the production DTS full-size sedan.

best motor bike of the 2009

An average motorcycle gets about double the mileage of even the most fuel efficient cars but the downside is that they emit about 15 times more pollution than an average four-wheeler. Ecofriendly motorcycles have been in vogue for quite some time now and are a big hit among environment lovers. If you are crazy about two-wheelers but at the same time are looking for the best environmentally benign products, then hit the break for a list of the 10 best ecofriendly

This creation by Mission motors claims a top speed of 150 mph. The power source is a high energy lithium-iron battery pack providing a range of 150 miles per charge. Launched in April 2009, the tailpipe had been eliminated, adding the features of silence and zero carbon emissions.

car of miss universe

Mercedes-Benz – the brand for premium events

On 20 June, 2008, at Caravelle Hotel, Mercedes-Benz Vietnam (MBV), honorly received a certificate of being the exclusive car sponsor to Miss Universe Pageant 2008. This is part of the Ceremony hosted by the organizing committee (Miss Universe Organization) to welcome more than 80 contestants from nations all over the world and to officially open the Miss Universe Pageant 2008 in Vietnam.

With the number of cars provided mounted to around 50 units, including C-class, E-class, S-class, M-class and Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz has become the exclusive sponsor of official cars for the 57th Miss Universe Pageant, first-time ever held in Vietnam. The organizer uses Mercedes cars in their logistic activities, and especially to transport more than 80 Miss Countries as well as VIP guests, superstars and other celebtities from all over the world.

Mercedes-Benz – the brand accompanying premium events

Along with ultimate safety, top image and exclusive luxury, Mercedes-Benz as the offcial car provider has played an important role in diplomatic activities and foreign affairs of the government in previous big events, like ASEM 2005, APEC 2007, etc… This year, the company continues with Miss Universe Pageant in Vietnam as a contribution to presenting good images of Vietnam as well as its people to the world.

Dr. Udo Loersch – General Director of Mercedes-Benz Vietnam said: “We are happy to support this special event. We want to utilize this chance to prove that we are a good corporate citizen and want to support one of the biggest international events in Vietnam. Also, we want to contribute our part in promoting Vietnam’s image and tourism to the world”.

A journey to Diamond Bay Resort

As scheduled, in the first stage, from the end of April until May, cars were used by local organizers to travel to various places from North to South of Vietnam, including HCMC, Nha Trang, Hue, Hoi An, Ha Noi, Ha Long Bay, etc. for venue inspection and other related activities. On 1st June, the cars were also arranged to transport the US organizers to various venues for final inspection. To ensure the services also at a premium level, Mercedes-Benz Vietnam has offerred training courses for drivers to ensure optimum usage of all safety features and convenient functions on Mercedes cars. At the same time, the company also provides its experienced drivers to go to Nha Trang to transport guests. Up to now, Mercedes car team has been ready for all transportation activities of of Miss Universe.

Further promoting the event

Along with the advertising campaign of Miss Universe nationwide, Mercedes-Benz Vietnam further promotes the event with its various supporting activities. Imposing banners of “Official cars for Miss Universe” at Mercedes-Benz Vietnam Autohaus across the country are sparking the animated atmosphere of the event held for the first time ever in Vietnam.

In addition, from now until the end of event, customers of Mercedes-Benz Vietnam will received some special gifts in connection to Miss Universe. All dealers’ sales staffs will also be in Miss Universe uniform on this season.

Indulge in luxury and comfort with Mercedes

Why has Mercedes-Benz become official car for this event? The answer maybe belongs to Miss Countries. For many years, Mercedes has been associated with the image of beauty, luxury with all premium values. Beautiful young ladies from more than 80 countries with their distinguished beauty and other world’s VIP guests such as Donald Trumph, Cindy Crawford, Britney Spears… will share the feelings of the utmost comfort and top safety on the Trans-Vietnam journey.

“Mercedes-Benz has been always the No.1 choice in the luxury car segment. Every Mercedes-Benz has to meet its global standard to ensure the utmost safety and comfort for VIP guests, entrepreneurs, Miss Countries, international celebrities, etc.” – as asserted by Mr. Andreas Binder, Sales and Marketing Director of Mercedes-Benz Vietnam. With spacious interior, comfortable seats, advanced air-conditioning system for a tropical country, dust and toxic gas filter as well as firm chassis and top safety systems, inside a Mercedes-Benz is the safest and most comfortable place people can find.

2010 Tesla Model S Concept

Tesla has unveiled the Tesla Model S - as the company says the "world's first mass-produced, highway-capable EV". The Tesla Model S sedan has a range of 300 miles, a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 3.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. The company say the electric Tesla Model S can be re-charged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet, a full re-charge taking 45 minutes from the 480V outlet.

The powertrain of the Tesla Model S is mounted under the floor which offers extra luggage space under the hood. The storage space offers the possibility to carry a 50-inch television, a mountain bike and a surfboard simultaneously. The company offers a range of batteries for the Tesla Model S, with an autonomy of 160, 230 or 300 miles per charge.

2006 Audi R-Zero Concept Car

This is very orginal desiner and very fantastic concept car.
Combining sportiness with a respect for the environment, the Audi R-Zéro illustrates that extreme performance and reason are not contradictory. If anyone thinks that an electric car is deprived of elegance and dynamism, Audi R-Zéro is a battery-driven vehicle that can fulfill dreams and arouse desires.

As oil prices continue to increase and the Protocol of Kyoto enters application, the bio-energies face serious limitations. Our energy future does not depend only on crude oil reserves. In the face of climatic change and its ecological and human cost, the consumption of hydrocarbons cannot continue at the current pace. It is necessary to decrease and diversify our consumption. Transport is the principal source of air pollution and oil consumption to a total value of 50%.

The initial purpose for the elaboration of this concept was to create a machine with demonic sensations by avoiding the immoderation and the inconveniences that we know of the current supercars, mainly in term of pollution. A concept with the image of a muscular sports car, the Audi TT, and with performance equivalent to that of the Bugatti Veyron, the whole works in harmony with our environment and must join the perspective of 2010.

Aside from the production of the batteries themselves, this car is respectful of the environment mainly due to its electric motorization. The system of electric motorization transmits the fabulous power and reactivity of the engine. It is in harmony with the ecological challenge and meets the needs of the present without compromising the capacity to satisfy the needs of the future generations.

The R-Zero is an exceptional supercar benefiting from an outstanding architecture. The electric motorization allows an original hierarchical organization of the streams of air in order to to control the behavior of the airflow around and inside the car. The structure of the aerodynamic flow optimizes cooling of the motor and the brakes, as well as generating steady aerodynamic support, all of which is synonymous for performance.

The “Back single frame” is not a free aesthetic subtlety nor deprived of functionality … An airstream connecting the 2 single frames (back and front) is present inside in the car : This structural column thus traverses the total length of the machine. Technique drove the design and the technical constraints were not subject to stylistic demands that, aside from the “Back single frame”, we have created a product which forms part of the lineage of explosive motor vehicles. And in the end, we have an electric motor car which does not look like an electric car.

This concept represents a future prospect coming from students of the International School of Design, ISD France.

EUROPA i6 MID 2010 LOTUS CONCEPT CAR

This is a concept from South African designer Idries Noah the Lotus Europa i6 which looks a bit like the Elise/ Exige.

The Europa i6 concept study is a mid-engined, rear wheel drive sports car inspired in terms of design by the classic Europa and Elite as well as by the latest Lotus models. The independent designer supports that ideally, the Europa i6 would weigh in at about 2,030 lbs (920 kg) with power coming from a 2.0-liter supercharged inline six-cylinder engine.

In theory, he says that the sports car would sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 7 seconds and on to a top speed of 165 mph or 265 km/h. Leaving aside the theoretical technical specs, Idries’ take on a compact mid-engined Lotus sports coupe hits the spot. Too bad it exists only in the digital world.

“I really liked the old classic Europa with the high rear section. It had character. The latest version looks very similar to the Elise/ Exige, not quite Europa. I decided to give it my own take. Inspired by classic Lotus cars, Europa and Elite. Also taking some current Lotus trends into consideration. It’s called the 2010 Europa i6.” Idries Noah said.

Concept Cars - 2010 BMW M6 RZ aimed at the 2004 BMW M1

A small independent body styling company, Racer X Design, decided to release some renderings of their BMW RZ-M6 concept based on the popular 6 Series and we believe, on the M1 Hommage also. If you recall, 2003 is remembered by the BMW fans as the year the 6 Series made its comeback as a production car.

The original 6er was launched in 1976 with two models: the 630CS and 633CSi.

1984 saw the introduction of the M635CSi, essentially an E24 powered by the powerplant of the BMW M1. Last year, in honor of the M1’s 30th birthday, BMW decided to reveal the M1 Hommage, a concept that pays tribute to the original M1. The fellows at Racer X Design combined the current 6 Series design with the retro style of the E24 6 Series and incorporating design elements from the recently unveiled M1

CAR's OF THE FUTURE