2010 Valmet Eva Concept

The new electric concept vehicle of Valmet Automotive gets its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2–14th. “Eva” represents the company’s latest know-how in new ecological vehicle technologies.

The concept vehicle is a 2+2 seat electric city car with a range of up to 160 km per one charge. In engineering the vehicle, lightweight and safe body structures have been combined with innovative electric and recharging systems.

Fortum, a leading energy company focusing on the Nordic countries, Russia and the Baltic Rim area, brought to the project its extensive know-how in recharging systems. Thanks to the cooperation with Nokia, the car is equipped with a pioneering Human Machine Interface through mobile handset connectivity. The booth will also showcase a demo based on NAVTEQ’s high-quality map data and content which enables green routing and driving functionality use cases.

Valmet Automotive is a forerunner in engineering and manufacturing electric vehicles. Already last year the company started the series production of one of the world’s first urban electric vehicle, the THINK City, as well as the luxury Golf Car Garia. Valmet Automotive is also an engineering and manufacturing partner of the world’s first premium plug-in hybrid electric vehicle Fisker Karma. The production of the Karma will start later this year.

The manufacturing of Porsche Boxster and Porsche Cayman represents Valmet Automotive’s experience and recognized know-how in the production of premium vehicles.

In line with its new strategy, Valmet Automotive today offers to its automotive customers a large portfolio of services from product and process engineering up to series manufacturing and business services.

Hillbank Motor Corporation, the home of Superformance Distribution and Shelby Distribution USA delivered its first Foose Coupe to its lucky new owner. “It was a very proud day for us,” said Lance Stander, CEO of Superformance Distribution. “We wish the new owner all the best and lots of fun driving.”

This particular Coupe is the fourth built and only the second available to the public. It features a unique paint scheme featuring a carbon fiber spears on the front, back, and sides surrounded by flames hand painted by Chip Foose himself. Power comes from a 392ci (6.4L) Hemi V8 producing approximately 500 horsepower and 480 lb-ft torque, with power being sent to the wheels through a 5-speed manual transaxle. The polished aluminum wheels are Foose-designed, and are wrapped with Pirelli PZero tires. Inside, the Foose Coupe features plush leather seating with 4-point safety harnesses, carbon fiber trim, and a pistol grip shifter.

About the Foose Coupe

The Foose Coupe debuted at the 2006 SEMA Show to incredible reviews from the automotive press and community and is available to the public as a signature series limited edition vehicle available through Superformance Distribution. Production will be limited to just 50 vehicles. The Foose Coupe features a carbon fiber monocoque body, independent front and rear suspension, 14-inch, 6-piston Baer brakes, and 20-inch Pirelli PZero tires. Each vehicle is signed by Chip and will be documented in the Foose Registry.

Foose Coupe Features:
• Design: Stylized and Conceived by Chip Foose
• Builder: Metalcrafters, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Limited Edition, Mid-Engine, Rear Wheel Drive, 2 Passenger, 2 Door Coupe
• Engine: 6.4 L (392 cu.in.) Mopar Hemi V-8, Iron Block, Aluminum Heads or 5.4 L DOHC, 32-Valve, 90-Degree V-8, Ford GT Aluminum Heads
• Fuel Delivery System: Individual Hilborn Throttle Bodies with Velocity Stack Air Intakes (8), AEM Electronic Fuel Injection
• Transmission: ZF 5-Speed Manual Transaxle
• Body and Chassis: Carbon Fiber Monocoque Cabin on Modular Steel Space Frame
• Suspension: Front: Independent, Unequal Length Control Arms, Inboard-mounted Koni Coilover Shock Absorbers Actuated by Rocker Arms. Rear: Independent, Unequal Length Control Arms, Koni Coilover Shock Absorbers
• Brakes: 6-piston Baer Monoblock Calipers, 14″ Cross-drilled and Vented Rotors, Tilton Series 75 Master Cylinder
• Steering: Woodward Rack and Pinion
• Tires/Wheels: Front: 225/40 ZR 18 Pirelli PZero on 20 x8 Foose Polished, Rear: 315/35 ZR 20 Pirelli PZero on 20 x12 Foose Polished
• General Data: Weight: 2775 lbs, Overall Length: 163.89″, Overall Width: 91.50″, Overall Height: 45.39″, Wheelbase: 120″, Track: 60.94″ (Front), 65.51″ (Rear)

About Superformance Distribution

Based in Irvine, CA, Superformance Distribution is the official distributor for the Foose Coupe and has distributed specialty constructed cars in the United States and Worldwide, for more than twelve years. Superformance and Shelby Distribution USA (Exclusive Distributer of Shelby continuation series Cobra`s) has 38 dealers throughout the world and have earned a reputation for their attention to detail, quality, and craftsmanship. For more information on Superformance vehicles, visit www.superformance.com or www.shelbydistributionusa.com call 949-900-1950.

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The arrival on Britain’s roads of the first fully electric-powered car moves one step closer today with the UK motor show debut of the new TH!NK city electric vehicle.

Displayed at the 2008 British International Motor Show at ExCeL London by Norwegian electric vehicle pioneers Think, a company with 17 years experience in electric vehicles, the new TH!NK city will be available for UK customer orders next summer.

TH!NK city is a true, modern urban car, not a quadricycle. It is a fully environmental vehicle, emission free and 95 percent recyclable. With an energy efficiency three times that of a traditional combustion engine car, it is a vehicle that realistically meets the growing challenges of environmental protection, traffic congestion and emissions legislation.

The two-seater urban car has a top speed of 65 miles per hour. It accelerates from zero to 30 mph in just 6.5 seconds and to 50 mph in 16 seconds. It requires just an overnight top-up of electricity and can travel for 126 miles in city driving on a fully charged battery.

To charge the batteries from 20 per cent capacity to 80 percent takes just four hours. Over 10,000 miles use, the total cost of electricity used to power a TH!NK city will be in the region of £100.

TH!NK city is designed to meet the strict safety requirements of both Europe and the USA, as a genuinely-safe road car. It is the world’s only crash-tested and highway-certified EV. The car is equipped with ABS brakes, airbags and three-point safety belts with pretensioners and it surpasses all European and US requirements.

“Unlike the lower-range, electric quadricycles that have had limited success in the UK, the TH!NK city is a real car which provides a realistic option for those motorists who want to drive a true zero emissions car,” said Richard Blundell, Managing Director of Think UK.

“Concern for the environment has been at the heart of the development of TH!NK city. It’s not only environmentally sound to drive, but the car itself is designed to be recycled,” he said, “Driving a silent car will give urban motorists a totally new experience. The TH!NK city produces no waste heat and no pollution. Critically for London and many other urban markets it beats the congestion charge!”

“Moreover, the TH!NK city is fund to drive, cheap to run, great to look at, generates incredible mileage figures and is extremely kind on the environment. This is a proposition that we believe will interest many drivers who are re-thinking their approach to motoring,” he added.

Engineers, developers, buyers and designers in the Think company have focused on utilising clean recyclable materials and non-polluting production processes. The dashboard can be completely recycled. The fabrics, body, supports, air ducts, adhesives and fixings are designed using the same recyclable materials.

TH!NK city’s body is made of recyclable ABS plastic, designed specifically for city driving. Not only is it ideal for motorists who want to avoid visible scratches and irritating dents, the unpainted, self-colored plastic bodywork also reduces both energy consumption and toxins, while making the panels easier to recycle. The battery is returned to the supplier at the end of its useable life.

These factors have been warmly welcomed by the auto insurance industry, resulting in reduced auto insurance rates by as much as 30-50 per cent.

Standard equipment on each TH!NK city includes power steering, central locking, a 4kW electric heater, and electric windows and mirrors. Optional equipment will include air conditioning, a pre-heat timer, electrically heated windscreen, full length sunroof, Radio CD with MP3, USB, Bluetooth, a navigation & multimedia system, alloy wheels, roof rack and 2 + 2 child seats (including 3-point seat belts)

Production started this year in Norway, and the first batch of right-hand drive cars will be delivered to UK customers in summer 2009. Prices of the TH!NK city will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

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Introducing MyCar, the all-electric city car that’s set to take the motor show by storm. It’s a two-seater, with a truly international pedigree; designed by Giugiaro of Italdesign , made in Hong Kong and on sale through the NICE Car Company in London come Autumn.

MyCar will start from £8,995 and comes with a two-year warranty. It is available in seven color options, albeit every MyCar will be ‘green’. That’s because there are no emissions. It’s an electric car, so there isn’t even a tailpipe.

Running costs are very low, roughly one fifteenth compared to a conventional petrol or diesel model. Depending on electricity tariff used to charge the vehicle, owners will pay around 2p per mile.

MyCar has a range of around 40 miles in normal city driving, easily sufficient for the majority of urban motoring. Top speed is 40 mph with re-charge time between six and eight hours There’s no CO2 emissions which means no road tax. MyCar will also be congestion charge exempt and parking concessions are available in many London boroughs1 and in other parts of the UK. More on-street charging points will further increase its appeal.

Standard equipment for MyCar includes electric windows and mirrors, Radio/MP3 player, 14” Alloy wheels, remote central locking, Hi/lo and boost button and LCD multifunction display. It also has storage space under the bonnet, in the boot and in the glove compartment.

Options include a glass roof or removable fiberglass version. MyCar can also be specified with 15” Alloy wheels, leather interior, cooled and heated seats and a boot rack. All option prices are to be confirmed.

Two innovative features are work ‘n’ play and drive ‘n’ play options. The first incorporates a forward-folding passenger seat complete with laptop dock, the latter includes bluetooth, sat-nav and upgraded audio.

MyCar is made of fiberglass reinforced plastic on a steel tubular spaceframe with tubular roll-bar. It has disc brakes and independent front and rear suspension.

It is one of three all-electric cars that will debut on the NICE Car Company stand, N25 at the motor show. The NICE Car Company press briefing takes place at 14.15 but media are invited to come along at any time during the day to learn more.

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Taxis will be propelled into a new era at this year’s British International Motor Show with the launch of the UK’s very first electric taxi.

Launched by Glasgow based Allied Vehicles which builds thousands of taxis each year, the new E7 taxi appears in the electric pavilion for the duration of the motor show.

The electric taxi will be available from October 2008 and is the result of three years research and development by Allied, which is already looking for local authority partners to install recharging networks locally to help drive down urban emissions.

However, a recent snub by Transport for London’s taxi licensing division, the Public Carriage Office, means the UK’s first zero emission taxi will not be appearing on the capital’s streets anytime soon.

The E7 is powered entirely by cutting edge Lithium-ion batteries which have been developed and supplied by Europe’s leading independent manufacturer, Dundee based Axeon Holdings plc. These give the electric E7 a range of up to 100 miles from a single charge and a top speed of 60mph.

Producing no carbon, particulates or other pollutant emissions, the E7 is eligible for a 100% discount from vehicle excise duty, as well as lower daily running costs.

With rising fuel prices an increasing problem for taxi drivers, the electric E7 is cheaper to run than a traditional black cab*. Allied’s confidence in the technology is underlined with batteries featuring a six-year warranty and the base vehicle boasting a two-year unlimited mileage Peugeot warranty.

The electric E7 also provides full wheelchair access. Thanks to its large rear-passenger area wheelchair users can enter the vehicle more easily and be turned into the correct position for travel, before being secured safely with high-quality wheelchair restraints and passenger seat belts.

Each taxi is equipped with retractable side-steps and a specially designed, under-floor wheelchair ramp to further improve accessibility for disabled passengers.

The new E7 taxi combines the comfort and safety required by the modern taxi driver including a driver’s airbag, a feature which is unavailable on traditional black cabs.

“Taxis and their drivers have a hard life and with the rising cost of diesel at the moment, it is only going to get worse,” said Gerry Facenna, Chairman of Allied Vehicles.

“For the majority of taxi drivers, the key issue when buying a new cab is usually the cost to run, service and maintain their vehicle. In the current economic climate drivers are looking for ways to reduce costs and electric power offers an ideal solution, especially for congested urban areas where traffic is stop-start for much of the day.

“We’ve had a positive response to electric vehicles from many local authorities, both in the UK and in Europe. However it’s a shame that London looks set to miss out, especially since its famous taxi fleet is currently responsible for 4% of all emissions in the capital,” he added.

The E7 will cost £39,450. To put this into perspective, a London style black taxi based on a TX4 silver automatic is in the region of £35,455 on the road.

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The V13R overall design and style make it the perfect 3-wheel roadster. Personalize your ride with the V13R’s customization options. The reverse trike configuration and rear propulsion blended with the performance and unique sound of Harley-Davidson® V-ROD® engine make it a powerful and fun ride.

The V13R features side-by-side seating for two adults and integrated cargo space. Great week-end getaways guaranteed.

-Fun 3-wheels of pure fun to ride

-Style Unique hot rod design. A true head turner

-Performance Powerful acceleration with excellent cornering abilities

STYLE

• Modern design Hot-Rod styling
• Laminated fiberglass body panels
• Unique and distinctive look

CARGO

• Integrated cargo space
- Under the hood
- Glove compartment
• Waterproof
• Lockable
• Roomy enough for two, rain suit and personal items for a quick getaway

SUSPENSION

• Front: motorcycle progressive suspension
• Rear: adjustable mono shock
• All suspension components are standard motorcycle size

INSTRUMENTATION

• Digital and analog instrument cluster
• Standard car controls with speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter
• Can accept any 69+ GM steering wheel
• Steering column with flashers, hi-low beam switch, hazards
• In-dash 12V adaptor plug

COCKPIT

• Ergonomically designed
• Side-by-side seating for two adults
• In-dash glove compartment with room for a radio
• Grab bar and foot rest for easy in and out

SAFETY

• Rigid tubular chassis
• Safety roll bars
• 3-points safety belts
• Cross-drilled rotors on all wheels
• Hand brake
• High illumation hi-low beam headlights

ENGINE

• Powered by a Harley-Davidson® Liquid-cooled Revolution® 60° V-Twin engine
• Delivers 84 ft. lbs of torque
• Produces 125 horsepower
• Distinctive American V-Twin engine sound

DRIVELINE

• Sequential five-speed transmission
• Custom designed mechanical reverse gear
• Strap driven rear wheel
• Clean and maintenance free ride

The V13R is available in 3 colors with assorted trim. Both the Brilliant Black and the Inferno Red version come with chromed roll bars, sub frame, swingarm and A-arm assemblies. The headlight bezel and the front grill are also chromed. The Bright Silver version has jet black powder coated roll bars, sub frame, swingarm and A-arm assemblies for a bad attitude.

Every visitor to The British International Motor Show, sponsored by Zurich Connect, can expect to view a wide selection of the most expensive and most luxurious vehicles on display in the Heritage Enclosure and Ultimate Collection Public Gallery. For a limited number of Show-goers the experience will be all the more special, as the event’s organizers have released a limited number of tickets granting access to the ultra-exclusive ‘Ultimate Collection’.

Housed in a private, gallery-style display area above the main Show halls at ExCeL, the Ultimate Collection will offer unhindered access to some of the world’s most desirable supercars from brands such as Ferrari, Pagani, Koenigsegg and Spyker, with a combined value of over £5 million.

Nowhere else in the UK can you get so close to such a stunning array of exclusive supercars. From a Pagani Zonda F worth over £250,000 to the 245mph Koenigsegg CCX-R Edition that is capable of hitting 62mph in 3.2 seconds, the collection will have something to thrill every visitor. Other highlights will include the McLaren SLR, current holder of the London Land Speed Record, and a duo of Maserati cars from the iconic Italian firm.

High-quality hospitality will be provided to enhance the experience. Presentations of exquisite goods from non-automotive luxury brands, such as Breitling, Panerai, Hiscox and Maurice Sedwell will accompany the cars.

The Ultimate Collection’s sophisticated environment has been styled by leading interior designer, Jasper Jacob. The lavish presentation area will be much more than a car showroom, with dramatic use of darkness and spectacular shards of light creating a visually striking arena to complement the automotive ‘works of art’.

To intensify the atmosphere and illustrate the power and performance of the models, breathtaking footage of the supercars in action will run alongside the displays.

“The Ultimate Collection will make a fabulous day out for car enthusiasts and those who love the high life, as top-notch hospitality and the world’s greatest cars are combined at the British International Motor Show,” commented Kirsty Perkinson, Marketing Director for the Show.

“The UK is well known for its passion for automotive icons, and we will have 20 of the latest models on show in this unique environment, presented in a stylish setting fitting for the brands.”

The Ultimate Collection is priced from £99, which also includes entry to the main areas of the Show. Tickets are available now by calling 020 8233 5878 or from www.motorshow-ultimatecollection.co.uk. The show opens to the public on 23 July and runs until 3 August.

Launched at the Harrogate show, the Lamberti LS1 is the product of much hard work and dedication, a race ready design for road use that is stunning to look at from any angle, and we will ensure that it will be even more stunning to drive. Currently it’s still in the development stage and this is the first prototype body to be made, final specifications have yet to be decided, but we will be trying to use a 5.3 litre V12, mated to a five speed transaxle driving the rear wheels, the chassis will take the form of a tubular space frame design, tyre size is set to 335/35×17 rear and 225/50/17 front, and the braking system will be designed around race developed front and rear discs. As specifications are set, we will update this page accordingly, so please keep looking!

Roush Technologies has just completed a groundbreaking bespoke vehicle project for Turkish-based, Kurt Systems – a world leader in racehorse and camel training equipment. The ground-up, turnkey project involved the design, development and build of a highly complex mobile race trainer which enables continuous monitoring of the animal at speeds of up to 60kph.

The striking and unusual looking machine incorporates a number of innovative and unique vehicle systems, as well as a diesel engine, automatic transmission and a spacious luxury cabin for a crew of three. Weighing in at around 4 tonnes, the vehicle effectively provides a moving enclosure similar to a starting stall, in which the animal can walk, trot or full gallop freely in a controlled environment, whilst being monitored and trained to optimise race performance.

The spacious cabin, which is mounted rearward of the horse, includes a centrally mounted driver’s seat, plus additional seats for a trainer and a veterinary specialist. Onboard systems include 12-volt and 240-volt electrical supplies, to power systems such as computerised heart, blood, oxygen and fitness monitoring. The unit also carries a range of precision hydraulically controlled accessories, such as a silicone saddle to simulate jockey weights.
The open fronted stall section of the vehicle requires linked independent hydraulic steering, combined with electronically controlled reins, to steer the horse in the same direction as the vehicle. The reins are enclosed within two forward curving booms on the body structure, controlled by the driver.

The chassis and running gear comprise a complex, box-section, cross-braced frame, with suspension derived from a Ford F150 series truck. Power is provided by a Volvo 2.4litre, five-cylinder diesel engine, driving through a conventional automotive automatic gearbox – and final drive is delivered via hub reduction on the rear axle only. Speed is precisely controlled from walking pace up to race conditions, up to a maximum 60kph (16 metres per second). The purpose-built body is fabricated primarily from GRP – with the forward ‘stall’ area enclosed by soft, padded, pneumatically controlled arms, which surround the horse when required.

Kurt Systems General Manager, Daniele Camuffo says, “The Kurt Group is the acknowledged world leader in single and multiple equine training systems, which provide horse-welfare sensitive, but scientifically appropriate training regimes for the 21st century racing industry. We turned to Roush in the confidence that its combined range of complementary vehicle and systems experience would provide us with a successful on-track and off-track single-horse trainer, able to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of the race industry worldwide. These units will now enter serial production and we believe that our approach to controlled environment training will become established practice with many studs and stables at this level”.

Based in Surrey, UK, designer Jamie Martin is proud to reveal the new Cobra Venom V8 concept; a celebration of the great Anglo-American partnership that produced one of the most iconic racing cars of the last Century. With it’s combination of unmistakable looks, raw performance and muscle-car spirit, the Cobra Venom V8 brings the power and charisma of the racing classic into the 21st Century.

Providing all of the the thrills that the name has made legend, a supercharged Ford V8 block offers projected performance figures of 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds, and a top speed of 214mph. The Cobra can once again proudly sit alongside the top marques of the World.

HISTORY….
The original Cobra’s story begins in the 1960′s with the production of the Ace roadster by specialist Surrey-based British sports car company AC. Wanting to find a competitor for the Chevrolet Corvette, American ex-racing driver Carroll Shelby requested AC modify the Ace to accept a small block V8 engine, and the resulting car was re-named the Cobra. It was an instant success, and soon became a legendary race winner in both Europe and America.

When upgraded with bigger and more powerful engines, the Cobra became a fearsome and truly unbeatable racing car. Along with the mechanical alterations made to enable the original Ace to be fit for racing, the necessary bodywork alterations provided the Cobra with it’s now unmistakable muscular appearance.The AC/Shelby Cobra has since become a true classic of the motoring world, as both a roadster and racing car – cementing it’s iconic place in history.

PROJECTED SPECIFICATIONS…

- 524bhp supercharged 4.6L OHC Ford 3V V8 (Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM)
- Tremec 6-speed Manual Transmission (with Automatic Paddle-Shift option)
- Anti-Lock Brakes, Traction Control & Auto-Brake system
- Lightweight extruded aluminium chassis and carbon-fibre body panels
- F1-style Alloy ‘Protective Cocoon’, with Side & Front impact airbags
- 17″ brushed gun-metal cast aluminum wheels & Pirelli P-Zero “Snake Tread”
tyres
- DVD Satellite-Navigation and entertainment system with 5.1 surround audio
- HID Headlamps, with Ultra-Brite LED front and rear lighting