Thursday, March 27, 2014

Built by Chicara Nagata, this 1966 Honda P25

Built by Chicara Nagata, this 1966 Honda P25 is probably the most original security camera around. Unique selling point (asides from the good looks): you can still take it out for a ride.

Apparently, the motorcycle was built on request of a security equipment manufacturer that wanted to showcase it on the Japanese Security Show. Something tells us they made quite the impression!

Check out this incredible security camera system / motorcycle!

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Audi Sends Out Second-Gen TT With Some Updates For 2015

Audi has just revealed its third-generation TT, which arrives on these shores early next year, as a 2016 model. However, if you want to get behind the wheel of a new TT today, Audi is sweetening the deal for buyers of the current model with some special offers for the 2015 model year.\

The main attraction is the TTS Competition Package, which was revealed last year as part of Audi’s celebration of the production of its 500,000th TT sports car. Among the special features are unique Imola Yellow or Nimbus Gray paint schemes, a fixed rear spoiler, five-spoke wheels, and leather trim with accent stitching that matches the exterior color.

There are no powertrain updates for 2015, which means the base TT sticks with its 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged and direct-injected four cylinder engine, good for 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The TTS model gets the same engine but with 265 hp and 258 lb-ft available. Understandably, it’s the quicker of the two, needing just 4.9 seconds to sprint to 60 mph. The TTS Roadster will do the same in 5.1 seconds.

Standard across the range is quattro all-wheel drive and a six-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Opt for the TTS and you also get magnetic ride suspension as standard.

Standard items in the cabin include front heated seats for the first time, as well as a 12-speaker Bose stereo. New options include an exterior carbon package and a Navigation package that adds a nav system, MMI controller and parking sensors.

LIT Motors C1: The Car-Like Motorcyle That Can't Fall Down

Imagine, a vehicle that drives like a car, but balances itself on two wheels. Too late--LIT Motors already did it, back in 2012

As this BBC video demonstrates, the all-electric LIT Motors C1 electric motorcycle is an amazing feat of engineering. Using gyroscopes and electric motors to keep its balance, the C1 really can't be knocked down--even when it's being tugged by an SUV.

On top of all of that, the C1 promises up to 200 miles of all-electric range, seating for two, 0-60 mph acceleration in less than 6 seconds, and a mere 800-pound curb weight. It's only 40" wide, so, in theory at least, it can split lanes and filter through traffic, skipping right past jams--but without exposing you to the rain, wind, or other inclement weather.

So what has happened with the C1 since 2012? It's still in development, with the first examples slated for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2014. According to the latest updates from the company, an all-new prototype is currently under construction,

Want to get in on the deal yourself? You can reserve one for as little as $250 for one of the first 10,000 C1s built--but you'll have to get in line, as the first 370 are already reserved. You can get a spot among the first 2,000 deliveries for $500. The full price of the C1? About $24,000, according to LIT Motors

Friday, March 21, 2014

Aston Martin on Ice

Aston Martin on Ice Pictures

MARCH 18, 2014 BY AUTOSAUR NEWS

We have added some great photos from Aston Martin’s recent ice driving event in Colarado, USA.

The company let lucky customers drive their whole range round a very icy course as well as giving them tuition on how to handle the cars in the extreme conditions.

Head over to our news section for more on the event and a video.

Aston Martin Vanquish On Ice

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Aston Martin DB9 On Ice

Aston Martin V12 Vantage

Aston Martin DB9 On Ice

Volvo unleashes S60 and V60 Polestar

Volvo have released Polestar Racing versions of their S60 and V60 production cars — capable of doing 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 155mph.

The limited edition models, also based on the Swedish firm’s C30 and S60 concept cars, feature a six-cylinder turbocharged T6 engine which can pump out 350hp at 5,700rpm and 369 lb ft of torque.

They still look like a normal four-door sedan and estate, but as well as stonking performance they feature a new rear spoiler, high-performance Öhlins shock absorbers, automatic gearbox with paddle shifters, front Polestar/Brembo six piston brake calipers, plus twin 3.5ins tail pipes.

The cars will initially be sold in the US, Canada, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom. But it’s expected the production will be rolled out to other markets later in 2014.

Full production numbers and fuel efficiency figures are yet to be released.

Christian Dahl, CEO of Polestar, Volvo’s racing division, said: “This is a car developed for those who share our passion at Polestar: That driving really matters and that a true driver’s car should enable you to enjoy driving all year, on all roads and in all weather conditions. This is a driver’s car for real life.”

Volvo Motorsport Director Derek Crabb said: “It is rewarding to see how Polestar can use their experiences from motorsport to engineer such an exciting and competent car.”

Just 50 Bugatti Veyrons still available

Supercar firm Bugatti has sold its 400th Veyron, meaning there are just 50 of the cars still available.

The Veyron, officially the fastest car in the world, was always designed to have a limited production run of 450.

All coupe versions of the car have now been sold to customers, and the remaining 50 are all roadsters.

The 400th Veyron was a Grand Sport Vitesse “Jean-Pierre Wimille” and was bought by a customer in the Middle East for $3.15million.

The Jean-Pierre Wimille is part of a six-edition series of the cars made as a tribute to Les Legendes de Bugatti (The Legends of Bugatti). The firm has created just three of each special edition Veyron.

They are all based on the 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, which can do 0-62mph in just 2.6 seconds. The roadster has a top speed of 254mph, while the 16.4 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport holds the official record for the fastest car in the world with a top speed of 267mph.

You can find about more about Bugatti on the firm’s website.

Aston Martin DB5 Pictures

Aston Martin DB5 Pictures on Autosaur

The Aston Martin DB5 is perhaps the most iconic of Aston’s cars, featuring as James Bond’s gadget laden car in Goldfinger.

The DB5 has a 4 litre engine and originally came with the option of either a 5-speed ZF box or Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic gearbox. The claimed top speed was 142 mph and 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds.

The car cost around $8000 when it was first sold, today you could pay anything from $375,000 to $1000,000 for one.

WE hope you enjoy our Aston Martin DB5 pictures, if you have any of your own send them in and we will add them.

Aston Martin DB5 dashboard.

Aston Martin DB5 front view.

Aston Martin DB5

Aston Martin DB5 interior

Aston Martin DB5 rear shot

You can grab some Aston Martin DB5 wallpaper via the link.

What’s cooler than a stretched E-Type Jaguar? A matching trailer

A stretched version of the E-Type Jaguar has been unveiled following a restoration project — which also saw it get a matching TRAILER.

The 1968 left-hand drive series 1 4.2 roadster was lengthened to give improved legroom, while the trailer was built by joining two E-Type rear ends together.

The modifications were at the request of American owner Paul Branstad, who wanted them so he can use the car to tour the US.

English firm Classic Motor Cars Ltd, who carried out the project, said the changes dramatically changed the drive of the car.

Stretched Jaguar E-type and matching trailer

Boss Nick Goldthorp said: “It is phenomenal to drive. This is the E-Type that Jaguar Cars should have built. The extra space makes all the difference and actually alters the whole attitude of the car. This is something that we have never done before. Our client wanted the interior leg room of a Series 3 V12 E-Type but the aesthetics of a Series 1 car.”

The car was lengthened by four and a half inches, while the roof line was also raised by 1.25inches and the trunk lowered and reshaped to fit in a 20 gallon gas tank.

Owner Mr Brandstad has named the car the Kaizen E-Type, a reference to the Japanese word Kaizen which is one of Toyota’s founding principles and means to “understand the imperative to make continuous improvements for the best”.

He said: ”The stretched E-Type sits between the Series I and the subsequent vehicles produced after the merger and formation of British Leyland, when the design of the cars underwent several transformations as a consequence of cuts in production costs and the need for more space that resulted in the Series 2 2+2 and Series 3 V12.

“With nine inches more wheelbase, the 2+2 was too long to be beautiful, but the four and a half inches added to the Kaizen E-Type could make the car even more beautiful than the original Series 1 edition.”

Best Gas Mileage Cars

What are the best gas mileage cars?

Fuel-efficient vehicles are a growing trend as gas prices around the world continue to rise. The best gas mileage cars help save you substantial amounts of money at the gas pump, and also help foster a healthier environment by cutting down on pollution. Although electric, plug-in hybrid and alternative-fuel cars are gaining in popularity, gasoline-engined cars are still by far the most used cars on the road today. This list therefore excludes electric cars and plug-in hybrids, and looks exclusively at gas-powered vehicles and normal hybrid vehicles (ones that you don’t have to plug in to charge up). The list covers the top ten fuel-efficient cars in the world today, counting down to number one. All the gas mileage ratings are based on figures from the US Environmental Protection Agency.

10. Toyota Camry Hybrid LE

Cost: From $26,330
Gas mileage (mpg): 43 city/39 highway/41 combined

Toyota Camry Hybrid LE

The 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE is a handsome, roomy, luxurious ride. It comes with four doors and is designed in a sleek wedge shape, with artful front and rear detailing, modern grilles, and spacious hip and leg room in both the front seat and back seats. It has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas/electric hybrid CVT engine, and a two-speed continually variable transmission (CVT) with overdrive. The 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE has good acceleration, with a 0-60-mph time of 7.4 seconds, and 13.1 cubic feet truck space. It also has remote keyless entry, a moonroof, soft leather interior with wood grain accents, and a rear parking camera, Etune entertainment system with a 6.1in video display, and heated front seats.

9. Toyota Prius V

Cost: From $26,750
Gas mileage (mpg): 44 city/40 highway/42 combined

Toyota Prius V

The Prius V is Toyota’s spacious four-door wagon-like version of the popular Prius. While not as fuel efficient as some of the other Prius models, it is still one of the best gas mileage cars on the road today. The Toyota Prius V has a 98-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine coupled with a pair of electric motor-generators. It is longer and higher than other hybrids with 34.3cu/ft of cargo space, including smaller storage compartments, making it perfect for families. It is available in eight different colors and features a vertical liftgate, Entune entertainment system, seven airbags and a restraint system for children. It also comes with a smart keyless entry system, specially engineered seats to prevent whiplash injuries, hillstart assist, and a rear camera. Several different versions are available.

8. Lexus CT 200h

Cost: From $32,050
Gas mileage (mpg): 43 city/40 highway/42 combined

Lexus CT 200h

The luxurious Lexus CT 200h is a four-door hatchback, with a 98hp 1.8-liter inline-4 regular gas engine, and an electric hybrid-drive motor. The CT 200h features a dynamic design with a bold grille, sculpted headlamps and rear window, and is available in a series of exclusive Lexus colors. The CT provides over 30 cubic feet of room and can handle cargo of varied shapes. It also features sport-tuned suspension, a Pre-Collision System to help prevent crashes, a Lexus Enform App Suite, optional bamboo dash panels, and navigational system.

7. Honda Insight

Cost: From$18,725
Gas mileage (mpg): 41 city/44 highway/42mpg combined

The Honda Insight

Type: hatchback hybrid; Gas/Electric 1.3 L/82
Model: 4 door CVT models
The Honda Insight is a hybrid hatchback, offers an inline 4-cylinder engine and electric motor, producing 98hp. The Insight has lots of leg, arm, and head room. It features comfortable soft cloth seats and can accommodate five passengers. It is available in five different colors and comes with keyless entry, brake assist, an advanced entertainment system, five air bags and 15.9cu/ft of cargo volume.

6. Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

Cost: From $27,645
Gas mileage (mpg): 42city/48 highway/45 combined

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

The Volkswagen Jetty Hybrid is the most powerful car on this list. It is the first passenger car of its type in the US, offering a 1.4liter four cylinder turbocharged engine pumping out up to 170hp when the gas and electric motors are working together. It is a four-door sedan with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, and a litium-ion battery pack with electric motor. It is a sleek, aerodynamic gas and electric, fuel-efficient driving machine and comes with rear-view camera, keyless entry, 15.5cu/ft of cargo space, Bluetooth system, iPod interface, and 5 air bags. Several different versions are available.

5. Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Cost: From $36,190
Gas mileage (mpg): 45 city/45 highway/45 combined

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan on the market. It features a 141hp, 2.0-liter Atkin-Cycle inline-4 hybrid engine, with electronic CVT transmission. It features a lot of gadgetry that some of the other cars on this list don’t have, including a suite of sensors that monitors and adjusts the suspension, body motions, steering, and braking. It also has heated 10-way power adjustable front seats encased in beautiful rich, smooth leather, heated rear seats, Bluetooth, retractable roof, and inflatable rear seat belts — combining seat belts and airbags — for added safety.

4. Honda Accord Hybrid

Cost: From $29,155
Gas mileage (mpg): 50 city/45 highway/47 combined

The Honda Accord Hybrid

The Honda Accord Hybrid is a four-door mid-size sedan, with a 2.0liter 4-cylinder CVT hybrid engine.The latest model has larger side windows to improve visibility, and it also has several automatic driving control features. It can go up to 70 mph with the gas engine turned off, and features several luxury elements including a 10-way power driver’s seat, remote smart key entry, Bluetooth system and touch-screen display, rear-view camera with blind spot display, lane departure and forward collision warning, soft leather seats, and a moonroof

3. Ford Fusion Hybrid

Cost: From $26,270
Gas mileage (mpg): 47 city/47 highway/47 combined

Ford Fusion Hybrid

The Ford Fusion Hybrid has 2.0liter EcoBoost gas engine which delivers 141 horsepower and 129 lb/ft of torque. The electric motor alone boasts 118 horsepower and 177 lb/ft of torque, while combined the system output is 188 horsepower, pushing the car from 0-60mph in around 7.3 seconds. The Fusion Hybrid has CVT transmission, sleek and racy design, a bold grille, and is available in a range of light and dark colors. It is quality fuel efficient vehicles and comes with laser-cut headlamps and LED tail lamps. Other extras include a hands-free Bluetooth phone system, voice-activated music search, audible text messages, personalized news, weather and sports, 911 Assist, a vehicle health report, auto start and stop, a parking assist sytem, leather trimmed seats, heated front seats, and colorful ambient internal lighting.

2. Toyota Prius C

Cost: From $19,080
Gas mileage (mpg): 53 city/46 highway/50 combined

Toyota Prius C

The Toyota Prius C is, along with the Toyota Prius below, the best gas mileage car on the road. The Prius C is the sportiest and the most affordable Toyota hybrid, and as it is a hatchback it is perfect for city dwellers. The Prius C has the same fuel efficiency as the normal Prius, with a 1.5 liter engine and electric motor, providing a combined 73hp and 82 lb/ft of torque. Its external engineering consists of a rounded, swept-back nose and smooth sides, and a vertical tail. It is designed with a long roof spoiler to reduce fuel-wasting wind turbulence at speed. It also comes with stability and traction control, electronic brake force distribution, smart stop technology, nine airbags and a moon roof. Other additions include an Entune audio system, Bluetooth, a 6.1 touch screen display, AM/FM CD player, fabric trimmed, heated seating and a fold down rear seat, plus keyless, illuminated entry

1. Toyota Prius

Cost: From $24,200
Gas mileage (mpg): 51 city/48 highway/50 combined

The Toyota Prius

The 2014 Prius is the best-selling, most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient hybrid. It offers owners three driving modes: Completely electric mode; ECO (which manages throttle input and climate control); and POWER (which adds revving power) experience. The Prius contains plenty of cargo space, and has a rear-view camera and lane departure system, a parking assist system, and keyless, illuminated entry. It is available in seven different colors, and comes with soft faux leather, heated front seats with lumbar support, a USB port, Bluetooth phone system, solar moon roof, Entune audio system, and a 6.1in display panel. From 2014 going forward, Toyota is planning to make all Prius vehicles plug-in cars, which means owners will be able to recharge their batteries using electricity from the grid. This is being done to improve the Prius’s fuel economy and to make them more cost effective to drivers.

We have also put together a list of the best electric cars as well as one on the best best hybrid cars. The fuel efficiency ratings in this article are all based on figures from the US Environmental Protection Agency.