BMW M8 Hybrid.
It rekindled the rumors surrounding the alleged supercar BMW: M8 could be called and be equipped with the latest technologies on hybrid introduced by the German company. A monster of 600 hp that expect only the final green light from the tower BMW management plans. To maintain low weight the car could be built on an aluminum frame with numerous body panels in carbon fiber, and there will even seats with Kevlar structure. The aim would be not to exceed 1500 kg.
It rekindled the rumors surrounding the alleged supercar BMW: M8 could be called and be equipped with the latest technologies on hybrid introduced by the German company. A monster of 600 hp that expect only the final green light from the tower BMW management plans. To maintain low weight the car could be built on an aluminum frame with numerous body panels in carbon fiber, and there will even seats with Kevlar structure. The aim would be not to exceed 1500 kg.
The design is clearly inspired by the concept Vision EfficientDynamics presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year. The M8 should have an internal configuration hybrid 2 +2. The combustion engine speaks of a revised version of the glorious V10 M5 E60. However, we believe most likely use of the twin-turbo V8 M5 F10, the most appropriate “ecological spirit” of the car. It is not clear yet what will be the driving force available to the whole sector (but could take as seen on Vision EfficienDynamics Concept). Possibly debut planned for 2012 at a price in the order of 150,000 euros.
2012 Porsche 911
Porsche 911 2012
Porsche’s next 911, known internally as the 991, marks a big change for the iconic model. Big, that is, in terms of size. While it rides on a thoroughly reworked version of the current 996/997 platform, it will be visibly larger. Set to be unveiled this fall at the Frankfurt auto show and go on sale as a 2012 model, the 991 gets a longer wheelbase to accommodate its airier interior. The cabin’s materials and console layout will be nicer, too, with more than a passing resemblance to the Panamera’s.
2012 Porsche 911
Porsche 911 2012
Porsche’s next 911, known internally as the 991, marks a big change for the iconic model. Big, that is, in terms of size. While it rides on a thoroughly reworked version of the current 996/997 platform, it will be visibly larger. Set to be unveiled this fall at the Frankfurt auto show and go on sale as a 2012 model, the 991 gets a longer wheelbase to accommodate its airier interior. The cabin’s materials and console layout will be nicer, too, with more than a passing resemblance to the Panamera’s.
Porsche started work on the 991 under former R&D chief Wolfgang Dürheimer, now at Bentley and Bugatti, and the former CEO, Wendelin Wiedeking. After Volkswagen assumed control of Porsche, styling changes were reportedly incorporated at the “request” of Ferdinand Piëch.
Given the next 911’s longer wheelbase, we expect a more supple ride without a corresponding sacrifice in dynamic competence. Like every 911 before, the new model will remain rear-engined. Rear-wheel drive will, of course, be standard, and all-wheel drive—an option since the 1989 Carrera 4—will be available. The standard engine will be the naturally aspirated flat-six, likely in two displacements, as is currently the case. We don’t expect huge power increases, but Porsche will employ electric-assist steering to aid efficiency and some weight-saving measures such as more aluminum body panels.
The Turbo will remain at the top of the portfolio, and there are even plans for a hybrid version. More unexpectedly, Porsche might also offer a turbocharged flat-four. Such a model would be easy to justify historically—the 356 was a four, as was the 912. But a turbocharged four could get awfully close to the naturally aspirated six and dilute the “Turbo” moniker, which is still associated with the top-hole 911s.
2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
There’s a reason many shows and magazines test cars in southern California, and this is it. When you have just one day alone with a $393,695 supercar that has a top speed of 217 mph you don’t want Mother Nature spoiling the fun. But she’s alive and well in the Northeast.
Good thing then that this is no ordinary Lamborghini, but the most technologically advanced car the company has ever made. All-wheel-drive was the key to survival in the conditions that we faced, but merely the icing on a many-layered cake.The clean-sheet Aventador is built around a lightweight carbon fiber tub that Lamborghini designed with help from Boeing. Aluminum subframes bolted to the front and rear of it carry the bits that make the Aventador go, including the all-new 690 hp 6.5-liter V12 engine and a racecar-style pushrod suspension featuring horizontal shocks and springs attached to the center of the car. We’re told they’re there for optimal weight distribution, but more likely because it looks so cool.
All of this wonderful stuff is draped in bodywork that, in white, gives the classic Lamborghini wedge a skeletal look. Enormous side air intakes are flanked by sharp, slender elements top and bottom, while the jagged façade apes the open jaws of a vampire’s skull.
No car on the road today can command a scene like this one. The Ferrari 458 Italia may be the vehicular equivalent of Giselle Bundchen, and the Bugatti Veyron a 21st Century tribute to Art Nouveau, but parked next to the Aventador they are simply rolling stock.
Besides, neither of them have scissors doors.
Enter the frameless ones on the Aventador -- still not a whole lot of fun to do -- and you’ll find an interior that is much roomier and more ergonomic than big Lambos of the past. The cabin design is more understated than the exterior, but incorporates a fighter plane-inspired center console that stands out from the rest of its leather-upholstered, tailored-in-Milan duds. A few toggles, a couple of knobs and some buttons offer the kind of intuitive simplicity one needs when driving a car at the speeds that this one is capable of.
