X-Hawk Flying Car by 2010

Hey folks, if you think your Jetson’s days are over, think again. Rafi Yoeli, a lad from Israel, is the mastermind of the X-Hawk flying vehicle that he hopes to see on the market as early as 2010. But before you start wondering if Toyota and Chevy will be coming out with versions, you should probably know that the “main” intention of the X-Hawk is to aid in saving soldiers trapped in burning high-rises or behind enemy lines. In other words: A HELICOPTER!

But the difference is the X-Hawk has no rotating propeller. According to Urban Aeronautics X-Hawk will be able to take off vertically (like a similarly sized helicopter), fly up to 155 miles an hour and as high as 12,000 feet and remain aloft for about two hours. As I look at the pics, I can't help but question. What's next? Talking dogs?

Via: Autoblog & Detroit Free Press, Posted By: Dani

Exclusive! 2010 Rolls Royce Phantom Centurion up for sale on e-bay!

I’m not going to say anything about this one. Just read what the seller has to say about this "unique" car below and you’ll understand why…

“Custom built showcar for a Las Vegas Celebrity. This custom designed Masterpiece is the quintessential Phantom as conceived for the upcoming concept car for the 2010 model year. Ahead of its time this Rolls Royce was designed and manufactured by part of the design team responsible for some of the most groundbreaking designs of the 21st century.

The long rolling front fenders remind us of the "Infamous Auburn Roadster" While the performance is as scintillating as one would expect from this performance minded "drivers" Rolls Royce. The complete rebody on this vehicle was an elaborate, detailed and price prohibitive endeavor. Absolutely no expense was spared creating what will become one of the most historically significant Rolls Royce Phantoms of recent times” Via: Autoblog.nl & e-bay

Technorati: Rolls+Royce+Phantom, E-bay, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Blow it up: Aardvark Mine Flail put to the test

Don’t be ashamed to ask, we didn’t know what a mine flail was either. We’ll spare you the agony though and inform you that after a quick visit to Wikipedia we learned that a mine flail is “a vehicle-mounted device that makes a safe path through a mine-field by deliberately detonating mines in front of the vehicle that carries it”. Sounds cool doesn’t it? Wait till you see one in real-life action when a brave chap from Discovery Channel took the Aardvark Mine Flail for a test. Despite the fact that no crewmember has been killed or injured using the Aardvarks, just thinking that you're about to detonate a mine used for blowing up tanks gives you the creeps doesn’t it?

Technorati: Aardvark, Youtube, video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

2008 Mini Traveller Scooped

It’s been nearly two years since we first laid our eyes on the Mini Traveller Concept Frankfurt and its colourful spouses, the…witty named Detroit, Geneva & Tokyo Concepts. However, it’s not over yet since we’re waiting for the Traveller to make a comeback at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Only now, it’s going to be the final production version, which will go on sale in Europe in 2008. Automotorundsport has managed to scoop a bunch of pictures of the production version during test runs. Interesting enough, the car spied seems to be fitted with opposite-hinged rear doors, though the duck-tape may have been used to fool us. In any case, the Traveller will be definitely more practical and spacey than the new MINI with which it'ill share the same engine range. Via: Automotorundsport

Technorati Tags: MINI+Traveller, Frankfurt+Auto+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Wagoner lifts (half way) the cover of the Holden based, Pontiac G8

Thanks to a report from Charles Gibson of ABC we’ve got an official sneak peek of the forthcoming Pontiac G8. Gibson was escorted by “big-boss” Rick Wagoner into GM’s design studio where the later did a little bit of a strip-tease on the G8 by lifting off the front cover, thus revealing the Americanized Commodores fascia. According to sources, the Pontiac G8 will make its first appearance as a concept at the Chicago show in February with a production model following on late this year or early next year. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

It’s highly unlikely that GM will do any serious rework on the Holden Commodore’s sheetmetal or on the interior for that matter since the car will be imported from Australia. Same goes for the mechanics as the G8 will be equipped with the same V6 and V8 engines as the Commodore including a 6.0-liter 362hp, 390lb.ft. V8 coupled to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.Via: Autoblog.Com & ABC

Technorat: Pontiac+G8, Holden+Commodore, Chicago+Auto+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Spanish Parking Lesson 101: Avoid the poles

I’m guessing that the owners of this parking lot in Spain must have been up for a big surprise this morning seeing the blue Mercedes-Benz CLK parked in this near artistic way... From what we made out from the Spanish newspaper who reported the accident today, seems like the owner of the Mercedes-Benz lost control of his car due to the icy roads and ended up climbing half a dozen of poles. Fortunately, no one was injured. Via: Motorpasion & Diariodenavarra

Technorati: auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

First Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe goes up for 2million USD

2million for a new Rolls? Well, yes and bravo to the resident of Naples in Florida who bought the first Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe destined for the USA at a charity auction held during the annual Naples Winter Wine festival. According to Rolls, more than $1.6 million will go to the Naples Children and Education Foundation, which supports charitable and educational programmes to improve the physical, emotional and educational lives of underprivileged or at-risk children.

Technorati: Rolls+Royce+Drophead+Coupe, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

DAMD: Mini Shot Suzuki want's to be an Escalade

Winding Road said it best when it referred to the Suzuki Every Wagon as a “shrunken version of the Caddy Escalade”. They drew an even wittier connection with the one hit wonder “I Wish” by shorty pants rapper Skee-Lo. We have to give some props for thinking to bring up this poor little self hating rapper that “wanted to be a little bit taller.” -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

We also give props to the Suzuki “wanna be” Caddy Escalade even though it looks a bit “twilight zonish”. The DAMD Concept B Type 1 Every DA64W (what gorgeous name!) sports the insertion of a Caddy-style grille, chromed nine-spoke wheels and additional running-board style side garnishes and an abbreviated rear bumper cap. There a serious effort in preserving the “slade-esque” in the design. All in all, thumbs up for the little Suzuki that could. You’ve got a long way to go, but you’re off to a respectable start. Via: WindingRoad Posted by Dani

Technorati: DAMD, Suzuki+EveryWagon, Cadillac+Escalade, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Lumma-Design BMW CLR 500RS - A Clockwork Orange 560 Hp BMW M5

Albeit a bit too far fetched for my likes, I have to admit that Lumma-Design’s interpretation of the almighty BMW M5 is one bad ass car. The German based tuner gave the M5 a full bodykit that includes carbon-fibre roof, boot and hood, a rear diffuser and wider tracks that stack 21’’ rims in 255/30 front and 295/25 rear Yokohama tires. Lumma also cranked up the M5’s chassis and its 507Hp strong 5.0-liter V10 stock engine, which now promises to produce 560Hp. The CLR 500RS will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Show in March. Via: Allcarnews

Technorati: BMW+M5, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Ferrari celebrates its 60th Anniversary with a limited edition of the 612 Scaglietti

Along with the celebrations for its 60th Anniversary that started out this morning in the Italian embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Ferrari presented a special version of the it’s top-GT model, the 612 Scaglietti 60th Anniversary. The later will be built in a limited series of 60 cars. But what makes it so special?

Umm, well, nothing much. See, according to Ferrari, the 60th Anniversary version will be offered with unique interior and exterior colour combinations as used on some of its most memorable models. Passengers will also be pleased to know that all cars will be fitted with new-generation electrochromic glass roof, the opacity of which can be adjusted to suit their requirements while finally, each example will receive an enameled symbol set on the central tunnel representing one of the 60 historic events. And that’s about it. What did you expect? –Continued: Click “Read More…” below

Technorati: Ferrari+612+Scaglietti, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

PRESS RELEASE: Marathon round the world celebratory relay officially started in Abu Dhabi by Piero Ferrari after announcement of 60th Anniversary car.

Maranello (Italy), January 29th 2007 - The marathon relay celebrating Ferrari's 60th anniversary started this morning from the Italian Embassy in Abu Dhabi at 10 a.m. local time. The relay will involve over 10,000 Ferrari owners and their cars of all ages. These will act as symbolic "bearers" of a specially commissioned relay baton adorned with 60 badges symbolizing the most extraordinary events in the Marque's 60-year history.

Abu Dhabi was chosen as the start point for the relay - which after the Middle East makes its way across China, Japan, Australia, South Africa, America and the whole of Europe - as a result of plans to build a major Ferrari theme park plus a motor racing circuit on the island of Yas in the most rapidly developing area of the Emirates' capital.

Having left Abu Dhabi, the protagonists of the first leg of the relay headed for Dubai from where they will drive on to Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait. The marathon relay will end at Maranello on June 23rd. The participants in the tour will be received at the various Italian embassies in the countries they pass through en route to Maranello. Also on June 16th, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs will host a special ceremony at the Palazzo della Farnesina in Rome during which there will be a charity auction by Ferrari, the proceeds of which will be donated to needy children.

The relay was officially started by Piero Ferrari, Vice President of Ferrari and son of founder Enzo Ferrari. In his speech, Ferrari spoke about his father and his brilliant intuition in creating a Marque that has become a symbol of Italian talent and exclusivity across the world. He also praised Luca di Montezemolo who has, over the last 15 years, returned Ferrari to the very pinnacle of the sporting and commercial worlds.

The launch of a special celebratory anniversary series of cars was also announced at the start of the relay. The series will consist of just 60 unique cars, each one linked to one of the 60 most important events in the Prancing Horse's history, from the World titles won by Ascari and Schumacher to the launch of epoch-making models such as the GTO, the F40 and the Enzo, and also the people who have headed the company to the present day.

Ferrari embarks upon this 12 months of celebrations having just ended an exceptionally brilliant financial year that saw the Company post revenues of ¿1,447 million (+12.3% on 2005's takings) resulting in a trading profit of ¿183 million (+17%) and 5,650 deliveries to its worldwide dealership network, a new record.

The Relay Baton

The relay baton was designed and created to symbolise Ferrari's history and is topped by a dazzling platinum and diamond Prancing Horse made by Damiani. It also features 60 enamel symbols designed by the Intesta e D'Adda, Lorenzini, Vigorelli and BBDO advertising agencies, and by creative talents Alessandro Migliorini of Area Creativa, Marco Morosini, Enzo Naso of the eponymous studio and Wolfgang Seidl of Seidldesign.

Ferrari Theme Park

Scheduled to open in 2009, the new Ferrari Theme Park will cover a massive 250,000 sqm and will feature 24 themed attractions for all the family, including a 70-meter-high G-Force Tower and a twin rollercoaster ride that for the first time allows to race against each other. Moreover, go-karting, rally driving and dune buggy tracks, and a vast array of food and beverage outlets.

In addition to the Ferrari Park, however, the 2,500-hectare Yas Island will also host a motor racing circuit, signature hotels, apartments, villas, a wide selection of restaurants, a retail area of about 300,000 sqm, golf courses, a water park, a tourist marina, a hotel overlooking the lagoon and numerous food and beverage outlets that will create a unique international tourist destination.

The Ferrari Theme Park project and construction, as well as the whole Yas Island development is by Aldar Properties, and the total investment for the Park is of around US$600 million.

60 unique Ferraris

As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, Ferrari will truly unique cars. These will be based on the 612 Scaglietti, the Prancing Horse's range-topping Granturismo which combines blistering performance and superb handling with superior comfort, sumptuous handcrafted trim, state-of-the-art accessories and meticulous attention to detail.

The cars will be offered with a two-tone livery in a combination of classic Ferrari colours as used on some of the Prancing Horse's most memorable models. The interior appointments will feature sophisticated colour combinations and a stunning new-generation electrochromic glass roof, itself a major innovation. The degree of opacity of the roof, in fact, can be adjusted to suit the occupants' requirements.

To underline the exclusivity of this series of one-offs, each example will also boast an enamelled symbol set on the central tunnel representing one of the 60 historic events chosen to celebrate the Marque's anniversary. The result is a true collector's car aimed at Ferrari's most dedicated clients.

Humvee goes bazurk in Iraq

The author of this video asks us to watch and see how the American soldiers have to drive through Iraqi streets to limit risks of attacks. I’ll just ask how would these people feel if they were in one of those cars with their kids sitting in the rear seat… For whatever reason, no one has the right to act like this. Period. Via: Autoblog.it

Technorat: Humvee, Hummer, Youtube, Video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs

Mama mia!: German gets aroused when he takes a Ferrari 599GTB from 0 to 315km/h

Hahaha! Look at that chubby Deutsch fellow go nuts mixing German with Italian phrases when he takes a 620Hp Ferrari 599GTB from standstill to 315km/h (196mph) on a public road. Isn't it hysterical? Well, actually, come to think of it, once you get over the dude and start noticing the needle go bazurk, it doesn't look so funny in the end. Damn, makes you feel jealous doesn’t it... Via: Motorpasion

Technorati: Ferrari+599GTB, Youtube, Video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Big Brother: Rear view double camera

Here’s a useful gadget for your car; Waeco’s PerfectView LCD590 and PerfectView LCD790 on-board camera systems, which only differ by the size of the LCD screen (5’’ & 7” respectively). The highlight of both systems is the double camera with two differently aligned lenses. The first lens has an angle of 140 degrees for optimal visibility when backing up to park (it goes into operation as soon as you select reverse) while the second “eye” has an angle of 40 degrees for optimal rear view visibility when driving or peeping while you’re waiting for your wife at the Supermarket… According to Waeco, the LCD590 and LCD790 camera systems cost 845 & 1095 Euros (1.097 & 1.413 USD) respectively. Usefull? Yes. Cheap? NO!

Technorati: Gadgets, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Porsche Boxster vs Bird at 155mph…

I don’t know if this person was actually going 155mph with the Porsche Boxster as TopSpeed claims, but he’s definitely one hell of a lucky chap. Just imagine yourself if you where in his/hers shoes and the poor bird hit the car on the drivers side… Via: Autoblog.nl Source: TopSpeed

Technorati: Porsche+Boxster, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Jeep Compass "Urban-Playground" Commercial

As the new Compass “blasts” into town, heaps of trash including, rubbish-bins, bicycles, chairs and I don’t know what else, form up a Transformer-like being, which starts to chase the Jeep. In the end, “Rubishoid” finally catches up with the playful Jeep and uses it as skateboard. Ha, at least someone found something useful to do with the Compass!

Technorati: Jeep+Compass, Commercials, Youtube, Video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Shakira unveils the SEAT Leon Pies Descalzos: 240 HP of Pure Purple

Pop singer Shakira has been the busy little bee in the automotive world as of recently. According to her, “Hips don’t lie”. But according to SEAT, celebrity designed automobiles like the León is just the ticket to A: fight nutrition and aid in education around the world and B: Oh yah, gain some exposure for SEAT’s base for Shakira’s design: the SEAT León Cupra.

The standard Cupra was transformed into a totally unique design to benefit Shakira’s Pies Descalzos charity. One lucky purple lovin’ person will be able to win in the drawing at the end of the fundraising campaign in May. Design alterations to the León Pies Descalzos include a lilac metallic exterior color and standard black 18-inch wheels. The Pies Descalzos logotype (a bare foot) is integrated in the seats as well as in several places on the exterior. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see a high-res image gallery

European countries are basically the only ones that will be able to enter the contest either by sending an SMS to a dedicated number in each country and donate 1 Euro or by entering the Shakira/SEAT website – www.catch-the-fever.com where you will be able to donate any sum you would like with a credit card. Posted by Dani

Technorati: Seat+Leon+Cupra, Shakira, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images