Covini C6W

Covini C6W

The original idea for the Covini C6W was conceived by Ferruccio Covini in '74 and made provision for 10 inches front wheels because there where no low profile tyres at the time. The project was ditched in favour of the Soleado prototype, deemed more important, and lay dormant until the 80s when hydro-pneumatic suspension for the four front wheels where devised to optimise weight distribution under various loading conditions. High development costs and other contingencies forced the project to be delayed again. Its use of new ABS technologies and airbags in the 90s pointed in the direction of new research into active and passive safety. This aspect encouraged backing from companies for its development.

Why six wheels?

* in case of a front tyre deflation, the vehicle control is guaranteed by the other wheel next to it.
* four front disc brakes, although a smaller single area, ensure a greater braking surface; this means less overheating and a higher brake effort
* low risk of aquaplaning, due to the two foremost wheels, which wipe the water for the ones behind them, ensuring a better roadholding
* comfort is a consequence of more evenly distributed reaction forces in the supension: the reaction in case of a pot hole is divided between the four front wheels and the shudder in the chassis is limited.
* reduced unsprung weight in the wheels improves the grip. Directional stability is improved: a change of angle due to slack in the steering mechanism (in stuctures like silentblocks) is compensated by the second set of wheels.
* two additional springs and dampers provide a better handling for the vehicle.

Technical Specifications
* ENGINE: rear, longitudinal, 8 cylinder in V formation, 4 valves per cylinder, naturally aspirated, petrol direct injection Bosch-motronic.
* CAPACITY: 4200 cc
* MAX POWER: 380 PS (260KW) at 6400 rpm
* MAX TORQUE: about 450 Nm (45.9 Kgm) at 2700 rpm
* TRANSMISSION: rear wheel drive transaxle
* GEARBOX: mechanical 6-speed + reverse. Manual and electro-hydraulic steeringwheel mounted servo
* CHASSIS: steel tubular with carbon fibre reinforcements and structural parts
* SUSPENSION: independent front and rear wishbones
* WHEELS AND TYRES: front 16in wheels with 215/45-16 tyres; rear 20in with 345/25-20 tyres
* BRAKES: front and rear vented Brembo discs. Bosch servo and electronic brake distribution
* BODYWORK: glass fibre and carbon fibre
* DIMENSIONS: length 4180mm; width 1990mm; height 1080mm; wheelbase 2230mm/2750mm (to foremost/middle front transaxle); front track 1540mm; rear track 1620mm ; dry weight 1150 kg
* TOP SPEED: 300 km/h (185mph)

Dacia Duster Concept

Dacia Duster Concept

The Dacia Duster Concept - Dacia's first concept crossover - is proud to be different. Seen from the driver's side, it is visibly a sporting coupé, yet passengers entering from the other side will see it as an MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) with a traditionally opening front door and rear-hinged rear door which suggest plush travelling refinement.

Dacia Duster Concept's height of 1.49 metres, short front and rear overhangs (65cm and 80cm respectively), generous wheelbase (2.80m) and compact volumes (4.25m long, 1.64m wide) exude an overriding sense of robustness and sports appeal.

The front end features a broad bumper with two horizontal air-intake slits that suggest power. The grille features evident Dacia styling cues and is flanked by headlamps which wrap over the front wings to form a tapering line of light that stretches rearward towards the doors.

Viewed from the side, the clear-cut lines of the wheel arches and tall doors reinforce the impression that Dacia Duster Concept sits squarely on the road. The Anthracite Grey bodywork and extensive one-piece glazed sweep - made possible by the absence of a central pillar - highlights the styling of the sides which are unmistakably reminiscent of Dacia Duster Concept's graphic identity.

At the rear, the engraved Dacia logo further emphasizes the concept car's robust, dependable credentials.

Like Logan, Dacia Duster Concept is just 4.25 metres long, and its inherent agility ensures that it is perfectly at home in the urban jungle. Meanwhile, its 21-inch, five-spoke aluminium alloy wheels, exterior mirrors positioned on the window surround and trapezoidal aluminium exhaust tailpipes are telltale signs of its sporting pedigree.

Special care has gone into Dacia Duster Concept's aerodynamic efficiency (Cd: 0.30) and the fluid lines of the body sides enable air to flow freely along the vehicle's flanks before being jettisoned through the rear lights. The aerodynamic, wing-like forms of the roof-mounted direction indicators also channel airflow towards the rear. The sum of all this work has naturally been beneficial to fuel consumption, and Dacia Duster Concept stands out as a particularly environmentally-respectful crossover. Despite its performance potential, the particulate filterequipped 1.5 dCi 105hp engine (77kW) emits just 139g of CO2/km, equivalent to fuel consumption of 5.3 litres/100km.

A CROSSOVER WITH DACIA HALLMARKS

This futuristic crossover showcases the brand's core values - namely simplicity, robustness and authenticity - in a surprising form, yet Dacia's hallmark ingenuity and generosity are immediately apparent in the way designers have approached Dacia Duster Concept's cabin.

The concept car's two-tone chocolate and blue interior exudes a sense of well-being and conviviality. The fully glazed roof floods the cabin with light, while the enveloping forms of the staggered slim-line front seats provide first class comfort and support. The driver's seat is incorporated in a structure which extends all the way from the sill to the centre console, forming a sculptural, one-piece ensemble that echoes the exterior's sporty appeal.

The user-friendly dashboard features fluid, expressive lines while employing simple materials. The driver's side front airbag is housed in the lower part of the steeringwheel which has made it possible to position the screen centrally and free up appreciable stowage space on the dashboard. The latter's receding lines also provide record kneeroom of 280mm for the front passenger who benefits from an exceptionally comfortable seating position. The bellows-like form of the original two-tone dashboard incorporates a 20-litre glovebox, while the door inserts each include eight-litre stowage bins. Another bin has been cleverly concealed in the back of the rear right-hand seat. A simple push causes a box to slide forward from the boot which itself is in total keeping with the Dacia spirit, with the upright tailgate providing a carrying capacity of 470dm3 (VDA), a remarkable achievement for a vehicle of Dacia Duster Concept's compact overall dimensions.

Dacia Duster Concept is an adaptable, modular concept car. The four-seat 'daily driver' layout can be swiftly converted into a leisure configuration in a matter of seconds. The passenger seat slides underneath the driver's seat on rails concealed in the floor to leave just one front seat and consequently free up a total carrying volume of two cubic metres. Thanks to a recess in the floor and a strap located under the dashboard, this space can be used to carry a trials mountain bike.

Dimensions
* Length: 4,250 mm
* Width: 1,640 mm
* Height: 1,495 mm
* Overall width, doors open: 4,285 mm
* Wheelbase: 2,804 mm
* Front track: 1,637 mm
* Rear track: 1,640 mm
* Unladen weight: 1,300 kg
* Boot volume: 470 dm3 (VDA)

Technical data
* Engine type: dCi 105
* Maximum power: 105 hp (77 kW)
* Maximum torque: 240 Nm at 2,000rpm
* 0-100 km/h: 9.6 s
* CO2 emissions: 139g/km
* Combined cycle fuel consumption: equivalent to 5.3 litres/100km
* Transmission: Manual six-speed gearbox
* Tyres: 245/35 ZR21
* Wheels: 21-inch diameter wheels

Devon GTX

Devon GTX

Constructed of aircraft-quality carbon fiber from stem to stern, the Devon GTX instantly communicates its ultra-performance capability through aggressive, compact proportions and large (up to 20-inch) lattice-structure center-lock wheels. In all, the exterior design navigates between the past and science fiction, subtly blending muscle, curves, exquisite shapes and dynamic graphics to create a classical, yet futuristic, statement that's ready to stand the test of time.

The Exterior

While overall shape of the new Devon GTX carries traditional "muscle car" dimensions with a long dash-to-axle and short front and rear offsets, it's executed in the context of sophistication and athletic grace. Seemingly honed from a single billet, the Devon GTX's flowing exterior skin is formed of carbon fiber, which enables precise molding - rather than traditional stamping - of exterior fenders, panels, and closures. Large (18 / 19-inch or 19 / 20-inch combinations) 12-spoke aluminum forged monoblock lattice structured wheels lead the eye to large, ultra-performance calipers (carrying the Devon insignia) and rotors, leaving no doubt about the supercars's performance competency.

The wheels carry a machined or polished finish and painted inner-spoke surfacing leading to the Devon insignia defining the center hub. The Devon GTX is also equipped with center-mounted locking hubs, a lug-free design more commonly seen on race cars.

The front "face" of the vehicle is absent of a traditional grille, resulting in a clean, aero-sloped front section defined by a center-positioned billet that runs uninterrupted to the center of the hood. Ample air for combustion and brake cooling is achieved through large intakes positioned in the lower forward corners. The intakes carry large chrome trapezoid-shaped inlets (approximately 3-inches wide) that lead to channeling for optimal combustion air intake and engine cooling.

Three-inch wide trapezoidal chrome dual exhaust tips match the intake inlets in the front, are side-by-side positioned, and pass through the center portion of the rear fascia, further communicating the ultra-performance capability of the new Devon offering.

The Interior

The interior of the new Devon GTX has been designed with the driving enthusiast top of mind - all features, surfaces and dimensions have been created to ensure a second-to-none performance experience. A smaller diameter, thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped steering wheel ensures a performance grip and optimal feel. Carbon-fiber reinforced structured seats - carrying a racing shell design and integrated headrests - incorporate six-point racing harness seat belts (optional; five point standard) - are chrome trimmed, outfitted with stiff performance durometer seat and bolsters, and skinned with the softest real-leather hide available.

Dual-grain leather surfacing ensures a dynamically tactile environment. Seat and center console areas carry softer leather with smoother animal grain; the upper IP, pillars, headliner and door surfaces incorporate a coarser, three-dimensional tactility. All audio, HVAC, and cluster instrumentation is communicated via digital analog graphics on high-definition displays. All instrumentation incorporates bluish fluorescent illumination. The speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature and other mechanical related instrumentation is displayed in the cluster under a fixed hood. Audio and HVAC is displayed in the integrated centerstack.

Suspension

The independent front and rear suspensions on the 2010 Devon GTX carry aluminum components for optimized un-sprung mass, ensuring agile handling and optimal tuning for boulevard and track performance.

The Brakes

The brake system on the new Devon GTX is engineered to deliver world-class performance, appearance and durability without compromise. The technology has proven itself by winning professional sports car races and championships, yet also provides benefits that can be experienced and appreciated every day. The brake system is designed to provide shorter stopping distances, better brake modulation, firmer pedal feel and less brake fade than other high-performance luxury cars, resulting in powerful, confidence-inspiring performance.

With six pistons in each front caliper and four in each rear, the brake system is custom-tailored to the uncompromising requirements of the Devon GTX. The opposed-piston brake calipers are first forged, then weight-optimized by fully machining all exterior surfaces. The two-piece rotor design reduces weight by one-third compared to a one-piece brake rotor of the same dimensions. The patented, directional AeroRotor vane design induces up to 80-percent more cooling airflow than the rotors used as original equipment on many high-performance luxury vehicles. This reduces maximum and average operating temperatures, improving pad and rotor life.
The brake pad material was specially selected to combine the good manners required of a true high-end luxury offering in daily driving with high performance driving. The standard brake pads provide low noise levels and much less dust than typical of many high-performance luxury vehicles. At the same time, they have the high temperature capability to withstand race track lapping with low susceptibility to accelerated wear or judder that may afflict other cars.

Steering

Steering feedback to the driver is performance tuned through a premium rack and pinion steering gear. The steering system incorporates outstanding torsional stiffness with less operating friction. The result is steering precision of the highest order, with near-perfect linear response and smooth, predictable transitions.

Wheels and Tires
For sure-footed, enhanced handling, the Devon GTX is equipped with purpose designed and built Devon Motorworks forged aluminum alloy wheels with center lock configuration. Wheel sizes are 18- by 10-inches in the front; 19- by 13-inches in the rear. Larger wheels are optional and measure 19- by 10-inches in front; 20- by 13-inches in the rear. The lattice structure wheels incorporate a geometric design which not only enable views to the large brakes (static or in motion), but enable weight optimization - a key to reducing un-sprung mass.

Powertrain

The all-new 2010 Devon GTX blends athletic strength with uncompromising refinement thanks to what is perhaps the most powerful naturally aspirated production car powertrain system in the industry. The Devon GTX is equipped with an 8.4-liter (510 cubic inches) V-10 engine that produces 650 horsepower (484.7 kW) at 6100 rpm. The V-10 engine is mated with a track-proven six-speed manual transmission.The end result is a propulsion system that rivals - and in most cases surpasses - the most powerful offerings in the world.

6 Speed Manual Transmission

The transmission on the Devon GTX incorporates a host of applications to ensure effective transfer of the 8.4-liter engine's exceptional power and torque while delivering high-performance, fun-to-drive shifting characteristics. The end result: is short, crisp shift throws; smooth gear synchronization, and overall improved shift feel with little or no vibration. The transmission boasts wider gears for increased torque-handling capability; a six-gear synchronizer system for exceptional shift feel and reduced efforts; double-cone reverse gear synchronizer for eased "R" selection; strengthened housing for minimal "flex" and improved shifting; and a dual mass flywheel with twin-disc clutch.

Dodge Viper SRT10, 2010

Dodge Viper SRT10

To celebrate the final production year of the current generation Dodge Viper SRT10, Dodge plans to deliver a vehicle lineup like no other since the introduction of the iconic American sports car in 1992.

At the heart of the 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 remains the venerable 8.4-liter (510 cu. in.) V-10 engine that produces 600 (450 kW) horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. (760 N•m) of torque. Benchmark performance numbers, including 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds, quarter-mile time in the mid 11-second range and 0-100-0 mph in 11 seconds flat, and a top speed of 202 mph, continue to prove how the serious, race-inspired, street-legal two-seater performs without apology.

New across the Viper lineup is a shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from 0.74 to 0.80) for improved high-speed acceleration and higher straightaway speeds. Acceleration from 0-200 mph has improved by 14 seconds. This improvement is a direct result of the Chrysler Group LLC Street and Racing Technology team's experience at the 12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany where during the lap-record run in 2008, it was found that a revised gear ratio would have resulted in higher top gear acceleration and a quicker lap time.

The Dodge Viper SRT10 channels its power through a ZF Sachs twin-disc clutch that reduces rotating inertia by 18 percent, reduces clutch-pedal effort and improves engagement feel. Transferring power to the rear wheels is a heavy-duty six-speed manual transmission.

Stopping power is another carefully developed part of the Dodge Viper SRT10 equation, with 14-inch brake rotors gripped by Brembo 44/40 dual-opposing piston calipers in the front and Brembo 42/38 dual-opposing calipers in the rear. This system results in world-class braking performance of 60-0 mph in less than 100 feet.

Interior color options for 2010 include:

standard black, two-tone black and red with red accent stitching, two-tone black and blue with blue accent stitching, two-tone black and medium slate grey with medium slate grey accent stitching and the two-tone black and natural tan with premium tan Nappa leather seats, tan center console, lower instrument panel and door panels introduced for the 2009 model year. On the Roadster model, the black and tan package includes a matching tan cloth convertible top.

Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR receives a new short-throw shifter in 2010 for enhanced driver experience and better performance. The rear wing profile and end plates are redesigned to further optimize the vehicle aerodynamics and improve rear yaw downforce. These changes combined with the new fifth gear ratio result in an increased top speed of 4 mph (to 184 mph for the ACR model).

The aerodynamic package features a carbon fiber "fanged" splitter in front and adjustable carbon-fiber wing with seven-position stanchions that allow up to an amazing 1,000 lbs. of downforce at 150 mph. Lightweight wheels, two-piece slotted StopTech brake rotors and Michelin PS Cup tires round out the Dodge Viper ACR package.

New Special, Limited-edition Models

Limited-edition models are planned for the 2010 model year, including the Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition, which will pay tribute to the new production car lap record set on Nov. 24 at Laguna Seca raceway. The unique two-tone Black Clear Coat/Red Clear Coat exterior color scheme on this model is the opposite form of the original Viper ACR. Interior highlights include piano black console bezels with red gauge highlights complemented with red accent stitching in the seats. Only 33 cars will be produced as 1:33 Edition Viper ACR models.
The 2010 Vooodoo-edition Viper ACR will feature an all Black Clear Coat exterior with a Graphite Driver's Stripe outlined in red.

EDAG LUV Concept

EDAG LUV Concept

Maritime flair for the road: The Concept Car "EDAG LUV"

The design concept of the "LUV" is based on an luxury-class SUV and incorporates a maritime look from bow to stern: oiled teakwood on the hood, as the flooring on the interior, and on the elegant cargo area conveys a maritime flair. But the "EDAG LUV" is a real eye-catcher in other respects as well: the cargo area, behind the two rows of seats with plenty of room for 5 passengers, has been outfitted with teakwood and distinctly resembles a quarterdeck - in keeping with the maritime look of the concept car.

Innovation in the Interior - The PC Takes Its Place in the Vehicle

The "EDAG LUV" has innovative solutions on the inside as well. The EDAG development team has integrated two UMPCs (UltraMobile PCs) into the headrests, bringing the PC world into the vehicle. The user can use a specially developed mechanism to insert the fully operational PCs easily into the headrests. Passengers in the rear seat can use their Office applications such as PowerPoint, Excel, and Word in the vehicle, plus WLAN and UMTS provide them with Internet access, enabling them to download and answer their e-mails during the trip.
"The integration of so-called consumer devices into the vehicle architecture is a highly interesting topic for the manufacturers. This can result in a genuine additional value for the end customers by making the functionality of the PC world usable in the vehicle as well," notes Dr. Robert Hentschel, Director of EDAG Electrics/Electronics. "Being a full-range developer of vehicles and an integrator in the field of electrics/electronics, we are determined to develop solutions in this area which are stylish, geometrically and functionally high-quality, and practical." EDAG is currently pursuing two solution approaches:

1. A second integration stage will tie the UMPCs into the vehicle architecture for luxury-class vehicles. The advantage: the driver can use operating elements - e.g., on the steering wheel - to access directly the functions or data of the UMPC.

2. The EDAG developers are planning the UMPC as an after-market product for compact and midsize cars. The aim here is to develop concepts for various models produced by car-makers so that the devices can be integrated ergonomically and geometrically into the interior without a jarring visual effect. What makes this especially enticing is the possibility of utilizing the UMPC as an on-board computer and high-quality display device by connecting it to the vehicle architecture, providing yet another service, as well as making the complete functionality of a PC available in the car. With this as a goal, EDAG is working closely with the Intel Corporation on the development of solutions for the electrical and electronic connection as well as on the integration of "nomadic devices" in the vehicle interior. EDAG will rely on the latest in Intel technology, processors, and chip sets. Especially small dimensions for the chips and low energy consumption are only some of the criteria for their use in cars. The Company is planning to present the "EDAG LUV" at the upcoming IAA in Frankfurt in the second integration stage, i.e., with access to the UMPCs via operating elements of the car.

Innovative Development Competence by EDAG

EDAG will be presenting the "EDAG LUV" in Geneva as proof of its competence, underscoring the capabilities of the world's largest independent development partner to develop economically sound innovative vehicle concepts optimized for production. The project has been realized in only three months, from definition of the concept and design process to the development to the ready-to-roll prototypes, and is on the verge of being realized as a Premium Edition.

BRABUS is one of the partners in this project. The tuner from Bottrop contributed not only the 462 hp / 340 kW high-performance BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine for the EDAG LUV that allows this all-wheel-drive vehicle to accelerate to 100 km/h in a little more than six seconds for a speed of 250 km/h.

BRABUS also provides the classy 10Jx22 monoblock S wheels fitted with 295/35 ZR 22 YOKOHAMA tires, the air suspension module as well as the high-performance brake system from its product line-up. The 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and ventilated, perforated 380 x 36 millimeter front brake disks and the 6-piston fixed calipers and 355 x 28 mm rear brake disks reach a braking performance typically achieved only by genuine sports cars.

Elfin Streamliner MS8

Elfin Streamliner MS8

The Elfin MS8 models have been designed by Elfin Sports Cars and styled by the Holden Design team. This collaboration between two Australian manufacturing icons has been an enthusiastic exercise, by car enthusiasts, for car enthusiasts.

The Elfin MS8 sports cars are successors to the Elfin MS7, the Chevrolet V8 powered Elfin which won the 1975 and 1976 Australian Tourist Trophy Sports Car Championships.


On July 5, 2006 Elfin announced that the MS8 Streamliner will be going into production. Problems had surfaced with emissions and noise regulations which caused problems with the development cycle, but the car will have the same Holden-derrived parts as the concept did. Sales should begin at the end of 2006, and production will be limited to just 100 units. Pricing has been set at about $119,500 Australian Dollars, or about $88,500 American Dollars.

Drivetrain
* 5.7 litre alloy V8
* From 245 kW
* 6 speed gearbox
* Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

Safety
* Traction control
* ABS braking system
* Cruise control

Suspension
* Fully independent rear suspension with top and bottom wishbones plus toe link adjustment
* Front suspension with top and bottom chrome moly, unequal, aerofoil wishbones
* Fully adjustable race spec rose joints throughout
* Elfin alloy uprights (front and rear), fully adjustable for camber, caster & toe
* Coil over Koni shock absorbers, adjustable for bump, rebound and ride height

Brakes
* Slotted & ventilated 4 wheel disc brakes Front: 32 x 343mm discs
* Elfin alloy billet machined 6 pot calipers Rear: 18 x 315mm discs with handbrake
* Elfin alloy billet machined 4 pot calipers

Wheels/Tyres
* Alloy 18" wheels
* 235 x 40 tyres

Dimensions
* Length 3500mm
* Front Track 1460mm
* Width 1710mm
* Rear Track 1430mm
* Wheelbase 2290mm
* Kerb Weight 1050kg

Farbio GTS

Farbio GTS

The Farbio GTS has a full carbon fibre body, space framed chassis, complete flat underfloor (incorporating a rear diffuser), giving the GTS an exceptional aerodynamic grip level. It has exquisite, flowing lines and an understated elegance combined with style, giving a truly refined sports car with outstanding performance.

The Farbio GTS is mid-engine ranging from a 262bhp normally aspirated model with 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds (est), up to 384bhp for the Rotrex Supercharged version with 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds (est).

The Farbio GTS has an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 360bhp per ton (250bhp per ton for the normally aspirated car). It is lightweight, weighing in at a nimble 1066kgs for the Supercharged model and 1048kgs for the normally aspirated version.

Brakes are AP Racing with Four Pot Callipers, 350mm vented front discs and 328mm rear, giving immense braking capabilities.

Suspension is fully adjustable dampers with Eibach coil-over springs to give the car an exciting, precise driving experience - a feature omitted from many modern day sports cars.


Farbio GTS customers will be able to tour in comfort with the spacious, ergonomic interior, with fully adjustable Sparco reclining seats allowing for a 6'6" driver. The controls have an easy accessibility with the touch-screen featuring satellite navigation, air conditioning and sound system as standard.

Long distance touring is made easier due to the 76 litre fuel tank and 220 litre boot capacity, which can incorporate a full size set of golf clubs or luggage.

Ferrari California, 2009

Ferrari California, 2009

The Ferrari California is an exceptionally innovative car whose philosophy takes its inspiration from the spirit and emotions of one of the great Ferraris of the past, the 1957 250 California, a superbly elegant open top car designed for the track, which has, over the years, come to symbolise not only superior sportiness and performance but also exclusivity, craftsmanship and faultless sophistication.
This new car joins Ferrari's 8-cylinder range which is made up mostly of very high performance models. It also flanks the 12-cylinder flagship Ferrari 612 Scaglietti in the Grand Tourer category. The Ferrari California is a car with the track in its DNA. It is enormously innovative and will more than fulfil the expectations of even our most discerning clients, offering breathtaking driving pleasure and fun behind the wheel as well as extreme versatility of use and in-car comfort. It is available exclusively as a convertible with retractable folding hard top in either a two-seater version with a traditional rear bench or in the 2+ version which sees the rear bench equipped with seating for one to two passengers.

The Chassis and suspensions

The Ferrari California's chassis and bodyshell are both made entirely from aluminium. Thanks to the use of different aluminium technologies (extrusions and shell casts), the car's exceptional versatility, onboard comfort and driveability has not added to chassis weight or to the dimensions of the structural sections - something that simply would not be the case had traditional steel architecture and technologies been used. Furthermore, static rigidity (torsional and flexional) has been improved with respect to average figures for a Spider to ensure exceptional handling in any kind of road conditions and to guarantee GT-standard comfort both with the top up and down.

The GT Manettino and F1-Trac
The manettino has now become one of the classic features of our entire range as has its position on the steering wheel which is clearly derived from our Formula 1 experience. The manettino integrates the gearbox, stability and traction control systems (CST and F1-Trac) and the SCM suspension system.

The settings are as follows:
* COMFORT: maximum safety in all conditions, particularly ideal for low grip situations (wet or slippery road surface). Best everyday driving setting.
* SPORT: maximum performance and stability in perfect grip situations. Recommended for sporty, high performance driving.
* CST-OFF: this setting gives the driver complete freedom and control of the car. There is no electronic intervention whatsoever apart from ABS.

The Ferrari California also sports the F1-Trac traction control system which can very accurately read grip, assuring the very best can be made of the car's potential at any time.

The F1-Trac system guarantees:
* Maximum grip coming out of corners
* Stability in all driving conditions
* Superb driveability and handling in extreme situations
* Consistent performance
* Exceptional ride comfort.

Safety equipment
The Ferrari California boasts an ejectable roll-bar to ensure that its occupants are protected should the car overturn. The system is installed behind the backrests of the rear seats and is hidden by the trim of the same. Ejection time is under 190ms. The onboard safety equipment is completed by front retractable airbags (driver and passenger sides), side retractable air bags in door panels, bi-xenon headlights and LED rear lights. New generation adaptive headlights, known as AFS (Advanced Frontlighting System), are also available on request, and offer improved visibility on the road. The headlamp beam angles are automatically adjusted in line with steering, angle, speed and lateral acceleration, offering a wider area of illumination when cornering.

Interior and standard equipment
Particular attention has been lavished on the design and in-car comfort standard of the California's cabin. The new Ferrari is available in a choice of two configurations:
1. Two-seater plus rear bench equipped to take two roller suitcases or two golf bags.
2. 2+ configuration that sees the rear bench sporting two seats, Isofix attachment points, and two seat belts.

FERRARI CALIFORNIA TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
* DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
o Length: 4563 mm
o Width: 1902 mm
o Height: 1308 mm
o Wheelbase: 2670 mm
o Front track: 1630 mm
o Rear track: 1605 mm
o Dry weight: 1630 kg
o Kerb weight: 1735 kg
o Weight distribution: 47% Front - 53% Rear
o Fuel tank capacity: 78 l
o Boot capacity: 340 l, 240 l (with roof retracted)
* TYRES
o Front: 245/40 ZR19"
o Rear: 285/40 ZR19"
o Front (optional): 245/35 ZR20"
o Rear (optional): 285/35 ZR20""
* CARBON-CERAMIC BRAKES
o Front: 390 x 34 mm
o Rear: 360 x 32 mm
* ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
o CST with F1-TRAC Stability and Traction Control System
o TPTMS Tyre Pressure and Temperature Monitoring System
* ENGINE
o 90° V8 Direct Injection
o Bore and stroke: 94 x 77.37 cc
o Overall displacement: 4297 cc
o Compression ratio: 12.2:1
o Maximum power output: 338 kW (460 CV) @ 7750 rpm
o Maximum torque: 485 Nm (49 kgm) @ 5000 rpm
* PERFORMANCE
o Maximum speed: 310 km/h
o 0-100 km/h: under 4.0 sec
o 0-400 m: 12.2 sec
o 0-1.000 m: 22.1 sec
* GEARBOX
o F1, dual-clutch, 7-speed plus reverse
o Manual 6-speed + REV
* SUSPENSION
o Front: Double wishbone
o Rear: Multilink
* FUEL CONSUMPTION
o ECE Combined: 13.1 l/100 km
* CO2 EMISSIONS
o ECE Combined: 305.6 g/km

Fiat 500 Barbie Concept

Fiat 500 Barbie Concept

The Fiat 500 makes headlines once more, as befits an authentic Made in Italy icon.

The fashionista car but quite tongue-in-cheek and with lots of charm: just like Barbie herself.
The gleaming paintwork resembles varnish and definitely makes for a shock effect, achieved with deep lacquered colour using ultra fine aluminium plunged in deep, up-to-the-minute pink. The seating is upholstered in strikingly soft fabrics: silver laminated Alcantara is not only trendy but plush to the touch and its glimmer bounces as far as the roof panel.
There are mats enhanced with natural silk yarn and sleek viscose, not to mention lip glosses in brilliant colours stored in the glove compartment, plus a LED-decked vanity mirror to ensure perfect application.

Roberto Giolito, creator of the Fiat 500, had this to say about the Mattel-Fiat partnership scheme: "All-American Ms Barbie already has a number of 'transport solutions' available, like thundering GTs and motor homes with endless accessories.
So if she's spotted a 500 and wants one as a gift for this landmark birthday, it's a signal typical of modern times that there's a renewed need for dreaming the simple things in life, which give so much, allow us to lighten up, thrill who's born beautiful or just feels beautiful, but doesn't have to prove anything.
The Barbie already has everything. Sleek Barbie is a looker, smart enough to listen to everyone, a universal ambassador opting for a car that never divides but frees everyone from having to declare their social status.