Base on The Concept Autos Vehicles Luxury

U.S. Air Force Shows Off High-tech Supercar Duo

2009-06-09T22:41:00.000-07:00

In what could be one of the most bizarre ways to spend our tax dollars, the U.S. Air Force has commissioned the design and construction of two highly-customized cars using Air Force technology. Before you start questioning why the Air Force would need a pair of custom cars, they were developed as part of the division's 2009 Supercar Tour recruitment program.

It's no secret that the U.S. military has had recruitment problems in recent years. As a result, each branch has been forced to hone its marketing skills and speak more persuasively to potential enlistees.

To build the cars, the Air Force hired California's Galpin Auto Sports to transform a Ford Mustang and a Dodge Challenger into serious supercars. The end result is the new "X-1" Mustang and "Vapor" Challenger.

On the outside, both cars look vaguely similar to other highly-customized cars, with scissor-doors, carbon-fiber trim, and flashy wheels. Inside, however, the Air Force influence becomes startlingly clear. The X-1 is tricked-out like a jet cockpit, with an ejection seat and a jet fighter influenced instrument panel.

The Vapor's interior is done in two-seat style, with a bonus steering wheel for the passenger and a special "stealth mode" for the exhaust system. Other features include one-off carbon-fiber wheels, a shaker hood, radar-absorbing paint, proximity sensors, and a 360-degree camera with a quarter mile range.

The 2009 Super Car Tour will primarily visit high schools and a variety of Air Force sponsored events including the DUB magazine auto show, Hot Import Nights, Battle of the Imports, Formula Drift, International Hot Rod Association and local community events. Via: TheCarConnection

2010 Lexus RX First Drive

2009-03-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

Launching a new vehicle - especially a luxury vehicle - is a difficult thing to do at any time. Doing it during the worst economic downturn of the past several decades is all the more challenging. And when that ill-timed luxury vehicle happens to be a de facto member of the much-hyped but ultimately smaller-than-expected crossover segment, things are downright tough.

Which is a roundabout way of saying that while flying down to San Antonio to get a taste of the new 2010 Lexus RX 350 and 450h, I wasn't expecting to be bowled over. Sure it's the segment-defining mid-size luxury crossover, but it's not precisely exciting when hung against a backdrop of fuel-gulping V8s or even super-high-tech plug-in hybrids.

So color me surprised when I actually found some really interesting new features in the RX - most notably a new control interface for a new navigation and information system, called Remote Touch. This is the real highlight of the new RX, and will soon be found in other Lexus vehicles, including the all-new HS 250h.

Design and Materials
Effectively combining the functionality of a mouse and a trackball, the Remote Touch system allows comfortable and intuitive use of the relocated navigation (on equipped models) or audio/entertainment display. The move away from a touchscreen format allows the panel to be placed closer to the driver's line of sight, which is a welcome change, while the easy-access control unit keeps the driver's hand close to - though not on - the wheel.

The Remote Touch input device makes for a truly intuitive experience The best feature of the new Remote Touch unit is its haptic response system. Instead of having to pay close visual attention to the buttons and on-screen items, the system recognizes these features and provides resistance through the Remote Touch unit itself, giving a tactile sense of where the cursor is on the screen. With minimal familiarization, one can then operate the system without even looking at the screen for certain routine tasks. When the Lexus Enform telematics system becomes integrated with the navigation system of the first vehicles in the second half of this year, the control interface will have even more uses and benefits, though it's not yet clear which models will get the Enform system first.

For those unwilling even to use hands to control the system, Lexus has included a speech recognition system, based around VoiceBox Technology's Conversational Voice Search that more easily interprets casual phrases - meaning users aren't locked into a fixed menu of verbal commands, but can speak freely, allowing the system to cue on key words. For instance, instead of saying "Weather," and waiting for a sub-menu, you can say "What's the weather like in Wichita Falls?" and the system will start the weather-searching process. Handy, and hands-free.

The cabin of the 2010 RX applies what Lexus calls its "L-Finesse" (not to be confused with "elfinesque," though the coincidence is uncanny) design philosophy. Separating the center stack into two clear regions via sweeping curves and contrasting colors, the new theme gives a decidedly modern but not obtrusive style to the interior.

The instrument panel directly in front of the driver also gets some high-tech treatment in the form of an Organic LED (OLED) display panel beside the speedometer. In addition to being thinner and lighter than typical LED panels, OLED displays are also brighter and easier to read - a key element of a display likely to be washed out by bright sunlight. The OLED panel does an admirable job of remaining readable even in the harsh sunlight of south Texas.

Materials still feel a bit lacking in the RX, but it's a complaint common to all Lexus vehicles. The leather is nice, but it feels overly processed and chemical-laden, rather than the luxurious and pampered feel one finds in German or Italian leather. Similarly, door panels, dashboard elements and headliners feel somewhat cheaper, emitting hollow sounds when thumped. Mercedes and BMW, though still not perfect in their implementations, have risen above this level of construction in recent models.

Fuel Economy
'L-Finesse' design language in the center stack Perhaps the most surprising deficiency of the new RX is its fuel economy. The new vehicle uses a 3.5L V6 engine for both the 350 and 450h models, with the hybrid adding a 50hp (37kW) electric drive system to spin the rear wheels. Despite the power-boosting hybrid pack, the 350 is only 20hp behind the 450h, due to the hybrid 3.5L's use of a modified Atkinson cycle.

Neither variant uses direct injection, however - another surprise, given the availability of the technology in similar engines throughout the Lexus lineup. Lexus officials at the event said that the efficiency and power gain simply didn't justify the cost in this particular application. That's an odd outcome, especially given the rather weak performance of both cars on a two-hour jaunt through the Texas hill country.

The RX 350, piloted by a trio of journalists, managed just 20-22mpg in none-too-spirited driving at constant 60-70mph speeds. The RX450h only fared marginally better, at 22-23mpg in identical conditions. The hybrid's strength admittedly lies in city, rather than highway, driving, but even in our limited time in town, the crossover's efficiency rating never climbed above 26mpg.

Performance
Neither vehicle is geared, in presentation or demeanor, toward vicious performance, and both live up to that reserved image. Stately comfort - check; easy driving - check; fairly quick acceleration - check; corner-hugging grip - wait, what?

A fair amount of body roll - standard fare for the segment, but outright disconcerting if your daily driver is a sports car - is to be encountered on moderately quick turns, or under sudden maneuvers. It's not an unsafe amount of body roll, however, and once accustomed to it, it's even a bit reassuring - you know you're cornering by the angle of the horizon as much as by lateral g-forces.

The 275hp to 295hp (205-220kW) engines provide enough pep to make passing easy, and the smooth-shifting transmissions are good enough to prevent you from even noticing their operation, but don't expect the RX to be your black-horse stoplight king. From a stop, the RX prefers smoothness over speed, and under braking it is stable, but never sudden.

Overall first impression
Not exactly parsimonious with fuel, but highly advanced in certain technological aspects, the RX is a vehicle that rightfully sits at the top of its segment. So far few true contenders to its position have emerged, though the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK are arguably gathering their strength. Having experienced both the RX and the new 2010 Cadillac SRX - though not on the road with the latter, lamentably - within a 10-day period, I'd put the new Caddy crossover at the front of the list of Lexus' true competitors. Until any challenger proves its merits to be greater than those of the RX, however, it remains the undisputed king.

Barack Obama's Cadillac Presidential Limo Revealed

2009-03-10T11:46:00.001-07:00

With President Barack Obama now officially the nation's leader, a new presidential limousine was in call for and once again General Motors was assigned the task of building it. Nicknamed "The Beast", the limo is based on a number of GM platforms and shares components with several different vehicles.

"Cadillac is honored to again provide a new Presidential Limousine," said Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. "This is a great American tradition that we're delighted to renew with an all-new car featuring the best of Cadillac's dramatic design and technology."

Its exterior is styled around the Cadillac STS and DTS but underneath the sheet-metal the vehicle is built on a medium-duty truck chassis. The limo has recently been seen testing in prototype form alongside several GMC Topkick pickups, and according to onlookers the wheels and tires on the limo are almost identical to those on the trucks - 19.5in Goodyear Regional RHS tires.

The rest of the exterior includes parts from several Cadillac models, such as headlights from an Escalade, and the grille and taillights from an STS. The panels are comprised of dual-hardness steel, aluminum, titanium and ceramic material to help break up projectiles aimed at the car.

Inside, the car features the same cut-and-sewn handmade leather upholstery found in the CTS. The rear passenger area includes an extensive executive compartment with ample seating space, outward visibility and useful mobile office features. An embroidered presidential seal is positioned in the center of the rear seat back panel, as well as on each rear door trim panel. Presidential seals are also affixed to the exterior rear doors.

Other safety and high-tech features include 8in thick armor-plated doors (each weighing the same as a cabin door on a Boeing 757), an independent oxygen supply and advanced fire-fighting system located in the boot, pump-action shotguns, night-vision cameras and tear-gas cannons, Obama's own personal storage of blood, Kevlar-reinforced tires that are puncture and shred-resistant, and special steel wheels that can drive without the tire attached.

All of this comes at a heavy weight penalty, with top speed rated at 60mph (96km/h) and fuel-economy expected to be about 8mpg.

Obama was the first to use the limo when he traveled along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington after his inauguration.

Off the Charts & Under the Radar

2009-03-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

The car has received kudos from auto industry pundits for years for its looks, performance and value. It is a vehicle that has come in at the top of buyers' polls measuring consumer satisfaction. The engine beneath the hood of this mysterious midsize luxury sedan has been applauded since 1996 for its performance.

The apex automobile of the Nissan line is a midsize luxury sedan with the soul of a sports car. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine -- with 255 horsepower -- and its sophisticated transmission combine to maximize Maxima's responsiveness to the driver's touch. The front-wheel drive vehicle features a Z-inspired suspension and a fully adaptable advanced traction-control system that keeps the ride smooth and safe under any driving condition.

There is a Platinum Edition Package for the Maxima SL and the Maxima SE. Both models offer plush interior creature comforts, such as heated driver and front-passenger seats, a heated steering wheel, a Bluetooth hands-free phone, a Bose audio system, and a specially built Nissan navigational system. The rich leather interior -- with fully adjustable with memory -- front seats, and the backlit controls are nice touches too. The extra effort put forth to add the finishing touches to the car's comfy interior is noteworthy.

This "masked" midsize luxury sedan compares favorably to other automobiles in its class in performance, appearance, safety features, and price. Although the Lexus ES350 and the Cadillac CTS are in the Maxima's category, those vehicles have less standard features than Nissan's flagship vehicle. Additionally, it is longer and taller and has more headroom and cargo space than the Lexus or the Cadillac. The car's standard features are the finishing touches to the package. The base model SL and SE offers more and cost thousands less than the aforementioned.

This is a solid luxury midsize with impressive across-the-board marks in performance, looks, amenities, safety, and value. The Maxima's standards are pushing the envelope for the competitors in this class to shift to keep up or yield and follow. It is no longer below our radar.

A New "Green" Monster

2009-03-10T11:42:00.001-07:00

By its appearance and performance stats, it is apparent that the Saleen S5S Raptor is seeking to turn traditional elite supercars into vehicular dinosaurs. The S5S Raptor is a mega supercar with a green heart that is likely to tuck at the heartstrings of eco-minded exotic car lovers worldwide. And what is not to like? It has 175 horsepower more than the almighty Ferrari F-430. Its wedge-like design and front flanks give it the patented superstar-car look generally reserved for limited-edition vehicles made in Italy. It has a hand-built 5.0-liter with 650 horsepower and 630 lb.-ft. of torque that accelerates from zero to 60 mph faster than you can say, "Oh my gawd!" which equates to 3.2 seconds in real time.

This ecologically correct four-wheel asphalt-melting rocket runs on the same sustainable fuel, cellulosic-based ethanol, which is used by the IRL and the American Le Mans. The mid-engine two-seater also has a solar-tented scenic roof that covers the cockpit. Emissions are under control even though the intrepid S5S Raptor is capable of a top speed of more than 200 mph with its all-aluminum chassis and engine. The S5S features a six-speed or an optional paddle-shifting sequential gearbox.

"We are extremely proud of the Raptor. It is the car that enthusiasts are waiting for America to produce and Saleen is just the company to answer that call," said Paul Wilbur, Saleen's president and CEO.

The Raptor S5S is the first vehicle fully developed by the new Saleen management team. It was unveiled as a concept car at the 2008 New York Auto Show in March. However, it could be unleashed into the market in as soon as two years with an MSRP base price around $185,000. Management awaits industry feedback before officially committing to produce the ASE-designed vehicle.

"We spent a great deal of time on the design of the Raptor," said Marques McCammon, general manager of Saleen Automotive. "The vehicle's bold shoulders are reflective of an aggressive American attitude, reminiscent of Can-Am race car styling cues, but delivered with modern sophistication. If you see a little Chaparral or McLaren design influence in this car, you are right."

Stands the Test of Time

2009-03-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

Setting the benchmark of luxury has always been the goal of BMW. One of the few automakers that is independently owned and operated, BMW has the ability to do whatever it wants. What does BMW want to do? Be the best. Be the "ultimate driving machine." Combining a perfect mixture of technology and design, performance and comfort, passion and knowledge is what makes the ultimate driving machine.

Heritage
BMW began as an airplane engine manufacturer. From there, BMW started to produce motorcycles in the 1920s. They quickly became known for their power and reliability. After WWII, BMW began to focus on producing automobiles and the legendary sports cars were created. Classic European designed roadsters and artful German engineering cemented BMW as a force to be reckoned with in the auto industry.

With the introduction of the 3-Series in the 1970s, BMW was now truly a luxury automaker. The 3-Series was a milestone not only for BMW but also the entire auto world. The 3-Series marked the birth of the sports sedan and revolutionized car marketing. This introduced the idea of cross genre vehicles: the idea that the family vehicle and the cool sports car could be one and the same. BMW did it first and they still do it the best. The BMW 3 Series is the best selling luxury sedan in America for a reason.

BMW honors its heritage and roots. The iconic blue and white badge that adorns the hood of every BMW is an homage to how the company was founded: as an airplane engine manufacturer and the symbol represents the propellers of a plane in flight. BMW knows that it took top engineers to produce airplane engines back in the 1920s and they know that it still takes top engineers to produce the ultimate driving machine.

Present
BMW has an extensive pedigree in the auto industry that they consistently use to their advantage so that they are always on the cutting edge of luxury car production. BMW sets the bar for elegance and comfort. Sit in any one of their ultimate driving machines and you will immediately be surrounded in the finest leathers, deep rich wood trim and unsurpassed technological amenities.

This year, BMW has introduced the all-new 1 Series. The 1 Series combines the essence of a BMW with pure power and force. All the elegance and luxury that BMW embodies is found in the all-new 1 Series, but at a very affordable price. The 1 Series is the quintessential BMW.

The ultimate of ultimate driving machines, the 7 Series is the flagship of the BMW lineup. To many automakers, this would be a hard position to fill, but BMW does it with ease. The 7 Series truly is the ultimate luxury sedan. Amazing handling and agility combined with a V-8 engine pumping out rubber burning, 360 horsepower is the perfect formula to make the 7 Series what it is.

BMW is like no other car out there. Few even come close. Ultimate power. Ultimate performance. Ultimate luxury. The ultimate driving machine.

Vroom Service by Lamborghini Las Vegas

2009-03-10T11:35:00.001-07:00

The inventory of exotic, luxury and classic vehicles offered by Lamborghini Las Vegas is among the most elite collection of premium automobiles found in the world. If Monaco's Prince Albert were to drive by its showroom, he probably would drop in and browse for a while. The cars here accelerate way beyond impressive. Obviously, as the firm's moniker indicates, Lamborghinis are the primary offering. Other noteworthy beauties such as Bugattis, Spykers, and Saleens also are featured.

It is rumored that when avid car enthusiasts are reported missing in Las Vegas, this is the first place the police look. Days could easily be spent frothing over these heavenly dream cars. Maseratis, Ferraris, Porsches, Bentleys, Rolls Royces, Aston Martins, Vipers, and Lotus are well represented. The previously owned vehicles have minimal mileage and are in excellent condition.
Prospective clients seeking specific cars are encouraged to submit special requests, as it is likely that they can be accommodated, as Lamborghini Las Vegas has a network of reliable industry sources capable of making dreams come true. Prices purposefully are not posted on the company's website. However, two previously owned vehicles, a Bentley and a Ferrari, did have posted price reductions to $174,500. Financing is offered to qualified clients. An application can be submitted online Parts and service are offered too.