Latest Carreviews

Noble M15, 2006

Noble Steps Up to the Supercar Elite

The M15 accelerates from 0-60mph in less than 3.5 seconds and 10 100mph in less than 8s. It keeps going all the way to 185mph, too, and has been tuned for rapid acceleration throughout the range rather than an easily achievable 200mph top end speed. With the complementary figure of 455lb/ft of torque, all in a car that weighs slightly more than 1200kg, the M15 is devastatingly fast.

Supreme cornering skills and a confidence-inspiring chassis are part the DNA and, in this respect, the M15 promises to be the best yet. The spaceframe chassis with integral rollcage is 57 per cent stiffer than the M12 that has won plaudits throughout the world and intensive development has ensured that the fabled Noble handling on the limit is even better than before.

Opel GTC Concept, 2007

The four-seat coupé is powered by a 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6 turbo gasoline engine and features an intelligent, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, which provides optimum traction and stability as well as excellent agility in all driving conditions.
Brand-typical on-board flexibility is ensured by the thoughtful "Flex4" system (patent application submitted). The backs of both rear seats can be docked separately to the front seats by remote control, creating a spacious three or two-seater with flat load floor and up to 1020 liters of luggage compartment capacity. As is typical of Opel cars, the seats do not have to be removed or installed.

Dynamic design: Visually communicating the Opel brand promise
The GTC Concept reveals the next-generation of Opel styling. Much like the Opel Speedster did in 1999, or the GTC Genève Concept did in 2003 this car marks a break in the evolution of Opel's design language and signals that the next chapter is about to be written.

Key elements of the silk grey-lacquered Coupé concept car finished with a matte grey paint (length/width/height: 4830/1867/1432 millimeters, wheelbase: 2737 mm) begin with an aggressive front end performance face emphasized by large aluminum vertical intakes that intersect the headlamps. These vertical elements are mimicked in the rear exhaust elements, proposing an unmistakable down-the-road signature performance graphic, coming or going.

The proud front is highlighted by a prominent, trapezoidal grille with signature Opel bar and Blitz, executed in polished aluminum, and gracefully finished with a bolder Opel Blitz emblem concept. The centerline crease coupled with the distinctive aluminum vertical intakes and outboard LED vertical driving lamps choreograph in harmony to visually communicate power and strength. The distinctive design continues with LED technology, enabling creative headlamp inner shapes that propose a night time signature illumination graphic in the front and rear lamps.

In addition, large flares hug the aggressive wheel and tire package, visually suggesting road confidence to the customer. Thanks to the wide track (front/rear: 1627/1629 mm), the Opel GTC Concept provides a commanding stance, planted by 20-inch rims with 245/40 R20 "red line" styled rubber. The wheels reference the motor sport aesthetic of black rims - however, elegantly finished with high- gloss black spokes contrasted with machine polished edges, alluding a signature performance wheel look.

The GTC Concept's rear visual solutions strategically echo the design language of the nose with an integrated rear bar and blitz emblem resting on the distinctive Opel rear center crease. Sophisticated surface development sculpturally integrates the rear spoiler into the sheetmetal to visually communicate performance. The rear appearance features Opel signature shaped rear lamps, uniquely displaying a LED night lighting graphic showcasing the exterior brand identity. The smart exterior shape and aerodynamic characteristics are rewarded by the cD value of 0.25.

The Interior design: Warmer and more inviting
Opel's interior designs have progressed to become warmer and more inviting in products like the new Corsa, Antara and Opel GT. However, the Opel GTC Concept significantly represents the next chapter of Opel's interior brand identity. Echoing the exterior, the interior shapes and surfaces are sculpturally-crafted to visually articulate a dynamic driving experience. The dashboard's top-pad wraps around from the instrument panel to the door, embracing the occupants. The sweeping décor dynamically stretches one's eye from the surfaces of the door and instrument panel, creating a memorable environment. The horizontal theme is secured with a large integrated centerstack design floating above the décor surface, an appearance reminiscent of premium audio equipment.

Complementing the exterior material theme, matte ebony surfaces are contrasted with rich high-gloss piano black décor finishes and structurally elegant aluminum accents, revealing a new standard of Opel aesthetics. The U-shaped aluminum graphic on the steering wheel is reflected again on the center console and the gear shifter, visually connecting the driving interfaces to emphasize Opel's driving dynamics. The rotating navigation control is ergonomically positioned, allowing it to easily be located and controlled by the driver, without having to remove his/her eyes from the road. The four, sporty, round instruments encircled by translucent rings are backlit in dynamic red, replacing Opel's traditional amber tones. These interior appearance solutions intentionally reinforce the dynamic ownership experience Opel provides.
As a final identity concept, the refined "redline" graphic of the tire pattern is vertically woven into the contoured sport seat surfaces and the centerline of the steering wheel, proposing that a visual performance identity can be distinctive without compromising taste.

Intelligent packaging: Compact exterior with spacious, flexible interior
With the lower seating position and vertical hip point ? known as the H-point? , both front occupants sit perfectly integrated in the car. Thanks to the lower-set instrument panel, outward visibility remains excellent. This also provides a generous sense of space, an effect strengthened by its color: the instrument panel's upper section is dark, while the lower section is light.

The intelligent packaging is further highlighted by plenty of space in the rear of the Opel Concept car, despite its flat roof line: rear headroom is 920 millimeters. The rear seats are set low, but the four-seat, two-door car still offers Opel's brand-typical flexibility thanks to a novelty developed by Opel engineers: the "Flex4" interior concept (patent application submitted).
"Flex4" enables the backs of both the rear seats in the Coupé concept car to be moved forward separately at the touch of a button via sensor-control and docked to the front seats. The luggage compartment cover is thereby automatically pulled over the remaining seat surfaces in the floor. This creates a three or two-seater with a flat load floor up to 1.80 meters long. Luggage compartment capacity increases from 500 liters to 755 liters (three-seater) or up to 1020 liters (maximum capacity: up to waistline).

Powerful engine and intelligent four-wheel drive system
The Opel GTC concept car is powered by a turbocharged, 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6 gasoline engine with two variable camshafts, which is combined with a six-speed manual transmission. Maximum torque of 400 Nm is available from 1850 up to 4500 rpm, and accelerating from zero to 100 km/h is calculated to take around six seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h.

The power from the high-tech turbo engine is channeled via an advanced, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, which is fully integrated into the car's adaptive IDSPlus chassis management system. An electronically-regulated torque transfer device seamlessly distributes power between the front and rear axles for optimum traction and driving performance. The high-speed control allows more power to be provided to the rear axle before any traction loss can occur, for example during quick acceleration. This creates a driving feel similar to a sporty rear-wheel drive car. An electronically-controlled limited slip differential at the rear axle provides additional stability and traction thanks to torque distribution between the rear wheels.

Major benefits of the Opel GTC Concept's intelligent four-wheel drive system are: optimum traction and stability in all driving conditions as well as excellent agility and an active driving feel.

Pagani Zonda R, 2008

Pagani Zonda R, 2008,

While we certainly cannot say the Zonda F lacks performance figures, driving around the Nürburgring in 7:32 and achieving lateral G forces of almost 1.5 G, it is however a road car, easy to drive, intuitive and setting the benchmark for comfort, safety and lightweight. Paired with a quality finish and the attention to detail this made the Zonda F one of the most desirable supercars resulting in the 25 Coupé models being sold out in record time.

The Zonda R is born with full liberty. The target: the ultimate performance at the racetrack without any implications of rules, except for safety, where no compromise is allowed. In September 2006 the first drawings were ready, but it was crucial to have the support of Mercedes-AMG for a high revving engine with a power output of 750hp, dry sump, light and with a low centre of gravity. The basis was the self supporting engine of the mighty CLK GTR, which has dominated the GT championships.
Eve at constant racing pace the engine would have to cover over 5.000 km before servicing. The challenge has been accepted without hesitation.
The Zonda R is a car designed from scratch, with only 10% of the Zonda F components to be carried over. The suspension forged in Avional, a new Pagani six speed transversal sequential gearbox, carbon fibre monocoque, aeronautical four pump fuel tank are only part of the equation.

The wheelbase has grown by 47mm, the overall length by 394 mm and the track is increased by 50mm. The bodywork and aerodynamics have been studied to offer maximum downforce. Even though built for the track, the project would not have received kick off, if the quality and finish of the car and its details was not up to the level of the Pagani road cars. One of the first cars to be delivered however will be kept in a living room, designed by Pagani and built with the same materials as the Zonda F, beautifully textured carbon fibre, avional, titanium, inconel and other state of the art materials. Additionally it will feature a bespoke HiFi System that will allow the customer to listen to the sound of this car at Le Mans and the Nürburgring.
The Pagani customers who have ordered the Zonda R will be relieved of almost 1.2 million + taxes.

The Technical Specifications
This Zonda is purpose made for track use, without restrictions of any competition rules or homologation, with the only exclusion of the passengers' integrity, where no compromise is tolerated according to our philosophy and state-of-the-art safety measures are featured.

The chassis
The central carbon chassis will incorporate a roll cage and a rubber racing fuel tank with 4 fuel pumps and quick refuel filler like on GT race cars. The wheelbase has been increased by 47mm to offer the best stability. The front and rear subframes are brand-new, built to accommodate a new suspension geometry, produced in avional. The magnesium forged rims with central wheel nut and a quick pneumatic lifting system allows fast and effortless changes of the slick tyres.

Bodywork and aerodynamics
The new bodywork has been honed to offer elevated downforce even in low speed corners. The longer front bonnet with flaps, closed underbody and the rear overhang with the adjustablerear wing and race derived diffusor translate into shattering aerodynamic efficiency and will let you experience cornering speeds beyond imagination. The car displays and logs information about the amount of dowforce that the car is generating at each moment. Combined with the adjustable wings you can easily find the best setup for each track.

Workstation
The interior is designed to accommodate the driver and passenger in bespoke seats, built to offer the best support, when the G-forces from the vehicle dynamics come into question. The Digitek instrumentation provides the essential information and a sophisticated telemetry allows through a variety of sensors to monitor every single component of the car.

Technical Data
* Type V12 - M120
* V - angle 60°
* Displacement 5987 ccm
* Stroke 80,20 mm
* Bore 89,00 mm
* Valves per cilinder 4
* Horse Power 750
* Power output 551 KW at 7.500 1/min
* Torque output 710 Nm
* Aspiration Single throttle bodies, mechanically operated
* Lubrification Dry sump with separate oil tank
* Firing order 1-12-5-8-3-10-6-7-2-11-4-9

Peugeot RD Concept, 2009

The main innovative operating feature of the Peugeot RD Concept car is its ingenious system of articulation that provides irreproachable road holding allied with the ability the easily thread its way through urban traffic.

Equipped with an environmentally friendly electric motor, the driving position in this single-seat concept offers a new feeling of freedom, thanks to its panoramic vision, voice-message driving assistance and a heads-up display system that gives all the information required for travelling in complete safety.

This concept car combines the sensations of a 3-wheeled scooter with the driving pleasure of a saloon car, while retaining all the essential functions of both modes of transport... and while adding a silent environment.

As you would expect, being accessible, solid and extremely simply designed, the Peugeot RD Concept car fits perfectly with the complicated mobility constraints you would encounter in a megalopolis of the future.

PGO Cevennes, 2009

PGO Cevennes is constantly enhanced - the newly designed hood with its modernised mechanism enhances its manoeuvrability. Thanks to larger windows and a wider windshield, the visibility and comfort are greatly increased.

Like the PGO Hemera, the wheels system has been developed and redefined in cooperation with Michelin ensuring greater driving comfort and better stability.

Engine
* Engine position: transverse mid engine
* Number of cylinders / disposition: 4 aligned
* Cubic capacity (bore x stroke): 1997 cm3 (85 x 88 mm)
* Number of valves: 16 (twin overhead camshaft)
* Maximum power: 103 Kw (140 ch DIN) @ 6000 rpm
* Maximum torque: 19,5 daNm (20 mkg) @ 3000 rpm
* Compression level: 10.8:1
* Depollution system: catalytic converter, 2 lambda sensors, charcoal active filter

Transmission
* Gear box: manual, 5 speed + reverse (automatic gear box 4 speed in option)

Frame/steering
* Frame: multi-tubular and crash test structure
* Body: composite moulded bodyshell
* Suspension: independent, Mc Pherson system with lower triangulated arm, transversal sway bar
* Brakes: 4 ventilated discs
* Wheels: 7x17 alloy wheels
* Tyres size: 205/40 ZR 17
* Steering: rack-and-pinion
* Turning circle between kerbs: 9,40m

Weight, and dimensions
* Kerb weight: 980 Kg
* Fuel tank capacity: 42 litres
* Trunk capacity: 110 dm3
* Length: 3700 mm
* Width: 1675 mm
* Height: 1200 mm
* Wheelbase: 2261 mm
* Front / rear track: 1440 mm / 1430 mm

Performance and consumption
* Maximum speed on track: around 200 Km/h
* Acceleration 0-100 Km/h: less than 7s
* Fuel consumption, in liters (unleaded 95RON), urban/extra urban/combined drive cycle (according to EEC directive 80/1268 modified 004/100/CE)
o manual gear box: 11/6,5/8,2
o automatic gear box: 11,5/6,6/8,4
* CO2 emission (according to EEC directive 80/1268 modified 2004/3/CE)
o manual gear box: 185g/km
o automatic gear box: 199g/km

Equipment
* Leather interior trim: seats, inside of doors, dash-board and control lever
* Air conditioning
* Radio CD /MP3, 2 loudspeakers
* Analogical instrumentation, retro enlightened, 8 meters (speedometer, RPM indicator, fuel gauge, water temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, oil temperature gauge, voltmeter, clock)
* Electrically operated side windows
* Heated windscreen
* Remote control central locking
* Electrically operated outside mirrors
* Leather trimmed steering wheel
* Height adjustable steering column
* Aluminium trimmed gear knob and pedals
* Aluminium thresholds doors
* Matched front carpets
* 3 points embarked seat belts
* Rolling code transponder immobiliser
* Varnished Paint
* black alpaca hood
* 17" Alloy wheels
* Dual chrome exhaust outlet

Options
* Automatic gear box
* Leather interior trim in the expanded range of color (10)
* Leather trim sewn with thread color differentiated
* Two-tone leather interior trim
* Alpaca hood, beige or two-tone
* Metallic varnished Paint
* Specific paint (except colour chart)
* 17" alloy wheels "classic"
* 17" alloy wheels "sport"
* 17" alloy wheels "trend"
* Parking aid
* Alarm

Accessories
* Luggage rack
* Chromed roll bar
* "Aero" pack
* "club" exhaust (not for highway use)
* Cover of protection

Pontiac Solstice Coupe, 2009

The making of a coupe

It is a modern sports car with classic lines. The roofline has a "fastback" shape with stylized "rails" that run from the front of the roof to the rear, culminating in a stylish and functional ducktail-style rear spoiler.
The coupe's roof is fixed aft of the B-pillars, with side windows and a rear liftglass for access to the cargo area. The roof panel is easily removed from the passenger compartment, and an optional soft roof cover stores in the cargo area.

The Engineering the design

Despite its dramatic new look, engineers made only minor structural changes to create the Pontiac Solstice coupe. The rear fenders and rear fascia are the same as those on the convertible. New taillight assemblies flow more smoothly into the tapered roofline.
The sleek lines of the new roof give the car a fresh appearance, only minimal changes were made to the body structure - it's a great example of building on an already solid foundation.

The Lightweight structure
The roof's structure was strengthened with additional support elements, including an aluminum roof bow attached with aluminum brackets. The bow and brackets are stiff, low in mass, a design feature that pervades the coupe's overall construction. The roof includes a lightweight sheet molding compound cover affixed to a rigid aluminum frame for additional lightweight support. A lightweight magnesium roof panel frame weighs just 31 pounds (14.2 kg) and can be removed by one person. The cover is also made of sheet molding compound.

The Interior additions
Much of the coupe's interior remains the same as that of the convertible. However, the area behind the seats was redesigned for easy access to the cargo area, and a storage tray was mounted directly behind the headrests.

Removing the folding-top mechanism made way for a new, flat cargo floor and several storage compartments. The cargo area's covered bins provide secure storage for smaller items. Cargo tie-down hooks help secure irregularly shaped items.

TechArt Porsche Boxster, 2005

Athletic Beauty: TechArt Widebody based on the Porsche Boxster (987)

The Athletic beauty: The TechArt Widebody based on the Porsche Boxster of the 987 model range doesn't only offer spectacular design but also extra driving fun and agility. After the huge success of the Widebody concept for the first Boxster generation, TechArt Automobildesign ( www.techart.de ) developed a wide body version for the current version of the roadster.

With the add-on fender flarings on front and rear axle the TechArt Widebody is eight centimeters wider than the standard car. The front extensions don't only provide extra room inside the wheel houses but also improve the deventilation of the heated up air with their integrated wheel-house ventilation. The rear flarings are equipped with largely dimensioned air ducts to bring fresh air to the centrally placed engine.

Apart from spectacular, sporty design the TechArt designers of course paid attention to optimal aerodynamic efficiency. The TechArt front spoiler bumper reduces the lift at the front axle and improves the cooling of the front brakes with large air ducts. The TechArt rear apron with integrated diffuser rounds out the conversion.

Extremely broad wheels and tires make the TechArt Widebody concept for the Boxster complete: Specially for this wide body version they developed custom-made versions of the one-piece TechArt Formula five spoke wheel. The front axle is equipped with wheels in size 8.5Jx20, the rear axle is equipped with 11Jx20 wheels.

TechArt Automobildesign recommends ContiSportContact 2 high performance tires in sizes 235/30 ZR 20 front and 305/25 ZR 20 rear for the Widebody based on the Porsche Boxster. The height-adjustable TechArt sport suspension is specially set-up for these ultra-wide wheels and tires and the wider track of the car. The coil-over suspension doesn't only provide an individual damping of the roadster but also lowers the two-seater car by some 25 millimeters. Boxster models with PASM system can be updated with the sporty set up TechArt coil over sport suspension.

TechArt also offers engine tuning for the Widebody. The two watercooled six-cylinder boxer engines can be upgraded with the TechArt power kits. They each consist of a sport air filter and newly programmed engine electronics. The result: 15 hp / 11 kW extra power and optimized road performance.

Being world-wide renowned specialists for exclusive interiors, TechArt provides individual full leather trims in all colors and designs. The range reaches from completing the ex-works leather trims up to a completely redesigned cockpit with special sports seats and ergonomically shaped airbag sports steering wheel.