2011 Geneva Auto Show - Special Fiat 500 With a Touch of Gucci Style Set to Be Launched

Fiat 500 was first produced in the 50s and it pioneered a style revolution when it first came on the road. With the fuel prices touching the skies, the small car has once again become focal point to the future plans of all the major automobile manufacturers. Fiat will attend the 2011 Geneva Auto Show with its new and special 500 by Gucci. This special edition city car has been customised by Gucci Creative Director Giannini and Fiat’s Centro Stile.

The car will have a two-tone black with white interior or white exterior with satin chrome and black interior. The special edition car has numerous special features. The car comes with 195/45 R16 wheels, with rear brake calipers in Gucci green. The car will have a stripe almost everywhere. From the exterior it will continue inside on the seats, on the gear shift, on the key cover and even on the carpets. The seats will be two toned in Frau Leather with Guccissima print.

Gucci is celebrating its 90th anniversary year and is taking this opportunity to create a new modern travel statement. Travelling in style has been at the heart of Gucci as Guccio Gucci had originally started off as a producer of leather trunks, suitcases and handbags. The 500 by Gucci will go on sale online on April 1. The prices start at 17,000 Euros, inclusive of all taxes. The car will be on display at major cities like Paris, London and Tokyo. This could be the beginning of another style revolution.

Catch the video here:

F2O by David Cardoso L - - Electric-powered Amphibious Vehicle

This F2O design by Belgian industrial designer David Cardoso L  has been made to go on the road as well as in the water. Looking like a small aircraft, it has adjustable wheels that can also be used as propellers.

The F2O by David Cardoso L is electric-powered, so it is eco-friendly and safe for the fish. The huge rear spoiler suggests that it is a fast going vehicle. Let’s hope that this concept will be brought to life one day and will be seen being driven or at least floating somewhere.

‘Nissan Esflow’: All-new Battery Powered Stallion - - Set to Be Launched at Geneva Auto Show in March

Japanese automaker Nissan Motors is set to launch the all-new battery-powered ‘Nissan Esflow’ in March this year at the Geneva Auto Show. The all-electric Japanese tech-piece is already buzzing around the web with many images and company provided details.  

As per the details available, the Nissan Esflow idea, which is attached to the electric underpinnings of the Leaf (Nissan's four-door electric car), gets a remarkable similarity to its gas-powered 370Z Stablemate, with a likely touch of the old BMW M Couple in its hatchback-like rear haunches and inclined roofline. Up front, a long and wide hood provides approach to a sharply raked windscreen. Front and rear bumper projects are smallest, with the large wheels pushed to the limits of the car. 

Interior photos not yet revealed by Nissan; but an exterior shot discloses a bit of racing style seating usually found on a Ferrari F430 Challenge Stradale, signifying the sporting target of this electric stallion.

"Jaguar E-Type": The Most Beautiful Car in the World Set to Celebrate Golden Jubilee

Jaguar E-Type first unveiled for general public in 1961 at Geneva Motor Show. Since its first appearance it became a mush-have thing for luxe-fanatics. It is surely one of the most wanted cars whether one can afford it or not. As much as 70,000 units were sold between its launch in 1961 and 1975, which was an amazing figure according to standards prevailed during that period.  

 Jaguar E-Type is described as “the most beautiful car in the world” and it got this title from none other than Enzo Anselmo Ferrari, founder of Ferrari car manufacturer. And even after almost a half century of its existence; car fanatics around the world always have their favourite E-Type model, and that is undeniable proof to the demand of this immensely popular car.

May be up till now, you have got the idea that why ‘Jaguar E-Type’ is being discussed so specially. Yeah, this legendary Jaguar E-Type is set to celebrate its 50^th anniversary in 2011 and British luxury car manufacturer Jaguar Cars has all the plans to make this Golden Jubilee event memorable for their beloved flagship automobile.

“Marusia” Formula-1 Car Unveiled at BBC Television Centre - Trial Run on Feb. 10 in Spain

“Marusia” Formula-1 Car unveiled at BBC Television Centre today. The tele-show-like unveiling ceremony was seen in London only; while Russians can enjoy its recording later on.

Russia-based Nikolai Fomenko Motors Company has designed and built “Marusia” Formula-1 Car. Mr. Fomenko, the founder of the company, was a singer and actor with an extraordinary affection for speedsters. The company’s first produced car “Marussia” B1 featured in popular TV show “Top Gear”, which immediately caught the attention of Britons. Jeremy Clarkson, the show presenter, admired immensely the technical specs and features of the vehicle.

 In 2009 Marussia Motors purchased major portion of shares of British Virgin Racing to form a new “Marussia Virgin Racing” and “Marusia” Formula-1 Car is the first production of the merged company which will bear MVR-02 logo.

A trial run is scheduled in Spain on February 10, which is highly recommended to watch for racing car lovers.

Mini Cooper Transformed into a Louis Vuitton Master Piece by Erftstadt Fahrzeugfolierer (German Tuning Company)

If Louis Vuitton, the French luxury goods maker, ever got into the business of manufacturing cars, this picture below tells you what should anticipate. CoverEFX from Erftstadt Fahrzeugfolierer is a German tuning company that came up with this mind-blowing rendering by carrying black leather look with gold metallic look simultaneously on this Mini Cooper.  The all-in-leather car has gold imprints sticked individually by hand to vibrantly bring out the signature Louis Vuitton feels with the foil adornment skill.

The guys over here left no stone unturned with respect to the detailing here. The wheel and tyres don OZ LM rims in matte black and matte gold metallic that go in sync with the gold imprints. Coming to the technical specifications we have engine benefits of the 211 series hp / 280 Nm in two stages: in stage 1 with software optimization, a 2.5 “Milltek exhaust system with downpipe. There is also a sports catalyst here with a larger L-sports charge air filter 236 HP for your much needed dose of that adrenaline rush.

We aren’t precisely aware as how much this Mini Cooper costs but I’m sure luxe-fanatics have ready to even spend at least half of their wealth, after reading and having a look, on this special car .

Classic Ferrari 340 Mexico Coupe Up for Grab at RM Auctions on March 12

One of only three Ferrari 340 Mexico Coupes built will be up for auction at the forthcoming RM Auctions event at Amelia Island on March 12.

The one, up for auction made in 1952, was the most thriving of the three Ferrari team cars built specifically for the La Carrera Panamericana Mexican road race.

On the specification side the vehicle is fitted with an Aurelio Lampredi-designed 280 hp, 4,101 cc SOHC V-12 engine, three Weber 40 mm DCF/3 carburetors, five-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension by double wishbone and transverse leaf spring, rear live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and trailing arms, as well as four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

More recently, the car has been showcased in the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum in Auburn, Indiana. It has also been put on show in Ken Behring’s Blackhawk Museum in Danville, California in April 1994.

XL1: Super-efficient Vehicle From Volkswagen - - With Amazing Fuel Consumtion Ratio of Just 0.9 l/100 Km

Volkswagen has just unveiled its XL1 concept to the world. The super-efficient vehicle is the third iteration of Volkswagen’s continuing mission to mock today’s emissions regulations by creating a concept which returns 313mpg. The XL1 is the successor to previous VW experimental units as the L1 concept of 2009, which achieved nearly 200 mpg, and the earlier 1-Liter Car in 2002.

The XL1 has a fuel consumption of just 0.9 l/100 km. The Volkswagen XL1 measures 3,888 mm in length, 1,665 mm in width and 1,156 mm in height and has a 2,224 mm wheelbase. The Volkswagen XL1 features a plug-in hybrid power train, connected to a rear wheel drive system that also includes an 800 cm3, 2-cylinder TDI engine developing 35 kW / 48 PS and 120 Nm of torque. The electric part of the Volkswagen XL1 is represented by a motor that produces an additional 20 kW/27 PS and 100 Nm of torque. The Volkswagen XL1 is mated to the company’s 7-speed DSG transmission and a lithium-ion battery pack. The Volkswagen XL1 is actually compliant with the Euro VI emissions standards.

This makes us think that you and I could be driving diesel-electric hybrid engineered cars in the near future and all this technology is not merely a showcase of Volkswagen geniuses. Finally, car technology seems to be catching up with the race against reducing greenhouse emissions, and making this planet a cleaner, greener planet for ourselves as well as our future generations.

Barrett-Jackson’s Most Valuable Cars: 2006 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione Set to Be the Top Selling Car of the Week

The weather has supported the Scottsdale events this year and the number of visitors has shot up to create new records. The collector-car auctions sales are also on the way to creating new records. The sales till Saturday evening had topped $116 million even before bidders competed for some of Barrett-Jackson’s most valuable cars. A 2006 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione is tipped to be the top selling car of the week.

The Ferrari is a 860 horsepower race car that was auctioned on Friday and fetched a price of $2.09 million at the Gooding and Co. auction after some vigorous bidding. RM Auctions were also excited about the action at their auctions that saw record sales of $30.8 million with the top seller being a 1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta that sold for $1.87 million.

The event has given a very good beginning to the collector-car sales and the year should be good for the hobby. Gooding sold all 72 of its cars on Saturday itself. Barrett-Jackson, the largest event with 1,300 cars is headed for a new record as it has reported huge gains in attendance. There are several cars at the event that has some history attached to it. The events success is a good sign and indicates that the rich are willing, once more to spend the big bucks.

Mercedes-Benz Have Engineered a Twitter-Controlled Car - - Video Hits The Internet by Storm

The technological heads at Mercedes-Benz have engineered a Twitter-Controlled car. Yup, you heard me right. You tweet, it drives.

Those who think this is fake will be proven wrong as this upcoming viral video hits the Internet by storm. This Twitter-Controlled Car will be a part of a tweet race sponsored by Mercedes-Benz happening between Feb 2nd - Feb 4th as part of a genius campaign focused on social media.

Fiat 500C Custom-made for Chinese Businessman - - La Dolce Vita Gold and Diamonds Created by Fenice Milano Costing €500,000

Driving in style just got gilded in 24-karat gold. A wealthy Chinese businessman has had a Fiat 500C custom-made for him by Italian tuning firm Fenice Milano. The Italian firm went all out to create the La Dolce Vita Gold and Diamonds 200hp. And yes, the car is gilded in 24-karat gold and adorned with diamonds. It practically takes you back to the time of the Indian maharajas.

On first impression, the Gold and Diamonds Fiat appears to be a white car with gold trimmings. Look closer. The white paint actually has a golden tinge to it. This is because the paint contains 24-karat gold particles. The hood on top has fabric finished with gold thread. Gold makes its appearance on the full-grain leather seats as well.

The interiors of the car have made generous use of teak inserts, diamonds and leather. Teak and leather make up the wheel, with gold embellishments adding to the effect. One of the star attractions of the Gold and Diamonds 200hp is the driving console. Here the instrument panel is gilded and the dashboard boasts of inserts of gold and teak.

An additional USP of the car is the Apple iPad Supreme Edition designed by Liverpool-based Stuart Hughes. The iPad is placed on the upper end of the central console and is fitted with GPS, an audio system and Wi-Fi connectivity.

And there’s more. The Gold and Diamonds Fiat has had its regular engine upgraded. Car engines modification expert Romeo Ferraris tweaked the engine of the gold Fiat. So the €500,000 car that will be heading to China will be armed with a complete exhaust system, an ECU tune and an engine kit fitted with a new turbine.

Certainly, this car with the golden exterior and an engine that’s worth its weight in gold could find a place in Ralph Lauren’s celestial garage.

SARTRE Project by European Union (EU): First Ever Successful Demonstration of Fully Automated Vehicle Technology at The Volvo Proving Ground in Sweden

One of the most ambitious projects financed by the European Union (EU), SARTRE (Safe Road Trains for the Environment), that aims at making vehicle platooning or tailgating as streamlined as possible with automated cars, has now finally come out of the simulators and has conducted its first ever successful demonstration of this cutting edge technology at the Volvo Proving Ground in Sweden. As per the project SARTRE, the objective is to enable fully automated vehicles to move in a line, much like a convoy with the lead driver leading the way. The participating companies in the EU funded SARTRE project are SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Ricardo plc, The Robotiker-Tecnalia Technology Centre, Applus+ IDIADA, The Institut für Kraftfahrzeuge of the RWTH Aachen University and the Volvo Car Corporation.

The SARTRE projects envisions the line of cars being fully automated and these cars can then ascertain the distance, speed and direction of the vehicle in front of it and then adjusts itself accordingly. The vehicles have been programmed as such that they can be driven individually, yet when they form a line, the automated mechanism takes over. During the test run, one automated car was made to follow the lead truck, wherein the following car steered itself on to the correct course without any human intervention. One of  the principal reasons for the commencement of the SATRTRE project is to enhance road safety and encourage platooning while ensuring that the convoy type movement is purely controlled by machines thereby considerably reducing the chances of human error, that is the main cause of over 80%  of traffic related accidents. Furthermore, this type of single file driving will also reduce traffic congestion, as well as carbon emissions.

According to Tom Robinson (Project Coordinator, SARTRE, Ricardo UK Ltd.),

“This is a major milestone for this important European research program. Platooning offers the prospect of improved road safety, better road space utilization, improved driver comfort on long journeys and reduced fuel consumption and hence CO2 emissions. With the combined skills of its participating companies, SARTRE is making tangible progress towards the realization of safe and effective road train technology”.

Sinclair X-1 Electric Vehicle: A 30 Kg Recumbent Electric Bicycle With 16-inch Wheels - - Must See Video

Veterans of the tech scene will no doubt remember dear old Uncle – also known as Sir –  Clive Sinclair’s first foray into sustainable transport with the much ridiculed C5 product back in 1985. Well he’s back again, 26 years later, and things haven’t moved on an awful lot, it seems. 

His new product, due out in July or thereabouts, is the Sinclair X-1 Electric Vehicle, a 30 kg recumbent electric bicycle with 16 inch wheels, a 10 mile range and the styling smarts of a plastic warthog. What is it with this man and bland grey plastic?

Anyway as the live video of the vehicle shows, the device still looks like a truck driver’s worst nightmare; low slung, easy to miss and perfect for some blind side shenanigans. No doubt the determined Sir C. is hoping that the recent huge oil price increases and the growing popularity of the urban electric bike will help him avoid derision this time around, but really we’re not hopeful. It looks like he’s in for yet another media drubbing. Oh dear. Priced at £595.00.

It requires no fuel, just a lightweight rechargeable battery pack (24v Lithium Polymer pack supplied, secondary pack available as an option at extra cost of £50) 

# A super efficient MCR pancake motor is linked to rear wheel by fixed gear drive chain (motor rated at 190 watts, wheel size: 16″) 

# Front and rear disc brakes provide 100% stopping power

A6 Hybrid: Green and Eco-friendly Luxury Car Introduced by Audi

Electrification is the new buzzword among car makers everywhere. Recently, Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov introduced Yo, a new line of hybrid cars that is scheduled to start retailing from 2012. The tribe of hybrid vehicles is fast increasing. Growing focus on the need to lower one’s carbon footprint has even luxury car manufacturers trudging the green mile. Hybrid cars are the name of the new game and the latest to join this bandwagon is Audi. The car maker recently introduced the new Audi A6 and its green counterpart, the A6 Hybrid.

Finally, here is a luxurious alternative to the tried-and-tested Prius. According to Audi, the A6 Hybrid isn’t just another run-of-the-mill attempt at a hybrid car. It comes fitted with Audi’s award-winning 211 hp, 2-liter TFSI gas engine. Throw in a 45 hp electric motor and a 1.3kWh battery for a total power of 245 hp. Not bad for a car in this segment. Plus, the A6 clocks a neat average fuel consumption of about 38 US mpg.

Audi has put thought into making the A6 a lightweight, yet sturdy, car. Enter aluminium and special steels. The heavy Quattro system has pulled a vanishing act, with the car manufacturer preferring a lighter front-wheel drive.

The A6 scores on the tech scale with GPS based headlights, optional MMI navigation and a heads-up display. The latter ensures that the driver can view customised content without having to refocus while driving. Hopefully, the car will hit the stores soon, so that consumers can finally lay their hands on a green vehicle that’s luxurious to its core.

SLS AMG E-Cell: Next-gen Electric Vehicle Unveiled by Mercedes-Benz at Detroit 2011

Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled its next-gen electric vehicle, the SLS AMG E-Cell at Detroit 2011. The vehicle features four synchronous electric motors that provide a combined output of a whopping 525hp and 649lbs-ft of torque. The SLS AMG E-Cell features its motors mounted close to each wheel, which improves car handling.

The company has stated that the vehicle can hit a speed of 60mph in just 3.7 seconds and reach a speed of 130mph in less than 12 seconds. Power comes from lithium-ion batteries which also get recharged with the help of a regenerative braking system.

“Arizona Sun” Ghost: the World's Exclusive And Unique Rolls Royce Car - - Arrived at at Abu Dhabi Motors

The upper crust of the clients in Abu Dhabi is very particular about their specifications in a product and they expect the manufacturer to adhere to them. Rolle Royce is the luxury car manufacturer who loves indulging such customers. Abu Dhabi Motors who are the dealers of Rolls Royce cars in Abu Dhabi recently announced the arrival of the world's exclusive and unique Rolls Royce car to the region.

The car in question is the “Arizona Sun” Ghost. This is the first Ghost completed in the Arizona Sun exterior color. The hues of the Arizona desert are apparent in the design. The dark tan leather interior contrasts very well with the exterior design and color. It is something that appeals to the clientele in Abu Dhabi and they are already showing great interest in the bespoke Ghost.

Arno Husselmann, the General Manager of Abu Dhabi Motors just can’t stop raving about the Ghost. According to him the Ghost is a modern rendition of the timeless elegance of Rolls Royce. It adapts very well to the modern sensibilities without compromising on its core values. And that is what makes the Rolls Royce brand unique and respected around the world.

'Tiwi': A Small Useful Device in Your Car - - Checks on Your Teen Driver While Driving

I feel jealousy, sometimes, from kids of today. I mean, just look at all of the awesome technology that they get to grow up with: iPhones, laptops, and high-speed internet. Of course, there is a downside to being young these days. That’s right; your parents also have access to all of this technology. Here’s one that’s sure to be unpleasant for teenagers.

 The tiwi is a small device that is installed in the car of your teenage driver. It monitors everything from speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, hard breaking to accelerating while turning. Every time one of these things happens, the device will send out an audio alert to the driver. What’s more is that the parents will be notified of these actions by through text, email or voicemail. To add the proverbial icing on the cake, it has a built-in GPS system that can be programmed to alert the parent when the car arrives and departs from specific locations.

Needless to say, with this device installed, the person driving the car is going to be a lot more careful, and won’t go places they shouldn’t. The unit will cost $300 if purchased along with at least a 1-year data plan (which is required for the notification features) or $600 with a month-to-month data plan.

All New Cruiserio Coupe: Revamped Mercedes Maybach From Maybach and Xenatec - - Features a Powerful 600+ Horsepower Twin-turbocharged V12 Engine

One of the foremost names in the field of luxury automobiles, Maybach and the German engineering company, Xenatec, have now joined hands to bring out an all new and revamped Mercedes Maybach, in the form of an all new Cruiserio. This incredible coupe retains almost every aspect of the original Maybach 57 S limousine, while keeping the car to the status of a two door coupe. The Xenatec Maybach project, that was announced in the month of May this year, was given additional lifeline with the influx of $90.8 million investment from the Saudi firm called AutoKingdom

The all new Cruiserio Coupe features a powerful 600+ horsepower twin-turbocharged V12 engine, and the interiors as well as the technical aspects of the Maybach have been retained to keep the spirit of this luxury vehicle alive. This incredible new design was unveiled at the Daimler headquarters in Stuttgart, and as per reports, the company has planned to manufacture only 100 models of this gorgeous piece of automotive art. The Cruiserio Coupe will be available from James List in Riyadh with a price tag of $940,000.

Nissan Started Delivering Eco-friendly Electric Vehicle "Leaf" in U.S. Costing About $ 32,000

Much awaited eco-friendly cars “Nissan Leaf” started to be sold off in U.S. from last week. Leaf’s first delivery made to Olivier Chalouhi (a resident of San Francisco Bay Area) last week; while the latest one delivered to Jeff Heeren of Nashville, Tennessee. 

The Leaf (short for Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family car), is the first of its kind in the U.S. being the first mass produced electric car for sale from a major manufacturer. Eco-friendly car has been claimed as having roughly a 100-mile range in between charges, but the EPA did step in recently and say that under normal driving conditions that range is more like 73 miles.

Still no major complaints are lodged mainly due to reasonably priced at roughly $32,000 and offering the reduction in fuelling costs actually worthwhile unlike many of its predecessors. 

Nissan sources revealed that waiting list of “Leaf” is approximately 20,000 and other customers will most likely have delivery by the end of the summer 2011.

Covini C6W: Six-Wheeled Supercar Unveiled at Racing Professional Motor Show in Bologna, Italy - - Video Photoshoot

We featured Covini C6W: Six-Wheeled Supercar almost three weeks back , here on Trends & Styles 4U, that was scheduled to be unveiled at Racing Professional Motor Show in Bologna, Italy. Tyrell P34 Formula One car of the 70's was the inspiration behind the new Covini. Tyrell was the first F1 development to explore the possibility of having four front wheels.

Six-wheeled Supercar, Covini C6W, materialized at last after a long wait of six years. Finally the Italian sports car builder Covini Engineering in collaboration with PMT SpA has unveiled the production version of the six-wheeled Covini C6W Supercar.

The expected date of launch or indications about pricing has yet to come out. The Ferrari price range seems to be the rock bottom for this car. If rumors are to be believed the C6W could cost as much as $400,000.

You can watch the Covini C6W in a photoshoot in the video below: