California Car Design Exhibition al Museo Petersen di Los Angeles

Molto spesso si è sentito parlare di “Scuola Californiana” di design, facendo riferimento ad elaboratori, designers e centri stile operanti nei dintorni di Los Angeles. Proprio in questa città, nel Museo Petersen, è in corso una mostra, inaugurata lo scorso 27 giugno e che proseguirà fino al 7 febbraio 2010, intitolata “California Car Design: local style, global influence”. Sono esposte numerose vetture disegnate nell’area della California del sud, a partire dal 1919…

Una delle vetture in mostra è, infatti, una Pierce Arrow del 1919, dal colore viola, carrozzata Don Lee e disegnata dal noto designer GM Harley Earl; tra i pezzi rari, troviamo anche la prima vettura statunitense sportiva del secondo dopoguerra (laKurtis Omohundro Comet del 1947, disegnata da Frank Kurtis), una Oldsmobile Polynesian del 1950 elaborata da Valley Custom, un inedito modello in clay proveniente da Chrysler, la Honda concept FC Sport esposta al Salone di Los Angeles del 2008, disegnata in American Honda Motor Co.; in più, sono presenti varie vetture di serie “create” in California.

Scopo della mostra è di illustrare il percorso delle vetture disegnate nella California del sud, dalle origini ai giorni nostri, sottolineandone le caratteristiche generale di stile e il legame con il territorio, ricordando anche alcuni nomi noti di designers locali, come Harley Earl e Dutch Darrin, che affrontarono il proprio ruolo con fantasia e modernità, superando i convenzionalismi.

The women of SEMA part 1

The world’s greatest aftermarket car show would not be complete without a wide variety of scantily clad women walking around the exhibition halls posing for photos and promoting their patron’s product. These car show girls fill in the voids between the automotive works of art, keeping attendees eyes moving from one item to the next and act like magnets attracting hoards of slack jawed males to their respective booths, like sirens marooning ships full of men. People then wait in endless lines for a little more than a wink and an oversized poster complete with the signature of a women they have most likely never heard of, but it is well worth it because she is so hot. So in addition to featuring everything from high end American hot rods to some of the nicest import tuner cars in the world, the 2009 SEMA show is also chock full of females.

2010 Miss Tuning Finalists

Like every year, the Austrian Wörthersee event will choose the 2010 Miss Tuning. At this year’s contest, there were 500 girls signed up, but only 20 of them entered the finals.

The winner will be announced on May 13.

There’s really not much else to say on the subject. We doubt any reader has even glanced at this article so we are just going to stop here.

Which one is your favorite?

The Ladies of the Moscow International Motor Show

The recently concluded Moscow International Motor Show was eventful for a lot of reasons, not the least of which was the highly touted debut of Jaguar’s B7 ballistics-protected XJ Sentinel. And while most of us were thrilled to finally see the armored XJ break cover, the Moscow International Motor Show captured our attentions more than the plethora of vehicles that were exhibited during the multi-day event.

And just like any self-respecting man would tell you, unveiling a new car at an event as grandiose as the Moscow International Motor Show wouldn’t be as complete and as thrilling without the presence of some ridiculously gorgeous girls by its side, flaunting the car’s features and their own, much to our collective delight.

So, this album is a tribute to all the foxy ladies of the Moscow International Motor Show. The very same ladies whose presence made the event all the more exciting!

The Girls Of The Paris Motor Show

Why do we go to France? The Eiffel Tower, the great food and wine, the wonderful romantic skyline, and the fantastic are galleries are all good reasons, but let’s face it, there’s nothing like gorgeous French women to put a smile on our faces.

At this year’s Paris Motor Show, we had plenty of vehicles to look at and they were all just lovely in their own way. While we had to look at the vehicle because, that’s our job, it was hard not to sneak a glance at the models who were presenting the vehicles. We can be pretty sure they could care less about the cars they were in, but, oh my, did they look good.

The good people at Auto123 had their photographers on hand to capture the beautiful women from the motor show, and feel free to tell us your favorite in the comment section below. Of course, if you have your own personal favorite that wasn’t listed, feel free to share it with us as well.

2011 MISS Tuning Calendar

Gentlemen, prepare yourself, and your hearts! We present to you the 2011 Tuning Calendar with 27 year-old Kristin Zippel as the highlight! Her name may not mean much to some people, but after taking a look at the 13 images featuring the bikini-clad Zippel stereotypically washing some hot cars, her name may be forever stitched in your hearts!

For those of you who haven’t just skipped to the pictures, here’s some additional information on the model. Kristin Zippel had the honor of appearing in the 2011 calendar after winning the contest in May at the World Bodensee Tuning event in Friedrichshafen, Germany. It was then that she became Miss Tuning 2010 and went off to the Great Lakes region of North America to be photographed by Max Steam around a series of iconic American cars.

If you’re still reading, then we are thoroughly impressed. There will only be 1,500 units sold at a price of €25 (or just $35 at the current exchange rates) so anyone interested better hop on board quick! Okay, seriously now, check out those pics!

Marisa Miller Teams Up With 944 For A Classic Car Shoot

There aren’t too many things we love more than fast cars and beautiful women. In fact, that might the top of TopSpeed’s favorite things in the world list. Helping fulfill our lusty love is the magazine 944 and model Marisa Miller.

The magazine dressed up Miller is various outfits and wigs and placed her in front of a Ford Thunderbird, a Ford Mustang and a Porsche 356. We’re not sure why they chose the vehicles they did, but who’s going to be looking at them anyway.

Miller has worked with companies such as Harley-Davidson and Sport Illustrated. In 2008, she helped launch the new VRSCF V-Rod Muscle motorcycle and she continues to work with that great American company.

On top of posing for photographs and helping launch new bikes, Miller has worked on a few sitcoms, including How I Met Your Mother and Gary Unmarried. She is currently developing her own shoot focused on the military.

Futuristic Cars Audi R8 GT Revealed

As sporty and fast car launched new limited edition supercar Audi R8 GT only produced 333 units average price for this futuristic car about US$ 256,500. he output of the Audi R8 GT’s 10 cylinder engine has been increased from 386kW to 412kW along with the torque figures increasing from 530Nm to [...]

Best car design from 2009 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro

Audi is launching the next variant of its top-of-the-line model. With the R8, the brand has established itself at the forefront of high-end sports cars from the very start – and now comes the R8 V10. Its 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine churns out 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, [...]

BMW S.X. Concept car with its stealth looks

BMW is always the ultimate driving machine. When it comes to design, BMW is hard to dethrone. Fans worldwide occasionally come up with various designs to make the car design look even better. Checkout such a design of a BMW coupe by designer Iulian Bumbu, a graduate of the Transportation Design Course at the Scuola Politecnica di Design (SPD) in Milan, Italy. This S.X. concept is a close mix “between a Fisker and a 6 Series“.

About Avions Voisin

Founded by aviation pioneer and manufacturer Gabriel Voisin, Avions Voisin produced cars from 1919 to 1939.

Among the technical highlights of these luxury and original vehicles were the extensive use of aluminumand the Knight-type sleeve valve engines.

The design of the bodies was created by Gabriel himself, who said he was helped by architect Le Corbusier. Voisin’s cars were lightweight, with central weight distribution, ample luggage boxes and angular exterior lines. The 1923 Laboratoire Grand Prix was one of the very first cars with a monocoque structure.

1934 Voisin C27 Aerosport – Source: Supercars.net

1934 Voisin C15 Saloit Roadster – Source: Supercars.net

About LusoMotors

LusoMotors is a Portuguese Car Design company that offers design and prototyping services using its know-how to develop low-cost and feasable projects.

It was founded by Ernesto Freitas, a professional mechanical designer with more than 15 years experience in the field and an amateur car designer.

It is based in Guimarães, northern Portugal.

For more information read our presentation article or visit the official website.

Voisin Concept

The Voisin Concept is a high performance sportscar inspired by the Avions Voisin French brand from the 1920s and 1930s. It was created by Portuguese Design Studio LusoMotors.

A.N.T. – Aid Necessities Transporter By Bryan Lee (video)

Natural Disasters happens everyday because of global climate crisis and this phenomenon affects all parts of the world. This is the reason there’s a need for quick and effective aid response for those victims in the suffering areas. A.N.T. stands for Aid Necessities Transporter is designed by Bryan Lee especially to help humanitarian organizations such as United Nations to provide food, water, medical supplies and housing units to disaster remote areas. The name itself describes that this vehicle adopts styling cues from the aesthetics of ants being a 6-wheeled vehicle with an abdomen-like supply unit. As you probably know, ants have the ability to carry stuff 10-50 times their own body weight and travel quickly and efficiently on any terrain.

The A.N.T has 2 modes, Rapid Mode and Transport Mode. To travel in great speed you could turn A.N.T in Rapid Mode, this is where its head rotated downwards, it centers the gravity on the vehicle allowing it to be more safe, efficient and agile. Having large, unique, all-terrain suspension, the vehicle will be able to travel anywhere. In addition, the function and mentality of the vehicle in rapid mode is also shown through its aesthetics. It is seen to give the sense of speed and maneuverability.

In Transport mode, the vehicle will be traveling into the disaster affected area carrying much needed supplies. Traveling in groups, these vehicles will efficiently journey through hazardous and rough terrain. Although in this mode, the vehicle may not be able to travel as fast as its other mode due to the weight, it is still able to utilize its all terrain capabilities and hence arrive to its destination fast. Due to the headpiece rotated upwards, its aesthetics are totally changed from its other mode. The vehicle now looks more authoritative, grounded and safe, giving the impression that it is on a mission.

CNM Continental Super 100 Maxi Tender

The highly anticipated Continental Super 100 Maxi Tender was presented at the Genoa International Boat Show world premiere and the first copy is set to premiere in spring 2010. The design comes from the Cantieri Navali del Mediterraneo. The Italian builder decided to start on the similarly designed yacht following his success with the launch of the CNM 50 Tender in 2008. However similar, the Continental Super 100 Maxi Tender is double the size.

The yacht’s deck stretches the full length from the bow to the stern. The one floor concept offers a fresh appearance, with the open floor plan on a single level. Designed with entertaining in mind, the Continental Super 100 Maxi Tender does not skimp on areas for seating or lounging.

The yacht offers an appearance, which is sleek and stylish. At the bow, c-shaped sofa faces the direction of another sofa, located at the face of the pilot enclosure facing the bow. The c-shaped area serves as both a sun lounger and area for conversation and can accommodate up to 12 people.

The conversation and sun lounge area also converts into a dining area with two large tables. Additionally, the large dining areas protected by awning technology. A large corridor extends along both sides of the pilot enclosure, provides two terraces at the pilothouse level, and opens into an area for sunbathing. Further seating, lounging, and dining areas sit behind the pilot enclosure.

At the front of the pilot enclosure, sits two comfortable seats. Both seats face the bow and offer a protected view. Additionally, a sinks located under the seat of the navigator. Parallel to the corridor, two couches face one another, providing an area for both dining and conversation. One of the couches features a larger table, while the other offers two smaller tables.

On the sun deck, two sun lounges, along with further seating is provided. The open concept on the main deck offers a total of six dinettes, two sun loungers, as well as plenty of areas for conversation. In addition, the sides open for an additional bathing platform. As for the interior, more of a traditional concept entails the below deck. Within the interior of the hull, the yacht features a three-cabin layout.

In addition, a service area is centrally located between the guest cabins and full beam master cabin. A large part of the below deck is dedicated to the master cabin, which offers two large side windows that can open. In addition, it features a Jacuzzi bath and has the ability to open into the main deck. In addition, two cabins offer an area for guests in addition to crew quarters at mid ship.

The Continental Super 100 Maxi Tender runs the length of 30 meters and features a twin engine with 400 hp MTU. With the current surface drives, it is expected to allow speeds to reach up to 45 knots. In addition, the model will also offer the option for jet propulsion by twin turbines, which are similar to the KaMeWa type.

Specification of the Continental Super 100 Maxi Tender:
Overall length: 30.00 m
Hull length: 25,20 m
Beam: 6.30 m
Draft: 1.50 meters
Displacement: 65 t
Engines: 2x MTU
Power: 2 x 2,400 HP
Transmissions: Arneson Surface
Propellers: Rolla
Maximum speed: 46 knots
Fuel tank: 7,000 liters

Bilgin 40M Superyacht By H2 Yacht Design

One of the best kept secrets is the Bilgin shipyard in Istanbul, Turkey which has been building yachts and pleasure craft for over 45 years. They have quietly been building cold moulded and aluminium yachts to order and have delivered two 37 metre (123ft) and one 40 metre (127ft) yachts this year alone.

Bilgin are coming out of the shadows to reveal themselves to the yachting world as a viable alternative to both Turkish yards as well as offering stiff competition to the Italian yards building in this segment of the market. By making mutual partnerships with established designers and technical consultants along with the combination of quality and amazing value for money makes them perfectly placed to make a bigger impact on the market as a whole.

One such launch this year was the 37 metre (123ft) motoryacht Tee-Dje, with its stunning, modern interior designed by London based H2 Yacht Design. Following this successful collaboration Bilgin and H2 Yacht Design have joined forces again to design a stunning and distinctive new 40m yacht that is now well under construction in Istanbul. With both exterior and interior styling from H2 Design, the yacht features a version of the vertical plumb style bow for a more aggressive look, whilst maintaining a full five cabin layout with a large owners suite forwards on main deck, and large aft lounges on both decks.

Once again Bilgin and H2 are working on an even bigger 45m version soon to be revealed as the next build project at this prolific yard.

H2 Yacht Design
Neil Lawson-Smith
+44 20 8788 5008
neil@h2yachtdesign.com
www.h2yachtdesign.com

Bilgin Yachts
+90 532 792 88782
info@bilginyacht.com
www.bilginyacht.com

Jetbike Concept By Dario Cavaliere

First look at the Jetbike design by Dario Cavaliere and it looks more like a bronco bull charging towards you. This niche concept unearths from the current automotive scenario where designing compact efficient locomotives is paramount. Dario’s Jetbike is powered by a jet engine that is evident from the amount of power required to keep the vehicle off the ground and thrust it forward. For cooling the jet engine at peak performance during the ride, front grille is equipped with air intake system To provide stability and keep the Jetbike from coming crashing down on the ground anti-gravity system (located below the engine) provides the input for keeping it afloat.

To provide utmost stability four mufflers are integrated in the body and the side wings. Most interesting bit is the shifting of weight to the left or right in order to turn the vehicle, while the acceleration and braking is actuated via the handlebar controls.
Other than that the Jetbike concept has regular front panel display for showing the speed and GPS information for detail of the traversing routes.

Designer: Dario Cavaliere