2011 MINI Countryman KISS Edition

The New York Auto Show was treated to quite a surprise when rock music legends KISS made a surprise appearance to officially introduce four MINI Countryman vehicles, each wearing one of the band member’s world-famous face paints.

Each of the cars were dressed up with their own unique paint finishes bearing the face paint of each of the four members of the rock band. While the cars aren’t going to be sold to the public, all four special edition Countrymans will be auctioned off during a special Father’s Day eBay charity auction to raise money for UNICEF and its attempts to assist the children of Japan. The auction is scheduled for May 29th, 2011, which, incidentally, is Father’s Day.

The tie-up between MINI and KISS is a joined effort in providing assistance to the people of Japan who were struck with a devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami last month. "Our hearts go out to the people of Japan in this time of great tragedy. We wanted to help and also to provide a real way for the KISS Army to get involved," said Gene Simmons, the frontman of KISS.

"UNICEF raises money to help children who are still coping with the effects of these disasters, and also supports other very important emergency relief efforts around the world. Join the KISS Army in giving."

While the cars are set up to be auctioned off on Father’s Day, fans of the both MINI and KISS who won’t be able to buy the cars will get a chance to dress up their MINIs with KISS-inspired wraps, which MINI USA introduced on April 21, 2011. Just like the special edition cars themselves, all proceeds from the sales of these wraps will be given to UNICEF.

New Jeep Wrangler Mojave Edition

Jeep had revealed the new family member to the Wrangler big family ranges at the biggest automotive show in big apple called 2011 New York Auto Show. The new family member is named Wrangler Mojave which is stated being rougher and stronger model of the Wrangler Sport and Wrangler Unlimited and closely the same with the other models such Rubicon and Sahara which gives honor to the popular Mojave Trail. Introducing several specifications such, as been quoted from several blogs that the Wrangler Mojave is being created to follow the “Islander,” “Mountain” and “Call of Duty: Black Ops” versions.

Following the Wrangler Sport trademark tradition, the new Mojave will also follow this yearly culture which will only be stores in three coats there are Sahara Tan, Bright White, and Black and arrives with decorated with lizard vinyl in order to differ it from other versions.

Pointed to be honored as the feet for this strong vehicle is the 32-inch rubber tire covering 17-inch rims bundle as the default. Little bit different with the other version of Wrangler which use HEMI 392-hp engine version of the most wanted Jeep Wrangler. Powering the high-performance Jeep Wrangler will be Chrysler’s 6.4L 392 HEMI V8 making 470-hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.

The inside area of this strong and wild Wrangler officially given a reprocess with a remodel equipment panel, leathered seats, outdoor based door panels and all imitating which of the amazing the latest Grand Cherokee. Being also introduced is a retuned entertainment system fully applying a data exchanging Bluetooth audio ability, powerful 110-volt AC outlet, and the fast connection of USB connectivity system. The Wrangler Mojave is planned to be release at each showroom approximately in medium 2011 labeled a starting price at about $29,195.

All Photos Copyright © 2011 Nikolina Kostrevski – egmCarTech

Old Bumper Cars For Sale

If there are old bumper cars for sale, what will you do with it? Buy these old bumper cars, restored it, and collect it as antique cars in your garage just like how other keep their old Ford cars? Or you will buy it and convert it to street-legal bumper cars just like the very famous Tom Wright bumper cars in the United States? No matter what your purpose is, you should really check out some of these coolest ever old bumper cars.

Old bumper cars for sale

Converting any old bumper cars to road legal car are no longer something new. There are even several bumper car clubs where you can join and come out together when there is car show, motor show, or any car events.

Most of the road legal bumper cars are replaced with engine from Honda or Kawasaki. These engines are usually less than 1000cc. Some of the bumper cars can even go up to 160mph which is quite scary! It is totally different with the small and cute remote control bumper cars. Check this out on where can you find some old bumper cars if you look are looking for old bumper cars for sale.

Where to find old bumper cars for sale?

It is really awesome right? A good place to hunt for old and unwanted bumper cars is to look for amusement park bumper cars for sale. Once awhile there will be auctions for bumper cars or some of the unused thing from amusement park. You can bid and buy one and then convert it to street legal toy car! The selling price is usually depends on the car condition, however, it is just cheap and will not be expensive if the car need to be restored.

On the other hand, you can look into eBay for vintage bumper cars for sale. There are some vintage bumper cars collectors giving up their collection and would like to sell their cars at reasonable price or start with reasonable bit. If the timing is right, you will get a chance to see some good old bumper cars for sale.

World’s First Concept Car

Have you ever wonder what is the world’s first concept car and when was the first concept car debut? If you ever go to any major auto show and see different kind of cool concept cars, have you ever think why sometimes these cars did not went into production? There are many reasons behind and we will have to trace everything back to its root, back to the first concept car in the world, the 1938 Buick Y-Job.

World’s First Concept Car

Well, if you are in the automobile industry long enough, you will realize that most of the cars back then was high with narrow bodies and they wasn’t much room across. However, if you notice, cars before 1930’s have a plenty of headroom, may be many gentlemen at that time like to wear hats and drive?

In 1938, Harley Earl’s designed the first concept car. It may be just another antique car today but it is one of the most important car ever built and also one of the most influential cars of all time, yes all the time. The world’s first concept car has changed the thinking of how a car should be. It can be anything as long as the safety features is concerned.

World’s first concept car – 1938 Buick Y-Job

If there are “Seven Wonders” in automobile world, Angelina Soul will pick the 1938 Buick Y-Job as one of the Wonders. If you look at the Buick Y-Job, it is totally a brand new idea if compared with cars before 1938. The 13-inch rims, the very very long, very very low, and very very wide car body, has gave everyone a total new look in automobile industry. Besides, the car fitted with front chrome grill and chrome lining along the sides make it a futuristic yet luxury look.

If you don’t notice the car, you don’t see the headlights. Yes, it is hidden but at night it is not hidden. The Y-Job has been one of the greatest creations in automobile world and it has given a wonderful revolution in the industry. Unlimited of hard work and effort has been put into this car just to gauge public reaction with new technologies and total new designs.

Other than the 1938 Buick Y-Job, Dean of automobile designers Harley Earl has also design some other cool cars including the 1927 LaSalle, 1950 LeSabre, 1953 Corvette, 1953 Firebird I, 1958 Firebird III, and the 1957 OLDS F-88. The success of the Y-Job can be said is a revolution, make him the creator of world’s first concept car.

Tom Wright’s Bumper Cars

If you are crazy about street-legal bumper cars, you will definitely come across Tom Wright’s bumper cars. As the world now going greener and greener, many car manufacturers started to build green cars which powered by electric, powered by solar, or powered by hybrid technology. However, Tom Wright builds some of the coolest Long Beach Pike bumper cars using the amusement park’s bumper cars that were ultimately consigned to garbage heaps.

Tom Wright’s Bumper Cars

Recycled nothing goes to waste! Amazing, amazing, and amazing is what we will describe Tom Wright’s bumper cars. Tom Wright not only recycles the car but make it street legal and they look really cool without have to draw electric power from the ceiling or the floor.

Tom Wright, the California based bumper cars builder make use of Long Beach Pike amusement park’s bumper cars and convert them into street legal. Yes, you did not read wrong, it is street legal and all of them are running in California. These little mini monsters are powered by either Kawasaki or Honda engines although initially they were powered by Harley engines. Tom gave up Harley engines because the loud roar wasn’t really suitable for these small little yet-cute mini monsters.

So, how much are the Tom Wright’s bumper cars? If you are really interested, you can drop by to these little guys’ home, North County Powder Coating which located at San Marcos, CA. On the other hand, the best way to know how much the bumper cars are is to stop them and ask the driver if you see some of the Tom Wright’s bumper cars cruise around San Diego area or in California.

The First Bricklin Concept Car

If you are big fans of the Bricklin SV-1 car, you really have to know how the first Bricklin concept car looks like, how it was planned, and what it takes for Malcolm Bricklin to build this legendary car. Although Bricklin SV-1 is the only Bricklin car, it was considered as a great contribution to automobile industry especially sports cars lovers.

The First Bricklin Concept Car

It was all started when Malcolm Bricklin feels boring about the Subaru 360 and some of the cars available on earth in the ‘60s. He then decided to build his own car that has his own taste. During ‘60s and ‘70s, it is the American muscle cars era. At that time America’s car safety standard is already high, performance is indeed important as one of the criteria to build a car but safety is even more important. Therefore, Bricklin decided to follow his dream and make a car with high performance and exceed all safety standards. That’s where the SV-1 came from, Safety Vehicle 1.

The first Bricklin concept car was built by Bruce Meyers of Meyer Manx dune buggy fame in California. The initial planning is to use Valiant Slant Six engine for the Bricklin SV-1 but it was tossed aside. The second planning for prototype number one is to fit the car with an Argentinean motor with five-speed manual transmission, but it was given up because the engine did not arrive in time. At last, the Bricklin concept car was fittd with an American Motors drivetrain, which was the AMC’s 360-cubic-inch V8 engine.

In 1972, three prototype cars were built. Prototype one, two, and three were a collaboration by Bricklin Vehicle Corporation, Herb Grasse Design (Herb Grasse is the original Batmobile designer), and AVC Engineering.

The first Bricklin concept car – Bricklin SV-1

Bricklin SV-1 was successfully launched in 1974 and productions continue until early 1976. It was assembled in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. It is one of the rare sports cars that has gull-wing door with lots of safety features. Only 2854 Bricklin cars were ever built. The car itself was a great success but the factory was not able to produce vehicles fast enough to make earnings therefore resulting the company close down.

Although the Bricklin SV-1 was built with fiberglass body, the car is lack of power due to the weight from all the safety features. The curb weight of the SV-1 is 1574 kg. It is simple a safe sports car with the very cool electric powered gull-wing doors. It requires press of a button to open and close the gull-wing door which the later “Back to the future car” DeLorean DMC-12 doesn’t even has this feature. Today, the first Bricklin concept car or the Bricklin SV-1 has been a legend.

2012 Chrysler 300C SRT8 Spy Shots and Release Date

2012 Chrysler 300C SRT8 has been spied from Michigan, on the road. This is the newest Chrysler that will make the debut later this year. Some parts are same like in other produc of Charger SRT8 that has make debut at Chicago auto show in February.

Charger SRT8 powered by 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that can produce 347 kW with 630 Nm of torque. This engine equipped five-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters on the steering wheel. 300C SRT8 will come with 20-inch wheels that paired with large brakes system. Detail of this car expected will release close with the debut of Chrysler 300C SRT8.

2012 MINI Coupe JCW Spy Shots

Here is the new spy photo from 2012 MINI Coupe JCW that will be release to the market before end of year and come in Coupe model. First MINI Coupe and Roadster make debut at Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009, and other Motor Show after it. MINI Coupe JCW 2012 probably will powered with 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine that can produce up to 211 horsepower, or petrol engine non turbo that have same capacity that produce 122 horsepower. One more is the Cooper S model that powered with 1.6L engine that produce 184 horsepower.

From the design, MINI JCW come with new grille and crystal lamp on the rear, also with modified front and rear bumpers with side skirts. The passenger capacity also wider by 250 liters.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk: Batteries Aren’t the Future

Tesla Motors has based their whole business model on batteries. They kind of have to since, after all, they sell electric cars. Tesla’s Roadster contains 6,831 lithium ion laptop-style batteries and the company’s up and coming 2012 Model S will have around 8,000 lithium ion laptop-style batteries. This is why it’s such a surprise to hear Tesla CEO Elon Musk say that he doesn’t think batteries will be part of the breakthrough that really pushes electric vehicle transportation into the mainstream.

While speaking at Cleantech Forum in San Francisco, Musk said, “If I were to make a prediction, I’d think there’s a good chance that it is not batteries but capacitors [that will facilitate the breakthrough].”

Musk might be onto something. One of the biggest drawbacks to electric vehicles is the “range anxiety” caused by the very batteries that electric vehicles need to store their energy. Batteries not only take a long time to charge up, but the state of their charge is largely dependent on ambient temperatures.

Capacitors are a lot like batteries. They’re commonly used now in consumer electronics to maintain power while the batteries are charging. Capacitors can also release quick bursts of electricity and since they can withstand more charging cycles than batteries, they should last longer. The only thing that batteries have on capacitors is that they can store more energy.

Now we’re not engineers, but if Tesla was somehow capable of combining large capacitors with a battery, so that the capacitors could both run the car and charge the battery when the battery is depleted, and supplement it with regenerative braking and solar panels, they might just be onto something BIG. In theory, that could be a real self-sustaining car. That could also be just the breakthrough that Tesla needs to remain viable into the 21st century auto industry.

Horacio Pagani sets release of Huayra Roadster by 2014

When the Pagani Huayra first took our breath away at the Geneva Motor Show, our first thoughts were about what we’d have to do to make enough money to buy this Italian hyperbeast. When we realized that we’d probably have to hit the lottery to be able to afford the Huayra, we immediately shifted our focus from starstruck fan to professional journalist and began to wonder if a roadster version of the Huayra will be released in the future.

Turns out, according to Horacio Pagani himself, it’s not a question of ’if’ as it is a question of ’when’.

In an interview with Autoblog Argentina, the man behind Pagani Automobili bared the company’s plans of building a drop-top Huayra. When asked if there was going to be a future Huayra roadster, Pagani answered in so simple terms: "Yes, surely there will be a model Huayra Roadster in approximately three years."

So there you have it, folks. While we’re not all that surprised to find out that a Huayra roadster is going to be in the production block soon, it still helps to get confirmation straight from the horse’s mouth.

Renault-Samsung SM7 Concept teased ahead of Seoul Motor Show

Renault’s presence in the South Korean market is dwarfed compared to the two automotive giants of the country, Kia and Hyundai. But despite that fact, the French automaker’s local brand in South Korea, Samsung Motors, is prepared to pick up a fight with the Big Two with the impending reveal of their new SM7 Concept.

The next generation sedan takes from the current SM7, which was built using Nissan’s J31 platform, the very same platform that underpins the Nissan Maxima in the US. Specific details on the new SM7 Concept will be officially revealed at the Seoul Motor Show beginning on April 1. While the car is still tagged as a design study, the teaser sketch that was revealed does show a car that could very well be pegged as a future model in the South Korean market.

The car looks a lot bigger, far sportier and more aggressive than today’s market model. The grille on the front fascia dominates the car’s profile and the swooping lines and contoured angles seem to suggest that the new SM7 will be a car that could give the Hyundai Sonata a serious run for its money.

Whether it actually does is still easier said than done, but if Renault-Samsung sticks to their guns, Hyundai and Kia might very well need to look into their rear-view mirrors for the new SM7 Concept.c

Honda CR-Z High Performance by Mugen

Mugen Euro currently developing high-performance of Honda CR-Z. Mugen claims that this car will such as Type-R and will make world debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed ??2011, July. This car will equipped with 1.5-litre i-VTEC and IMA system to increase the horsepower and the torque. The suspension and brakes will adjusted as well. Although they increase the engine power, but they also claimed that fuel consumtion and CO2 emissions still low. To reduce the weight of this car, they will use Lightweight components like aluminum bonnet and alloy wheels. While to increase the aerodynamics of this car, Mugen will equipped with rear spoiler and redesigned bumpers (front and rear), also to make the exterior look more elegant.

Mugen CR-Z is a collaborative project between the Honda UK with Mugen Euro (based in Northampton). In 2009, Honda release the Civic Type-R Mugen that can produce 240 horsepower from the engine. Mugen release two photo of their CR-Z Mugen prototype.

Koenigsegg Agera R 2012

Koenigsegg unveiled at the all-new Koenigsegg Agera R at the Geneva Auto Show 2011. Inspired by the legendary Speed Racer theme, the Agera R outputs 910 HP with 738 ft.-lbs of torque, and it weighs 2832 lbs.

[Source: Koenigsegg]

AC Schnitzer 99D Concept Car 2011

AC Schnitzer presented the 99D Concept car at the Geneva Auto Show. Based on the BMW Z4, the concept car sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds and delivers a top speed of 235 km/h.

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

Seat IBX Concept Car 2011

Seat unveiled the Seat IBX Concept Car at the Geneva Auto Show 2011. This stunning urban sports utility vehicle concept combines the powerful character and sporty design language of the Spanish brand with a self-confident look and distinctive proportions.

[Source: Seat]

MINI Rocketman Concept 2011

MINI Rocketman Concept, a compact and agile three-door car, was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show 2011. The innovative door and tailgate concept developed for the MINI Rocketman Concept ensures extremely comfortable entry and uncomplicated loading, while side sills integrated into the doors allow the entry area to reach well into the interior. The two-part tailgate consists of one section which is attached to the roof and opens extremely high and a lower section which extends out of the body in the form of a drawer. Check it out after the jump.

[Source: MINI]

Toyota FT-HS Hybrid

Toyota wants teenage boys to daydream about hybrids, apparently.

The FT-HS hybrid sports concept car will be premiered on January 7 at the North American International Auto Show, and we can expect 50:50 weight distribution and a 400+ horsepower monster with a drivetrain very similar to the Lexus GS 450h: a 3.5 liter V6 coupled to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system (which could mean SULEV emissions, but no word on fuel economy yet). This could be the next Supra.

What is interesting is not the direct impact of this car on the environment, though we can expect it to be better than the "traditional" V8 gasoline-powered sports cars it will compete against (a lesser evil). No, the interesting thing is the "halo" effect it could have, making hybrids cool and desirable to a new public. Even if they never end up buying that particular model, they'll notice the technology and associate it with something they want instead of something they don't.

Of course, we would be a lot happier if Toyota made a less-powerful but more fuel efficient version of it, maybe even a plug-in hybrid, diesel-hybrid or all-electric version.

And while they're at it, why not make the regular hybrid version come by default with the $30 sensor that would allow it to be flex fuel (run on an 85/15 mix of ethanol/gasoline).

And while the concept makes extensive use of pricy materials like carbon fiber and aluminum, the FT-HS is expected to portend a toned-down production variant. There’s some debate about what segment said vehicle would play in, as well as name and cost, but Toyota says it is fantasizing about projecting a price tag of around $35,000 and a 0-60 mile-per-hour time of around 4 seconds. (source)

Update: Thanks to Matt H. for pointing out this video about the Toyota FT-HS at Road and Track. It mostly talks about the design of the concept car.

Lets not forget that this is still a concept car, so a lot of things could be changed before it is sold. More will be known about it after January 7th. Stay tuned.

2011 Wiesmann Spyder Concept

Wiesmann, a small German manufacturer who started their career making hardtops for convertibles, has announced that they will be bringing a new spyder concept to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. No official details have been provided as of yet, but we do know that Wiesmann has very little intention of producing this vehicle. In fact, the debut is only being made to gauge the reaction of the experts in the field. After that, Wiesmann will make the official decision as to whether or not the Spyder will see the production line.

Wiesmann describes the concept as being powerful, ultra-light, and purist, which is basically the motto behind every Wiesmann model created. If Wiesmann continues on the same path as its other models - the GT Coupe and MF5, to name a few - then the model will probably be powered by another BMW-sourced engine. The concept being brought to the Geneva Motor Show will be a two-seater with no doors or windscreen to speak of. It seems Wiesmann is taking the bare bones approach to introduce the model. No need to spend money on the details when the car may just be for show, literally.

The official debut of the Wiesmann Spyder Concept will be made on March 1st, 2011. If the company does decide to put it into production, the first model will not be released before 2012.

2011 Hemi Cuda by Droptop Customs

If Chrysler doesn’t end up utilizing the b>Cuda name they just recently registered, at least we’ll have Droptop Customs’ personal Cuda program to help dull the pain. Their new tuning project based off of the 2009 Dodge Challenger is powered by a 6.1 liter SRT8 HEMI engine mated to six-speed manual transmission. This engine is the same engine used in the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8, but we’re expecting more than the 425hp and 420lb-ft of torque considering it will also be getting a Mopar Catback exhaust system and a pistol grip Hurst shifter. For even better performance, Droptop Customs also added a KW coilover suspension with strut tower braces for both the front and the rear axles.

The exterior modifications for the Challenger include a special front grille, an updated aerodynamics, a shaker hood, and a retro rear bumper from HXC. DropTop Customs also added a new set of 20" BBS lightweight alloy wheels painted in black and contrasting with a yellow paint job, which were a big hit when the Cuda had its run in the seventies. The interior only received minor changes with a Kicker entertainment system and an electric-powered black soft top.

Abarth 500C Esseesse Unveiled at 2011 Geneva Motor Show

Abarth 500C Esseesse that has make the debut last year at Paris Auto Show in September, now this car will come at 2011 Geneva Motor Show. This vehicle equipped with ‘SS’ kit to improved the power output also improved handling and better safety without having to make any changes to the low emission and fuel consumption level and “Record Monza” exhaust system with dual mode.

This engine paired with manual five-speed gearbox, able to make this car produce 135 horsepower from the 1.4 T-Jet engine. Inside, this car equipped with Blue&MeTM MAP satellite navigation system with telemetrics as you can found on Fiat Punto Evo. Abarth 500C Esseesse expected come on market in the second quarter of 2011.