Mercedes-Benz BlueZero

Five seats, Class-B size of the characters from the Mercedes-Benz plans to create a fully electric vehicle (EV) in the production of 2012-2013 biennium. The company is in a class before the car in 2010, but BlueZero a name for the new EV the whole area.

Design Gorden Wagener boss said that he wants "a new face for the Mercedes of electric vehicles" and "closed mouth" front grille in part because "Electric cars do not need a lot of air." The concept, therefore, clearly BlueZero PC most of the traditional three-star signs with the body color of the grid in accordance with section and the grooves on both sides of the plate with light-emitting diodes, pulse, to show that the electric car is a unique individual. Grilling, even a little earlier in the eye, so Wagener, a former Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing.

Nature has been a great influence on the outside and smooth communication between lightweight design and aerodynamics. Two strong indicators that are at sea BlueZero rear-wheel drive, and refers to the clear Lexan polycarbonate rear hatch.

Inside the theme continues to see through the translucent material, has the door and instrument panels to show the air is filled with a light structure. Wagener hopes that the development of the acquisition of young consumers to the brand, and especially recommended. The whole package - inside and outside - a far cry from Mercedes current output, but most of the functions of production, in which it was enough to leave the traditional conservative brand.

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Audi Sportback

On the basis of a new generation platform A6, the 2009 Audi Sportback concept conceptual - but leery of production is possible - the answer to the Mercedes CLS, which measures long, 4.95, 1.93 and 1.4 of a million. Surprisingly, however, the coupe profile is used strictly five door hatch in the four-door sedan.

Developed under the direction of Audi design chief Wolfgang Egger, sport back in 2008, the concept of A1 Sportback six-point, shield-shaped grille and the huge horizontal recording on this page, with some details, most of which, of course, the elimination of vertical bar grille. Egger, confirmed that a "new face" Audi.

German designer spoke about the impact of architecture in the design and the role that he is, "Tornado" (the low point for the front arch up to the old ones) in the creation of tension in the car round. A strong character line is also in line with other models of Audi, but the sharp reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases on the back.

At the back Sportback very wide and flat, with a U-shaped glass, like the TT coupe. The idea of thin deck spoiler and concave inside of the slope at the back also goes back to the sports car-1960's, said Egger.

The interior is not less successful, with the four dimensions of the seats, cushions and cream beautiful wooden slats on all points of contact, the driver (including the steering wheel), and a broad, shallow center console, under the floorboards. Unfortunately, padded seats, and not so little from the tree further weaken a coherent and attractive design of a luxury coupe.

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Cadillac approach converges

Cadillac converges concept was a surprise addition to the new car unveilings GM. Developed at the GM Advanced Design Studio in Britain under the leadership of Simon Cox, the angle of aesthetics adorns a foreign vehicle smaller CTS Coupe concept is seen in Detroit last year, with a slope of proposals, accidents Beltline expressed his shoulder, and type 2 2 Attributes very dynamic.

Robin war for lead designer said EUR perfected the concept of how the structure of language and concepts Sixteen hundred by introducing softer aesthetic, no less elegant and luxurious. "This relationship is something new Cadillac. Cadillac always car back", Kreiger said: "The problem with this car is not something that looks like a car, because the economy is not something that is associated with luxury." Appearance Manager Brian Smith told us how the grid has been amended to include a final drag undiluted Cadillac personality.

Interior Philosophy, Ben Walsh and David Leary and supervision of the Director of Interior Design, Jeff Perkins, was the creation of a technologically advanced and richly appointed cabin. Center stack contains a transparent relationship enabled HMI and rivers for the period of investigation, and the battery is considered the center console stresses futuristic electricity. The essence of the brand exterior established during the implementation of "eco-aesthetic" aspect of this material.

"Some customers want eco invisible, some want to acknowledge it as a kind of mobile billboards, Perkins said," For a car of this class, you must be authentic materials: metal, leather, something like that. "Ultimately, the balance between the environment through the sustainable and renewable materials, as well as the quintessential luxury materials buyer in the premium segment. The investigation period is the highest synthetic leather and brightwork is aluminum, not metal. Upholstery is made from compressed recycled wood and wool carpet.

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Aprilia Mana X Concept

Who will buy all these bikes?
Here's the issue, the product planners and marketing personnel for each motorcycle factory in the world were asked to themselves, as unit sales, especially in large streetbikes, began to decline in 2007. While the proximate cause of the deceleration is evident, as the global economy lurches to a standstill, even in the best of times, sales of immersion. This motorcycle buyers are older, and fewer young riders take their seats. One solution is to ride bikes easier to aging consumers, therefore, burst trikes, scooters, and a large, powerful standards of another is to try to blow bold vision Wu young hipsters.

Aprilia tried both times in Milan this year with their Mana X concept. Based on the 850 Mana, it was at 90 °, 850cc V-Twin for a pair of super size CVT transmission. He keeps in Mana шпалери frame, but with a new internal braced swingarm. Wheels are laced seats in the rear get 180/70-16 Dunlop D427 is designed for Harley in FXDF Fat Bob! Braking is a wave-style rotors and Brembo type radial calipers at Mount Man, and Shiver Dorsoduro. The rear shock and muffler are slung below a la Buell. Styling is minimal, and chic, with more than a passing nod to American street trackers. This spare, aggressive styling and should expect from Aprilia design studio in Noale; he spearheaded Miguel Galluzzi, who developed the first Ducati Monster in 1992. "All that you need, how big, friendly Argentine cited by Ducati history website, is a saddle, tank, engine, two wheels and steering wheel."

Mana X is ready to bike, but do not have to wait in line at your Aprilia dealer just yet. This concept, designed to offer "a clear vision for the future" in the Mana family. The full line of CVT-equipped motorcycle? Perhaps not that MD readers are asked, but it may be one way of growing sales of large Aprilia bikes.

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Designer Ducati 916 and MV Agusta F4 to retire

2008 will mark an end to the career of one of the greatest designers motorycling when the resignation of the head of Massimo Tamburini MV Agusta in the engineering and design center, the Center Ricerche Cagiva (CPC) on December 31.

Tamburini career spans four decades. In 1973, he became one of the founders of Bimota and gained a reputation for creating motorcycles that were over-handling and faster than the Japanese cars, which were stored engines transplanted in its innovative, lightweight case. Cagiva Group hired him in 1985 at the head of the child, when he eventually created the legendary models as the Ducati 916 and the MV Agusta F4. Many observers believe industrial 916 most beautiful production motorcycle ever.


Given the time your ads, there is speculation Tamburini that retires with a motorcycle because of the Harley-Davidson in recent acquisition of MV Agusta. Further fueling speculation is Tamburini plan "to develop interests outside the area of the motorcycle in accordance with the MV Agusta press release published below. Tamburini of incomparable design skills will certainly be missed in the MoU.

Here's a press release:

Varese, Italy, December 3, 2008 - MV Agusta today announced that design chief Massimo Tamburini will retire from the company, effective December 31, 2008. Tamburini was Cagiva since early 1985 and headed the activities of MV Agusta in the engineering and design center, the Center Ricerche Cagiva, in San Marino for more than 13 years, where he and the staff developed what is widely regarded as a world-class premium , high performance sports motorcycles, including the legendary F4.

"I have devoted much of his career in the motorcycle Cagiva and MV Agusta, and I am immensely proud of beautiful and exciting motorcycles, we have created," said Tamburini. "Although my decision to resign had been very difficult to do, I am confident, highly talented designers and engineers, in San Marino will continue the tradition of excellence that is a feature of MV Agusta. I have the honor to realize so many during my dreams years Cagiva and MV Agusta, and hope that more great things yet to come from the company, "said Tamburini. Tamburini plans to continue to develop interests outside the field of motorcycle and spend more time on other outside interests.

"Massimo Tamburini is one of the legends of the motorcycle industry and leaves a great legacy in MV Agusta", said Claudio Castiglioni, MV Agusta chairman and director of motorcycle research and development. "Perhaps he has built on the MV Agusta design center and its great legacy and vision will now be transferred to the team he assembled and trained for many years.

While we will miss his presence, we respect his decision to resign and I wish him all the best in the future, "said Castiglioni.

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Kymco show New American market Sportbike Scooter and the Long Beach Motorcycle Show

Kymco Motors, known for their comprehensive range of scooters, presented its second motorcycle in the U.S. market in Long Beach Motorcycle Show on December 5. 150 Quannon aggressive style sportbike with four-valve, 149cc Single producers claimed 14 horsepower. It weighs at least 299 pounds said.

I had the opportunity to brief ride a bike this spring of this year, and I was impressed, if not for the wind. This spacious and comfortable bike that is very easy to go from a low seat (it measures 31.5 inches, but feels less because it is very narrow) and a very light feel. I rode 125cc version of the popular sizes for licensing in other markets and in its view, slowly, about the same as 50cc two stroke sportbike as Aprilia RS50 or Derbi GPR50. But I could wind it down to about 60 miles / h (shown), which means that more than enough for riding around town. Brakes and suspension were on the task as well, and if you would expect from the steering responsive lightweight motorcycle with a 53.3-inch wheelbase, you will not be disappointed. With all the major hardware (disc brakes, 17-inch wheels, four-valve engine and a solid frame) standard, it could become a big deal in the mini roadracing. It is listed as a 2010 model, and there was still no word on when it will be available, but the MSRP is set at $ 3449. Too bad he has not received the liquid-cooled engine 250 (or even a liquid-cooled 175, see below) - it will sell most Kawasaki Ninja 250R-something to fear.


I was riding a scooter Kymco presented, 2010 Yager 200i. He mixes ultramodern styling with fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 175cc Single, double disc brakes and 3-gallon gas tank. I must go from Kymco U.S. headquarters in Spartanburg, SC to run the instructions about 15 kilometers, all on fast-moving interstate. Yager 800i is more than up to the task, he has risen to nearly 75 miles / h said, and will actually hit on the limiter on the downhill section (Kymco told me that they would adjust the transmission). Despite the smaller wheels (13-inch front and 12-inch rear), it was very stable at high speeds, but guided scooter as: fast. I was very impressed with him, and for $ 3499, I think that this transaction.

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Zingo

Not all of us can ride bikes and get paid to do so (sorry), and Ways to pursue your passion professionally. One that looks intriguing, if not particularly profitable is Zingo, a designated driver service, which uses a folding motorcycle and large, are not emerging riders.

This service is currently franchised in 11 U.S. cities, is simple. If you're too drunk to drive home (or someone you want to drive your car for some other reason), you can call them, and in 30-40 minutes, the rider will be at your place at the ridiculously tiny scooter, which he would roll up (less than than 5 seconds), put in a bag and then stored in the trunk. After he drives you home (rates vary according to the city, but usually run about $ 30-40), it extracts from a scooter, developed and is on its way to the next pickup. You are then free to shatayutsya to bed with nothing more to worry about than the hangover is much preferable to waking up in a county jail cell is surrounded by new friends.

Excellent idea, but it is surprising that just started service in the U.S. in 2005. Di Blasi R7E foldable scooter is, after all, it was on the market since 1979. This is a very intelligent, which locks and unlocks only two snaps, which makes it very easy to stow or deploy. (You can watch a film about that here.) After the fold, only 31 "x 15" x 24 ", and can easily fit even a compact car trunk. In R7E designed to be stacked on the plane (he even has been used by helicopter in the Italian National Police), so that the automatic shutoff of fuel keeps the gas from dripping from a tank. The engine is simple 49.9cc two stroke was designed and built Di Blasi (former Italian Air Force pilot and engineer, who therorized Wankel rotary engine in 1942) that good for about two horsepower. This is enough to push the 65-pound scooter up to 30 miles / h. CVT receives power to the rear wheels.

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2008 Vespa GTV 250: COB Ride review

By Dirck Edge
Just a few months ago, before gas prices made a U-turn, the American press can not say enough about the scooters. Among other brands, Vespa has been identified as a Euro-Cool scooter to see, and will be considered further. 50, 60, 70 and even 80 miles per gallon of gasoline to give us a reason to go and buy something fun and new.


Since we occasionally test a large displacement scooters here at MD, we asked to try one of the Vespa models 244 CC, 250 GTV. At $ 6899, GTV 250 is so far the most expensive scooter Vespa, sold in the United States. In addition to the large displacement engine can be obtained Vespa in this country (the same engine in a less expensive GTS 250), GTV especially on luxury leather saddle, front and rear disc brakes, a cool retro styling (including a wing installed lamps and retro instrument gauge) Standard chrome luggage rack, fuel injection and liquid cooling. Vespa claims a maximum speed of 76 miles / h and fuel consumption of 65 to 70 miles per gallon. Our tests yielded 62 MPG.

At the said 322 pounds, 250 GTV is not easy. Nevertheless, it takes away alive, and has no problems with the handling of traffic nimbly city, and even aggressively, if you choose. First, GTV felt somewhat unstable at higher speeds, but a simple setting for the dual rear shock absorber allowed this convincingly editor size chassis balance is better

Riding Vespa, a scooter or other small, not riding, as one of the mega-scooters (such as Suzuki Bergman 650). Your upper body is much more susceptible to wind and the car in general, has a simple, toy-type relationship.

In the small 12-inch wheels on the Vespa, braking and cornering you need a little more than to be measured on a scooter with a 14 inch or 15 inch wheels. Nevertheless, the disc brakes on the 250 GTV proved adequate, if not confidence inspiring. In the processing department, it tends to "dart" more than "flow", and this just might be suited to its primary goal of urban traffic negotiations.

When I returned to the car to the press, on the other hand, Los Angeles, I drove it almost flat on the highway about 100 miles. Top speed, as already noted, ranged from 75 to 85 miles / hour, depending on wind direction and inclination. Stability is adequate, if not quite at the level of a full size motorcycle or scooter wheels. This is not a highway touring machine, but it provides adequate power and stability to use the freeway in a relatively short hop - to make it more flexible than many other small scooters.

Styling is always subjective, but we thought the bike looked very cool. You do not see leather saddle very often, especially in dark brown, and the rest of the bike is not yet certain retro appeal and modern simplicity.

If you're looking for something more of the ordinary here in the U.S., and enjoy authentic Italian styling, Vespa GTV 250 can be your scooter. A less expensive model of 244 CC, 250 GTS, retails for $ 5999 and offers the same performance (without laying some elements). Take a look at the Vespa website for further information and specifications.

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Kawasaki ZRX1200 DAEG: Thoroughly Modern UJM

By Dirck Edge
When Kawasaki ZRX1200R submitted to the U.S. market several years ago, she was very popular with the average age of riders looking for a bike with traditional styling and modern works. Apparently, Kawasaki, I do not think that the American market in need of a bicycle, as at this time, but since he has just introduced a modified ZRX, known as the ZRX1200 DAEG exclusively for the Japanese market.

Despite the fact that the styling is similar, the new ZRX has significant changes in the U.S. TRIM (Japan horsepower restrictions), will ensure growth in productivity, not only from the engine, but also from the brake system and chassis. The new bike finally gets fuel injection, as well as the port and the work of the valve in the engine department, a new exhaust system and a six-speed gearbox (an old bike, it was five-speed). New Tokico brakes consist of a four-piston calipers squeezing a pair of petal-shaped front rotors measuring 310mm and one piston/250mm rotor combo in the back. Steering geometry has changed, and revised suspension settings front and rear. The rear shocks are new, and established in different corners. They have two stages of the sources. Swingarm looks like one found on the old model, but also new.


The body has been slightly modified (obvious to discerning eyes), and new tools. Personally, Kawasaki, we would like to bring the bike in the USA. We were very pleased with the original ZRX1200, and love to sample this new machine.

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