BMW GINA

Occasionally a car comes alone that completely rewrites the rulebook. The BMW GINA is such a car.

Under the direction of Design Chief Chris Bangle, the BMW team came up with the clumsily titled Geometry and Functions In "N" Adaptions (GINA). Conceived as a design tool rather than a concept per se, the car is underpinned by a defunct Z8 Roadster chassis. Bolted to this is a flexible skeleton framework with a textile 'skin' instead of body panels.

This ingenious idea allows the car to shape itself according to the driver's wants and needs. For example, headlights can simply fade away when not needed. A spoiler can rise up in the bodywork at speed, or fade away in city traffic.

The fabric bodywork also makes the car amazingly graceful, with seamless edges set at unusual angles. In order to create this appearance, it was necessary to move beyond all previous conceptions of car body configuration, design and materials. Therefore, BMW dispensed with the usual body elements found on production vehicles such as front apron, bonnet, side panels, doors, wheel arches, roof, trunk lid and rear deck. Instead, a new structure with a minimum amount of components took their place. A special, highly durable and extremely expansion-resistant fabric material stretches across a metal structure.

The most striking example of the opportunities this presents is in the headlight design. In normal position, when the headlights are not active, i.e. when there is no necessity to illuminate the road, they are hidden under the special fabric cover. As soon as the driver turns on the lights, the contour of the front end changes. Activated by the metal structure that lies beneath it, the previously closed fabric cover opens to the right and left of the BMW kidney grille and reveals the BMW double headlights.

The turn indicators and the taillights function without changes to the shape of the outer skin. Their position, however, is only revealed upon activation. The emitted light shines through the translucent fabric cover, which is permeable to light but not transparent.

The filler caps of the engine oil, cooling and wiper water tanks open for servicing. Opening and closing is similar to the mechanism on a doctor's traditional medical bag, where clip-lock fasteners are held together in the middle by a rail.

When the car is parked, the steering wheel and the round instruments - rev counter, speedometer and fuel gauge, which are vertically arranged on the centre console, are in idle position. This provides the driver with maximum comfort upon entering the car. Likewise, the seat only assumes its optimised functional position and shape if and when the driver sits down on it.

The innovative GINA approach to design has already led to a variety of innovative concepts and production vehicles in ways that are completely new and unprecedented by any other car manufacturer, says BMW.

Subaru announces the Stella electric concept car

The Stella concept has an electric power train.

(Credit: Subaru)

Subaru announced today a follow-up to its R1e electric minicar, a bigger electric car built on its Stella platform. The Stella is a four-seat car sold in Japan, narrow but tall. The electric Stella concept uses a 40-kilowatt electric motor powered by lithium ion batteries. This powertrain gives it a maximum speed of 62 miles per hour and a range of 50 miles.

Subaru built the electric Stella concept to test out a car with more practical interior space than the R1e. Five of the Stella concepts will be used at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako summit in July, while one will be used by the Japan Post Group to deliver mail around Toyako. This real-world test is similar to the deal Subaru made to provide two R1es to the New York Power Authority.

Reference :

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-9979178-48.html?tag=keyword

British Steam Car Hits the Road En Route to 170 MPH at Bonneville

British Steam Car Hits the Road En Route to 170 MPH at Bonneville

THORNEY ISLAND, England — “No one goes round the back, there’s 360 horsepower of colorless death ’round there.”

It was a statement that made nearby fireman at a secure military base here prick up their ears. The British Steam Car, a potential Land Speed Record breaker, wasn’t belching its intense fire when it revved up on a track for the first time today, so there was no need for the firefighters’ services. Still, loose talk about dangerous infernos from Matt Candy, the vehicle’s project manager, was bound to get their attention.

The Jules-Verne-meets-Batmobile vehicle is being loaded up for a trip across the Atlantic, bound for the Bonneville Salt Flats and a potential rendezvous with racing history in late August. Burning liquid petroleum gas at 750° F to pressurize that 360-hp Curtis turbine, the 25-ft.-long Steam Car can turn 10.5 gallons of water a minute into some boiling-hot action for the record books—and wicked fast, with velocities in excess of 150 mph. That’s not much compared to the absolute land speed record of 763 mph, but it would be enough to top the 88-year-old international steam record of 127.66 mph­. The target speed for later this summer: 170 mph.

When the attempt is made, it will be the first time the Steam Car will run as a complete unit. All the car’s systems have been exercised individually on a test bed, and it got an eye-popping early workout in motion here today. But the whole thing will run together for the first time in the third week of August, when the supersonic engineering team will test the time-bending machine prior to an all-guns-blazing attempt at the record the following week.

“When I heard it was a steam car, I certainly had some mixed feelings about coming out of record-breaking retirement,” said Don Wales, nephew of the late Donald Campbell and grandson of Malcolm Campbell, who between them set some 20 land and water records. Don himself set the electric-car Land Speed Record in Bluebird Electric in 2001, and serves as chief test driver for the Steam Car. “The driver’s cockpit is probably the safest place on the entire car—it’s the blokes working on the machine who face the most risks.”

If the speeds the team aims to break are modest by most standards, the technical challenges certainly aren’t. The biggest problem has been the 12 micro boilers that have to make super heated steam, very quickly. Getting the maximum amount of energy from the burners into the water without allowing it to escape has been a formidable challenge.

Unlike a steam locomotive, which uses a steam-powered injector system, the British Steam Car uses compressed-air-powered hydraulics to inject distilled water and pre-prime itself. The water is pumped into the start of 1.86 miles of tubing to develop three megawatts of heat to convert water into 750 F steam. This super-heated “dry” steam is then directed down the car via heavily lagged pipes and two enormous industrial steam valves, which act as throttles, and then into the two-stage turbine. “That’s where we turn pressure into velocity,” says Candy. The steam is injected into the turbine at over two times the speed of sound; under the assault, the turbine revolves at up to 13,000 rpm. The turbine drives the rear wheels via a conventional crown wheel and pinion. The vehicle turns 10.5 gallons of water a minute into super-heated steam at 40 times atmospheric pressure.

“It’s a total-loss system,” says Candy. “We’re not condensing the steam or anything, we just throw it out the back and, as a consequence, we’re only about 10 percent thermally efficient.”

It takes longer to start the machine than it can run—eight minutes to get going with enough fuel, compressed air and water to run for three minutes, although the vehicle only needs two minutes to cross the measured mile. “We’ll actually coast through the line,” says Wales. “We’ll then let it roll to a stop rather than use the brakes, and by the time the team manages to find it, things should be cool enough to turn it around and prepare for the return run. If they can’t find it, it’s got a GPS system on it.” —Andrew English

Suzuki Boulevard M109R

Specifications
Price: $12,599 Engine: 1783cc, liquid-cooled, 54-degree V-twin Compression ratio: 10.5:1 Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder Fuel System: EFI	Transmission: 5M Final Drive: Shaft Suspension F/R: 46mm inverted forks/single shock, preload adjustable Suspension Travel F/R: 5.12 in./4.66 in.	Brakes F/R:Dual 310mm discs/275mm disc Tires F/R: 130/70-R18/240/40-R18 Wheelbase: 67.3 in. Seat Height: 27.8 in. Dry Weight: 703 lb.

The M109R is the newest member of this club. And Suzuki has done its homework: The M109R was the second quickest bike at the track, pounding out a blistering 12.08-second quarter-mile at 110.53 mph, or nearly a half-second quicker than the next quickest bike. And more important, the Suzuki had the quickest 0-to-30-mph time of all the bikes here. The accolades belong to Suzuki’s engine designers. The all-new engine is an animal. It thrusts the bike forward with so much power, we needed to gather our thoughts before deciding to crack that throttle wide open. And it’s not a bad idea to practice First-to-Second shifts: The Suzuki’s otherwise smooth gearbox is notchy in the lower gears. Though the Suzuki feels large, this bad boy likes to corner. Blessed with big brakes and an inverted front fork, the M109R can be throttled up to hyperspeed and brought down below the legal limit in a very short distance. It’s incredible to ride hard on twisty roads—just point, shoot and reel in that sportbike rider. In fact, the more we rode this bike, the more we wanted one in our own garage. The only thing holding us back is the fussy, “Jetsons” styling and inexpensive-looking plastic bodywork. We’d like actual metal—and better-quality chrome, too. Still, the M109R exemplifies the modern power cruiser.

Track Times
0-30 mph	0-60 mph	40-70 mph	1/4-mile
1.53 sec.	3.89 sec.	2.52 sec.	12.08 sec. @ 110.53mph

Honda VTX1800F

Specifications
Price: $14,849 Engine: 1795cc, liquid-cooled, 52-degree V-twin Compression ratio: 9.0:1 Valvetrain: SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder Fuel System: EFI	Transmission: 5M Final Drive: Shaft Suspension F/R: Suspension F/R: 45mm inverted forks/dual shocks, preload adjustable Suspension Travel F/R: 4.3 in./3.9 in.	Brakes F/R:Dual 296mm discs/316mm disc Tires F/R: 130/70-R18/180/55-R18 Wheelbase: 67.5 in. Seat Height: 27.6 in. Dry Weight: 743 lb.

If we had to ride one bike year-round, this would be it. The VTX1800F is the teacher’s pet in this classroom of hooligans. It’s so easy to ride and so well-mannered that even a green rider could probably handle it. The Honda’s size and seat height made it the favorite for our shorter testers. It’s great for weaving through traffic and carving corners. Like most things Honda, the VTX feels like it was relentlessly massaged by nit-picky engineers. Every switch and lever moves as if Teflon-coated. And all this is amazing considering the bike’s design debuted in ’02. But don’t be misled by the Honda’s persona: Danny Coe ran the quarter-mile in 12.90 seconds at just over 102 mph, only a bike length behind the Harley. As much as we like the Honda mechanically, its look is a bit vanilla in this group of extroverts. Without our bike’s bright red paint and splashy graphics, the VTX would blend into the cruiser landscape. Still, this is a fantastic piece of engineering and it feels as though it would run like new for decades.

Track Times
0-30 mph	0-60 mph	40-70 mph	1/4-mile
1.64 sec.	4.45 sec.	3.23 sec.	12.90 sec. @ 102.17mph

Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R

It must be Christmas, because a 2009 Nissan GT-R showed up in our garage. Just like how we spent 1973 transfixed by commercials for the Vertibird Rescue Ship toy, we slathered over every specification sheet and photo of the new GT-R since the concept was shown at the 2005 Tokyo Auto Show. And in each case, we finally ended up at the controls of one. The GT-R is definitely the biggest, baddest toy on the block.

The GT-R is essentially a race car made for the street. Production cars don't generally squeeze 480 horsepower out of a V-6, or have the transmission mounted at the rear axle. And the incredibly rigid suspension feels as if it was made for a race car. The car looks impressive and brutish, a theme that carries into the cabin and the driving feel. The Corvette Z06 has some scary competition in the GT-R.

2009 Audi A4

by Jim McCraw, NewCarTestDrive.com

An all-new 2009 Audi A4 goes on sale this spring. Revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Audi's volume model looks similar to the successful 2005-2008 models it will replace. However, it is a totally new structure packed with new engineering.

The styling of the upcoming model reminds us of skin pulled tighter over the muscles and bones, and it favors the beautiful new A5 coupe.

The upcoming A4 gets an all-new body made of steel that is stiffer and lighter than that of the previous car.

It's a bigger car, almost five inches longer in overall length and more than two inches wider than the outgoing model, and it rides slightly lower. The wheelbase has increased 6.6 inches in length to 110.6 inches, which is only 1.5 inches shorter than the wheelbase of the bigger A6 model. Therefore, overhangs are shorter, which is a sign of solid engineering and theoretically benefiting handling. It also results in a more aggressive appearance.

2009 BMW X6

2009 BMW X6

by Jim McCraw, NewCarTestDrive.com

BMW is introducing a new sports activity coupe here in the U.S. sometime early next year called the X6. The BMW X6 concept shown at this fall's Frankfurt Auto Show was a thinly veiled version of the real X6 we will see here next year.

The production BMW X6 will be manufactured at the company's SUV plant in South Carolina, and it will look almost exactly like this concept when it arrives in early 2008. Unlike the conventionally styled BMW X3 and X5, the company's five-door SUVs, the production X6 will have seats for only four occupants, with much less rear-seat headroom and a very small cargo compartment by comparison. That's part of the Sports Activity Vehicle concept, though we'll likely call it an SUV. Think of it as an SUV take on four-door coupes such as the Mazda RX-8 and Mercedes-Benz CLS.

BMW has shown two strikingly different concepts of the X6, a high-riding SUV that's a four-door coupe version of the 6 Series and a hybrid version of the same hatchback coupe that was claimed to get about 20 percent better fuel economy than the standard version, with a concomitant reduction in tailpipe emissions.

The production version of the X6 is expected to offer the 4.8-liter V8 and 5.0-liter V10 engines available in the BMW 6 Series and M6 coupes, and it may use the twin-turbocharged inline-6 from the 3 Series as a base engine. We don't know, they haven't officially said yet.

Northrop Grumman ANd Oshkosh JLTV Features Leapfrog Diesel-Electric Drive Design

The diesel-electric design intentionally excludes the large, high-voltage battery pack often found in hybrid solutions, mitigating the logistics burden of battery disposal. With the weight of the batteries removed, the vehicle can also carry more valuable payload.

by Staff Writers
Oshkosh WI (SPX) Jun 06, 2008
The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) family of vehicles offered by Northrop Grumman and Oshkosh features diesel-electric drive, a unique approach that provides more power, enables higher performance, provides better protection and is easier to maintain.

Company officials presented details of the team's JLTV at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on May 16. The JLTV will replace the Humvee for the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps.

The Northrop Grumman-Oshkosh diesel-electric vehicle-propulsion approach opens the door for numerous design advances, reduces the logistics footprint, lowers life-cycle costs, and provides surplus exportable electrical power, all based on proven technology. Although no vehicles in the military's fleet use diesel-electric drive today, railroads and mining equipment have been powered by the technology for decades.

"This vehicle is of such importance that the Department of Defense wisely reached out to create an acquisition process -- including Technical Development and System Design and Development phases -- to harvest the best ideas that industry could bring to the table," said Joe Gray Taylor, vice president of Ground Combat Systems at Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems sector. "Our team had some very good ideas that enable us to leapfrog current capabilities by offering greater flexibility to cope with unexpected future combat requirements."

"Diesel-electric drive is a time-tested and proven technology -- simple in theory but complex in capability -- that allows us to meet and exceed the customer's requirements for protection, payload and performance," said John Stoddart, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense Group. "What is new is the ability to take that proven technology and package it so that its vast power reserves can be exploited in very intense areas like battlefields."

Oshkosh also demonstrated the technology during relief operations in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina, powering pumps around the clock to remove millions of gallons of water from Louisiana State University Health Services Center-Charity Hospital.

Northrop Grumman and Oshkosh believe the design gives them an enormous power advantage. Noting that specifics are competitive sensitive, Taylor said: "This technology provides not only exportable power but also a great deal of power to the vehicle, which means agility, performance, and the ability to deal with payloads, such as the C4ISR systems it carries."

The design also offers more flexibility and modularity and the ability to tailor engineering solutions. Since diesel-electric power eliminates the need for a transmission and conventional drive train -- the so-called "doghouse" and drive shaft hump -- engineers can tailor and create a more spacious and efficient crew compartment with optimal armor protection.

By reducing the number of parts, the Northrop Grumman-Oshkosh JLTV reduces the likelihood of a complex mechanical failure. Fewer parts also mean less burden on maintainers, higher reliability and lower life-cycle cost.

The diesel-electric design intentionally excludes the large, high-voltage battery pack often found in hybrid solutions, mitigating the logistics burden of battery disposal. With the weight of the batteries removed, the vehicle can also carry more valuable payload.

"Because the diesel electric design itself is inherently modular, it allows for a family of vehicles made up of a small number of common modules. In practical terms, the military can modernize or repair this design far more simply than traditional designs," Stoddart said. "This design allows efficient manufacturing, crew maintenance, battle damage repair and eventual refurbishment."

Stoddart cited as examples the easy replacement of the front or rear drivetrain module if it sustains combat damage and the engine with a fuel cell if the military decides to move to new power systems. Hybrid technology -- "once it matures" -- could be integrated in the design, and the crew compartment module could readily accept new base armor and add-on armor technologies when available.

Diesel-electric powertrains are made up of a diesel engine connected to an electrical generator, which creates electricity to power an electric traction motor driving each axle to move the vehicle. The components that form this design include a high-horsepower engine, high power-capacity generator, high power-rated motor, motor controller and a power inverter, all proven technologies that have been demonstrated in military trucks.

The Defense Department is expected to decide next month which industry competitors will continue into 27-month Technology Development phase for this $40 billion program.

Northrop Grumman and Oshkosh Corporation joined forces to compete for the JLTV program on Jan. 8. If selected, Northrop Grumman will be the prime contractor and systems integrator. Oshkosh Corporation's Defense Group will be responsible for designing, engineering and manufacturing the vehicle, including the armor system.

Green car bonus to push French budget into red: report

by Staff Writers
Paris (AFP) June 19, 2008
An initiative which rewards buyers of environmentally friendly cars and penalises those who buy high pollution vehicles could cost the French government 200 million euros, the business daily Les Echos reported Thursday.

France introduced the bonus-malus (bonus-penalty) system this year, giving a tax break for the purchase of new vehicles which emit less than 130 grammes of carbon dioxide per/kilometre, and imposing an additional tax on vehicles that emit more than 160 grammes.

The scheme was supposed to be revenue neutral, with the penalties financing the bonuses, but the daily said the French finance ministry now estimates the scheme could end up costing the state 200 million euros (310 million dollars).

"The car bonus-malus is a victim of its own success," wrote Les Echos.

"The additional cost to the state complicates the extension of the scheme to other products," it warned.

Ecology Minister Jean-Luis Borloo told the newspaper earlier in the month he wanted to expand the scheme next year to a couple dozen other types of products in order to encourage consumers to favour environmentally-friendly goods.

Review: 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

Posted by Wayne Cunningham

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

We found the economy car efficiency, the tight build quality, and the odd body style all appealing on the 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT. But once we started looking at the details, we realized it was a Toyota. The hard flooring in the cargo area and the shape of the instrument cluster perfectly matched what we had just seen on the 2009 Toyota Matrix, and the similarities don't stop there. Both cars had the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which someone on staff suggested might be GM's most advanced engine.

However, there are differences, most notably in an area we pay special attention to, the car's head unit. Where the Toyota Matrix can be had with an in-dash navigation system, the Pontiac Vibe just has a little blue OnStar button that connects you with a nice person who can tell you how to get where you are going. In the Matrix, you can opt for a nine-speaker stereo system if you don't get navigation, but the Vibe GT comes standard with a seven-speaker audio system, and you still get the little blue button. The Vibe/Matrix represents an extreme in customer choice, where you can not only choose from myriad options and power trains, but also even what badge your car will wear.

At Toyota greenhouse, C02 emissions no villain

by Staff Writers
Rokkasho, Japan (AFP) June 22, 2008
In a sprawling greenhouse with shiny silver ducts running through, stacks of cardboard boxes feature prints of a flower alongside the distinctive red Toyota logo.

In an experiment aimed at putting to use some of the carbon dioxide blamed for global warming, the giant auto group is using Asia's largest greenhouse for potted flowers, stretching across 20,000 square metres (five acres).

"Nowadays you automatically think of C02 as a villain. But it's what plants need to grow," said Teruo Takatomi, president of unit Toyota Floritech Co. Ltd.

The system generates power by burning natural gas, with electricity used for lighting over plants, "waste" heat for warming water, and emitted carbon dioxide falling on plants to promote their photosynthesis.

"You have gas emissions when you generate electricity. After removing nitrogen oxide from the gas, C02 is returned here for plants to inhale," farm chief Takuya Sato said, pointing to the overhead ducts.

The new system introduced in March is expected to help the company slash C02 emissions by a combined 460 tonnes a year, he said.

The farm is the first large commercial facility in Japan to introduce a form of "trigeneration" system -- production and use of three different resources from a single fuel, according to project partner Kansai Electric Power Co.

The system comes along with a machine that provides high-oxygen water to help invigorate plant roots.

"The point of the system is -- let's generate power and use the byproduct too, leaving almost nothing wasted," said Hiroshi Teshima, an energy business official at Kansai Electric.

"People who grow plants say that C02 during winter is as effective as sunlight," he added.

Kansai Electric, Toyota Floritech and other firms spent 70 million yen (650,000 dollars) to install the system at the greenhouse on the northern tip of Japan's main island of Honshu, which is a few minutes drive from a major nuclear fuel plant.

Another 120 million yen was spent to switch the energy source from heavy oil to natural gas by building a satellite tower to store liquefied natural gas.

"Agriculture of course absorbs CO2 thanks to photosynthesis but we hope this system will help cut the gas further," said Masao Ikoma, managing director at Kansai Electric.

Toyota Floritech is a 50-50 joint venture between Toyota Motor Corp. and Hakusan Co. Ltd., a Japanese firm dealing with seeds and seedling.

The basic design of the automated farm came from Denmark. It employs only eight full-time, non-clerical employees who work in the greenhouse with support of 30 to 40 part timers.

Toyota Motor, reputed for its production efficiency, has helped the subsidiary but its expertise does not always apply to agriculture, the farm chief said.

"We have received useful tips. For example, these lines," Sato said, referring to white and yellow lines drawn on the floor showing what areas are for humans and for machines.

He also said the auto giant had taught the farm to tidy things up in clearly labelled boxes to keep the manufacturing floor clean.

"But we are handling living things. Life is very different from machines and components," Sato said.

"Supposing you are assembling a car, you wouldn't miss the schedule even by one day. But it's totally impossible to keep plants production precisely on time," he said.

Sato, 39, had no experience in agriculture before. His last job was also as a manager -- but at a bar in a trendy part of Tokyo.

"I sometimes feel like talking to flowers... when they haven't bloomed a day before their shipment," Sato said.

reference :

http://www.spacemart.com/reports/At_Toyota_greenhouse_C02_emissions_no_villain_999.html

2009 Maserati Quattroporte S

Posted on 06.23.2008 12:02 by Simona Alina
Filed under: Maserati | sedan | Maserati Quattroporte | luxury cars

Maserati UK revealed today the 2009 Quattroporte, and the new Quattroporte S. Both models will go on sale in October.

The new model is powered by the 430hp 4.7 liter V8 engine first used in the GranTurismo S. Both cars feature the 6-speed automatic transmission developed in association with ZF.

The front-end features a new grille, with its vertical slats, is reminiscent of the GranTurismo. The front and rear light units are also updated, featuring LEDs. On the side, the under-door molding is more noticeable, with a line that runs into that of the new bumpers, which have a wider protective band and more pronounced rear styling.

Press release

Maserati Quattroporte, the model which established the category of “Luxury Sports Saloons”, can be considered something of a Maserati masterpiece. After five years of success, with more than 15,000 cars delivered and 46 international awards, the Quattroporte is now being presented with a new look and new technical solutions.

The history of art is characterized by audacious artists who challenged pre-existing conventions. Similarly the Pininfarina design team, thanks to their unrivalled and skilful hands, created a fresher, more modern look for the Maserati Quattroporte, yet always mindful of the class, glamor and exclusivity which represent its inner essence.

The personality and glamor of the Maserati flagship are now represented by two products: the Quattroporte and the Quattroporte S. The former is fitted with the familiar 4.2 liter 400 hp V8 engine, while the latter adopts the new 4.7 liter 430 hp V8 recently introduced on the GranTurismo S, with a different specification.

Both cars feature the 6-speed automatic transmission developed in association with ZF. The main styling changes are to the most recognizable features.

First of all the front, where the new grille, with its vertical slats, is reminiscent of the GranTurismo. The front and rear light units are also updated, featuring LEDs. On the side, the under-door molding is more noticeable, with a line that runs into that of the new bumpers, which have a wider protective band and more pronounced rear styling.

The door mirrors are also new, with a more dynamic shape and a more streamlined mounting to the door. The interior has a new center console and the controls are grouped more closely together for even more convenient operation.

The car’s range of navigation systems is also fully updated, now comprising the New Maserati Multimedia System.

Two new shades of leather, Marrone Corniola (brown) and Sabbia (sand), replacing the beige which was previously in the range, debut on the Quattroporte S and Quattroporte respectively.

The new Quattroporte and Quattroporte S will be on sale in the UK from October.

Lincoln launches MadCrazyLove ad campaign for 2009 MKS

Posted on 06.24.2008 13:41 by Simona Alina
Filed under: Lincoln | sedan | Lincoln MKS | luxury cars | car commercials

Taking a significant leap from the traditional 30- and 60-second broadcast advertising model, luxury automaker Lincoln is delivering a first this week with the national television launch of a three-minute movie featuring the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS.

Shot on location in Hollywood Hills, MadCrazyLove is a three-minute commercial, with accompanying 30- and 15-second spots, that introduces the newest member of the Lincoln family – the 2009 Lincoln MKS – against the backdrop of a fun, romantic story.

The new three-minute spot makes its television debut today during the Black Entertainment Television Awards pre-show.

The 30- and 15-second spots will begin airing today on select cable television and nationally syndicated programs. National print and digital media are included in the media mix and scheduled for rotation beginning in July.

2009 Lincoln MKS

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“Studies continue to show that Americans are embracing the Internet in a bigger way and are looking beyond sound bites for broader stories,” says Lincoln Communications Manager Tom Grill. “As this advertising model changes, Lincoln will continue to design fresh and innovative advertising that is hard-hitting and relevant. MadCrazyLove accomplishes just that and introduces our new Lincoln MKS in a fun, yet meaningful way.”

MadCrazyLove – The Movie

Sultry, soft sounds from the legendary Marvin Gaye, a dark, dusky evening, the smooth ride and distinct styling of the 2009 Lincoln MKS luxury sedan set the mood for the story.

MadCrazyLove takes the viewer on a romantic journey that at first glance appears to be centered on a couple’s first encounter. Moving through vibrant images at a cocktail party, cruising through the streets and scenic hills of Hollywood, stopping off for a bite at a local dive, the couple enjoys the simplicity of the evening and the amenities of the Lincoln MKS. As the couple’s evening together marches towards a final scene, the story takes a sudden and unexpected twist that viewers will have to see to enjoy.

Three partner 30-second and one 15-second television teaser spots provide a peek into the MadCrazyLove story, and further details the features of the new MKS, including the sophisticated technology, dynamic design and smooth driving experience.

The 30-second Something Warmer spot showcases the unique craftsmanship of the vehicle’s interior, its fine materials including genuine wood, metal and leather; the 30-second Dual-Moon highlights the dual-panel moonroof, SYNC in-car communication and the split grille design; the 30-second IP touts the next-generation voice-activated navigation and Sirius Travel Link™. The 15-second MadCrazy features the available 20-inch wheels and luxury touch technology.

MadCrazyLove was created by UniWorld Group Inc., the African American Agency of Record for Lincoln.

Ferrari California - new image gallery

Posted on 06.24.2008 14:25 by Simona Alina
Filed under: Ferrari | sports cars | Ferrari California

AutoBild had the chance to test the 2009 Ferrari California. And here it is the beauty they tested! Enjoy the picture gallery!

Set to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, the 2009 California is powered by a 4.3 liter V8 engine that delivers 460 hp at 7,500 rpm. It makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in less than 4 seconds and hits a top speed of 192 mph.

2009 Ferrari California

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