Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept

Bypassing the Hybrid Tourer Concept's rear end that is remarkably similar in design to the Alfa Romeo Brera (...), Subaru's latest prototype model will be displayed to the public for the first time at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show in late October. The gullwing-door model features Subaru's first hybrid drivetrain that combines a 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline engine and the firm's trademark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with an electric motor at each axle and a high-performance lithium battery.

Power is primarily provided by the boxer engine that is linked to a new generation Lineatronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). According to Subaru, at start-up and extremely low speeds, the 20kW / 27HP rear electric motor can move the vehicle on its own while during acceleration, it kicks in to give an additional power boost to the gasoline engine.

Specifications


Length x Width x Height: 4,630 x 1,890 x 1,420mm

Engine type: 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline engine

Max output of Motor: 10kW (Front) / 20kW (Rear)

Transmission type: Lineartronic

Drive train: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with 2 motors assist

Battery type: Lithium-ion battery

Source: CarScoop.blogspot  Subaru Concepts

Lotus planning to take on Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati

Relying on the strong heritage of the past, Lotus plans on taking on Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati

New Lotus CEO Dany Bahar plans to build on the Hethel firm’s strong heritage to bring it back to successes enjoyed in the 1970s.

Bahar, who recently joined the firm from Ferrari, said the Lotus name had massive potential and its strengths lied in its iconic brand, its long history in car-racing and its reputation as a manufacturer of exciting, innovative and light sports cars.

“Lotus was mentioned in the same sentence as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati in the 1970s-1990s,” he told Malaysian reporters. “Then, it got closed into a corner. We believe it's the right time to bring Lotus back to where it was.

“Success is not to always think in one direction but about innovative technology and super efficiency.”

He added that he would be working on a new business plan to take Lotus back to the top alongside companies such as Ferrari within the next three to five years as a "top priority".

Source: Autocar [via autocar]

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione proves beauty is only skin deep

Imagine you're a male (Autoblog surveys say most of you are, so this shouldn't be hard). You've been invited to the Playboy Mansion for their annual Halloween party. You arrive, grab a flute of bubbly, get introduced to the crusty remains of Hugh Heffner and after a few minutes lay eyes on the most beautiful specimen of redheaded femininity the world has ever seen. You fight your knees from buckling, walk over and give it the ol' college try. Miraculously, you hit it off. She's entertaining, interesting and a joy to see and be seen with. One thing leads to another and you make your way upstairs into one of Heff's exotically appointed love dens.

You're ready to embark on one of the most pleasurable experiences of your life when... there's no spark. No connection. No chemistry. You use every trick in the book to make things work, but to no avail. Despite her arsenal of attributes, this exquisite example of sensuality just doesn't "do it" for you.

If you can understand that scenario, then you can understand our brief, uninspiring stint with the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.

The 8C has been around long enough that you already know what matters. It's stunning, perfectly proportioned and should only be available in one color: Competition Red. Beneath its achingly gorgeous carbon fiber exterior you'll find the same platform that underpins the Maserati Gran Turismo, along with a dry-sump 4.7-liter V8 hand assembled by Ferrari. A six-speed sequential gearbox channels the bent eight's 450 horsepower (at 7,000 RPM) and 354 pound-feet of torque (at 4,750 RPM) to a limited slip differential nestled between the rear wheels, delivering a claimed 0-60 MPH sprint of 4.2 seconds and a top speed over 180 MPH.

  Source: Autoblog, for more with images, Read on

Parmigiani Fleuier Honors Bugatti"s Past And Future With Unique Timepieces

You could call Parmigiani Fleurier the Bugatti of watchmakers and hardly be exaggerating. The pinnacle of time-craft, Parmigiani's timepieces are some of the most highly intricate, innovative and sought-after in the field. No wonder Bugatti chose the atelier to fabricate a unique wristwatch to accompany the Veyron. Now that the Veyron's production is drawing to an end and a new model is around the corner, Parmigiani has been back at work to both commemorate Bugatti's past and join it for the future.

Back in 2006, the Swiss watchmaker released the unique Type 370, a wristwatch whose movement was intricately designed to be placed sideways, with the face displaying to the driver's eye without requiring their hand to leave the wheel. Pointless, you might say, but the point is the craftsmanship, and Parmigiani pulled it off flawlessly. Only 200 were to be built specifically to accompany the Bugatti Veyron. And like the Veyron, its production run is now drawing to a close, but not before the last two examples have their chance to stand above the rest.

Parmigiani has crafted two unique examples in 18-karat rose gold and platinum 950, each hand etched by master engraver Philippe Bodenmann, taking a mind-blowing 300 hours to complete the task. Called the Centenaire like the special-edition Veyrons, the last Type 370s also feature calfskin straps furnished by Bugatti's partner Hermes and mark the company's 100th anniversary. But commemorating the past isn't all Parmigiani Fleurier has in store for its partnership with Bugatti.

Now that the Alsatian automaker is preparing for its next feat, Parmigiani is on board with a Tourbillon timepiece to accompany the 16C Galibier concept car, now tipped to have been approved for production. Fine watch connoisseurs know the tourbillon to be one of the most intricate watch mechanisms ever devised. Originally designed to combat the effects of gravity's pull on the mechanism of a pocket-watch, the entire mechanism rotates inside its case, and the gears within it. Parmigiani designed a tourbillon to dock into the dashboard of the Galibier, acting as the car's time display. But the timepiece can also be removed and worn as a pocket watch, attached to a wrist strap or docked into a stand to act as a desk clock.

Whatever production plans Bugatti has for the future, you can bet Parmigiani will be right on its heels. And with no less refined a level of design and craftsmanship, either. Photos in the galleries below.

Source: Autoblog parminigiani fleurier bugatti type 370 centenaire

GM Considering Project-Driveway Like Program For Volt

GM launched a program in the end of 2007 called Project Driveway.  This program allows ordinary people to have full-time use of Chevy Equinox fuel cell vehicles.  About 100 are in operation through the US, even through the vehicle isn’t in production.

According to vice chairman Bob Lutz, apparently GM is considering a similar program for early Chevy Volts.

“We might even do the same thing we did with the Chevrolet Equinox and have Project Driveway and have real Americans driving Volts where they use it as a daily car for a couple of months,” he said.

Lutz also told the reporter the demand for Volts is significant and indicated that over 50,000 people have registered on “websites” as being interested in the car.  Though the reporter did not specify the websites Lutz referred to, he admitted in an email after my request, “he did mention your site.”

The report also indicated that 10,000 Volts would be produced in year one, and 60,000 in year two, plans that have been often been published but never confirmed by GM. This numerical discrepancy has lead some authors to predict demand will far outweigh supply for the early Volts.  Recently, however, Dave Barthmuss from GM was quoted as saying GM would actually build “tens of thousands” of Volts in the first year.

Regardless of the potential for strong demand and limited supply, GM is building up to a Volt advertising blitz the likes of which we have never seen.

Once GM has a few hundred pre-production Volts on hand next year, they plan to “pull out the heavy artillery and get Volt buzz going with media and customer events,” said Lutz.

The marketing drive will begin to ratchet up starting at the LA Auto Show this December.

Can’t wait.

Source: GM-Volt (Autonews sub. req.)

Honda unleashes the goods on VFR 1200F

Honda has unleashed the goods on its new 2010 VFR 1200F, and it's pretty much what we've been expecting. Buried beneath the dual-pane bodywork and vacuum-molded cast aluminum chassis lies a 1,237 cc V4 engine that reportedly puts out 172 hp at 10,000 RPM and 95 lb-ft of torque at a high 8,750 RPM.

A 43-millimeter upside-down fork is fitted up front and adjustable for preload, while a single shock featuring Honda's Pro-Link system and equipped with 25 positions of preload is mounted out back. With a claimed weight of nearly 600 pounds, the new VFR is certainly no lightweight, and the highly anticipated dual-clutch gearbox and cylinder deactivation technologies appear to be additional-cost options.

 Source: Autoblog 2010 honda vfr

Two Diesels, Three Hybrids Up for Green Car of the Year

Green Car Journal has announced five finalists for the 2010 Green Car of the Year. Even though we are talking about electric cars almost daily there is no such car in the list. Why? There are plenty of concepts, but very few cars that are actually in production today.

2010 Green Car of the Year has 3 hybrids and two diesels in the list. Honda Insight, Mercury Milan Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Audi A3 TDI and Volkswagen Golf TDI.

Winner will be announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show, during press conference on December 3rd. In the jury are Jay Leno, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Carroll Shelby, Matt Petersen of Global Green USA and the Sierra Club’s Carl Pope, along with Green Car Journal editors.

Source:globalmotors.net 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, 2010 Green Car of the Year

Infiniti Confirms Production Of 2012 M35 Hybrid

Looks like Infiniti is getting more serious about taking on Lexus. Back in August we saw the M get "virtually revealed" at Pebble Beach. We've also been following the tale of the upcoming JDM-only new Nissan Fuga, a car which is virtually identical to Infiniti's M. Then of course Inside Line dropped the M-bomb when they published pics of both the M56 and M37x after their secret pre-production test drive. Meaning we know there's going to be a 400+ hp 5.6-liter V8 M56, a VQ engined M37 (with around 330 hp -- as much or more than the V8 in the outgoing M45 makes) and M37x (x = AWD). There's also a diesel M aimed at Europe. But today we learn there is another.

Specifically, there will be a M35 Hybrid. This will be the first hybrid Infiniti and it's aimed squarely at slow selling Lexus GS400h. Infiniti claims that the hybrid parts will "add to" and not "take away from" the driving experience. As such, there's a Nissan-developed single motor and a twin clutch hooked up to the same output shaft as the engine. This should result in an uninterrupted power flow to the transmission no matter which mode the hybrid system is in. There's also a "laminated" lithium-ion battery that not only stores twice as much power as nickel-metal hydride units, but cools more quickly because of the "lamination." Look for the M35 Hybrid to hit dealers around this time next year as a 2012 model, and a full reveal of the car later this month at the Tokyo Motor Show. And now, where's the new Q?

Source: Autoblog M35 Hybrid

Consumers Increasingly Shying Away From Small Cars

Trouble is brewing on the horizon for the U.S. automotive industry as it prepares for tougher fuel economy standards calling for the industry's fleet of new vehicles to average 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016.

The Obama administration announced the new standards Sept. 15 against the backdrop of plummeting sales for small fuel-efficient cars that already are on the market.

According to new sales figures, the "lower small car" or subcompact segment suffered a 15 percent drop in the sales year to date through last month, while the "upper small car" or compact car segment is off 28.5 percent. The small specialty car segment is off 15 percent.

By make, for example, Toyota Yaris sales are off 41 percent year to date, Honda Fit sales are off 8.2 percent, and Chevy Aveo sales are off 30.6 percent.

Used car buyers also are showing less interest in smaller cars. Kelley Blue Book officials say residual values for small cars have plummeted while they have gone up considerably for large cars and sport utility vehicles.

Adesa, a large wholesale auto auction company that conducts sales all over the country, reported that while pickup truck prices plummeted 17 percent in value from August 2007 to August 2008, they have risen 23 percent since then. Meanwhile, the auction house said, compact car prices went up by 17 percent from August 2007 to August 2008, but have fallen 15 percent since then.

In a study by AutoPacific, a California-based industry research firm, small car buyers were unhappy with their vehicles.

[Source: News Chief]

Ford To Kick Off U.S. Spec Fiesta At LA Auto Show Large Demand Expected

The highly successful Ford Fiesta Movement will end around the same time the 2009 LA Auto Show debut in December.  Since Ford began its Ford Fiesta Movement in May, 50,000 individuals have shown interest in the car, most have never driven a Ford product.  The Fiesta sales is only second to the high volume sales king in Europe, the VW Golf.

Press Release:

FORD’S NEW FIESTA TO DEBUT AT L.A. AUTO SHOW; FIESTA AGENTS BEGIN FINAL MONTH OF MISSIONS

- The car consumers can’t stop talking about, the 2011 Ford Fiesta, will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December

- Since its kickoff in May, the Fiesta Movement has resulted in more than 50,000 hand-raisers, 97 percent of whom currently do not drive a Ford

- Fiesta Movement agents embark on entertainment-themed adventures in October for their final month of missions

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 6, 2009 – Ford’s rollout of its next generation of small cars will hit an important milestone when the new Fiesta is revealed in December at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The reveal of the North American-based Ford Fiesta will also mark the culmination of the first phase of the Fiesta Movement.

Set to arrive in dealer showrooms next summer, the Fiesta already can claim more than 50,000 potential customers thanks to the Fiesta Movement.

“This is the perfect time to show the North American Fiesta,” said Sam De La Garza, Ford Fiestamarketing manager. “The Fiesta Movement will have wrapped up, and after hearing so much about this car leading up to the reveal, everyone will finally get to see what we are so excited about.”

Fiesta Movement October missions – entertainment

Fiesta Movement agents are entering their final month of missions, and October has them having a blast with missions planned around the theme of entertainment. With 100 missions to choose from, all agents are sure to find an adventure to suit their tastes.

October missions include:

- Visiting Turn10 Studio, Microsoft’s racing studio, to get a look behind closed doors at the making of the latest Forza race game featuring the 2011 Ford Fiesta. The agent will get to design his or her own Fiesta, then climb into a three-screen simulator complete with hydraulics to put the new game to the test.

- A behind-the-scenes glimpse into the production of a music video with Izza Kizza. The hip-hop artist is creating his music video for the song “They’re Everywhere,” and one lucky Fiesta agent will get to be right there, front and center, for the fun.

- Hanging out in the recording studio with Jukebox the Ghost. The indie pop group is recording its new album; a Fiesta agent will be checking out the band’s new tunes right along with them.

- Several missions for football fanatics, from checking out a Detroit Lions game with a former player, to watching a Philadelphia Eagles warm-up, to hanging out for the team’s game and meeting the broadcast group for the Eagles.

During each mission and after its completion, agents upload content to the Fiesta Movement Web site or the social media platform of their choice. Using www.fiestamovement.com, visitors can follow the ride by accessing the live feed feature to keep current on what the agents have to say about Fiesta and their missions.

Spreading the word

After kicking off the Fiesta Movement and embarking on their first missions in May, agents created a big impression in the social media world, including:

* More than 4.3 million video views on YouTube

* More than 540,000 photo views on Flickr

* More than 3 million impressions on Twitter

Fiesta sales success

Fiesta is continuing its sales momentum as Europe’s No. 2-selling car and Ford of Europe’s top-sellingvehicle, helping Ford’s share in Europe’s main 19 markets increase for the eighth consecutive month.

Nearly 340,000 Fiestas have been sold since the car was launched last autumn, with 21,800 delivered to customers in August. Fiesta was the best-selling foreign vehicle in August in both Italy and France.

In Europe, the Fiesta name has long been synonymous with outstanding drive quality, design and value. The all-new Ford Fiesta will bring its three-decade heritage to U.S. consumers in 2010.

Breaking: GM Sees Demand Out Stripping Supply With The Chevy Volt

General Motors has already said the Chevrolet Volt will be in short supply at launch. But that isn't stopping Bob Lutz from going out and talking about how popular the hybrid already is -- even though it hasn't gone on sale. Lutz told Automotive News that the promotional efforts GM has laid on thick are working. Once the car is further along in the production process, Lutz says GM will "pull out the heavy artillery and get Volt buzz" going, hinting that a short-term test drive/lease like Project Driveway is being considered. 

Over 50,000 people have signed up on the "want list" at GM-Volt.com, more than doubling since the Volt debuted. To keep up with projected demand, GM's Dave Barthmuss repeatedly told attendees at this weekend's Alt Car expo in Santa Monica that the automaker will build "tens of thousands" of Volt units in the first year. For comparison, Nissan has collected names of about 22,000 people interested in the all-electric Leaf in the two months since it was unveiled.

 [Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

Toyota FT-86 Concept brings back the Hachi-Roku

PRESS RELEASE

 FT-86 Concept (world premiere)

The FT-86 ("86" pronounced "hachi roku"), a compact rear-wheel-drive sports car, provides driving joy and excitement.

* Compact design gives driver greater control, while body's lightness and low center of gravity allow racecar-like handling

* Both power and environmental performance provided by 2-liter boxer engine and light body

* Flash Red body color contains hint of blue; interior expresses modern feel with minimal coverage of the highly refined structural components evoking enthusiasm for cruising

Vehicle Length Width Height Wheelbase Seating

FT-86 Concept 4,160 mm 1,760 mm 1,260 mm 2,570 mm 4

Source: Autoblog ToyotaFt-hsConcept

First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX offers figure over function

Acura calls its all-new ZDX "a provocative luxury four-door sports coupe," adding that it's a "passionate getaway" vehicle designed for "a couple, their belongings, and more." The proclamation is a twist on a pitch we've heard before, yet with an even narrower segment focus. While the marketplace has come to accept the stylishly squashed Mercedes-Benz CLS, Volkswagen CC and Jaguar XF into the non-sedan segment, this new niche – pioneered by the BMW X6 and accepted by consumers if only because the Bavarian delivers the goods – is still a substantial risk that could require a hard sell with pithy prose.

So to kick-off Acura's all-new non-SUV, the automaker invited us to Southern California to drive the latest addition to its growing family. Constructed on the familiar MDX platform and sharing its powertrain, the ZDX pushes the automaker's styling and innovation to the limit – it's certainly not bland or boring. However, is there enough substance under the style to win buyers in this newly targeted segment? What game-winning cards, if any, does Acura really hold with its latest "sports coupe" SUV? Follow the jump to find out.


 Source: Autopblog 2010 acura zdx

Ram Gets Own Brand, Ralph Giles To Run Dodge Cars

Ralph Giles, Chrysler's design lead responsible for various projects from the interior of the Dodge Viper to the highly successful Chrysler 300C , will run the Dodge car brand.   The new concept to have Ram as a brand is interesting none the lease, the obvious benefit will be having the truck brand under one roof.   Fiat has a lot up its sleeve and time will tell what they have in line for the future.  We hope the best for this endeavor. 

Chrysler Group LLC Announces New Appointments

Auburn Hills, Mich. , Oct 5, 2009 - Chrysler Group LLC today announces brand and commercial organization changes.

"The brand-focused strategy has been refined further with the unbundling of the Dodge Brand which now consists of the DodgeRAM Brand and the Dodge Car Brand organizations. This reorganization will allow us to protect and develop the unique nature of the product offerings within the Dodge Brand," Mr. Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer, Chrysler Group LLC said.

Fred Diaz Jr. is appointed President and CEO, Dodge RAM Brand with profit and loss responsibility for the Dodge RAM product portfolio. Mr. Diaz will also be the lead executive for the Sales organization in the United States. He was previously the Director of the Denver Business Center. Mr. Diaz has been with the Company since 1989 in positions of increasing responsibility. The Company will announce Mr. Diaz's replacement with a separate announcement.

Ralph Gilles is appointed President and CEO, Dodge Car Brand with profit and loss responsibility for the Dodge Car product portfolio. Mr. Gilles will continue to lead the Product Design organization of Chrysler Group which he joined in 1992.

Olivier Francois is appointed President and CEO, Chrysler Brand, with profit and loss responsibility for the Chrysler product portfolio. Mr. Francois joins the Company from Fiat Group Automobiles where he serves as head of the Lancia Brand, a position he retains. Mr. Francois will also be the lead executive for the Marketing organization with responsibility to coordinate worldwide marketing strategies, brand development and advertising for the Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Car and Dodge RAM brands. He will continue to lead these functions within Fiat Group Automobiles. Mr. Francois joined Fiat in 2005.

Michael Manley will continue as the President and CEO, Jeep Brand with profit and loss responsibility for the Jeep Brand product portfolio. Mr. Manley will also be the lead executive for the international activities of the Company outside of NAFTA and will be responsible for implementing the co-operation agreements for distribution of Chrysler Group products through Fiat's international distribution network. Mr. Manley has been with Chrysler since 1998.

Joseph Veltri joins the Management Team as Head of Product Planning. Mr. Veltri started with the Company in 1988. His career has included positions in product planning, marketing, business strategy, and finance. He served most recently as Product Planning Lead and Head of Truck/SUV Planning.

Peter Fong, head of the Chrysler Brand has resigned for personal reasons. Michael Accavitti, head of the Dodge Brand has resigned to pursue other interests.

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Mopar® and Global Electric Motors (GEM) brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler's culture of innovation – first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 – and Fiat's complementary technology – from a company whose heritage dates back to 1899.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Ram. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

BMW U.S. Chief: 2011 6-Series Is The “Best-Looking BMW In Years”

The "best-looking BMW in years" says U.S. chief

On the eve of the Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW North American chief Jim O’Donnell tells Automobile Magazine that the next 6-series coupe and convertible will be radically different from the current cars’ styling. “In my opinion,” says O’Donnell, “the next 6-series is the best-looking car that BMW has done in years. It’s really stunning.”

O’Donnell further states that the current 6-series is very “polarizing” due to it “really having a Bangle butt.” The new 6-series, which we’ll likely see in 1.5 years at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March 2011 is, on the other hand, “super sleek.” Designed under the direction of Chris Bangle’s successor, Adrian van Hooydonk, the next-generation 6-series will retain the general size of the current car but clearly will be considerably more svelte looking.

In other future-product news, O’Donnell confirmed that the new 5-series will be shown at the 2010 Geneva Show next March.

BMW U.S. Chief: 2011 6-Series Is The “Best-Looking BMW In Years”

Source: Automobile Magazine

Porsche Design completes the package with new scent, driving shoes

PRESS RELEASES:
Make a perfect entrance with an innovative sole concept
Top quality men's shoes from Porsche Design



Bietigheim-Bissingen. Porsche Design presents its new shoe collection for the Spring / Summer 2010 season. A total of four designs ensure a perfect entrance, ranging from classically formal to relaxed sports styles. One thing all models have in common is functional and timeless design, enhanced with a unique TPU sole concept. The shoes are manufactured in Italy in cooperation with Müller & Meirer Lederwarenfabrik GmbH.

When it comes to a perfectly matching outfit, shoes are at the top of the list. The new Porsche Design shoe collection consists of four different basic designs to offer the right model for every occasion and fashion type: whether elegant and sleek for everyday business with the "Milano" line shoes, or something light and sporty for the evening with the "Berlin" range. The exclusive choice of materials and extraordinary attention to detail, the new shoes seamlessly fit into the purist lines of the brand. In addition, a unified heel appearance and the characteristic Porsche Design Allen screws, also used in the luggage range, ensure a high level of
recognition.

Contrast of freshness and woody notes
Porsche Design launches "The Essence Intense"

Stuttgart/Paris. Porsche Design Group (Porsche Lizenz- und Handelsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG) is introducing its new fragrance "The Essence Intense". The perfume is a new orchestration - sensual and sophisticated - of the successful fragrance "The Essence". As a start it will go on sale from fall 2009 in Germany and the Middle East and will be on hand thereafter worldwide in Porsche Design Stores and via Clarins Group distribution channels. "The Essence Intense" is the second perfume of Porsche Design and will be available in 50 and 80 millilitre sprays.
"The Essence Intense" is a reinterpretation of the first fragrance, intensified by the richness of woody-amber harmonies. The tonic freshness characterizing the initial scent has been kept. In contrast, its aromatic and woody facets have been intensified with added notes, which affirm its personality and provide a longerlasting trail of scent.

With its combination of freshness and aromatic, woody facets "The Essence
Intense" is a perfume of contrasts. The fragrance gives a first impression of invigorating freshness, which is the common characteristic of the whole "The Essence" product range and is based on myrtle, juniper berry and bitter mandarin. Next, the fragrance opens to the intense and virile notes of Siberian pine and black pepper, which contrast with the spicy mildness of cinnamon from Ceylon. Finally, Haitian vetiver and amber give the creation its strength and a new sensuality.

The bottle of "The Essence" has been designed by the Porsche Design Studio. For the new fragrance it has been redone entirely in black. Its imposing black glass prism is matte, restrained and elegant. The satiny black, brushed-aluminum used for the frame provides an exciting contrast. Porsche Design thus remains true to its distinctive design vocabulary and once again puts its faith in the use of challenging materials. The shape of the bottle refers closely to its function. It has neither a lid nor an annoying bottle top.

Source: Porsche Design/Style

IBM Launches 500 Mile Range Battery Development Project

The Battery 500 Project recently held its kickoff meeting at IBM's Almaden Laboratory in San Jose, Calif., where leading scientists, engineers and other experts brainstormed about how to perfect the power source for all-electric automobiles. (See the video.)

As a part of IBM's 2-year-old Big Green Innovations program, the Battery 500 Project aims to boost the range of rechargeable batteries for all-electric cars from less than 100 miles today to as far as 500 miles. The consortium's efforts are being led by the Almaden Lab in collaboration with several U.S. universities and the Department of Energy's national labs.

"Batteries technology has improved, but is still far inferior to gasoline in terms of how much energy they hold," said Spike Narayan, a key IBM researcher. "The energy density—which is the amount of energy a lithium-ion battery stores per unit weight—is really not enough to produce a family-sized sedan with a 300- to 500-mile range.

"The Battery Project initiative grew from an internal "grand challenge" contest run late last year by IBM's Almaden Lab. The contest's winning entry was the lithium-air battery, the design for which the consortium will attempt to perfect by pooling the resources of about 40 engineers and scientists working on The Battery 500 Project. (Listen to a podcast about the project.)

IBM also plans to harness its supercomputers to create a simulation so accurate that it will be able to optimize the battery's design parameters, as well as experiment with different catalysts materials, without having to build expensive prototypes. IBM estimates that it will take two years to determine if the goals of The Battery 500 Project can be met with lithium-air battery technology.


Source (Smarter Technology)