The Fruit of Knowledge
Posts tagged center of gravity
Official: Subaru reveals more about BRZ Concept STI
Nov 16th
Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Subaru, Design/Style
As we’ve already reported, Subaru is showing up at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show today with its BRZ Concept STI. The Japanese automaker has already released new official images and information we thought we’d share before the car is unveiled live in Los Angeles later today.
The BRZ Concept STI looks plenty similar to the slinky Scion FR-S Concept we’ve already seen, though the Pleiades version packs more go-fast hardware than its Toyota brethren. Along with an STI-developed front fascia and splitter, the BRZ wears a carbon fiber roof to reduce weight and lower its center of gravity. A Subaru 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine sits under the hood, though no output figures have been offered as of yet. Subaru does say that the engine comes equipped with a direct-injection system borrowed from Toyota, so the BRZ Concept STI should be as efficient as it is powerful.
The vehicle sits a full 120 mm lower to the ground than anything else currently available in the Subaru stable, which should help the machine provide impressive handling should a production STI version ever make it to market. STI engineers rolled in a specially tuned suspension to that end, and Brembo brakes help bring the machine down from speed. Follow the jump for the full press release.
Continue reading Subaru reveals more about BRZ Concept STI
Subaru reveals more about BRZ Concept STI originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Prius C revealed among Toyota lineup for Tokyo Motor Show [w/video]
Nov 15th
We’ve heard the argument before: Why get a big hybrid when a small hatchback can, in real-world conditions, post similar fuel economy figures. And to them, Toyota answers with the new Prius C.
Smaller than the existing Prius, the Prius C will launch at the rapidly approaching Tokyo Motor Show and makes its U.S. debut shortly after at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The nimble Prius C is about the size of a Yaris but packs a hybrid drivetrain, coupling an as-yet undisclosed “high-output” electric motor with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine. Destined to be called the Aqua in the Japanese Domestic Market, the hybrid hatchback also boasts a low center of gravity for better handling and luggage space. Compared to the standard Prius, the lower weight and smaller, less powerful engine in the Prius c will result in better-than-Prius fuel economy. Toyota says it will achieve over 50 miles per gallon in the city, the highest city fuel economy for any non-plug-in vehicle.
Of course the Prius C isn’t the only debut Toyota has in store for Tokyo, as the production FT-86 – also boasting a low center of gravity thanks to a Subaru-sourced boxer engine mounted low in the frame – is set to bow at the Japanese expo as well. But Toyota isn’t stopping there. It also has three environmentally-friendly concepts in store as well.
The rather sleek FCV-R previews a hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle that’s targeted for a 2015 market launch. The FT-EV III previews the upcoming electric version of the iQ with a short-range battery-powered drivetrain. Finally Toyota is keeping its lips tightly sealed on the details of the Fun-Vii, a third concept car that hopefully has more to it than displaying flowers alongside its flank.
We’ll have to wait until the show opens to find out more, but for now you can follow the jump for the full press release from Toyota and scope out the high-resolution images for a closer look at what TMC has got in store.
Continue reading Prius C revealed among Toyota lineup for Tokyo Motor Show [w/video]
Prius C revealed among Toyota lineup for Tokyo Motor Show [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Official: Prius C revealed among Toyota lineup for Tokyo Motor Show [w/video]
Nov 15th
Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Toyota, Electric
We’ve heard the argument before: Why get a big hybrid when a small hatchback can, in real-world conditions, post similar fuel economy figures. And to them, Toyota answers with the new Prius C.
Smaller than the existing Prius, the Prius C will launch at the rapidly approaching Tokyo Motor Show and makes its U.S. debut shortly after at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The nimble Prius C is about the size of a Yaris but packs a hybrid drivetrain, coupling an as-yet undisclosed “high-output” electric motor with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine. Destined to be called the Aqua in the Japanese Domestic Market, the hybrid hatchback also boasts a low center of gravity for better handling and luggage space. Compared to the standard Prius, the lower weight and smaller, less powerful engine in the Prius c will result in better-than-Prius fuel economy. Toyota says it will achieve over 50 miles per gallon in the city, the highest city fuel economy for any non-plug-in vehicle.
Of course the Prius C isn’t the only debut Toyota has in store for Tokyo, as the production FT-86 – also boasting a low center of gravity thanks to a Subaru-sourced boxer engine mounted low in the frame – is set to bow at the Japanese expo as well. But Toyota isn’t stopping there. It also has three environmentally-friendly concepts in store as well.
The rather sleek FCV-R previews a hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle that’s targeted for a 2015 market launch. The FT-EV III previews the upcoming electric version of the iQ with a short-range battery-powered drivetrain. Finally Toyota is keeping its lips tightly sealed on the details of the Fun-Vii, a third concept car that hopefully has more to it than displaying flowers alongside its flank.
We’ll have to wait until the show opens to find out more, but for now you can follow the jump for the full press release from Toyota and scope out the high-resolution images for a closer look at what TMC has got in store.
Continue reading Prius C revealed among Toyota lineup for Tokyo Motor Show [w/video]
Prius C revealed among Toyota lineup for Tokyo Motor Show [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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2012 Fisker Karma featured on The Car Show
Oct 24th
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Fisker
Is the Fisker Karma the hybrid for automotive enthusiasts? That’s the question that The Car Show host Adam Carolla sets out to answer in a new three-plus-minute clip.
Carolla joins Fisker Automotive chief executive officer Henrik Fisker for the first-ever televised test drive of the 2012 Karma. As the clip comes to an end, Adam and his co-hosts, automotive journalist Dan Neil and TheSmokingTire.com founder Matt Farah, discuss the plug-in hybrid. Carolla even claims the Karma is without a doubt the “most exciting” vehicle to appear on The Car Show this season.
Were you aware that the Karma has the lowest center of gravity of any sedan in the world? You’ll discover similar tidbits of info by checking out the Fisker Karma’s television debut on The Car Show after the jump.
Continue reading 2012 Fisker Karma featured on The Car Show
2012 Fisker Karma featured on The Car Show originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Report: Tesla Model S Sport to rival BMW M5, 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds
Oct 3rd
Filed under: Technology, Hatchback, Tesla, Electric
A high-performance version of the zero-emissions Tesla Model S sedan will reportedly be available immediately from the vehicle’s launch in 2012, giving Tesla a rival to the ultimate of Ultimate Driving Machines: the BMW M5.
Tesla chief executive officer Elon Musk reportedly confirmed the Model S Sport launch alongside the unveiling of the near-production-ready electric sedan at an exclusive event for Model S reservation holders in Silicon Valley, CA.
According to Green Car Reports, Musk says the $80,000 high-performance version of the Model S will be offered with a battery pack sized at 85-kWh to give the sedan a 300-mile range. The Sport version will come equipped with enhancements that cut its 0 to 60-mph time from 5.5 to somewhere between 4.4 and 4.6 seconds.
Additionally, Musk confirmed the Model S will be offered with optional aerodynamic wheels, boosting range to 320 miles. Tesla’s CEO stated:
People were skeptical about whether we could build an electric car with a 300-mile range. And we’ve gone and made one with a 320-mile range.
Tesla has also promised to equip the Model S with seating for up to seven and by fitting the sedan with a battery pack that can be swapped out by Tesla at suitable sites along major freeways. All to please Wall Street Journal scribe Dan Neil.
In closing, Musk stated:
The goal with the Model S was to build the best car, not just the best electric vehicle. It can seat seven, has got two boots, a really low center of gravity; no-one thought any of this was possible. I’m proud of this car and it’s a revolution that I hope the rest of the industry will follow.
We like it, too. In our humble opinion, the Model S seems set to become the world’s most spectacular zero-emissions vehicle. We’ll know more when the car actually hits the road, but it sure looks good “on paper.”
Tesla Model S Sport to rival BMW M5, 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Tesla Model S Sport to rival BMW M5, 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds
Oct 3rd
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors
A high-performance version of the zero-emissions Tesla Model S sedan will reportedly be available immediately from the vehicle’s launch in 2012, giving Tesla a rival to the ultimate of Ultimate Driving Machines: the BMW M5.
Tesla chief executive officer Elon Musk reportedly confirmed the Model S Sport launch alongside the unveiling of the near-production-ready electric sedan at an exclusive event for Model S reservation holders in Silicon Valley, CA.
Musk says the $80,000 performance version of the Model S will be offered with a battery pack sized at 85-kWh to give the sedan a 300-mile range. The Sport version will come equipped with enhancements that cut its 0 to 60-mph time from 5.5 to somewhere between 4.4 and 4.6 seconds.
Additionally, Musk confirmed the Model S will be offered with optional aerodynamic wheels, boosting range to 320 miles. Tesla’s CEO stated:
People were skeptical about whether we could build an electric car with a 300-mile range. And we’ve gone and made one with a 320-mile range.
Tesla has also kept its promise by equipping the Model S with seating for up to seven and by fitting the sedan with a battery pack that can be swapped out by Tesla at suitable sites along major freeways. All to please Dan Neil.
In closing, Musk stated:
The goal with the Model S was to build the best car, not just the best electric vehicle. It can seat seven, has got two boots, a really low center of gravity; no-one thought any of this was possible. I’m proud of this car and it’s a revolution that I hope the rest of the industry will follow.
We like it, too. In our humble opinion, the Model S seems set to become the world’s most spectacular zero-emissions vehicle. We’ll know more when the car actually hits the road, but it sure looks good “on paper.”
Tesla Model S Sport to rival BMW M5, 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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New Boom Reshapes Oil World, Rocks North Dakota
Sep 25th
Breakthrough technology is allowing previously untapped oil to be drilled in the U.S., Canada and South America. And experts say that’s moving the global energy supply’s center of gravity away from the Middle East and toward the Americas. In a decade, they say, that could make the U.S. a bigger oil producer than Saudi Arabia. Small towns like Williston, ND, are reaping the benefits — and bearing the burdens — of the boom.
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Corsair Vengeance gaming keyboards, mice, and headsets hands-on (video)
Sep 16th
Hold on to your seats gaming enthusiasts, Corsair just unleashed an onslaught of Vengeance series peripherals aimed at helping you dominate that Call of Duty marathon… and we got our hands on all of ‘em. There’s a lot to cover, so we’ll get right to it. The K60 gamer keyboard boasts Cherry MX Red interchangeable keys for rapid fire, 20-key rollover, windows key lock and crazy fast reporting rate at 1000 reports per second. Its companion, the M60 mouse, implements an Avago 5670 DPI sensor, adjustable center of gravity, custom lift detection and high-mass scroll wheel. In addition to all that, this bad boy features a dedicated sniper button which allows you to hone in on your target that much faster. Read on for the full rundown on the goods.
Continue reading Corsair Vengeance gaming keyboards, mice, and headsets hands-on (video)
Corsair Vengeance gaming keyboards, mice, and headsets hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Frankfurt: Maserati Kubang is Italian for SUV
Sep 13th
Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, SUV, Maserati, Design/Style
“For some reason SUVs today never seem to offer the kind of uplifting driving pleasure and luxury atmosphere that are two givens of today’s high-end sports and luxury cars.”
So says Maserati, and though we’re quite certain rivals like Porsche, BMW and even Maserati’s own sister-brand, Jeep, would take offense to the claim, we feel inclined to point out that the very nature of the SUV – higher ground clearance, seating position and the subsequent higher center-of-gravity, to name just one – makes them less suitable for the kind of “driving pleasure” we’d generally associate with Maserati. But we digress.
What we have here is Maserati’s take on the premium sport utility vehicle, and the Italian automaker promises it heralds the coming of a new product line. Maserati claims that the Kubang’s “style, engine, suspensions, brakes, handling and performance will all be 100% Maserati in picture-perfect continuity with the brand’s core values of sportiness, style, elegance, luxury, performance and craftsmanship.”
We hope all that is true, and at least the powerplants sound enticing. According to the Italian company, a new generation of proprietary engines are being designed in Modena by Paolo Martinelli, who previously spent 30 years at Ferrari and its Scuderia factory racing team, and they’ll be built in Maranello by Ferrari. Expect that engine to be mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Keen fans of the brand may remember that this isn’t the first Kubang seen from Maserati. Way back in 2003 at the Detroit Auto Show, the Trident brand showed off an SUV in conceptual form that shared the same moniker. We think this one looks a fair bit better, though it’s still a somewhat oddly shaped little duckling.
Nothing else is yet known about the Kubang, but we’d expect it to borrow liberally from the Jeep parts bin, and there have been many indications that it will likely even roll down the Toledo, Ohio same assembly line as the Grand Cherokee. In any case, have a good look at the Kubang in all its somewhat funky glory in our high-res gallery of live images, and feel free to peruse the press release after the break.
Continue reading Maserati Kubang is Italian for SUV
Maserati Kubang is Italian for SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Video: Subaru Impreza plus BMW V10 engine equals awesome
Sep 7th
Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, BMW, Subaru
Subaru loves boxers. No, not the kind that beat each other into bloody pulps, we’re talking about the engine design, which places the cylinders directly across a horizontal plane, almost like they are swinging alternating punches away from the crankshaft – hence, the boxer name.
There are lots of good reasons to love the boxer engine – it allows for a decidedly low center of gravity and is inherently smooth due to its built-in balance – and Subie has certainly done much to advance the configuration since the days of the original Volkswagen Beetle (also boxer-powered). But what if you want your cylinders arranged in a V?
Well then, there’s always the ever-popular engine swap. While some would be content to drop in the tried-and-true Chevy V8, not everyone wants Bowtie power in their engine bays. At least one Subaru Impreza owner decided on nothing less than a BMW V10 ripped from under the hood of an M5.
Thankfully, we have video evidence that such a beating-heart transplant can pay big dividends. See for yourself in the video after the break, which was apparently shot just after the conversion was completed and before the engine had been fully tuned. Enjoy!
Continue reading Subaru Impreza plus BMW V10 engine equals awesome
Subaru Impreza plus BMW V10 engine equals awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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