Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe...

In connection with my previous post, I'd like to share the pictures of the other cars on display in the 2008 Paris Auto Show. I know these photos are readily available on the net. But I'd like to keep copies of them in my blog... I guess you could say this blog is not merely a scribbling page, but also a collection of some sort -- things that I find interesting. So, enjoy! And take your pick! Let me know what you like best! :)

Click on the image to enlarge. :)

Photos by John Lamm
Source: http://autos.yahoo.com
Arranged by: Me. :)

I Love This Car!

*Sigh* Will I ever get to drive and own this car... The 2009 Ferrari California. This photo was taken at the 2008 Paris Auto Show.

A lot of new models from different reputable car manufacturers were made for the Show, but I liked this best, for a lot of reasons I don't even know where to begin. It was love at first sight. =) Watch me, I'm asking Santa for one on Christmas. haha JK! :)

Mike Monticello said, "the photos don't do this car justice, the Ferrari California looks absolutely stunning in person."



It has a fully retractable hardtop, with dual-clutch transmission. It's the first-ever production Ferrari with a front-mounted V-8. It is packed with the latest and greatest from the engineers in Maranello.

Ferrari says the California "is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever."

Features:

• can be ordered in a 2+2 configuration — children seating only — or for more storage space for weekend outings
• top is slick in its operation, and only takes 14 seconds to go from open to fully closed
• 4.3-liter direct-injected flat-crank V-8 produces 460 bhp
• Ferrari's first dual-clutch gearbox with not six speeds, as on every other recent Ferrari, but seven forward gears
• Ferrari claims the California will be able to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 4 seconds.
• steering wheel-mounted F1-style paddles
  
• new suspension system (double wishbones at the front and multilink at the rear)
• new evolved F1-Trac traction control system and Brembo brakes with CCM (carbon ceramic material) discs as standard (this latter feature is shared by the other models in the current range)
• new aluminium-trimmed centre console
• Ferrari California's chassis and bodyshell are both made entirely from aluminium
• has an ejectable roll-bar to ensure that its occupants are protected should the car overturn - Ejection time is under 190ms
• front retractable airbags (driver and passenger sides), side retractable air bags in door panels, bi-xenon headlights and LED rear lights
• panel with analogue instruments (tachometer and rev counter) and four-screen TFT Multidisplay
• new infotainment system with 6.5'' touchscreen, Sat Nav, USB connection, Bluetooth, hard disc, voice commands and IPOD connector

FERRARI CALIFORNIA TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
  • Length: 4563 mm
  • Width: 1902 mm
  • Height: 1308 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2670 mm
  • Front track: 1630 mm
  • Rear track: 1605 mm
  • Dry weight: 1630 kg
  • Kerb weight: 1735 kg
  • Weight distribution: 47% Front - 53% Rear
  • Fuel tank capacity: 78 l
  • Boot capacity: 340 l, 240 l (with roof retracted)
• TYRES
  • Front: 245/40 ZR19"
  • Rear: 285/40 ZR19"
  • Front (optional): 245/35 ZR20"
  • Rear (optional): 285/35 ZR20""
• CARBON-CERAMIC BRAKES
  • Front: 390 x 34 mm
  • Rear: 360 x 32 mm
• ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
  • CST with F1-TRAC Stability and Traction Control System
  • TPTMS Tyre Pressure and Temperature Monitoring System
• ENGINE
  • 90° V8 Direct Injection
  • Bore and stroke: 94 x 77.37 cc
  • Overall displacement: 4297 cc
  • Compression ratio: 12.2:1
  • Maximum power output: 338 kW (460 CV) @ 7750 rpm
  • Maximum torque: 485 Nm (49 kgm) @ 5000 rpm
• PERFORMANCE
  • Maximum speed: 310 km/h
  • 0-100 km/h: under 4.0 sec
  • 0-400 m: 12.2 sec
  • 0-1.000 m: 22.1 sec
• GEARBOX
  • F1, dual-clutch, 7-speed plus reverse
  • Manual 6-speed + REV
• SUSPENSION
  • Front: Double wishbone
  • Rear: Multilink
• FUEL CONSUMPTION
  • ECE Combined: 13.1 l/100 km
• CO2 EMISSIONS
  • ECE Combined: 305.6 g/km

The Ferrari California is available in a choice of 16 different pastel and metallic colours, and it's priced in the range of the F430. According to rsportscars.com, it's base price is rumored to be just under $200,000. It's veeerrry expensive for me. I wish I'll win the lottery or something. hehe

Top & Bottom Photo by John Lamm
References: http://autos.yahoo.com/ and http://www.netcarshow.com/
Photo Gallery by www.netcarshow.com
Official Website: www.ferraricalifornia.com

The Vehicle of the Future?

Meet the Aptera Typ-1 model - a vehicle designed for economy and efficiency. At first look, it could easily be mistaken for a miniature airplane or an alien spacecraft - but nope, it doesn't fly. And it isn't a car, either. Due to it's built (it's 3-wheeled) and it's weight, it is registered as a motorcycle - but this time, there's no need for a helmet. ;)

It might look tiny, but it can comfortably accomodate someone as tall as 6'5"! It has a "two-plus-one" capacity - driver, front passenger, and an infant seat (newborn to age 3) in the middle behind the front seating. The manufacturer claims there is enough storage space to fit 15 bags of groceries, two full-size golf club bags or even a couple of seven foot surf boards. Hmm.. but what if a family has 4 or more members... Do they need to buy two? The maker said future plans may include 4-seat models.

More features and specs:

• The Aptera's composite safety cage is similar to Formula-1 cars - "Eyes Forward" vision system with 180 degree rear sight picture displayed in the driver's field of view to enhance situational awareness
• Stability: It features traction control, a low center of gravity and a wide track width which makes for a very stable platform
• Driver and passenger Airbags
• Skin: Monocoque construction or structural skin provides 360 degree protection for the occupants. Monocoque construction was first widely used in the aircraft industry, starting in the 1930's. - so that's why it looks like an airplane...
• Speed: Top speed for the production model exceeds 85 mph, going from 0-60 in under 10 seconds.
• GPS navigation, CD/MP3/DVD player, Large View Rear Camera, and complete vehicle diagnostic system
• Charging time: Typical time would be 2 to 4 hours.
• LED interior and exterior lighting for maximum energy efficiency
• Solar assisted Climate Control System so you always enter a comfortable Aptera that is never too hot or cold
• Color: White - for keeping your Aptera cool in the summer and it makes the vehicle very identifiable at night which is an added safety feature, but, different colors might be produced in the future
• Gasoline engine
• Cup holders
• The windows can be opened.

With just a small deposit of $500, you can already reserve for one. Their goal is to begin production of the all-electric late this year and the hybrid in late 2009.The approximate price for the all electric version is $27,000 and the plug-in hybrid is $30,000. But initially, this is only made available in California, as they have not set up maintenance centers in other states yet, nor in any other countries.

Oh, and in case your wondering what happens when an 18-wheeler truck passes the Aptera? The manufacturer stated the aerodynamic shape allows air to slip seamlessly over the vehicle body, such that there is no effect when a large vehicle passes by. The thought of it is scary, though... It could get squashed if the truck driver can't see it from high up in his seat.

Read more about the Aptera and it's first traffic-stopping drive in NYC at the Popular Mechanics blog - October 15, 2008 entry.