Mercedes-Benz C111 - the Ciento Once Prototype

Mercedes-Benz C111 - the Ciento Once Prototype From 1970 to 2011 this car keeps coming back. Let's find out why.

The Old Becomes New Again

Mercedes Benz has had a number of performance and design prototypes. The 1970 C-111-ll, which first appeared at the Geneva Motor Show, was one of those prototype cars that was easy to fall in love with. The C-111-ll was equipped with a Wankel rotary-piston engine and a glass-fiber-reinforced body. The car was a show stopper.

Mercedes never put the C111-ll in production, but the company did solve some of the design issues associated with the rotary-piston principle. The Wankel rotary engine never could be an efficient fuel consuming engine due to combustion chamber issues inherent in the design. In 1976 Mercedes replaced the Wankel with a five cylinder turbocharged 190 horsepower diesel engine.

The 1979 version of the C-111-ll no longer had a diesel engine under the hood. A new gasoline 500 horsepower 4.5 litre V8 engine followed in its predecessor footsteps by reaching a speed of 251 mph. The body of this plastic skin beauty had a slim rocket-like appearance with two airfoils and massive spoilers.


The beauty and the performance of the C-111-ll prompted the San Antonio Benz tweaker GWA Tuning to breathe new life into this old formula. The recreation was appropriately named the Ciento Once, which is Spanish for one hundred eleven.


Careful Changes and Modern Updates Make the Ciento Once a Car for the 21st Century

Housed in a tubular space chassis the 408 horsepower Mercedes M120 V12 engine is a force to reckon with. The engine can be constantly admired through a glass on the rear deck. The mighty engine is married to a six speed Cima H type transaxle and a uniquely tuned exhaust.

The Ciento Once has a shorter wheelbase than the original 103 inches, but it still weighs around 1,400kg. The brakes are the same setup as the Mercedes S55. The upgraded suspension with coil-overs to adjust the height and ride make the Ciento Once a comfortable as well as fun ride.

The hand made all aluminum body has a electric operated rear adjustable wing that helps it grip the road. A front spoiler with a big intake and a rear diffuser make the Ciento Once an aerodynamic beauty.

The interior resembles the original, but has updates like carbon-fiber plaid-covered seats and instrumentation like the W120R MB. The brushed aluminum petals, illuminated door sills, and dashboard accents bring the interior together in 21st century style. The exterior is painted brilliant silver with black accents that match the interior, and the wheels are staggered GWA type A wheels; 19x9 front and 20x11 rears.

Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept

Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept

Thirty years ago an unpredictable petroleum market forced American car makers to move away from giant V8-powered sedans. Cadillac's answer to the gas crisis was the Cimarron, a Cavalier-based vehicle with little difference from the economy car aside from leather seats. The car was reviled by owners and press ending the brand’s foray into compacts.

Yet again we are faced with high gas prices, but if Cadillac's new Urban Luxury Concept and the competitor vehicles that prompted it are any indication of what we will have to drive we won't be making sacrifices in style or substance.


Smaller vehicles have always been a necessity in Europe prompting the development of high end small cars; a shift in North American priorities from size and horsepower to carbon footprint and fuel economy have created a space for these cars. The Audi A3 and Lexus HS are already on our shores while BMW and Mercedes have city cars in the works. Cadillac has thrown their hat in the ring with the premier of the Urban Luxury Concept at the L.A. Auto Show.

At 151 inches long it's slightly shorter than an Aveo5 hatchback, but it still packs in all the flash of their larger models. The car's tall narrow exterior carries the brand's "Art and Design" styling which makes this tall hatchback look less like an econocar and more like a set piece from "Tron." Two large Koenigsegg-like doors rotate outward and forward to give access to both the front and rear seats. While this design has been cited by both companies as a way to make entering and leaving the car easier in crowded streets, it is easy to have the front end wedge itself against a curb. Inside a combination of touch screens and projectors replace traditional interfaces to save space, but the plush interior remains.

Like every other concept car these days, this car is a hybrid. Details on the electric motor are sketchy, but gasoline power comes from a turbocharged 1.0l three cylinder engine. GM estimates the car's fuel economy at 56 mpg city and 65 mpg highway.

Will the Urban Luxury Concept be put into production? While the doors probably aren't feasible for production, it's likely that Cadillac will produce a similar car to compete both here and abroad. The engine has already been announced for use in GM's other small cars, so it would be no surprise to see it coupled to a hybrid system to bring it upmarket for Cadillac's customer base. The car would also be necessary for the brand to be competitive in European and Asian markets; this gives the ULC a strong business case.

Driving A Bargain

You could be driving a bargain. When you are buying a new car you can find out what the car you want to buy will be worth in two, three or even four years from now. Use this important information when you decide which type of car you want to purchase.


(NAPSI)—Some new-car buyers are getting a glimpse into the future—and not just at the high-tech capabilities of the vehicle.

In addition, they get a look at what that car will be worth when they’re done with it. After all, purchasing a new vehicle can be one of life’s big events. You want to know everything you can about the true value of your options, including the future trade-in value of the vehicle you’re considering.


How It Works

That’s where a new program that futureproofs the value of your new car comes in. The dealers provide a written guarantee that says exactly how much the car will be worth two, three or four years from date of purchase.

If you go back to the dealer at any time during months 24 through 48 of ownership, you can trade in your qualifying vehicle toward the purchase of a new one. The vehicle is assessed to determine the current market value, which is then compared to the guaranteed value. The higher of either the guaranteed value or the current market value, less any applicable mileage charges or damage costs, can be applied to the purchase of a new Hyundai. The guarantee, dealers say, is possible because Hyundai’s residual values are among the highest in the industry.

What Else You Get

In addition, all the company’s vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by a complimentary Assurance program, which includes a five-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new-vehicle warranty, a 10-year/ 100,000-mile power train warranty and five years of complimentary roadside assistance as well as the trade-in value guarantee.

Further Futures

Meanwhile, the company’s engineers and designers have a few more ideas in mind when it comes to forward-thinking technology. These include:

• A fuel-cell electric vehicle that doesn’t need heavy batteries, can go up to 400 miles between refueling and never needs to be recharged.

• Location sharing, which sends your vehicle location to your friends and followers on social networking sites so they can keep track of your urban adventures.

• A roof made of a translucent composite covered by a glass skin for a major weight savings.

• Composite body panels and an elastic front safety system that reduces the chance of pedestrian injury.

2012 Hyundai Veloster - 40 MPG Hatchback

2012 Hyundai Veloster - 40 MPG Hatchback introduced at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Find out what all the talk is about.

The recently unveiled 2012 Hyundai Veloster is a head-turner. With its sleek double-scooped front end and unusual three-door design, the passenger-friendly Veloster took the public’s interest for a joyride at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. The lightweight, sporty hatchback is Hyundai’s answer to the Honda CR-Z and the Mini Cooper. It is an affordable, good-looking and fuel-efficient car. According to ConsumerReports.org, driving impressions for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster are still under press embargo at this time, but at first glance, the Veloster is already taking the world for a spin.

Designed with today’s tech-savvy driver in mind, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster keeps drivers connected with its innovative Blue Link telematic system. Similar to OnStar, Blue Link gives directions with turn-by-turn commands, alerts drivers to maintenance scheduling and vehicle health reports, offers point-of-interest searches, remote locking and unlocking and start capabilities and allows drivers to use its hands-free texting system to keep in touch. It also features a vehicle slowdown component to assist police if the car is ever stolen. Blue Link’s inventive "geofencing" system alerts owners via text message if their car strays from a given radius or route. The Veloster also comes equipped with Pandora Internet radio, iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks and a 7-inch touch screen.


Both the exterior and interior of the 2012 Hyundai Veloster are modeled after high-performance sport bikes as illustrated by accents that include: dual centered chrome exhaust tips and blacked-out A-pillars that give the Veloster’s windows the look of a wraparound helmet shield. Alloy wheels and pedals add to the style, as do brushed metal accents that grace the center stack and controls. Other cool customizations are fog lights and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster also boasts more interior room than the Honda CR-Z and the Mini Cooper. With adequate head, shoulder and legroom, its backseat reportedly accommodates an average-sized, 5-ft. 10-inch person, challenging the hatchback’s reputation for cramped space. The Veloster’s unique three-door design features one door on the driver’s side and two doors on the passenger side for easier backseat accessibility than conventional coupes.

Hyundai claims that at an estimated 40 MPG, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster “gives drivers hybrid mileage without the hybrid premium,” and the 138-horsepower, 1.6 liter, direct-injection four-cylinder engine packs a pretty impressive punch. Add to that the novel six-speed dual clutch, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, power windows, door locks and heated windows, and anyone can see why this is one of the most anticipated cars in recent memory. Look for its release in July.

12 Ford Vertrek Concept

The 2012 Ford Vertrek Concept is going to replace the Ford Escape and Ford Kuga, offering a more compact design and sportier look that its predecessors. Ford is hoping to appeal to both American and European drivers with the Vertrek. The Vertrek was first launched in North America and has since been introduced overseas.

This concept vehicle is Ford’s answer to a more fuel efficient SUV that is also sleek and futuristic in design to please the next generation of SUV drivers.

The Vertrek’s aerodynamic design is practical, while still remaining visually appealing. The Vertrek can haul and carry large loads that SUV owners have come to expect, while simultaneously offering a sophisticated interior that gives the vehicle a high-class feel, unlike so many other SUVs.


The Vertrek is powered by a 1.6 liter EcoBoost four cylinder engine. This engine has produced 180 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque in other Ford vehicles, so Vertrek can be expected to perform with similar results. Ford’s EcoBoost engines combine superior performance with excellent fuel economy. By using the EcoBoost engine, vehicles can increase their fuel economy by up to 20% and simultaneously reduce their CO2 emissions by up to 15%.

EcoBoost increases overall fuel economy, but especially increases highway fuel economy. This allows Vertrek drivers to take road trips and use their SUV for large loads on a regular basis without having to put up with a gas-guzzler. With gas prices on the rise, a better fuel economy engine is a must for any SUV driver, giving the Ford Vertrek an advantage over its competitors.

The Vertrek has more trunk space than the Kuga it will be replacing, which should please drivers who complained that the Kuga’s trunk was too small. The Vertrek will offer 15% more cargo space behind the first row of seats and 20% more cargo space behind the second row of seats than the Kuga. This generous amount of cargo space is similar to the Ford Escape. The Vertrek concept also has numerous technological devices to help customers while they drive such as active park assist and BLIS (Blind Spot Information System).

2012 BMW 650i

Meet the 2012 BMW 650i. After several years of an overly familiar design philosophy, BMW has finally decided to update its exclusive 650i both cosmetically and mechanically for 2012.

Already available to most customers, though, is the just-released 2012 BMW 650i convertible. BMW is releasing the hardtop coupe---which debuted last year at the L.A. Auto Show---sometime this fall.

For 2012, the BMW 650i (in both convertible and coupe form) will boast a more elegant (yet not radically different) look, a better engine and drivetrain, a totally revamped interior, and many additional gadgets.


2012 BMW 650i Performance Specs

Replacing the previous car’s slower and less efficient 4.8L is BMW’s fantastic 400 horse, 450 lb-ft torque 4.4L, twin-turbo V8---which will be the powerplant offered in both iterations of the car. Additionally, customers can mate their super-sized engine to either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic (with manumatic-style paddle shifters, of course). The 650i, based on initial tests and with both transmissions, will sprint from zero to 60 in a blazingly fast 4.8 seconds.


BMW Styling

The designers at BMW took nothing for granted or left anything to chance when re-imagining the new body of the 650i. They made sure that the new car’s styling was very elegantly restrained, yet boasted subtle (and some not so subtle) hints of its sporting intentions.


Technology Galore

Engineers knew they had to significantly improve upon the old coupe’s pretty good (but not good enough for a $90,000+ car) technical features. And without a doubt, they gloriously succeeded. The 2012 650i comes equipped with luxuries such as Driving Dynamic Control (DDC) and ConnectedDrive. Working virtually in tandem, these systems consists of items such as a lane-departure warning system, blindspot-warning, electronic park assist, a backup camera, night vision, dynamic (intelligent) cruise control, and an HUD (Heads-Up Display Unit which projects common gauge functions into the window).

One’s left to wonder with all this excess, “is there a button to make it fly, too?”

A Cabin Fit for Royalty

…really tech-savvy royalty, that is. Gone is the somewhat uninspired, austere interior of the old 650; replacing it is one that’s very similar to the 5- and even 7-Series sedan. Nearly every surface is silky soft to the touch and every material worthy of a $90k car; the dash is very clearly meant to be driver-centric. The focal point, if you will, is the relatively massive 10.2” navigation screen that sits front-and-center atop the center console.

Conclusion

While the starting price of $93,000 is out of reach for most, the 2012 BMW 650i will---like the venerable M3 couple/convertible---serve as a powerful and elegant two-door icon for [mainly] the rich and famous.

The Mazda 2012 CX-5 Small Crossover

The Mazda 2012 CX-5 Small Crossover will make it's debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Like the Mazda Minagi from the Geneva Auto Show the CX-5 features the Skyactiv technology.

While most car companies are adding hybrid technology to their models to improve fuel economy, Mazda is taking a different tact with their SkyActiv program. First previewed by the Minagi crossover concept shown at the Geneva auto show this year, SkyActiv combines advanced engines and transmissions with lighter weight materials to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining performance and keeping costs low. The 2012 CX-5, set to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, will be a production version of the Minagi and the first production Mazda built under the SkyActiv plan.

The North American market will have one engine choice: a SKYACTIV-G 2.0l direct injection four cylinder with a lofty 14:1 compression ratio. Specifications for the engine haven't been released, but the new engine is expected to run on regular grade gasoline and provide a 15% boost to both fuel economy and power figures over the current two liter. Power figures should at least match the Europe-only SKYACTIV-D diesel engine’s 173 horsepower. High output versions of both engines will be available later on, although it isn't clear if they will be available in the CX-5.


The engine will be paired with the new SKYACTIV-Drive transmission, a traditional six speed automatic transmission that can lock up the torque converter in any gear. Mazda has only announced a front wheel drive version of the CX-5, although an all-wheel drive model may be added in the future. There is a small chance that the SKYACTIV-MT six speed manual transmission will also be available. Although it isn't expected to provide any major increase in fuel economy, it does weigh 16% less than the outgoing model.

Mazda continues the naming theme with the SKYACTIV-Body. This is a compromise between unibody frames and space frames, directly bonding the central frame with upper body structure and chassis components to create a single structure. Frame members are kept as straight as possible, while front impact crashes are designed to share force between each layer of the frame structure. Together, this reduces the total amount of material needed while maintaining rigidity and safety. Along with widespread use of high-strength steel, the total weight of the frame should be reduced by about 20% over comparable models.

What does this vehicle mean for Mazda? At the end of 2008, Mazda bought back most of the shares owned by Ford Motor Company, effectively ending a business relationship stretching back to the first sales of the Mazda-built Ford Courier back in 1971. Both the Mazda Tribute and its platform-mate, the Ford Escape, will end production in 2011, leaving the Mazda 2 and Ford Fiesta as the last vehicles co-developed by the two companies. While the Escape has been a major success for Ford, sales have remained sluggish for the Mazda.

The CX-5 will fill the Tribute's slot in the company's lineup. It will use the company's new "kodo" design language which will eventually used on all of the manufacturer's cars, giving it a better fit than its boxy predecessor. Fuel economy should be better than any current non-hybrid competitor, and undivided focus on Mazda's buyers means it should eschew SUV toughness for the driving dynamics the company has built its reputation on.

Production of the CX-5 is expected to start at the end of this year.

Bridging Infrastructure Needs And Funds

Bridging infrastructure needs and funds, find out just what is needed and how it can be funded. Our roads and bridges are an important part of our lives and our economy.

(NAPSI)—While allocating the funds needed to rebuild or replace deficient bridges is a significant challenge for the nation, discovering new ways to do more for America’s bridge infrastructure with fewer resources is the challenge—and an opportunity-for those who design, engineer and build bridges. That’s especially true considering that more than one in four bridges in America is structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.

“Bridges are first and foremost socioeconomic lifelines, vital to our economic health,” said Ted Zoli, national technical director for bridges at HNTB Corporation, an employee-owned infrastructure firm. “They bring people and goods together and if they fail, we fail. It’s necessary that we see bridges for what they are: a durable investment in our future.”


According to a recent survey by Kelton Research, a majority of Americans believe most U.S. bridges are in poor condition and nearly three-quarters think they are not inspected as often and thoroughly as they should be.

“It’s true much of the nation’s bridge infrastructure—built in the middle of the last century as public works projects or as state highways expanded and the Interstate Highway System was constructed—is reaching the end of its anticipated life,” Zoli said. “However, the vast majority of these structures remain sound and they undergo regular inspections to maintain safety.”

While Americans tend to underestimate the average lifespan of a bridge (36 years versus the actual 50 to 75 years), a majority agrees that most bridges are safe (65 percent). Concern, however, runs higher in rural areas, as 50 percent assume the bulk of the nation’s bridges are unsafe versus 33 percent in more populated areas. More rural Americans also worry that most bridges are in poor condition.

One of the biggest problems facing the nation’s bridges is how to pay for the repair and the replacement of deficient structures, as well as the routine inspection and maintenance of bridges. Traditional state and federal gas tax revenue is in steep decline due to the increased fuel efficiency of vehicles while departments of transportation are facing severe budget cuts. “We need to leverage new and improved ways of identifying and financing infrastructure, as well as to develop new strategies to design and deliver bridges more efficiently,” Zoli said.

Many Americans agree. Nearly half said in the future they would prefer to pay for the maintenance of existing bridges and construction of new ones through more tolls rather than higher sales taxes, higher gas taxes or higher property taxes.