Dptips :. Digital Photography Tips, Tricks, and Techniques http://www.dptips.com Digital Phography Tips, Tricks, Techniques, News, Community, Photos, Critique Mon, 30 May 2011 10:30:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=1.5.2 en Preview: BMW 650i coupe (F12) http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/16/preview-bmw-650i-coupe-f12.html http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/16/preview-bmw-650i-coupe-f12.html#comments Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0000 edit@cnet.com.au (Wayne Cunningham) http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/16/preview-bmw-650i-coupe-f12.html In brief

Ever since BMW relaunched its big coupe in 2003, fans of the brand had to cover their eyes when walking around the rear of the car. That's because the reborn 6-Series lacked the shark-like style of the original, produced from the late ‘70s all the way through to the ‘80s.

But the new generation 650i, just revealed in new photos from BMW, shows a car with a de-emphasised boot lip. And while it's not an exact return to the original style, it's much less offensive. With its gracefully sloping rear roofline, you can actually say that this car looks good.

BMW 6-Series coupeBMW 6-Series coupeBMW 6-Series coupeBMW 6-Series coupeBMW 6-Series coupeBMW 6-Series coupeBMW 6-Series coupeBMW 6-Series coupeBMW 6-Series coupeBMW 6-Series coupe

Click through for a complete look at the BMW 6-Series Coupe.
(Credit: BMW)

In addition to an iDrive entertainment and nav system, surround view parking assistance, head-up display and dynamic speed limit info, the cabin also gets an optional Bang & Olufsen audio system, the first time BMW has worked with the Danish audio brand. This system features 16 speakers and B&O's acoustic lens technology. Another high-tech first is the availability of adaptive LED headlights.

Given BMW's high-tech engineering, it should certainly be an impressive driver. Under the bonnet is a twin-turbo direct-injection 4.4-litre V8, a petrol engine that pumps out a frightening amount of torque - 600Nm at a mere 1750rpm. Power is rated at 300kW. A model (badged as the 640i) is also available with the company's 235kW/450Nm turbocharged 3-litre six-cylinder engine.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is likely to be the only transmission available in Australia, as the six-speed manual will likely prove uneconomic for our small market.

BMW's high-tech suspension includes automatic damping control, adjustable between Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings. Optional technology includes active roll control and BMW's active steering.

Via CNET



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]]> http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/16/preview-bmw-650i-coupe-f12.html/feed/ Geneva Motor Show 2011 concept cars http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/15/geneva-motor-show-2011-concept-cars.html http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/15/geneva-motor-show-2011-concept-cars.html#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2011 06:20:01 +0000 edit@cnet.com.au (Wayne Cunningham) http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/15/geneva-motor-show-2011-concept-cars.html From the wild and whacky to ones that could conceivably be bought in a few years time, we take a look at the concept cars on show at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.



(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Audi A3 concept Unlike the current A3, which has hatchback and convertible variants, Audi designed the A3 concept as a sedan, hinting at a future model fitting below the A4. This car showcases a variety of refined Audi technologies and styling. Notably, the one-piece grille is more prominent than ever and flanked by LED headlights. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Audi A3 concept At 4.4m long and weighing in at 1540kg, the A3 sedan is shorter than the Corolla or Jetta, but heavier. Audi's turbocharged direct-injection 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine has 300kW of power horsepower, with a zero to 100km/h time of 4.1 seconds. Even with that kind of power, fuel economy is rated at 9.1L/100km. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Audi A3 concept The engine is mated to a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which, like the current DSG, the driver can shift manually or automatically. Audi also fits the A3 (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Audi A3 concept The clean design of the interior represents a refinement of current Audi cabin tech. The full-colour LCD in the instrument cluster measures 8 inches diagonally, and is flanked by real speedo and tach gauges. The MMI knob on the console is topped by a touch pad, an innovation Audi says will soon find its way into production cars. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) BMW Vision ConnectedDrive BMW's roadster concept is really more about the electronics than traditional design or motive power. Vision ConnectedDrive integrates three driving modes, which BMW calls safety, infotainment and environment. Each state uses lighting effects to signal its presence. Orange signifies safety and is denoted here by the lighting effects in the bonnet, which direct the driver's attention to the road. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Blue lighting, denoting the infotainment state, encompasses driver and passenger, and emphasises the social aspect of driving. In this mode, the passenger is presented with what BMW calls an Emotional Browser on a screen, which highlights locations in the car's immediate vicinity. The passenger can choose a location and send its address to the driver's navigation screen. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) BMW Vision ConnectedDrive The third mode, environment, uses green lighting and not only shows the driver efficiency information, but also uses vehicle-to-vehicle communication to alert the driver to upcoming hazards or obstacles. For example, if there is a traffic jam ahead, that information shows up in the navigation system, which will find a route around it. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Although BMW de-emphasises the car aspect of this concept, it also serves as a possible future design direction for BMW's Z series of cars. The windshield flows into the bonnet, while humps behind the seats evoke classic racing cars. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Mini Rocketman Mini's new concept is somewhat whimsical, but also explores different ways of using the interior space of the compact car - one that's smaller than the current Mini Cooper. For example, it is configured as a three-seater, with an optional fourth seat to be used for short trips or children. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Mini Rocketman The concept gets its name from its door design, which resemble rocket fins. But this design is actually practical, allowing access to the cabin in narrow parking spaces, where a traditional hinged door cannot open as far. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Mini Rocketman The rear design looks at new ways of accessing the cargo area, most notably through the lower rear hatch opening like a drawer. The upper glass hatch swings up high, also creating easy access. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Nissan ESFlow Although Nissan's new electric sports car concept looks like a Z, it was built from the ground up for its electric powertrain. Lithium-ion batteries are located over the front axle, while two electric motors drive the rear wheels, contributing to even weight balance. The headlights actually conceal charging points. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Nissan ESFlow Nissan cites exciting performance figures for the ESFlow, such as a zero to 100km/h time of under five seconds. Meanwhile, range is quoted at 240km. The two rear motors can vector torque across the rear wheels, making for better cornering. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Nissan ESFlow Although a concept, the ESFlow uses principles Nissan developed in cars such as the 370Z, GT-R and the Leaf. With Nissan's know-how, it could put something similar into production, if there's a market for it. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Infiniti Etherea Infiniti's design brief for the Etherea concept was to come up with a compact luxury car appropriate for the Infiniti badge. The result is what Infiniti calls a cross between a sedan, coupe, hatchback and even a crossover. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Infiniti Etherea Although only about 4.2m long, Infiniti ensures easy access to all seats with carriage-style doors that open floor to ceiling. Also note the lack of a pillar between the front and rear passengers, letting the sides open wide. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Infiniti Etherea Infiniti specifies a hybrid power train for the Etherea based on that in the new M hybrid. For the smaller concept, a supercharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine generates about 180kW of power that's delivered to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. An electric motor can also drive the wheels, helping save petrol at low speeds and giving extra boost when needed. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Renault Captur The Captur continues a design theme that Renault began at last year's Paris Motor Show with its DeZir concept. This theme encompasses four stages of life, with the DeZir embodying the first, falling in love. Captur represents the second, two people exploring the world together. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Renault Captur The Captur is a crossover designed as a multi-use vehicle for a couple, able to carry luggage for road trips or serve as a commuter car. Renault specifies a twin-turbo 1.6-litre diesel engine producing 118kW of power, along with a dual-clutch transmission. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Renault R-Space R-Space represents the third stage of life, starting a family, according to Renault. We imagine the fourth car in this design theme will be coffin-shaped. The R-Space is a modern interpretation of a compact minivan. It uses Renault's 0.9-litre three-cylinder that manages to generate 82kW. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Renault R-Space The lack of a pillar between the front and rear doors makes for easy access through the wide-opening carriage doors. Renault designed the rear area for children, using 27 small, motorised cubes that can reform themselves into a variety of configurations, such as a table or a booster seat. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Cadillac ULC Although Cadillac previously showed its ULC, or Urban Luxury Concept, at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show, it is probably more appropriate for the European market, which appreciates smaller luxury cars. This small four-seater shows clear Cadillac styling and relies on a 1-litre three-cylinder engine to deliver 3.92L/100km. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Cadillac ULC The doors knife upwards, making parking in narrow spaces possible, but still creating a large access area to the cabin. Both driver and front passenger get individual access to infotainment functions. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Volkswagen Bulli For its Bulli concept, Volkswagen references its original the Type 2 from the 1950s - better known as the Kombi down under. But this concept is powered by an electric motor in front rather than a petrol engine in the rear. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Volkswagen Bulli With its 40kWh Lithium-ion battery pack, the Bulli has a range of 300km and can be charged up in one hour. The car seats six on bench seats that also fold down to maximise cargo-carrying ability. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Volkswagen Bulli Volkswagen integrated an iPad into the Bulli, complete with a mount, to handle all infotainment functions. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Giugiaro Tex Volkswagen recently acquired Italdesign Giugiaro, which promptly designed two concepts for the company. The first, Tex, shows an idea for future Volkswagen sports cars. Its hybrid system uses a combination of a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine and an 85kW electric motor. Tex can also hit 100km/h in about six seconds and also has an electric range of about 30km. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Giugiaro Go Italdesign's second concept for Volkswagen is the Go, a compact car designed to maximise interior space. Although just about 4 metres long, it has the interior capacity of a large SUV. Powered by an electric motor, it can go 240km on a single charge. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Smart ForSpeed Smart attempts to shed some of its utilitarian image with the ForSpeed concept. Starting from the basic two-seater ForTwo platform, Smart gives the body a more raked appearance and an open top. Roll bars are moulded into the bodywork behind each seat. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Smart ForSpeed Similar to the electric Smart currently being tested, the ForSpeed uses an electric powertrain. A 16kWh battery powers the 30kW motor that's housed in the rear compartment. The battery delivers a 135km range and can be recharged from zero to 80 per cent in 45 minutes using a 220V outlet. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Smart ForSpeed The cockpit mixes classic and futuristic touches. The steering wheel and shifter are wrapped in leather, but there is an iPhone dock in a pod placed in front of the passenger seat. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Toyota EV Prototype Toyota fitted an electric powertrain, provided by Tesla, into its iQ model as a prototype for a new electric vehicle. The iQ is a good choice because of its low weight and compact size, making it a good urban vehicle. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Toyota EV Prototype A 47kW motor sits up front, getting power from an 11kWh Lithium-ion battery pack under the floorboards of the car. Its performance numbers are not that impressive, taking 14 seconds to hit 100km/h and only having a range of about 105km. It takes four hours to charge from a 200V source. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Toyota EV Prototype This EV Prototype is likely to be one of many new research concepts coming out of the company's partnership with Tesla. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Rolls-Royce 102EX Rolls-Royce is not known for worrying about fuel economy, but with the 102EX, the company is trying out an electric powertrain in a full-fledged Phantom sedan. That's almost 2.7 tonnes of car with a length of around 5.8m. And Rolls-Royce does not plan on compromising luxury. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Rolls-Royce 102EX Rolls-Royce says the 102EX has the largest battery pack ever placed in a passenger car. This pack uses 96 Lithium-ion pouches and drives two electric motors at the rear wheels. The total power of this system is 290kW. That gives the 102EX a range of 200km and a zero to 100km/h time of around eight seconds. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Mazda Minagi Mazda's new concept showcases its Kodo design language in a small SUV. The vehicle looks near ready for production and could fit in as a CX-5, underneath the current CX-7 in its model line-up. The new design carries a prominent Mazda badge that protrudes from the grille. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Mazda Minagi Further signifying the Minagi's readiness for production is the use of Mazda's new line of SkyActiv technologies, the heart of which are modern petrol and diesel engines. The direct-injection SkyActiv-G petrol engine uses high compression to achieve increased torque and lower fuel consumption than Mazda's current engines. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Alfa Romeo 4C Alfa Romeo designs great-looking cars and the 4C concept is no exception. For this concept, Alfa Romeo wanted to provide all the performance of its 8C Competizione in a more economical package. With its turbocharged direct injection 1.75-litre four-cylinder, the 4C does just that, getting to 100km/h in under five seconds. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Alfa Romeo 4C A carbon fibre body keeps the car's weight low and a dual-clutch transmission makes for fast shifts. The best thing about the 4C is that Alfa Romeo plans on a production version for 2012. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Mitsubishi Global Small Car Mitsubishi designed the Global Small Car to show a single platform that could be exported to any country around the world. The company specifies a 1.2-litre engine for the car, but also says it can be adapted for an electric powertrain. Mitsubishi is currently gaining expertise in the electric vehicle market with its i MiEV. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Skoda Vision D The Vision D from Czech car maker Skoda is a preview of its next Octavia model. Clean body lines, a geometric roofline and a glass roof represent a distinct design direction for the brand. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Seat IBX Spanish automaker Seat, owned by Volkswagen, showed off this small SUV hybrid concept. Front-wheel drive, it can run under electric power for almost 50km. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Saab Phoenix Saab showed off the Phoenix concept as a design direction for the next 9-3 model. This is the first concept after the company was sold by GM to Spyker. It uses a hybrid powertrain and a design meant to evoke Saab's roots as an aircraft company. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Rinspeed Bamboo Rinspeed, a Swiss tuner company, always brings unique concepts to the Geneva show. This year's entrant, meant to look like a 1950s beach vehicle, is kind of dorky. Rinspeed says it would run on electric power, but does not include specs. The grille is actually an LCD panel that can show various messages and even the driver's Facebook status. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Rinspeed Bamboo The cloth tops on the front and back of the Bamboo are meant to come off and be used as beach towels. Red cases hold compact, folding bicycles. Via CNET

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]]> http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/15/geneva-motor-show-2011-concept-cars.html/feed/ Lamborghini Aventador, Ferarri FF first look http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/10/lamborghini-aventador-ferarri-ff-first-look.html http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/10/lamborghini-aventador-ferarri-ff-first-look.html#comments Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:58:01 +0000 edit@cnet.com.au (Wayne Cunningham) http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/10/lamborghini-aventador-ferarri-ff-first-look.html The two titans of the supercar scene unveiled new range-topping models. We were on hand at Geneva to check them out.



(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Crib notes Lamborghini's Murcielago has been due for a replacement for a while now. So, here it is, the all new Aventador. This new model shows cues from recent Lamborghini concept cars, such as the angular styling initially unleashed with the Reventon and although it's not a four-door, it shares the long, low look of the Estoque. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) High-speed interface Lamborghini gives the Aventador a thoroughly modern interior with an LCD instrument panel. Those familiar with Audi infotainment systems will instantly recognise the cabin tech interface, a hand-me-down from parent company Audi. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Choose your own adventure Like its predecessor, the Aventador has four-wheel drive, with the ceramic brakes visible here. The driver can choose among Strada, Sport and Corsa settings, changing the car's throttle, traction control and steering response at the push of a button. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Faster, cleaner Lamborghini says zero to 100km/h comes in at 2.9 seconds and top speed is 350km/h, but those are likely conservative numbers. Thanks to a lightweight chassis and modern engine, it gets 20 per cent better fuel economy than the outgoing Murcielago. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Work of art The engine and transmission are works of art in themselves, worthy of the separate display on the Lamborghini stand. This all-new 6.5-litre V12 produces 515kW of power and 690Nm of torque. The seven-speed sequential transmission promises shifts faster than any current road-going car. Check out more photos in our Aventador preview. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Executive class Ferrari has been very good lately about not letting models get stale, so it was definitely time to replace the 612 Scaglietti. As the family car in Ferrari's line-up, this model had four seats and an executive trimmed interior. The FF model replacing it has a radically different look. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Three-door wagon The FF fits the classic shooting brake style, although it could comfortably be called a hatchback. The roofline holds its height, leaving headroom for rear-seat passengers. The front-engine layout allows luggage room in back. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Four-wheel drive The FF enjoys the distinction of being the first four-wheel drive Ferrari. This unique system biases torque toward the rear, but can shift it to either front wheel independently, allowing for front axle torque vectoring. Ferrari also brags that the four-wheel-drive system weighs less than others on the market. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Executive speed An active suspension and ceramic brakes contribute to handling. According to Ferrari, 100km/h comes in 3.7 seconds and top speed is 335km/h. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Stop/start Ferrari engines are masterpieces of craftsmanship. This new direct injection 6.3-litre V12 pumps out 485kW of power with 683Nm of torque. This engine emits 25 per cent less CO2 than Ferrari's previous V12. It also uses a start/stop system, although we would miss the lovely rumble of the engine, even when waiting at a red light. Check out more photos in our FF preview. Via CNET

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]]> http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/10/lamborghini-aventador-ferarri-ff-first-look.html/feed/ Koenigsegg, Pagani, Spano supercars http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/03/koenigsegg-pagani-spano-supercars.html http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/03/koenigsegg-pagani-spano-supercars.html#comments Fri, 04 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0000 edit@cnet.com.au (Wayne Cunningham) http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/03/koenigsegg-pagani-spano-supercars.html The Ferrari FF, Aston Martin Virage and the Lamborghini Aventador weren't the only exotic cars on show. This trio may not be quite as polished, but it certainly has the bigger names beat for exclusivity.



(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Gimme my crown back! For a brief time, Koenigsegg held the record for the fastest production car with its CCX, until the Bugatti Veyron ripped the trophy away. Now Koenigsegg has another car, the Agera R, which brings 830kW to the contest. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Take that Koenigsegg fitted the Agera R with a twin supercharged 5-litre V8, which uses a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to rip through the gears, hitting 100km/h in 2.9 seconds. Koenigsegg did not mention a top speed at this time. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Scales of awesome With its carbon fibre body, the Agera R weighs 1420kg. Its aerodynamic gear adds 300kg of downforce to the weight at 250km/h. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Sccccraaaatch Ground clearance for the car is just under 10cm, so the body work will end up scraping a few ramps. Traction control includes five driver-selectable modes and none are likely to be labelled Comfort. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) The blue room The cockpit looks as exotic as the exterior. The big blue-lit circle of buttons on the stack looks like something from a concept car. Shifting is, of course, accomplished with the paddles. Koenigsegg has not announced a price for the Agera R. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Speel that name for me... Pagani's new Huayra, with over 522kW of power, may not be seeking a world-speed record, but it still hits over 370km/h. Pagani only boasts a zero to 100km/h time of under 3.5 seconds. And the Huayra looks almost refined compared to Pagani's previous supercar, the Zonda. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) On the scales But the Huayra shows some finesse. Its carbon fibre body keeps the weight down to 1350kg, split at 44 per cent front and 56 per cent rear. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Flappy The Huarya's most interesting feature, which should contribute to incredible cornering, is an active aerodynamic system. Four flaps change airflow depending on sensor input, adding downforce individually, as needed. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Engine and transmission The engine, a twin turbo 6-litre V12, comes from Mercedes-Benz's AMG division. It is mated to a seven-speed sequential transmission. Pagani did not use a dual-clutch system to keep the weight down, instead using a single clutch with a dual-plate. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Lap of luxury The cabin does not lack for luxury, featuring leather and machined metal switchgear. The centre LCD shows tabs for various infotainment functions, including stereo, phone and navigation. Pagani has announced a US$1.6 million price tag for the Huayra. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Spano GTA Spano has been developing the GTA supercar for some time, showing a concept back in 2007. Sales began late last year. The GTA hits 100km/h in 2.9 seconds but tops out at a mere 350km/h. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Practical The car shows some interesting design innovations that contribute more to practicality than speed. The bonnet of the car lifts up and back, uncovering cargo space. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Let's go! Likewise, the GTA has a luggage compartment behind the engine, shown here with four custom-designed bags fitting neatly into the space. Road trip, anyone? (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) More power The engine itself boasts 8.3 litres of displacement in a V10 configuration. It produces 580kW, but Spano claims an additional 45kW is gained when burning bio-ethanol. That engine is attached to a seven-speed sequential gearbox. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Big loser The GTA weighs in at only 1350kg, the mass kept down by its carbon fibre body. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Look away now The cabin of the GTA does not look as opulent as that in the Huayra or as futuristic as the Agera R's. Instead, it looks on the rough side, with plastic covers over the air vents and an aftermarket double-DIN navigation system embedded in the centre stack. It hardly seems to justify the car's US$832,000 price tag. Via CNET

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]]> http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/03/koenigsegg-pagani-spano-supercars.html/feed/ Saab IQon: Android-based entertainment, nav http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/03/saab-iqon-android-based-entertainment-nav.html http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/03/saab-iqon-android-based-entertainment-nav.html#comments Thu, 03 Mar 2011 07:15:01 +0000 edit@cnet.com.au (Wayne Cunningham) http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/03/saab-iqon-android-based-entertainment-nav.html On the inside of the Phoenix concept car Saab debuted its new Android-based touchscreen entertainment and navigation system.



(Credit: Saab) Turn it on The Android-based Saab IQon infotainment system fulfills audio, communication and navigation needs. On this screen it's showing the current outdoor temperature, today's forecast and telemetry information. (Credit: Saab) Appified Similar to Android-based smartphones and tablets, Saab's IQon lets users install new apps. Saab says it will evaluate all third-party apps before making them available to the public. (Credit: Saab) Coming soon Saab currently has a fleet of cars testing a beta of the IQon system, suggesting it will probably be ready for the new 9-3 model. Via CNET US

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]]> http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/03/saab-iqon-android-based-entertainment-nav.html/feed/ Saab Phoenix concept car http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/03/saab-phoenix-concept-car.html http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/03/saab-phoenix-concept-car.html#comments Thu, 03 Mar 2011 06:56:02 +0000 edit@cnet.com.au (Wayne Cunningham) http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/03/saab-phoenix-concept-car.html The appropriately named Phoenix is Saab's first concept after its fire sale by GM to Spyker.



(Credit: Saab) Rising from the ashes This concept serves as a design brief for the next 9-3 model and shows off not only a new design language, but innovative cabin and hybrid technologies. (Credit: Saab) Teardrop Saab describes the car as (Credit: Saab) Saab gives you wings Saab explores the idea of aggressively channeling air around the body with these wings attached to the sides of the vehicle. (Credit: Saab) Mixed aircraft, part I Various elements reaffirm the aircraft theme with a somewhat mixed message. The logo at the centre of the rear light cluster, a twin prop plane, is classic Saab. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Mixed aircraft, part II While the wheel design suggests a jet engine turbine. (Credit: Saab) Hybrid, part I A 25kW electric motor, one half of the concept's powertrain, sits between the rear wheels. (Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET) Hybrid, part II A clear cover in the bonnet shows off petrol engine, which is the other part of the hybrid drivetrain. (Credit: Saab) Hybrid, part III The petrol engine is a 147kW 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit that powers the front wheels. Via CNET US

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]]> http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/03/saab-phoenix-concept-car.html/feed/ Volkswagen New Bulli concept http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/01/volkswagen-new-bulli-concept.html http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/01/volkswagen-new-bulli-concept.html#comments Wed, 02 Mar 2011 04:17:01 +0000 edit@cnet.com.au (Wayne Cunningham) http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/01/volkswagen-new-bulli-concept.html Volkswagen is hoping to court a new generation of Earth-loving types with a modern, electric rendition of the famous Type 2 Microbus.



(Credit: Volkswagen) Name that car Volkswagen enthusiasts will welcome the sight of a plate-sized VW badge, made famous by its presence on the Type 2 van. In the US, this vehicle was colloquially dubbed the Microbus, while in Germany the car became popularly known as the Bulli, hence the name of the new concept. (Credit: Volkswagen) Electric hippie, part I Unlike the rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive Type 2, the New Bulli has a front-mounted electric motor and is, naturally, front-wheel drive. (Credit: Volkswagen) Electric hippie, part II Volkswagen claims impressive numbers for the drivetrain, such as the 300km range and a one-hour charging time. (Credit: Volkswagen) Of doors and windows The Bulli's doors are hinged, similar to those on the Type 2. Later Volkswagen Microbuses would get sliding side doors. One area where the Bulli does not compete with the Type 2 is quantity of windows, which numbered up to 23 in the original vehicle. (Credit: Volkswagen) Chill man The chrome dish alloy wheels evoke the look of the Type 2's hubcaps. The electric motor and 40kWh Lithium-ion battery give the Bulli 85kW of power and 270Nm of torque. It gets to 100km/h in a sedate 11.5 seconds. (Credit: Volkswagen) Mmm sandwich The Lithium-ion battery pack is sandwiched in the chassis, which keeps its centre of gravity low. Volkswagen says the platform could also accommodate one of its petrol or diesel engines. (Credit: Volkswagen) People or things? As the Bulli is not nearly as long or tall as the Type 2, its cargo space is smaller, but the rear seats can be folded flat to maximise space. (Credit: Volkswagen) Things The front bench also folds down in a two-thirds split, leaving the driver's seat up. (Credit: Volkswagen) Apple power Volkswagen ditches the excellent RNS510 system for an integrated iPad, complete with a mount, that handles all the entertainment and navigation functions. (Credit: Volkswagen) Bench warmer With its bench seats, the Bulli can carry up to six people. Via CNET

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]]> http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/01/volkswagen-new-bulli-concept.html/feed/ Alfa Romeo 4C Concept http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/01/alfa-romeo-4c-concept.html http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/01/alfa-romeo-4c-concept.html#comments Wed, 02 Mar 2011 01:19:01 +0000 edit@cnet.com.au (Wayne Cunningham) http://www.dptips.com/2011/03/01/alfa-romeo-4c-concept.html If this pretty mini-supercar ever makes it to production, it will give the Lotus Elise a good run around a track.

(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)</p> <p>Half size<br /> The compact 4C shows typical Alfa Romeo styling, with beautiful curves rising up from the hood of the car and continuing all the way to the rear. The 4C is Alfa Romeo's attempt at an efficient sports car, the model designation being half that of the 8C Competizione.
(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)</p> <p>Featherweight<br /> In concept form, the 4C shows very few body panel gaps, the whole front of the car is seemingly moulded as a single, solid piece. Alfa Romeo constructed the body out of carbon fibre, which helps keep overall weight down to 875kg.
(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)</p> <p>Italian Lotus<br /> At a little over 4 metres, the 4C is longer by about 20cm than the Lotus Elise. Both cars employ lightweight materials and use a mid-engine layout. With 60 per cent of its weight over the rear wheels, the 4C should handle well.
(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)</p> <p>Light the way<br /> Although a concept, these headlights are not inconceivable for a production car. The main light is a typical xenon bulb, while surrounding LEDs projected through translucent plastics are not far off from current LED running lights.
(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)</p> <p>Hideaway<br /> Alfa Romeo hides the door latches in the air intakes, minimising disruption to airflow and aesthetics. The intakes feed air to the engine's turbocharger.
(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)</p> <p>Unified<br /> The side mirrors show carbon fibre trim and a strip with the colours of the Italian flag. We presume that the 150 celebrates the 150th anniversary of Italy's unification.
(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)</p> <p>Branded<br /> Side indicators on the front fenders feature the words
(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)</p> <p>Suspended animation<br /> The front of the 4C features a quadrilateral suspension, while the rear uses MacPherson struts.
(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)</p> <p>Più veloce!<br /> A turbocharged 1.75-litre direct-injection four-cylinder produces 150kW of power, which is sent to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch transmission. Alfa claims a zero to 100km/h time of under five seconds and a top speed of over 250km/h.
(Credit: Wayne Cunningham/CNET)</p> <p>Ciao!<br /> Supercar-style, the engine is visible under the rear glass. The engine box does not look well insulated from the cabin, so expect some loud Italian chatter.</p> <p>Via CNET

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