Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

This is the new 2012 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta - the most powerful road car ever to wear the prancing horse badge, thanks to a 545kW, 6.3-litre V12 engine.

Making its debut at next week's Geneva motor show, the front-engined, rear-drive two-seater has a striking aluminium body that mixes cues from the current 599 with a grille and headlight combination inspired by the FF.

It's more compact than its predecessor, at 4.62m long. That means it is 47mm shorter than before, as well as being 20mm narrower and 63mm lower. Thanks to an all-new aluminium spaceframe chassis, it also weighs 70kg less, tipping the scales at just 1525kg in dry trim.

Expertise gained from Formula One and the 599 XX has been applied to the body, too. The sweep running from the top of the wing is not just for show. Called the Aero Bridge, it channels air away from the bonnet to reduce drag.

In addition, the F12's Active Brake Cooling system uses flaps in the front wing edges which open at speed to cool the carbon-ceramic brake discs.

At the top of the rear wing is a vent. Although it hasn't been confirmed, it is thought that a fan is located in the rear wing, which draws air through the vent to the rear, creating an F1-style blown diffuser.

All these tweaks reduce the aero Cd drag coefficient to just 0.299, while the shape produces real downforce - 123kg at 200km/h, up 76 per cent on the 599 GTB.

Together with a lower overall weight and extra power, the F12 Berlinetta is enormously fast. As well as producing 545kW at 8500rpm - up 88kW on the 599 GTB - it has 690Nm of torque, an increase of 83Nm, which Ferrari claims is available from 2500rpm through to the 8700rpm redline.

Hooked up to a development of the seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox in the FF and California, with shortened ratios, the F12 Berlinetta does 0-100km/h in 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 340km/h. It can also accelerate from 0-200km/h in just 8.5 seconds.

With lower weight, better aerodynamics and stop-start, it's also more efficient than the old 599 GTB, claiming 15 litres/100km, up from 17.8 litres/100km, with CO2 emissions of 350g/km, down from 415g/km.

Standard equipment includes the latest evolution of Ferrari's magnetic damping system, along with an electronic differential. As a result of the lighter weight and increased power, Ferrari says the F12 Berlinetta can lap the Fiorano circuit in just one minute 23 seconds, making it faster than any other Ferrari road car.

The cabin is inspired by the FF. Ferrari says it incorporates all-new leather, plus new carbon fibre and aluminium air vents. Most of the car's controls are located on the steering wheel. It should be reasonably practical, too, with a hatchback tailgate and space behind the rear seats for luggage.

Ryno, One Wheel Bike!

RYNO Prototype II!

The motorized single-wheeler just might really have a relevant place in our future.  Ryno Motors' Prototype II is the latest of the bunch and, to its credit, looks decidedly less circus-inspired than other unicycles currently searching for funding.

Unicycle 80's and 2012!

Designed for short-range transport (similar to a Segway), the single-seat vehicle is electric-powered, with a small onboard battery feeding it juice for up to 30 miles on a 1.5-hour charge.  It features notably more aggressive styling, making it perfect for biker clowns and men who can't bear the idea of driving around on a vehicle.

The future is near!

Ryno Motors doesn't even have an official name for the bike yet (it's just Prototype II), so you can imagine just how far away this is from even nearing production.  Of all the unicycles we've seen, though, this appears to be one of the more serviceable designs, with its motorcycle-style looks, ultra-compact frame and decent specs.

Nice, i want one!

No word on what motor it's using, but Ryno claims it can hit a top speed of 25 mph, apart from making it up 30-degree inclines.  It weighs a light 125lbs, has a turning radius of 0 to 3 feet and a maximum load of 250lbs.  Like other motorized unicycle prototypes, it uses a self-adjusting mechanism that prevents the rider from executing moves that can compromise its balance.

Watch the VIDEO!

According to Ryno, riding controls are similar to motorcycles, eliminating the learning curve for anyone who can ride a motorized bike.  The company is currently seeking investors.

Truck + Boat = Amphitruck!

If you’re a fan of the movies, you’ve no doubt seen vehicles capable of operating on land and in water. Rugged and versatile, these amphibious automobiles make for a great choice when conducting search and rescue missions and military operations. Mostly relegated to use by the military and other government agencies, amphibious vehicles can now be availed of by the public. 

Gibbs Technologies, a Detroit-based company that produces aquatic vehicles, has launched two high-speed ‘amphitrucks’ called the Humdinga II and Phibian. The strange looking vehicles are guaranteed to make people notice with their retractable wheels and capabilities. They’re perfect for folks who love all things rugged and innovative and we’re sure that the two new trucks will be a hit among macho men.

The Phibian is built out of carbon fiber and can attain highway speeds when on land owing to twin turbo diesel engines. When it hits the water, dual jet drives are activated and the wheels are retracted. All this can be achieved with just the touch of a button, taking about ten seconds for it to turn into an amphibious vehicle. When in water, it can reach a speed of more than 30 mph.

The 4WD Phibian is pretty large having a capacity of holding 12 passengers and three crew members. While the amphitruck is intended for use in rescue and military missions, we’re hoping it can be bought for personal use too.

The 4WD Humdinga II, meanwhile, is smaller than the Phibian and is better suited for a rapid response role or light duty patrol in areas that are rugged and remote. It can hold five to seven passengers and when needed for cargo carrying, can manage 1,653 pounds of payload. It operates on a supercharged 350 hp V8 gas engine and like the Phibian, uses dual jet drives when needed in water.

The two vehicles can be customized according to requirement. For now, the company is considering factory-installed components for the Phibian like a rear radar arch, a canvas T-top over the cockpit with an extended canvas over the cargo area, a fully-enclosed stand-up cabin, tailgate and winch and US Coast Guard-required equipment that passengers can use.

C-1, Rolling Smart Phone

Introducing the C-1, the world's first gyroscopically stabilized rolling smart phone. This vehicle combines the efficiency and freedom of a motorcycle with the safety and convenience of a car. Offering the alternated to alternatives on an exciting and safe platform, the C-1 transforms your daily commute into something to look forward to.

Your C-1 Transportation Device

Creators are keeping very quiet about many of the details of our upcoming transportation device, but they will be releasing new images, videos and specifications shortly, so stay tuned.

As they are hard at work developing this concept for production, please be patient for the future. Expect to see the C-1 in our custom show-rooms by the end of 2014.

Rekindle the Excitement

Utilizing Scandinavian Design concepts, the exterior of the C-1 is both approachable and simple, enveloping the human in subtle curves, softened volumes and lots of glass.

The overall design foundation is based on its waist-line which wraps around the vehicle's circumference, and is grounded by the swooping rocker panel: hi-lighting its unique gyroscopic components.

Discs of light glow from the wheel hubs, illustrating the electric hub motors. With design key words: "subtle", "simple", and "human", the C-1 is as happy to be seen as it is to be touched.

Human Centered Design

The C-1 was designed with you in mind. Lit Motors' human-centered approach to design made sure that the experience of sitting in such a unique transportation device is both comfortable and spacious. Through numerous mock-ups and user studies, we were able to determine how much space people want and need.

There is even enough room in this device for a friend to ride in the back for short city excursions.

Due to its numerous layers of connectivity, you can think of the C-1 as a rolling smart phone. The device will employ H2V, H2C, V2I, and V2V connectivity. For example traffic, construction, and adverse weather conditions will be transmitted to the vehicle, thus informing both you and the C-1 about the situation and advising different routes.

How the C-1 Works

Utilizing electronically controlled gyroscopes located under the floor (putting out over 1,300 lb/ft of torque), the vehicle balances at a stop and stays upright in the event of a collision. In-wheel electric motors (40 kw) provide the power and regeneration, while hub steering keeps you pointed in the right direction. With a top speed of over 120 MPH and battery packs providing 200 miles per charge, the C-1 is perfect for commuters and city dwellers alike.

Peugeot 208 GTi

Peugeot has been saving the GTi badge for something special since the underwhelming 207 GTi was discontinued in the market in 2009.

Finally, the company reckons it has produced a car worthy of the badge in the shape of this 208 GTi Concept, which is set to be unveiled at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

There’s no doubt where the inspiration for the hot 208 has come from. The GTi badge is proudly displayed on the rear quarter panels – just as it was on the legendary 205 GTi hot hatch back in the eighties.

But the retrospective nods to one of Peugeot’s best-loved models end there. A very modern look, with beefy wheelarches, an aggressive front grille and a large rear spoiler is the order of the day. The grille looks like a chequered flag and there’s a pair of chrome exhaust pipes.

The 208 GTi’s engine has already been seen in the RCZ coupe. The 197bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol will be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. No performance figures have been released, but expect a 0-62mph time of less than seven seconds.

A special exhaust system gives this engine a burbling note in the RCZ, and a similar set-up will likely be seen in the GTi. Sharp and agile handling should also be expected, as the 208 weighs around 110kg less than the 207.

To improve the GTi’s cornering ability even further, the front and rear tracks have been widened by 36mm and the suspension will be specially modified. The larger-diameter brakes used on the 154bhp 208 1.6 THP model will also fitted to the GTi.

Peugeot has also worked hard to ensure the GTi Concept feels special from behind the wheel. The standard car’s small steering wheel is now trimmed in leather and incorporates a GTi badge plus contrasting red stitching.

The red theme continues in the dial surrounds, the dash inserts and the centre console. The dashboard itself is finished in Alcantara, while the black rooflining and aluminium pedals also add to the classy feel.

For the moment, Peugeot is still calling the 208 GTi a concept car, but we’ve already spotted prototype models being tested on the road. That means you can expect to see the hot 208 on sale by the end of this year.

Kia Track'ster

These are the latest pictures of the new Kia Track'ster – a hot hatch concept car that was the star of Kia's Chicago Motor Show stand.

The new three-door coupe points towards a dramatic addition to the Soul range, packing dramatic looks and a 247bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that drives all four wheels. Kia says the car is designed for use on the road and on racing tracks, hence its name.

The Track'ster features a distinctive white and orange paint scheme and a dramatic bodykit which makes the car around 13cm wider than the standard Soul. It includes Kia’s signature grille with an air intake trimmed in lightweight carbon fibre, sleek headlights with LEDs and a large lower grille flanked by immense LED driving lights.

The roof, complete with spoiler, is accentuated in contrasting orange. Carbon fibre side skirts are also coloured orange and incorporate rear-brake cooling ducts. 

Inside, the Track'ster carries on the aggressive styling theme with deeply bolstered orange suede-covered racing seats, mixed with grey leather for the rest of the cabin. Grey suede is used for the sport steering wheel and door panels, while the dashboard has large red turbine-style dials. A touchscreen controls the sat-nav, stereo and air-con systems. 

In the back, the rear seats have been replaced by a tray and space for a spare tyre. The idea was to make the tools and equipment necessary to keep the car performing in top condition easily accessible.

Kia says there are panels for stowing race helmets, suits and gloves. There is also a rear strut brace which incorporates a quick-release handle to allow for fast wheel changes.

Other highlights include 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 245/40 section Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tyres at the front and enormous 285/35 tyres at the rear.

Kia says the Track'ster has a 2.5cm longer wheelbase than the regular Soul – which helps to make it look even more sporty. Large 14-inch Brembo vented and cross-drilled disc brakes with six-piston calipers do the stopping at the front, while the rear discs measure 13.6-inches and have four-piston calipers.

The Track'ster has the show to match its go. Under the bonnet is a 247bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line-four cylinder which drives all four wheels through an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system and a six-speed manual gearbox with a short-throw shift. 

The concept also gets sports suspension. There are no official figures, but expect the Track'ster to do 0-60mph in under six seconds with a top speed of 145mph. 

Kia says that it has no intention to put the Track'ster into production, but insiders have hinted that with the drop-top Soul'ster likely to join the new Soul range, a three-door hot hatch won't be far behind.