Latest articles on Transportation by The Cool Hunter - for more checkout www.thecoolhunter.net http://www.thecoolhunter.net Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:49:21 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.thecoolhunter.net/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.thecoolhunter.net Latest articles on Transportation by The Cool Hunter - for more checkout www.thecoolhunter.net http://www.thecoolhunter.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1352&Itemid=45 It took a while, but it finally happened – an environmentally friendly car is being released that does not in any way resemble a small fridge and is actually quite cool. Yes, this stunning looker is going to turn some heads. Austin-based automotive design and manufacturing company Ronn Motor's (http://www.ronnmotors.com/cms) has built the Scorpion; a hydrogen fuel injected hybrid.The vehicle utilizes new 'hydrogen on demand' technology, which, simply put, generates water from the inbuilt tank, turns it into hydrogen and then injects this into the car's system. Not only does this approach allow fuel mileage to increase by between 20 to 40%, it also reduces carbon emissions to nearly zero. Couple this with its exclusive styling, and the Scorpion is sure to be a strong contender in the exotic performance car segment. The Scorpion is out early 2009 and can be yours for a tidy $150,000. Go on, do it for the planet. - Brendan McKnight Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:48:24 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1297&Itemid=45 The MINI Chateau, based on the MINI Clubman S, made its world debut at the recent Top Marques show in Monaco. It will be limited to just 12 units and radiates exclusivity and luxury with its wood trims and a miniature, shock-absorbent wine cellar (room for 6 bottles and chalices) in the trunk.The MINI Chateau is painted in changeable pearly brown, matched with sandy/gold metallic paint for the roof, bumpers and some details. But what really stands out, is the use of precious wood, both on the inside and outside of the car. Inside Aznom fitted the upholstery with gaucho leather and Alcantara to create a warm, vintage atmosphere.The car rides on 18-inch TSW 'Pace' alloy wheels wrapped in 205/40 Yokohama S-Drive rubber. The Mini Chateau’s 12 limited-edition exclusive samples will each display a numbered label with the name of the lucky owner. By Tuija Seipell. Fri, 09 May 2008 18:36:47 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1288&Itemid=45 Most of us know when we see an ‘M’ on the back of the BMW passing us on the freeway, there’s virtually no way we’re going to catch up. The ‘M’ division BMW has recently revealed its latest concept – a tribute to their first mid-engine supercar originally manufactured by collaborative efforts of BMW and Lamborghini thirty years ago – the M1. In the world of supercars, the M1 certainly looks like it will hold its own – an effortless blend of retro cool with revolutionary elegance. The new Liquid Orange M1 may only be a concept right now, but just know if you see those beady headlights quickly approaching from your rear view mirror, move out of the fast lane – you’re about to be overtaken! By Andrew J Wiener Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:57:54 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1263&Itemid=45 The annual Detroit Auto Show serves as a platform for American automobile manufacturers, specifically, to flex their muscles, so-to-speak – and this year the Chrysler Corporation did just that. Dodge unveiled three models of the Challenger that will be available in 2009: the SE (3.5 liter V6, 250 hp), the R/T (5.7 liter HEMI V8, 370 hp) and the SRT8 (6.1 liter HEMI V8, 425 hp).Originally hitting the streets in 1970 at the dawning of a new generation of design in automobile manufacturing, the Challenger was one of the original American muscle cars (along with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro). Power and steel were king, performance ruled over aesthetics and the auto industry in Detroit was about to enter its glory days.Now, almost 40 years later, the auto industry, especially in Detroit is facing more than a handful of obstacles – including attempting to recover from an arguably failed race to build the largest gas-guzzling trucks on the market. Compact and fuel-efficient has been all the latest rage – but what about performance? Based on the model chosen, Dodge almost guarantees blood-pumping sensation. The SE model doesn’t come with racing stripes and spoilers like its two bigger brothers, and the less sporty version only has a single exhaust pipe in the rear, rather than duel pipes on the more powerful models.Dodge believes a retro-styled coupe can deliver exactly what auto enthusiasts are seeking in the three Challenger models: a varying array of performance options and features including voice-activated MyGIG Multimedia and UConnect systems, Remote Start with Keyless Go and five-speed manual models get the Hill Start Assist. Time to kick up some dirt – driving’s about to get messy again! Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:35:27 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1257&Itemid=45 We've often wondered how certain high-end brands manage to maintain their global exclusivity especially as the number of millionaires and billionaires continues to skyrocket. Drive down prominent streets in Beverly Hills, Dubai, London and you're certain to pass more than a handful designer Italian and German sportscars. Chances are the valet at your local Ritz Carlton will have sat behind the steering wheel of cars totaling more money than most of us could only dream of making in a lifetime. Thankfully the expert minds at Ferrari have devised a plan nearly guaranteeing you'll have a difficult time parallel parking between the same Ferraris your neighbors are driving around town. Ferrari customers are undoubtedly accustomed to getting what they want out of their cars, but now the ability to add personalization has become paramount - and here's all you need to know:Book a trip to the Ferrari factory (http://www.ferrariworld.com/FWorld/fw/index.jsp) in Maranello, Italy where you will meet with a consultant in a specially dedicated atelier area. Rivaling a personal fitting by Valentino for the Oscars, your consultant will welcome you to the new One-To-One Personalization Program where you will design your own Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, accessory by accessory, detail by detail. The front-engined rear-wheel drive flagship Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is the only two-door four-seater in the line. The 612 is available with Ferrari's SuperFast gearbox that allows a driver to shift the paddle shifters located on the steering column in an astonishing 100 milliseconds. While shifting away, the V12 is capable of reaching top speed of 200 mph. The new model comes complete with an electrochromic panoramic roof that covers the length of the top of the cabin. With a turn of a knob, the entire ceiling changes from opaque to translucent, instantly adjusting the level of sunlight that may penetrate the interior. OK, so we’ll admit that Ferraris are not quite as common as we make them sound, but we’re also sure it’s refreshing for some of you to know that with the assistance of a personal design consultant, you can soon be cruising the streets in a truly unique Ferrari. By Andrew J Wiener Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:13:40 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1250&Itemid=45 We're back to tell you about another missed opportunity to add another supercar to your fleet. Bugatti has built the Veyron 16.4 'Pur Sang,' or 'pure blood.' The Veyron, a special addition version, is one of the world's fastest cars ever made with a top speed of over 250 mph. Again, all five models have been pre-purchased for approximately $2 million each. Bugatti has been off the radar for quite some time, but with the introduction of the 'Pur Sang' clad in a revealing paintless carbon and aluminum structure, the Volkswagen-owned manufacturer has clearly repositioned itself among the world's most exclusive and exceptionally engineered automobiles. By Andrew J Wiener Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:21:05 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1231&Itemid=45 One of our favorite auto magazines, the ever-stylish Intersection (http://www.intersectionmagazine.com/carcovers/) (think of it as I-D for car buffs), has always made its mission tomix man and machine, art and design and all things culture into itsview of the automotive world. Its latest project is no exception. In an aim to portray cars as more of a reflection of thehuman race then simply a way to get from A to B, Intersection asked 6different fashion designers from 6 different cities to create acar cover that represents their individual fashion styles.The designers were chosen for their conceptual yet sensual, wittyapproach and because they each represent the city they're basedin. From the real-size print by Parisian Martin Margiela tothe mammoth box of Sydney's Ksubi, each piece offers a perspective trueto the designer's style and method, while also portraying an aspect of the car's personality.The car that each cover is modelled on is the Alfa Brera that will nowbe parading at events from New York to London, Tokyo to Sydney, Paris toBerlin, and finally back to Milan where she will be showing off herexclusive new clothes. If this approach proves popular, look out for acouture-covered car on a street near you. By Brendan McKnight Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:00:00 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1221&Itemid=45 Here are the first pictures that Alfa Romeo have released of its sexy 8C Spider, to be introduced to the world at next months Geneva Motor Show. Based on the hard-topped 8C Competizione, the two-seat Spider featuring a twin-layer fabric roof which can be raised at the press of a button, is expected to hit 60mph in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of around 180mph. The mechanics will be similar to that of the Competizione as it uses the same 4.7-litre V8 engine and six-speed semi-automatic gearbox. As the limited run is just 500 vehicles, we expect to see all of these selling like hotcakes and commanding more than their £130,000 price tag. So roll up your sleeves and have your cheque books ready; the fight to get one of these beauties is not going to be pretty. By Brendan McKnight Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:21:17 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1210&Itemid=45 Inspired by the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, US$1.5 million Lamborghini Reventón (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UovB1UjaPX8) was unveiled. If numbers mean anything to you – the new supercar is powered by a 650hp 6.5L V12 engine, accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and has a maximum speed of 211 mph. The Lamborghini design team used the technical base of their Murcielago LP640, compressed it and then amped it up. As with other current models, the Reventón is defined through its sharp edges, smooth surfaces and aerodynamic lines. Tempted as you may be, put away your cheque books and credit cards, all twenty models that will be manufactured are taken as the Lamborghini brand reinforces its legendary status. By Andrew J Wiener Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:43:39 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1193&Itemid=45 Many of the world’s automobile manufacturers use the North American International Auto Show as a platform from which to unveil new design and new concepts in car design. This year’s exhibition just came to an end in Detroit, Michigan and we are happy to report there were at least a few new designs that caught our eyes. A series of concept cars comprise the Lexus LF, or “L-finesse” line – and this year the Toyota Motor Corporation introduced the LF-A Roadster – a topless version of the previously revealed LF-A coupe. The LF series represents a new direction in design for Lexus – centered around the philosophy of intriguing elegance, incisive simplicity and seamless anticipation. The high performance topless roadster will be set to compete with some of the most desired vehicles on the roads today. At a glace, the low-profile aerodynamic form is built from lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum, and a rear wing ascends automatically as a trigger speed is reached. While there is no official word yet about which type of top the LF-A roadster will be fitted with, we’re expecting to see a fully automatic retractable hardtop as Lexus will want to keep its competitive edge. By Andrew J Wiener Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:37:22 +0100