La Dolce Veloce

Shown here is the front view of the iChange from Rinspeed, which is about the only angle from which it looks good (you can see more pictures in the gallery at Jalopnik). But then, this car isn’t about looks, it’s about imaginative concepts in automotive design. When a single occupant is riding in the car, the aerodynamics are optimized for that. If one or two passengers need to ride in the car, the rear end rises up to provide space for them. Drag is increased, but only when it’s necessary for it to be so. Clever. Not surprisingly, this concept car features an electric powertrain with fantastic performance, and an array of cool electronic gizmos (such as, using your iPhone as a key). Placing the driver’s seat along the vehicle’s centerline opens up nice possibilities for enthusiast driving, as well as simplifies requirements of selling such a car in multiple countries (no need for RHD and LHD versions). Like most Rinspeed concepts, it’s really just that, a concept. Don’t expect to see this on the roads. Continue Reading »

The Tesla Model S electric sedan is moving closer to production, having secured a $350 million loan from the government to help it build a factory to produce this car in 2011. The Model S will be unveiled in full on March 26th.

(Via Treehugger.)

Some brave souls in Indiana came up with this creation, the Maxximus G-Force. They’re calling it the fastest street legal car, and with 1600hp coming from a twin turbo Chevy V8 engine and a claimed 2.1 second 0-60 time, I see no reason to doubt them. If the car looks familiar, that’s because it starts out life as an Ultima GTR 720. You can get your own copy for three million dollars, if you’re so inclined. (via Wired)

Here’s a cool F1 tribute video found on Youtube with plenty of fast-paced footage.

Here’s a taste of what Ferrari maintenance is like, courtesy of Universal Autosports. This major repair work is just to fix an oil leak and install a new clutch. No word on how long this repair took, or how much it cost. Then again, I don’t think I’d want to know. With cars like this, sometimes it’s better to just keep it a fantasy or a dream and not be exposed to the truth of what it’s like to actually own and maintain one of these. (via Jalopnik)

Really, does anything need to be said? I mean, just LOOK at it. Pure Italian supercar goodness. 2360 pounds, 739hp, longer wheelbase (+47mm) and track (+50mm). Only sixteen will be built, and those lucky customers will be confined to the racetrack, for this car isn’t street legal. Jalopnik has a nice gallery of pictures, or you can read more about the car at LeftLaneNews.

The new Honda Insight isn’t even on the market yet, and already tuners are working on modifying it! Here’s Mugen’s interpretation, adding some nice aero touches and naming it ‘Zero Lift’. You can view a short movie clip of this car, courtesy of Mugen, at this link or view more pictures of the Insight here. (via LeBlogAuto)