Saleen S5S Rapto – a 660-bhp American

If you go by the comments aroused by the release of the car in the mass media, one can say that the audience considers the novelty to be a direct competitor and even the killer of Ferrari bolides with a better design, more powerful potential and a better body design solution plus the better ultimate bio ethanol engine.

The 2-seat Saleen S5S Raptor is at the moment just a concept, but it is a concept with a bright future. The serial production of the car is predicted in 2010, when the basic model will cost around $190 000. For such a sum the client simply must be more than satisfied. So, let’s wait and see.

The first thing one can notice is the sex-appeal of the body, the elements of which are made of the stiff carbon. The front end is underlined by the aggressively shaped lights and a huge cooler “jaws”, the rear end – by massive and exaggerated wheel arches, air-intakes, run-out and the precise trapezoid of the read lights. The exterior design is completed by the integrated windshield-roof and the specific 20-inch rims with huge 275/35 and 315/35 tires.

The brakes are true extreme, they are represented by 8- and 2-piston support 381 and 308 plates. Moreover, the trimming features such safety systems as ABS and ESP and it is likely to feature rear view camera in order to make reverse parking easier.

As for the power unit, it is represented by a bio ethanol 5.0-liter V8 with 660 bhp and 854 Nm of max torque. The power train is carried out with the help of a sporty block-differential 6-grade mechanic transmission. The car is real-wheel drive. Not to 100 kmph – in 3.2 seconds and the max speed exceeds 300 kmph.

To cut the long story short – the car is a THING

Technical Summary:

• Car name – Saleen S5S Raptor
• Engine – 5.0-liter V8 bio ethanol
• Power – 660 hp
• Max torque – 845 Nm
• Max speed – over 300 kmph
• 0-100 Acceleration – 3.2 seconds
• Price – around $190 000

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LIFECar – hydrogen sensation by Morgan

A year ago Morgan promised to release a hydrogen car under the name LifeCar in Geneva and the company is likely to keep its word. In confirmation to this fact the manufacturer has released a few images of the Geneva newcomer.

Morgan has traditionally specialized in manufacturing stylish and light cars and the new extra-eco LIFECar is a logical step forward on the way to the brand’s development and promotion. Nevertheless, the car was created by the English company alone: it was assisted by BOC in creating a power unit; by the engineers of Cranfield University in making trip computer; by Oxford University in creating the regeneration system of the car. All in all the process of creating the novelty lasted for 2.5 years and cost 1.9 million euro.

The dynamic features, maneuverability and steerability of LIFECar are in no way inferior to that of cars with an explosion engines. The beginning of serial production and manufacturing capacity will depend on demand as Morgan produces cars in small batches.

Mindset is introducing a hybrid concept.

The Swiss company Mindset is releasing its hybrid concept. The body lines of the car are made by the hand of the former VW designer Murat Gunak. The result of his work is an original car with a long cowling and wing-like doors. To break the futuristic tendency of the car’s design the constructors equipped the front end with retro-lights referring to the 50s and 60s of the previous century.

The car is made on the base of aluminum chassis and is equipped with a plastic body 4.2 meters long. The total weight of the novelty doesn’t exceed 800 kg. The designers used a much smaller power unit than those which are usually installed on such cars.

Nevertheless the car can drive 100 km on a single charge and the further distance can be covered with the help of a 24-hp engine. In order to recharge the batteries in transit the car is equipped with a solar battery on top.

The creators plan to launch the novelty next year and sell it in 10 000 copies. The cost of the hybrid will make around 50 000 euro

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Geneva 2008: Wiesmann GT MF 5

The expert in the class of sport-exclusive coupes and roadsters – the manufacture Wiesmann has shown the extreme 2-door “cooper” - Wiesmann GT MF 5 with the engine from BMW M5.

Wiesmann GT4 has gone out of date. Its place is taken by a more powerful, more stylish and more attractive bolide - GT MF 5.

In comparison to the ancestor, the novelty has significantly increased its “weight” – got wider, lower and longer. Moreover, it got a modernized body with new design elements like a front lip, huge air-intakes, side channels, anti-wing and a run-out.

The “core” is a 507-hp V10 unit borrowed from the current M5 (the previous GT4 was equipped with a 4.8-liter V8) with the max torque on 520 Nm. The engine works with a 7-grade sequential transmission SMG with the rear driver and sport block-differential. 0-100 km/h acceleration – 3.9 seconds, max speed – 310 km/h.

The further innovation of the manufacture is a stiff sport chassis, high-performance braking system by Brembo and exclusive leather finishing of the interior with sport seats.

In Europe the car will be available from autumn 2008 at around 180 000 euro.

Technical Summary:

• Car name – Wiesmann GT MF 5
• Engine – V10
• Power – 507 hp
• 0 – 100 km/h acceleration – 3.9 seconds
• Max torque – 520 Nm
• Tuning – transmission, chassis, interior
• Weight – 1460 kg
• Price – 180 000 euro
• Release date – autumn 2008

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