Modern Sports Car Pontiac Solstice Coupe

The making of a coupe
It is a modern sports car with classic lines. The roofline has a "fastback" shape with stylized "rails" that run from the front of the roof to the rear, culminating in a stylish and functional ducktail-style rear spoiler.
The coupe's roof is fixed aft of the B-pillars, with side windows and a rear liftglass for access to the cargo area. The roof panel is easily removed from the passenger compartment, and an optional soft roof cover stores in the cargo area.

The Engineering the design

Despite its dramatic new look, engineers made only minor structural changes to create the Pontiac Solstice coupe. The rear fenders and rear fascia are the same as those on the convertible. New taillight assemblies flow more smoothly into the tapered roofline.
The sleek lines of the new roof give the car a fresh appearance, only minimal changes were made to the body structure - it's a great example of building on an already solid foundation.


The Lightweight structure
The roof's structure was strengthened with additional support elements, including an aluminum roof bow attached with aluminum brackets. The bow and brackets are stiff, low in mass, a design feature that pervades the coupe's overall construction. The roof includes a lightweight sheet molding compound cover affixed to a rigid aluminum frame for additional lightweight support. A lightweight magnesium roof panel frame weighs just 31 pounds (14.2 kg) and can be removed by one person. The cover is also made of sheet molding compound.

The Interior additions
Much of the coupe's interior remains the same as that of the convertible. However, the area behind the seats was redesigned for easy access to the cargo area, and a storage tray was mounted directly behind the headrests.

Removing the folding-top mechanism made way for a new, flat cargo floor and several storage compartments. The cargo area's covered bins provide secure storage for smaller items. Cargo tie-down hooks help secure irregularly shaped items.

The Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports Car

The Toyota FT-HS hybrid sports concept.

The FT-HS incorporates hybrid capability while maintaining sports car essentials, such as a sleek profile, lightweight aero-dynamic materials, and an advanced high-output powertrain for revolutionary acceleration and optimal performance. This 21st century sports car is fun-to-drive with eco-friendly benefits such as ultra-low emissions and fuel efficiency. The FT-HS appeals to an emerging buyer who grew up eco-conscious and perceives technology as a necessity, not a luxury.

This two-plus-two concept is a front-engine, rear-drive sports car with a projected zero-to-60 acceleration in the four-second range. A powerful V6, 3.5L-engine is coupled with a 21st century sports hybrid system with a target power output of approximately 400-horsepower. At a mid-priced market position, FT-HS would be a true "attainable exotic" with 21st Century performance.

FT-HS expresses the core values of a Toyota Brand design strategy that combines two key elements: J-Factor and Vibrant Clarity. J-Factor refers to the local and global acceptance of Japanese-inspired design and cultural sensibilities.

The exterior design was led by Calty designer, Alex Shen. From a design perspective, the theme of the FT-HS achieves sleek, taut surfaces in its exterior features - especially in the doors and body style. The front and rear have been sculpted to remove mass around key functional components. Freeform geometrics define the integration of fluid surfaces contrasting hard-edge "Aero-Corners" which promote smooth airflow and reduce turbulence.

The roof has a distinctive scooped-out section designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and provide head room at the key areas. Made from carbon fiber Kevlar, the roof retracts so that the roof panel and back window pivot fluidly in a downward motion to stow in the rear seat space.

The vehicle's triangular profile has a floating "C" pillar, aero corners, a full upper-body pan, and innovative open top. A hood features a scalloped channel, exposing the hybrid engine. Integrated component architecture can be seen in the aerospace-inspired lighting. The tail lamp unit spans the entire rear, and has an integrated retractable spoiler. Light-emitting diode (LED) clusters are located in the headlamps and the wing for energy-efficiency and decreased heat loss. Other exterior features include a speed-activated wing that elevates at high speed for additional stability and traction. The rear showcases a carbon fiber lower diffuser with integrated wide exhaust and carbon fiber wheels.


The driver-oriented interior was created by Calty designer, William Chergosky and exudes sleekness, technology, and performance. The lean skeletal look is achieved with exposed cross-car architecture and high-tech materials such as carbon fiber, and titanium. FT-HS' interior features create a dedicated driver's cockpit which include subtractive mass expressions such as cross-car instrument panel structure and delta wing driver pod.

By eliminating the "B" pillar and creating a suspended "C" pillar, the minimalist style works in conjunction with subtractive mass. An integrated instrument panel surrounds the driver, creating an enclosed pod effect. Armrests flow seamlessly into the door and surrounding interior.

Seating is optimized for a lightweight appearance and function: the seating accommodates four and then coverts to a two-seater when the roof retracts. The passenger-seat area is open with a simple exposed airbag on the cross-car beam.
A telescoping hub-less steering wheel incorporates semi-automatic paddle shifters and allows the meter to be shifted forward in order to shorten the driver's focus-time between the road and meter, and ultimately enhance driver focus.

Toyota FT-HS Concept Vehicle Preliminary Specifications Drivetrain
3.5 Liter V6 hybrid electric
DIMENSIONS (inches)
* Overall Length: 170.27
* Overall Width: 73.23
* Overall Height: 50.79
* Wheelbase: 104.33
Wheels: Carbon Fiber
Tire Sizes: Front 245/35R21 Rear 285/30R21

A History of Sports Cars

Since the development of motorised vehicles a small select group of individuals have always had the undying fascination of designing and building them bigger, more powerful and faster than they either needed to be or really should be with any regard to safety. This was no different with the motor car industry, from its relative simple and sluggish beginnings the car quickly developed into a very useful mode of transport and working tool. For some this new way to transport us around turned into an obsession of power and speed and welcomed the age of the racing cars and sports cars.

A History of Sports Cars

To begin with motor vehicles were built for more functional than aesthetically pleasing reasons and their ability to carry both people and heavy loads is what drove the designers and manufacturers forward. Humans though have an eye for beauty and a thirst for power and speed, combining these attributes the birth of the sports cars was inevitable.

As new developments occurred in the early motor industry a small number of designers, builders and drivers pushed the motor car to its limits on race tracks to test its abilities against other manufacturers vehicles. These races fuelled the next generation of cars and drivers. As engines became more powerful the ability to race these machines began to push the designs and needs to new levels this quite often was at the expense of someone's life.

Big powerful engines were placed into fragile frames and pushed to the limit often with dire consequences to drivers and spectators. But humans have a need to go faster and faster and this drove these brave and quite often reckless early pioneers to design better and more powerful machines and this began the start of the new age of the modern motor car. Safety was usually an after thought if it came up at all, the main focus was pushing the machines and drivers to their limits and beyond if possible. The engines power output quickly out grew the motor cars ability to handle these increases and the designers had to rethink the chassis and suspensions limitations. As with in the aircraft industry the designs of planes and engines regularly changed along with the abilities and reliability of the aircraft, the motor cars began to evolve along the same lines with new ideas and breakthroughs in technologies incorporating aerodynamics to help reduce drag and stronger building materials for chassis and bodywork.

Developing test vehicles purely for racing was the beginning of what we now class as the sports car. After the Second World War a new breed of sports car began to emerge. The once very high-priced and hard to obtain race bred cars that only the most wealthy and enthusiastic owners could secure began to evolve into a more accessible vehicle with the additional comforts and road functionalities, and what was even more important, a more affordable price tag making them more accessible to the average owner and driver. The sports cars had taken their first steps from the exclusive domain to main stream availability. Over the next few years as advancements were made on and off the racing circuit designs began their slow transformation into the popular modern shapes of today's models. Many famous names have added their own distinctions to the sports car moulds and most can be easily identified by pure shape alone even today.

McLaren MP4-12C unveiled

Formula One team McLaren has unveiled a road car - the McLaren MP4-12C. This car will be built near their group's headquarters in Woking in Surrey. According to McLaren, the factories should employ some 800 people and produce 4,000 cars per year.

The cars will cost approximately £125,000 and £175,000. I don't really agree with McLaren chairman Ron Dennis, when he says that it is an "affordable sports car". I guess it is cheaper than the Ferrari and Porsches. According to news reports, the MP4-12C powered by a 3.8 litre V8 twin turbo engine can accelerate to 60mph from rest in just 3.4 seconds.

The sexy looking car features gull-wing doors.

Their McLaren Automative website is still under construction.

Farbio GTS Sports Car

The Farbio GTS has a full carbon fibre body, space framed chassis, complete flat underfloor (incorporating a rear diffuser), giving the GTS an exceptional aerodynamic grip level. It has exquisite, flowing lines and an understated elegance combined with style, giving a truly refined sports car with outstanding performance.

The Farbio GTS is mid-engine ranging from a 262bhp normally aspirated model with 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds (est), up to 384bhp for the Rotrex Supercharged version with 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds (est).


The Farbio GTS has an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 360bhp per ton (250bhp per ton for the normally aspirated car). It is lightweight, weighing in at a nimble 1066kgs for the Supercharged model and 1048kgs for the normally aspirated version.

Brakes are AP Racing with Four Pot Callipers, 350mm vented front discs and 328mm rear, giving immense braking capabilities.

Suspension is fully adjustable dampers with Eibach coil-over springs to give the car an exciting, precise driving experience - a feature omitted from many modern day sports cars.

Farbio GTS customers will be able to tour in comfort with the spacious, ergonomic interior, with fully adjustable Sparco reclining seats allowing for a 6'6" driver. The controls have an easy accessibility with the touch-screen featuring satellite navigation, air conditioning and sound system as standard.

Long distance touring is made easier due to the 76 litre fuel tank and 220 litre boot capacity, which can incorporate a full size set of golf clubs or luggage.

Sports Cars are undeniably environment-friendly

Thankfully people are becoming more interested on environmental issues. Everything around us is trying to turn green. Every new day we see umpteen environment-friendly things mushrooming all around the globe. Even the sports cars are trying to keep up with this fight to save nature. Are you looking for some environmentally friendly sports cars that can have you not only living green but driving green? Check out the Greenest sports cars –
1) Tesla Roadster - Tesla has taken the most radical approach to being green by replacing the internal combustion engine with a small 70-pound electric motor. As it’s uncommon to hear about bio-fueled cars boasting about their gas mileage credits, the Tesla can proudly say it gets 135 miles per gallon equivalent.
Roll over for five more green cars.......

 

Aston Martin - High Performance Sports Cars

Aston Martin is a name that needs very little introduction. It is a brand that has always stood for high performance sports cars designed and produced by skilled craftsmen. The British automaker has recently brought to light its intent to be known for not only offering a lavish sports car, but a fuel efficient one as well. The new city cars will focus on the duties of transportation and not just getting from zero to 60 as quickly as possible.

Aston Martin - High Performance Sports Cars

Originally, Aston Martin was known primarily in the racing circles. By the time the 1920's had rolled around, the brand had made its first overseas appearance, participating in the French Grand Prix. The brand was quickly able to make a name for itself with popular racing cars such as the streamlined 1934 Ulster. Every car produced by this top brand is a product of today's technology. New resources along with new investments in the latest computer aided designs are ensuring that the future for this car brand is as bright as its past.

Over the past 90 years, Aston Martin has produced quality sports cars. The inspiration for the company itself began when founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford wanted to build distinctive sports cars that were exhilarating to drive. Martin was a regular competitor in the hill climb races at Aston Clinton and the simple combination of the name of the event and the name of the driver gave birth to one of the most famous automotive marques ever.

The fact that the company Aston Martin is still around today is a testament to its enduring strength and quality of its vehicles. Since its founding in 1914 the company has gone through more than half a dozen owners and been propelled to near-icon status thanks to its involvement in the James Bond films. Some of the more popular cars today include the DBS Volante with its combination of sports car characteristics and open-air motoring. The V8 Vantage is a great example of modern automotive design. A hand-crafted sports car that offers excellent performance, incredible agility and everyday usability. You even have the option of designing your own car just the way you want it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pete_Ridgard

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