Airless Tire

A new airless tire using a flexible, honeycomb-like internal structure could again prove to be a disruptive technology in one of the world’s largest industries. With development funded by the U.S. DoD, the initial aim of the project was to replace the Achilles heel of the military vehicle, but now the technology looks like going commercial for the rest of us.
The patent-pending Resilient design relies on a precise pattern of six-sided cells that are arranged, like a honeycomb, in a way that best mimics the "ride feel" of pneumatic tires. The honeycomb geometry also does a great job of reducing noise levels and reducing heat generated during usage - two common problems with past applications.

Citrus-Powered Car

The Stauro Concept is an innovative idea that looks at alternative source of fuel in a much more creative way than most.
The Stauro has a 700 horsepower engine that runs on a citrus based fuel and burns almost completely clean. The Stauro will also have as many recycled materials as feasibly possible. The shell will be 100% recycled aluminum, while the body panels will be constructed using a new kind of resin that is mixed using up to 40% recycled materials.
The Stauro is still in the design phase, but could enter production without too much trouble.

The World's Fastest Cars

Gas prices are up. The economy is down. For some, neither matters--all they want is to be able to drive faster than anyone else on the road, whatever the cost.

And the cars that can deliver that promise are built solely for speed. They're not the kinds of cars that are particularly good for anything else, such as dropping off the kids at school (unless they're running exceptionally late that day) or picking up a carton of milk on the way home from work.

These cars reach obscene speeds in mere seconds, the same amount of time that normal cars need just to warm up. Just ask Tom duPont, publisher of duPont Registry, a gallery of fine automobiles.

"A Bugatti test driver took a $100 bill and plastered it on the dashboard," recalls duPont, who was invited to strap into the passenger seat for a demonstration drive. "He told me I could have it if I could grab it once we took off."

The French-made Bugatti Veyron races from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and effortlessly cruises to a top speed of 253 mph. Most probably can't imagine what that feels like, but duPont learned firsthand.

"The car accelerates so fast that you can't touch [the $100 bill]," he said. "You can't move your hands.”

BMW X Coupe Concept Car

In a surprise debut at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, BMW unveiled its latest concept vehicle - the BMW X coupe. Dramatically different from anything that BMW has created before, the X coupe concept car challenges traditional design theory and shows a possible new direction for future BMW designs.

BMW has deliberately questioned existing preconceptions and created a vehicle that combines the sporty styling and driving characteristics of a coupe with the sense of adventure and capability that defines a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).Based on the four wheel drive chassis of the X5, with a body made completely from aluminium, the X coupe stands 58.3 inches high, (which is slightly taller than the 3 Series Coupé at 53.9 inches), 180.3 inches long and 73.6 inches wide. The wheelbase is identical to the X5's at 111 inches.

Under the coupe's long, one-piece bonnet is the advanced 3.0 litre BMW turbo-diesel engine, six cylinder unit used in the 530d, with state-of-the-art common rail direct injection and developing 184 bhp. The X coupe's power plant has been modified to produce 332 lb-ft. of torque. Stability at speed is enhanced by a rear spoiler beneath the bodywork. Normally flush with the vehicle's bottom rear edge, the spoiler extends downward automatically at 68 mph to generate aerodynamic downforce. Top speed is expected to be in the region of 125 mph.

A five-speed Steptronic automatic transmission takes its power to all four wheels. The driver can control the gearshift via 'paddles' on the steering wheel with the gearbox in Steptronic mode. Massive 20 inch wheels carry 225/50 tyres at the front and 285/45 at the rear adding emphasis to the coupe's assertive presence. Run flat tyres make a spare wheel and tyre unnecessary.

As a member of the BMW X family, the coupe naturally has all the traction and stability enhancing systems on board from All Season Traction (AST) for all-wheel drive, through to Dynamic Stability Control (DSC-X) and Hill Descent Control (HDC). Like the X5 the X coupe is well equipped to go off-road when required.Not content with creating body panels that look like contorted baked bean cans, BMW designers have invented a new terminology to describe the distinctive body contours – 'Flame Surfacing'. Flame Surfacing gives body surfaces the freedom to turn in on themselves and create a series of concave and convex design lines. These can be seen on the doors, the dash and on the top of the front wings where the bodywork has an unusual concave shape.

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Electric Concept Car

Industrial designer Alan Kravchenko has created a concept for a compact urban commuter dubbed the Peugeot Clear.
The Clear has enough room for two at a squeeze and is laid bare by large windows that, without heavy tinting, leave just about everything going on inside open to plain view.
The design is green-friendly by way of an electric drivetrain. It incorporates hydrogen and oxygen fuel tanks positioned so as to provide most efficiency to the wheel-mounted motors.

The Hospital on Wheels

Mercedes-Benz have developed "clinic buses" for the Government of Dubai. These mini-hospitals on wheels were developed so rapid medical assistance can be given in the event of major emergencies.
Of the three observation bays in the bus, one can be converted into a fully-functioning operating theatre. The buses are equipped with an ECG, an InSpectra shock monitor, an x-ray machine and ultrasonic equipment.
The buses can also be equipped with storage units containing generators, tents for the treatment of more injury victims, decontamination systems and an oxygen concentrator.

The Honda Hovercar

The Honda Fuzo is a Vertical Take-Off and Landing concept vehicle. The Fuzo has four high-powered turbines for high-speed horizontal flight and directional control.
The vehicle has a top speed of 350 mph and two joysticks on wither side of the armrest to control speed, trust, and steering.
It also features an automatic collision-detection system that relies on GPS to keep cars from hitting one another and also airbags on the inside and outside of the vehicle for safety.

2010 Audi

Although media focus has shifted to its smaller Q5 crossover, Audi hasn't forgotten about the larger Q7. The 2010 model, debuting at this week's 2009 Shanghai motor show, sports a few small repairs, helping it fit in with Audi's heavily-revised portfolio.
If you're a fan of the Q7's physical form, you'll be elated to know the crossover's shape doesn't change for 2010. Exterior changes are limited, with the largest revision being revised front and rear bumper skins. Others, notably the new grille insert and LED daytime running lamps, help bring the Q7 in line with the company's current design ethic.

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