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Is the Scion Hako Coupe concept car good looking or ugly debate?

There are many hot opinions floating around at the moment about the Scion Hako concept car and must say I am going to squash those who thinks it is ugly, come on people you have got to be on another planet because this car is class. Ok I need not bang on about the Scion Hako concept car because it will never go into production now will it.

Are you one of those people who thinks the Scion Hako concept car is aesthetically appealing or aesthetically a balls-up? In the automobile world we love our car, it is part of our lives and yes we do care about the looks, the design, features, gizmos etc and this one has it all. This car is in a class of its own, and you have to admit you have not seen any other car like this one. This car does not sit on either side of the good looking fence nor the ugly fence, you either love it or hate it and it is as simple as that in my eyes, and my eyes say it is stunning. The Scion Hako concept car was released at the New York Auto Show back in March 2008 and there are two noticeable things that stand out, and that is the design and the in your face color which is bright orange.

I have an idea where this car can become so famous, can you imagine seeing this car in a Disney Pixar movie, like the movie “Cars”. It is also called the Hako Coupe because of its coupe design, by the way. The windows on this car give you a 360 angle view on the car when you are on the inside, well this is what it looks like from the outside, and the Scion Hako’s headlights are in stunning LED which is a big plus for driving at night. LED lights provide great virtually natural light that is better for seeing than the conventional and standard headlights that have an ugly yellow tint to it. The Hako’s headlights seem to be very wide which makes it even better than most standard cars. My judgement on the Scion Hako concept car is that it looks futuristic but yet modern and I would indeed purchase one because I really do like the look of them, plus I would get one just to annoy the hell out of those that hate it.

Check out these pictures below, and below them you can see the full press release.

PRESS RELEASE:
SCION REVEALS HAKO COUPE CONCEPT AT THE 2008 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
NEW YORK, March 19, 2008 — Scion unveiled its Hako Coupe Concept vehicle at a press conference today at the New York International Auto Show. Scion’s Hako Coupe was developed by Tokyo Design Division, which studied global, youth-inspired trends. Japanese and American youth cultures often influence each other and are interpreted with a unique twist. The Hako Coupe Concept was inspired by the iconic xB and the emergence of American vintage style among young Tokyo trendsetters.

“Scion’s Hako Coupe Concept embodies a distinct global perspective on today’s youth,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “This type of forward thinking complements the Scion philosophy of intently listening to our customers and being willing to take risks to help us see where our brand should be. We took the xB’s iconic boxy shape and explored something more vivacious, yet just as emotionally appealing. This concept is the sporty version of a box.”

Tokyo Design developed the Hako Coupe with classic American coupes in mind. The car’s geometric profile conveys a powerful stance in a compact and bold package. Its trapezoidal LED headlights lie parallel with a large and aggressive, rectangular upper grille. The lower rectangular grille anchors the front fascia and continues to communicate the Hako’s aggressive attitude. Round fog lights, symmetrically placed high on the front bumper, have integrated turn signals. The Hako’s silhouette is accentuated by slim, race-car-inspired side mirrors that also feature integrated turn signals. Powerful, flared fenders add dimension and contrast to the concept’s boxy shape and smooth surface planes. The Hako concept hugs the road with custom 18-inch deep dish five-spoke wheels and tires with a
“Scion” custom tread.

The Hako Coupe features a vertical windshield as the concept sits upright and ready to attack the road. A high linear beltline along with a blackened and chopped greenhouse seamlessly wrap around the rear to provide a mysterious profile. As an example of potential personalization, the concept is equipped with a flat, panorama roof that features a random, barcode-like pattern that can be seen on
the exterior and from the interior.

The rear features LED taillights that echo the shape of the headlights. To complete the package, the rear bumper has an integrated fog and back up light on the left and exhaust on the right.

Inside, the Hako is accented with orange and metallic detailing that exudes a modern environment with entertainment possibilities. The front and rear seats are covered with urethane and rubber-like upholstery for easy cleaning. The contemporary front bucket seats flow to the floor and incorporate a geometric design on the seatback. The seats are separated by a center console that features a large
storage crevice for storing magazines, cell phones, and other small items. Two cockpit-like rear seats also share a storage crevice.

The orange driver’s seat has a gaming theme. Instrumentation and warning lights cascade from the art inspired instrument panel to the steering wheel. The shifter, located on the center console, resembles a large joystick. On the steering wheel is a simple button to start the engine and a track-ball type control for the Hako’s entertainment system located on the passenger dash. The entertainment system consists of two video monitor screens mounted on the dash for radio, video, and music capabilities. Users can upload their videos and music through a Bluetooth® connection. The front passenger controls the system using a large rollerball mounted on the center of the dash. A black seat differentiates the front passenger area. Video monitors located on each door and on each side of the rear seating area project distorted fish-eye images from orange filtered cameras mounted

SCION HAKO COUPE CONCEPT VEHICLE
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 145.7
Overall Width: 68.1 without side mirrors
74.0 including side mirrors
Overall Height: 57.5
Wheelbase: 94.5
Ground clearance: 4.0
Wheels: 18-inch alloy wheels
Tire Size: 225/45 R18
Seating Capacity: 4

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Caterham R500 Superlight: 263-hp 0-60 in less than 3 seconds

Ok so we have now had time to digest some nice pictures of the new Caterham R500 Superlight, although pictures never seem to do cars like this justice so I thought you need to know what you are getting with this super cool convertible sports car.

Firstly the Caterham R500 Superlight is to be powered by a 263-hp, 2.0-liter Duratec four, this engine will rev upwards of 8,500. This engine is mounted to a six-speed sequential gearbox which also features launce control, much like what Formula 1 cars used to use a few years back.

Although the Caterham R500 Superlight only produces 263 horsepower, you have to remember that the car is very light this is why it can go from 0 to 60 in less than 3 seconds.

Source - AutoBlog

Smart brake lights for cars designed by Virginia Tech students: Could this stop tailgating?

New inventions are always praised if it stops idiots on the roads causing accidents due to tailgating; we praise this invention very much.

Why this has never been designed years and years ago is beyond me and why cars nowadays have not got this sort of device incorporated on cars now makes me wonder.

The new invention comes from Virginia Tech students who designed Smart brake lights for cars, the automobile braking lights that were developed is a brand new system that will show LED lights if you are stopping and if you are slowing down.

It will show drivers who are driving behind a car with this setup if the car is stopping, slowing down and even how soft or hard they are going to brake. When you begin to slow down the lights in the center glow orange and after a certain threshold the lights turn to red plus if you slam on the brakes hard the LED lights will flash red.

So could this stop tailgating?

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Silbervogel Gravity Racing Car Concept: Would this really work though?

When it comes to concepts I am all for technology but always come up with the same question “why are concepts just that “concepts” and never reality. Anyway the latest concept car is the Silbervogel Gravity Racing Car Concept which runs on gravity.

The Silbervogel Gravity Car has no engine which is great because that means a green way of life, so a good start we say. The person racing this automobile will solely rely on gravity to pick up speed which come on will gain and lose speed, would it not?

This whole concept idea is from Jakob Hirzel from the Pforzheim University Of Applied Sciences in Germany.

Source – DVICE (Great Images)

Signature Edition Saleen Mustang gets approval from Dan Gurney

Well now that Steve Saleen no longer has his name on any Signature Edition Mustang’s, however that does not seem to be hurting them. The auto company has released a range of new Mustang’s including the Patriot Edition.

There newest vehicle is the Signature Edition Saleen Mustang, and has got its stamp of approval from Dan Gurney. This new addition features the same paint scheme that was featured on Gurney’s 1969 Trans Am car. That is not all; the Mustang also has a unique front and rear spoiler and hood. This Dan Gurney Mustang is powered by a Saleen 4.6-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 465 horsepower.

As yet there is no word on pricing; however there is only to be a run of 300 in this Signature Edition Saleen Mustang.

Source - AutoBlog

Land Rover wants to keep interior intact from LRX concept

Land Rover designed the LRX concept, and the interior has to be one of the best parts of this SUV. As with all concept vehicles many of the best parts of the design never make it to the production car.

However this will not be the case with the Land Rover LRX Concept, as the company has said that they will try to keep the interior intact. This new SUV is a 2-door version is hoped to bridge the gap between the LR3 and the Freelander.
The Land Rover LRX should hit showrooms by 2010.

Source - Autocar

Electric Tara Tiny is worlds cheapest car at only $2450, replaces the Tata Nano

Welcome to the world’s cheapest car at only $2450, yes the car called the Tara Tiny will be replacing the Tata Nano. The price is amazing at 99,000 Indian Rupees ($ 2450) and runs on electricity.

This car was developed by Tara International, some of the features on the car are pretty basic but come on what do you want for the price a Rolls Royce, the Tara Tiny can seat 2 people and can be recharged daily at 220 volts through 15 amp sockets, a 8 hour charge enables the cars to travel 80 - 100 kilo meters.

The downside to the Electric Tara Tiny has to be the fact it will only reach a top speed of 50 km/hr (31 mph), which is not bad for urban driving. This will only come in left hand drive only and has been slated for export in the USA.

Source

2008 Lexus IS F Test Drive: can it compete with BMW and Mercedes

You have to agree the 2008 Lexus IS F certainly looks a nice car, and those lucky guys over at AutoBlog got the chance for a test drive. For those of you who thought that the 2008 Lexus IS F has awesome looks, then you will be pleased to know that the car handles just as good as it looks.

The new 2008 Lexus IS F does have some stiff competition, as it is set to take on the BMW M3 and the Mercedes C 63 AMG. For the full in-depth review of the test drive, head over to AutoBlog.

Fisker Karma Hybrid: jet turbine sound from outside speakers

It seems that more of us are looking for fuel efficient cars; however that comes at a price to people who love the sound of a big engine. To save fuel Hybrid is the way to go and you know how quiet they are. Well the Fisker Karma car has a neat trick up its sleeve to help give the car the roar that we men like.

How would you like your car to sound something like a jet engine or maybe a Formula One car, well the Fisker Karma Hybrid achieves this by the use of strategically placed speakers around the inside and outside of the car.

However no matter how nice the car sounds, you know that as the driver you still just have a Hybrid car and that it will not perform like a Formula One car, oh well you can’t have it all.

Source - Forbes Autos

Morgan AeroMax officially in production: Modern and Retro

It is not often that Morgan change the design of their cars, however the AeroMax is a different story. The Morgan AeroMax was meant to hit production in 2006 but two year later and the car is now official in production.

The design of the AeroMax is both Modern while keeping a certain retro look. The frame has been made from Ash Wood, the body is made from aluminum, and all this has to house the V8, 4.8-liter BMW engine which produces 367 horsepower.

0-60 time is only four seconds and can reach a top speed of 170MPH.

Source - CoolBrit

Black Chevy Camaro prototype spotted without camouflage

For a while now the only pictures that we have seen of the Chevy Camaro prototype, are ones that is all covered up. However thanks to Camaro5.com there are a few shots showing a Black Chevy Camaro prototype without its camouflage.

Although we have not learned anything new about the design of this mule, we do notice that there are nice amounts of chrome, especially on the tail lamps. The driver did not take too kindly to someone taking these snap shots, and at one point he did let the photographer know with one finger.

Source – camaro5.com

Ferrari to unveil new car model at Paris Motor Show in September

At the recent Geneva Motor Show a press conference was held, and Ferrari announced that they will unveil a new car model in September at the Paris Motor Show. No information has been given away by Ferrari; this new model is surrounded by mystery.

However this has not stopped all the rumors going around, many believe that this new Ferrari model could be a four-seater hardtop convertible and could be powered by a V8 engine. It is also rumored that the new model will be a front engine design.

Source - Left Lane News

What would you want from this new Ferrari?

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4: enhanced coupe version unveiled

It has to be said when it comes to sexy cars Lamborghini have that area covered, however it is surprising to hear that they are going to soupe up one of their models. There will now be an enhanced coupe version of the Lamborghini Gallardo called the LP560-4. This new upgraded supercar will have a V10 5.2 Liter engine, this will produce 560 horsepower.

The new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 will feature four-wheel drive and will have a new front and rear. The supercar will also get upgraded suspension and a first for a supercar, better fuel consumption thanks to lower CO2 levels. All the range at the moment on cars is Bi-Xenon headlights and LED daytime lights, and the Gallardo LP560-4 has included them in this upgrade.

There are no pricing details at the moment.

Source – Left Lane News

Loremo Diesel: Low resistance mobile will achieve 150 miles per gallon

The Loremo or Low Resistance Mobile is a diesel powered car that will achieve 150 miles per gallon, well that is what the manufacturer is claiming. The company has said that they are not interested in all this Read more