CAR SANTA CLAUS 2012

 CAR SANTA CLAUS 2012

BMW 503 Coupe (1956)

BMW 503 Coupe

The BMW 503 is a two door 2+2 seater sports car unveiled by BMW at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show. Production got under way during the summer of 1956, and by 1959, when the BMW 503 was withdrawn, 413 had been built, including 139 cabriolets.

Design

The car was styled by the entrepreneurial auto-designer, Albrecht von Goertz, based on preliminary drafts prepared by Kurt Bredschneider. It was originally intended to feature a flamboyant shape incorporating rounded mudguards which would have emphasized its kinship with the BMW 502 sedan, but regulations concerning matters such as light positioning rendered such a form impractical. In retrospect, the more square cornered look of the car as it emerged with fully integrated wings may have been more in tune with future styling trends than the original proposal.

Technical

The BMW 503 incorporated the 3168 cc light metal V8 engine from the 502 which in this application delivered a claimed power output of 140 brake horsepower (100 kW) and acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 13 seconds along with a top speed of about 115 miles per hour (185 km/h). The four speed manual transmission was unchanged from that used in the 502, and was originally mounted remotely from both the engine and the rear axle, as on the 502. In September 1957, the drivetrain was redesigned, with the transmission being bolted directly to the engine, as with the 507, and with the shifter being relocated from the steering column to the floor.

Holden Coupe 60 Concept (2008)

Holden Coupe 60 Concept

GM Holden marked the diamond anniversary of its first all Australian car by unveiling a stunning two-door performance thoroughbred called Holden Coupe 60.

Holden Coupe 60 celebrates the six decades since GM Holden built the 48-215 at its Fishermans Bend plant in Port Melbourne, Victoria, and provides a glimpse of Holden's future directions in design, engineering and emerging engine technologies.

Exemplifying sports luxury, Holden Coupe 60 is a pillarless concept car that explores the limits of Holden's current rear-wheel drive capabilities, combining racing looks and technology into a road going sportscar experience.

Its sophisticated appearance is delivered through simple and powerful design, highlighted by the pillarless construction and V8 supercar inspired cockpit layout and side-exiting chambered exhaust system with billet alloy tips.

Almost 60mm shorter than the VE sedan, and sitting on 21-inch centre-lock alloy wheels with unique design Kumho high performance semi-slick tyres, Holden Coupe 60 captures all that's exciting about the Holden DNA.

Other racing-derived enhancements include full flat under body, rear underbody air diffuser and functional rear deck-lid spoiler with unique designed LED tail lamps.

The interior also has several unique features. They include one piece carbon fiber bucket seats (featuring leather and suede pad design) and a sports-inspired flat bottomed steering wheel with integrated shift light display and LCD sports instrument cluster.

The high gloss carbon fiber carries through to doors and rear trim providing a contrast to the leather trimmed instrument panel and black suede trimmed pillars, headliners and parcel shelf.

Details and accents are picked out with a distinctive red high shine leather on the seats and dark gunmetal finish and satin chrome on the consoles and doors.

Front seats are adjustable fore and aft to allow easy access to the rear, with four-point race harness restraints for all seating positions.

Under the bonnet is just as forward looking, with a 6.0 litre V8 engine incorporating the latest technologies such as active fuel management and calibrated for E85 ethanol fuel.

Even the paint is a one-off. Called 'Diamond Silver' by Holden designers, it gives a liquid aluminium finish that almost slides off the bodywork.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss said, "Coupe 60 is Holden's 60th anniversary gift to its fans worldwide.

"It highlights Holden's heritage of rear wheel drive performance whilst looking ahead to the potential offered by new technologies and materials.

"This is a vehicle I know our designers would dearly love to see go into production, but for the moment it has to remain a concept only," he said.

Project Designer Manager, Peter Hughes, said, "We were looking to mark the diamond anniversary with a car that captured the Holden DNA and took the current VE range to an exciting next step.

"Even in the early stages of VE development, we knew there was a sensational coupe waiting to get out and the 60 th anniversary has given us the chance to explore that.

"With Coupe 60 we think we have designed a car that has the potential to write another chapter in the book of Holden icons."

Holden Coupe 60 – Specifications and Features

Main Features
Pillarless coupe body;
Derived from flexible GRWD platform;
VE sedan wheelbase.

Powertrain
6.0L V8 with Active Fuel Management, calibrated for E85 Ethanol fuel;
6-speed manual transmission (SS specification);
Engine oil cooler.

Exterior
Unique "Diamond Silver" paint colour;
Electrically dropping front & rear side windows;
Racing-derived aerodynamic down-force enhancements:
Rear under-body air diffuser;
Full flat under body;
Functional rear deck-lid spoiler;
21-inch centre-lock alloy wheels;
Unique design Kumho high-performance semi-slick tyres;
High-performance Brembo brake hardware with ducted air cooling for front callipers;
Side-exiting chambered exhaust system with billet alloy tips;
Unique design LED tail lamps;
Exterior mirrors with integral LED side markers.

Interior
V8-Supercar inspired cockpit layout for enhanced driver visibility and spaciousness;
LCD sports instrument cluster located in a unique column-mounted binnacle;
One-piece carbon fiber bucket seats, featuring unique suede-pad design and distinctive red high shine leather accents;
Front seats are adjustable fore-aft and allow easy access to rear;
Four-point race harness restraints for all seating positions;
Unique sports-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated shift light display and suede grips;
Unique interior details including air vents, column switches, gear shift knob and pedals.

Interior trim
Perforated leather trimmed instrument panel;
Black suede trimmed pillars, headliner and parcel shelf;
High gloss carbon fiber used as a structural material for seats, doors and rear trim provides contrast to leather and suede trim;
Details and accents are picked out with red high shine leather, a dark gunmetal finish and satin chrome.

Chevrolet Corvette C6 (2005)

Chevrolet Corvette C6

Marking the sixth generation of its legacy, the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette C6 delivers more power, passion and precision to reach a new standard of performance car excellence.

The 2005 Corvette is more competition-influenced than any previous Chevrolet Corvette. The goal was a performance car that would be at home in virtually any environment. That means raw performance, improved ride comfort, a precisely built and technically sophisticated interior and contemporary new body.

"The sixth generation represents a comprehensive upgrade to the Chevrolet Corvette," said Dave Hill, Corvette chief engineer and GM Performance Cars vehicle line executive. "Our goal was to create a Chevrolet Corvette that does more things well than any other performance car."

The car features dramatic new styling, the new 6.0L V-8 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (298 kw and 542 Nm), a revised suspension and more powerful brakes. It delivers extreme performance capabilities and offers value, style, quality and comfort.

The 2005 Coupe production begins in the summer of 2004, with the Convertible following in the fall of 2004. European sales begin in October 2004, and other regions by early 2005. All models will be built in Bowling Green, Ky.

Exterior styling

The Chevrolet Corvette combines classic cues with an expressive new design. While the styling team used the latest advanced computer-aided design techniques, they relied heavily on traditional hand sculpting. Sculptors pored over every millimeter of the car's surface. The aerodynamic development combined digital simulations, Corvette Racing experience and more than 400 hours of wind tunnel testing.

The driving force behind the exterior was to keep it fresh, yet distill the passion exemplified by the classic mid-year Chevrolet Corvettes of 1963-1967.

The Chevrolet Corvette C6 is 5 inches (127 mm) shorter and about 1 inch (25 mm) narrower than its predecessor. Larger wheels (18-inch in front, 19-inch in rear) are topped by dramatic fender forms. Exposed headlamps (not seen on Chevrolet Corvettes since 1962) combine with the grille to create a stronger "face" on the car. The fixed Xenon High-Intensity Discharge lamps provide superior lighting performance.

The Coupe's removable-roof panel is 15 percent larger, yet offers the same structural stiffness as Chevrolet Corvette C5's while weighing just 1 pound (0.45 kg) more. The tapered rear deck and fascia improve high-speed performance. The lean rear design sports round taillamps and center-exit exhaust.

The ability to keep lines and surfaces smooth was supported by technology. For example, the Keyless Access system replaces traditional mechanical door and hatch handles with solenoids and electronic actuators.

At 0.28 coefficient of drag, the C6 is the most aerodynamic Chevrolet Corvette ever, and has improved anti-lift characteristics that improve high-speed stability.

The Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

The 2005 Corvette features an optional power-operated soft top. An easy-to-operate manual top remains standard. Both configurations use a five-layer fabric that conceals the underlying structure for a good top-up appearance, plus it helps preserve the car's excellent aerodynamics and reduces road noise.

Every option available on the Coupe can be had on the Convertible, including features new to the Chevrolet Corvette such as OnStar, XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only) and DVD navigation system.

OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Personal Calling that allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls using a powerful three-watt analog system and external antenna for greater reception.

Power

The 2005 Chevrolet Corvette features the new 6.0L V-8 LS2 engine based on GM's Gen IV small-block family. The LS2 is the most powerful standard small-block engine ever offered in Chevrolet Corvette, and features:
All-new 319-T5 aluminum deep-skirt block casting with cast-in-place iron cylinder bore liners and cross-bolted main caps
Cylinder head design derived from the C5 Z06
Camshaft lift increased to take advantage of increased head flow
Revised exhaust manifolds are 34 percent lighter
Compression raised to 10.9:1
More powerful engine controller incorporates all electronic throttle control (ETC) functions

With base curb weight starting at 3,179 pounds/1,442 kg (Coupe) and 3,199 pounds/1,451 kg (Convertible) the Chevrolet Corvette is significantly lighter than its predecessor.

The car is capable of 186 mph (300 km/h), faster than any production Chevrolet Corvette in history. It reaches zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds, and in 4.1 seconds with the optional Z51 Performance Package, and covers the quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds at 114 mph (183 km/h).

Shifting gears

The Tremec six-speed manual features improved shifting characteristics thanks to numerous upgrades, including new synchronizers that reduce travel by 10 percent, and a redesigned shifter lever.

The Tremec is available with two sets of ratios. The more aggressive gear set is reserved for Chevrolet Corvette's Z51 Performance Package and is tailored with numerically higher gears to improve acceleration. Also, a numerically lower fifth gear gives the Z51 better fuel efficiency and a higher top speed than base models. To increase durability in sustained high-speed situations, the Z51 and the base European manual-transmission models have a transmission cooler.

The Hydra-Matic 4L65-E automatic transmission is an upgraded version of the C5's 4L60-E, strengthened and revised to accommodate the LS2's torque. It includes GM's advanced Performance Algorithm Shifting, which automatically selects the optimal gear for a given driving condition.

To beef up the internals, a five-pinion planetary gear set was added - replacing a four-pinion gear set. The extra gear reduces friction and loads carried by all the gears. For protection from the high temperatures that are generated by high speed, a four-plate oil cooler has been added.

Settle inside

The passion of the exterior's design is reflected in an all-new interior. Even with the car's more compact exterior dimensions, the new interior has just as much usable room - including class-leading cargo space that can swallow two golf bags. Greatly improved materials, craftsmanship and functionality help deliver premium quality meant to enhance performance driving.

The theme was inspired by Chevrolet Corvette's dual-cockpit heritage, with a flowing, wraparound upper feature line. The result lends spaciousness to the passenger and a nestled cluster pod for the driver.

The instrument panel and doors are covered with cast-skin foam-in-place trim that looks like a leather-wrapped, padded panel. It is warm and inviting and has double the life of conventional trim materials. Aluminum trim adds richness.

An AM/FM radio with CD player and MP3 capability is standard. New technology enhances conventional radio reception. An improved optional Bose audio system with an in-dash six-disc changer and XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only) add to the choices available to the audiophile owner.

A full-function OnStar system is available, and for the first time, Chevrolet Corvette offers onboard navigation as an option. Using a 6.5-inch (165 mm) color touch-screen display, the DVD-based system contains all the map data for the United States and Canada on one disc.

Chassis

Overall vehicle weight is significantly reduced, despite mass-increasing features such as larger wheels and tires, more robust brakes and increased body acoustics. It also delivers a quieter, more pleasing ride.

The car retains the hydroformed steel rail backbone structure, which features cored composite floors, an enclosed center tunnel, rear-mounted transmission and aluminum cockpit structure

Suspension cradles, control arms, knuckles, springs, dampers, bushings, stabilizer bars and steering gear have all been redesigned. New Goodyear Extended Mobility Tires (EMT) take advantage of the latest sidewall design and compound technology for run-flat capabilitie

Three suspension choices allow drivers to choose the setup that best suits their driving style. The standard suspension is tuned for a balance of ride comfort and precise handling. Chevrolet Corvette is now more poised at even higher handling levels, yet easier to driv

The optional F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension features magneto-rheological dampers able to detect road surfaces and adjust the damping rates to those surfaces almost instantly for optimal ride control. The system has been improved to deliver more differentiation between the system's "Tour" and "Sport" settings.

The Z51 Performance Package brings Coupe performance very close to the widely admired Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06. The Z51 offers more aggressive dampers and springs, larger stabilizer bars, and larger cross-drilled brake rotors (13.4 inches/340 mm in front and 13 inches/330 mm in rear) for optimum track performance while still providing a comfortable ride.

With each suspension, three standard dynamic chassis control systems - anti-lock braking, traction control, and Active Handling - operate in concert. In all, the new dynamic chassis control systems are smarter, less intrusive and more adept at making the total driving experience precisely what drivers have come to expect from their Chevrolet Corvette.

Technical Specifications
Models: Chevrolet Corvette C6 - Coupe and Convertible
Body styles / driveline: two-door hatchback coupe with removable roof and soft-top convertible, rear-drive, front-engine
Construction: composite body panels, hydroformed steel frame with aluminum and magnesium structural and chassis components
Manufacturing location: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Engine: 6.0L V-8 LS2
Displacement: 364 cu in / 5967 cc
Bore & stroke: 4" x 3.62" / 101.6 x 92 mm
Block material: cast aluminum
Cylinder head material: cast aluminum
Valvetrain: OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel delivery: SFI (sequential fuel injection)
Compression ratio: 10.9:1
Horsepower: 400 hp (298 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) @ 4400 rpm
Recommended fuel: 93 octane recommended, not required
Maximum engine speed: 6500 rpm
Estimated fuel economy (city / hwy / combined)
MPG
automatic: 18 / 25 / 21
manual: 19 / 28 / 23
MPIG
automatic: 22 / 35 / 26
manual: 21 / 37 / 26
L/100km
automatic: 12.8 / 8.1 / 10.7
manual: 13.2 / 7.6 / 10.7
Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase: 106" / 2686 mm
Overall length: 175" / 4435 mm
Overall width: 73" / 1844 mm
Overall height: 49" / 1246 mm
Track
front: 62" / 1577 mm
rear: 61" / 1542 mm
Base curb weight
Coupe: 3179 lbs / 1442 kg
Convertible: 3199 lbs / 1451 kg
Weight distribution (% front / rear): 51 / 49
Interior
Seating capacity (front / rear): 2 / 0
Interior volume: 52 cu ft / 1475 l
Head room: 38" / 962 mm
Leg room: 43" / 1093 mm
Shoulder room: 55" / 1403 mm
Hip room: 54" / 1363 mm

GMC Denali XT Concept (2008)

GMC Denali XT Concept

GMC unveiled the GMC Denali XT concept at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. It offers a 50-percent increase in combined fuel economy over comparable small pickup trucks when running on gasoline, and it incorporates a new, muscular form in a performance-styled, hybrid sport-utility truck (SUT).

The Denali XT has a unibody architecture and rear-wheel drive, enabling its distinctive design and efficient performance. It builds on the equity of the Denali line and its reputation for advanced engineering and refinement, including the first combination of GM's two-mode hybrid system with an E85 ethanol-capable engine. Denali XT's new, more efficient 4.9L version of GM's small-block V-8 features fuel-saving technologies such as direct-injection technology and Active Fuel Management.

The engine is matched with GM's unique two-mode hybrid propulsion system, giving the powerful SUT exceptional fuel economy and uncompromising capability - including all-electric drive at low speeds. It is a powertrain combination that makes the Denali XT perfectly suited to a variety of active lifestyle activities, such as hauling skis and snowboards to the mountain or towing a sport jet boat to the lake.

"Like all GMCs, the Denali XT is functional and capable, but it blends those traits with a more efficient, sporty driving experience," said Jim Bunnell, GMC general manager. "It is a vehicle that exemplifies GMC's engineering excellence, as well as GM's commitment to hybrid and advanced technologies."

With its unibody structure, the Denali XT is lighter than conventional body-on-frame trucks, with great ride-and-handling characteristics. This design enhances fuel economy while giving the vehicle a sporty driving experience. True to its GMC Professional Grade heritage, the Denali XT is filled with technologies and features that maximize its flexibility, including a cargo space-enhancing Midgate® and height-adjustable suspension.

The Denali XT's proportions are framed around a high cowl and 123.4-inch (3,134 mm) wheelbase. This enhances the vehicle's truck functionality, but packages it in an efficient, unibody architecture.

Design and construction were spearheaded by Holden Design, within the Australian arm of GM's global design and engineering network.

"Denali XT is about working hard, playing hard and enjoying an active lifestyle," said Bunnell. "It is the same philosophy that has helped make the GMC Acadia crossover a huge hit with consumers."

Dramatic design statement

A muscular form and wide, firmly planted stance give the Denali XT a confidently capable road presence. Minimal overhangs, large wheels, sleek headlamps and a low roof profile deliver an aggressive, performance-oriented appearance.

"It is a robust yet tailored design statement that is unlike anything else on the road," said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design. "It has the youthful look of a custom automobile that incorporates the capability customers expect from a truck."

The Denali XT's design includes a new take on GMC's iconic grille, with a prominent, four-bar element in addition to the large, red GMC logo and signature Denali background. Flared fenders accentuate the wide road stance. The stance is also enhanced when the Denali XT is lowered on its air-adjustable suspension, which creates a sleeker appearance that simultaneously improves aerodynamics. Large, bold 23-inch wheels and custom Kuhmo tires complement the Denali XT's stance.

Inside, the Denali XT blends mechanical functionality with leather-trimmed comfort.

Billet-metal surrounds, controls and instruments convey the cold precision of an aircraft cockpit. This is balanced by the warmth of bespoke saddle-leather trimmed seats and other contact surfaces.

"The form language is smooth and structured to characterize GMC's power. The details have a deliberately contrasting mechanical aesthetic to mark GMC's engineering sophistication," said Warrack Leach, lead designer.

The interior features innovative instrumentation with "floating" red-illuminated numerals backed by surface chaplets in the clusters and a large integrated vehicle interface screen. The interior illumination was supplied by Osram.

The Denali XT seats four. The high-cowl vehicle architecture enables higher seating positions, allowing the couple distance between front and rear occupants to be reduced without compromising knee room. This packaging efficiency creates generous interior and cargo bed dimensions within a more compact package.

Truck capability

With stiffness that is greater than most conventional, body-on-frame trucks, the Denali XT's unibody structure supports a very capable truck platform. It also serves as the mounting point for a four-wheel independent suspension that gives the vehicle its performance feel on the road. The multilink front suspension features a forward-mounted steering rack and dual lower links with ball joints at the outer ends, providing sharp responses to driver input. At the rear, a four-link suspension design uses coil-over shocks and a decoupled stabilizer bar to enhance cornering control, reduce body roll and optimize longitudinal compliance. In short, it's a truck that hauls more than cargo on twisting roads.

The rear cargo area is wide, deep and flat, with no suspension or wheelhouse protrusions; the cargo floor measures 55 inches long (1,397 mm) by 47.5 inches wide (1,206 mm). It all adds up to the space to haul a wide variety of lifestyle accessories.

The easy-to-operate Midgate can be lowered to extend the cargo-carrying capacity inside the vehicle. The rear seats fold flat to provide a longer floor for carrying items such as skis, surfboards or wood from the home improvement store. A fixed rear window allowed engineers to retain the vehicle's structure, reducing mass and complexity.

The Denali XT has an estimated payload capacity of 1,100 pounds (499 kg) and a towing capacity of an estimated 3,500 pounds (1,587 kg). This capability is delivered through unique vehicle and powertrain integration, where the multiple modes of GM's two-mode hybrid system provide towing capability.

New 4.9L SIDI V-8 and two-mode hybrid system

For the first time, GM's rear-wheel-drive two-mode hybrid transmission is paired with a smaller-displacement version of the small-block engine. The new V-8 4.9L E85-capable engine powers the Denali XT with an estimated 326 horsepower (243 kW). It uses direct-injection technology to produce the power of a larger engine, but consumes less fuel and produces lower emissions.

Also, the functionality of GM's Active Fuel Management system has been expanded through the use of hybrid technologies, enhancing the cylinder-deactivating feature to further improve fuel efficiency.

The Denali XT's two-mode hybrid system is partnered with the 4.9L engine and uses an electrically variable transmission to enhance fuel efficiency in city and highway driving. In city driving, all-electric propulsion is used at low speeds; on the highway, fixed-gear operation enables efficient performance even when towing a trailer.

The specific characteristics of the Denali XT allowed the synergistic evolution of GM's small-block V-8 and two-mode hybrid beyond the recently introduced in GM two-mode hybrid products, such as the GMC Yukon Hybrid and Sierra Hybrid. During this optimization process, additional powertrain technologies have been integrated, including Active Thermal Management, which transfers thermal energy from one driveline component to another to improve efficiency; and a high-efficiency axle configuration, which fundamentally reduces the losses normally associated with conventional axle configurations.

The integration of the advanced internal combustion engine technologies and two-mode hybrid system on the Denali XT reinforces GMC's Professional Grade position as a brand that continues to exceed customer expectations.