Mavizen TTX02 unveiled at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas

Instead of a V-twin, there's a lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor under that RC8 bodywork. The TTX02 will be built in limited numbers...

The UK-based Mavizen have unveiled the lithium-ion battery-powered TTX02 electric sportbike at the currently ongoing SEMA Show in the US. With chassis, suspension and bodywork from the KTM RC8, the TTX02 is a high-tech piece of work that weighs 110kg dry (without the batteries, which we’re sure are very heavy) and has a top speed of around 210km/h.

The TTX02’s on-board computer runs on the Linux operating system and features Wi-Fi Internet connectivity. No, you wouldn’t want to check your email at 200km/h, but the bike’s computer can easily be hooked on to your laptop and the accompanying software would then allow you to tweak most performance parameters. We suppose Mavizen would also supply firmware updates, which you would be able to download to the bike via that Wi-Fi connection…

Based on the TTXGP winning Agni X01, the TTX02 will be produced in limited numbers and is expected to cost about £25,000 in race-ready condition. Visit the Mavizen website for more details.

Watch the Mavizen TTX02 in action

Caccia Custom Cars Ghepardo - click above image for high-res gallery

Here's what we know: Caccia Custom Cars took a 2002 Chevy Camaro and a 2002 Chevy Corvette and created the Ghepardo. The car uses the Camaro's frame and the Corvette's motor and suspension. The motor is mounted amidships, albeit backwards (note the throttle body). And the House of Kolor paint is called Pagan Gold. Also, you should not confuse this SEMA all-star Ghepardo with the 2006 Bizzarrini Ghepardo concept.

As for this Ghepadro... it's not that bad looking. In fact, the longer we stare at the exterior, the more we like what we see. Obviously we can't get past the gaudy chainmail armor covering up every single vent and opening. And we'd prefer if the five-slot wheels weren't chromed. That said, in profile, it's a nice looking mid-engine coupe and the rear is quite muscular. The front even has a touch of new Lexus, which while sacriligious for a Chevy-on-Chevy mashup like this, ain't bad at all.

The interior, on the other hand, is a house of horrors. Everything is covered over in prison-grade Alcantara or carbon fiber-look fiberglass. Even the fire extinguisher!! Also, we're pretty sure a 15/16" cutting tool isn't the smartest Dremel attachment to use for a show car. In fact, in this Autoblogger's mind, the Ghepardo is now in the running neck-and-neck with the Masonry Vitesse Rose for having the worst interior ever – quite a distinction! Additionally, the Ghepardo fills our minds with the delightful image of Corvette and Camaro fans/owners beating each other to pulps with giant oversized cartoon hammers. Perhaps that's just the food around here talking.

Source : Autoblog

SEMA 2009: HPP Daytona is one big Hot Wheels toy

HPP Daytona - Click above image for high-res gallery

We've been hearing about this car for three days, but we just couldn't find it. Then, just before lunch, one of our intrepid reporters tracked the beast down within the tropical bowels of Las Vegas Convention Center's Central Hall. Behold: the HPP Daytona!

Yes, it's a new Dodge Challenger wearing a Charger Daytona costume, but updated for today's muscle car aficionados. Under the hood sits a standard 5.7-liter HEMI V8, further proving the point that when it comes to the Daytona/Superbird, it's what's on the outside that counts! Luckily for us, HPP did a pretty decent job on the outside.

The nose cone works, and works well. Here comes the hate mail, but this author thinks the nose actually looks better than the original 1969 Charger Daytona's does. Here's a pic for reference. To be fair, the HPP's schnoz is actually much more like a Plymouth Superbird's than the Dodge. The wheels are great, the fake vents on the door are bad, the stance is right... and then we get to the rear wing.

While we're positive that it's the same dimensions as the mondo-sized Daytona/Superbird wing, the new Challenger's trunk is about half the length of the Sixties/Seventies cars. Meaning it looks... not quite right. Also, this Mopar muscle car has grown so much since forty years ago that the car is just screaming for more wing. But we'll still happily take one, as the HPP Daytona was/is totally worth the hunt.

Source : Autoblog

Renault considers withdrawing from F1

Hot on the heels of Wednesday’s announcement that Toyota was withdrawing from Formula One comes new rumours that Renault is also seriously considering leaving the championship before next season. It is believed Toyota’s exit sparked an emergency meeting at Renault to decide the French company’s future in the sport.

Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn refused to speculate on the rumours, telling a press conference:

“You will have to be patient. We will make an announcement on our participation in Formula One before the end of the year.”

Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz are the only other manufacturers left in the series after BMW and Honda succumbed to financial pressures earlier this year.

Tyre supplier Bridgestone also will also disappear from F1 after 2010 as it declined to renew its contract.

Last month Renault announced that Robert Kubica would replace two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso as he heads to Ferrari next season.

There was optimism among senior team members for the challenges of the new year, but now it seems time will tell whether they even begin their 11th season since returning to the sport in 2000.

One way or the other, Renault’s decision will have an enormous impact on the immediate and long-term future of F1, which continues to endure perhaps the most calamitous and controversial year in its history.

Source: Car Advice

2009 Tokyo Motor Show: Green Cars - Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius

Nissan Leaf

Nissan Leaf: There's the Tesla Roadster and several three-wheeled electric vehicles for sale, but so far getting a purely electric-powered car to production with a standard car's features at a price the general public can afford has eluded the industry. Until the Nissan LEAF, that is. Due for launch in the U.S., Japan and Europe by late 2010, the LEAF guarantees a range of over 100-miles on a single charge in a practical mid-size hatchback bodystyle.

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid: The plans for this first factory-built plug-in Prius are very modest. Only about 500 vehicles will be built, so Toyota can gather real-world data on how drivers actually use plug-in hybrids. The first users will be selected commercial fleets; 150 will go to Europe, and the same number to the U.S. market, with first deliveries starting by the end of this year. Toyota hasn't committed to a date when retail customers will be able to get their hands on a factory plug-in Prius, although 2012 would fit the rough timeline it has discussed in the past.

Source: Motor Authority

2009 Tokyo Motor Show: Concepts - Subaru Hybrid Tourer, Toyota FT-86 Concept, Mitsubishi PX-MiEV, Mazda Kiyora

Subaru Hybrid Tourer

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept: Combining environmentally friendly technology and safety, the Subaru’s new concept maintains the automaker’s trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive system and horizontally opposed boxer engine but picks up a sporty design not seen previously on any of its vehicles. Under the sheet metal sits a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with direct injection and turbocharging technologies, as well as a CVT and two electric motors--one on each axle.

Toyota FT-86 Concept

Toyota FT-86 Concept: After more than a year of rumors, theories and questions, the lovechild of the Toyota-Subaru joint venture has been unveiled. This successor to the rear-wheel drive, drift-legend Corolla AE-86 takes shape with a modified Subaru Impreza chassis and Toyota badges as the FT-86 concept.

Mitsubishi PX-MiEV Plug-in Hybrid

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV Plug-in Hybrid: Powered by a new proprietary plug-in hybrid system, which significantly extends the frequency a hybrid vehicle is driven in all-electric mode, the 2009 Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV promises a fuel economy in excess of 117.6 mpg in a mid-size crossover body. The new plug-in hybrid system also combines differential electric motors with Mitsubishi’s trademark Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system and electronically controlled active yaw control.

Mazda Kiyora

Mazda Kiyora Concept: The ultra-stylish compact is an eco-friendly hatch-type car that Mazda imagines as a fun-to-drive yet responsible runabout for the future. Powered by automaker’s new SKY-G 1.3-liter gasoline engine that’s also set to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Kiyora has an estimated fuel economy of 75 mpg and could go into production very soon.

2009 Tokyo Motor Show: New Cars - Honda CR-Z Hybrid, Lexus LF-A, Toyota Sai Hybrid

Honda CR-Z Hybrid

Honda CR-Z Hybrid: For the uninitiated, the CR-Z Concept was first revealed back at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and previewed a new hybrid sports car that Honda plans to launch in the first half of next year. Unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo event, the CR-Z Concept is now a near production-ready version of the compact sports car and we can’t wait for the production car's debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

Lexus LF-A

Lexus LF-A: The supercar that almost wasn’t, the 2011 Lexus LF-A, has finally been officially revealed. At $375,000, 552 horsepower and 202 mph, it's a true supercar, and Lexus's first. Only 500 of the hand-built cars will be produced, starting from next December.

Toyota Sai Hybrid

Toyota Sai Hybrid: The Japanese-market version of the Lexus HS 250h launched at the Tokyo show this year. There aren't any plans for the car to head to the United States, though, as it's intended to sit just above the Toyota Prius in Japan--a slot already occupied by the decidedly entry-level-luxury HS here in America.

Mazda SKY

Mazda SKY Family Of Next-Generation Engines: Mazda showcases its next-generation of powertrain technologies, which include two new engines, one gasoline and one diesel, and an advanced automatic transmission. Grouped under the ‘SKY’ family of technologies, the new powertrains and gearbox are part of Mazda’s greater goal of improving its average fuel economy of vehicles 30% by 2015 compared to 2008 levels.

Source: Motor Authority

2009 Malaysian MotoGP: Race results from Sepang

Valentino Rossi, the 2009 MotoGP world champion. Yes!!

Taking third place in the Malaysian GP, Valentino Rossi has won the 2009 MotoGP world championship - his seventh world title in the premier class and ninth world title overall. The Doctor is the only man to have won world championships in the 125cc, 250cc, 500cc, 990cc and 800cc classes. Bravo!!

Race results from the 2009 Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang:

1. Casey Stoner Ducati Marlboro Team 47min 24.834 sec
2. Dani Pedrosa Repsol Honda Team 47min 39.500 sec
3. Valentino Rossi Fiat Yamaha Team. 47min 44.219 sec
4. Jorge Lorenzo Fiat Yamaha Team 47min 50.684 sec
5. Nicky Hayden Ducati Marlboro Team 48min 3.589 sec
6. Chris Vermeulen Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 48min 5.895 sec
7. Toni Elias San Carlo Honda Gresini 48min 13.389 sec
8. Marco Melandri Hayate Racing Team 48min 20.391 sec
9. Loris Capirossi Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 48min 25.137 sec
10. Mika Kallio Pramac Racing 48min 25.274 sec
11. Aleix Espargaro Pramac Racing 48min 26.489 sec
12. Alex de Angelis San Carlo Honda Gresini 48min 26.681 sec
13. Colin Edwards Monster Yamaha Tech 3 48min 35.612 sec
14. Gabor Talmacsi Scot Racing Team MotoGP 48min 40.685 sec
15. James Toseland Monster Yamaha Tech 3 49min 15.506 sec

Source: Faster and Faster

Bugatti Galibier concept - Frankfurt Auto Show

Frankfurt motor show: Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid

TOYOTA UNVEILS AURIS HSD FULL HYBRID* CONCEPTFrankfurt motor show debut for precursor to Toyota's first full hybrid mainstream European production modelKEY POINTS* Concept previews new Auris HSD Full Hybrid, Toyota's first full hybrid mainstream model in Europe* World debut at the Frankfurt motor show* Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, shared with latest generation Prius* Sub-100g/km CO2 emissions

Frankfurt Auto Show - BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept.

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept World Debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Frankfurt Auto Show - Bentley Mulsanne.

Bentley Mulsanne World Debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Frankfurt Auto Show - Audi R8 V10 Spyder

Audi R8 V10 Spyder World Debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Frankfurt Auto Show - Audi A5 Sportback.

Audi A5 Sportback World Debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Frankfurt Auto Show - Chevrolet Spark

Chevrolet Spark World Debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Frankfurt Auto Show - Citroen C3 DS3.

Citroen C3 DS3 World Debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Frankfurt Auto Show - Dacia Sandero Stepway

Dacia Sandero Stepway World Debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Frankfurt Auto Show - Dacia Duster Crossover Concept

Dacia Duster Crossover Concept World Debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Frankfurt Auto Show - BMW Active Hybrid 7-series

World premiere of BMW Active Hybrid 7-series at 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Frankfurt Auto Show: BMW 5-series GT

World premiere of BMW 5-series GT at 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.