BMW design boss Adrian van Hooydonk took Automobile Magazine on a tour of BMW’s design history from the art archives

read the article and see more examples at http://www.automobilemag.com/features/magazine/1507-a-look-inside-the-bmw-design-archives/ 

the 1971 Star Streak motor home, built on a Olds Toronado

Found on https://www.facebook.com/HCCCmagazine  I posted this years ago in a gallery of unusual things, but it seems to deserve a place of it's own. Seems to be a Cadillac car on the far left edge of the  photo, so it's my guess that this is in a Caddy collection

It's in the California Automobile Museum in Sacramento permanent collection. It has been for at least 5-6 years. It is a hand built, one of a kind RV built by an Air Force officer with several engineering degrees.

It is based on a 1971 Olds Toronado chassis and has OEM trim from Cadillac. The panels, glass and such was all hand fabricated. The drivers location feels very much like an aircraft cockpit. It was designed to fit in the mans garage and after he and his wife put over 100,000 miles on it touring the U.S.

Thanks to Lou, who is a docent at the Cal Auto Museum in Sacramento, and told me that info!

dual purpose tailights... interesting concept, that probably won't make it to production for a long time

at least two journalists said that the wastegates vent through the taillights, but we've also heard they'll be used to vent hot air from the engine compartment. The area to the right of the light appears to be open and looks a little vent-y. In the image above, we can see what appears to be some kind of light mesh sitting behind the open area in the light.

http://autoweek.com/article/car-news/ford-gts-mystery-taillights

Porsche has patented a new type of variable compression ratio con rod ( I bet you never thought you'd read about Porsche con rods here today!)

Turbos work by compressing the intake charge of air and fuel before ramming it into the combustion chamber under pressure. Because a turbocharger is powered by exhaust gas, and therefore is not always running at peak boost, the amount of fuel/air mix entering the cylinder varies from low volume when the turbo is not spinning to maximum volume when the turbo is running at peak revs. Turbocharged engines must therefore run lower compression ratios, to allow that higher volume at peak boost. This costs them power.

One way to increase the efficiency of a turbocharged engine would be to constantly adjust the compression ratio, giving higher compression off-boost, and reducing the compression as boost pressure rises, to prevent detonation.

One way to increase the efficiency of a turbocharged engine would be to constantly adjust the compression ratio, giving higher compression off-boost, and reducing the compression as boost pressure rises, to prevent detonation. The Porsche system (top) is clever, planting the piston on an eccentric mount that is automatically adjusted by control rods, which swivel the piston up or down on the crankshaft connecting rod depending on oil pressure, thus controlling the compression ratio.

http://www.ferdinandmagazine.com/porsche-patents-variable-compression-ratio-engine-technology

best designed Teardrop I've seen in a long time!

http://www.thegidget.com.au/

Goodyear concept tires... more waste of our attention and their research dollars? Or something that they might get to the consumers in this millenium?

The first concept – named “BHO3” – offers the possibility of charging the batteries of electric cars by transforming the heat generated by the rolling tire into useful electrical energy. The second concept – named “Triple Tube” – contains three tubes that adjust tire inflation pressure in response to changing road conditions, delivering new levels of performance and versatility.

http://www.futuretimeline.net/blog/2015/march.htm#.VXkEm0_BzRY

how Detroit Speed made a better looking 1969 Camaro

The cowl and header panels were eliminated and a custom hood was made from the grill to the glass

http://www.detroitspeed.com/Projects/angelo-vespis-1969-camaro/angelo-vespis-1969-camaro-pg-1.html

the BMW art cars

Images from https://www.facebook.com/BMWFrance

this is one cool way of displaying what makes the car historic... wow!

From https://www.facebook.com/HistoricVehicleAssociation  and  https://www.historicvehicle.org/nationalregister/Register-Vehicles

Barnes Towing

In about 1937, Luton J. White, the owner of Barnes Auto Co., together with Alan White, conceived an idea to build a streamlined wrecker – something strikingly modern. In appearance the vehicle was a complete departure from anything normal for the day, as can be seen in the accompanying pictures. Both front and rear ends are rounded so that maneuvering in tight spaces is easy.

They chose a 1938 Dodge 6 two-ton truck chassis, shortened and reinforced and converted to full forward control. The engine developed 78 horsepower and with a special low gear in the four-speed gear box, it would climb the steepest grades and go where no others could go.

This truck remained in service until the mid 50’s when it was replaced by a crew cab English Dodge.

info from http://www.forgottenfiberglass.com/and-now-for-something-completely-different/streamliner-from-down-underby-glenn-brummer/ images from https://www.facebook.com/anibal134

Arroyo Seca Bridge near Pasadena. It was a beautiful thing in it's brass era - pre WW1 innocence

Horse drawn carriages and gas lights. No traffic congestion, all Norman Rockwell and Maxfield Parrish.

Photo from https://www.facebook.com/pages/Old-Cars/204098692935609

one of the best looking commecial truck designs

Found on https://www.facebook.com/groups/353785941367129/

The New Zealand museum of transportation says that there are only 3 1940 Dodge Airflow fuel tanks left, so, you're probably looking at theirs. For another view, see http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2015/05/i-just-learned-from-jtb-that-there-is.html

Mitsubishi ASX Designer Edition

The Mitsubishi ASX is one of the cheapest compact SUVs in Malaysia at RM114,743.50 (TR without insurance) for the 2WD version with 2.0-LITER 16-valve inline-4 DOHC MIVEC engine. This is because they assemble it in Malaysia.

They recently worked together with Malaysian designer Rizalman Ibrahim, to come up with the Mitsubishi ASX Designer Edition. The model only comes in "Titanium" grey with racing stripe running down the front and back of the car. It is only available in the 4WD version. The grey theme is carried in the interior as well with grey leather seats with yellow trims. Leather (grey and yellow) covered gear knobs and matte finished black alloy rims. The car also has a large rear spoiler and fin-type antenna as opposed to the bee-sting type antennas. Another unique feature is the panoramic tinted glass roof



Behind the scenes video:



The Designer Edition model is priced at RM131,801.50 (OTR without insurance).

The new Citroën C4 Cactus with nice bumps

One thing is sure about the new Citroën C4 Cactus - you will definitely get a lot of attention. It features unique Airbump® side panels which is supposed to protect from knocks and occasional bumps. The Airbump® panels are made from supply TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) and include tiny air capsules.

I suspect that reactions to the Airbump® feature is going to be split into 2 groups - "either you like it or you don't".

Other unique designs include sleek roof bars, a floating quarter window and clean lines. The front end features nice lights with daytime running LEDs emphasising the slim headlights as well as 3D-effect back lights.

Inside, the car features slim dashboard and 7 inch Touch Drive interface and a huge glovebox.



Check out the Citroën C4 Cactus for more information.

Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Center in Carlsbad.

Amazing car designs from the Mercedes-Benz design center in California - Carlsbad, USA.

Bentley Continental GT Design Series China Edition

W12 / 5.998 cc / 610 PS / 553 ft/lb (750 Nm) @ 1.750 - 5.600 / twin turbo / AWD / 0 - 62 mph (100 km/h): 4,8 s / Vmax: 200 mph (322 km/h)

(click images for a larger view)

Car Designs Reimagined by Sabrina Chun

Some amazing artwork by artist Sabrina Chun which will appeal to all car lovers. Her Blackprints in minimalist designs in eye-catching inverse black and white are printed on recycled paper for the cardstock and the ink and solvent are soybean plant-based.



Check out her Kickstarter Link: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sabrinachun/blackprints-car-designs-reimagined?ref=live

Website: http://blackprintdesign.com

Talented Alex has designs on your next new car

A MERSEYSIDE dad has spoken of his pride this week after his son landed a dream job designing a Chinese car company's latest models.

Jeff O'Brien, from Thornton, told Life On Cars that after impressing car industry executives with his design flair his son Alex has now jetted off to Shanghai to help design vehicles for Qoros, a joint Israeli-Chinese firm which will be launching its first cars in the UK next year.

Mr O'Brien said yesterday: "Alex's designing and sketching skills are out of this world, and after completing the car design course at the University of Coventry he impressed a lot of design executives for different companies, who all saw what he'd come up with and wanted to take a look. One of them was a manager at Qoros, who spoke to Alex and was absolutely delighted with him.

"Alex wanted to work with Qoros because it's a new company, and they're really keen to use some of his design skills in their models."

The model which former Manor High School pupil Alex created to conclude his design course, a sports car design aimed at supercar builders Bugatti (pictured above), attracted attention from car industry executives at an exhibition, used to showcase the UK's latest car design talent, held in Coventry last year. Father and son worked together on the car, with Jeff, a retired Craft, Design and Technology tutor, helping to fashion the wheels for the model of Alex's sports car design.

Although work commitments in Shanghai meant Alex was unavailable to speak to Life On Cars, a Qoros spokesperson said of its new range of cars: "Qoros is a fresh, new brand without legacy. It is driven by a passionate international team of expert designers, engineers and marketers who are united in their desire to develop sophisticated and highly individual products.

"The company is dedicated to meeting an ever-increasing demand for cars that are highly differentiated from other products within a crowded automotive marketplace. In addition to design that is both elegant and functional, Qoros products will be distinguished by a strong focus on state-of-the-art technology, with high levels of user-friendly in-car connectivity and vehicle safety standards which compare to the best in Europe."

The first Qoros car to be sold in the UK, an as-yet-unnamed four door saloon, will make its European debut at the Geneva Motorshow next March.

Bentley Continental GTZ Zagato

W12 / 5.998 cc / 560 PS / 479 ft/lb (650 Nm) @ 1.600 / twin turbo / AWD / 0 - 62 mph (100 km/h): 4,8 s / Vmax: 198 mph (319 km/h)

(click images for a larger view)

A Life On Cars tribute to the Raleigh Chopper

 Alan Oakley, designer of the Raleigh Chopper bicycle, has died today. Life On Cars writer David Simister, who owned two, pays tribute by remembering why the funkily-styled Seventies icon was such a class act...

It’s mechanically challenged, outgunned at the lights by any moped, and has room for just one on its rather exposed seat. Yet the Raleigh Chopper is no ordinary bike, being to cycling what the Mini is to motoring or the Volkswagen Caravelle to camping.

A legend in its own lifetime, it somehow encompasses both iconic and ironic within one spin of its tiny wheels. Running a Chopper is a surreal experience. I bought one way back in 2007 to replace my old Vespa, and although it couldn't hope to beat the Italian scooter on speed, it’s a surprising equal in the style stakes and yet far cheaper.

When I was at university in Carlisle I used my Raleigh Chopper (pictured below) every day to get between my student digs on one side of the Great Border City, the campus on the other and the supermarket, somewhere in between the two. I loved it so much that it was one of the treasured possessions I took all the way to Bristol with me after I graduated, and after a couple of weeks I realised how cool a bike it was after a couple of bolt cutter-wielding thieves stole it while it was chained up a stone's throw from the SS Great Britain. I responded by immediately getting another one - even though it meant travelling to Yeovil on the train to get it - which I still have to this day.

My red Raleigh Chopper MK3, even though it's now in need of a restoration and has sat unloved in the garage for years because it isn't a car, is still one of my most treasured possessions. It is, put simply, as much an icon of Seventies Britain as the Capri or the Rover SD1 were.

Compared to a normal bike, the Chopper feels very odd to ride at first. Those enormously high handlebars seem to have no control over where the tiny front wheel goes, while the comparatively enormous rear makes every getaway a wheelie. Yet given time and a slightly different riding style, it becomes easily one of the most amusing forms of transportation ever conceived. The wacky proportions raise eyebrows, but the reincarnated Raleigh has enjoyed massive success three decades after the ancestor’s heyday.

It’s even practical - the chrome backrest is perfect for loading shopping bags onto, and much safer than dangling them off the handlebars off a normal bike. The modern Chopper’s just gone out of production, but there’s never been a better time to buy second-hand.

Compared to the hundreds of pounds the 1970s originals fetch, now is definitely the time to buy. BMXs might be the more obvious choice for bike-riding yoofs, but with the Raleigh Chopper, you’re making a cool, retro statement.

It’s still not really motoring, but going back to the 1970s has never been cheaper.