Tesla

 

Motor

375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor with variable frequency drive.

	Roadster	Roadster Sport
Torque	273 lb-ft at 0-5,400 rpm	295 lb-ft at 0-5,100 rpm
Horsepower	288 hp (215 kW) at 5,000-6,000 rpm	288 hp (215 kW) at 4,400-6,000 rpm
Max rpm	14,000 rpm	14,000 rpm

Acceleration

	Roadster	Roadster Sport
Top Speed	125 mph	125 mph
0 to 60 mph	3.9 seconds	3.7 seconds

Transmission

Single speed fixed gear. Reverse drive uses reverse direction of motor, limited to 15 mph.

Overall Final Drive	8.28:1
Final Drive Ratio	3.12:1

Battery

Custom microprocessor-controlled lithium-ion battery with 6,831 individual cells. 3.5 hour charge time from empty to full using the Tesla High Power Wall Connector at 240 Volts and 70 Amps.

Range	245 miles
Expected Battery Life	Seven-years or 100,000 miles
Battery heater for cold weather charging to -20 degrees Celsius	Standard

Toxic Dangers in Exotic Cars

Although one might think that there are fewer dangers around exotic cars, the fact remains that there are many dangers in expensive vehicles, usually just as many as in any other vehicle. And this is not just the carbon monoxide that comes out of the overpowering exhaust.

Below are some of the toxic dangers that have been found in exotic cars.

– Auto restoration and upgrading dangers

Exotic cars must by definition be the pinnacle of performance, they often go through any processes in the manufacturing process that many other types of cars do not go through. What this means is that the exotic car is at risk for exposure to a much greater number of toxins than the ordinary car. When a car is restored or upgraded, it attracts more toxins like solvents used to accentuate the paint job or make the interior shine. This shine does not come for free, but is due to toxic chemicals which can cause dermatitis if they are exposed to a person for long enough.

– Inhaling the chemicals of exotic cars

Fortunately, manufacturers today are doing a better job not using asbestos for their car parts like brake pads, hood liners, clutch plates, etc. Although, inhaling the chemicals that are used in making and preserving exotic cars can cause many long-term effects if they are exposed to humans in large quantities. Some of the more serious long-term effects include mesothelioma and asthma. These are definitely not the only types of disorders that chemicals cause, although they are the most famous. Other types of problems caused by coxswains in exotic cars include liver dysfunction, migraines, prostate cancer and arthritis.

– Pre-existing conditions

The reason that the United States does not allow certain types of exotic cars into the nation is because of the long-term effects that these cars have on people who are exposed to them for a prolonged period of time. This is even worse for people who have pre-existing conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis. These types of conditions are easily aggravated by the chemicals that are used in the cars for restoration and preservation. As well as the chemicals that are used in packaging the car for delivery to the United States.

The World’s Six Fastest Eco-Cars

Goodbye econoboxes. Hello green scream machines.

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The days of fuel economy only coming in small, slow and stripped-down cars are over. Every major auto show these days brings the unveiling of another green super car using hybrid or electric car technology to conserve fuel while delivering Ferrari-like performance. Do any of these wild concepts have a real shot at becoming cost-effective realities? Not so much. And yet, with each new green racer, the appeal of hybrids and electric cars to mainstream drivers grows a little stronger. Here are our all-time fantasy favorites that could leave the Tesla Roadster and Fisker Karma—two screaming fast and quite real production cars—curled up on the pavement coughing dust.

Let's not forget that, in the real world, one of the most practical and immediate ways to conserve fuel is to drive at the legal speed limit.

1Shelby Ultimate Aero EV

(Zero-to-60 in 2.5 seconds / 1,000 Horsepower)

Shelby Supercars, the firm that manufactures the world's fastest production car, unveiled the world's fastest electric car in January 2009. The Ultimate Aero EV can reach speeds of 208 mph and can accelerate to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. It is powered by a twin motor system, producing a staggering 1,000-horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque. According to Shelby, the Ultimate Aero EV will have a range of between 150 and 200 miles. The manufacturer expects to roll out pre-production versions of the vehicle by June—and then plans to use its technology to produce small and more practical electric cars.

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2Namir Hybrid

(Zero-to-62 mpg in 3.5 seconds / 362 Horsepower)

The most recent addition to the green super car club is the Namir Concept, a striking new hybrid supercar developed jointly by Italdesign Giugiaro and the iconic British automotive engineering firm, Fraser-Nash Research. Unveiled at last week’s Geneva Motor Show, the exotic vehicle boasts output of 362 horsepower, a top-speed of 187 miles per hour, and fuel economy as high as 110 miles per gallon. The secret is a hybrid system that utilizes a gas-powered endothermic rotary engine, a 400-volt lithium polymer battery pack, and four electric motors—two at the front axle, two at the rear. And perhaps most importantly, the chassis weighs only 250 pounds. By the way, Namir means ‘tiger’ in Arabic. Very fitting.

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3Toyota Alessandro Volta

(Zero-to-60 in Under 4 seconds / 408 Horsepower)

A collaboration between Toyota, and again, Italdesign Giugiaro, this concept from a few years back bears the name of the iconic physicist and inventor of the battery. Built on a carbon fiber chassis, the sleek three-seater is powered by the same four-wheel-drive hybrid system as the one found in the upcoming Lexus RX 450h—and its predecessor, the RX 400h. The Volta combines a V6 gas engine and two electric motors, one at each axle. Total output is a 408 horsepower, which results in a sub-four second zero-to-60 sprint, and a top-speed of 155 miles per hour.

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4Toyota Supra HV-R

(Zero-to-60 in Under 4 seconds / 700 Horsepower)

Designed by Parisian firm Sacha Lakic, this hybrid racecar feeds power to all four wheels thanks to a 4.5-liter 480-horsepower Super GT V8 engine combined with three electric motors—one at the rear-axle, and two in each of the front-wheels. Total output is a Nascar-like 700 horsepower. Due to a mostly stripped-out interior, the car weighs about 2,400 pounds. The HV-R was the first hybrid racecar ever to win a major racing event when it finished first place at the 616-lap Tokachi 24 in Japan in 2007.

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5BMW Formula 1 KERS

(Approximately 750 Horsepower)

Taking Formula 1 into a more eco-friendly direction, the BMW unveiled the Sauber F1.09 in January 2009. The Sauber team is employing the braking technology called Kinetic Energy Recovery System, or KERS. A kind of high-powered variant of regenerative braking, KERS captures energy created during braking and stores it for use by the hybrid powertrain. The Sauber F1 racecar uses this technology in much the same way standard BMW production vehicles utilize ActiveHybrid technology. BMW hopes to learn more from the F1 experiment in order to make advancements in the consumer market. BMW Sauber still hasn’t decided whether it will race with its kinetic energy recovery system in this year’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

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6Wrightspeed X1

(Zero-to-60 in About 3 Seconds / 300 Horsepower)

Built by Ian Wright, a former Tesla engineer, the Wrightspeed X1 is a rear-drive open-wheel roadster outfitted with an all-electric powertrain. The system unites an electric motor from AC Propulsion, lithium ion batteries from A123, and a Honda transmission. Its compact Ariel Atom body features lightweight components and an aerodynamic design. The Atom was the perfect candidate due to its lightweight and efficient design. The little racer attracted a lot of attention when it entered a drag race and beat out a Porsche Carrera GT in front of news cameras in 2006. Wright promises a production version of the X1, but it will be heavily modified in order to meet on-road safety standards.

http://www.hybridcars.com/news/worlds-six-fastest-eco-cars-25631.html

DS3 WRC

Race car champions

Citroën Racing DS3 WRC, 

The compact, dynamic and aggressive design of this ‘little racer’ immediately catches the eye – it has clearly been designed with winning in mind with its widened wings, redesigned bumpers and aerodynamic features. Built using the production body shell, the chassis has undergone many modifications to adapt the four-wheel drive transmission and the McPherson-strut suspension system. The safety of the driver pair is guaranteed by a roll cage, which enhances the sturdiness of the car.

Compared with the previous generation of World Rally Cars, the 2011 regulations have led to a genuine revolution under the bonnet. Citroën DS3 WRC is powered by a four-cylinder, 1600cc turbocharged direct injection engine. A first at this level of motorsport, the use of a direct injection engine opens up new possibilities for the development of racing engines, especially in terms of fuel consumption. Designed and built from start to finish by Citroën Racing, this engine develops a healthy 300bhp.

Certified and supplied by Sadev, the six-speed sequential gearbox is coupled with front and rear differentials. Semi-automatic controls and the central differential are now prohibited. In order to keep costs under control, the FIA has also defined the characteristics (dimensions, weight, price, etc.) of the car’s main components. Taking these constraints into account, Citroën Racing and Sadev’s engineers looked to maximise performance and reliability by focussing on every last detail.

Deemed to be efficient, balanced and easy to handle by drivers during initial testing, Citroën DS3 WRC will have the job of adding to the large collection of titles and race wins racked up by Xsara and C4 WRC.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

What's New for 2011

Aside from the addition of the Fuse voice activation system and real-time traffic updates, the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sees only a shuffling of standard and optional features.

Introduction

The typical formula for a muscle car is performance on the cheap, as in a big, honking engine dropped into a low-price generic package. Based on what the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution does, we'd say the muscle formula is alive and well. Yet there's more to the Evolution than just straight-line performance.
Starting with the standard Lancer economy sedan, Mitsubishi goes to work by adding a turbocharged engine, a highly sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, chassis reinforcements, bigger brakes, a sport-tuned suspension and numerous aerodynamic and cosmetic enhancements. The transformation results in performance numbers that rival those from sports cars. In Edmunds testing of various Evolutions the past couple of years, we've consistently seen 0-60-mph sprints in about 5 seconds flat and slalom speeds near 70 mph -- pretty heady stuff.
Fortunately, this added athleticism doesn't significantly compromise the overall driving experience. Inside the cabin, driver and passengers are treated to a reasonably quiet environment, a decently comfortable ride and many standard and optional high-tech features. We also like the available, dual-clutch automated manual gearbox. With it, a driver can make lightning-quick gearchanges by tugging on the steering-column-mounted shift paddles or simply select full automatic mode for hassle-free driving. The Evo's all-wheel-drive system is there for both extra traction in inclement weather and significantly improved cornering no matter what the weather might be.
There are, however, a few items that count against the 2011 Evolution. The interior is nearly identical to the economical Lancer, with hard plastics and a lack of visual appeal befitting a car at this price. The steering wheel tilts but doesn't telescope, keeping many from finding an optimal driving position. And while the ride might not be overly stiff, it could still feel unyielding to the average driver. Furthermore, the Evo's small trunk puts a definite crimp in cargo capacity.
In the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's price range, you'll find competitors like the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Nissan 370Z and Subaru Impreza WRX STI. The Camaro and Mustang obviously provide more muscular bravado when fitted with their V8 engines, while the 370Z is more nimble due to its pure sports-car nature. But the Evolution's true rival is the WRX STI. The STI offers a slightly more refined interior and an available hatchback body style, but it's not quite as savvy on twisting back roads. Our choice here is the Mitsubishi Evo. For the modern interpretation of the classic muscle car, you need not look any further.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a high-performance compact sedan available in GSR and MR trim levels that correspond to the transmission choices. The GSR receives the five-speed manual while the MR gets the six-speed Sportronic transmission.
Standard equipment on the GSR includes 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a large rear spoiler, full power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls, Recaro sport bucket seats, the Fuse voice-activation system for some electronic features, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, and a six-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface. The MR is similar but has BBS alloy wheels, a smaller rear lip spoiler, xenon headlamps and softer suspension calibrations.
Optional on the GSR is the Sight and Sound package, which adds xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry and a Rockford Fosgate sound system with 10-inch subwoofer, satellite radio and an in-dash six-CD changer. Also available is the Sun and Leather package that adds a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an upgraded center console with covered bins and added sound insulation.
Available on the MR trim is the Premium package, which includes the chrome exterior trim, Rockford Fosgate audio system, leather and suede seating surfaces, keyless ignition/entry and an upgraded center console. A Touring package is also available that adds the sunroof, heated mirrors, leather seats, heated front seats, automatic headlights and wipers, and added sound insulation.
Either trim level can also be had with a hard-drive-based navigation system that boasts real-time traffic and digital music storage.

Powertrains and Performance

Every 2011 Lancer Evolution is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out 291 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The GSR comes only with a five-speed manual transmission, while the MR is equipped with Mitsubishi's excellent six-speed automated manual transmission with column-mounted shift paddles. Power is sent to all four wheels through an advanced all-wheel-drive system.
Acceleration for either Evo is impressive. In performance testing by Edmunds, a GSR required only 4.9 seconds to sprint from zero to 60 mph, while the MR did it in 5 flat. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined for the GSR and 17/22/19 for the MR versions.

Safety

Standard safety features on the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution include antilock brakes, front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag, stability control and a variety of advanced handling technologies.
The Evolution hasn't been crash tested, but the standard Mitsubishi Lancer on which it is based has been through the procedure. In government testing, its 2010 rating (which isn't comparable to more strenuous 2011 ratings) resulted in a top-rated five stars for the driver and four stars for the front passenger in frontal impact protection. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests, the regular Lancer earned the top rating of "Good."

Interior Design and Special Features

The Evo's interior is tame compared to its aggressive exterior styling. Recaro sport bucket seats, alloy foot pedals, fancier gauges and a different steering wheel are the only things that differentiate the spicy Evo from the commonplace Lancer GTS. Those Recaros are highly supportive and comfortable, but the driver seat's lack of a height adjustment and the steering wheel's tilt-only column make finding an ideal driving position difficult for many drivers, not just tall ones.
Most of the interior materials are the same as those on the regular Lancer, which is to say that they're fine for an economy car but disappointing for a vehicle costing about $35,000. The Evo's utility is actually less than the regular Lancer's, as the rear seats don't fold down and the battery and washer fluid reservoir have been relocated to the trunk for better weight distribution. Total trunk space is just 7 cubic feet, which is on par with tiny roadsters. Adding the optional stereo upgrade with the massive trunk-mounted subwoofer reduces that capacity even further.
On the plus side, most controls are within easy reach and simple in operation, and the standard Fuse voice activation system makes some audio and navigation functions a hands-free affair.

Driving Impressions

The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a sports car in compact sedan clothing. The advanced all-wheel-drive system works behind the scenes to give the car very impressive handling and traction abilities. Spirited drivers will also appreciate the Evo's ultra-responsive steering and ample amount of road feedback.
For daily commutes, the Evo is less inspiring, mostly because the ride quality is rather stiff. That goes for the MR models as well, though their Bilstein dampers give them a touch more ride compliance. The excellent automated dual-clutch manual transmission makes the MR trims the clear choice for those who plan to commute in their Evos. Regardless of which model you choose, you'll have an immensely fun car with performance that's nearly impossible to beat for the price.

Subaru Impreza WRX 2011

• Exterior Features
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Turbocharged 265-hp or 305-hp SUBARU BOXER^® engines
• Wide-body design
• Sport-tuned suspension
• 17 x 8.0-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P235/45 R17 summer performance tires
• Quad outlet exhausts

• Interior Features
• 265-hp turbocharged SUBARU BOXER^® engine
• 6-speaker audio system with Bluetooth^® hands-free phone and streaming audio connectivity
• USB port and iPod^® control capability
• Performance-design front seats
• Automatic climate control
• Available touch-screen GPS navigation system
• Six airbags standard

Ferrari 458 Italia

While it's true that every Ferrari is innovative by definition, it's equally true that in the course of the Prancing Horse's history, certain cars have marked a genuine departure from the current range. This is very much the case with the Ferrari 458 Italia, which is a massive leap forward from the company's previous mid-rear engined sports cars.
The new model is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as a nation is well-known. For this reason Ferrari chose to add the name of its homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders.
The Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics, just to name a few.
A two-seater berlinetta, the Ferrari 458 Italia, as is now traditional for all Ferrari's road-going cars, benefits hugely from the company's Formula 1 experience. This is particularly evident in the speed and precision with which the car responds to driver inputs and in the attention focused on reducing internal friction in the engine for lower fuel consumption than the Ferrari F430, despite the fact that both overall displacement and power have increased. However, Ferrari's track experience makes its presence felt in the Ferrari 458 Italia not only in terms of pure technological transfer but also on a more emotional level, because of the strong emphasis on creating an almost symbiotic relationship between driver and car. The Ferrari 458 Italia features an innovative driving environment with a new kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. Once again input from Michael Schumacher - who was involved from the very start of the Ferrari 458 Italia project - played an invaluable part.