Friday, July 27, 2012

A History of Excalibur Cars

The Excalibur car is a beautiful example of a retro classic vehicle featuring an inspired design based on the 1920's Mercedes Benz SS with a little modern engineering and American flair. The result is a little ostentatious and an unlikely weekday runabout however the vehicle has found itself a niche within the outer limits of luxury limousines. The car has gained a cult following world wide as a wedding car in white or the perfect vessel for anyone who wants to make a splash!

Automobile designer, Brook Steven's was fascinated by the classic era of automotive design. This passion was what fueled his Gatsby-esque creations and eventually lead the design of the what would later become the Excalibur as a concept car for Studebaker in 1963. The concept car was exhibited at several car shows in the US and turned a lot of heads. The fuss about this unique car soon turned into orders from wealthy patrons around the world and so the Excalibur was born. The Excalibur was factory built and underwent several major revisions in its early years which greatly improved performance and reliability especially with regards to the chassis that was required for such a long automobile - eventually acquired from General Motors. Each year the Excalibur factory only made about sixty to eighty vehicles which has added to their rarity and collectibility today. The cars most commonly ordered and produced were the 2-door Roadster however Excalibur also made a 4-door saloon the 'Phaeton' which has become a very successful luxury car, used in films such as 101 Dalmatians and as the flagship of the limo fleet for Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.

After a run of only 3200 cars the company finally ceased production in 1990, having finally achieved perfection in the Series V Excalibur, the most luxurious yet. The company still runs in a limited capacity supplying parts, manuals and information to the contemporary owners of Excalibur cars.

The good news is that the current owner of the Excalibur Cars factory has not ruled out the possibility of a new line of cars. In fact as recently as 2011 there has been talk of a modernised Excalibur of similar design. These plans are subject to financial backing and for now the company is devoted to creating parts to keep the existing Excalibur's on the road, even going as far as to plan renovation kits to replace what could be considered the dated and worn interior of some of the older models still in circulation.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

An Environmentally Friendly Concept Car

The BMW i18 concept car is designed for optimum performance and a look that won't soon be forgotten. The sporty exterior is complemented by a powerful engine that provides longer driving range and better mileage. With this vehicle, BMW has truly brought the future to today with forward-thinking and a fresh perspective on engineering. It combines convenience, comfort, and power with a more environmentally-friendly system that is so much in demand.

A plug-in hybrid combines the enhanced electric drive system armed with a high-performing three-cylinder combustion engine that produces 164 kW and 221 lb-ft of torque at the rear. The electric motor uses is a full-capability unit which alone can provide enough power for driving the whole car. The combination of these engines delivers top performance which is preferred in sports car, but with the fuel consumption of a small car; increasing fuel efficiency every single time.

The BMW i8 is not merely a sports car. With its four-seat capacity and high fuel efficiency, it is very practical to use in a daily basis. In a glance, the car creates an impression of power with its dynamic proportions. It has a surging forward appearance that makes it look always ready to go even when the wheels have not turned yet. It puts another contemporary sports car impression in its upward- swiveling doors fixed to the A- pillars. With its style, the principle of aerodynamics is harnessed, allowing the surrounding air to flow through and around the car.

The LifeDrive Concept of the i8 makes it lighter, as stronger and lightweight materials are used for most of its parts. CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic) is especially suited to automotive design due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, good rigidity, rustproof quality and high tolerance to potential damage. LifeDrive refers to "two horizontally separated, independent modules" of the car, the "drive module" and the passenger "life module". The whole design concept makes the car light, safe, and easy to maneuver in varying conditions.

This innovative design combines a unique structure with high-performance materials for a forward-looking automobile that maximizes safety and efficiency. Concentrating on both driveability and fuel conservation, the BMW i8 concept is ideal for all types of driving. Whether you're navigating busy city streets or cruising along open stretches of highway, you'll be sure to enjoy the ride. Inside, the same spacious and convenient atmosphere is maintained. Neither safety nor comfort is compromised.