Sport Cars:

Mar 24, 2011

Hummer HX Concept

HUMMER HX CONCEPT PROVIDES VISION OF A RUGGED, OPEN-AIR HUMMER

DETROIT – With its unmistakable HUMMER design and a compact, go-anywhere driving ethic, the HUMMER HX concept challenges the hierarchy of the trail. HUMMER displayed the nimble, reconfigurable off-roader at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.



More compact than a HUMMER H3 – 81 inches (2,057 mm) wide, with a 103-inch wheelbase (2,616-mm) – the HX concept is an open-air, two-door off-road vehicle that packs the off-road acumen for which HUMMER has become legendary, along with an easily convertible body that acclimates to varied trail conditions, cargo needs or passenger whims. Its design is based on the ideas developed by a trio of young designers who are new to the HUMMER studio.

"The HX is HUMMER's vision an agile, trail-ready, open-air vehicle that fits the lifestyles of everyone who needs or wants to drive off road," said Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. "Of course, it carries exceptional off-road capability and the distinctive styling for which all HUMMERs are known."

The HX offers an open-air driving experience via a pair of removable roof panels above the driver and front passenger, and a modular, removable rear roof assembly. With the roof panels and roof assembly removed, the HX is transformed into a true convertible.



Easy removal of the roof panels and rear-roof assembly enables quick conversion from a closed vehicle to an open one. The HX also was designed with several roof assemblies, allowing this versatile vehicle to be configured as an SUT (with the roof assembly removed), a stylish slant-back or a traditional, wagon-like design that offers a bit more cargo space.

The HX was shown with a slant-back configuration, wearing a desert-inspired matte olive paint scheme, at the North American International Auto Show. Additional convertible features include:

- Removable doors – easily removable pins in the exposed hinges allow the doors to be removed quickly – an appreciated feature of many serious off-roaders
- Removable fender flares – attached with quarter-turn quick-release fasteners, the composite fender flares can be quickly removed for additional trail/rock clearance, or if the flare is damaged during off-road driving

"The modular design of the roof and removable body panels mark an evolution of HUMMER's design aesthetic," said Carl Zipfel, director of design. "These features demonstrate a deeper understanding of enthusiast desires when it comes to off-road driving – and the slant-back design gives the HX a look all its own."



Purposeful exterior

The design of the HX was driven by input from three young designers who were new to GM and the HUMMER design studio. The HUMMER design challenge gave our newest designers an opportunity to sprint."

"The HX has an aggressive appearance and great proportions, with beauty lying in its functional austerity."

Classic HUMMER design cues make the HX instantly recognizable, including the round headlamps located in square housings, an upright windshield profile, minimal overhangs, hood vents and prominent air intakes. "The 'cut-off' circles suggest larger, heavy-duty components that were trimmed to fit the compact HX," said Rojas.

Aeronautically inspired interior

From aircraft-inspired seats to integrated, off-road-ready tools, the HUMMER HX's interior has a beauty that lies in its purposeful intent. "Aeronautical parts are designed to be both lightweight and strong, and that is the feeling exuded by the HX's cabin," said Stuart Norris, interior design manager. "The instrument panel is a styling element of the HX, and the removal of the top cover reveals a secondary design that enhances the vehicle's core design ethic," said Norris. A rubberized floor and ballistic nylon-material covering on the instrument panel and other interior components reinforces the functional aesthetic.



Seating and console details

Like aircraft seats, the HX's seats are constructed on a lightweight framework with minimal components that feature lightening holes and strength-enhancing cross braces or triangulations. The HX seats four, with a pair of bucket-type seats in the second row. The rear seats mimic the front seats' design and can be removed to generate more cargo room. The inner seat track on both front seats is located beneath the outer edges of a prominent center console.

Gauges and tools

The "cut-off circles" motif of the exterior is seen even more so on the HX's interior, as the gauge cluster, instrument panel vents and even the steering wheel carry the design element.

A three-element gauge cluster – each of the three instrument "pods" carries the cut-off circle design – delivers crucial driver information in either a highway or off-road mode. The off-road mode features of the instrument panel comprise the virtual tools of the HX, while others are mounted for physical use, including a folding shovel, flashlight and first-aid kit. They all carry the "clipped circle" design motif found throughout the vehicle.

Like all HUMMER production models, the HX has sturdy, body-on-frame construction, onto which is mounted front and rear independent suspensions.

The front suspension features an electronic-disconnecting stabilizer bar for enhanced maneuverability when driving off road, and the rear suspension is located with CNC-machined, billet trailing arms. Heavy-duty shocks with piggyback reservoirs were custom-made for the HX by renowned racing shock manufacturer Fox; one is mounted at each wheel position.

A full-time 4WD system pulls the HX over, through and around off-road obstacles.

Mar 23, 2011

World's Most Expensive Cars

World's Most Expensive Cars 2010-2011

What is the most expensive car in the world? The 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe was sold for $8,700,000 in 1987. However, that car and many alike will not be included in this list because it is not available on the market today. It is hard to imagine someone would actually spend 8 million dollars on a car instead of using it for something more productive. However, if you have the money and the opportunity, you will definitely spend a small fraction of it to place a few of these supercars in your garage. Here are the 10 most expensive production cars on the market

1. Bugatti Veyron $1,700,000. This is by far the most expensive street legal car available on the market today. It is the fastest accelerating car reaching 0-60 in 2.6 seconds. It claims to be the fastest car with a top speed of 253 mph+. However, the title for the fastest car goes to the SSC Ultimate Aero which exceed 253 mph pushing this car to 2nd place for the fastest car



2. Lamborghini Reventon $1,600,000. The most powerful and the most expensive Lamborghini ever built is the second on the list. It takes 3.3 seconds to reach 60 mph and it has a top speed of 211 mph. Its rarity (limited to 20) and slick design are the reasons why it is so expensive and costly to own.



3. McLaren F1 $970,000. In 1994, the McLaren F1 was the fastest and most expensive car. Even though it was built 15 years ago, it has an unbelievable top speed of 240 mph and reaching 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Even as of today, the McLaren F1 is still top on the list and it outperformed many other supercars



4. Ferrari Enzo $670,000. The most known supercar ever built. The Enzo has a top speed of 217 mph and reaching 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Only 400 units were produced and it is currently being sold for over $1,000,000 at auctions



5. Pagani Zonda C12 F $667,321. Produced by a small independent company in Italy, the Pagani Zonda C12 F is the 5th fastest car in the world. It promises to delivery a top speed of 215 mph+ and it can reach 0-60 in 3.5 seconds



6. SSC Ultimate Aero $654,400. Don't let the price tag fool you, the 6th most expensive car is actually the fastest street legal car in the world with a top speed of 257 mph+ and reaching 0-60 in 2.7 seconds. This baby cost nearly half as much as the Bugatti Veyron, yet has enough power to top the most expensive car in a speed race. It is estimated that only 25 of this exact model will ever be produced.



7. Saleen S7 Twin Turbo $555,000. The first true American production certified supercar, this cowboy is also rank 3rd for the fastest car in the world. It has a top speed of 248 mph+ and it can reach 0-60 in 3.2 seconds. If you are a true American patriot, you can be proud to show off this car.



8. Koenigsegg CCX $545,568. Swedish made, the Koenigsegg is fighting hard to become the fastest car in the world. Currently, it is the 4th fastest car in the world with a top speed of 245 mph+, the car manufacture Koenigsegg is not giving up and will continue to try and produce the fastest car. Good luck with that




9. Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Roadster $495,000
. A GT supercar, the SLR McLaren is the fastest automatic transmission car in the world with a top speed of 206 mph+ and reaching 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. It is a luxurious convertible with a really powerful engine, which results in outstanding performances and style



10. Porsche Carrera GT $440,000. A supercar with dynamic stability control and a top speed of 205 mph+ and it can reach 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. The Porsche Carrera GT applies the absolute calibers of a true racing car to offer an unprecedented driving feeling on the road.