Auto Cars 2011 2012: 2007-02-11

The way things are going, at end of the year the only car company that won’t have some sort of engagement with “Sitting Life” will be Lada… Well, if you’re a fan of the virtual, no-obvious-goal game, and you want to visit the showroom and take a Benz for a spin go to the Mercedes-Benz “island” in the upmarket South West district (coordinates: 128.128.11). -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to check out the official press release

PRESS RELEASE: Mercedes-Benz Opens Virtual Brand World in Second Life

With its virtual showroom, Mercedes-Benz sets new standards in the online world
Exclusive live concert with Mixed Tape Stars at the opening on 20 February 2007
Background information, pictures and videos available at the special website http://www.mercedes-benz.com/secondlife without registration

The inhabitants of the virtual world “Second Life” are in for a new highlight next week. On 20 February 2007 Mercedes-Benz sets up its own representation in the online world at www.secondlife.com. On the Mercedes-Benz “island” in the upmarket South West district (coordinates: 128.128.11) the Second Life inhabitants can visit the new showroom, and in the future will be able to experience cars on the Mercedes-Benz virtual test track. To mark the opening of its virtual showroom, Mercedes-Benz will host an exclusive live concert featuring artists from the successful Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape compilation for all its visitors on 20 February 2007 at 10 p.m. (CET).

“Digital communication has been established as a permanent component of the Mercedes-Benz marketing activities. With Second Life we are consequently using a new communication platform to further address our existing and potential customers”, says Dr. Olaf Göttgens, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars. “In Second Life Mercedes-Benz sets new standards, both visually and with regard to the content. At the same time we offer to experience the fascination of the brand and its products in this virtual environment”, continues Mr. Göttgens.

The design of the showroom demonstrates a particularly detailed 3D architecture and reflects the modern Mercedes-Benz architecture of the real world. Among other elements the representation includes an area for vehicle presentations, a stage for events and big screens for interested users to view current product films and TV advertisements. Visitors of the virtual Mercedes-Benz world can also download the 16th compilation of the very popular Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape music collection for free, prior to its official release on 27 February 2007. In addition, every visitor will be presented with a virtual Formula 1 racing suit and a helmet as a gift.

The accompanying website www.mercedes-benz.com/secondlife provides Internet users with a jump start to Second Life and a guide to the Mercedes-Benz island. The website can be accessed without having to register for Second Life and offers background information about the Mercedes-Benz presence in the online world as well as videos and pictures for downloading. Mercedes-Benz also provides its Second Life visitors with a brief guided tour of the island to ensure better orientation. For an optimum support, a virtual figure, an “avatar”, is available every day during the high usage times to answer the questions of the visitors. During the starting phase of the Mercedes-Benz world in Second Life there will also be a special press avatar available on working days from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. (CET) for members of the media.

Technorati: Mercedes-Benz, gadgets, Second+Life, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Auto Cars 2011, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Mercedes-Benz opens new showroom in "Second life"

PRESS RELEASE: Mercedes-Benz Opens Virtual Brand World in Second Life

With its virtual showroom, Mercedes-Benz sets new standards in the online world
Exclusive live concert with Mixed Tape Stars at the opening on 20 February 2007
Background information, pictures and videos available at the special website http://www.mercedes-benz.com/secondlife without registration

Technorati: Mercedes-Benz, gadgets, Second+Life, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Auto Cars 2011, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

The celebration...$ continue: "La Ferrari & the Movies"

Part of Ferrari’s 60th Anniversary celebrations, the Italian firm is hosting an exhibition featuring unseen till know, photographs of movie stars and their cars, during visits to the Ferrari factory or on the sets of their films. The exhibition will be hosted at the “Galleria Ferrari” which is located at a short distance from the Ferrari plant and the Fiorano circuit. And oh don’t forget to buy those “Amo il Ferrari” bumper stickers on your way out…-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release & an image gallery

PRESS RELEASE: LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!

THE GALLERIA FERRARI HOSTS SECOND “LA FERRARI AND THE MOVIES” EXHIBITION

Maranello (Italy)– The movies are back in the spotlight once again at the Galleria Ferrari in Maranello with the opening of the second exhibition devoted to the actors and films that have contributed to enhancing the Ferrari legend worldwide.

As part of the Company’s 60th Anniversary celebrations, this latest exhibition includes a selection of over 40 previously unseen photographs taken from the Ferrari Archive and featuring international film stars who fell under the spell of the Prancing Horse either on set or in their private lives. Stars immortalised at the wheels of their Ferraris, during visits to the Ferrari factory or on the sets of their films are now seen for the first time in public in a special exhibition with all the magic of the silver screen.

Clips from over 70 different films have been edited together too to tell the story of Ferrari’s output over the last 60 years through cameos from its most glittering car stars.

The Ferrari legend has inspired both Cinecittà and Hollywood since the company’s foundation and Prancing Horse cars have starred in some unforgettable scenes, sharing the screen with the likes of Ava Gardner and Gregory Peck in the black and white films of the 1950s and Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni in the classic movies of the 60s. They’ve also featured in the films of Alain Dellon and Walter Matthau, the cult series of the '70s, and, of course, some of the most lavish Hollywood blockbusters of today.

The exhibition also includes a selection of posters, advertisements and stills from movies old and new as well, of course, as some of the stunning cars themselves, including the 250 GT California, which appeared in Vittorio De Sica’s unforgettable Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow and Roger Vadim’s Dangerous Liaisons.

A taste of what the exhibition has to offer will also be on show at the Ferrari Stores in Milan and Rome, from April 17th to May 7th and from May 9th to May 30th respectively. The exhibition runs until June 30th and is included in the price of the admission ticket to the Galleria which is open every day from 9.30 to 18.00 (and until 19.00 on May 1st).

Technorati: Ferrari, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Auto Cars 2011, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

The celebration...$ continue: "La Ferrari & the Movies"

PRESS RELEASE: LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!

THE GALLERIA FERRARI HOSTS SECOND “LA FERRARI AND THE MOVIES” EXHIBITION

Clips from over 70 different films have been edited together too to tell the story of Ferrari’s output over the last 60 years through cameos from its most glittering car stars.

Technorati: Ferrari, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Auto Cars 2011, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Maserati to present all new Pininfarina designed Coupe next week

The countdown has begun for the model that restored Maserati’s name to glory; according to Quattroruote, the Italian firm will give us a sneak peek of the all-new Coupe next Tuesday, prior to its official debut at the Geneva Show in March. Apart from the name change, perhaps the most significant news is the fact that Maserati has ditched Giugiaro for Pininfarina. If the translation I made from Quattroruote is correct, what we’re seeing here are early-stage sketches obtained from Pininfarina. We’ll have more on the Coupe’s successor later on the weekend. Via: Quattroruote -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the second pic

Technorati: Maserati+Coupe, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Auto Cars 2011, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Maserati to present all new Pininfarina designed Coupe next week

Technorati: Maserati+Coupe, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Auto Cars 2011, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Chaotic intersection in St. Petersburg Russia

Make a bet that you’ve got more chances of winning a life or death game of Russian roulette with a Magnum than safely passing the intersection in Prospekt Slavy(Glory avenue) at St. Petersburg, Russia? Check out the video and you’ll see what we mean… Via: Diariomotor

Technorati: Youtube, Video, accidents, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Auto Cars 2011, blogs, 2007

Chaotic intersection in St. Petersburg Russia

Technorati: Youtube, Video, accidents, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Auto Cars 2011, blogs, 2007

Geneva Preview: Carver One production version

“Steer it like a car and it reacts like a motorcycle”. That’s what the Carver One is all about. We’ve been hearing and seeing a bunch of things about the tilting 3wheeler over the past few years, but until now, it was being hand-built for a… handful of customers. Well, time has come for the Carver One to prove itself in the real world as the Dutch company announced that it would present the final production version of its tilting 3wheeler car at this year’s Geneva Show.

Equipped with a 0,67-liter, 4cylinder turbocharged engine the 68Hp strong Carver One hits the first 100km/h (62mph) from standstill in 8,2 sec while reaching a top speed of 185 km/h (115mph). While there’s no word pout on the prices, Carver announced that it will produce about 500 units this year with sales starting in Europe the second quarter of 2007.–Continued: Click “Read More..” below to see the rest of the article and a full press pack

And before we let you go and check the press pack after the jump, let us note that the Carver One should not be confused in any way with BMW’s tilting 3wheeler concept, the C.L.E.V.E.R. which was developed by BMW in conjunction with several partners like the Technical University of Berlin. You can read about that here: BMW C.L.E.V.E.R.

PRESS RELEASE: CARVER ONE -The 77th edition of the Geneva Motor Show will feature the world premiere of the production model of the Carver One. Carver Europe, together with Carver Switzerland will kick off this year’s edition with a press conference on 7 March. Members of the press are invited to join us at our stand. From 8 to 18 March all Carver enthusiasts are welcome on our stand in Hall 3 (3112).

Steer it like a car...

… and it banks like a motorcycle. The Carver One feels just as much at ease carving corners, conquering roundabouts and beating traffic jams, as it does on curvy country roads or endless straights, far away from the world and its worries.Its sporty engine gives it just the right power in proportion to its weight, reaching a top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph) while its average fuel consumption remains at a very modest 6 L/100 km (40 UK mpg). But speed on the straights isn’t everything... Go for the corners, that’s where the Carver One pulls out all the stops!

It banks from left to right in just a second. This unrivalled agility lets you cope with any emergency situation, avoid obstacles, and makes for sheer exhilarating fun. And what fun it is: virtually unrestricted manoeuvrability, surfing through traffic, snowboarding roundabouts and pivoting corners. It is like riding your own roller coaster designed as you carve along. It is like flying a glider at ground level. It is like playing the lead in your own version of Top Gun. It is all this and much, much more. When you fly a Carver One the journey becomes the destination.

Stunning looks

It will come as no surprise: developed by aeronautical engineers, form follows function in every aspect of its design. A timeless, distinctive masterpiece with razor-sharp lines, not only for its astonishing looks but also for perfect aerodynamics.

The superb jetfighter-like cockpit comes in any manufacturer colour or custom colour of your choice, hiding the integral welded steel chassis providing safety for you and your passenger. The front window seamlessly merges with the body-coloured roof panel that can be easily detached to enjoy a panoramic view from all angles.

Its sporty 15” alloy rear wheels with large tyres keep the Carver One firmly glued to the road in the corners and on the straights. The uniquely designed front wheel attachment provides the 17” wheel with exceptional road handling and superb manoeuvrability. Two seamlessly integrated louvered air intakes on either side of the cockpit feed the engine extra cooling air and add a zest of futuristic elegance.

… and an interior to match

Sporty, yet stylish, the Carver One fits you like a glove. The intoxicating smell of its luxuriously soft leather interior invigorates you as you enter the sanctuary of your cockpit. Your fingers explore the contours of the driver’s seat, the sports leather-covered steering wheel, the dashboard curves … prelude to the curves of the road that will soon unfold. Your hand rests on the aluminium gear lever knob, your eyes wander over the ergonomically laid out dashboard until they focus on the tilt angle indicators, anticipating excitement... This is as close as you may ever get to flying. Are you ready for take-off?

A masterpiece of engineering

Carver engineers may not be the only ones to have tried to overcome the problem of a narrow vehicle cornering without tipping over, but they are the first and only ones to have pulled it off successfully. The combination of state-of-the-art components and innovative but proven technology has resulted in a reliable, predictable and above all extremely responsive system, nothing short of a revolution in automotive history!

At the heart of the Carver One lies the Dynamic Vehicle Control (DVC™) system which automatically adjusts the tilt angle of the cockpit to the speed and acceleration of the vehicle, enabling a plane-like ‘tilting before cornering’.

A uniquely designed steering torque actuator coupled to an ingenious DVC™ manifold driving two double piston cylinders form the essence of this mechanical-hydraulic system while an additional separate hydraulic system provides for a fail-safe emergency backup solution.
Power assisted front wheel steering and active rear wheel steering make for unparallelled stability when cornering. The DVC™ control unit electronically moderates the cockpit response at low speeds for comfortable road handling under all circumstances.

To top it off, the DVC™ mode selector, a sophisticated piece of programming, allows you to select a driving mode according to your mood and road circumstances. In comfort mode, weaving your way through busy city-traffic and parking is easy thanks to enhanced power steering while the sport mode lets you unleash the rebel once you get the knack of carving.

'Steer it like a car and it banks like a motorcycle'. It sounds deceivingly simple. And it truly is. All you have to do is steer in the desired direction. With the Carver One, banking in corners becomes second nature, or rather, first nature regained.

Specifications

Performance

Top speed 185 km/h (115 mph)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.2 s
Max. tilt angle 45°
Max. tilt speed 85°/s
Turning circle (curb to curb) 9.5 m
Fuel consumption (estimated average) 6 L/100km (1:16 - 45 UK mpg - 40 US mpg)

Engine

Cylinders / valves 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo intercooler
Displacement 659 cc
Cooling water-cooled
Max. power 50 kW (68 bhp) at 6,000 rpm
Max. torque 100 Nm (74 lb.ft) at 3,200 rpm
Transmission 5-speed manual & reverse
Fuel lead-free EURO
Emission system catalytic converter with oxygen sensor
Electrical system 14 V / 32 A alternator, Volts 12 V / 30 Ah battery
Ignition ECU multipoint injection with knock sensor –
firing order 1-3-4-2
CO2 emissions 136 g/km

Wheels, tyres, suspension and brakes

Wheels double 5-spoke alloy
front 17”
rear 15”
Tyres
front 140 / 70
rear 195 / 45
Brakes discs on all wheels
Front suspension single-arm with hydraulic shock absorption
Rear suspension McPherson suspension with rear-wheel steering

Dimensions

Length 3.40 m
Height 1.40 m
Width (tilt angle ≤ 25°) 1.30 m
Width (max. tilt angle) 1.60 m
Wheel base 2.70 m
Fuel tank capacity 34 L
Unladen mass 643 kg (1,418 lb)

The table above details the European specification Carver One, which may differ from Carver One models made available outside Europe. For example, for the North American market the Carver One will be equipped with a different engine. Please note that non-North American vehicles are not certified for use in North America.

The package

The list below gives you an overview of our standard package and currently available accessories and options. Contact your local dealer if you need more information or if you want to discuss any additional options. Special options are available upon request.

Standard package

Removable hard top roof in body colour
Alloy wheels - double 5-spoke - front 17" / rear 15" (silver)
Sports interior (black fabric trim)
3-spoke sports leather-covered steering wheel
Design aluminium dashboard and gear lever knob
4 instruments: speedometer and mileometer (odometer), rev counter, fuel gauge, engine temperature
Built-in class III remote control alarm system incl. remote control power door lock
Dashboard 'carving' LED indicators (continuous indication of the vehicle's tilt angle) with audible signal
Heating / ventilation / windshield defroster
Electric windows
Front and rear seat belts
Ashtray / drink holder / 12 V socket
Tyre repair kit
Black carpet with Carver logo
Side mirrors and back of driver's seat: black
Exterior colour - basic palette (white, yellow, blue)
Factory-fitted options
Premium quality full leather (mono-colour or bi-colour) or leather/alcantara interior upholstery
Exterior metallic paint (standard palette)
Special exterior colours (solid black, stealth black (matte black), pearl, or any manufacturer colour or custom colour of choice)
Rear spoiler
High power wheel pack (alloy - dark silver)
Shadow wheel pack (alloy - matte black)
Black package (matte black rear frame, tilt cylinders and front suspension)
Turbo pressure dashboard gauge
Radio/CD/MP3 player type A, B or C (Kenwood) with 4 front speakers (Kenwood)
GPS navigation with Bluetooth™ mobile phone hands-free kit (Tom Tom Go 910)
DVC™ mode selector (comfort/sport)
Accessories
Rear spoiler
Roll-up soft top (black)
High power wheel pack (alloy - dark silver) excluding tyres
Shadow wheel pack (alloy - matte black) excluding tyres
GPS navigation with Bluetooth™ mobile phone hands-free kit (Tom Tom Go 910)
Aluminium luggage rack with luggage bag (waterproof fabric, black)
Engine ECU tuning to 85 bhp
Battery charger

Service & warranty

The Carver One is sold and serviced worldwide through a network of specialised distributors and dealers. The recommended service interval is 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or once every year, whichever is sooner. Servicing and maintenance is taken care of by your local distributor. Contact your dealer for more information. In the absence of a distributor in your country, servicing and maintenance can be arranged through Carver Headquarters. In Europe, the Carver One is covered by a 2-year factory warranty.

Price

Due to tax differences and transportation costs prices differ from one country to another. For country-specific pricing information go to 'Our dealers' and select the region and country of choice.

The Carver One has been granted full European type approval and various initiatives to obtain certification outside Europe have been launched. In Europe, a car driver's licence is required to drive a Carver One. In the USA most states require either a car licence or a motorcycle licence. Please note that non North-American vehicles are not certified for use in North America. For tax purposes the Carver One is registered as a motorcycle in most countries.

European Distribution

Belgium & Luxemburg Carver Belux

France Carver France

Germany Carver Deutschland

The Netherlands Carver Nederland

Portugal Carver Portugal

Spain Carver España

Sweden & Norway Carver Sweden

Switzerland Carver Switzerland

United Kingdom Carver UK

Technorati: Carver+One, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Auto Cars 2011, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Auto Cars 2011 2012

Flying Subaru Impreza: Video from Ken Block’s 171ft world record jump

Flying Subaru Impreza: Video from Ken Block’s 171ft world record jump

Mercedes-Benz opens new showroom in "Second life"

Mercedes-Benz opens new showroom in "Second life"

The celebration...$ continue: "La Ferrari & the Movies"

The celebration...$ continue: "La Ferrari & the Movies"

Maserati to present all new Pininfarina designed Coupe next week

Maserati to present all new Pininfarina designed Coupe next week

Chaotic intersection in St. Petersburg Russia

Chaotic intersection in St. Petersburg Russia

Geneva Preview: Carver One production version