Given the car's iconic classic/futuristic status, it's no surprise that the DeLorean DMC-12 is a popular car for DIY electric car conversions. That an honest-to-goodness official DeLorean EV is coming from Humble, Texas' reborn DeLorean Motor Company itself, though? That we did not see coming. It makes sense, though. If you're gonna build a time machine electric car, why not do it with some style?
Announced Friday night at the DMC Texas Open House, DMC said it plans to work with electric car startup Epic EV to get an all-electric DMC-12 into production by 2013. Epic is the company started by Aptera co-founder Chris Anthony that is working on the Torq and Amp vehicles (and some rather clever videos). Early reports say the Electric DeLorean will have a maximum speed of 125 miles per hour and offer 260 horsepower for something like $90,000-100,000. The gullwing doors should remain, but we're not sure where the motor will go (the original DeLorean used a rear-mounted engine), let alone the battery pack. This isn't the first time a DeLorean with an alternative powertrain has been talked about. Before his death in 2005, John DeLorean hinted that a hydraulic hybrid drivetrain might find a home in a relaunched DMC-12. That never happened, of course.
Specific technical details on the upcoming DeLorean Electric are sparse, but we're pretty sure it will be able to recharge its 1.21 gigawatt-hour battery instantly when connected to the right power source. You know, until the inevitable Mr. Fusion model gets the green light.
Get out your lightning rods and Sony Walkmans, this is going to be fun to watch.
The very original Pink Panther’s ride called “Panther mobile” is all ready to fetch £100,000 in the coming month. This incredible vehicle was featured on the famous T.V show Pink Panther from 1969-1976. This car was an invention of creative a Hollywood automobile designer Jay Ohrberg, who also made KITT from Knight Rider and DeLorean from Back to the Future and has designed many Bat mobiles.
The “Panther mobile” was usually seen in the opening and closing of “The Pink Panther Show”, encouraged by the films starring Peter Sellers as useless inspector “Clouseau”.
Mr. Jay Ohrberg owned the car himself till he sold it out for £88,000 in 2007 at an auction. Jonathan Kay then owned this car and he gave a review that “The motor vehicle was in perfectly original condition, and would benefit from some sympathetic restoration as the car is now 42 years old”. The engine is supposedly not working currently but was believed to be running well when the vehicle was auctioned in 2007.
The ‘Panthermobile is set to be sold in an online sale run by Manchester based firm ‘Robson Kay’. This super invention is believed to fetch around £50,000 to £100,000.
Having a real-life Batmobile in your driveway sounds like a fun idea. Upon closer inspection, however, it's not going to be that exciting. Most often, Batmobile replicas are powered by something like a junkyard-salvaged General Motors 350, featuring an interior reminiscent of a hastily cobbled together 24 Hours of LeMons racer. A man by the name of Casey Putsch decided he wanted a Batmobile to call his own, but he wasn't ready to settle for second-rate.
This particular Putsch is the same man behind Putsch Racing, an outfit that restores, designs and appraises all manner of items automotive. When we said that Casey Putsch wasn't going to settle for a low-rent Batmobile, we meant it. Instead, Putsch has assembled what he says is the only turbine-powered Batmobile in the world.
Under the long hood of Putsch's Batmobile sits a Boeing turboshaft engine plucked from a naval drone helicopter. The power output is rated at 385 horses, which is good for a vehicle that weighs around 2,800 pounds.
Besides the engine upgrade, this Batmobile has an interior that would make Bruce Wayne nod approvingly. That's all you can hope for really, since it's impossible to make Mr. Wayne jealous. Putsch strapped an Apple iPad into the center stack of his super(hero)car, which then acts as his avionics system and also supplies GPS information.
“Breathable” carbonfibre body, levitating wheels and environmentally friendly hydrogen power for Batman’s latest wheels.
It seems the Caped Crusader is now fighting pollution as well as crime.
The latest version of the Batmobile has been unveiled for a new theatrical production based on the famous comic-book hero – and it swaps traditional jet power for electric propulsion generated by a hydrogen fuel cell and lithium-ion battery pack.
The new Batmobile, which will star as a prop in the Batman Live World Arena Tour that starts in Manchester, England, next month, was designed by renowned car designer Gordon Murray.
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Murray penned the McLaren F1 in the early ’90s that for a decade was the world’s fastest production car, while he’s currently producing a tiny city car called the T25.
“It was a clean sheet of paper from a design point of view,” says Murray. “I drew on my early experience as a child reading comics and watching the Batmobile grow as a character in the comics.
“I wanted to have a bit of fun with the wheels, so [the car] includes what I call ‘virtual wheels’, which interact with gravity to lift the car off the ground.”
In addition to the LED-illuminated wheels, the Batman Live levitating Batmobile features laser-beam generators in the nose, a carbonfibre body that “breathes” and a carbon-ceramic afterburner – which presumably produces zero emissions.
The jetfighter-meets-F1-car creation has more in common with Batmobiles from the 1990s Batman films, starring Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight, rather than the 1960s TV series version, which was based on a 1950s Ford concept car called the Lincoln Futura.
Murray’s Batmobile includes room for both members of the Dynamic Duo, Batman and Robin, with the cockpit accessed via a sliding split canopy.
Volkswagen’s latest concept vehicle may look like something from the very distant future, but it could wind up on the road within a few short years. The Formula XL1 Concept combines a two-cylinder TDI engine, an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery pack, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to attain over 260 miles per gallon.
In addition to this diesel-electric’s innovative powertrain, it features a plug-in system, low drag, and a bevy of lightweight materials to maximize fuel-efficiency. The Formula XL1 can also cover just over 20 miles on electric power alone for emissions-free driving. Technology proven in Formula 1 racing has also found its way into the Formula XL1, including the extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced polymer parts to reduce weight.
“When the new millennium was ushered in, Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Piëch formulated the visionary goal of bringing to the market a production car that was practical for everyday use with a fuel consumption of 1.0 liter per 100 km,” VW said in a statement. “In the new XL1, Volkswagen is demonstrating that this goal is now within reach.”
Inside, Volkswagen promises that the interior is well-suited for everyday practicality. Wing doors also make it easy to get in and out of this tiny two-seater.
One of the biggest variables in whether the Formula XL1 will get the green light for production is cost. But Volkswagen says it has found ways to significantly reduce production costs, and that factor alone could help this vehicle become a reality — at least in limited quantities.
The Urbee has been an Automotive X Prize candidate and will be on The Discovery Channel's Canadian flagship Daily Planet. The car, designed by Kor Ecologic of Winnipeg, Canada, is an electric / liquid-fuel hybrid that will get the equivalent of over 200 mpg on the highway and 100 MPG in the city.
But it is also the first car ever to have its entire body printed out on a giant 3D printer.
Urbee is the first prototype car ever to have its entire body 3D printed with an additive process. All exterior components - including the glass panel prototypes - were created using Dimension 3D Printers and Fortus 3D Production Systems at Stratasys' digital manufacturing service - RedEye on Demand.
The designers at Kor point out the benefits of Fused Deposition Modelling:
"Our goal in designing it was to be as 'green' as possible throughout the design and manufacturing processes. FDM technology from Stratasys has been central to meeting that objective. FDM lets us eliminate tooling, machining, and handwork, and it brings incredible efficiency when a design change is needed. If you can get to a pilot run without any tooling, you have advantages."
The implications for building prototypes are obvious; you go straight from computer to finished part in a lot less time. But imagine a few years down the road, when everyone might order up the car body of their choice from a catalogue and just bolt it on a standard chassis. Ding the side? Just print up a replacement.
September 16th, 2010 Sit back, relax, and take in the official design and specifications for the Kestrel, the hemp-bodied EV engineered by Canadian firm Motive Industries. We looked at the benefits of the environmentally friendly hemp construction last month, an avenue Lotus have also explored with their 2008 Eco Elise concept. Now we can see what the lightweight EV will look like. The swooping arches and modern features hide a 16 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack offering a range of 100 miles and a top speed around 84 miles per hour. Both these figures better the 2011 Smart Electric Drive we tested a few weeks back (on paper, at least) though Motive will only have running production prototypes in 2011. The light weight of 850 kilograms (1874 lb) no doubt helps the range and performance though, one of the benefits of the lightweight hemp bio-fiber body panels. The car should seat four passengers, though the interior design is yet to be revealed. Also yet to be revealed are Motive Industries' technology and manufacturing partners, though the consortium of 11 companies, coming under the banner of 'Project Eve', aims to 'bring together Canadian skills for the purpose of producing and supporting Canadian electric vehicles and components'. The project aims to take a holistic approach, designing technology that gives information back to the grid when the cars are recharged. As well as the Kestrel, the consortium is already testing a two-passenger EV, and intend to release a one-passenger three wheel vehicle, a small SUV and a delivery van. There's no word on whether the Kestrel has a future in the United States as of yet - the first sales will be to corporate or government fleets in Canada for beta testing, and public sales will depend on the success of these tests. If all goes to plan, production should begin in 2012. The company plans to seek foreign partners with whom they can licence the technology, so the Kestrel could become an international EV. [Motive Industries via Green Car Reports]
Sit back, relax, and take in the official design and specifications for the Kestrel, the hemp-bodied EV engineered by Canadian firm Motive Industries.
We looked at the benefits of the environmentally friendly hemp construction last month, an avenue Lotus have also explored with their 2008 Eco Elise concept. Now we can see what the lightweight EV will look like.
The swooping arches and modern features hide a 16 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack offering a range of 100 miles and a top speed around 84 miles per hour. Both these figures better the 2011 Smart Electric Drivewe tested a few weeks back (on paper, at least) though Motive will only have running production prototypes in 2011.
The light weight of 850 kilograms (1874 lb) no doubt helps the range and performance though, one of the benefits of the lightweight hemp bio-fiber body panels. The car should seat four passengers, though the interior design is yet to be revealed.
Also yet to be revealed are Motive Industries' technology and manufacturing partners, though the consortium of 11 companies, coming under the banner of 'Project Eve', aims to 'bring together Canadian skills for the purpose of producing and supporting Canadian electric vehicles and components'.
The project aims to take a holistic approach, designing technology that gives information back to the grid when the cars
are recharged. As well as the Kestrel, the consortium is already testing a two-passenger EV, and intend to release a one-passenger three wheel vehicle, a small SUV and a delivery van.
There's no word on whether the Kestrel has a future in the United States as of yet - the first sales will be to corporate or government fleets in Canada for beta testing, and public sales will depend on the success of these tests.
If all goes to plan, production should begin in 2012. The company plans to seek foreign partners with whom they can licence the technology, so the Kestrel could become an international EV.
With the Mazda Shinari concept, the Japanese automaker is turning the page on its “flow” inspired Nagare design theme in favor of a new, more dynamic design lexicon called Kodo. Future Mazda products will incorporate the concept’s strong character lines and powerful look, according to Ikuo Maeda, the carmaker’s global head of design.
Some elements of traditional Mazda design cues will be retained, such as the five-point grille and the prominent front fender shape, but the 4-door Shinari embodies a new look that blends sharp character lines with sculpted body shapes to convey a sense of power and elegance.
Based on a hypothetical C/D platform slightly larger than the current Mazda6, the Shinari is a pure design exercise rather than a precursor of a production model. Some of the unique styling touches include the use of satin finish metal accents that frame the bottom of the grille and splay out through the headlamp openings. This strip seems to travel through the wheel arch and re-emerges as a side vent accent. This strip is also indirectly lit when the headlamps are turned on, giving the car a distinctive look in the dark.
In addition to crisp character lines, the overall shape features a pronounced cab rearward proportion. This makes the rear haunch look more powerful, while the long hood and dash-to-axle ratio imparts a sense of speed. The designers’ intent is to make the Shinari look like it’s moving even when it’s standing still.
The cabin features a cockpit layout for the driver with a layered instrument binnacle that sweeps down into the center console, separating the driver from the passenger. The center stack is essentially an open space in which additional controls and the shifter are located. Atop that stack is an auxiliary navigation screen and entertainment systems. Even though the main binnacle in front of the driver is tall, the rest of the cabin has an open, uncluttered appearance enhanced by a glass roof that lets in a lot of light.
Overall, the new Kodo design philosophy is very Italian in its execution, capturing the kind of passion and energy seen in exotic car designs. It’s a look Maeda believes can be used on both passenger sedans like the 6 and future replacements for the MX-5 Miata and RX-8.
Professor Charles Samuel Greenwood first began working on human powered cars in 1968. The recently announced Imagine PS (the PS stands for power statsion), built by HumanCar, is the culmination of nearly half a century of dedicated work and should be available sometime next year.
It’s a four seater street legal vehicle where if everyone is cranking — essentially a rowing like motion — the vehicle can run on human power alone. The company notes that even a senior citizen of reasonable health should be able to handle the physical burden with no problem. And for those days you just want to chill? The vehicle has an electric battery and can be plugged in.
Understanding today’s culture of personalization, HumanCar has made the chassis customizable with different styling and battery options that can be easily swapped. With a top speed of 60 mph on flat land and about half that uphill, the car isn’t fast but it’s certainly no slouch.
And it’s reasonably priced. For only $15,500, you can be environmentally friendly while also getting a modest upper body workout. The company is accepting pre-orders now for a $50 100% refundable deposit.
Batman has always been known for all his wonderful gadgets (or toys), but his Batmobile still strikes a chord among fans as one of the coolest and most amazing vehicles that has ever surfaced. With that, it seems that many of those die-hard fans have also made it a personal mission to resurrect the Batmobile in different ways and designs that are extraordinary for fans and others.
So here we gathered the best from all the Batman fans with an awesome collection of 16 Epic Batmobile Remakes that are perfect for Batman fans and also include some extras such as the newest Batpod. There are many different looks that include the different Batmobiles throughout the years.
Batmobile Go-Kart Vehicle
Go-Kart enthusiasts would get a huge kick out of this amazing Batmobile Kart that is created out of a Go-Kart shell. The actual batmobile is not for sale, but the creator does offer the plans for anyone willing to take on such a feat and build their own Go Kart Batmobile.
Batmobile Tumbler Mod
This has to be one of the most amazing Batmobile creations that has ever surfaced. It is a homemade Batmobile Tumbler that is outstanding from the ground up and Bob Dullam really stuck to the look of the Batmobile from Batman Begins and the Dark Knight. Best part yet…it is up to scale and is completely functional.
When Batman’s Batpod showed up on the big screen, every fan’s heart stopped in complete awe and excitement. So when we see a real one was modded and brought to life, it simply makes our Geeky life have meaning.
Batmobile Smart Car
With rising Gas prices, it is no wonder someone has thought that the Batmobile should respect the situation and find ways to cut back. It may not look like the Batmobile we have grown to love, but no one can deny that it is still just as cool. It is a miniature Batmobile Smart Car that has the looks, the shape and the Batman factor which will make fans interested, but it will also save money on Gas and have an easier time finding a parking spot.
Batman Batmobile Superbus
Created by a team of students at UT Delft, Netherlands, this Batmobile Superbus just takes the looks of the Batmobile and streteches it. This Superbus does not include any fancy Batman gadgets and such but sure beats riding the Big yellow bus to school.
Lego Batmobile
So you want to have your own Batmobile but really do not want the expense and other nonsense that would come with such a popular vehicle? Well, your best bet would be to build your very own Lego Batmobile, which is much smaller but then again…it would be easier to carry, cheaper to make and is a great reminder of the Caped Crusader without the baggage.
Lego 1966 Batmobile BoxCar
This is another great Lego Batmobile but in a completely different style. Here we have a Lego 1966 Batmobile BoxCar which is detailed, cute and even presents the awesome Caped Crusader. A beautiful remake!
Batmobile Corvette
Throughout the Batman movies and shows, there have been various Batmobile versions, but this Batmobile Corvette is one of the best…taking after the 1989 Batmobile that was in the Michael Keaton days. It was created by Randy Hecht using custom Fiberglass/marglass and is also street legal. It does mention that many Corvette fans are just appalled by such mistreatment of the Corvette, but I am sure Geeks will disagree, for the Batmobile is an exquisite find.
There have been numerous amounts of Computer Mods created, but this Batmobile Tumbler one is just extraordinary. Not only does it house an actual computer for your daily Web surfing, but it looks exactly like the cool Batmobile Tumbler Batman fans are crazy over.
This specific Batmobile is the actual one from Batman Forever. Unfortunately, similar to the let down of the movie, this Batmobile was auctioned off and comes with fine details that specify that it cannot be driven publically. This means that it could sit in your driveway and collect dust, just like this specific Batman movie probably does.
The second one is an actual homemade Batmobile replica from the same movie and although the finish is awesome, the movie is still a let down.
Lastly, here is another Batman Forever Batmobile that was developed from a Bugatti replica on a ‘77 VW pan and was then added the sculpt and method to make it all 22 feet long. It is a monster, but bad movie or not…the Batmobile still looks awesome.
Here are two cool versions of an oldie Batmobile created out of VW Beetle vehicles. They may not be as sleek as the ones above, but I am certain Batman fans would still love to own one.
This specific Batmobile does not have the cool Batman factor as we would expect, but it provides another solution for die-hard Batman fans who want to mod their regular vehicle. Of course, it is not as flashy, innovative or cool, but it is still a Batmobile and probably would still make a geek just as happy.
Worst Batmobile Remake
This final one is probably the World’s Worst Batmobile Remake! I guess it is better than nothing, but then again…it seems like someone got happy with the paint and glue, without a care for absolutely nothing else that is Batman. For example: cool, sleek, and exciting!
Shell has a new oil that is formulated to clean the inside of your engine – so what better way to prove that then to build a functional glass car to prove it? Shell decided there was no better way, so they built exactly that – and filmed it for your enjoyment.
Shell has a new oil, known as Helix, which they tout for its “active cleansing technology,” and a tagline that claims “performance you can see.”
In order to back up their bold claims, Shell outsourced the building of a completely see-through car, made out of clear Perplex (plexiglass). The car of choice is a Nissan 370Z, recreated with immense detail and at least some functionality.
The engine itself was made double the size of the original – purely to allow for the video to capture the oil as it worked it way through the engine. The end result is an interesting perspective not often – if ever – enjoyed by the human eye.
The New York International Auto Show is less than a week away, and as the auto world waits enthusiastically to see what the global automakers have in store, we thought it would be a good time to give you a preview of what to expect at this years show. As the show’s Director, Candida Romanelli puts it, “Whether you’re in the mood for a new car, or just fantasizing about your dream ride of the future, the New York Auto Show has got just what you’re looking for,“. So sit back, and take a look at some of the hottest vehicles set for debut this year.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
This lightweight sports car comes complete with Gullwing doors and the ultimate handling dynamics. It comes powered by a 6.3L, V8 front-mid engine that develops 571 hp when coupled with a seven-speed double-declutch transmission and sports suspension with aluminum double wishbones.
“the new ultimate sports machine” – Automobile Magzine
Audi A8
Complete with a light aluminum body, powerful and efficient engines and improved MMI control system, the new Audi A8 is slated to arrive in dealerships later this year. The Audi A8 comes equipped with an FSI direct injection 4.2L V8 engine that outputs 350 hp.
“meant to appeal to wealthy consumers looking for maximum luxury and space” – Edmunds.com
SAAB 9-5
In spite of all the commotion experienced during its sale to Spyker, SAAB seem’s to have done itself an unmistakable job with this Scandinavian beauty that is based of SAAB’s Aero X Concept. The 2.8L, V6 engine is enhanced by a Borg-Warner twin-scroll turbocharger, which results in 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque
“a clear resurgence of past design traits married to a modern, sleek profile” – MotorAuthority
Ford Shelby GT500
The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 is expected to take high performance to a whole-new level with improved handling capabilities, driving dynamics and fuel efficiency. It comes loaded with a muscular 5.4L all-aluminum V-8 engine that generates up to 550 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.
“has the aluminum powerplant we all wanted…, and the effect is absolutely en-lightening.” – Autos.aol.com
Honda CR-Z
After sales figures that exceeded expectations by ten-fold in Japan, the sleek, stylish and sporty Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe is bound to give the Toyota Prius its first real competition. Powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC engine and Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) electric system, the CR-Z hybrid coupe is expected to hit a mileage of 36 mpg city/38 mpg highway.
“Transforming the automotive landscape” – MotorTrend Magazine.
Infiniti M-Series
This luxurious performance sedan comes with a slew of latest technology features, including the Blind Spot Navigation (world’s first system to help avoid blind spots) and Eco Pedal (encourages eco-driving behavior). The M37 comes loaded with a 3.7L, V6 engine that outputs 330 hp, while the M56 comes with a direct injection 5.6L, V8 that delivers 420 hp.
“M has gone from a good-looking sedan to a gorgeous, exotic-looking car from the future.” – cars.about.com
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai seems to be one of the fastest growing brands, and that claim seems to have been substantiated by Kelly Blue Books (KBB) analysis that Hyundai beat Toyota for “Brand Loyalty” for the first time this year. Hyundai’s popular mid-size sedan, based on their new “fluidic sculpture” design comes with a Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine that delivers 198 hp.
“the perfect symbol of Hyundai’s transformation.” – The Truth About Cars.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
This fabric-top two-door E-Class Cabriolet from the Mercedes-Benz staple exudes confidence and style like none other. It comes in a choice of either a 3.5L, V6 delivering 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque in the form of the E350, or a 5.5L, V8 that churns out 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque in the form of the E550 cab.
“2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is a smooth Spanish Fly(er)” – Autoblog
Nissan Juke
Based off the Nissan Qazana concept crossover we saw at last years Geneva Motor Show, the slightly larger Nissan Juke comes with a squared-off roofline along with a pair of extra doors. In the European markets the Nissan Juke is available in either a 1.5-liter turbo-diesel I-4, or one of two 1.6-liter I-4s, one of which comes with a turbocharger.
“filling a niche between the Versa hatchback and Rogue crossover.” – Consumer Report
Porsche Cayenne
The lighter, more powerful and fuel-efficient Porsche Cayenne comes with a complete interior and exterior styling re-design. Watch out for the Cayenne S Hybrid – a highly advanced full hybrid that delivers the performance of an eight cylinder with the fuel-economy of a six cylinder. It packs 333-hp, through its supercharged V-6 engine teamed with a 47-hp electric motor.
“…the Cayenne isn’t the sportiest member of the Porsche range, but it does offer a level of precision, feel, and driver gratification that is lacking in many other luxury SUVs” – MotorTrend Magazine.
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All you art collectors out there. Here is a chance to get a Giclee copy of some of Ian M Sherwin work. Ian is planning on doing a whole series of Marblehead, Massachusetts paintings. His work is amazing.
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