Car Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has deftly redefined its mid-size offerings with the addition of a new E-Class option; the new E Coupe and Cabriolet are larger than outgoing CLK duo they essentially replace, and the Cabriolet has a trick up its sleeve.

The E-Class family will now soon be available in sedan, coupe, cabriolet, and wagon bodystyles.

In a notably short (particularly in the current economic environment) period of time, Mercedes-Benz has all but completely revamped its E-Class lineup.

The convertible variant is scheduled to arrive at dealerships May 2010.

Exterior

Those familiar with the current E-class will find very little surprising about the exterior styling on the cabriolet.  Overall, the vehicle has a strong presence and solid stance.

The pronounced creases in the surfacing exude quality and refinement.  It maintains its teutonic reservations, but appears quite confident and reassuring with a forward cant to the overall directionality of character and parting lines.  

An exercise in subtlety, the rocker's forward light catch is cleanly derived from the door shut line.

 A body color tonneau/rear head restraint fairing furthers the lux-market feel of the car.

 Rather than add the complexity and cost of a hard top, Mercedes has swathed the folding top with fabric–is this a touch of traditionalism?

The new-face E lamps, grill, and fogs are welcome. The tiny hockey-stick-shaped fog lamp elements may present a bit of whimsy, but combining them with the aggressive angles of the headlamps and markers makes for a unique DRG.

A possible failing in the graphics department is the tail lamp design; whilethe detailing is at (perhaps only barely) an acceptable level, there is a resemblance to contemporaries from Hyundai and Toyota.  

This may be just a chicken-or-egg argument, but the similarity is undeniable and can't be pleasing to anyone in the Daimler camp.

Interior

A strong focus was put on making this a usable, comfortable driver with an emphasis on counteracting the usual caveats of convertibles–soft and hard top alike.

Innovations like the AirCap and the familiar AirScarf ensure that this will be what Mercedes refers to as "a 4-seater for all 4 seasons".

During top-down cruising, the AirScarf will keep your neck warm while the AirCap keeps cabin turbulence and noise in check.

Initial reactions to seeing the AirCap in action will be mixed as it isn't the most handsome of devices, though there's little doubt that it will perform its duties admirably.

Protruding from the top of the windshield frame, it appears to serve as a windbreak that works in conjunction with a not unusual-looking screen between the rear headrests to create a pocket of calm air in the passenger compartment.

At the time of its introduction to the US market, only two engines will be made available.

The E350 will be powered by a 268HP 3.5-liter V6; opting for the 382HP 5.5-liter V8 will earn you the E550 badge.

(Source: Mercedes-Benz)

Geneva Motor Show Supercar Gallery

Michelin is our favorite tire company from now on. Without resorting to the cheap, albeit highly effective and entertaining, trick of hiring booth babes to draw attention to themselves, this French tiremaker still had one of the largest crowds of any vendor at the show. Accomplished with an elegant simplicity that had us drooling from the moment we saw the space. The plan was so breathtakingly simple that we hope others will follow their lead in the future. OK, we wouldn't complain too much if there were still some lovely ladies around as well, but this being an automotive show, putting cars above all else seems to be a pretty good idea.

What they pulled off went a little beyond the ordinary and deserves some kind of award. After working your way past dozens of individual wheel and tire booths with everything from clear rims to those 34-inch monster truck-worthy numbers, you round a corner in the tires and wheels hall and see one of the cleanest, most spectacular sights. Especially if you are a fan of exotics and supercars, but even if you're not, it's quite striking. More story and pics after the jump.

A Fisker and a Ruf sit at the top of an arcing ramp, high above the rear of the display. In front of them are a Saleen S7 tt and a Pagani Zonda, respectively. In front of THEM are a Koenigsegg CCX and McLaren F1, almost touching the ground And sitting in the center of the almost completed circle is a turntable. A turntable with a Bugatti Veyron slowly rotating on it. And if that isn't enough, a glance to the side will reveal a Caparo T1.

Now think about that for another few minutes while you look through the incredible high-res gallery provided to us by Drew Phillips of Fast-Autos.net. If these were heavyweight boxers you'd be looking at the likes of Ali, Holmes, Frazier, Tyson, Marciano, Louis, and Dempsey. All in one place at one time. True champions that still command respect.

The Fisker is a bit more of a looker than an outright supercar like the others, but can still manage some respectable speeds. The RUF and Zonda can crack 210. The F1 has done 241. The CCX and Veyron a little better still. The Saleen hasn't proven its top speed claims but should be able to manage something very close to the others, and the Caparo, being little more than a Formula 1 car with better aerodynamics might not set the top speed bar any higher, should provide thrills in every direction. Some of the worlds fastest cars, all on display together, latent energy almost palpable. Despite our pleas, our offer to run them out to Nellis for some quick testing, was politely refused. Thanks anyhow, Michelin. All the pics are clickable

wallpaper.

Car Maruti Suzuki

Even at such global crisis, Maruti Suzuki recently launched their much talked about A-Star, which comes loaded with a 998cc KB Series 3 cylinder engine, a peak power of 67/6,200(PS/rpm). A impressive peak torque of 90/3500(Nm/rpm) and will shift its gears 5 times.

Automotive Rendering Techniques

cmiVFX has published a video tutorial by Swedish designer Mikael Lugnegård titled "Automotive Rendering Techniques", which explains in detail the rendering process of a 3D sketch model, from the 3D mockup in Maya to the final touches in Photoshop. It can be purchased online at $19.95.

Automotive Rendering Techniques is a new instructional video published by cmiVFX which provides an insight on how to get quality images by using Photoshop to accelerate final render times for client review.

Created by Swedish 3D-artist Mikael Lugnegård, Automotive Rendering Techniques can be purchased at $19.95 USD from the online store.

For more information visit cmivfx.com or see the gallery of screenshots published by Virtual Car.

The video is part of a new series of training videos called cmiDirect, which focus on one topic at the time. Below we report the complete Press Release.

Automotive Rendering Techniques

3D Mockup in Maya

Starting off in Maya we will quickly show a very rough car model that will be the foundation for the design. The car is done with traditional polygon techniques which are not covered in this tutorial. The car was modeled in just a few hours and is very rough, but serves the overall purpose of a sketch model.

By toggling between a standard polygon mesh and a smooth mesh preview you will get an instant preview of the final surfaces. This technique is very useful when making sketch models. Sketch models are important in the process as it allows for easy straight-on modeling and evaluation. Using a polygon modeler like Maya makes the process both faster but also more flexible then it would be with Nurbs.

Rendering in Hyper Shot

Export the entire model to an .OBJ file and then import into Hyper Shot. Learn how to apply materials, change the environment, set up the camera for a successful rendering. Hyper Shot is indeed a great application for fast renderings and this section aims to reveal how it can be used in a slightly more advanced way and efficient way.

Different camera angles are evaluated and once the camera is locked down. Multiple renderings can be created using the same exact camera. Different materials and environments are tried out and this material will later be composited together in Photoshop.

Image Assembly and Color Correction in Photoshop

The renderings are now brought into Photoshop for assembly and initial color corrections. Bits and pieces from different renderings are put together using layers and blend modes. Some initial color correction can be made to make sure that the overall palette is consistent and coherent.

By using adjustment layers it is possible to work in a non-destructive manner and really tune the levels and colors.

Learn how to work with the path-tool to create sharp and accurate design element such as cut-lines, vents and body creases.

Utilizing a set of brushes in combination with selections created with the path-tool a painted look is achieved. This technique allows for both precision rendering as well as for a more painterly style.

Details

Utilizing the path-tool, details and color trims are created in a fast and creative manner. The front is given some extra attention as well as a number of other key elements. Headlamps and splitters are designed and painted in using different tools.

Final Touches

Learn to fine tune the project by continuing the work all over the rendering, adding details and sharpness, paying extra attention to textures. Utilizing a variety of techniques, learn to add sharpness, key lines and highlights to accentuate.

The final step before completion is the introduction of overlay textures that really make the project come alive. By using a variety of textures, the original colors are mixed and blended in a very artistic manner. This technique is somewhat of a signature to the artist and really takes the rendering to a whole new level.

About the Author

Mikael Lugnegård is a Swedish 3D-artist who has worked as a freelancer and CG-instructor for many years now. He attended Umea Institute of Design in Sweden where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design.

Mikael is proficient in Model Making, Graphic Arts, Photo Editing, High End Product Rendering, Project Management and more. He is passionate about the arts and education as well as photography, downhill skiing and is a snowboarding instructor. Mikael is currently a consultant and design for Red Digital Cinema and runs his own company Lugnegård Designs in Sweden.

(Source: cmivfx.com via Luciano Bove, Virtual Car)

Ferrari Enzo Modulo II

An exclusive gallery of new images for the Ferrari Enzo Modulo, the dynamic concept created by Paolo Martin to reinterpret his legendary Modulo dream car in a modern way. Includes several renderings and 3D CAD views.

The new set of images show in more detail the design of the Ferrari Enzo Modulo, a concept created by designer Paolo Martin as a modern rivisitation of his iconic Modulo dream car.

Above: side by side, the original Ferrari Modulo (left) and the new Enzo Modulo Concept (right)

Compared to the original Modulo, characterized by the low height, lenticular-shaped profile, clean surfaces, the Enzo Modulo has a more dynamic look, with large exposed rear wheels visually framed by muscular wheel-arches, which break the almost-perfect simmetry of the iconic Modulo and - combined with a number of air-intake and grilles - contribute to an aggressive and performance-oriented appearance.

It however maintains the trademark proportions (about 4.5 meters in lenght, under 1 meter of height and over 2 meters in width), the large glass surfaces, the color scheme and the overall almost sci-fi look.

(Image Courtesy: Paolo Martin)

Alaska Motors Competition

Local Motors has announced the results of its Alaska Motors Design Competition, which asked to create a concept for an Alaskan race in 2013. The first three places were won by Anthony Colard, Pierre Gimbergues and Armand Herve.

Launched back in December 2009, the Alaskan Motors Competition asked the Local Motors' community to create a racing vehicle for theWrangell Mountain Extreme, a fictional race to be held in Alaska in 2013.

Unlike the previous contests, this one was not constrained to real-production limits.

The first place was won by the B-Polar Concept by Anthony Colard.

The vehicle has a unique moving chassis with a rotating axis around its fuel tank.

This allows the B-Polar to go over snowdrifts, go in and out of crevasses, over rocks and through any kind of rough terrain.

The gas tank is located in the middle as the vehicle is GPL powered for less impact on the environment.

There is a small engine in the front to power the front wheels and a larger one at the back of the car for the rear wheels, which produce the main traction.

The wheels are equipped with holes to evacuate the snow; disk brakes are hidden in a sphere in the middle of the wheel.

Anthony explains: "My Alaska Motors concept is B-Polar, as a reference to one of my inspirations, the polar bear. It has a very bipolar design as well, with organic front and mechanical rear, all along with the feel of a buggy."

The second prize was received by Pierre Gimbergues for his Banshee Concept, a snow racer conceived to face any kind of bad weather and difficult ground, thanks to its 4-jointed articulated, directional and suspended caterpillars.

"Inspired by mountain animals, the Banshee is incredibly capable, able to climb, and jump. Moreover its 4 additional big lamps allow for perfect visibility throughout the blizzard. Banshee is powered by a hybrid bioethanol and electric engine."

The third winner is Armand Herve with the TW-Ice Concept, a two-seater vehicle powered by a BMW V12 bioethanol engine. The name refers to the idea of 2x (2 times).

The vehicle has two distinct parts connected together by a semi-rigid material. Because of this unusual suspension, the vehicle cannot flip over.

The TW-Ice can use tracks or wheels depending on the circumstances.

The rear storage space can store everything is needed for the race, including a compartmentalized box

(Source: Local Motors)

Car Design Webinars

Car Design News has launched a series of free one-hour car design webinars. The first one - titled 'Design and Visualisation of Materials and Textures' - will take place on 27 January. The next two webinars will cover interior lighting and ecological micro-fibers.

Car Design News is launching a series of free webinars. Each one will last about 60 minutes, will be presented by professionals from sponsoring companies and will include a Q&A session.

Registration for each webinar is available about three weeks before the presentation date.

Interested users can sign up for free from this registration page. They will receive a weblink for the live view and will be able to access the presentation later from the website's archive - in the Tutorials section.

The first webinar is titled "Design and Visualisation of Materials and Textures" and will take place on January 27 at 15.00 GMT.

It will be presented by Michele Hess, Materials Research, and Marian Johannes Endres, Product Management, from Realtime Technology (RTT) AG.

The second webinar is titled "LEDs for automotive interiors - Visualization, Illumination and Sensing; Designing Next Generation Automotive Interiors with LEDs".

It will be presented by Michael Godwin, Director for Visible LEDs (Osram Opto Semiconductors) and is scheduled for February 17, 14.30 GMT .

The third webinar is titled "Ecological microfibres for automotive interiors", sponsored by Miko, and is scheduled for next March (date to be confirmed).

CDN is planning to launch additional webinars in the future.

(Source: Car Design News - Image Source: RTT)