DC Design to showcase two new car

The creation of the Arnolt-Bristol car was a blend of two different car companies that joined forces to manufacture a line of vehicles that offered four unique body styles. The coming years would see increased production throughout the 1950s, as well as an array of false impressions that involved production number errors and the ins and outs regarding the components of the Arnolt-Bristol cars.

Brief History of SH Arnolt Inc. and Bristol Cars

Arnolt-Bristol cars represented a collaboration between two different car manufacturers - SH Arnolt Inc. and Bristol Cars. Situated in Chicago and Indiana, SH Arnolt Inc. was the brainchild of Stanley H. Arnolt, a Chicago industrialist, who made a living importing foreign vehicles during the 1950s to the United States. His company would go on to sell four different cars that showcased Bertone bodies (highly unique Italian style) between 1953 and 1968. SH Arnolt Inc. capitalized off of an international patchwork of car manufacturing with vehicles that showcased British mechanics and Italian bodywork, coupled with U.S. sales and distribution.

Bristol Cars Ltd became a manufacturer of hand-built luxury cars that were produced close to Bristol, England. With a history of eliminating the distributors and car dealers, the company is known to directly wheel and deal with their customers. A showroom in Kensington, London displays their wares. Only a small number of cars have come from the company, often hovering around a little more than 100 cars produced on a yearly basis.

During the 1950s, Arnolt made a deal with Bristol Cars to purchase 200 of their 404 series chassis and 1971 cc, six-cylinder 130 hp engines. Soon after, the chassis were delivered to Carroszzeria Bertone, where a high-quality aerodynamic body with impressive design was added. Additionally, the hood height was adjusted to accommodate three two-barrel Solex 34 carburetors. SH Arnolt also facilitated a couple of design modifications.

Arnolt-Bristol Car Models

The Arnolt-Bristol cars came in four different body styles. The first model was geared towards competition and appeared as a striped road racer. The bolide offered a slightly more satisfying road racer. The deluxe was an extension of the bolide, which illuminated side windows and a convertible top. The car also carried instruments located in front of the driver. An inset glove box in the dash was another attractive feature. The fixed roof coupe was equipped with headlights that popped up.

At the time, the vehicles fetched about $3995 for the competition model; $4245 for the bolide; $4995 for the deluxe bolide; and $5995 for the coupe. A variety of factory options also accompanied the Arnolt-Bristol car, such as a front sway bar, remote shifter, bumpers, convertible top, and Alfin drum brakes that measured 11 inches. Borrani KO steel wheels were also associated with the Arnolt-Bristol car (with the exception of one car that was sold with Borrani wire wheels). The body of the Arnolt-Bristol car was mainly fashioned from steel, but also featured an aluminum trunk and hood.

Although a special racing fuel tank was placed in some of the racecars, this feature was never a luxury provided to the public. Additional changes to the makeup of the car included 12-inch bell shaped Bristol drums in 1959 and 1960, as well as Bristol front disc brakes in 1961.

When purchasing an Arnolt-Bristol car, the new owner received an owner's manual, spares manual, shop workbook, spare wheel and tire, as well as a complete tool kit. A variety of logo-based accessories, such as headscarves were also marketed under the company.

All Arnolt-Bristol cars were built between 1953 and 1959 with a total of 142 final products (12 of which were destroyed after a factory fire). The last time a record was made of existing Arnolt-Bristol cars, close to 85 of the models were located, varying in conditions, such as requiring complete restoration to showcasing an impressive appearance. Although the cars faired well on the racetrack, the vehicle models did not sell very well. The market for the cars was so slow that some were not sold until after 1960. The last car to sell showcased four headlights, but wasn't purchased until 1968.

Interesting Facts

When it comes to the Arnolt-Bristol car, there are many different misconceptions that the vehicle model was associated with. For instance, the production numbers for the car have often been the center of numerous reporting errors. This may have been a result of calculating only the number of Arnolt-Bristols sold in the United States and not in other locales, such as Spain or France. The model also became part of a rumor that hinted that some cars possessed a 283 Corvette engine instead of the Bristol engine. This was a grave misconception as all Arnolt-Bristol cars were originally fitted with the Bristol engine.

Detroit Auto Show 2014

GM has given its Cadillac Converj concept the go ahead for production, a four passenger luxury coupe based on the platform and electrified powertrain underpinning the Chevy Volt. This sleek, chiseled model was first shown at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show to critical acclaim. Financial problems with the parent company shelved the deal, but GM has resurrected its plans to build what will most likely be a 2014 model when it goes on sale sometime in 2013.

Naming Conventions

The Converj name may not survive, which isn't surprising as Cadillac has adopted a three letter nomenclature for its newest models. The Escalade name also remains, but that too may give way to a new model name when its replacement shows up shortly after the Converj is introduced.

Building the Converj makes sense for GM as it is based on its Voltec technology. That engineering has a lithium-ion battery pack paired with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine, allowing the current Volt model to drive approximately 35 miles on electric power only before its gas motor kicks in. The Cadillac is expected to have an updated variation of the powerpack, with A123 Systems supplying that system.

Cadillac Style

Style-wise, the Converj shares some of the styling attributes of the Cadillac CTS coupe, but with a clean departure from the B-pillar on back. The Converj is more rakish with a nearly invisible C-pillar making for a hatchback like design. Likely, this vehicle will have a trunk which will house part of the battery system as well as offer a fair amount of storage.

The Cadillac Converj will be fully equipped, offering such luxury touches and amenities as leather seating, wood trim, a navigation system, premium audio system, climate control, heated and cooled seats, and more. Safety features including ABS, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, active head restraints and side curtain airbags will also be featured.

Converj Pricing

Pricing will most likely begin north of $60,000, which is about $20,000 more than the base Chevy Volt. This will allow GM to spread its Voltec costs to more platforms and enable the company to tap a market it doesn't reach with the Volt at the moment, namely luxury car buyers. The Converj will compete against select Lexus, Infiniti and Lincoln models as well as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Mostly likely, additional Voltec models will be introduced including a crossover for Buick and perhaps a utility vehicle for GMC. Opel already has the Ampera while Holden, its Australian subsidiary, may receive a Voltec model of its own.

DC Design Avanti Sports Car

Automotive design

You could now buy a new sports car through various online fast car websites that offer an entertaining view and informative disclosures of some of the coolest and high performing geeky super cars. These websites typically provide for features of new fast cars with quality pictures taken by high resolution cameras from various angles. Besides, you could also know the detailed specifications of virtually every car that includes top speeds, price, horsepower, and fuel economy along with a comprehensive catalogue of interior furnishings and exterior designs. Since, the videos posted on these sites are subject to quality guidelines, a new car finder could avail an opportunity of having a glimpse of some of the best cars in the sports automobile segment.

In addition to the above mentioned facts, these websites are perennially updated so that new small car buyers could get access to the latest visual clips and news regarding luxury cars. Some of the best high performance vehicles such as Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Porsche, Ferrari, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, Mercedes, Nissan and Corvette to name a few besides many others usually feature on these fast car websites. This could inevitably provide racing car enthusiasts who are considering purchasing a new sports car with a unique prospect of interacting and learning about some of the most up to date sports cars of all makes and models.

Apart from this, there are some sports sedan sites that also provide for information that could enable a prospective sports automobile buyer to secure information pertaining to affordable car insurance. This sites could invariable be helpful to car owners in getting one of the most affordable auto insurance for their vehicles. Just a mere click on the auto insurance quote tool could assist you to obtain a number of no-obligation free new small car insurance quotes from different auto insurance lenders. All that a new car buyer is required to do is enter the details pertaining to the make and model of the car and its ZIP code. It is this striking benefit that makes these fast car websites a precious resource for sports automobile enthusiasts.

It is hence, recommended that when applying for a new car search online, you should invariably search for a service provider that offers all these multiple facilities. AutoDriver.com is one such fast car online service providing company that also offers services to arrange for auto insurance solutions to potential new small car buyers. By availing such online services a new car finder could make his car purchase more affordable and one that suits his needs and status.

Explore the Car Designing Process of Toyota

 Car designing is an important process in the formation of a car or any other vehicle. The process involves a number of stages starting from the design concept to the final production. All that is required to make the design successful is to infuse innovative ideas and nugget of inspiration with the science of car making.

Concept Making

The car design process starts with the concept making process that takes into consideration the essentials like customer choice, target market, and the development plan. The designer does all the research on the market and the customer expectations and then in response to the acquired results, he or she sketches or frames a defined pattern, structure, or design of a car. Then the sketch is drawn on paper and shared with other members to discuss its potential for future development.

 Idea Development

The next step is the idea development process that includes the sketch in its actual form. This states that the defined sketch is given a new form using pencils, pastels, markers, and other sketching tools. These days the sketches are even drawn on computer with visual images and features. In the virtual space, the design concept is given a new form while the idea and expression gets beautifully transformed onto lines and surfaces.

Color Development

The step of idea development is followed by the color development in both the exterior and the interior. In the process different colors are tried and tested on the concept. After a good amount of research and total color coordination, some colors are selected in accordance to the fashion trends and the customer choice. The interior colors are also selected in accordance to the latest fashion in the industry. Then the instrument panel, steering wheel, seat fabric, carpet, and other features are given their colors to seamlessly blend with the exterior appeal.

 Mock-up

Mock up is a stage where the actual design along with its selected colors is put into a 3-dimensional model. This model is created using clay by expert professionals who work together with the designer to understand the concept and give it a form and structure. Interior mock up is done using wood, plastic, metal, fabrics, and various other materials to create a complete design model of the car. This also defines the placement of the feature and the spaciousness in the car interior. The process involves a united approach between the car modeler and the car designer.

Decision Hall

After the mock up, is the decision hall wherein focus is completely laid on the customer choice and preference. In this stage of design process, the actual model is studied and analyzed from every direction under natural light. Then the final decision is taken whether the car will reach the production stage or not depending on the research done on the customer needs. Customer angle is of utmost important when finalizing the design for production.

Revealed - Incredible Custom Paint Designs on Cars - Auto Spray Painting Paint

 Custom paint designs on cars are more plentiful than the sands of the sea. From pink police cruiser paint schemes, to elaborate dessert backdrops complete with sand, cacti, and pale red sunsets, the plethora of custom paint designs on cars are as wild as the wildest imaginations. But, when it comes to the most popular of the last year or even the last five years, there are a few paint schemes that have pulled away from the rest of the pack.

Los Angeles, the mecca of elaborate paint designs, has produced some cutting edge custom paint works that have been trend setting for the rest of the country. First, the tried and true graphic flames, without a doubt, continue to change the landscape of the custom paint designs on cars. The longevity of the flame can be attributed to its flexibility of use, as well as, its beautiful twisting, sharp red and yellow cascades of heat.

The LA designers have added sculls, angry dogs, hellish riders, and even heavenly artwork to the flame in order to change its landscape while keeping with the basic, awe inspiring flame.

The classic racing stripe is another of the most popular custom paint designs on cars. Although it would be difficult to pin this design on any one place, it should be noted that the Cunningham Racing Team began using the racing stripe in 1951. It was originally intended to serve as a guide on the racetrack or to distinguish the different racing teams; however, the racing stripe has evolved into intricate designs upon some of the world's most common cars such as the MiniCooper, The Mustang, and the Camaro. Inspiring many boys and men, young and old, the racing stripe will be hanging around for many more years to come.

Finally, one of the most sought after custom designs of the past and present is the skeleton. It is the one design that can be implemented into any other paint scheme, particularly the racing stripe and the flame. Designs of the past have included a racing stripe flame, a skeleton riding a motorcycle with a racing stripe flame, and a skeleton with flames spraying from two over sized eye sockets.

There is no limit to the many combinations of custom paint designs on cars that the car industry may use. But, one thing is for sure, the flame, racing stripe, and skeleton are all considered some of the most popular custom paint designs on cars.

A Career in Automotive Design

Probably every neighborhood from New York to California and Maine to Florida has a kid who likes to draw cars. And maybe those kids will proudly announce that when they grow up they are going to be car designers. For many, that dream will fall by the wayside but for a select few it will become reality. In the early mid-forties, Giorgietto Giugiaro and Marcello Gandini were a couple of Italian kids who like to draw cars. Today, they are Italy's top designers.

The vehicle designer is responsible for creating the exterior and interior appearance of over the road vehicles. Generally, these are automobiles but trucks, vans, coaches, and motorcycles are also included.

The designers usually work in teams. One person does the exterior, another the interior and a third works with colors, materials and trim. The working environment and working conditions are pleasant. It is a risk-free career that does not usually require overtime or weekend work.

A design begins with a set of digital or manual sketches. Once these are approved by management, more detailed drawings follow. Then clay models or digital models are developed. The same procedure is followed for exterior, interior, and color and trim design.

However the road from car sketches to the design studio is paved with hard work beginning in high school. Auto design is one of the most competitive careers in the design industry. Consequently the competition to gain admission to the colleges that offer transportation design classes is fierce.

Prospective designers need to begin in high school with all the two-dimensional drawing classes they can fit into their schedule. But it isn't enough to just be able to draw a car. They also need to understand aerodynamics, engineering concepts and ergonomics. They will be working with figures so knowledge of math and physics is required.

And throughout high school they need to work on building a drawing portfolio. All colleges require a portfolio. And it goes without saying that the better the portfolio, the better the graduate's chances of being accepted by a prestigious institution.

While many schools offer majors in industrial design only a few specialize in transportation design, which is the recommended career path for future vehicle designers.

It is important to make a wise choice of colleges. One needs to examine the credentials of the faculty and the reputation of the courses. Most important, the institution should have a strong industry connection. Part-time faculty members who work in the industry are of immeasurable help, in guiding students' work to meet industry's demands and assisting them in finding employment upon graduation.

 Once in college, the students will pursue a four-year design major. During the first years they will study drawing and design theory. In later years they will concentrate on computing and model making. Some schools provide an internship in a design studio during the third or fourth year. These are valuable since internships are often a direct path to an entry-level job upon graduation.

However, the job market is much better for engineers than designers. For every vacant design position, there are twenty engineering jobs. In spite of this, the student with outstanding talent and creativity will always be recognized and find a niche in the industry.