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We aim to inform, entertain, and surprise you ! We like to do things our own way and bring you original content from the motoring world, and it doesn't have to be yellow !

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Mercedes C220 C-Class

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The car that launched a website

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Lambo & Mini USB test

Useful stuff: Lambo & Mini USB test - we check out these miniatures for your laptop and fingers

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YW electric kiddy car race

Electric BMW & Mini - We hold our first electric kids car race - follow the race and tantrums!

Geneva Motor Show 2012 – a day shrunk into 10 minutes

On March 13, 2012, In Auto Shows, Cars, Concepts, Convertibles, Coupés, Motor Shows, News, by yellowwheels

A day in the life of a car photographer at an international motorshow

Tim Andrew in action in Giugiaro Brivido Concept car

Ever wondered what happens on a Motor Show press day? The doors open at 7:30am in Geneva – better have your press pass in your hands, or get ready for a long queue. After a 10 minute walk and 25 minute bendy-bus ride from downtown Geneva, photographer Tim Andrew presented his pass and sailed through the turnstyle. First stop was the press room to nab a table, and more importantly, an ethernet cable to upload photos to the client’s server. Excess gear dumped, lightweight necessities grabbed, it was off at a trot to bag the first important “reveal”.

Bendy-bus to the airport after the show

The car manufacturers unveil their cars at 15 minute intervals, so unless you have a team of snappers and journos, it’s impossible to cover them all live. In any case, as a photographer, it’s best to have left the video crews catch the excitement of the covers been whipped off the “world Premieres” and turn up 20 minutes later once the scramble has subsided.
Click through to watch the video!

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Tagged with: a day in the life • documentary • Geneva Motor Show • photographer

Geneva Show 2011 – Porsche 918 RSR

On March 29, 2011, In Auto Shows, Cars, Events, Hybrid, Motor Racing, Motor Shows, Racing Cars, Supercars, by yellowwheels

2011 Geneva Motor Show - Porsche 918 RSR

Up close with Porsche 918 RSR Hybrid

A year ago Porsche’s 918 surprise at the Geneva Motor Show blew us away. Looking small and dainty but extraordinarily desirable it was pitched as a Carrera GT replacement. Yet it didn’t quite have the commanding presence of the GT, even if it’s spec and integration of hybrid technology made it worthy. If it’s 7:30min Nürburgring lap time is anything to go on, then it certainly qualified on speed and agility. Something about the folded paper look, lack of roof and delicate detailing of the show car made us want to put some horny rims on, install a loud exhaust and wake up the neighbours.

Geneva Motor Show 2011 - Porsche 918 RSR - embroidered seat and electro fill cap

Now exhibited in racing trim at the 2011 Geneva Show, that desire is mostly answered. the fixed roof, arch-filling racing slicks, additional carbon aerodynamic aids and orange “racing” decals vaguely recalling Gulf Oil sponsorship of the past, give it a butchness it was otherwise lacking. If Batman turned up in this beast, Gotham City would stand back and know what was coming. If Batman had turned up in the 918 “prototype”, he’d have Robin mince out slyly, while he conducted proceedings from his iPad3.

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Tagged with: 2011 • 918 RSR • flywheel • Geneva Motor Show • Hybrid • mechanical • Porsche

Lexus add special Nürburgring Package to LFA Supercar

On February 23, 2011, In Auto Shows, Cars, Motor Shows, News, Sportscars, Supercars, Yellow, by yellowwheels

Limited edition Lexus LFA unveiled before 2011 Geneva Show

A $375,000 supercar, of which only 500 will be built, not exclusive enough for you? Good news: the petrolheads over at the Lexus skunkworks have honed a special lightweight, track day version of their already awesome LFA for you. Only 50 will be made and christened “Nürburgring Package”. These special, limited edition cars are tuned to deliver exceptionally fast track times and sport large aeordynamic aids to keep downforce and consequently cornering speed high. To compensate there’s an extra 10bhp to push that huge wing through the air, supplemented by a 100kg weight reduction that sees acceleration maintained and, no doubt, braking distance reduced. To keep the connection with the Nürburgring going, buyers will be given free tuition and a years pass for the Nordschleife – this car is, after all, built to celebrate class victories there.

That massive carbon wing is fixed in position, unlike the standard car’s retractable one. There’s a huge front dam/tray that reduces effective ground clearance beyond the 10mm ride height lowering. Subtle chin winglets help channel air where it’s wanted, whilst at the rear, just over the tail-lights, Lexus have added small flaps. Inside, a liberal dose of carbon fibre and Alcantara replaces the standard leather. The Geneva Motor Show will be the car’s first public appearance on 3rd March.

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Tagged with: 2011 • Geneva Motor Show • Lexus • LFA • limited edition • Nürburgring • Package • supercar

Adrian Von Hooydonk talks to YW about colours in car design

On March 25, 2010, In Cars, Designers, by yellowwheels

Continuing our quest for the truth about yellow cars, we interview BMW chief designer Adrian Von Hooydonk

Adrian Von Hooydonk

What do colours mean to car designers? We cornered BMW chief of design Adrian Von Hooydonk, to ask him this very question. As a yellow themed website, we were interested to see if the design and shape of a car influenced acceptable colours. There are very very few BMWs and Mercs in yellow, yet quite a few Minis and Lambos. So over to you Adrian !

What does yellow in car design mean?
Are there any production yellow cars in the BMW range?
Yellow is quite a flat colour, so how does that affect design and shape?
Have you ever owned a yellow car?
Do you like yellow cars?
Do you agree with Tiff Needell that yellow cars should only ever be small and that Ferraris should never be yellow !?

click on green arrow to listen to interview

In conclusion Adrian is a fan of yellow cars. It’s an emotional colour which they use on some production Minis. When it comes to shape, there’s a big difference between using metallic or straight paint, and yellow suits strong shapes.

Tagged with: 2010 • Adrian Von Hooydonk • Geneva Motor Show

Geneva Show Peugeot SR1 concept bike

On March 17, 2010, In Cars, Concepts, cycling, Events, Motor Shows, Road Biking, by yellowwheels

Geneva Motor Show - Peugeot SR1 Concept bike

Is this the shape of cycling to come?

We’ve never featured a bike, here on YW, but there’s always a first time. And this bike caught our attention because of the prominence it was given on the Peugeot stand at the Geneva Show. It stood proudly next to Peugeot’s SR1 concept car, almost eclipsing it. Sculptural purity should be celebrated, whether functional or not, and this techno-cycle had shed loads of it. Shame that the spoke-less, hub-less rim drive rear wheel isn’t matched at the front with a similar, innovative wheel.

Peugeot SR1 Bike concept pedal and cranks detail

Clearly this bike isn’t going anywhere, judging by the stretch leather “tyres” and other non-working gizmos. And just what is the glass vial bubble-level right above the cranks? And what is the fake energy meter inlaid into the handlebars ? Maybe some sort of hybrid drive to match the SR1 car beside it ? None of this is explained. We can only assume electric power and regenerative braking. Certainly, the whole concept bike is just a design exercise to supplement and complement the car, and in this respect it does an excellent job. It mirrors the car’s unusual controls, techno bleached-look materials, and fancy layout. Bikes have been extracted from the same, standard mold for so long that a concept such as this is refreshing and welcome. Just enjoy the photos realising, that, like the spaceship designs of yesteryear, the reality will be somewhat more sober.

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Tagged with: 2010 • Bike • Concept • Geneva Motor Show • Peugeot • SR1

Geneva Motor Show Peugeot SR1 Concept

On March 10, 2010, In Auto Shows, Cars, Concepts, Convertibles, Coupés, Motor Shows, News, by yellowwheels

Geneva Motor Show - Peugeot SR1 - on amazing stand

Peugeot SR1 show car heralds shape of things to come from the lion brand.

We’re not sure which was the most impressive: the magnificent show stand, easily the most elegant, prominent, and well designed at the show, or the Peugeot SR1 concept car basking in the soft pool of white light. For once a waterwall backdrop looked entirely in keeping, and the open sports car was equipped with a roof, which looked at least splash-proof, thus staying on topic. If ever there was a motor show stand that made it easy to flatter a car, this was it. You could have put anything in there and it would look gorgeous, or at least well lit.

Geneva Motor Show - Lion gets a makeover

So the car: it’s a hybrid. Yes go on: a convertible. Anything else? Pretty good looking. Nice classical proportions. Plenty of space age gizmos. 3 seats. Actually pretty predictable overall, but well executed, with good choice of materials and intriguing control layout. What it says is though: Peugeot has a new styling direction, and the only gawping mouths are those of their current model lineup. It also signals a change of badging as the house lion motif gains some rigid bulk: no longer a fussy organic beast, it’s transformed into a hewn-from-solid techno-lion.

So just what are those two glass vials sticking out of the steering column? They are analogue displays of range and instant fuel economy. You can’t help thinking that they are the juices you’d swallow when range hits zero, all life has gone out of you, and you decide to exit the THX1138 world !