Yamaha FZ1 Abarth Assetto Corse Concept Bike with 150HP R1 Engine

We don't usually post articles on motorcycles but this time we are obliged to make an exception. The 'naked' Yamaha concept bike you see in the picture above was developed in cooperation with Fiat's sport division, Abarth as part of the celebrations to mark the 100th birthday of the Italian firm's founder Karl Abarth (born on November 15. 1908).

The prototype model is based on the FZ1 which is powered by a 1,0-liter engine derived from the Yamaha's R1 supersport bike. The 4-cylinder unit produces an output of 150HP at 11,000 rpm.

The FZ1 Abarth Assetto Corso is distinguished by the classic Abarth livery which combines Abarth's Scorpion and Yamaha's three tuning-fork logo.

Mechanical improvements on the concept bike include a new Akrapovic exhaust as well as suspension and brake upgrades.

Along with the FZ1 Abarth Assetto Corso, Fiat's sport division marked Karl Abarth's centenary with the release of a limited edition version of the 500 Abarth and a snazzy high performance desktop powered by the new Intel Core i7 Extreme processor.

Yamaha YZF-R1 Replica

Apart from creating real-life superbikes like the awesome 2007 YZF-R1, Yamaha has also created a series of realistic paper cut models for the less (money-wise) fortunate people like ourselves. All you need to is to check out the detailed instructions and download the pictures after the jump to your pc and print them on strong, thick paper. That and plenty of free time in your hands as the 2007 YZF-R1 paper cut consists of 312 parts in all. -Continued

Paper Cuts (Scroll Down For Instructions)

Assembly Instructions

The Smallest Smart Ever: Electric 'escooter'

Previewing a possible expansion to the world of two wheels in the very near future, Daimler's Smart division will showcase a scooter concept at next week's Paris motor show.

Seen here for the first time in the flesh, the purely electrically driven 'escooter' uses a 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack placed behind the paneling in the foot area and is capable of traveling up to 100 kilometers (over 60 miles) on a single charge.


The company says the batteries can be fully recharged through any standard household power socket, within three to five hours. The charging socket is located at the front of the scooter underneath a hinged smart emblem.


Smart's two-wheel study is driven by a disc-shaped wheel hub motor in the rear wheel, which offers an output of 4 kW (equal to 5.3-horsepower) allowing the scooter to reach a top speed of 45 km/h or 28mph.





The connection to Smart's four-wheel products is made through the electric scooter's supporting chassis structure which the company says is "consciously modelled on the tridion safety cell of the Fortwo" and the fully interchangeable plastic bodypanels.



Technical highlights include the use of an anti-lock braking system (ABS) specially adapted for a two-wheeler, an airbag integrated in the paneling under the handlebars,

and Blind Spot Assist, which like the system found on Mercedes cars, draws the rider's attention to vehicles following close behind that are not visible in the "blind spot" of the rear-view mirrors.




Another cool feature is the Smartphone that is placed in the centre of the handlebars and is fully linked with the escooter.


It replaces the traditional instrument panel providing info on speed, range and battery charge level and even acts as a navigation system.