Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Ferrari 599XX and 599 GTB HGTE
At next week's Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari has announced that it will take the wraps off of two new versions of its 599 GTB Fiorano. The more approachable one (at least in terms of a high-end Ferrari fare) is the rumored 599 HGTE. Details are scarce on what comprises the Handling GT Evoluzione package at the moment, but the promise is that it will take the already accomplished GT to the next level.
Perhaps the more interesting car will be the 599XX. This model will apparently only be available to select clients – in other words, those with a long history of Ferrari ownership. Like the existing FXX version of the Enzo, the 599XX will be a rolling laboratory that incorporates technology that Ferrari engineers have been developing on both road and track cars. At this point, Ferrari isn't saying how many of these cars will be available – or what they will cost – but we expect for them to make the standard 599 look quite affordable by comparison.
[Source: nekoauto]
Hyundai Genesis Coupe V6 beats out Infiniti G37 in first comparison test
While we're working on our own shoot-out between the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and a yet-to-be-named contender, the crew at Inside Line put Hyundai's new rear-wheel-drive two-door against one of its strongest opponents: the Infiniti G37.
IL's 3.8-liter V6 Genesis Coupe tester came equipped with the Track pack, which includes a stiffer suspension, limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes and 19-inch wheels, along with the standard six-speed manual. The sticker? $30,375, or $6,625 less than a base model Infiniti G37. For the extra scratch, the Infiniti is a more luxurious package and carries a bit of badge snobbery, but performance and driver engagement are the metrics we're interested in and the Hyundai proved to be a serious contender.
The G is packing more power from less displacement (330 vs. 306 hp), a bit more torque (270 vs. 266 lb-ft) and revs higher (7,600 vs. 6,800 rpm). But it's also packing the pounds. The Infiniti tips the scales at 3,709 pounds, while the Genesis Coupe comes in just under 3,500 pounds.
IL performed its usual battery of tests, along with a dyno run, and deemed the G37 a better vehicle on the road from both a driving and livability standpoint, but gave props to the Genesis for its competence on the track and predictable handling characteristics. Both cars were remarkably close in the performance department, with the Hyundai taking the win on the skid-pad, while falling short on the sprint to 60, quarter-mile time and slalom run.
A word of advice to all you Genesis Coupe tuners.
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It is nice to see that tuners are off to a good start with the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. This clean orange example has undergone a few tasteful modifications. It is possible to say that it is what hasn’t been done to the Genesis Coupe that makes it so attractive. Keep up the good work, and stay off the vinyl.
With Hyundai releasing an affordably priced enthusiast model of the Genesis Coupe, expect for the vehicle to be embraced by tuners. So please use this fine example of a modified Hyundai Genesis Coupe as a template for what tastefully tuned vehicle looks like.
The orange car includes modifications such as:
| Volk Racing Rims |
| Aftermarket Exhaust |
| Slammed Suspension |
| Smoked Taillights |
| De badged treatment |
What the car does not have:
| Over sized GT Wing |
| Vinyl Graphics |
| Altezza Tailights |
| Coffee can muffler |
| Aftermarket wheels with a stock suspension |
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Beardog Racing Lotus 34
The Beardog Racing Lotus 34 has been a labour of love. Finding the reference has taken many hours of research and surfing Slotforum and the web. Again only 50 will be produced, complete with decals to assemble either the car as it is now in the Parnelli Jones museum, or as it raced in the1964 Indianapolis 500.
Colin Chapman built three Lotus 34's for the Indianapolis 500 in 1964, each one had the same specifications, Engine: V8, dual overhead camshafts per bank, fuel injected, 255ci. 475bhp at 8,250rpm; Gearbox: ZF two-speed, Suspension: four wheel independent; Chassis: offset to left of centerline by 2 3/8 inches; Brakes: four wheel disc. Single seat speedway racing car. All three were entered by the works team. All three cars were used in practice.
Team Lotus, showed up in 1963 with the then-new (and very controversial!) 15" Firestone tires, but for 1964, Colin Chapman (over the objections of Ford!) brought Dunlop to the Speedway, apparently for the contingency money, depending on whose account you read. Dunlop apparently did not figure on the sustained high speeds of Indy, especially when compared to their normal venue of road racing, and supplied tires with treads that were either too thick, too soft, or both.
The car modeled is the car that Jim Clark raced at the 1964 Indianapolis 500, earning the pole position with a speed 159.337 which was 7 mph faster than the lap record. During the race Jim had severe problems with the Dunlop tyres and only completed 44 laps. His car experienced tread "chunking" midway into the event, which quickly developed into the tread peeling off the tire, the resultant imbalance and extreme vibration breaking the left side rear suspension, and ending his race prematurely.
Beardog kits are available with everything you need to build a very unusual Slot Car. All components are ala carte, Body kit, 4 different motor choices, Chassis kit, Wheels and world renowned Ortman Tyres are all available, so that the customer can build a fast competitive racing slot-car, or a beautiful shelf queen with a full length driver and interior.
BODY KIT COMPONENTS:Resin Parts: Body, Driver figure, Driver head, Seat and Dashboard, Engine Intake manifolds and Exhaust, Gearbox Transaxle, 4 Wheel Inserts.White Metal parts : Fuel fillers, Steering wheel, Engine Transistor Box, Roll Bar, 8 fuel Injection Trumpets,Polycarbonate Windscreen, and a comprehensive Decal sheet featuring two styles of race numbers, for practice, race and as the car appears now, Instruments Dials, Rivet Details, Dutz Fasteners, Seatbelts, Lotus Decals, Racing Stripe, and full sponsor decals.
Each body kit comes complete with full color history and photos of all three Lotus 34's.
THE CHASSIS KIT: Spring Steel Chassis kit with assembly guide, Drill blank 3/32” Rear axle, Rear axle Oilite Bearings, 16G piano wire front axle and brass tubing for front wheel retainers, Guide flag, Pick up braids, Silicon leadwire and ferrules, Precision Crown Gear, and Optional Rear Axle Ballrace Set.63 with the then-new (and very controversial!) 15" Firestone tires, but for 1964, Colin Chapman (over the objections of Ford!) brought Dunlop to the Speedway, apparently for
MOTOR PACKS: No less than 4 motor pack options are available from mild to wild.
WHEELS AND TYRES: Superb quality aluminium wheels and world renowned Ortman Tyres.
FURTHER INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING CHRIS WRIGHT AT: beardogracing@comcast.net or visiting www.beardogracing.net
ANDY BROWN-SEARLE AT abSlotsport@aol.com or visiting www.abslotsport.com
Pagani bringing "hybrid" Zonda F Cinque
The Pagani Zonda F Cinque seen here isn't a hybrid as in "green," it's a hybrid of the Pagani F and the Pagani Cinque. The car, slated to star at the Geneva Auto Show, is a one-of-a-kind Pagani simply meant to hold a place in our hearts while we wait for the Pagani Cinque to arrive next year.
The car hasn't been finished yet, but the Zonda F Cinque is essentially a Zonda F in Cinque colors. That means you'll miss the roof intake and lower aero modifications of the Cinque, but you'll get the carbon fiber and silver exterior treatment, and the spoked mags with red accents. That isn't much different than a decal package, but this is a Pagani and there will only be one of them, which means we still look forward to bringing it to you next week from Geneva.
[Source: GT Spirit via World Car Fans]
Gemballa unveils Mirage GT Carbon Edition
Production of Porsche's Carrera GT may have ended a few years ago, but that doesn't mean tuners have stopped playing around with them. Techart, 9ff, and edo competition have all come out with different versions of Porsche's ultimate supercar, but Gemballa's Mirage GT is perhaps the most well known due to its aggressive bodywork and variety of colors and finishes.
The tuner's latest version is dubbed "Mirage GT Carbon Edition," and though details are in short supply, we're guessing that the package involves plenty of carbon fiber to go along with the two-tone Pearl White and Black paint. Gemballa does provide performance specs for the car, which includes an upgrade to 670 horsepower, 0-100 km/h (62 miles-per-hour) in just 3.7 seconds, 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.7 seconds, and a top speed of 208 mph. We're hoping the Carbon Edition will make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in just a few days, and if it does, we will be sure to bring you plenty of pictures and any additional info.
[Source: Gemballa via GTSpirit.com]
Tata Nano to officially debut on March 23, sales start in April
After a slew of problems and delays – not the least of which was a huge amount of opposition from local farmers in West Bengal where the first assembly plant was being built – Tata Motors has finally announced that production of their Nano city car will begin on March 23 at the alternate facility in Gurajat. Sales will officially begin the first week in April as dealerships receive their first allotments of what is sure to become an instantly popular vehicle.
Much of the hype surrounding the Nano is related to its targeted low price, which at 100,000 rupees (just under $2,000 in U.S. dollars at current exchange rates) would make Tata's Nano the cheapest automobile in the world. Of course, that's without standard air conditioning or painted bumpers and such, but it will come with a 33-horsepower, 623cc two-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels.
[Source: Tata Motors via Motor Tips]
Mazda recalling almost 31,000 CX-9s over faulty seats
Nearly 31,000 Mazda CX-9 crossovers are being recalled to repair an issue with the driver's seat. Models affected were built during the 2007-2009 model years. According to Mazda North American Operations, improper routing of wires under the driver's seat cushion can lead to a short-circuit that activates the power-adjustment mechanism. This could lead to an inadvertent change in the seating position, height adjustment, or seat back recline while the vehicle is in motion. According to Mazda, dealers will be able to fix the potential problem with cable ties and replacement parts. If you are a late-model CX-9 owner, check your mailbox after the notices go out on March 9.
[Source: Automotive News ]
2010 Kia Sorento SUV
few days ago Kia has unveiled two new renderings along with initial details of its forthcoming 2010 Sorento SUV. The Korean automaker said that the second-generation Sorento, codenamed XM, is set for launch in April, meaning that it will most likely make its world premiere at the Seoul Motor Show. The teaser sketches reveal that the new model will follow the 2007 Kue concept car's edgy and chiseled lines while it will also feature Kia's new corporate grille.
The leader as a chief Peter Schreyer of design of engines of Kia said, dynamic design of XM adopts the single circuit linear lines to lend a powerful aspect, however polished. Sportsman and seizing, XM represents a new race of SUV.
Sorento 2010 will most probably offer to purchasers the option to add a third line of the seats, increasing the capacity in seats at Sept.
New Sorento will become the first vehicle of Hyundai-Kia to come equipped with the R-engine favorable to the environment all-nine from diesel with company 'with passenger with S. 2.2 the unit with cylinder with liter 4 product a result with 200 powers in horses. According to Kia, when hung until an automatic transmission 6 speeds, new Sorento 2.2R will have a combined fuel consumption of 7.1lt/100km or 33.2mpg the USA.
Kia also envisages to satisfy various tastes of the consumer by offering the model with a gasoline 2.4 and one engine of 2.7 LPI (liquified petroleum gas). The Korean car manufacturer claims that this made in Kia XM the first vehicle in the world with the race on each of the three types of fuel.
One expects that sales of new Sorento begin in Korea this spring, with the rest of the world following towards the end of 2009 and at the beginning of 2010.
Bentley Continental SuperSports
This is Bentley Continental SuperSports : powered with 621HP and 204MPH Flex-Fuel Supercar
few days ago hand made supercar supersport Bentley has revealed the fastest and most powerful model in its 90-year history ever, this is the new 621HP Continental Supersports,this car will show for the first time in Geneva with sales following in most markets from autumn 2009 and in the U.S., in the summer of 2010. The Continental Supersports, whose name is inspired by the firm's 1925 two-seater 3-litre Supersports model, is powered by a 6.0-liter W12 engine capable of running on either petrol and E85 biofuel or any combination of the two. Bentley supports that the E85 biofuel can offer a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Smart gets Limited Edition Three treatment
Companies often exploit our fondness for Spring in their marketing efforts. There are detergents that smell like flower beds, flora-inspired fashions and candles that give off the soft scent of freshly cut grass. We're a people who like the restorative, born-again qualities of the season that emerges after a long, cold winter, and smart knows this. No stranger to unveiling special edition models of its fortwo model, the Daimler-owned brand will be showing off the new "edition limited three" model at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
The "edition limited three" model tugs at our temporal heart strings with a new exterior color called Melon Green Metallic. The Spring-ish hue is carried over into the top soil-colored interior where it's used as an accent on the seats, door panels and dash. smart says the interior also features dark brown "leather-effect details" – spoken like a true economy car salesman.
Available as a coupe or cabrio, the "edition limited three" is based on the company's Passion trim level and also adds mhd, or Micro Hybrid Drive, which is another way of saying the powertrain has start/stop functionality to save fuel when the car is stopped or coasting at slow speeds.
[Source: smart]
Kia releases pair of new Sorento renderings
Last week's teaser image of the 2010 Kia Sorento was just to whet our appetite, and now new images have surfaced that show big changes are in store for Kia's CUV. The biggest deal is that the Sorento will move from a traditional body-on-frame construction to a unit-body design. The new look is more muscular, following some of the same themes as the sharp looking Forte. In the North American market, the new Sorento will reportedly carry a four cylinder or the snarly 3.8-liter Lambda V6. Attendees of the Seoul Motor Show in April will get to feast their eyes on this version of the Sorento, code-named XM. Sales also begin in April, so Kia's West Point, Georgia manufacturing site is doubtless winding up as we speak.
Fisker now taking orders for Karma S convertible
Fisker is out to prove that green cars don't have to be boring with its extended-range plug-in hybrid Karma, available in both sedan and retractable hardtop variants. Potential buyers have already placed over 1,300 orders for the four-door model and now we hear that the burgeoning automaker is accepting deposits of $25,000 for the Karma S drop-top. Those placing orders early are being told they can expect a delivery date in late 2011.
Both Karma models come equipped with lithium ion battery packs that can provide gasoline-free travel for up to 50 miles, after which a GM-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct injected Energizer Bunny powerplant will kick in to recharge the battery. There's reportedly enough juice to power twin electric motors that offer over 400 horsepower to the rear wheels, which is sufficient to push the electric stunner to 60 in under six seconds and up to a top speed of over 125 mph.
[Source: eGMCarTech]
Lamborghini Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster and other series Pictures
This year will be put up for sale now, limited production of the Lamborghini Murcielago lp650-4 Roadster first photos
and LAmborgihini Murcielago video
Bugatti Veyron Centenary Edition to be revealed in Geneva
It’s been 100 years since Ettore Bugatti first starting putting his rare and fast creations on the street, and to celebrate it, the company that bears his name may be going to try and take back the fastest production car crown.
Bugatti will unveil a special edition Veyron in Geneva. It will be called the Centenary, and it should have 1350 hp (349 hp more than the current Veyron.) This is rumored to take the top speed from 253 mph to 264 mph. If true, the Veyron Centenary could take back the title of fastest production car from the 256 mph SSC Ultimate Aero.
We don’t have all the details just yet, including how many vehicles will make up this limited edition. But fear not, the Geneva Motor Show is just around the corner, and we’ll be keeping our eye on this one.
Aston Martin DBS Volante
Thanks to the embargo-breaking crew at World Car Fans, we can finally give up the details on the 2009 Aston Martin DBS Volante. The drop-top version of Bond's uber-Aston features a fabric roof that can be retracted in 14 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph and supposedly looks just as good with the top up as the top down. Motivation is provided by the same 6.0-liter V12 found in the standard DBS, putting out 510 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque to a rear-mounted six-speed manual or "Touchtronic" sequential gearbox. The run to 62 mph is dispatched in a scant 4.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 191 mph. Aston says it was able to keep the weight down (the DBS Volante tips the scales at 3,990 pounds) through the use of a lightweight roof mechanism, along with a carbon fiber hood, front splitter and trunk lid. The standard carbon ceramic brakes – pulled directly from the fixed-roof DBS – reduce unsprung weight at all four corners and provide the neck-punishing stopping power you'd expect. We'll get our first look of the DBS Volante at the Geneva Motor Show next week, but in the meantime, get all the details in the press release below the fold.
Bentley goes green - really fast - with the Continental Supersports
Bentley has decided to go green, and the fabulously white coupe you see above is how they've done it: "a muscular two-seater that delivers supercar performance and a highly focused driving experience." Sounds green so far, right? It's called the Continental Supersports, and the marque from Crewe hasn't merely pulled out all the stops... they created a few extra stops, just so they could pull them out as well.
Under the hood is the Supersports' main event: the most powerful engine Bentley has ever created, it is a 621 brake horsepower, 590 pound-feet of torque, E85-capable W12 that pulls the ghostly looking thing to 60 in just – ready for this? – 3.7 seconds. The engine is fitted with sensors to monitor how much gasoline and/or ethanol is being used, and power and torque stay constant no matter what the ratio is. Speaking of torque, all of it is available at the low, low rpm of 1,750. In case there's a Polaris rocket in the next lane you need to teach a few lessons.
While that engine might take the title card, there is a massively full undercard as well. That 3.7-second 0-to-60 flip is not only about the engine, it's about the fact that the car is 110 pounds lighter than its 4-seater brethren. The Supersports has rear deck where back seats once resided, and it has also scored a raft of weight-saving components like the wheels and those carbon fiber thrones. It also benefits from Quickshift, which halves gear change times.
[Source: Bentley]
720hp, twin-turbocharged V12 Tramontana R
Two years ago, we tracked down a small, independent automaker on the floor of the Geneva Motor Show that promised to deliver a segment-busting supercar to those bored with Lamborghinis and Ferraris. Fast-forward to today and the Tramontana Group seems to have made good on its promise with the unveiling of the Tramontana R Edition.
The R is an evolved version of the standard open-wheel two-seater, packing a Mercedes-sourced 5.5-liter V12 available in either naturally aspirated, 550 hp guise or a twin-turbocharged 760 hp version that dolls out an astonishing 811 lb-ft of torque. The Group claims a 0-100 time of 3.6 seconds and a 10.15-second run to 200 mph.
The wheelbase has been shortened by 50mm to improve handling and aerodynamics, and weight is down by 202 pounds to just 2,777 pounds. The R stretches 192 inches from nose to tail, is 82 inches wide and 51 inches tall, and weight distribution is a perfect 50:50 left to right and 42:58 front to rear. Tramontana fitted 20-inch carbon fiber and magnesium wheels at each corner, along with high-performance summer rubber sized 245/40 in front and 335/30 in the rear. 380mm, six-piston Brembos handle stopping duties, while a custom Ohlins suspension allows the R's ride-height to be adjusted between 85 and 135 mm.
The body speaks for itself, as does the exposed carbon fiber interior, which features a chop-top steering wheel, an LCD instrument panel and the controls to the six-speed sequential gearbox. Production will be limited to 12 units per year with a price tag of €385,000 ($495,000), but unfortunately, we won't be seeing it in Geneva next month – the Tramontana R will make its official debut at the Top Marques Monaco show at the end of March.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Hyundai Equus to be offered in bulletproof spec
In political circles, what you drive -- or more accurately, what you're driven in -- matters. For proof, look no further than the custom-built, tank-like Cadillac that President Obama is chauffeured in. Could you imagine the Commander-in-Chief riding around in the back of an automobile carrying a German logo? Unfathomable. But in Korea, its common practice for politicos to be driven in vehicles built abroad since no domestic automakers offer a bulletproof, executive-class vehicle... yet.
Korean President Lee Myung-bak has apparently requested that Hyundai rectify that unfortunate situation by manufacturing a bulletproof sedan for key governmental figures. The new sedan is currently in development and will reportedly be based on the upcoming Equus large car platform. Until this new vehicle is ready, President Myung-bak will make do with his current fleet, which consists of the Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman Guard and the BMW Security 760Li.
[Source: Digital Chosun Ilbo]
Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon, convertible coming to Frankfurt
Now that the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan has been unveiled and the E-Class Coupe's debut is scheduled for the rapidly approaching Geneva Motor Show, news has arrived that the model range will be completed with wagon and convertible versions at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Shortly after the show, the wagon should go on sale, with the droptop expected to follow right in time for winter to hit in November.
So far, there's no information on powertrain options, but we'd expect both the practical wagon and the cabriolet to share a similar range of engines as the rest of the lineup – including the frugal turbodiesel four cylinder wearing the CDI BlueEFFICIENCY badge and the big 388-horsepower V8 in the E500.
[Source: Automotive News]
USF1 launched!
USF1 will launch in only a few hours, who will be the sponsor? Who will drive for this team? All will be answered soon...
New Slot It Porsche on the way soon
Photos from Slot It of the latest Porsche 962 that will be available soon.
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