Audi Q5 custom : 2009

Audi showcased the Customized Audi Q5 custom concept at the Wörthersee Tour 2009.

Audi spokesman confirms electric R8 concept rumor is ‘not true’

Earlier this week, we heard rumors from Auto Motor und Sport that Audi was going to unveil an electric concept version of the R8 supercar at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Well, according to an Audi spokesman, the rumor is “not true” and Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk can now sleep in peace.

The spokesman, who talked with Inside Line, apparently asked to remain anonymous. No we’re no scholars on public relations but since when did a spokesman ask to remain anonymous when talking about something the company is not working on.

Either way, Audi will bring the drop-top version of the R8 to Frankfurt in September. Known as the R8 Spyder, it will feature the gasoline engine lineup from the R8.

Source: Inside Line

Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS The world’s only four-door convertible supercar

Yes it’s called the Roadyacht and the maker claims that it is the only 4-door convertible supercar in the world - and as far as we can think, they’re right.

Meet the Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS four-door convertible supercar that drops its top within 20 seconds at the push of a button.

“The Savage is a celebration to design. The design is derived from driving a car as an emotional sensation,” says the creator of the car. “It includes the signatures of two revolutionaries. A conflicting and revolutionary balanced design emphasizes the “bad boy” character.”

Right - so what’s under the hood? Based on the Chevrolet Corvette, power comes from a 6.2L V8 making 670-hp with a maximum torque of 538 lb-ft. That allows for a 0 to 62 mph run in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph.

Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS:

BMW M3 Edition Models give you some more exclusiveness

BMW today unveiled the M3 Edition Models, M3 Coupe models that get a little more exclusive styling and a dropped suspension. The M3 Edition Models offer four individual modifications in body design and interior features as well as 19-inch forged M light-alloy rims in double-spoke design.

Power comes from the same 4.0L V8 making 420-hp getting you from 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds. The suspension of the BMW M3 Edition Models has been lowered by 10 millimeters.

The BMW M3 Edition Models will go on sale worldwide in July 2009 and will be available in Alpine White, Black, Dakar Yellow, and Monte Carlo Blue. Production will be limited to just six months.

Check out the press release after the jump for details.

BMW M3 Edition Models:

Press Release:

Munich. Powerful, aesthetic design, supreme performance and exclusive style - the unique characteristics of the BMW M3 are now available in highly attractive Edition Models focusing on the most outstanding highlights of these outstanding cars.

Based on the BMW M3 Coupé, the M3 Edition Models offer a choice of no less than four highly individual cars boasting perfectly harmonised modifications in body design and interior features as well as special light-alloy wheels and an even lower chassis.

The BMW M3 Edition Models will be entering the market worldwide in July 2009 in Alpine White, Black, Dakar Yellow, and Monte Carlo Blue. In the interest of supreme exclusivity their production period is limited to just six months.

Individual highlights both outside and inside.

On the BMW M3 Edition Models the exterior paintwork and interior design are individually matched to one another. Depending on the respective Edition model, the body comes either in Alpine White Non-Metallic, Black Non-Metallic, Dakar Yellow Non-Metallic or Monte Carlo Blue Metallic. The combination with BMW Individual High-Gloss Satin Chrome accentuates the truly sophisticated character of the Edition Models.

The openings on the engine compartment lid on all models are finished in black, the BMW kidney grille, the side gills and the dual tailpipes on the exhaust system come in dark eloxy-plated chrome. The caps on the special BMW M exterior mirrors are likewise finished in black and are connected to the A-pillars by dual arms extending out of the mirror base finished in body colour.

Special colour highlights add an individual touch also to the interior of the BMW M3 Edition Models. The surfaces on the centre armrest, the centre console and the armrests on the door panels are finished in White on the Alpine White and Black models. At the same time these Edition Models come with interior trim in Carbon Structure Leather with white contrasting seams. The seats in Black Novillo Leather feature bespoke contrasting seams as well as vertical trim stripes on the upper section of the backrest and at the front of the legrest. On the Alpine White and Black models, these features come in white, on the Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue models they are in the appropriate exterior colour.

As a further feature the armrests and door closing handles at the inside on the Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue models come with yellow and, respectively, blue contrasting seams. And last but certainly not least, entry trim bars in Checkered Flag Design bearing the “M3″ model designation give all Edition Models yet another highlight.

Special rim design and lowered suspension.

To optimise the looks of the car, all four Edition Models come with specially designed light-alloy rims and a unique suspension: On all models the 19-inch forged M light-alloy rims in double-spoke design are available either in black or in the classic rim colour. And on the Alpine White, Black and Monte Carlo Blue models, the same rims are also available in a special white contrasting colour with polished spokes.

The suspension of the BMW M3 Edition Models adds to the sporting style of the cars, lowering the entire body by 10 millimetres or 0.4″.

BMW M3: supreme performance with eight cylinders and seven gears.

The BMW M3 Edition Models give this high-performance athlete a particularly striking look also reflected by the car’s supreme driving dynamics based on a unique all-round concept and drivetrain/suspension technology inspired by motorsport. The V8 high-speed power unit of the BMW M3 develops maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp from 4.0 litres.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels either through the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard or through the optional M double-clutch gearbox with Drivelogic enhancing both the dynamic performance and the all-round efficiency of the BMW M3 all in one. In this case acceleration to 100 km/h comes in 4.6 seconds (six-speed manual: 4.8 seconds) and average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 11.9 litres/23.7 mpg imp (six-speed manual: 12.4 litres/22.8 mpg imp)/100 kilometres.

The BMW M3 comes as standard with a lightweight carbon roof, while the options include Electronic Damper Control and the M Drive menu enabling the driver to configure individual, M-specific suspension and drivetrain functions just right for his personal style.

GRID Honda S2000 Coupe Concept shows hard-top successor to the roadster

Earlier this week, we heard rumors that Honda is working on a successor to the S2000. However, after reading that the model would be a 2+2 coupe, with no rear-wheel-drive (it will have AWD) and a hybrid system, the car started to sound less and less like a successor of the award-winning roadster and more like another car by itself.

What could Honda possibly come up with here that would give this new model the privilege of saying “I belong to the family of the S2000?” To help us answer that question, Lars Martensson (aka GRID) is back with a rendering of a Honda S2000 Coupe. Earlier this morning we saw Martensson’s amazing Subaru Impreza WRX STI concept and this S2000 study is nothing less than impressive.

Right away, you’ll notice the concept’s GT-R like face. Going around the side you’ll see some large air-vents and a rounded rear-end with the exhaust pipes embedded into the rear-bumper.

We have to say, Martensson is one talented artist.

CAR reviews the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

Yes, we eagerly look forward to the day when Bugatti will hand us the keys to a Veyron for a full on review with videos, images and everything. That being said, publication in Europe are lucky enough to be close to Bugatti’s headquarters and can easily get in touch with their media fleet managers for some seat time behind the world’s most exclusive car.

Our friends over at CAR Magazine just had the privilege of getting behind the brand new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport and you check out their video right here (posted after the jump).

Refresher: Power comes from the W16 1001 horsepower engine that allows for a top speed of 253mph with the top closed and 190mph with the roof off. With the folding roof in place top speed is limited to a very low 81mph.

800-hp Ford Fiesta Rallycross Car to race at Pike’s Peak

Later this summer, the Olsberg Motor Sport Evolution from Sweden will take two modified race-spec Ford Fiestas to race in the annual Pike’s Peak “Race to the Clouds.” The two modified Fiestas will be piloted by Andreas Eriksson and rally legend Marcus Gronholm.

Based on the road-going Fiesta compact cars, the race-version will run in the Unlimited Class, which allows the team to make extensive modifications. The Olsbergs MSE Fiesta Rallycross cars run on an all-wheel-drive system and are powered by a 2.0L Duratec Ford engine capable of more than 800-hp.

The suspension system of the Fiesta Rallycross car’s is the result of a collaboration between Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution, Öhlins and Ford of Europe’s Team RS engineers,

“We worked night and day all winter to get the Fiesta ready on time for the European championships, and it was great to see it score a hard-earned victory in Portugal at the start of May,” said Eriksson. “We are excited to be bringing the car to Pike’s Peak and to be able to see what it can do in such a unique competition. It’s a legendary event, and we’ve already been there to take a look at the challenge we will face. I’m convinced we’ll be a top contender to break the 10-minute mark and give the Fiesta a proper racing debut in the U.S.”

Ford Racing North America, although not directly involved in the project, will assist the team with logistical support while it is in America.

Koenigsegg is bidding for GM’s Saab

Other than Ira Rennert’s Renco Group and Fiat, luxury supercar maker Koenigsegg is among the remaining bidders for General Motors’ Saab brand. According to Swedish business daily, Dagens Industri, Saab has narrowed down its list of suitors to three and hopes to have a deal finalized in the coming weeks.

“According to sources close to GM the toughest battle is expected between U.S. billionaire Ira Rennert and Swedish carmaker Koenigsegg,” the publication reported said.

The newspaper said that the Koenigsegg family is lining up financing consisting of a group of “very wealthy people.”

Saab is hoping to get an extension of its protection from creditors by Swedish court later today.

Source: Reuters

Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition : 2009

Chevrolet introduced the limited production GT1 Championship Edition Corvettes at Sebring International Raceway. The GT1 Championship Edition (Regular Production Option GT1) commemorates the success of Corvette Racing and the Corvette C6R.

Certified Pre-Owned: 997 Porsche 911

Solid reliability, a slow and purposeful evolution of sports-car greatness, and an unparalleled sensitivity to driver inputs—what’s not to love about a Porsche 911? Well, they don’t come cheap. Ownership of a new 911 is beyond the resources of most, and when it comes to confronting a minimum cost of $77,095—the base price for a new 911 Carrera, the least expensive in the 911 continuum—we, like most of you, find ourselves diverted by mundane concerns such as mortgages, orthodontics for the kids, college funds, and other, even less enjoyable ways to spend our money.

But with a little help from Porsche’s certified pre-owned program (see www.porsche.com/usa/pre-owned-vehicles), a 911 becomes a more attainable proposition: a lot less money for a car that comes with the manufacturer’s promise to step up if something goes wrong. That’s a key consideration with a Porsche, as well as other premium German cars, because if something breaks, it’s usually seriously expensive to replace.

Keep Reading: Certified Pre-Owned: 997 Porsche 911

75 years since the first BMW Roadster

Today, BMW Group celebrates 75 years since the company announced their first self-engineered roadster. At the Berlin Motor Show in May 1934, BMW has introduced the 315-1, a prototype of a Sports Roadster. The idea was the same back then: a fast automobile with a sporting allure and dynamics, designed to carry two people and a roof above their head.

The same roadster culture moved through time and the latest BMW Z4 describes, in my opinion, the perfect Roadster design. With this special occasion, BMW has issues a lengthy, but very information press release, along with one of the most comprehensive BMW Roadsters photo galleries I have ever seen.

Don’t be discouraged by the length of this press release, if you love Roadsters, then you will find it very interesting.

Download the Press Release in PDF format

The style has changed, but not the content: “Many German motorists see motoring not just as a comfortable and fast means of transport, but also as a sporting activity. These are people who, once they see an aerodynamic car body with a long and sleek engine compartment, as well as a speedometer extending all the way to 150 km/h, feel that strong yearning for wide open roads simply perfect for driving fast, for Alpine passes just begging to be conquered, and for ompetitors so easy to overtake.”

It was precisely with these words that BMW announced the Company’s first self-engineered roadster in 1934. And indeed, this concept with its six-cylinder power unit was destined to shape the future of the brand, extending all the way to the current BMW Z4.

The starting point for this development came at the Berlin Motor Show in May 1934. Here, together with the BMW 315 Saloon, BMW for the first time presented the prototype of a Sports Roadster with exceptionally attractive lines. Right behind the long and sleek engine compartment there were two sports seats tailored to the driver and front passenger protected by the low, raked windscreen and an mergency roof.

The rear end tapered out in an elegant sweep to the back of the car, adding a particular aerodynamic touch with excellent streamlining.

The radiator grille on this two-seater was inclined much further to the rear than on the Saloon, with mighty, sweeping front wheel arches extending on beneath the doors into the rear wheel arches. To reduce air drag to a minimum, the rear wheels were fully covered, while the body of the car itself rested on an electrically welded steel-pipe double frame with three crosswise box elements.

Front suspension was made up of the upper track spring, wishbones further down and hydraulic lever-type dampers. The rear wheels, in turn, were mounted on a live axle incorporating semi-elliptic springs and hydraulic lever-type dampers.

Small but hot: six-cylinder power unit displacing 1.2 litres.
Both the saloon and the sports car were powered by the same outstanding engine: a 1.5-litre straight-six developed out of the 1.2-litre originally featured in the former BMW 303. The crankcase and cylinder block of this outstanding engine were made of one single piece, the engine featured one camshaft beneath the block, with tappets operating the vertical hanging valves aligned in series via rocker arms. The intake and exhaust pipes, finally, were on the same side.

A feature quite unusual today is the different distances between the individual
cylinders, with the second and third and, respectively, the fourth and fifth cylinders being further apart, the space in between being used for the crankshaft and amshaft bearings.

The crankshaft without any counterweights therefore ran in four bearings, just like the camshaft.

This was however not the reason for this particular design and configuration, which was rather attributable to the assembly process at the time, with the crankshaft being completely pre-assembled together with the connecting rods and pistons. And since the pistons, as a result, had to be inserted from beneath, the main bearings for the crankshaft had to remain outside of the cylinders, not extending into their contour lines. As a result, the main bearings had to be accommodated between cylinders spaced out at a large distance.

While this power unit delivered maximum output of 34 hp on the saloon with its two carburettors, maximum output of the six-cylinder in the BMW 315/1 sports model was 40 hp. And the standard of efficiency offered was quite exceptional, BMW’s engineers proudly stating that “this beautiful and fast sports car consumes only 10–2 litres of fuel on 100 km, with oil consumption between 0.1 and 0.2 kg. So in terms of running costs, it is no more expensive than a small car far lower down in the market”.

With the public simply falling in love with the BMW 315/1, BMW decided to build the car in a small series – also because the Company wanted to make a more powerful entry into the prestigious world of motorsport. Starting in summer 1934, therefore, the very attractive BMW 315/1 was retailed at a substantial 5,200.– reichsmarks. The production model differed from the prototype primarily through the modified arrangement of the headlights and side ventilation grids taking the place of the bent openings originally featured on the first model.

Outstanding success in motorsport.
Reaching a top speed of 120 km/h or 75 mph, the BMW 315/1 Roadster was one of the really serious contenders in the sports car market at its time. Indeed, BMW’s story of success on the race track quickly took on even greater significance with this new model, the BMW 315/1 achieving its first significant success in the International 1934 Alpine Rally.

The starter grid for this rally in Nice was made up of 127 truly outstanding cars looking at daily race sections of 500–600 kilometres to be covered at a minimum speed. On the fourth day there was an additional speed test at Stilfser Joch.

After covering precisely 2,867 kilometres or 1,778 miles, 96 of the 127 cars which had originally entered the race reached the finish line in Munich – 66 thereof without having lost one point. The five cars entered by the BMW Works Team were the only cars in their class to complete the International Alpine Trophy without one single penalty point, the BMW 315/1 Team Richard Brenner/Albert Kandl/Ernst v. Delius finishing first in their category.

Only 230 units of the BMW 315/1 were completed by mid-1935, many of them going to private drivers. One of them was Ralph Roese, a BMW works driver for many years, who built himself a BMW 315/1 Special. This was a complete re-build of the 315/1, the highly modified engine ultimately developing no less than 136 hp in a brand-new race car body weighing just 380 kg or 838 lb.

Given qualities of this kind, it is no surprise that this racing car finished first in its very first race at Nürburgring in 1936, a staggering 17 kilometres ahead of the competition. Understandably, this special model remained a great success over the years until finally winning the German Road Racing Championship in 1939.

Autocar drives the Alpina B7 4.4 V8 Switch-tronic 4dr Saloon

Autocar UK once again gets their hands on one of “hottest” Alpina models out there, the new B7, a vehicle powered by a V8 4.4 liter twin-turbo engine, which outputs a whooping 507 horsepower and an impressive 516 lb-ft of torque. Official and now tested numbers show the B7 running from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Pretty impressive for 4,500 lbs car, isn’t it?

Add to this equation a top speed limit of 173 mph and that should keep the B7 owners entertained on the German Autobahn. But let’s see if the UK folks at Autocar were as excited as we are now about the new Alpina B7.

What’s it like?

Rapid. Really frighteningly rapid. Okay, so there might be the teeniest delay if you nail the throttle at idle. But by, say 1500rpm, a huge surge of torque is already propelling you way past the UK legal limit and onto speeds that are only of use on autobahns. It feels every bit as quick as the hot Merc - more so, I’d say, given the huge shove offered by the twin turbos.

It’s still a big car, mind you, so don’t think that you’re going to chuck it around like it doesn’t weigh two tonnes. The B7 has four chassis set-ups, but the two extremes - comfort and sport plus - feel unduly wafty and uncomfortably tail-happy respectively.

The two middle set-ups are more effective, but while the B7 feels agile, it feels like a big agile car. Don’t expect 5-series levels of chuckability. The steering is also a little vague around the straight ahead, although it does weight up nicely when you’re pushing on.

The ride is a triumph, however; sure, road noise is more pronounced from the 21-inch Alpina Classic alloys, but the switch from runflats to bespoke Michelins means that you can trundle around urban roads without much fear of being bounced off your (very comfortable) seat. the B7 is comfortable on worn motorways, too, even at more than 150mph.

Audi R8 electric concept coming to Frankfurt in Sept.

At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi will unveil a concept version of its upcoming Q3 crossover and the drop-top version of its R8 supercar.

According to Auto Motor und Sport , Audi is also planning an electric concept version, or ‘e-version,’ of the R8 supercar. No word yet on whether the car will carry a fully-electric powertrain or a gasoline/diesel electric hybrid system.

Audi is also expected to show the A5 Sportback and the A7 in Frankfurt.

Source: Auto Motor und Sport

A 585-hp Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate

So you already feel pretty crappy that your significant other is forcing you to purchase the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate over its cooler and sexier looking sedan sibling. Worry not; Vath is here to help you out. The German tuning firm is offering a bunch of visual and performance upgrades that are sure to grab the attention of soccer moms when you drop your little ones off at school or a game.

After a series of enhancements, Vath allows the 6.3L V8 under the hood to pump out 585-hp with a maximum torque of 509 lb-ft. That allows the, what Vath calls the V63RS, to go from 0 to 62 mph a little faster than the standard model and will let you keep going to a top speed of 202 mph.

To further enhance performance, Vath added a limited slip differential with a 60% locking rate, a sports tuned suspension and a high-performance braking system.

Visual upgrades include some lightweight carbon fiber touches with a new front lip, rear apron and a redesigned rear diffuser. The Vath V63RS rides on 20-inch alloy wheels.

2012 Lotus Esprit could get 500-hp V10 from the Lexus LF-A

We already know that the next-generation Esprit has been delayed to 2012 as Lotus gathers up some cash to put the car into production. So far, we’ve heard that the next Esprit will get a mid-mounted V8 unit - but now, word on the street is that the new Lotus Esprit could most likely get a high-revving 500-hp V10 engine from the Lexus LF-A.

Lotus has a relationship with Toyota that gives it access to the Japanese automaker’s range of technology, components and engines.

According to EVO, the next Lotus Esprit could be a £100,000 ($160,076 USD) supercar that will take on the likes of the Lamborghini Gallardo. A slightly more affordable version powered by the 417-hp 5.0L V8 from the Lexus IS-F is also possible with an entry-level model powered by a 300-hp Toyota V6.

Other than that, we may see a ‘green Esprit’ that will integrate lightweight engineering with fuel-saving technologies. Lotus has been quite outspoken about its interest in alternative fuels and hybrid solutions and rumor has it that Tesla could play a part in helping Lotus go green.

Source: EVO

GRID Subaru Impreza WRX STI Concept makes us dream of what could be

Besides the Subaru Impreza, it’s hard to say that anything in Subaru’s lineup is highly attractive. However, Subaru design doesn’t have to be mundane and boring, even if it means making the Impreza just a little bit more - well, sexier.

In comes independent designer Lars Martensson, who goes by the name of ‘Grid’ around the internet. He rendered up a Subaru Impreza WRX STI concept that doesn’t seem to far off from reality as the concepts built by auto manufacturers themselves.

Martensson’s design features a couple of sharp edges and a chopped off hatchback look that makes us dream of what the Impreza WRX STI could actually look like. 

2010 Ford FOOSE Mustang GT being giving away in sweepstakes

Chris Foose, automobile designer and co-host of Overhaulin’ (a show that ran for five seasons on TLC), recently got his hands dirty on a 2010 Ford Mustang which was modified on Spike TV’s MuscleCar.

Foose and Magnaflow teamed up to build the one-off custom 2010 Mustang GT, which features a Magnaflow performance exhaust, Edelbrock supercharger, Eibach springs, Bilstein shocks, FOOSE wheels wrapped in Pirelli tires and a ROUSH body kit.

Like it? Want It? Well, you’re lucky because MuscleCar is giving away the 2010 Ford FOOSE Mustang GT in a sweepstakes. Simply head over to powerblocktv.com to fill in an entry from for your chance to win.

Oh, and be kind enough to let us know you won.

2010 Lexus IS C

This just in: Lexus is serious about claiming more of BMW’s turf. When introduced nearly a decade ago, the Lexus IS 300 was a single-focus effort: one body style, one engine, take it or buy the BMW. The second-gen IS, launched in 2005, widened the view: two engines plus an all-wheel-drive version, but still served only in four-door-sedan form. Last year came the roaring, rumbling IS-F, Japan’s take on the BMW M3. And now, the IS C, the first IS with two doors instead of four, plus a retractable folding hardtop — a lot like BMW’s.

You’ll recognize the C as a member of the IS family, yet every body panel save the hood is new. Besides the obvious — doors, fenders, folding top — the fascias, light clusters, and detailing are C specific. Overall length is increased 2.2 inches over the sedan. Otherwise, says Lexus, the trunk would have looked too high and too short. The chassis architecture remains the same, but a considerable amount of work was done to regain the structural rigidity lost by going topless. There are numerous trusses and triangulation braces underneath, in the rocker panel areas, and behind the front seats.

Audi R8 LMS Successfully Passes Ultimate Endurance Test

Ingolstadt/N?rburg – The new GT3 sports car of AUDI AG successfully passed the ultimate endurance test: In the fastest 24-hour race the N?rburgring has ever seen, all four Audi R8 LMS cars that started to the race crossed the finish line. Christian Abt, Jean-Fran?ois Hemroulle, Pierre Kaffer and Lucas Luhr (Team ABT Sportsline) clinched an unexpected second place in front of 235,000 spectators (throughout the weekend) and grabbed victory right away in the GT3 class for the Audi R8 LMS at its first 24-hour run.

“For the Audi R8 LMS, this race represented a final test under extreme conditions on the world’s longest race track,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “We were able to demonstrate that our new GT3 sports car is absolutely competitive for customer sport. And the number 97 R8 LMS ran without the slightest problems despite the incredible speed.”

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster Spied at Nurburgring

So, you’re an Aston Martin fan and you love the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage? But you would rather have it topless? Well, from the looks of these photos, that will soon be an option. Following the V12 Vantage first photos from a few weeks ago, spy photographers spotted the same V12 Vantage Roadster prototype again while testing recently at the Nürburgring. According to spies, there was no doubt this topless Aston had a V12 under the hood.

The V12 Vantage Roadster will have the same 6,0 liter engine as the coupe, delivering some 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS) with 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque. Due to the extra weight required to stiffen up the chassis, the performance of the Roadster will be slightly stunted compared to the coupe. However, the V12 Vantage Roadster will still be one of the fastest convertibles on the market.

Ladies of the 28th Wörthersee Tour

V-Dub has wrapped up its legendary GTI meeting for Volkswagen and Audi fans at the 28th Wörthersee Tour. Besides some very cool Audi and Volkswagen concepts, it’s the ladies of Wörthersee that attract a lot of attentions.

So here is a album dedicated to the beautiful ladies at the 28th Wörthersee Tour.

GEMBALLA AVALANCHE GTR 650 EVO-R

The history of GEMBALLA Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG is inseparably connected with the AVALANCHE. It was the first AVALANCHE generation in the mid 80s with its trendsetting body- and interior design which became a world-wide bestseller and laid the foundations of success for the Leonberg-based company.

Ferrari files for 4×4 hybrid system patent

We don’t know how we missed this one last week but according to a report by AutoCar, Ferrari has made a patent application for a four-wheel-drive hybrid system. The system could be fitted to Ferrari’s future front and rear-engine models.

Unlike your conventional hybrid system, Ferrari’s hybrid-technology separates the role of the engine and the electric-motor. Ferrari says that in its hybrid system, the electric motor will power one set of wheels while the engine powers the other set.

The Italian automaker has submitted six different layouts for the patent; however, in each layout, the engine drives the electric-motor, which then drives one pair of wheels powered by a on-board battery.

“The aim of the present invention is to provide a four-wheel - drive vehicle with hybrid propulsion…and being at the same time easy and inexpensive to produce,” said that patent filing. It said that the system is designed to improve handling while increasing fuel-economy.

AutoCar says that Ferrari could apply additional fuel-saving technologies such as a start/stop system, using only battery power when traveling up to 10 mph or adding a ‘city’ mode that allows your Ferrari to adapt to conditions when it isn’t traveling at “performance” levels.

Ferrari has yet to confirm any future hybrid models, so we’ll have to wait and see where this goes.

Source: AutoCar

Honda S2000 Successor to Get AWD and Hybrid Powertrain?

The Honda S2000 has been on the market since the 2000 model year, but at the end of this year we will have to say goodbye to Honda's only sports car. Honda has announced that the 2009 model year will be the last.

Japan's Best Car is reporting that in addition to the production version of the CR-Z hybrid coupe, Honda is also working on a larger, more powerful coupe that would essentially act as the replacement for the S2000. According to Best Car the replacement would be a 2+2 coupe that would feature Honda's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD) instead of the current rear-wheel-drive setup.

In addition to the 2+2 setup and SH-AWD system, it is being reported that the coupe will feature a hybrid system similar to that in the Civic and Insight hybrids.

Bugatti kicks off production of the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

Bugatti has kicked of production of the new Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. Unveiled earlier this year at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Bugatti has already pre-sold 30 units of the targa-top Veyron. Deliveries will start in July.

The first unit was auctioned off for $3.2 million while 50 were pre-sold to loyal Bugatti owners. The remaining copies will be priced from $1.95 million each.

Refresher: Power comes from the W16 1001 horsepower engine that allows for a top speed of 253mph with the top closed and 190mph with the roof off. With the folding roof in place top speed is limited to a very low 81mph.

Ken Block Gymkhana 2 WRX STI Build Video

We promised we would keep you abreast of the Ken Block Gymkhana 2 progress and we are following up with one of the latest videos, the build of Ken Block’s 2009 Subaru WRX STI.

Ken drives his new bone stock 2009 Subaru WRX STI to Crawford Performance garage for a complete tear-down and build-up of mostly everything from body panels replaced by carbon fiber fitments to the engine internals replaced and built with “performance” counterparts. The upcoming Gymkhana Practice is really going to be a treat. Stay tuned and we will bring you the latest

403-hp Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 goes on sale in the UK next month

The new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 is the “fastest most extreme version of Mitsubishi’s motorsport derived machine” and it will never make it to the United States. Sorry, we’re just being brutally honest with you guys.

The new 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 will be going on sale next month in the UK with a price tag starting at £49,999 ($79,641 USD).

Power comes from a 2.0L turbocharged MIVEC gasoline engine making 403-hp with a maximum torque of 387 lb-ft. That allows for a 0 to 62 mph run in 3.8 seconds with a top speed that is electronically-limited to 155 mph.

Press Release:

FQ-400 - THE FASTEST AND MOST EXTREME LANCER EVOLUTION EVER RELEASED BY MITSUBISHI MOTORS in the UK

- List price from £49,999
- On sale - June 2009
- The most powerful, accelerative Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X to date
- Peak power of 403bhp @ 6,500rpm; peak torque of 525Nm @ 3,500rpm
- 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds (est.); top speed 155mph (electronically limited)

The tenth version of Mitsubishi’s iconic Lancer Evolution models has a new performance flagship model to top its range, the FQ-400.

Extreme Evolution
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 is the fastest and most extreme version of Mitsubishi’s motorsport derived machine. With 403bhp and 387lb.ft of torque on offer from its advanced, lightweight aluminium 2.0-litre turbocharged MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) petrol engine the FQ-400 is able to reach 62mph from standstill in an estimated 3.8 seconds before reaching an electronically limited 155mph - where permitted.

Traction and handling
Ensuring all the FQ-400’s power is put to good use is Mitsubishi’s sophisticated Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) four-wheel-drive system which appropriates power to the wheels that can best use it, giving the FQ-400 quite sensational cross-country performance.

The S-AWC system combines a number of electronic systems that both enhance the FQ-400’s performance and safety, with Active Stability Control and Active Centre Differential, Active Yaw Control and Sport ABS giving the FQ-400 incredible cornering ability, traction and grip. Depending on the conditions the driver can select the most suitable set-up for the S-AWC system, three choices - Tarmac, Gravel and Snow - being offered via the wheel-mounted button and displayed in the central instrument binnacle.

Cornering stability
Increasing the FQ-400’s cornering ability even further over its FQ relatives is a wider track and lowered suspension featuring Eibach springs and Bilstein Shock Absorbers. Lightweight 18-inch, nine spoke alloy wheels fitted with Toyo Proxes R1R tyres enhance the FQ-400’s grip, giving it sharper cornering response on the road and more incisive steering. The enhanced agility and performance is backed by a revised braking system which uses aerospace grade aluminium alloys and floating sealed discs grabbed by high performance pads.

Extreme Power
To achieve the incredible 403bhp from just 2.0-litres Mitsubishi has had to significantly revise the FQ-400’s advanced powerplant. Motorsport specification high-flow fuel injectors are fitted to the aluminium cylinder head and a new hybrid turbocharger is also fitted. The higher specification turbocharger features low-friction bearings, a high temperature turbine and strengthened thrust bearing to increase response and reduce turbo lag. Feeding the turbocharger cooled air, improving its performance and efficiency, is an enhanced intercooler, while the exhaust’s gasses flow from the engine via a 3-inch diameter high flow stainless steel piping and catalytic convertor before exiting through a centrally positioned exhaust.

Mitsubishi has remapped the Engine Control Unit (ECU) extensively with over 500 hours of development time to allow its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine to not just produce its exceptional output but to do so with excellent driveability. The FQ-400’s acceleration is sensational, it pulling hard through the gears regardless of engine revs. With peak torque of 387lb.ft on offer from just 3,500rpm, the FQ-400 is just as able to trickle through town traffic as it is taking a rally special stage.

A ‘nod’ to the Evo VI
The FQ-400 looks every bit the rally refugee too, giving a strong ‘nod’ to the styling cues of the legendary Evolution VI, and builds on the already aggressive style of its Lancer Evolution X FQ relatives.

A heavily vented bonnet helps heat escape from the FQ-400’s turbocharged engine and a new lightweight composite front bumper incorporating Mitsubishi’s trademark ‘Jet Fighter’ grille features carbon-fibre elements on its leading edges. Additional lighting and High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights mark out the FQ-400’s nose, its added aggressiveness further enhanced by a 30mm drop in front ride height. Composite side skirts, a re-styled rear bumper with a carbon fibre diffuser, a rear wing incorporating a gurney strip and a roof-mounted ‘Vortex Generator’ all help manage airflow and cooling.

Behind the 18-inch lightweight, nine spoke alloy wheels it’s possible to see the Alcon brakes on the front, while the Toyo Proxes R1R tyres underline the FQ-400’s potency with their aggressive ‘cut slick’ tread pattern. Inside, the driver is held tightly against the FQ-400’s sensational accelerative, braking and cornering forces in Recaro bucket sports seats, the range-topping Lancer Evolution X also gaining an FQ-400 liveried handbrake handle and carbon fibre gearknob.

No compromise
Despite its obvious focus the FQ-400’s suspension offers compliance thanks to the Eibach Springs and Bilstein Shock Absorbers, the FQ-400’s usefulness as a daily driver not compromised overly thanks to Mitsubishi’s chassis tuning. The stiff bodywork not only provides an exceptionally rigid platform for the suspension to work, but excellent crash-worthiness, the Lancer Evolution X attaining a five-star score in Euro NCAP’s independent crash tests. The FQ-400’s S-AWC and its incorporated stability, traction and braking systems helping avoid an accident in the first place. Even so there’s reassurance of seven airbags, seat belt pretensioners and ISO Fix child seating all included in its standard specification.

Fully loaded
Standard equipment for the range-topping Lancer Evolution X model is comprehensive, the FQ-400 coming with Bluetooth hands-free telephone connection, a CD-tuner with 30 Gig hard drive, DVD satellite navigation and privacy glass. Convenience features like remote central locking, automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers increase the FQ-400’s ease of use, the huge performance it offers not coming at the expense of usefulness. Like its Lancer Evolution X relatives it features comfortable seating for five as well as a usefully sized boot, the FQ-400 bringing all the convenience of the standard saloon car it’s based upon - but with explosive performance potential.

Setting the standard
Standard it’s not though, instead the FQ-400 is a standard setter, with performance that’s the measure of any rival and many exotic sports and supercars costing many multiples of its £49,999 list price. Available from June 2009, the FQ-400 is covered by a three year / 36,000 mile warranty.

VATH V63RS: Power C-Class CLUBSPORT wagon

Väth Automobiltechnik presents the new V63RS, an uncompromising sports car on the basis of a Mercedes-Benz C-Class wagon. Although they did little to improve the already stellar looks of the standard C63 AMG wagon, in the area of power, horses are plentiful (585 hp).

Mitsubishi Announces the 403HP Lancer Evolution X FQ-400

Mitsubishi has announced the introduction of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 for the uk market.

The new Lancer flagship is now the fastest version with 403 horsepower and 387 lb-ft. of torque pumping out of its 2.0L MIVEC engine. Mitsubishi estimates that the FQ-400 will reach 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds and have a top speed of 155 mph. All that power is put to the ground through Mitsubishi's Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) four-wheel-drive system.

The FQ-400 also features a wider track, lowered suspension and lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels.

The most powerful Evolution X will be released in the UK next month with a starting price of £49,999.

Honda working on S2000 replacement, model to get hybrid system and AWD

At the beginning of this year, Honda confirmed that the 2009 Honda S2000 would be the final model year for the award-winning coupe and roadster. The model was originally created to celebrate Honda’s 50th anniversary but was extended due to consumer demand.

According to Japan’s Best Car, Honda may now be working on a successor to the S2000. Following the launch of the CR-Z hybrid coupe in 2010, Honda is also said to be penning a more powerful coupe that is expected to become a replacement for the S2000.

Best Car says that the car will have 2+2 seating and will ditch the S2000’s rear-wheel-drive system in favor of Honda’s Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system (SH-AWD). No word on whether the car will use the S2000’s powerful 4-cylinder engine; however, the new sports coupe from Honda will get a hybrid system similar to the one found in the Honda Insight.

With all that being said, the model sounds more like a new sports coupe rather than a replacement to the S2000. We’ll have to wait and see if this rumor is true.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster may be coming to Frankfurt in Sept.

The new Aston Martin V12 Vantage is sure to please those who love a small car with a really big engine. But for those who love a small car with a really big engine on which they can drop the top and enjoy some sun, Aston Martin is working on a new V12 Vantage Roadster.

According to the latest round of spy shots from vehicles testing at the Nurburgring, a rag-top Vantage Roadster was one of them. Spies said that there is no doubt that the sound coming from under the hood is that of a V12 engine. If and when the V12 Vantage Roadster makes it into production, it will without a doubt carry the same 6.0L V12 from the coupe making 510-hp and 420 lb-ft of torque.

With Aston Martin making just 1,000 units of the V12 Vantage Coupe, sources say that production of the V12 Vantage Roadster will be limited to 500. Look out for a Sept. debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Schumacher Ferrari 430 Scuderia

Michael Schumacher first unveiled the Ferrari 430 Scuderia 2 years ago at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. Schumacher had a lot of input and track testing with the 430 Scuderia which was used to further develop and tweak the supercar.

Here is a great video of Michael Schumacher taking the 430 Scuderia around the Mugello race track in Italy.

Wallpapers: BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

BMW just launched the official website of the new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. Along with the microsite, a new set of photos and videos have been released as well. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo launches in a new, unexplored market for BMW, a market which demands a luxurious car that offers generous interior and cargo space, performance, dynamics while maintain high comfort levels.

The debate on whether this model will be successful, has already began and BMW fans across seem to be equally divided into two sides. While some see the 5 GT as a progression of the current BMW line-up and an expansion into new markets, others more conservative are afraid that it diminishes the core of BMW models.

When the first official photos hit the web, it seemed to be far more people opposing the new 5 GT, but with new photos and videos being released, the negative current seems to be shifting towards positive or at best neutral. We still believe that this is a niche car, same as the X6, and it will be hard to satisfy the large diversity of BMW fans. In our opinion, seeing the car in person will be the true test and afterwards a more objective opinion could be stated.

Roadster Enthusiasts to celebrate 20 Years of Mazda MX-5 at Le Mans

This year, the world’s most legendary endurance race will be venue for the 20th anniversary celebration of the world’s most loved roadster: the Mazda MX-5. First shown at the Chicago Motor Show in February 1989, the original Mazda MX-5 (called Miata at the time) triggered a rebirth of the two-seat roadster. Then as now, the [...]

Mazda Adds New Features to RX-8 in Japan

Mazda Motor Corporation has added fresh features to the four-door, four-seat rotary-powered Mazda RX-8 sports car for the Japanese market. The updated models go on sale today at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers nationwide. Standard equipment across the entire RX-8 range has been updated with popular features that provide added comfort and convenience. The updates [...]

Fast & Furious 4 Wide Body BMW 840ci

Here is the Lambo Monterey Blue BMW 840ci which was seen in the Fast & Furious 4 movie. This was one of many sweet wide body modified BMW’s I saw while at BimmerFest 2009 this year in sunny Santa Barbara, California. The most striking feature of the car is the massive custom made all metal 4″ wide body rear extension!

This highly modified 1995 BMW 840ci car is owned by Fern Mora and took 13 months to complete. It has a 4.4L V8 DINAN performance engine and transmission chip, orange powder coated JBT Custom Made 14″ 6 piston front and 13″ 4 piston rear brakes (see photo here), a 3 stage Lamborghini “Montery Blue” paint job, M5 steering wheel, DPE LS15 wheels with a chrome 6″ rear lip (super sweet looking - see photo here), in dash Alpine IVA-W505 Head Unit, Alpine 10″ Sub Woofer installed in center of rear seat. All custom leather interior and suede headliner.

Click Above For Full PHOTO ALBUM from BimmerFest 2009

This car has seen the following shows to date: HIN Los Angeles, HIN San Mateo, Extreme Autofest, HIN Phoenix, HIN Pleasonton and MFest (which is part of BimmerFest). As sick as this car is, I am not a huge fan of the e46 side M grill on the front quarter panel. Looked very cheesey and out of place.