mtm Bentley Continental GT Birkin Edition

The improvement kit of the mtm Bentley Continental GT calls itself Birkin Edition. Two turboloaders find their way into the vehicle in place of a compressor but also in actual circumstance the technical changes attack where the series leaves room for upgrades.

Production start for the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

Last year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California was the setting for the very first public presentation of the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. The response was extremely positive and now production of this roadster – limited to 150 units – is to begin at Molsheim. At the same time, the media and customers [...]

Aston Martin Ready For Nurburgring Challenge

Six Aston Martins will be amongst the 180 entrants in the Nürburgring 24 hour race - one of the toughest endurance tests in motorsport - spearheaded by a factory entered version of the British marque’s new V12 Vantage. The V12 Vantage, in near-standard specification, will be driven by Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez (DE), [...]

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution FQ-330 SST

Since its introduction in 2008, the Lancer Evolution X has been an enormous success, gaining popular acclaim from customers and the media alike. Now, after extensive testing, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has added the eagerly awaited FQ-330 SST to its already impressive line-up. The FQ-330 SST model utilises a breathing kit and ECU re-map to [...]

Ferrari F430 CALAVERA - where performance meets design

Using 11 months of design and development, the bavarian design house „Unique Sportcars" has completed their first design concept: A Super Sports Car for the streets. Limiting the series to the number of 11, the unique „Calavera" design is based on the Ferrari F430. The motor tuning is masterfully crafted by Ferrari Specialist Novitec Rosso. Airbrush Artist Knud Tiroch brings our design to metal.

Aston V12 Vantage - an unusually great car

There are all sorts of reasons why the new Aston V12 Vantage is an unusually great car – its thumping acceleration, the noise it makes, the way it goes round corners, the way it looks. But for me the best thing about it is that I just wasn’t expecting it to be so good, not after the DBS.
When Aston Martin unleashed its masterplan unto the world in the form of the DBS, most observers cringed at how gauche the interior looked and how relatively underwhelming it was to drive. Given that the V12 Vanatge uses the exact same engine and gearbox and, somewhat disappointingly, weighs within 15kg of its big brother, you’d expect it to offer a pretty similar kind of driving experience.

But no. What the Vantage V12 turns out to be is as close a car in character as you’ll currently get to a Porsche 911 GT3. Which means it is way better than the DBS in every respect. Fact is, it achieves much more of what it sets out to achieve than the DBS, even if it is quite different in personality.
Read the Aston Martin V12 Vantage first drive here
Watch the Aston Martin V12 Vantage video here
The other area in which the Vantage goes one up, not just on the DBS but on the GT3 as well, is the message it sends out to his great unwashedness, the general public. Drive a DBS and people tend to react in two ways; they do their utmost to ignore you because you are very obviously driving a very flashy big car, or they cut you up. In a GT3 they just cut you up.
But in the smaller, more handsome, less ostentatious Vantage the reaction is much more friendly. It’s similar to the way you get treated when driving a Lamborghini, in fact. People smile and let you into the traffic. They seem to enjoy just watching the thing rumble by. And the world rotates at a slightly less manic pace as a result.
Until you weld the accelerator open, that is, at which point your audience either tends to dive into the nearest hedge to take cover, or they just stand there motionless, wondering what on earth it is that just happened.

Video: Aston Martin V12 Vantage Driven (photo gallery updated)

Our friends at Drivers-Republic over in the UK were lucky enough to get behind the new 2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage. Are we jealous? Of course we are. God knows what we would give up to get behind that 510-hp V12.

Nonetheless, Aston Martin kept us cool with some Brand Spankin’ New Images for our high-res photo gallery.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.0L V12 engine that makes 510-hp with a maximum torque of 420 lb-ft. The 0 to 62 mph run comes in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph.

You can check out Drivers-Republic’s first drive after the jump along with the updated high-res image gallery.

2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage:

NY Times gives Spada Codatronca TS ‘Most Beautiful Car’ award

Around this time last year Spada, unveiled its Codatronca TS (short for Turismo Sportivo) suepercar, which adds an ad hoc converter kit that allows the car to run on gasoline or E85 ethanol.

Apparently, The New York Times loved the car so much they gave it the “Most Beautiful Car” designation at the Top Marques 2009. Either way, we also have bunch of new high-res shots of the car to keep us satisfied (although the rear-end of the car seems to take away from that experience)

Refresher: Power for the Codatronca TS comes from a 7.0L V8 making 630-hp with a maximum torque of 493 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph comes in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of more than 211 mph. Stopping power is provided a Brembo braking system with racing 8 pistons aluminum calipers on the front and 4 pistons on the rear.

Click through for more pictures.

Spada Codatronca TS at Top Marques:

2009 ALMS season will see a new manufacturer join, new fuel maybe coming

2008 Detroit Sports Car Challenge

American Le Mans Series CEO Scott Atherton visited the Detroit Auto Show last week and talked about the successes and challenges the series faces in 2009. Racing series' around the world are losing teams this year as a result of the worldwide economic slump, and the American Le Mans Series is no exception. In spite of both Audi and Porsche withdrawing as full-time participants in the prototype classes, Atherton is optimistic. Audi won't be racing full-time, but its new R15 TDI will make its world debut at the season opener in Sebring.
Also coming at Sebring will be the announcement of a new manufacturer joining the series, possibly as soon as the race at Long Beach. Mazda is also expanding its involvement its involvement through a tie up with Dyson Racing. Hoping to take advantage of the Green Challenge that will be a full season aspect of ALMS this year, an energy company has approached Atherton about introducing a fourth fuel to the current mix of E10, cellulosic E85 and diesel. Yet another manufacturer is hoping to introduce a new type of hybrid technology as well. Check out the whole story at Green Fuels Forecast.

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed Manual Test Drive

“A SIX-SPEED MANUAL MEANS MORE DRIVING FUN”

After a successful launch in 2008, Dodge comes back with more goodies that will further warm the heart of any Challenger enthusiast.

A new High Performance Red Clearcoat paint option is now available, and the classic B5 Blue paint option will be available later in the year.

On the inside a red accent stripe with accent stitching is now standard on the Viper styled seatbacks, dual cup-holders now have LED lighting ringing the top of the holders so you don’t spill your drinks while driving at night and a self dimming rearview mirror option gives you more convenience and safety. Bright aluminum faced foot pedals make the interior even more sporty looking and they feel better than the rubber foot pedals found in the Challenger SRT 8 with the five-speed automatic.

Real enthusiast fun can now be had with the new Tremec 6060 six-speed manual transmission with Hill Start Assist. This new Tremec features a dual clutch with dual OD ratios in 5th and 6th gears. 1st and 2nd gears have triple synchronizing cones, while 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th gears have double synchronizing cones. Changing gears has never been smoother. The Tremec 6060 six-speed auto comes with GAGS-Computer Assisted Gear Shifting to increase fuel mileage. When you give light or hard throttle, you go straight into 2nd gear, and when you give medium throttle (20-25mph), you go into 4th gear directly to keep rpm down and increase fuel mileage up to 10% in stop and go traffic.

A remote shifter connects the transmission to the classic ‘pistol grip’ shifter with carbon fiber weave and aluminum top. It fits perfectly in your right hand.

A new standard limited-slip differential has carbon clutch packs built into each side of the differential. When torque is transmitted through the differential, the clutch packs engage to prevent wheel slip. The greater the torque going to the wheels, the greater the ‘locking effect’ sending torque to the side that is needed. The limited-slip housing is a lightweight aluminum die-casting offering improved thermal and weight saving advantages. The final drive ratio is 3:92. A new 32-tooth rear hub and baring assembly is stronger than the 2008 Challenger SRT 8.

For even more fun and excitement you can shut down the ESP stability traction control program to more easily spin the rear wheels and let them slide out to shave the cornering during spirited driving times.

Finally, with the six-speed manual mpg specs are improved to 14mpg/city, 22mpg/highway, up from the 13mpg/city and 18mpg/highway specs for the five-speed automatic.

'09 Boxster/Cayman pricing announced

2009 Porsche Cayman

The all-new 2009 Porsche Cayman and Boxster are coming Stateside in March, with new technology, more power, and a price hike over the outgoing model. The 2009 Boxster will start at $46,600, and the right to own the more powerful Boxster S will run you $10,100 more at $56,700. The Cayman will start at $50,300, and adding an S will bring you up to $60,200. Porsche's 2009 pricing represents a 1.8% increase when compared to the outgoing 2008 models, but you get quite a bit more Porsche for the New Year.

Thanks to Porsche's new Direct Fuel Injection tech, both the Boxster and Cayman models will receive a significant power boost. The base 2.9-liter flat-six will increase power for the Boxster and Cayman to 255 and 265 ponies. The S-level 3.4-liter engine will now crank out 310 hp in the convertible and 320 hp for its fixed roof sibling. Also available is Porsche's new seven-speed PDK double-clutch transmission, which offers manual paddle shifting without the labor of a clutch. The new powertrains will give Porsche owners some extra punch, while also improving fuel economy -- combined estimates come in at over 25 mpg.
Porsche is also cranking up the price of the iconic 911 and the Cayenne will also see a bump in price for 2009. Beginning in February, both models will receive a 1% price hike, with the average sticker jumping by about $900.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Boxster

Jaguar’s XJ220 Super Car

For a car that doesn’t exist, Jaguar’s XJ220 looks amazing. Though still a rumor, the Brits are expected to revive their amazing sports car (that ruled from 1992 to 1994) and it may look like the renderings in here. With some wide air intakes that dominate the front, a sleek oval grille and stylish ultra-efficient LED headlamps, Jaguar XJ220 is expected to “kill” Audi’s R8 and if anyone’s interested, we think they have a shot. Under the hood, there’s a 503-horsepower, supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine from the XFR model, that goes naught to 60mph in less than four seconds and tops at 230mph. It’s an amazing design so we can only hope we’ll get this beauty running on our streets, but that looks like an expensive ride. Isn’t it? [via AutoExpress]

LusoMotors LM23 rolling prototype ready for its closeup

LusoMotors LM 23

Last July, we told you about the latest rolling homage introduced by Portuguese car design and development house LusoMotors. While our previous post featured a gallery of naked chassis and finished product renderings, we now have pics of the rolling prototype. Dubbed the LM23, this bathtub racer is nothing sort of an updated Lotus 23B for the street. Well, it is likely to spend more time on the track, but it is ostensibly streetable.
Set to go head-to-head with cars like the Ariel Atom, Radical SR3, KTM X-Bow, Brooks Double R, et al, this featherweight flyer features a steel tube frame chassis under its shapely foam-sandwich metal body. Track-ready details include inboard-mounted coilovers and brakes, plus an integrated roll bar.
This first roller is powered by a 150-horsepower, 1.0-liter Honda CBR1000 engine mated to a six-speed sequential transmission. Weighing just 881 pounds, 150 hp should be more than enough to get this thing around a track with alacrity, but LusoMotors founder Ernesto Freitas says customers can choose a number of different engines, including a Subaru turbo boxer. Kit prices are expected to start at €15,000 (around $23,600 USD) minus the engine. The line forms to the right.

2008 Hennessey Dodge Challenger HPE600 Turbo - Specialty File

Just as the Dodge Viper brand is about to be quietly euthanized or sold to a den of Cub Scouts, along comes the far less expensive but equally tweakable Challenger—a tuner’s dream come true. Not surprisingly, major Mopar power hogs are now making pilgrimages to John Hennessey’s Texas shop. As this was written, 15 Challengers had filled 20 of Hennessey’s service bays, and the man had prepared a menu of seven different engine upgrades for the stock 425-horse SRT8.

For our test, we chose the third-strongest recipe, the HPE600 Turbo, which retains the Hemi’s stock displacement but benefits from 6 psi of boost, courtesy of a single Precision 67HPSH turbo with a 44-millimeter waste gate. The cylinder heads were aggressively ported and polished until enough metal was removed to lower compression to 9.6:1. Hennessey then installed an air-to-air intercooler, cold-air induction, a turbo oil-pump scavenge system, stainless headers, and a Corsa exhaust.

The result: 620 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 650 pound-feet of torque at 4200 rpm. The engine package alone costs $29,500 installed, although that works out to only $151 per bonus horsey.

Keep Reading: 2008 Hennessey Dodge Challenger HPE600 Turbo - Specialty File

Need for Speed franchise splitting into trio

Electronic Arts, the folks who recently brought us Need for Speed: Undercover, are now working on three (possibly four) new titles in the franchise. According to EA, they're just trying to "keep the game fresh and the players entertained." If you're a cynic, you're getting another plate of something that hasn't tasted good since Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit.
Your three options will be NFS: Shift, NFS: Nitro, and NFS: World Online. Shift is "built for racers by racers" and will "deliver a true driver's experience that reflects contemporary motorsports." Nitro is an arcade take on the game with "a fresh and unique visual style." World Online is a free web-based player that "takes the race into the largest open world in the history of Need for Speed."
And if you believe the skinny from Eurogamer, EA is working on a fourth NFS that will continue the work of "crafting different games for different audiences and their unique tastes in the driving category." As for the ones we know about, Speed and Nitro will hit shelves this fall, with World Online following in winter. For now, you can can read the press release after the jump, and check out the high-res screenshots below.

Bentley to stop building cars for six weeks

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Bentley Continental Speed

As expected, Bentley will be forced to slow production of its high-end luxury cars for several weeks over the next few months. According to Bentley's U.S. spokesman David Reuter, the newer Continental line will shut down for a period of seven weeks, while the slightly more mature Arnage production line will go on hiatus for six weeks. Over the course of 2008, sales dropped by roughly 30%, leading Bentley's factory in Crewe to cut production by about 15% and things aren't expected to improve in 2009. Regardless, Bentley's German ownership isn't yanking development dollars from the British brand, so any new products that were slated for introduction in 2009 are still on schedule.

Gallery: 2008 Bentley Continental GT Speed

200 MPH with World Class Driving

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 200 MPH Club

It's 5:15 AM when the second wake-up call arrives, but I've been up for almost an hour. Despite crawling into bed a little after midnight, I don't feel like a Koala after a eucalyptus binge - quite the opposite, actually. I'm wired, electric, ready to run a 26-mile marathon and then tackle the southwest face of El Capitan. It's been a long time since I've felt this kind of energetic surge without the help of everyone's favorite stimulant, and right now, I won't need caffeine, gaurana, taurine or a single B vitamin for the next three months. My bags are packed, my inbox is clean and I'm headed out the door with helmet in hand. Today is the day I break 200 miles-per-hour and I've finally got the tools to do it.
Follow the jump to find out if I succeed.

Gallery: World Class Driving 200 MPH Experience

Aston Martin plant down to three-day work week

By: Jeremy Korzeniewski

Late last year, Aston Martin announced that it would reduce its ranks by some 600 workers to cope with a sales slide of 28% in 2008. Apparently, those cuts, which are now halfway completed, weren't enough to stem the tide of red ink, as Bond's favorite automaker has now said it will place its entire staff of assembly line workers on a work week that starts on Monday and ends on Wednesday. A total of 1,250 individuals now work at the Gaydon, Warwickshire plant, and almost half of those employees will be affected by the three-day work week.
Bentley, another famous British automaker, announced its own production cuts just yesterday. In response to the industry hardships faced by automakers in the U.K., the British government has promised £2.3 billion worth of aid, though we're not yet sure how much will go to smaller companies like Aston Martin.

2010 Audi S5 Cabriolet

The four-seat premium convertible segment has become stagnant, but that's about to change. BMW fired a new 3-series convertible at its competition for the 2008 model year, and two years later, shots are finally ringing back. The 2010 Audi S5 cabriolet - along with its less sporty A5 brother - will be among the first to join the fight, closely followed by the Infiniti G37, Lexus IS, and Mercedes-Benz E-class droptops.
The sexy S5 cabriolet replaces the S4 cabrio, and since it's based on the gorgeous S5 coupe, it's longer, lower, and wider than the old car. Although the Infiniti and the Lexus join BMW in using folding hard tops, Audi remains faithful to fabric for several reasons. (Mercedes-Benz will, too, for its upcoming E-class convertible, which replaces the CLK.) Styling is the most obvious - cloth tops don't suffer from the bubbly proportions that usually afflict folding hard tops. Using fabric also allows Audi's designers to play with two-tone color combinations and different textures to give the vehicle more visual interest. Of course, there are practical concerns, too: a fabric top usually weighs less and takes up less trunk space when folded. It also helps to endow the S5 with a large cargo pass-through behind its split-folding rear seats and can be lowered in only fifteen seconds - while moving.
The A5 Quattro droptop, set to launch two months after the S5, will use a conventional six-speed automatic transmission with a choice of either a torquey 2.0-liter turbo four or a sonorous 3.2-liter V-6. A front-wheel-drive version will also be available with the 2.0T and a continuously variable transmission. The S5 uses Audi's new 3.0-liter supercharged V-6, which will be phased in as a replacement for the normally aspirated 4.2-liter V-8 that's in the S5 coupe. Producing 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque - but no supercharger whine - it pulls the S5 to 60 mph in about five and a half seconds. The menacing V-8 sound track is replaced with a Hoover whoosh - the price we pay for downsizing - but the forced-induction V-6 provides significantly better fuel economy with comparable output.
In spite of some serious performance chops, the S5 looks and feels best cruising at a more sedate pace. The lack of acoustic engine drama is easily made up for by the incredible 505-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system, and optional head-level heaters mounted in the seats ensure that you can enjoy top-down motoring even when the mercury plummets. As a comfortable, fast, and luxurious - not to mention gorgeous - cruiser, the S5 is a very powerful shot fired back at the BMW 335i.
© Source: automobilemag

Bugatti Veyron Centenaire

The Bugatti Veyron will be celebrating 100 years of the company with the special version, Centenaire, seen in these pics. The limited edition of the supercar will be available in four different versions, each dedicated to legendary drivers of the Type 35: Jean-Pierre Wimille, Achille Varzi, Malcolm Campbell and Hermann Zu Leiningen.
The colours of the four Centenaire versions are designed to represent the nationalities of the four drivers with Bleu France, Rosso Corsa, British Racing Green and Deutsches Rennweiss. The four examples will make their debut at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza and will be identical to the initial proposal of the Bleu Centenaire seen at the Geneva show.
The Veyron Centenaire is particular distinctive for its body work, the rear view mirrors and shiny front grill, with LED front headlights. The wheels will be eight spoke alloys inspired by those of the Bugatti Type 35. The interior will feature the names of the four drivers stitched into the head rests, but all this exclusivity has its price: 1,600,000 euros to be precise.
© Source: eurocarblog

Morgan 100th anniversary edition - Aero SuperSports

Morgan is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, a century in which, arguably, its most significant technical development was adding a fourth wheel in 1932.
In celebration of reaching the ton, Morgan has created this, the Aero Supersports. Essentially the roadster version of the Aeromax coupe, it was unveiled at the Villa D'Esta Concourse d'Eleganza in Italy. Though technically referred to as a concept, the Supersports is a 95 per cent match for the production roadster, due to arrive next year, says Morgan.
Based on the same ash-frame construction as the Aeromax coupe, the roadster features a pair of removable aluminium roof panels that stow in the boot. It sits slightly lower on its springs than the coupe, while the car's overall profile is 4cm shorter.
Morgan says the car, with roof detatched (and we're quoting verbatim here, honestly) will bring 'fresh air and the aromas of the seasons to the driving experience'.
The Supersports is powered by the same BMW-sourced 4.8-litre V8 as the coupe, putting out around 370bhp. In a car weighing just 1,100kg, that's good for a 0-60mph time of around 4.5 seconds.
Morgan plans to build 200 Supersports - just 100 Aeromax coupes went into production - at a cost of £127,000 a piece. That's rather expensive.
Good news, though, for retro-inclined Americans: structural changes to the car's platform mean the Supersports will pass the 50mph rear impact test, allowing it to be sold Stateside.
Any Americans out there who've escaped from the TopGear.com US portal? Do you guys ‘get' the Morgan? Or is it one of those bewilderingly British things like real ale, proper swearing and sarcasm?
© Source: topgear

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Posts 7m 40s Time on Nurburgring

A new season of ‘Ring wars may be brewing. Porsche's Project Manager for High Performance Cars Andreas Preuninger says the latest 911 GT3 has achieved a time of 7 minutes 40 seconds around the Nurburgring's Nordschleife.

Porsche test driver Walter Rohrl, who was piloting the car, was apparently slowed down by the presence of other vehicles on the track. Had Rohrl really been going for it "with a knife between his teeth" said Preuninger, his time would have come down by as much as two seconds. Furthermore Rohrl apparently did a 7 minute 45 seconds in a borrowed Ferrari F430 Scuderia. The time was achieved under the same conditions as the GT3.
As for the Nissan GT-R, Preuninger noted that Porsche's official line is that the 7 minute 54 second time it achieved with a US-spec unit in 2008 stands. Nissan said in May 2008 that the GT-R did a 7 minute 29.03 seconds at the German track in the hands of its chief test driver Tochio Suzuki. The updated 2010 GT-R is claimed to have done an even quicker time of 7 minutes 27.56 seconds.
The third member of this feuding trio is the Corvette ZR1 which has a posted time of 7 minutes 26.4 seconds at the Green Hell. Preuninger's remarks on the ‘Vette were only to say it's a cool car but it serves a different purpose than the GT3.
The new updated 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 was unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Its normally aspirated 3.8-litre boxer engine produces 435hp (320kW) and peak torque of 317 ft-lbs (430Nm).
© Source: worldcarfans

Zenvo ST1, First Danish Supercar – Video

1104 horsepower Zenvo ST1 is Denmark's first domestically produced supercar. A publication there, Bil Magasinet, has posted video of their test drive with the beautiful machine that can cross Denmark in under 20 minutes. Before we tell you about the video, we'd like to remind you of this car's amazing specs. Using a rear-mounted turbo- and super-charged 7.0-liter V8, Zenvo's engineers brought this car up over 1100 hp while producing an amazing 1430 Nm at around 4500 rpm. In just three seconds, you can bring the car from a standstill to 100 km/h. Figure out a way around the electronic limiter, set for 375 km/h (233 mph), and we're pretty sure you can avoid arrest on almost any highway in the world.
Of course, no car built in icy Scandanavia should be without limited slip differential. This car is no different, featuring a hydraulically-powered LSD. The driver takes control of the machine with a six-speed manual gearbox. The test driver's "woo-hoo" at about a minute into the video says all that you can say. Although the car is so powerful, he says the handling is, "completely undramatic." So easy to drive this car is, that despite the 375 km/h top speed, the driver says it is "almost like driving a small hatchback ..." Zenvo ST1 ready for its debut at Le Mans this summer.
© Source: worldcarfans

2009 Ferrari California

(from Ferrari Press Release)2009 Ferrari California is an exceptionally innovative car whose philosophy takes its inspiration from the spirit and emotions of one of the great Ferraris of the past, the 1957 250 California, a superbly elegant open top car designed for the track, which has, over the years, come to symbolise not only superior sportiness and performance but also exclusivity, craftsmanship and faultless sophistication.
This new car joins Ferrari's 8-cylinder range which is made up mostly of very high performance models. It also flanks the 12-cylinder flagship 612 Scaglietti in the Grand Tourer category. The Ferrari California is a car with the track in its DNA. It is enormously innovative and will more than fulfi l the expectations of even our most discerning clients, offering breathtaking driving pleasure and fun behind the wheel as well as extreme versatility of use and in-car comfort. It is available exclusively as a convertible with retractable folding hard top in either a two-seater version with a traditional rear bench or in the 2+ version which sees the rear bench equipped with seating for one to two passengers.
In line with Ferrari tradition, this model positively brims with innovative features. In addition to its retractable hard top and the aforementioned original 2+ concept, the new Prancing Horse car also offers: a new direct injection V8 engine, a 7-speed gearbox with steering wheel-mounted F1-style paddles coupled with a new dual clutch, a new suspension system (double wishbones at the front and multilink at the rear), the new evolved F1-Trac traction control system and Brembo brakes with CCM (carbon ceramic material) discs as standard (this latter feature is shared by the other models in the current range).
© Source: seriouswheels

2009 Kicherer Mercedes-Benz SL 63 RS

(from Kicherer Press Release) Even after its facelift Mercedes Tuner Kicherer saw sufficient hidden, sports potential in the Mercedes SL 63 AMG which it then brought to the fore in the Kicherer SL 63 RS. Kicherer transforms the Mercedes SL 63 AMG into the SL 63 RS.
Whilst the 6.2 litre large V8 engine in the standard modell produces 525 Ps and 630 Nm with fine tuning Kicherer have teased 560 PS and 670 Nm out of the high performance machine.
So the customer can experience this extra performance Kicherer are simultaneously offering a Vmax-upgrade, which disables the electronic brakes at speeds of 250 km/h. To counter this the ABC-suspension has been electronically adapted to meet the increased demands and equipped with more sporty lines. Kicherer has also improved the brakes.
The Kicherer SL 63 RS is of course allowed to display it potential. And for this the tuner has applied an extensive exterior package of laminated carbon fibre. To visually improve the two-seater a new front spoiler, LED daylight driving lights, headlight blenders, a new front grill, a bumper on the front wings along with special mirror covers and a completely new shaped rear diffuser have been added. This latter also frames a sports exhaust system with four exhaust outlets.
Downforce system is the name given by Kicherer to the boot lid with integrated spoiler that is also made of laminated carbon fibre and which should clearly increase the downwards pressure on the rear axle.The transformation of the Mercedes SL 63 AMG is rounded off with 20 inch large light metal wheels, which at the front have 255/30 tyres and at the rear are fitted with 305/25 tyres.Carbon fibre is also the material from which Kicherer has made the new decorative parts in the interior. The tuner has also added a new sports steering wheel to the package.
© Source: seriouswheels

2009 Hartge BMW Z4

Hartge has released the details of their 2009 BMW Z4 accessories range which includes both exterior and interior parts. The 2009 Hartge BMW Z4 accessories range features the tuner's CLASSIC 2 wheel set and a new set of stainless steel tail pipes.
For the interior, the 2009 Hartge BMW Z4 range includes aluminum pedals, foot rest and steering wheel emblem as well as new speedometers with a 300 km/h or 200 MPH maximum speed. We expect the 2009 Hartge BMW Z4 program will include more items in the near future.
© Source: zercustoms

2009 Lotus Exige S 260

Caution: This feature is designed for competition use, and as such, its employment will invalidate vehicle warranty on any components subject to the extreme loads associated with racing/drag starts.
This was the first sentence on the sheet given to us on how to use the launch control system on the 2009 Lotus Exige s 260, needless to say, we all had a laugh when we read this. To have a feature on your vehicle that, if you use and damage something, your warranty becomes void is rather frustrating. Especially since the test numbers Lotus is claiming were obtained using the launch control system. This reminds us of another vehicle (cough * GT-R * cough) that had a launch control that if used and something was damaged, your warranty was void, they got rid of it, Lotus, take a hint.
So this leaves me stuck at a crossroads. I love the new Lotus Exige S 260, but for the very same reasons, I hate it as well. Let me explain.

At 6'3" and 210 pounds my relationship with the Exige got off to a rocky start (I'll give you a second to stop laughing at the thought of me trying to get in and out of this car). But once in, our relationship warmed. The racing Recaro's gave me an idea of what I was in store for, as did the very sparse interior.Since we had the opportunity, we turned some laps in the Exige S 260. It has amazingly good brakes that let you go deeper into a braking zone than you initially think you can, and its very quick and precise steering feel gives you immediate and direct feedback. Couple all that to a mid-mounted supercharged engine that loves to live in the high rpm range, and you have yourself one hell of a track car. Everyone that hit the track came in saying the same thing while wearing an ear-to-ear smile: I could do that all day, this car is unbelievable. The track is definitely where this little monster is most happy but driving to the track will take its toll. Between the limited rear visibility, the completely decontented interior, and the engine buzzing away right behind your head, you're going to be tired before you even turn lap one. But once you do, you actually like all the things I just mentioned as being an annoyance.
The S 260 comes equipped with a variable launch control system along with Lotus variable traction control, this is basically same vehicle as the S 240 just with 17 more horses and weighing around 50 less pounds along with a few changes to the aero package. For accel runs, I set the Launch control at 5000, traction control off, then flat foot the throttle, drop the clutch and I'm off. On the next run, I wanted a bit less rpm so I just did it myself. I got to my desired rpm, dropped the clutch -- damn, not enough spin; try it again. Back to the 5000 launch (or so I think), flat foot -- but wait, the rpms are only going to 4000. What's the deal? It seems the car decided to reset the launch revs to the rpm I had just launched from. Now, in order to reset the launch control you have to turn off the car and go through a specific sequence then you're ready to go again. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with launch control systems, they are very useful when trying to get a high horsepower vehicle to hook up, but something weighing just over 2000 pounds and putting out 257 ponies with 174 lb ft of torque, it's just not necessary. With a vehicle like this I would prefer careful use of left and right foot to be my launch control. In a nutshell, I was never able to launch the car the way I wanted which again was very frustrating because I know there is a better number in this car.
Lotus has always been a pure enthusiast car especially since the introduction of the Elise, a car that's much more at home on a track than stuck in rush hour traffic. The Exige S 260 is still very much an enthusiast car, but its lost something with the addition of these "driving aids."
The 2010 Exige S 260 has already been unveiled, but Lotus, there's still time. Before it hits the streets, get rid of the launch and variable traction control and do something about that $79,000 price tag.
[source:MotorTrend]

Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce

We haven't necessarily had a shortage of photos of the Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce. In addition to the first batch of press photos released by Lamborghini, we also captured the super-Murcielago on the show floor in Geneva and once again here in the United States when it stopped by at one of our favorite weekly car gatherings. Even so, our salivary glands went into overdrive when we saw this latest batch of photos of the SuperVeloce. There' s just something about the outrageous over-the-top styling that takes us back to being a teenager.
Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce – the new king of the bulls is even more powerful, lighter and faster.
The Lamborghini Murciélago is one of the most extraordinary super sports cars of all time. Automobili Lamborghini has now expanded its model range with a new, exceptionally purist and even more extreme top model – the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is even more powerful, lighter and faster than the Murciélago LP 640. With the output of the 6.5 liter V12 increased to 670 hp and a weight reduction of 100 kg (220 lbs), the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 2.3 kg (5.1 lbs) per hp. This catapults it from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a breathtaking 3.2 seconds and powers it on to a top speed of around 342 km/h (212 mph). Distinctive design refinements ensure that each of this 350-unit limited edition series conveys its full potential from the very first glance.

With its outstanding performance, razor-sharp precision and exceptional high-speed stability, the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the ultimate performance car for advanced sports car drivers. The super sports car has been extensively redesigned with a new front and rear, an innovative engine bonnet and a choice of two aerodynamic set-ups featuring either a small or large rear spoiler. The interior in Alcantara and carbon fiber provides a purist and minimalist approach.In order to achieve the substantial weight reduction of 100 kilograms (220 lbs), the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce was extensively reworked and redeveloped in virtually every aspect – from chassis to engine and transmission, right through to the interior. The increase in engine output from 640 to 670 hp is the result of optimized valve timing and a reworked intake system. The significantly modified aerodynamics with substantially increased downforce brings considerable improvement to vehicle stability at very high speeds. With the small standard-fit rear spoiler, top speed stands at 342 km/h (212 mph), while the large "Aeropack Wing" and its added downforce gives a top speed of 337 km/h (209 mph).
"The new Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the systematic continuation of our brand philosophy. It is more extreme and uncompromising than virtually any other automobile," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "As the new top model of the highly successful Murciélago range, the SuperVeloce displays not only outstanding driving dynamics, it is also further evidence of our company's technological expertise. Customers can look forward to an utterly unparalleled driving experience."
Design and aerodynamics
The Murciélago is an icon of the Lamborghini brand – a sports machine of menacing character and brutal power. Its unique design radiates a supreme form of highly concentrated sensuality. Wide, low, with its glass area pushed way forward and a long, taut back – the interplay between the soft contours of the basic form and razor sharp edges is the perfect expression of the Lamborghini design language. In the totality of its character, the Murciélago is without comparison on the sports car market.
Yet even a character like this can be further refined – the new Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the more extreme, even more purist pinnacle of the model range. This is clearly evident from the very first glimpse of its completely redesigned front end – pulled way forward and finished in matt black paint, the carbon fiber front spoiler is connected to the front end via two vertical elements. The large air intakes for the front brakes are more powerfully emphasized. The new front fenders feature additional air intakes for brake ventilation. The air vent for the oil cooler located in the driver-side sill area is painted matt black to match the sills.
The modifications are even more apparent around the mighty engine bay of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The twelve-cylinder engine is presented as an engineering masterpiece under a transparent engine bonnet that boasts a completely new architecture. Hexagonal polymer plates made from transparent polycarbonate are set on three levels within a carbon fiber framework. The layers are open towards the rear, playing a key role in the thermodynamics of the high-performance engine.
The impressive rear end of the SuperVeloce is dominated by a veritably noble, flat and extremely wide exhaust tailpipe and, on the underside, by a two-level diffuser system finished entirely in carbon fiber. The rear light clusters display their signals in that distinctive Y-shape that has been a fixed element of Lamborghini design since the Murciélago LP 640, Reventón and Gallardo LP 560-4. The panel between the lights is made from carbon fiber, while the large intake mesh below expands across the full width of the rear end. Made from thick-walled aluminum, the hexagonal pattern is laser-cut and a Teflon coating provides the necessary heat protection.
The aerodynamics of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce have been completely redeveloped. Alongside the enlarged front spoiler and the twin rear diffuser, the new fixed rear spoiler also plays an important role. Customers can choose between two versions, with the small rear spoiler providing improved downforce at high speeds. As an option, the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce can be supplied with the "Aeropack Wing" – a large, fixed, carbon-fiber wing mounted on two carbon-fiber brackets. The new aerodynamic set-up provides a significant boost to directional stability at the very highest speeds. The top-speed downforce on the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce with Aeropack is strongly increased.
Bodyshell and lightweight construction
With the construction of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, Lamborghini proves its expertise in the manufacture of lightweight materials and in working with hi-tech carbon fiber. The structure of the super sports car is a composite construction of extremely stiff carbon components and a tubular steel frame – as in a race car. The transmission tunnel and the floor are made of carbon fiber, attached to the steel frame using rivets and high-strength adhesives. The roof and the exterior door panels are formed in sheet steel, while the remainder of the outer skin is made from carbon composite material.
For the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, engineers in Sant'Agata Bolognese recalculated the framework and selected a new, super high-strength sectional steel. This achieved two objectives – on the one hand, they increased the torsional stiffness of the chassis by 12 percent to provide improved handling precision and, on the other, they were able to reduce weight by 20 kg (44 lbs), making a significant contribution to the reduction of overall vehicle weight. And the systematic approach to lightweight design continues throughout the entire bodyshell. The front fenders, the rear side panels/fenders and the casing for the third brake light are made of a modified carbon-fiber material. Combined with the removal of the drive for the moveable spoiler, this brings a further weight reduction of 13 kg (28.6 lbs).
Added to the 33 kg (72.6 lbs) of weight reduction from the chassis and exterior, are 34 kg (74.8 lbs) from the interior, as well as over 33 kg (72.6 lbs) removed from the engine and drive train.
Power unit and transmission
The longitudinally mounted 6.5 liter V12 delivers the infernal power for an unparalleled driving experience. With 670 hp (493 kW), the engine in the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is 30 hp more powerful than in the Murciélago LP 640. The twelve-cylinder sends its mighty 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft at 6,500 rpm; maximum power is reached at 8,000 rpm, with an average piston speed of 23.7 meters per second – a figure almost comparable to race engines.
The V12 is eager to deliver its performance – it brings its menacing power with immediacy and precision to guarantee breathtaking performance – after only 3.2 seconds the SuperVeloce has already reached 100 km/h (62 mph).
The engine block and heads of the V12, positioned at the ideal cylinder angle of 60 degrees, are made from aluminum. The four chain-driven camshafts are variably controlled, while the intake manifold operates in three stages – both technologies add even greater thrust to the merciless pushing power. To increase the performance of the SuperVeloce, the intake system was modified, the valve train optimized and, most importantly, valve travel was increased.
The control electronics for the V12 were developed internally by Lamborghini - each cylinder bank has its own high-performance processor. If the engine needs more cooling air, intake funnels emerge from the rear pillars: when not in operation, they lie flush with the bodyshell. Dry sump lubrication enables the V12 to be mounted extremely low down, benefiting the handling dynamics: this also guarantees oil supply under extremely dynamic driving conditions. With 12 liters of lubricating oil in circulation, the oil cooler is located on the left side of the vehicle and cooled by air flowing through the aperture in the sill.
The weight reduction of more than 26 kg (57 lbs) in the engine area was derived primarily from the completely new exhaust system. The muffler has been redesigned and even the mighty tailpipe of the SuperVeloce manufactured from new materials is lighter than on the Murciélago LP 640. But most of all, the new exhaust system makes for an acoustic experience that is surely equal to the driving performance – from the heavy rumble of a stormy night, through the trumpeting of mighty elephants to the roar of a raging lion, the SuperVeloce performs the grand opera for 12 cylinders, 48 valves and 8,000 revs.
The SuperVeloce is equipped as standard with the sequential, automated manual transmission e.gear, which uses electro-hydraulics to shift gear extremely quickly and smoothly. A cockpit display informs the driver of the gear currently engaged. In addition a special "Corsa" mode and a "Low adherence" mode are available.
As a no-premium option, the SuperVeloce is available with a six-speed manual transmission. Its short metal shift stick runs in an open gate of classic Italian elegance. In both variants, the new lightweight clutch makes its own contribution to the weight loss program.
All-wheel drive and chassis
The Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce delivers its extreme power to the road with great reliability – assured by its permanent all-wheel drive. Before the rear wheels spin, the viscous coupling sends up to 35 percent of driving force via its additional shaft to the front wheels. The front and rear limited-slip differentials are set at 25 and 45 percent. With its four driven wheels and traction, the Murciélago delivers a decisive advantage over rear-wheel drive sports cars when it comes to accelerating out of a corner – and always with maximum stability. The rear axle bears 58 percent of its overall weight – a distribution ratio that is highly beneficial to traction.
Explosive dynamics, tenacious cornering and extreme speeds – the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is a super sports car packed with aggressive power, but by no means a mean-spirited car. Its steering requires very little power support, giving full control of the car to the driver. Those prepared to tackle the beast head on are quickly rewarded with intimate contact and trust – as speed increases, so the Murciélago reveals its strengths, thus exposing a character with no hidden surprises and behavior that can always be anticipated.
The Murciélago is fitted with double wishbone suspension all round. Spring struts – two on each of the rear wheels and one on each of the front – control the loads transferred from the road. The standard-fit lifting system enables the front end of the vehicle to be raised by 45 mm (1.8 inches) to avoid obstacles such as garage entryways. The SuperVeloce is equipped with exclusive "Ares" alloy-forged wheels, bearing the exclusive five twin-spoke design. The front wheels are clad in 245/35 ZR 18 rubber, while the rears sport 335/30 ZR 18. High-grip Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires come as standard.
Four brakes controlled by a hi-tech ABS system are capable of mighty stopping power when required. The Carbon Ceramic (CCB) brakes are fanned by cooling air flowing through enlarged channels in the bodyshell, while openings in the front fenders provide additional ventilation for the SuperVeloce. The ceramic discs are exceptionally lightweight, fade-free and capable of extremely high operational performance.
Interior and equipment
Even stepping into the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is an experience as individual as the vehicle itself. The upward-opening doors – a solution developed by Lamborghini in the early seventies for the Countach – are released via small latches, then swing wide open to reveal a panorama of the exclusive interior of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The dominating materials are Alcantara and carbon fiber, which make for an ambience that is as high-quality as it is sporty.
The sports bucket seats come as standard and provide exceptionally firm support around the hip and shoulder areas. The bucket seats are made from lightweight and highly robust carbon fiber and guarantee the driver perfect support, even in the most extreme driving situations. The Murciélago's standard seats are also available on the SuperVeloce as an option free of charge.
Not only the seats are upholstered in black Alcantara micro-fiber; the cockpit and the roof lining are also finished in this high-quality, lightweight material. The Y-shaped perforations on the seats and roof lining bring additional finesse, with an inlaid backing material in the same color as the exterior paintwork. The Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce can be delivered with the paint finishes Giallo Orion, Arancio Atlas, Bianco Isis, Grigio Telesto and Nero Aldebaran, as well as Bianco Canopus (white matt) and Nero Nemesis (black matt) as an option.
Naturally, the interior also makes its contribution to weight reduction. The door panels are clad in carbon fiber, as is the wide center tunnel. The application of Alcantara instead of leather is another weight-saver, just like the selection of sports bucket seats and the omission of the radio-navigation system (if requested, this is available as an option). At the end of the day, the music in a Murciélago comes from the engine compartment. Overall, modifications to the interior contribute over 34 kg (75 lbs) to the SuperVeloce weight loss program.
But absolutely no corners have been cut when it comes to one characteristic that is a feature of all Lamborghini super sports cars – the exceptionally high quality of the workmanship. The craftsmen in Sant'Agata Bolognese are all masters of their respective trades; the three-year warranty bears testimony to absolute faith in product quality.
[Source: CAR]

First Drive: 2009 Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic

Marcello Mastroianni has been reincarnated as the Maserati Granturismo S Automatic. Suave good looks. Smooth, effortless acting. This big, handsome sport coupe is the cinematic black-and-white Mastroianni, wearing a tipped fedora and dark shades of Fellini's "81/2" or "La Dolce Vita."
As its name suggests, the Granturismo S Automatic tosses out the Granturismo S' six-speed twin-clutch paddle-shifted manual for a six-speed paddle-shifted ZF. It also dismisses the S' passive damping suspension for the base Granturismo's Skyhook suspension, "perfect tradeoff between handling and comfort on board," with its aluminum gas dampers. The suspension offers two settings, with a "sport" button that stiffens things up while opening an exhaust flap that turns up the volume on the lovely, throaty-brappy Italian V-8 soundtrack. Nino Rota would approve.

Weight distribution is 49/51, slightly better than the manual's 47/53. More important, even for us manual gearbox junkies, the Granturismo S seems better suited for the ZF automatic. Essentially, this is the standard Granturismo automatic with the S' 4.7L V-8 upgrade -- and it works.You can tell the three models from the color of the cam covers: Maserati Blue for the Granturismo's 405-hp, 4.2L V-8, Ferrari Red for the 440-hp, 4.7L Granturismo S, and darker red for the 440-hp, 4.7L S Automatic. Maserati claims a 0-100-kph (62-mph) time of five seconds flat, just 0.1 sec slower than the twin-clutch manual. This transmission and the character of the car bearing it lifts Maserati from the shadow of its faster, more expensive sibling, Ferrari -- just as Armani doesn't have to take a back seat to Ermenegildo Zegna.
While ZF has sold this transmission to a number of Maser's competitors, Maserati engineers developed their own paddle-shift system. Right paddle to upshift, left paddle to downshift. It feels lighter, less crisp than most paddle-shift transmissions, whether automatic or twin-clutch manual. And yet, it's quick and precise and gives full control to the driver, neither upshifting nor downshifting on its own. It's the most engaging manumatic to date (though, ahem, a longer-term drive will be necessary to determine whether it becomes a daily habit).
It rained on the hilly, twisty roads near Modena the day of our test drive, which slows one down when driving a big, fast, expensive sport coupe. Even with a safety cushion, though, the Granturismo S Automatic felt sure-footed enough on its standard 20-in. wheels and tires to handle the curves with lan. Electronic nannies on, you can still elicit slight wheelspin coming out of the corners. With this transmission and suspension and an exotic car's engine, the Automatic S is a suave sport coupe that defines Maserati's distinctive personality.
[source:MotorTrend]