Thursday, December 23, 2010

FAB-Design Mercedes-Benz Mclaren SLR Desire

The SLR Desire is a creation of Swiss tuners FAB-Design, specialists in Mercedes-Benz customization. The SLR Desire is their first attempt at modifying the SLR and the vehicle was first unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

The FAB-Design Mercedes Mclaren SLR Desire features a very noticeable and polarizing body modification which is sure to have both the "love it" and "hate it" camps split into equal numbers. The styling seems to be partially inspired by the design of the original Mercedes-Benz 300 SL from the 1950s, and the two cars share the same distinctive horizontal wheel arch extensions.

The radical front end of the SLR Desire features enlarged intakes and a much deeper front bumper with an integrated lip spoiler, new vents have also been incorporated into the bumper just forward of the front wheels. Down the sides the new side sills are noticeably deeper and wider and help to connect the front and rear wheel arch extensions. At the rear of the SLR Desire a distinctive 'V' shaped design divides the larger diffuser into two separate side. This v-shaped styling is echoed in the upside-down v-shape of the rear spoiler mounting. The massive 20" wheels of the SLR Desire are also a product of FAB-Design.

Powering the SLR Desire is the same 5.4 litre supercharged V8 found in the standard car, however FAB-Design have managed to up the power output to 750 horsepower and, raise the torque level to an enormous 1,080 Nm. This setup gives the SLR Desire a top speed of 196 mph and a 0-62 mph (100km/h) time of 3.6 seconds. 






Brabus T65 RS Vanish

The Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series is one of those German hyper-cars which is so immense in its performance capabilities you'd think it would be left well alone by the tuning companies. And for the most part that's true. However specialist Merc tuners Brabus are always up for a challenge, and the SL65 AMG Black Series is just their sort of car.

The Brabus T65 RS Vanish is the result. An 800 horsepower monster with a top speed in excess of 200 mph, and a 0-62 mph time well under 4 seconds. In fact the T65 RS Vanish is so quick off the line it can hit 124 mph - about the top speed of a normal family car - in just under 10 seconds.

The increase in power of nearly 140 hp over the standard SL65 AMG Black Series comes courtesy of the BRABUS high-tech twin turbo system that includes two special exhaust manifolds with integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers. Larger intercoolers are also added, as is a high-performance sports exhaust with free-flow metal catalysts. The engine management system was also reprogrammed to take full advantage of the mechanical upgrades.

The T65 RS engine delivers 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available already at a low 2,100 rpm. Peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

The Brabus T65 RS Vanish package also includes changes to the exterior, like the carbon-fiber hood scoop, and optional matt-black paintwork. The interior can be custom tailored to suit the buyers tastes. 






BMW M3 by GTHaus

Despite the distinctly Germanic sounding name of the company, GTHaus is in fact based in Illinois, USA. The company acts as a distributor for a number of European performance exhaust specialists including; Meisterschaft, Floßmann, Arden, and Kreissieg.

However GTHaus has now decided to enter into the world of body kits and tuning. This is their first offering, a $12,500 (£8,500) GT2 racecar-like widebody conversion for the E92 M3 Coupe. And no it won't make you go any faster as they haven't developed any performance upgrades for the engine yet. In fact if you were to throw this onto a standard M3 all that would happen is that you'd increase drag and go slower. At the same time you'd torpedo the fuel economy.

That said, as far as ridiculously wide bodykits go this isn't too bad. It looks more like a track-derived aerodynamic package, instead of a tuner bodykit which just has vents and oddly positioned bulges for no reason. Also in its favor is the fact the panels aren't heavy weight fiberglass, they're formed from that most excellent of materials, carbon fiber.

To match the new bodywork GTHaus have fitted the car with oversize 20 inch wheels (which will actually be detrimental to the handling), Brembo brakes, and a sports exhaust system designed to offer a racing note.





Raeder Audi TT RS

The Raeder Audi TT RS is a specially built and dedicated race car prototype which was built by the German company Raeder Motorsport.

In 2010 the car will be competing in the last two races of the Endurance Championship Nurburgring on the 16th and 30th of October.

The car, which was developed jointly by the Technical Development (TE) and the production of Audi AG and quattro GmbH, represents the first prototype of a potential track-only and modular TT RS race car which will be offered to the public - well race teams anyway.

The Raeder Audi TT RS features a five-cylinder turbocharged engine which runs on diesel. It has other upgrades for the bodywork - in the form of a massive wide-arch bodykit. The chassis as been stiffened and fitted with a fully integrated roll cage. And the aerodynamics have been improved thanks to numerous vents, diffusers and spoilers to keep it firmly stuck to the track.





Edo Competition Ferrari Enzo
















Edo Competition's tuning package for the Ferrari
Enzo includes both performance and aesthetic modifications.



Power output of the 6 litre V12 has been increased to 700 horsepower, while the
torque output stands at 527 lb/ft @ 5800 rpm. This gives the Edo Competition
Ferrari Enzo a top speed of 230 mph and a 0-60 mph sprint time of 3.5 seconds.



The performance increase comes from new exhaust headers (similar to those found
on the Ferrari FXX), a high-flow catalytic converter, performance stainless
steel muffler, modified intake with ram-air system, high-flow air filters and
ECU recalibration. The exhaust sound level is adjustable at the push of a button.
A new transmission control unit offers shift times identical to the Ferrari
FXX.



The mild cosmetic changes include black-tinted headlight and tailight covers,
and lightweight wheels wrapped in Michelin tires. The wheels can be custom
painted painted any color on request.

























Monday, December 13, 2010

YES Roadster 3.2 (2006)

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A powerful 3.2-liter-V6-engine with 255 hp produces an uncompromising driving machine, one that is powerful , vibrant in its performance and super-charged with pasion. The result is an heir honouring its legacy yet adopting trendsetting shapes and technology. - simply a revolutionary evolution!

Compared to its predecesor, the new YES! has grown significantly. Larger engines and a longer wheel base have resulted in more over - hang at the front as well as the rear leading to a more stretched and full of suspense appearance of the roadster. The wedge-shaped ascending side line and the racy accentuated wings in the front and rear do remain THE striking attributes.

For the - YES! Roadster 3.2 Turbo - the concept was taken one step further: an especially developed rear wing spoiler asures the necessary down force, to bring 355 HP safely onto the stret.

The - YES Roadster 3.2 Turbo - is a driving machine that relocates limits. The person driving it has to be capable of accelerating 930 kg in 3.9 seconds to 100 km/h. Manoeuvring it is a balancing act between dominating and being dominated. The power is transferred unaltered onto the streets. This is what requires the Turbo's driver utter concentration. Rewarded with a unique and sensational sense of driving. An experience you will never forget.

Interior
The interior is the human-machine interface. This is where the driver takes the command, feels the direct contact to the street, navigates and controls the instruments.

The high-strength aluminium-space-frame takes care of the passive safety. Also, driver and passenger are protected by optional air bags if necessary. High-quality materials combined with chrome and leather applications turn the interior into a sporty unity. Optional equipment and accessories, for example the modern multimedia navigation system and the three-way sound system, offer wide space for individualisati on.

Engine
With variable camshaft settings the renowned V6 four valve engine equipped with 3,189 cm3 of engine displacement — in the naturally aspirated as well as in the turbo version — combined with a max. torque already at 2,001 1/min has virtually an easy job with the 890 and 930 kg respectively of the »YES! Roadster 3.2« and »3.2 Turbo«. In doing so, the fuel consumpti on is only at 8,2 and 9,3 litre respectively on 100 km in the so called combined fuel consumption.

Transmission
A 6-speed-manual transmission or alternatively the 5-speed-automatic transmission (optional, only Roadster 3.2) together with a lengthwise build in powertrain take care of the power transmission onto the rear wheels. A rather low shifting effort and precise, short shifting travels allow fast and exact gear changes.

Chassis / axle / steering
Light double wishbones at the front and rear axle, adopted from race use, provide in combination with the adjustable spring and damper elements a high responsiveness and precise wheel guidance (optional sports suspension). The steering - being adjustable in the vertical and in the longitudal axis - supports this by its fingertip easy handling and direct set up.

Brakes / ABS
Ventilated brake discs on the front axle as well as on the rear axle provide a maximum deceleration and a well balanced braking power - also during a continuous run. The braking
power is transferred by 4-piston fixed callipers onto the brake discs. The pedal force is transferred directly in favour of a superior pedal feel , optionally supported by a multi-chanel ABS-system which is directly derived from racing.

Exhaust system
The exhaust system, consisting of two exhaust pipes made of high-quality steel, does not only release a powerful and individual sound via its two shape integrated pipe ends but also meets the demanding emision standards (Euro 4 in Europe , Lev 1 in the U.S.). Optionally, you can obtain a stainless steel-version.

Airbag
In adition to the usual high level of passive safety , full-size driver's and passenger's airbags are available for the - YES! Roadster 3.2 - and - 3.2 Tur bo -. Just in case.

Top / hardtop
We want you to enjoy it as often as possible: open driving. Therefore, we have also found space in the - YES! Roadster 3.2 - and the - YES! Roadster 3.2 Turbo - to store the familiar easy to assemble soft top — made of - Sonnenlandstoff - inside the car, by also additionally providing space for some weekend luggage. Optional and mostly for the cold season is the new hardtop - easily and quickly assembled the - YES! Roadster - turns into a coupe!

Gumpert Apollo - (2008)

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The Gumpert Apollo is the perfect synthesis between road vehicle and racing car. It exceeds all expectations with its passion and maximum driving fun. 650 HP, up to 360 km/h top-speed and an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds make it a full-blooded super sports car to which there is no alternative. The complete package is available at a cost-performance ratio unequalled in this exclusive vehicle class.

The production process is the one part of the manufacture philosophy in which exclusivity and precision are paramount to speed. Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur associates the term ‚manufacture' with it's the commitment to achieve quality and luxury by means of craftsmanship and hand-made production.

Roland Gumpert, founder, managing director and the driving force behind Sportwagenmanufaktur, has created a manufacturing environment that combines engineering excellence with a broad automotive and racing competence. Experts within the motorsports scene are all familiar with the name Gumpert: In the mid 1970s, the long-standing Audi manager was the driving force behind the development of the four-wheel drive "Iltis", the original predecessor of today's "Quattro". In 1979 he not only succeeded in preparing the gnarled four-wheel drive "Iltis" for the Paris-Dakar rally, but also achieved victory. In the years that followed under his management, Audi Sport won a total of 25 World Rally Championship races and was the 4-time winner of the World Rally Championship. Gumpert's professional success is distinguished by his ability to combine innovative ideas with proven technology effectively and successfully.

A team of automotive and motor sports specialists joined forces to pool their enthusiasm and energy into developing and creating the Gumpert Apollo. Their abilities create the space for the finest workmanship and utmost individuality, with the use of high-tech processes and integration of proven standard components securing the technical basis.

With the Gumpert Apollo we are providing a select clientele of ambitious sports drivers and car enthusiasts with the opportunity of experiencing the unique synergy between hand-made high-end components optimised for performance on the road and the track, and of distinguishing themselves from the remainder of the world of sports cars. Up to 100 vehicles will leave the factory each year - just enough to ensure that these exceptional vehicles retain their exclusive status.

Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur is an independent, privately financed company. The financial stability of the company is being secured by well-known investors. Their operative commitment will also promote the international sales and distribution of Gumpert Apollo.

The challenge was to develop an exceptional design that combined the extreme aerodynamic requirements of a performance-oriented, purist super sports car with the aesthetic design of an exclusive vehicle. We wanted to achieve the perfect synthesis of design and function. Without compromising. And we have succeeded with Gumpert Apollo: Its silhouette, optimised in numerous wind tunnel tests, reflects its by far superior capabilities.

In its profile, the Gumpert Apollo dynamic appearance is further enhanced by its dimensions (4.46 m length, almost 2 m width and 1.24 m height) and its streamlined, long and wide shoulder lines. The mid-engine layout is emphasised by the cockpit, which is clearly located toward the front of the vehicle, and the long wheel base; both factors ensure optimum driving qualities. Massive air inlets and outlets in the front and on the side in front of and behind the doors leave no doubt about its potency. Above all, though, they supply the two turbo-chargers and the high-performance braking system with enough fresh air to ensure optimum operation for the duration of a race. The high-set air intake for the engine is reminiscent of Formula 1 vehicles and emphasises Gumpert Apollo racing character. The dominant rear provides a view of the diffuser and the underbody, encased completely in carbon, - which, combined with the front diffuser and flow channels, achieves an exceptionally high negative lift for a road vehicle.

Gumpert Apollo leaves a lasting impression on anyone who sees it: It symbolises unusual power, dynamism and sportiness. It reflects above-average performance capability paired with timeless elegance, and even when it is not moving, shows that the design can only adhere to function: driving dynamics.

The secret of Gumpert Apollo is an innovative design concept from racing car engineering. The base and symbolic backbone of Gumpert Apollo consists a round tube frame made of top-quality and highly stable chrome-molybdenum-steel with an integrated monocoque safety cell made of high quality carbon fibre screwed directly onto the frame. The 161 kg (355 lbs.) construction design is so effective, so torsion proof and bend resistant that it complies with both the specifications of the European MOT approval and the international manufacture specifications of motor sports (see annex J of the FIA regulations). Gumpert Apollo succeeds in combining low weight with the rigidity of a racing car, finest driving dynamics and maximum safety. The Gumpert Apollo is one of the safest and most agile vehicles of its class.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

PAGANI Zonda R (2009)

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PAGANI Zonda R (2009)

A Pagani Zonda is never shy of a drive at the racetrack, a fact that was undermined numerous times in the past with records for production vehicles at the Nurburgring Nordschleife. With the input of its avid track focused customers, the Pagani team has created the Zonda R using bespoke engineering solutions to meet the performance demands for a trackday version of the highly popular Zonda F.

The central monocoque is made of a Carbon-Titanium composite, increasing rigidity while reducing significantly the weight. Bolted directly to the chassis is the Mercedes AMG 6.0 litre race derived V12 engine, with 750 hp and 710 Nm of torque. A direct throttle actuation via mechanical cable ensures immediate throttle response.

The Xtrac Magnesium cased dog ring gearbox combined with tha Automac Engineering AMT system performs gearshifts in 20ms, triggered by the drivers input on the paddles behind the steering wheel. A 12-way Bosch Motorsport traction control and ABS system allows the driver to fully adjust the settings while driving the Zonda R.

At the pits, each driver will be able to find a suitable setup thanks to a fully adjustable suspension and wing configuration. The effectiveness of the rear is matched by a complex new front bonnet, a masterpiece realised with the help of models by Ennegi, as well as the closed underbody and rear diffusor. Aerodynamic setups rage from a high downforce setting of 1.500kg to a 350kmh top speed setting.

Aspa forged AvionAl suspension components as well as machined structural ErgAl parts holding the engine and gearbox have been designed to reduce the weight of the overall car, Poggipolini Titanium screws are used on the whole car. These measures lead to a dry weight of 1,070 kg.

The interior has been designed to offer a perfect environment for the driver. The controls are limited to the indispensable, but the quality finish reflects the usual demanding Pagani standards. The bespoke Toora seats are FIA homologated and comply to latest HANS standards, five-point safety belts and a CrMo roll-cage assure the occupants’ safety.

The lucky owners of the Zonda R will experience a level of performance on the track, that is simply not possible on the road. A power-to-weight ratio of 701 hp-per-ton will catapult them from 0 to 60 mph in less than 2,7 seconds, the Brembo carbon ceramic brakes ensure the car comes to a standstill even quicker.

The Zonda R is built in a limited production run and sold at a price of 1.460.000 Euro plus taxes, a performance machine, a track toy, a collectors item, a masterpiece signed by Horacio Pagani