Official: Nürburgring package for the Lexus LFA

Lexus has announced a Nürburgring package for its LFA supercar.

Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota Motor Corporation marks the participation of its LFA supercar in the challenge of the Nurburgring 24 Hours race with mega exclusive, new high-performance package engineered to appeal to customers seeking top-end track ride.

The new Nürburgring package provides additional aerodynamic features and technical revisions that improve handling and downforce without compromising the speed and acceleration .
Greater downforce, essential to peak track performance, has been gained through revisions and additions to several of the LFA’s CFRP components, including a larger front spoiler, side fin-type spoilers and a new fixed rear wing.

The Lexus LFA Nurburgring is powered by the standard 4.8-litre V10 engine that has received 10 extra bhp and now outputs 562 bhp. the gearbox of the Lexus LFA Nurburgring has also been improved over the standard car and now offers shift times of just 0.15 seconds. This means the Lexus LFA Nurburgring can get from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds and up to a top speed of 202 mph.

Handling modifications include sports tuning of the suspension and mesh-type wheels shod with dedicated high-grip tires.

Outside, the vehicle differs from its sleek series brother with larger front spoiler, side fin-type spoilers and new fixed rear wing. Its mid-front-placed 4.8-litre V10 powerplant now boasts 10bhp more and the gear shifts in the six-speed sequential transmission have been cut to just 0.15 seconds. The handling properties are strengthened by sports tuning of the suspension unit and mesh-type wheels shod with dedicated high-grip tyres.

The company plans on handing out just 50 examples within the standard LFA production run of 500 units.





Press Release

LEXUS UNLEASHES THE ULTIMATE LFA

Now available with
new track-focused Nürburgring package

KEY POINTS

• Lexus introduces Nürburgring package for the LFA supercar, aimed at
  hardcore track driving enthusiasts
• New aerodynamic elements for greater downforce, including fixed rear
  wing
• Power increased to more than 562bhp, gearshift times cut to just
  0.15 seconds
• Nought to 62mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds and top speed of 202mph
  maintained in spite of higher downforce
• Performance package launched in celebration of LFA's entry in the
  Nürburgring 24 Hours race
• Just 50 examples to be built, within the total LFA production limit
  of 500 cars

In celebration of its LFA supercar taking on the challenge of the
Nürburgring 24 Hours race in May, Lexus has launched a new performance
package designed to appeal to customers seeking full-blooded track
performance.

The new Nürburgring package provides additional aerodynamic features and
technical revisions that improve handling and downforce without compromising
the exceptional speed and acceleration that are central to the LFA's driving
character.

Greater downforce, essential to peak track performance, has been gained
through revisions and additions to several of the LFA's CFRP components,
including a larger front spoiler, side fin-type spoilers and a new fixed
rear wing.

Maximum power from the mid-front-mounted 4.8-litre V10 engine has been
increased by 10bhp to more than 562bhp and gear shifts in the six-speed
sequential transmission have been cut to just 0.15 seconds. Thanks to these
changes, nought to 62mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of
202mph are maintained, in spite of the extra drag created by the new
aerodynamic elements.

Handling modifications include sports tuning of the suspension and
mesh-type wheels shod with dedicated high-grip tyres.

Just 50 LFA will be available with the Nürburgring package, within the
car's strictly limited global production run of 500 examples. If they wish,
customers will be able to take advantage of individual driving instruction
on the legendary Nordschleife circuit from the Nürburgring's chief
instructors. They will also receive a one-year driving pass to the track.

Video:Mclaren MP4-12c Press Launch

McLaren has released an official video of last week's MP4-12C press launch.

The 12C is powered by a bespoke McLaren ‘M838T’ 3.8 litre, V8 twin-turbo engine producing around 600bhp, driving through a McLaren seven speed Seamless Shift dual clutch gearbox (SSG). It is targeting not only new standards for power and performance in its sector, but also class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions; supported by McLaren’s experience of active aerodynamics to aid cooling, grip, handling and road holding.

The MP4-12C will likely accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 3.8 seconds and have a top speed in excess of 300 km/h (186 mph).

It will be priced between £125,000 ($186,155 / €139,447) and £175,000 ($260,487 / €195,225) and "will feature innovative technical and customer-focused engineering and design that will offer new levels of performance in its price bracket."

via:world car fans





Press Release

On 18 March 2010, McLaren Automotive held a press conference for global media entitled ‘Inside McLaren - the Launch of a New Car Company'. The video footage includes the new McLaren MP4-12C high performance sports car, McLaren Automotive Executive Chairman Ron Dennis, McLaren Automotive Managing Director Antony Sheriff and 2009 and 2008 Formula 1 World Champions Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.

Notes to editors:

The McLaren MP4-12C goes on sale in spring 2011 from bespoke McLaren Automotive retailers in 19 countries across the globe. It sits in the market of ‘core' sports cars that cost between £125,000 and £175,000 and will feature innovative technical and customer-focused engineering and design that will offer new levels of performance in its price bracket.

The 12C will be built initially at the award-winning Fosters+Partners-designed McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, England. In spring 2011, the innovative combination of hand-built and ‘lean' production processes will transfer to the new £40 million McLaren Production Centre next door to the MTC.

The McLaren Automotive retail network will be confirmed through the second half of 2010, along with pricing of the 12C and final performance figures for the car.

Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss Edition and Hakkinen Shooting Commercial in Barcelona

Somebody at Daimler must have been a big fan of recent photos showing the Audi A1 S-line in Barcelona's Raval district.  The company has been working on a new video shoot for the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss Edition a few kilometers away from the A1 location, and close to scenes used in a video of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

The SLR Stirling Moss Edition was the last version that became the SLR McLaren, and was filed in 2009. Is inspired by the 300 SLR that Stirling Moss took the victory in the Mille Miglia in 1955, along with journalist Denis Jenkinson, ie, which has no windscreen or roof or anything like it.

With a weight of 200 kilos less than the conventional SLR, and a little more power (650 horses on the original 617), accelerates from 0 to 100 in 3.5 seconds and can take the 350 km / h. S'en only 75 produced, which were offered only to customers who already have a SLR to your garage. The price? Well 750.000 .- €. Almost nothing.
via:worldcarfans

Pagani Zonda R Official Promo [Video]

The Pagani Zonda R is the Italian supercar maker's most track-focused car. At the foundation of its performance lies a 48-valve 6.0-litre V12 engine acquired from Mercedes-Benz AMG division. It kicks out 750hp (552kw) and maximum torque rated at 710Nm. Accessing this power is a 6-speed sequential gearbox from XTRAC which runs the big Pirelli P Zero rear 335/30/20 tyres. Front rubber measures 255/35/19. Together they hurl the Zonda R from a standing position to 100km/h in 2.7 seconds. Top speed is estimated at over 350km/h.

Source:youtube

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 by BF performance

BF-performance has developed a new tuning package for the Gallardo LP560-4, both coupe and spyder versions. Called GT600, the tuning kit adds a stronger performance.


New body parts are made entirely of carbon fiber, and include new side skirts, rear diffuser, and a rear wing. A set of wing doors is also a part of the package.


The aerodynamic kit is completely made in carbon fiber and includes: air inlets, a new front spoiler, side skirts, a rear diffuser and a rear wing.


BF Performance claims that they have tuned the engine of the Gallardo, though they provide no specifications. They do say that, between the mods and the 43 kg reduced weight, their GT600 has better acceleration than the LP640-4 SV. Carbon-ceramic brakes were used to better control speed.


Inside, the company installed five-point belts and sport seats. Carbon was used on the handles, vents, switch casings, and steering wheel to further reduce weight. A rollover cage was also fitted to better protect passengers.


via:world car fans;Photos:emotorauto

Press Release

• Entirely new aerodynamics kit made of carbon
• Wing doors for the special appearance
• If desired the Gallardo can be equipped with rear-wheel drive
• Engineer design with carbon in optional colour

In the Swiss city Zug, perfection has a different meaning than in the
Italian town Sant’Agata Bolognese. While Lamborghini is satisfied with the
Gallardo LP560-4, the Swiss have higher demands – at least the engineers at
BF-performance. For them, the Gallardo is too innocent and neither dynamic
nor individual enough. Therefore, they turn both the Coupé and also the
Spyder into the GT600 which has a stronger performance, more self-confidence
and looks more aggressive.

Optimised under-body aerodynamics is guaranteed by the side skirts and
the rear diffuser which are both also made of carbon. The striking carbon
rear wing renders additional down thrust. Its edged design perfects the
design language of the Lamborghini and gives the Gallardo the finishing
touch.

The wing doors render a significant amount of individuality, but are
strictly limited to Lamborghini models with twelve-cylinder engines. Due to
the refinement by BF-performance, also the GT600 with a V10 engine can be
equipped with doors which are so typical for Lamborghini.

And of course the engineers also focused on the engine performance.
BF-performance has confirmed the performance of the new automobile in an
impressive race. On the Sachsenring round course, the GT600 even managed to
beat the stronger Lamborghini Murciélago LP640-4 SV by an impressive lead of
0.6 seconds

For the special individualisation, BF-performance offers a unique
amendment: it can be modified from a four-wheel drive car to a rear-drive
super car. This way, the GT600 combines the exclusive feature of the
Gallardo LP550-2 “Valentino Balboni“ with increased performance. The new
engine concept and 43 kilogramme of saved weight render a unique driving
experience.

The interior also follows this dynamic maxim. Apart from the sports bucket
seats, BF-performance also offers five-point belts, a roll-over cage and a
carbon-ceramic braking system with which the GT600 meets the highest racing
standards. BF-performance visually adjusts the interior to the increased
dynamics. The manufactory uses carbon on the steering wheel, door handles,
ventilation grids and even at the switch casings. The customer can even opt
for carbon in his favourite colour.

BF-performance offers the entire car with all components either as the
sporty Coupé GT600 or also as the Roadster GT600 Spyder.

The entire automobile confirms the perfection and passion for detail applied
by BF-performance. The Lamborghini specialist has already gained experience
with the predecessor model and now brings its art of engineering into
perfection with the GT 600. Also Lamborghini’s design development confirms
the talents of BF-performance, as the Swiss specialist is always one step
ahead of the Italian manufacturer.

Video: Aston Martin One-77 Testing

Aston Martin just released a new video of the One-77 testing on the automaker's proving grounds, meaning we get to listen to that 7.3-liter V12 being wrung out to max revs.

During testing, the One-77 cleared a top speed just over 220mph, or almost 355 km/h. This speed is generated by a new 7.3-liter V12 engine from the company.


All of which is very interesting, but there’s no substitute for a half-decent bit of VT. And this is half decent. The backing track’s a bit ‘royalty free, plink-plink’, but the there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the soundtrack coming from the One-77’s glorious, 7.3 litre V12.


These horses take the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and up to a tested top speed of 220.007 mph (354.86 km/h) in the dry. Unfortunately, the company will only build 77 units of the Aston Martin One-77. The deliveries will begin at the middle of this year.


Once it enters production, the Aston Martin One-77 will use a carbon fiber monocoque body. Assembly of the two-seat coupe will be limited to just 77 units, with delivery set to begin this summer.


Press Release

Aston Martin's One-77 supercar has moved closer to setting a new all-time record for the British marque in initial high speed testing after surpassing all predictions and comfortably breaking the 200mph mark.

The One-77 is currently undergoing a stringent development process ahead of planned launch in 2010 with high speed testing taking place at a top secret proving ground in southern Europe. In a series of test runs completed last week the One-77 exceeded original expectations and recorded a 220.007mph (354.86kmh) top speed in dry but windy conditions under the guidance of the Aston Martin engineering team. Dynamic testing is now scheduled to continue into the New Year.

Powered by a new Aston Martin 7.3 litre V12 engine, the One-77 is engineered to deliver breathtaking levels of power and performance. The dramatically styled two-door, two-seat sports coupe is based on an innovative new carbon fibre monocoque body structure and adopts new active aerodynamic technology.

The One-77 is the ultimate expression of what Aston Martin stands for and will combine modern technology and design with craftsmanship and ultimate exclusivity to create the world's most desirable automotive art form.

As name suggests, production is limited up to a maximum of 77 individually numbered examples, with deliveries expected to commence in mid-2010.

Photos:automotiveaddicts

GEMBALLA MIG-U1 - The super sports car in a unique overall concept

In the last 27 years, Uwe Gemballa has achieved the best world-wide reputation for refining Porsche cars. Now, the company manager from Leonberg near Stuttgart takes on a new challenge. The automobile manufacturer turns the most potent super sports car from Maranello, the Ferrari Enzo, into the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 - an individually produced edition, limited to only 25 cars.

The core part of the overall makeover is the entirely re-engineered aerodynamics concept by GEMBALLA. Without any exception, the manufacturer produces all components in real carbon in order to combine lowest weight with highest material strength.


Active aerodynamics for the maximum driving experience

Owing to the active aerodynamics conception, the front spoiler lip generates an additional downthrust of up to 35 kilograms at the front axle, according to the individual position.

Analogically, the flap on the newly designed rear spoiler generates even up to 85 kilograms more downthrust on the rear wheels. For optimal handling results, the flap lowers, as soon as the car reaches a speed of 120 km/h. In this way, the GEMBALLA-aerodynamics concept adjusts to the outer conditions and always ensures perfect road holding characteristics. All components of the aerodynamics kit attribute to this: starting from the new front skirt with spoiler lip, over the door extensions to the diffuser and rear spoiler.

The air duct system of the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 does not only help bringing the power of the twelve-cylinder car onto the road. At the same time, the engineers from Leonberg (Baden-Württemberg) develop an extensive ventilation- and cooling concept. Here, both the front and the back wheel-houses are supplied with cooling air and this guarantees an optimal use of the high performance braking system. The outlets behind the wheels ensure that the heated air does not pile up. Moreover, the air inlets behind the doors and on the roof supply fresh air into engine compartment behind the passenger cabin. The newly designed air exhaust ducts end in and on top of the rear skirt. Their dimensions also allow the supply of an additional radiator.


The GEMBALLA car body components therefore guarantee the functionality of the new super sports car and provide the car with a unique look at the same time. Following the design of Formula-1 racing cars, the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 has an extended front and an edged rear spoiler. Formerly rounded edges were replaced in order to provide the car with an aggressive look with greedy air inlets and outlets.

Even the rear lights do not remain openly on the back, but are cased and equipped with air ducts. The MIG-U1 grows broader by 80 millimetres at the front- and 100 millimetres at the back axle.

For everyday use, the optional electro-hydraulic height-adjustment (HLS) is extremely innovative and enormously helpful. By pushing a button in the passenger compartment, it is possible to lift the body by 45 millimetres at the front- and rear axle and therefore allows driving over obstacles such as underground car park entrances and traffic ramps. Also by pushing a button or by reaching 80 km/h, the MIG-U1 lowers itself to its original level. Additionally, the multiple adjustable sports suspension which is equipped with ball bearing bushes significantly improves the handling and driving comfort of the MIG-U1.


The forged wheels GEMBALLA GTR RACING forged by our development partner "Advanced Structural Alloys" contribute both to the appearance and the performance of the car. The wheels which are made from a massive light alloy block combined highest stability with an extremely light weight. The elaborate forging process reduces the unsprung masses of one wheel set by 16 kilograms. Therefore, the wheels respond in an even more agile way and precisely follow every steering command even under highest strains. At the front, the 10x19 inch rims hold high-performance wheels in the dimension 265/35, while the back axle transfers the power of the engine through 13x20 inch rims with 335/30 wheels.

The twelve cylinder engine of the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 works with an optimised motor management and an especially adjusted exhaust system. This combination allows a performance output of 700 hp (515 kW). The four-pipe system with pneumatic flap control is added to the sports catalyser. The end-pipes are equipped with the typical GEMBALLA heat shield and share the exit into the rear skirt with the exhaust ducts of the rear wheel houses.


High-End for the interior
In the interior, GEMBALLA devises a control centre which perfectly combines functionality and comfort. The especially for the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 designed seats, the custom-made centre console and the sports steering wheel with its leather-ultra suede combination guarantee full control over the car. At the same time, the interior of this super sports car reflects pure luxury.

All interior components are lined with leather and ultra suede. The integrated high-end multimedia system offers a seven-inch touch screen, navigation, DVD changer and an iPod connection. The 950-Watt amplifier operates the high frequency ranges in the cockpit front, the 165 millimetre large membrane on the door linings and the subwoofer between the seats.

GEMBALLA-logos on the seats, the floor mats and the safety belts perfect the refinement.
With the GEMBALLA MIG-U1, the automobile manufacturer once again proves that its know-how is not only limited to Porsche cars. On the basis of the already exhilarating Ferrari Enzo, the engineers developed a unique car. But even the limited edition with only 25 cars is not exclusive enough for GEMBALLA. Therefore, every single GEMBALLA MIG-U1 is individually adjusted. This ensures that there will not be any identical cars. Therefore, the specialist with its reputation for unique high-end refinement once again meets the requirements for highest individuality.

For more information about the about the extensive GEMBALLA refining programme, please visit the web site www.gemballa.com
More Photos

Detroit Premiere: Revenge Designs Verde Supercar Teased Ahead

This year a multiple powertrain option will be announced, although the optional HP2ge hybrid engine will not be displayed due to time constraints. It is said to return 110mpg through its V8/ electric motor combination. The system makes 678Nm (500 lb-ft) of torque. Power is a respectable 294kW (400hp). But the Revenge Verde super car itself, which has apparently garnered so much interest, is set for a public display regardless.


Revenge, the manufacturer-turned-tuner based in Indiana, Ohio, is poised for its second appearance at the North American International Auto Show. Last year the company showcased the Revenge GTMR at the same event.

According to the company website the Verde will launch at a price of US$180,000 which is quite less than the Gallardo's US$250,000. Sales are scheduled to begin in July.


"That Gallardo's clutch will run US$16,800 to repair," says Peter Collorafi, President and CEO. "Ours will be done with domestic vendors and labour and run US$3,200. That's a niche we want to fill."
Tom Dupont from the Dupont Registry will speak regarding the kind of international interest the super car has had when the Detroit curtains drop.
More Photos

Geneva Preview:Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera

This is a rendering of the upcoming Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera by graphic artist Jon Sibal. The rendering.
The debut for the new Lamborghini is set for the 2010 Geneva Auto Show in March.


The new Lamborghini will have the same LP560 gear box, a weight reduction of 70 Kg , and a power increase of 10HP, giving the LP570-4 Superleggera a 2.35 power to weight ratio. 0 to 60 is in 3.5 seconds.


Distinguishing the Superleggera will be the Italian flag colored stripes on the side of the car, as seen in the image here.


The LP570-4 Superleggera will be offered in 6 colors.

• Orange

• Lime green

• Yellow

• Black

• White

• Grey

Exclusive white & Italian flag bordered “Superleggera” stripping on the side.
The green, orange, and yellow Superleggera’s will have extensive carbon fiber black interiors with the stitching matching the cars exterior while the grey, white, and black Superleggera’s will be the same but with grey stitching.
Here are the different color version of the rendering reflecting the color options for the LP570-4 Superleggerra.


via: jonsibal

New Fenix Supercar

After first announcing plans for a new sports car company last November, Lee Noble, the man behind the newly established Fenix Automotive, has released several teaser sketches of a brand new supercar project his company is working on.

Due for launch in the second half of the year, the Fenix Automotive supercar will be a two-seater mid-engined vehicle with up to 650-horsepower and cost upwards of £100,000 (approximately $162,504).


Lee Noble calls it 'a natural, but even more focused successor' to the M12. And it'll be quick: power comes from a choice of two GM-sourced V8s mounted amidships and driving the rear wheels through a Graziano transmission.

'The M12 was hugely successful, but we needed to move the game on in terms of design,' he says. 'The new car’s styling owes nothing to what I’ve done before and has quite literally been a ‘clean sheet’ exercise from the start. It’s edgy, with powerful lines, and aerodynamically will be in another league to any of my previous cars.'


Several different versions will be developed, with power ranging from 480-horsepower in the base model equipped with a GM-sourced LS3 V-8 and topping out at 650-horsepower for the supercharged LS9-equipped range-topper. The gearbox will be a Graziano six-speed manual unit, which incidentally is the same one used in the upcoming Noble M600.
Other details include a 2,645-pounds kerb weight and a 0-60 mph time of less than 3.5 seconds. Top speed will be in excess of 200 mph.
According to Noble, the car will feature a special feature that will make compliant on the road or the track. The first prototype is already in development and production should start in the middle of the year. Only 100 units are planned and no details have been released on whether it will be manufactured in left-hand drive.
via:motorauthority