Author: Victor Ivanov

  • RENM Performance Lamborghini Gallardo STS-700

    RENM Performance has presented their latest project based on Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale. The already exceptional sports car is now even better. The name of the project is STS-700 and you may suggest why?

    The 5.2 liter V10 engine is boosted to 700HP (515 kW) at 8,500RPM, but no words about the torque, which is probably around 650Nm. The result is thanks to titanium connecting rods, larger titanium inlet, custom billet camshafts, exhaust ports, exhaust valves, custom billet pistons and crankshaft. There is also a valve-controlled titanium exhaust system which is 63% lighter. According to performance, the STS-700 is sensational – 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph) – this is 0.2 seconds quicker and 10 km/h, more.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiPDeO5kjyg

    The sports car also comes with complete carbon fiber body kit, which reduces the total weight and increases the downforce and airflow. It also provides better cooling for the engine and brakes, which are modified, too. The chassis and the suspension are improved by installing Ohlins three-way fully adjustable dampers, wider wheel tracks, adjustable front anti-roll bar and whisbone suspension links. The carbon-ceramic brake kit provides super stopping power.

    Last, but not least, the interior comes with Alcantara-wrapped lightweight sport seats, modified gear shifters, customized roll cage with four-point harness, fire extinguisher and seat belts.

    “The STS-700 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed over 330 km/h”, commented Neil Meka, CEO, RENM performance.

     

    “However, improved driving dynamics and track performance are the main advantages. Significant reductions in lap times were recorded throughout the vehicle’s development.”, he finished.

     

    RENM Gallardo STS-700:

    ·         Aerodynamic carbon fiber body kit;

    ·         Increased engine output to 700 PS;

    ·         Valve-controlled titanium exhaust system;

    ·         Chassis and suspension improvements;

    ·         Magnesium race wheels with race tyres;

    ·         Carbon ceramic brake kit;

    ·         Light-weight race seats in Alcantara;

    ·         Roll cage, harness and seat belts.

    Source: RENM Performance

  • 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage SP10 – Price €96,635

    Aston Martin has announced the V8 Vantage SP10, which is inspired by the GT4 Racer. The V8 Vantage S Special Edition will be available as both – Coupe and Roadster. The pricing start from €96,635.

    2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage SP10 is powered by a 4.7 liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with – 436HP (321 kW) and 490Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed automated manual transmission available as an option. 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 305 km/h (189 mph) for both versions.

    The Vantage SP10 is offered in a bespoke specification that reflects its close affinity with the racing car

    Both versions are finished in Ceramic Grey Metallic paint, while the Roadster’s top has a Titan Grey paint. Other special features include a set of 19” alloy wheels, black brake calipers, new front splitter, carbon fiber rear diffuser and new taillights. The interior boasts black accents and spectacular 1000 WATTS Bang & Olufsen BeoSound premium audio system.

    “Aston Martin has a long and successful tradition in motorsport. Since in the GT4 class the technical similarities between racing cars and their road model cousins are extremely pronounced, many of our customers see their own Aston Martin as a way to identify with our motorsport activities, or they actively participate as gentlemen drivers”, commented Jeffrey L. Scott, Managing Director of Aston Martin Lagonda of Europe.

    “With the new Vantage SP10 we are now offering a V8 Vantage S with a special motorsport and race track flair – at a competitive price point.”, he finished.

    Source: Aston Martin

  • 2013 Toyota GT86 TRD – Price £31,495

    2013 Toyota GT86 TRD

    Toyota has announced the pricing of the GT 86 TRD. The sports car will be run in limited series of just 250 units. All of them are equipped with performance features from TRD (Toyota Racing Development). GT86 is the first UK Toyota for which official TRD parts have been used to create a specific production model grade.

    The GT 86 TRD will hit the market on 1 March with pricing starting from £31,495 for the manual and £32,995 for the automatic versions. It will be available in a choice of two colours: Pearl White and GT86 Black.

    The sports styling includes a set of 18” cast TF6 alloys, deep front and side skirts, a rear bumper spoiler and a fast-response quad-exhaust system with a rear diffuser to increase stability. The TRD touches also extended to a branded radiator cap and fuel filler cover, while inside the car there is a new TRD gear shift lever.

    Standard equipment includes HID headlamps, front fog lamps, limited slip differential, Smart Entry and Start, dual-zone climate control, analogue dials and meters, drilled aluminium pedals, sports seats, scuff plates, cruise control and the Toyota Touch multimedia system.

    The performance remains unchanged – 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h (140mph), 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and 209 km/h (130 mph) – manual/automatic.

    There are slight changes in fuel consumption and emissions: 192g/km and 34.9mpg for the manual and 181g/km and 36.2mpg for the automatic (all figures official combined cycle).

    Source: Toyota

  • 2014 Toyota Tundra at the Chicago Auto Show

    Toyota has presented the new 2014 Tundra at the Chicago Auto Show. It is designed, engineered and built in the U.S. The Pick-up truck has a powerful front image and chiseled overall appearance.

    Outside, it features a muscular front view that signifies its “pulling power” through a wider, taller grille. There are also big headlamps that interlock with the rest of the front fascia. The front hood is raised by 1.6” contributing to the bolder appearance. The big bed has sculpted character lines all the way down the side leading to a new gate. There is also an integrated spoiler and “TUNDRA” embossed directly into the sheet metal creating a rugged high-tech look. The front bumper is also different compared to the previous model.

    The interior is more driver-centric thanks to moving the center stack 2.6” closer for easier access. There is a new gauge cluster with distinctive styling, which is easier to view.

    To satisfy the growing number of premium, full-size truck buyers, the redesigned Tundra will offer five distinct grades each with a “unique flavor” that is immediately recognizable — including a different front grille for each rather than just an equipment build up from grade to grade.

    The SR grade is our entry-level Tundra designed primarily for the work-use buyer who will value its excellent utility on the job.

    Although work-focused. the SR includes convenience features like Display Audio with integrated Backup Camera and Bluetooth as standard features.

    The SR5 will continue to be our volume model with a great mix of style and capability.

    SR5:

    • chrome grille surround,
    • fog lights,
    • satellite radio,
    • and optional 18” alloy wheels.

    Limited trim level:

    • a unique grille insert,
    • chrome accents,
    • and 20-inch alloy wheels.

    Inside heated leather bucket seats with power driver controls, wood grain trim and Display Audio with navigation and Entune add to the Limited’s well-appointed character.

    TRD Off-Road Package:

    • unique 18-inch wheels,
    • dedicated off-road tires,
    • and performance springs and shocks.

    Platinum trim level:

    • black premium leather seats and double stitching on the seats, doors and instrument panel inserts – along with chrome trim and brushed metallic accents

    Source: Toyota

  • Hartge BMW 6-Series GranCoupe

    Hartge has announced their tuning program for BMW 6-Series GranCoupe 640i and 640d models.

    The 640i is powered by a 3.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 320HP (235 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft). Hartge’s variant develops 367HP (270 kW) at 5,900RPM and 520Nm (383 lb-ft) of torque at 2,950RPM.

    The 640d also has a 3.0 liter straight-six engine with 313HP (230 kW) and 630Nm (465 lb-ft). After tuning, it has 362HP (266 kW) at 4,400RPM and 730Nm (538 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,800RPM.

    The additional power is thanks to increasing the airflow by using an in-house stainless steel exhaust system with Hartge‘s stainless steel middle and rear silencers with dual 80mm round tailpipes and ECU re-map.

    The styling mods include lowering sport springs by 25mm front and 20mm rear for the 640i and for 640d -30mm and -25mm. Hartge emblems on the hood and boot lid and a set of Hartge wheels. The interior boasts bespoke floor mats, aluminum emblem on the steering wheel and aluminum pedals.

    Source: Hartge

  • Ferrari F150 at the Race Track [video]

    Marchettino has published a video with the upcoming Ferrari F150, which has been put on testing at the Fiorano Race Circuit. The hyper-car will make its official debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

    The car wears a lot less camouflage than before, so some details are completely exposed. The F150 has enormous fenders, ventilated hood and headlights from 458 Italia. There is also a four-tailpipe exhaust system, which sounds sensationally. At the rear, the Ferrari’s signature – two round taillights.

    Nothing is confirmed for the powertrain, but rumors says that the F150 will have a V12 engine backed up by a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). The power will be around 950HP (699 kW) – 0-100 km/h in under 3 seconds and a top speed of 370 km/h (230 mph).

    The pricing will be around €1,200,000.
    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQpRtwxTXj0

    Source: Marchettino via Youtube

  • McLaren P1 at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show

    McLaren Automotive has confirmed that the global debut of the production-ready McLaren P1 will be at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show.

    The manufacturer has released a short video revealing the awesome sound of the sports car. It will dopt a race-inspired digital dash readout, and gives further information relating to the levels of performance that can be expected with a highly-focused “Race” mode.

    On selecting Race mode, the large double element adjustable ‘active’ rear wing extends, and the pitch of the wing alters into an optimal aerodynamic position. In Race mode the screen includes a bank of lights across the top, which illuminate green, followed by red and finally blue. These act as a shift indicator, as in a Formula 1 car.

    Still, no performance details were revealed, but the car is expected to come with a modified version of the 3.8 liter twin-turbo V8 fitted in MP4-12C.

    The McLaren Automotive press conference will take place at 11.15am CET (10.15am GMT), Tuesday 5 March.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVtCuyFSO6E

    Source: McLaren

  • 2013 Dacia Duster LPG for France

    Renault has presented the ultra-effective Dacia Duster LPG. The 4×2 version is powered by a 1.6 liter 16 valve petrol with 105HP (77 kW).

    The Ambiance and Laureate versions come with identical prices with their petrol-engined brothers – €13,350 and €14,350, respectively. In other words, you get way more economical vehicle with the same power and extras.

    The LPG Duster emits just 146g of CO2/km compared with 167g/km when using petrol. Its combined-cycle fuel consumption is 9.2 litres/100km with LPG and 7.2 litres/100km with petrol. However, at less than €1/litre, the pump price of LPG makes it a significantly more economical solution compared with petrol.

    As is the case with all LPG vehicles, the driver is free to choose between the LPG and petrol modes, and the switch between the two fuels is very simple. Running on LPG, Duster has a range of almost 1,000km on a full tank.

    LPG/petrol versions of Duster come with Dacia’s usual three-year or 100,000km warranty. In 2012, Dacia vehicles represented more than half of total LPG sales in France. The 34-litre LPG tank replaces the spare wheel beneath the boot (tyre inflation kit supplied).

    Order books for the LPG version opened across the French Dacia network on January 29, 2013.

    Source: Renault

  • 2013 BMW 3-Series GT [leak images]

    Here is the first official images of the all-new 2013 BMW 3-Series GT. The car is continuing the trend started with the 5-Series GT F07. The new 3-Series GT is expected to be officially presented at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March.The smaller 3-Series GT will have the same engine range as the F30 and will be available with RWD and world’s most intelligent AWD system – BMW xDrive.The new model boasts a raised seating position bringing better view and additional safety. There is also a two-tier rear hatch design, which looks a bit better than the one on the 5-Series GT. Still, the normal 3-Series is way more beautiful, but according to practicality, the GT version is perfect.However, the time will show whether the 3-Series GT will be a great mistake or a best-seller.

  • Ford Fiesta ST Global RallyCross Championship Race Car

    The 2013 Ford Fiesta ST is a race car built for the street. Actually, the Global RallyCross Championship (GRC) fans will soon get an up-close view of the same car built exclusively for competition at the Chicago Auto Show.

    The first Fiesta ST GRC cars will debut this season with Ken Block, Brian Deegan and two-time Global RallyCross champion Tanner Foust. Foust and Deegan will give performance car enthusiasts and media the first look at the OlsbergsMSE Fiesta ST GRC race car this week at the Chicago Auto Show.

    “Global RallyCross has been a great series for us to demonstrate what Ford’s small performance cars can do,” commented Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing.

    “With great drivers and teams, and now a formal manufacturer partnership with OlsbergsMSE, Ford Racing’s commitment to Global RallyCross is quickly growing. We’re excited about the debut of the Fiesta ST GRC car this year, and it will be fantastic to see Ford’s global performance car compete in four countries around the world this season.”, he added.

    To support development of the RallyCross Fiesta ST program, Ford Racing has formalized its manufacturer partnership with OlsbergsMSE, whose credentials include two consecutive GRC driver championships with Foust, and podium finishes at all six rounds in 2012. The team has helped Ford earn GRC manufacturer’s championships in 2011 and 2012.



    Fiesta success in 2012 Global RallyCross Championship

    • 1-2 finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway with Marcus Gronholm and Foust
    • Sweep at Texas Motor Speedway with Gronholm, Foust and Deegan
    • Silver and bronze at X Games with Block and Deegan
    • Third-place podium finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with Deegan
    • 1-2 finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with Foust and Deegan
    • 1-2 finish at SEMA in Las Vegas with Foust and Deegan
    • Foust clinched second-consecutive GRC Championship, followed by Deegan
    • Ford clinched second-consecutive GRC manufacturer’s championship with four first-place finishes and 12 podium appearances

    Source: Ford

  • 2013 Subaru WRX Special Editions – US Price $28,795

    Subaru of America, Inc. has presented 2013 Subaru WRX and WRX STI Special Editions. The 2013 WRX Special Edition starts from $28,795 and the powerful WRX STI is $34,795. This is an increase of $500 over the non-special edition series, but for these money you get quite a good value.

    The Special Edition WRX and WRX STI models feature an “Orange and Black” custom paint scheme, with Tangerine Orange Pearl paint off-set with jet black custom wheels, black front fender badging and exterior mirrors. The Special Editions cars also receive black exterior graphics.

    The interior of WRX Special Edition boasts dark trim including a black headliner. The Special Edition orange interior is also applied to the stitching on the seats, doors and shift boot, and custom orange trimmed floor mats. Both vehicles also feature front fog lamps.

    The WRX has a turbocharged petrol with 265HP (195 kW) and 330Nm (244 lb-ft) of torque, while the powerful WRX STI has 305HP. The power is put on the road through 6-speed manual gearbox and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

    The WRX STI is also equipped with Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) and a Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, the latter featuring a track performance-optimized mode.

    The Special Edition series is limited to just 200 units of WRX and 100 units of WRX STI.

    Source: Subaru

    Subaru of America, Inc. has presented 2013 Subaru WRX and WRX STI Special Editions. The 2013 WRX Special Edition starts from $28,795 and the powerful WRX STI is $34,795. This is an increase of $500 over the non-special edition series, but for these money you get quite a good value.

    The Special Edition WRX and WRX STI models feature an “Orange and Black” custom paint scheme, with Tangerine Orange Pearl paint off-set with jet black custom wheels, black front fender badging and exterior mirrors. The Special Editions cars also receive black exterior graphics.

    The interior of WRX Special Edition boasts dark trim including a black headliner. The Special Edition orange interior is also applied to the stitching on the seats, doors and shift boot, and custom orange trimmed floor mats. Both vehicles also feature front fog lamps.

    The WRX has a turbocharged petrol with 265HP (195 kW) and 330Nm (244 lb-ft) of torque, while the powerful WRX STI has 305HP. The power is put on the road through 6-speed manual gearbox and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

    The WRX STI is also equipped with Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) and a Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, the latter featuring a track performance-optimized mode.

    The Special Edition series is limited to just 200 units of WRX and 100 units of WRX STI.

  • Pininfarina at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show with a Tribute to Sergio

    Pininfarina will attend the 2013 Geneva Motor Show with a tribute to the man who headed the Company for 40 years and created cars which entered the legend, Life Senator Sergio Pininfarina.

    He passed away in July 2012, but his work will be forever remembered. Sergio is universally recognized as the “Maestro” of Italian style. His creative genius made exceptional design solutions.

    To celebrate his talent and his work, Pininfarina will present as a world premiere in Geneva a concept car, which renews the spirit of the extraordinary achievements born from Sergio Pininfarina’s pencil, translating it into a modern vision in the name of exclusivity, innovation and passion.

    The tribute is named after Mr. Pininfarina – Sergio. The Concept will be uveiled on March 5, 2013 at 1pm on the Pininfarina stand.

    Source: Pininfarina