Author: Victor Ivanov

Carlex Design Lamborghini Aventador LP720-4 Anniversario

Lamborghini Aventador LP720-4 50Anniversario is really a spectacular hyper car with sensational exterior, super-powerful engine and impressive interior. However, there are few things to be made for even more exclusivity. Carlex Design has given the interior of the special Aventador a complete makeover.

The Polish interior specialists restyled the interior of only one of the 100 units build by Lamborghini. The exterior is finished in attractive Giallo Maggio yellow paint and this theme is carried over inside.

The interior of the tuned Aventador Anniversario boasts black and yellow leather all-around including seats, steering wheel, door panels and on the dashboard. The result is just impressive.

As a reminder, the Aventador LP720-4 50 Anniversario is powered by an updated 6.5 liter naturally aspirated V12 – 720HP (529 kW). The engine is mated to an ISR gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (218 mph).

Source: Carlex Design

2005 BMW E60 ///M5 – The Last Naturally Aspirated M5

BMW has started production of M5 back in 1986 and since then all sports premium saloons have been powered by a powerful naturally aspirated engines. The E28 M5 had 3.5 liter I6 with 286HP (210 kW), the E34 M5 had 3.6 or 3.8 liter I6 with 315HP (232 kW) and 340HP (250 kW) respectively, the E39 M5 had a mighty 5.0 liter V8 with massive 400HP (294 kW) and the 2005 BMW E60 M5 is powered by a 5.0 liter V10 with 507HP (373 kW). The M5 F10, which was presented in 2011 is powered by a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 with 560HP (412 kW).

2005 BMW E60 M5 is probably the last naturally aspirated M5 ever produced. Due to ECO and noise regulations, the future M5 cars will have downsized turbocharged engine and ever hybrid powertrains. This is a huge loss for the real motorsport fans, who adore everything in E60 M5 and especially the impressive engine.

Speaking about it, the S85B50 powering E60 M5 is a 5.0 liter 90-degree V10 producing 507HP (378 kW) at 7,750RPM and 520Nm (384 lb-ft) of torque at 6,100RPM. It has cast aluminum block with bed plate design split at the crankshaft axis, cast aluminum heads with 4 valves per cylinder and CNC machined ports and combustion chambers. The valves are actuated through non-rotating inverted bucket cam followers. It also features oil-cooled, forged aluminum pistons from Mahle Motorsport and forged steel crankshaft with counterweights, shared crankpins producing an uneven firing interval of 90 or 54 degrees. The double VANOS system varies both intake and exhaust cam phasing. Last, but not least are the ten individual electronically controlled throttle butterflies and Quasi-dry sump lubricating system. The firing order for the S85B50 is 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9.

The engine is connected to an all-new Getrag SMG III single-clutch 7-speed semi-automatic transmission, which can change gears in impressive 65 milliseconds.

The performance is simply impressive for a family saloon – 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds (there are records ranging between 4.1 to 4.5 seconds), 0-200 km/h in 14.0 seconds and an absolute top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph), which is unreachable for most of the supercars produced nowadays. The E60 M5 weighs 1,855 kg, so it has a power-to-weight ratio of 3.66 kg / HP.

Other interesting figures for the E60 M5 are a Nurburgring lap in 7 minutes and 52 seconds and a Top Gear lap in 1 minute and 26.2 seconds.

We sorry, so much that BMW won’t ever produce such epic naturally aspirated engines, but life goes on!

Enjoy the video published by our friend Zender Motorsport owning an impressive, black E60 M5!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_ESDd12UQ0

2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class – Off-Road Debut [video]

Mercedes-Benz has published a nice photo session and video with the all-new 2014 GLA-Class doing some off-road. The crossover comes with 4MATIC all-wheel drive system providing superb traction in all conditions.

Combining the unique suspension setup of the new GLA which aims to strike a balance between on- and off-road demands and the traction afforded by 4MATIC, the car thrived in the challenging conditions within the mine – its traction systems coping with the broken terrain and salt road tunnels with ease. The Intelligent Light System (ILS) fitted to the cars meant the eight-metre high tunnels (most of which are completely dark) were lit up spectacularly.

The GLA was driven in the empty spaces left behind by the mining of salt – spaces now being filled by a thriving DeepStore document storage business. Organisations such as the National Archives now store millions of physical files deep below the ground in a secure and extremely dry environment – the mine naturally remains at a constant 14 degrees – making it ideal for such purposes.

2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA is now available on the market with pricing starting from £25,080 OTR for the GLA 200 CDI.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Epxp3PBLmI

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Abu Dhabi BMW 1-Series M135i – Another One!

Abu Dhabi Motors has unveiled another BMW 1-Series M135i Special Edition . The hot hatchback comes with minor styling upgrades only for the exterior.Outside, Abu Dhabi M135i comes with white paint finish and a lot blue and black accents. There is a full ///M Performance Package including carbon fiber bumper splitters, side sills and mirror covers along with a blackened kidney grille and smoked taillights. Last, but not least are the decals on the side doors. The look is way more cleaner and impressive than the previous version.The engine is a 3.0 liter six-cylinder twin-turbo with 320HP (235 kW) at 5,800RPM and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque at 1,250RPM. 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.No words about pricing, yet.

Toyota TS040 Hybrid Race Car

Toyota Racing has unveiled the new 2014 TS040 Hybrid Race Car, which will compete in FIA World Endurance Championship. The new car, revealed today at the Paul Ricard circuit in the South of France, represents the most advanced hybrid technology in modern racing. Tomorrow it will begin an official championship test session, prior to making its competition debut at the season-opening Six Hours of Silverstone race on 20 April.

The drivetrain includes a 480HP (353 kW) all-wheel drive hybrid boost and 520HP (383 kW) 3.7 liter V8 petrol engine. The overall power is exactly 1,000HP (736 kW), so the rival manufacturers Audi and Porsche should be very concerned.

The new powertrain has been developed in line with revised WEC technical regulations, which put an emphasis on fuel economy. Teams are required to use 25% less fuel than in 2013, with savings achieved through changes to powertrains, aerodynamics and driving style. By adopting more road-relevant technology, the WEC will increase the possibilities for the transfer of Toyota’s race-bred technical know-how to its production cars, strengthening is status as the world’s leading manufacturer of hybrid vehicles.

Toyota Racing have made gains in efficiency and performance by using specialist lubricants they have developed with their official partner, Total. The more open regulations have also allowed the team to engineer a major increase in hybrid power, using a new motor-generator on the front axle in addition to the unit at the rear. Under deceleration, these motor generators apply braking force in combination with the traditional mechanical brakes to harvest energy, which is then transferred via an inverter to a super-capacitor. When the car accelerates, the motor-generators reverse their function, delivering a power boost to all four wheels.

2014 FIA World Endurance Championship Calendar:

20 Apr	Six Hours of Silverstone (GB)
3 May	Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (Bel)
14 Jun	Le Mans 24 Hours (Fra)
20 Sep	Six Hours of Circuit of the Americas (USA)
12 Oct	Six Hours of Fuji (Jpn)
2 Nov	Six Hours of Shanghai (Chi)
15 Nov	Six Hours of Bahrain
30 Nov	Six Hours of Sao Paulo (Bra)

Source: Toyota

2015 Ford Mustang GT – 5.0 liter Supercharged V8 – 700HP

The new 6^th generation Ford Mustang is going to get a supercharger kit from Whipple. They will offer a 2.9 liter twin-screw supercharger for the V8 5.0 liter engine.

The result is no less than 700HP (522 kW) when running on 91-octane fuel. This is an increase of 280HP, but nothing is mentioned about the torque. The supercharger kit is offered with a standard six-or optional ten-rib belt system along with an aluminum intercooler.

The customers will be able to opt for a 5-year or 100,000-mile engine warranty.

– An estimated 700HP with 91-octane fuel
– No other upgrades required, just massive power right out of the box, more HP per PSI than any other system
– Front entry W175ax (2.9 liters) Whipple twin-screw supercharger that significantly outperforms competitions 1.9L and 2.3L roots-type systems
– 26% more displacement then Eaton 2.3L supercharger
– Integrated Crusher™ 170mm oval inlet
– Massive air-to-water aluminum bar-plate intercooler with 15% more square area then previous generation
– Massive aluminum intercooler reservoir holds more than double the IC water then previous generation
– Whipple Superchargers massive oversized intercooled air-bypass system for industry leading reduction of burst knock and incredible fuel economy
– Self-contained oversized oil system for dramatically reduced oil temps in even the most demanding conditions
– One-turn turn inlet allows for decreased induction losses when compared to rear inlet systems and 180deg bends
– Center discharge port for better cylinder to cylinder distribution then other twin-screws with cobbled together billet adapters and forward facing discharge
– Discharge down design allows for less pressure loss which gives more power at lower boost levels
– Top mount design allows for cooler operation then upside down SC’s that conduct heat from engine and are trapped by runners and covers, causing hotter manifold temps and less power per pound of boost
– More boost at the “hit” than any other twin-screw
– Flat torque curve for incredible acceleration
– Oversized heat exchanger for incredible intercooler water temps
– 65lb/hr high flow fuel injectors included
– Proven 6-rib belt system with adjustable idler system for easy belt changes and multiple pulley configurations
– Optional race 10-rib belt system
– Stainless steel jack-shaft with unique plastic cover (or optional carbon fiber) for increased safety
– OEM quick connect fittings for easy installation, no ugly brass or steel fittings on the SC
– Complete kits, Tuner kits and Hot Rod kits are available
– Available in wrinkle black, polish or any custom color
– Easily upgradeable with big cold air intakes and bigger throttle bodies
– Optional 5-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty

Source: Ford

2014 BMW 2-Series Active Tourer ///M Sport

Can you think of something uglier than BMW 2-Series Active Tourer? No, it’s not Fiat Multipla (even though it is quite nasty), it is 2-Series Active Tourer with ///M Package. The German automaker has quietly introduced it as they hope nobody will see it, but we do.

The exterior comes with complete aerodynamics package including new front and rear bumpers, a high-gloss black grille, a new diffuser and sport tuned suspension ( reducing the ride height by 10 mm). There are also new 17” or 18” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires.

The interior features leather sport steering wheel, leather front sports seats, an anthracite roof and ///M door sill plates.

The engine range of 2-Series Active Tourer includes a 1.5 liter three-cylinder petrol with 136 HP (100 kW) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque; a 2.0 liter four-cylinder petrol with 231 HP (170 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) and a 2.0 liter four-cylinder diesel with 150 HP (110 kW) and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque.

Source: BMW

Hartge BMW X5 F15 Wheels

Hartge is now offering several wheel sets for BMW X5 F15. These include Hartge Classic 2, Hartge Ultima Ultra Light forged for vehicles with or without ///M Aerodynamic package. There are also Hartge Ultima silver wheels.

The tuning company also offers different types of wheel spacers in order to make the perfect set suitable to customers’ needs.

The alloy wheels range in dimensions from 9.5 J x 21” to 10.5J or 12J x 22” and even 11J x 23”. Hartge also offers different tires for all rims – 285/35 ZR21, 295/30 ZR22, 335/25 ZR22 and 315/25 ZR23.

All sets of wheels and tires are tested and TUV certified. The price list is available upon request.

Source: Hartge

2015 Acura TLX GT Race Car

Acura Motorsports has unveiled the the new 2015 TLX GT Race Car, which will make its official debut at the Pirelli World Challenge competition on May 30^th. It will face Audi R8 LMS, Cadillac CTS-V, Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper, Lamborghini Gallardo, Mercedes SLS, Nissan GTR, Porsche 911 and Ferrari 458.

“The competition in the 2014 Pirelli World Challenge is incredible, but Acura has never shied away from strong competition, in the marketplace or on the race track,” commented Art St. Cyr, President of Honda Performance Development and Vice President, Product Planning and Logistics, American Honda.

“The 2015 Acura TLX is a true luxury sport sedan, so it is fitting that the car be raced against several of its natural competitors, and even some up-market brands, in the Pirelli World Challenge.”, he added.

The Acura TLX GT Race Car will feature HPD chassis and aerodynamic performance parts approved for Pirelli World Challenge competition, and will be powered by a direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, developed by HPD from the normally aspirated, production TLX luxury sport sedan. It will utilize all-wheel drive, as found in Acura’s SH-AWD system.

Source: Acura

2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-440 Special Edition

Mitsubishi Motors UK is going to offer Lancer Evolution X FQ-440 MR Special Edition. The model is created to celebrate the company’s 40^th Anniversary in the UK. The Lancer Evolution X has already achieved legendary status thanks to its past rallying successes and this special edition will help push the boundaries even further with more power than ever before.

“Mitsubishi Motors in the UK are pleased to announce that, as part of our celebrations of being 40 years in the UK, we will be producing 40 special edition Evo Xs. The Lancer Evolution has always been a halo model for Mitsubishi and this special edition is no exception. More powerful than ever before and with a very limited availability, it will be a ‘must have’ for all die-hard Evolution fans!”, commented Lance Bradley, Managing Director for Mitsubishi Motors in the UK.

FQ-440 Specification

Technology:

Bespoke engine ECU re-map developing 440bhp at 6,800rpm and 412 lb.ft at 3,100rpm
HKS turbo
Janspeed exhaust system with a high-flow sports catalytic convertor
6 Speed Twin Clutch Sports Shift Transmission (SST)
Janspeed intake & intercooler piping kit
Janspeed tubular manifold
Motorsport specification high-flow fuel injectors
Alcon front braking system – 6 pot mono-block front calipers with floating disc and bell assembly
Alcon rear caliper with floating disc and bell assembly
Front suspension lowered by 35mm
Rear suspension lowered by 30mm
Eibach coil springs
Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) with full time 4WD system
Keyless Operation System (KOS) with push button start
CAT 1 approved alarm immobiliser

Exterior:

Forged 18” BBS alloy wheels
Bi-xenon headlights with adaptive front-lighting system (AFS)
Front fog lamps
PIAA motorsport silicone windscreen wiper blades

Interior:

Recaro branded leather bucket seats
Rockford Fosgate premium audio with SD card based music server – 8 speakers + subwoofer
Leather sports steering wheel with audio and cruise controls
SD Card based Navigation system with 7-inch LCD touch screen
Airbags – dual front, side, curtain and driver’s knee SRS airbags
Bluetooth handsfree system with music streaming
High contrast LCD Display
Climate control
USB terminal

Additional Equipment:

All vehicles will be fitted with a data recorder which is connected through the On-board diagnostic (OBD) system. This will record details such as driving style, performance, vehicle diagnostics, and present location. Details of the data will be available to both CCC and the registered owner of the vehicle. The fitment of, and reporting of data from this device is a condition of the vehicle warranty. A three year subscription to the service is included in the vehicle price.

Colours

Lancer Evolution will only be available in Frost White (W37)

Pricing

QG5 Lancer Evolution X FQ-440 MR will be priced £50,000

Servicing and Warranty

Servicing schedules for the Lancer Evolution X FQ-440 MR will consist of an initial 1,000 mile oil change, with further service intervals at 4,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. The FQ-440 is supplied with a comprehensive 3yr or 36,000 mile warranty.

Source: Mitsubishi

2014 Volkswagen Transporter – Combined Cycle 5.8 l / 100 km

Volkswagen is now offering the most economical Transporter in the UK. 2014 Volkswagen Transporter Bluemotion is able to return 48.7 mpg UK – 5.8 liters / 100 km on combined cycle with emissions of only 153 g/km.

The class-leading fuel efficiency is possible thanks to some recent updates for the BlueMotion model. These include modifying of the engine management system and transmission as well as using low rolling resistance tyres, Start/Stop and battery regeneration systems and cruise control. Every aspect of the vehicle’s specification has been optimised to reduce weight and improve aerodynamics. The engine is the well-known 2.0 liter TDI with 114HP (84 kW) and 250Nm (185 lb-ft) of torque.

At the heart of the Transporter BlueMotion is the familiar 114 PS 2.0-litre TDI engine with common rail direct injection, which delivers a maximum of 250 Newton metres of torque.

The cleanest and most fuel-efficient Transporter panel van ever is available to order now through Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Van Centre network. The pricing start from just £19,245.

Source: Volkswagen