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Torpedo Run 2011: One of the last adventures of our time

Driving, action and having fun – the Torpedo Run is a horsepower-orgy Standing in the light of sports cars and luxury limousines, Torpedo Run – a horsepower-party – combines driving, action and having fun altogether! This is happening for the 7^th time and this time the goal is to promote it on daily events, while in the evening, exquisite gourmet pleasures pleased the sense of taste.

To be more precise the automobile party included participants from all over Europe. It lasted three days and led from Bad Ragaz in Switzerland, through the towns of Kitzbühel and Velden in Austria, till the Mediterranean Coast in Slovenia. What is to be highlighted is that this year’s program offered a new race-track with Formula 1 license, fast bobsled runs and an adventurous off-road excursion in steep mountains!

In these three days there could be seen enormous power and a pure sound party at the Torpedo Run 2011. For instance, you could see rare sports cars and exotics like Wiesmann MF 5 Roadster, Corvette ZR1, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Lexus IS-F or an almost 600 hp/441 kW strong Mustang GT in muscle car design. Moreover, there were Porsches and compact sports cars such as BMW 1 Series M Coupé or Lotus Elise.

All these beauties were driven almost everywhere on this perfect occasion. In addition, the Torpedo Runners enjoyed a lot of nice corners and impressive landscapes with stunningly beautiful sights. The specific roads in the Alps made the Torpedo Run even more exciting and gave pure pleasure to the drivers!

Of course, there was a special arena – The new Red-Bull-Ring, where the Torpedo Runners were speeding on the new Red-Bull-Ring. This Ring is actually the Austria Ring or A1 Ring Red Bull, but more modernized and improved! Thank to it one could hear the sound of the engines and feel their power, while driving skillfully through the fast downhill corners.

A lot of adrenalin got produced these three days: the Torpedo Runners drove down a mountain in a 3535 meters long roller coaster with steep turns and “jumps” with descents of up to 6 meters! Even more, they experienced the legendary Olympic bobsleigh run of Innsbruck. With around 100 kph, the teams sped down the 14 corners on the 1270 meters long run!

On the other hand the Torpedo Runners switched cars to off-road cars! They enjoyed “off-roading” a mountain in the Alps. The route wasn’t a light one and led over a bumpy and narrow gravel road with tight corners, which have been built into the sheer mountain inclination. This is one of the most difficult itineraries in the Alps; however the Torpedo Runners performed their best!

The Torpedo Run 2011 was definitely great fun for all of the participants. It was mentioned as one of the most exciting and exclusive events of the year. The result is that all of the participants are eagerly looking forward to the next Torpedo Run 2012! The great news is that everyone can join it, but hurry up because the reservations have already started at www.torpedorun.com! The next 2012 Torpedo Run will take place on an extended weekend in September.

December 5, 2011

The most expensive car crash in the world

8 Ferraris, 2 Mercedes and a Lamborghini in collision in Tokio

The most expensive collision of cars in history just happened in Tokio, Japan. In it were involved 14 luxury automobiles: eight Ferraris, two Mercedes and one Lamborghini. The other cars involved were Nissan and Toyota vehicles. The estimated worth of the crashed automobiles is over $4000000.

The accident happened on the highway, where a sports car admirer lost control over his own Ferrari because of the humidity of the road. Changing the lanes, he spun back across the highway and ended up in making an expensive freeway pileup. Fortunately no one is badly hurt and there are nod lethal cases thank to the good safety systems of the cars. However, the accident made really serious damages to the luxury cars and their recovery is impossible.

Among the smashed cars were two Ferrari F430s, two Ferrari F355s, two Ferrari 360Modenas and a Lamborghini Diablo.

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

December 5, 2011

2012 Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo Diesel Price – £27 120

Vauxhall has announced the new Insignia BiTurbo coming with the most powerful diesel engine the manufacturer has ever produced. Furthermore it has CO₂ emissions as low as 129g/km.

2012 Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo is now available on the market with a choice of five-door Hatch and Sports Tourer bodies in SRi, SRi Vx-line and Elite trims. The price starts at – £27 120 OTR.

The 2.0 liter bi-turbo diesel produces 190PS (140 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque from just 1750RPM. The performance is superb – 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and including standard Start/Stop across the range – the FWD Hatch achieves a combined cycle of 57.6mpg.

The Vauxhall’s clever FlexRide adaptive damping is standard on all Insignia BiTurbos, which is normally a £790 option on front-wheel drive models. The system reacts within milliseconds to driver inputs and can ‘learn’ how the car is being driven and adapt damper settings accordingly. Drivers can also select Tour and Sport buttons, and configure the throttle, steering and damper settings in Sport mode separately.

On 4WD models, FlexRide is integrated with the car’s Torque Transfer Device (TTD) and the rear axle’s electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD). These features allow torque to be automatically transferred between front and rear wheels, and between left and right wheels on the rear axle, offering exceptional levels of traction, grip and control.

In common with other models in the Insignia range, the BiTurbo has the option of Vauxhall’s new Front Camera System, with traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control, which allows the driver to maintain a set distance from the car in front.

Check out the full specs and price list, below!

2012 Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo Diesel

Cylinders:	4
Bore/Stroke:	83mm/90.4mm
Displacement:	1956cm³
Max Output:	195PS @ 4000rpm
Max Engine Torque:	400Nm @1750-2500rpm
Compression ratio:	16.5:1

Performance

0-60mph	Manual FWD	Manual AWD	Automatic FWD
Hatch	8.2 secs	8.4 secs	8.3 secs
Sports Tourer	8.4 secs	8.6 secs	8.7 secs

Fuel Efficiency and CO₂

Hatchback	Manual S/S FWD	Manual S/S AWD	Automatic FWD
Urban	46.3	42.2	35.8
Extra-Urban	67.3	58.9	60.1
Combined	57.6	54.4	47.9
CO₂	129	146	155

Sports Tourer	Manual S/S FWD	Manual S/S AWD	Automatic FWD
Urban	43.5	40.4	33.2
Extra-Urban	65.7	60.1	50.4
Combined	55.4	51.4	42.2
CO2	134	149	158

BiTurbo List Price

Hatchback	List	VAT	Total	OTR
SRi 2.0CDTi (195PS) S/S	£21,970.83	£4,394.17	£26,365.00	£27,120.00
SRi 2.0CDTi (195PS) 4X4 S/S	£24,033.33	£4,806.67	£28,840.00	£29,725.00

SRi Vx-line 2.0CDTi (195PS) S/S	£22,987.50	£4,597.50	£27,585.00	£28,340.00
SRi Vx-line 2.0CDTi (195PS) 4X4 S/S	£25,050.00	£5,010.00	£30,060.00	£30,945.00

Elite 2.0CDTi (195PS) Automatic	£25,837.50	£5,167.50	£31,005.00	£31,925.00

Sports Tourer	List	VAT	Total	OTR
SRi 2.0CDTi (195PS) S/S	£23,120.83	£4,624.17	£27,745.00	£28,615.00
SRi 2.0CDTi (195PS) 4X4 S/S	£25,183.33	£5,036.67	£30,220.00	£31,105.00

SRi Vx-line 2.0CDTi (195PS) S/S	£24,137.50	£4,827.50	£28,965.00	£29,835.00
SRi Vx-line 2.0CDTi (195PS) 4X4 S/S	£26,200.00	£5,240.00	£31,440.00	£32,325.00

Elite 2.0CDTi (195PS) Automatic	£27,000.00	£5,400.00	£32,400.00	£33,320.00

Source: Vauxhall

December 5, 2011

Celebrities and Mercedes-Benz [part 2]

Nicole Scherzinger and Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

Nicole Scherzinger drives the exceptional Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG. This sport car is dynamic and full of emotion (I bet Nicole is too), and all this is because of the AMG 8-cylinder engine with larger displacement. The effect is the development of the whole 525 hp (386 kW) and torque of 630 Nm (465 lb-ft). The AMG SPEEDSHIFT delivers its innovative 7-speed sports transmission, with which Miss Scherzinger won’t be late for any concert! Nicole’s taste is a great one and obviously she is into cars, which combine the sportiness and spontaneity of a manual gearbox with the comfort of an automatic transmission. This will undeniably ensure that she got all the driving a pleasure! Oh and not to forget the price of the car: it costs around $133000.

Nicole Scherzinger - Mercedes SL63 AMG — Nicole Scherzinger – Mercedes SL63 AMG

Denise Richards and Mercedes-Benz GL450

The ex-wife of Charlie Sheen obviously has admirations for bigger cars. She has paid for this beautiful SUV the amount of $80000. For this sum she got one of the best-looking SUV that Mercedes builds. Moreover this car has the luxury V-8 with three rows of seating. However we give an advice to the superstar, which is to look forward to the future with more ”eco”-eyes. This is very easily achievable, because Mercedes offers a very smart diesel – GL320 BlueTec. With it Denise will have the opportunity to show that she cares for the environmental well-being of the planet, just like her colleague – Christina Applegate (for more information see part 1 of the article).

Denise Richards - Mercedes-Benz GL450 — Denise Richards – Mercedes-Benz GL450

Patrick Dempsey

The next celebrity that caught our attention is the movie star from Grey’s Anatomy – Patrick Dempsey. He has not only one, but two vehicles caring the brand of Mercedes-Benz. We are absolutely sure that he enjoy every summer driving his retro convertible, which adds more to his fabulous status! Unfortunately, he has kept the details about the price for himself. Moreover, he not only got the pleasure to drive this cabriolet, but also enjoys driving another Mercedes car. And this is Mercedes SLS AMG. Here, this “joy” has cost him the amount of $200000. And compared to Eddie Murphy we must confirm that he is more into sport type of vehicles. We also have to highlight the unique design of the automobile (see the Gullwing doors), and to mention the 6.3 V8-powered AMG engine (420 kW/571 hp) that this lovely car has! Applauses for Dempsey!

Gerard Butler and Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID

Even the Scottish star enjoys driving a Mercedes, and more importantly – a special one! This is Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID – the ultimate combination of eco and luxury car! The vehicle is also special because it is the first hybrid from Mercedes. Butler has paid for this environmental-friendly car the sum of $90000. And if you wonder about the engine in this S-Class Sedan, it is being powered by a hybrid system with a 3.5-liter V6 gas one. The high–power profile of Mercedes is maintained exactly by this hybrid system. In addition the electric-gas combo delivers a total output of 295 horsepower (217 kW), which are channeled through a 7-speed automatic transmission. Definitely Mr. Butler got our admirations for this “green” ride!

Gerard Butler - Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID — Gerard Butler – Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID

[part 1]

December 5, 2011

2013 Venom GT Spyder

2013 Venom GT Spyder We have very special news from Hennessey Performance (HPE)! HPE have decided to offer in 2013 its ultra lightweight supercar with a removable roof. The vehicle named Venom GT Spyder has the astonishing 1200 horsepower and weights 1200 kilo. This means that you will definitely enjoy the summer breeze when you drive this mid-engine “monster” without the top. HPE’s goal was to offer their customers greater driving sensation.

For the year of 2013 HPE will build only five Venom GTs and unfortunately two of them have already been ordered. Furthermore deliveries will be made in the summer of 2012. Of course HPE cares about their client’s individual taste and offers them the choice to purchase the Venom GT – with a fixed hardtop roof, or the new modified Venom GT Spyder – with the new removable top. And if you are willing to buy this exceptional car, you’ll have to prepare at least $950000, which is the base price for the Venom GT. However, if you like better The Venom GT Spyder, then you’ll have to pay $1.1 million.

This open-air American supercar is built in Texas and provides the best power to weight ratio available on the market. Venom GT Spyder is powered by twin-turbo 6.2 liter V8 with 1217PS (895 kW) and 1564Nm (1155 lb-ft). Moreover the engine is mated to a 6-speed Ricardo manual gearbox. As already mentioned the car weighs just 1220kg (2585 lbs) and accelerates the speed from 0 to 100 km/h just in 2.5 seconds. And to go further into details its maximum speed is 443 km/h (275 mph). Without a doubt, Venom GT Spyder will offer the lucky five a driving experience like nothing else on the Planet!

Source: Hennessey Performance

December 2, 2011

2012 Renault Scenic UK

Finally Renault has announced the initial details for the freshly improved and remade Scénic and Grand Scénic models for 2012. Their UK launch will be next February. The brand new refreshed model will include sharper designs, numerous equipment enhancements and more importantly a debut of two impressive downsized engines.

Scenic 2012 obviously aims at contemporary lines with a sharper look. After the summer of 2009, when the two-models of the new Scénic line-up with fluid lines and generous interior were offered on the market, the sales of the both models went higher in numbers.

These models are Europe’s best-selling compact MPVs, and now they have a series of exterior upgrades. First of all the front end is revised and now looks both modern as well as status enhancing. Secondly, its new rear lights add a particularly dynamic touch.

The changes go further with the fitment of LED daytime running lights, gloss black features and chrome details (at the front, plus tailgate strip and side moulding strip). In addition there is a new range of wheel trims and alloy wheels. Moreover the customers will have the opportunity to choose between two new body colours: Azzurro Blue and Damask Red.

What is the highlight in the 2012 Renault Scenic is the new downsized engine for greater performance and fuel efficiency. Renault’s work on lowering emissions, combined with ever-improving fuel economy and performance through smaller cubic capacity engine innovation has borne more fruit. In the beginning they produced the petrol 1.4 TCe 130 and 1.5 dCi 110, and most recently there was the arrival of the 1.6 dCi 130 – the world’s most powerful and frugal diesel engine of its size. Now, Scenic welcomes two new engines! The first one – 1.5 dCi 110 Stop & Start, is an enhanced version of the Renaults marque’s core diesel engine. It includes several advantages, taken from Formula 1’s clever technologies, such as Stop & Start and brake energy regeneration. Additionally, it combines record low CO₂ emissions of 105 grams per kilometre (reduced by 23g/km), and a 12 percent saving in fuel consumption (up 11.3 mpg to 68.9), yet higher torque (260Nm/192 lb-ft at 1,750rpm; a gain of 20Nm/14,8 lb-ft) compared with the existing 1.5 dCi 110.

Starting from the spring of 2012, the five- and seven-seater versions of Scénic will also be the first Renaults, who will receive the brand new 1.2 TCe 115 petrol engine. This one offers low CO₂ emissions (135g/km), 190Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque (up 39Nm/29 lb-ft) and fuel consumption improved by a fifth, up 11.4 mpg to 49.6.

A greater performance and even lower emissions will be made possible thank to the 1.6 dCi 130 Stop & Start, which itself boasts 20% better fuel consumption.

And we must affirm, that these innovations will definitely be a great step for Renault’s goal – to become Europe’s number one manufacturer with regard to the CO₂ emissions of its range, without detracting from performance.

Moreover Renault has worked hardly to deliver improved comfort and a more reassuring ride, thank to the brand new feature – the Visio System. It will be included in both Scénic and Grand and it will assist the driver’s vigilance and night-time vision thanks to two key functions. The first one is a lane departure warning system: this is a camera that detects if the drivers strays out of lane and triggers an audible signal. The second feature is an automatic headlight function. In it the same camera will detect the lights of nearby vehicles and/or the presence of street lighting to automatically switch from dipped to main beam, (and vice versa).

Furthermore the driving and traveling comfort are improved thank to the addition of new features. And what here’s the great news: they all come as standard equipment. For example it will include a Hill Start Assist, which will have the function to prevent the vehicle’s rolling backward. On the other hand the motorway-mode indicators (by flashing three times following a simple flick of the indicator stalk) will warn the driver about other motorists, and this will happen when the driver is about to change lanes.

The 2012 versions of Scénic and Grand Scénic include further beneficial technologies that have helped forge the model’s success: from the tailor-engineered sound of the Bose® audio system to Carminat TomTom® navigation and associated LIVE services (HD Traffic, etc.).

Undeniably Renault Scénic and Grand Scénic are Europe’s number one compact MPV. Manufactured in Douai, in northern France, they fulfill the most exacting production standards to guarantee the highest level of quality. And for the curious ones, the number of their sales only in Europe exceeds 400,000 (since the launch of the generation at the end of 2009). And the overall picture is that altogether since 1996 there have been sold over 3.9 million Scénics.

Further details on Scenic 2012 range pricing and specification will be released closer to launch. UK order books are set to open on 1st February 2012, ahead of first deliveries in March.

Source: Renault

December 2, 2011

Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Floride Price – €33 100

Renault will exhibit the new Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Floride at the 2012 Brussels Motor Show in January. The special edition Megane has become even more chic thanks to a new, two-tone red and ivory leather upholstery.

The Megane Floride is inspired by the classic 1960’s model and will come with a number of extras – a Floride Ivory exterior featuring a gloss black roof, badges and 17” diamond-effect alloy wheels. There are also two-tone leather seats, ivory trim and a metal gear knob as well as GPS SAT NAV, unique floor mats and every model comes with an individually-numbered plaque.

2012 Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Floride is powered by a dCi 130 engine with 130PS (96 kW) and 300Nm (221 lb-ft). It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox to guarantee maximum driving pleasure and sporty moments behind the steering wheel. From 0 to 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds and a top speed of 205 km/h (127 mph).

This exclusive limited edition version is restricted to just 1 600 numbered examples, of which 250 are exclusively made for France. The price starts at €33 100.

Standard equipment for Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet Floride:

Comfort: Renault hands-free key card; dual-zone automatic climate control; wind deflector mesh screen; glass wind deflector; electrically-folding door mirrors; ‘easy entry’ access to the rear seats with position memory function for the front seats.
Driver aids: front and rear parking sensors; electronic parking brake; automatic headlight and windscreen wiper activation; cruise control with speed limiter.
Safety: six airbags (front, lateral and anti-submarining airbags); ABS with emergency brake assist; anti-whiplash head rests; ESC; tyre pressure monitoring system; spare wheel.
Multimedia: Carminat TomTom® Live satellite navigation; ‘3D Sound By Arkamys’ audio with steering wheel-mounted fingertip remote control, MP3 playback, and Bluetooth and Plug&Music digital connectivity.

Source: Renault

December 2, 2011

Romeo Ferraris Alfa Brera

A beautiful car needs a powerful engine, that’s why the Italian tuner Romeo Ferraris take the stunning Brera and put a supercharger kit under the hood. Furthermore, the stylish vehicle received a nice exterior package.

The supercharger kit includes a compressor, an intercooler, special piping, an ECU re-map and new full sport exhaust system including a 200 cell catalytic converter. The result is very nice – additional 98PS (72 kW) and 120Nm (89 lb-ft), so the total power of the supercharged 3.2 liter V6 is 358PS (263 kW) and 440Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque. The performance is superb – 0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds flat and a top speed of 260 km/h (162 mph).

The body kit includes a new front bumper, a pair of side skirts and a modified rear bumper. The stance of the Brera is further optimized by an adjustable sports suspension kit.

All components, including the supercharger, have been developed by Autodelta and Romeo Ferraris is distributor and authorized service center for Italy.

Source: Romeo Ferraris

December 2, 2011

Prior Design BMW E92 and E93 M3-Style Wide Body Kit

Prior Design has announced the complete BMW E92/E93 M3-style wide body kit for current 3-series.

The body kit includes a new front bumper, a pair of side skirts, a pair of front fenders, a rear bumper, wider rear side wall and modified hood. All parts fit to E92/E93 models and come with TUV certificate for easy entry. You can also order a matching M3 Style stainless steel silencer to complete the original look of the vehicle.

All products are made from quality Dura-Flex. This material is characterized by an excellent texture, provides sufficient flexibility combined with high stability and gives you a simple and inexpensive painting.

In addition, Prior Design allows you as a result of the high accuracy of fit and thus a simple cost-effective installation.

Package includes:

* – Prior-Design PD-MET front bumper fits all BMW E92/E93 models (PDC and SRA also possible)
* – Prior-Design PD-MET side pair (right / left.) Suitable for all models of BMW E92/E93
* – Prior-Design PD-MET front fender pair (right / left.) Suitable for all models of BMW E92/E93
* – Prior-Design PD-MET rear bumper for BMW E92/E93 models (also sheetingable PDC)
* – Prior-Design PD-MET wider rear side wall (right / left.) Suitable for all models of BMW E92/E93
* – Prior-Design PD-M hood for BMW E92/E93 models
* – Mounting material
* – * Including TÜV parts certificate for easy entry of the body parts of § 19.3

Prior Design BMW E92 and E93 M3-Style Wide Body Kit

Source: Prior Design

December 2, 2011

Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D TR: Pence-per-mile – 49.64p

2012 Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D offers unique pence-per-mile performance of just 49.64 pence or £29 781 for 3 YEARS / 60 000 MILES. The family vehicle also has low emission, good dynamic performance, extra equipment and last, but not least sharp new styling.

The new D-4D engine delivers the same amount of power – 124bhp (92 kW), but it has improved combined cycle fuel economy by 15% and a 14% reduction has been achieved in CO₂ emissions. In figures this means 61.4 mpg and 119 g/km.

The revision includes a new turbocharger with lower friction bearings and an electric actuator. The torque characteristics of each gear have also been adjusted and as a result, drivers enjoy greater torque at low speeds.

Improvements in engine cooling and lubrication and the use of low rolling resistance tyres have helped cut the CO₂ exhaust emissions, along with new glow plug control, changes to the diesel particulate filter and a new piston bowl shape that allows for improved combustion performance.

The new 2012 Avensis benefits from changes to the front and rear suspension. Adjustments have been made to the aerodynamics and strategic use of extra insulation material has further reduced NVH levels in the cabin.

Particular attention has been paid to the electric power steering, which adopts a quicker gear ratio, giving more direct performance, making the car more agile and manoeuvrable.

The focus on comfort extends to changing the design of the front seats to offer better lateral support.

One of the most important things is the cost of ownership and the new Avensis 2.0 D-4D TR offers best-in-class pence-per-mile performance. This combines with the new model’s higher equipment specification to make it a very attractive proposition for business customers, delivering significant savings compared to rival models in terms of both tax bills and the features you get for your money.

2012 Avensis comes with SAT NAV as standard, advanced connectivity and information features included in the Toyota Touch & Go system.

Overall, the new Avensis 2.0 D-4D cuts the cost-of-ownership bill by £2 000 compared to the previous model thanks to the improved residual values, fuel economy, CO₂ emissions and service, maintenance and repair costs over three years/60 000 miles.

Pence-per-mile performance

MODE	COST PER MILE	3 YEARS/60,000 MILES TOTAL COST
Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D TR	49.64p	£29,781
Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0 TDI Bluemotion Tech	51.12p	£30,764
Ford Mondeo Zetec 2.0 TDCi	51.72p	£31,031
Hyundai i40 Style 1.7 CRDi	52.33p	£31,398
Vauxhall Insignia SRi 2.0 CDTi	56.63p	£33,980
Honda Accord ES 2.2 i-DTEC	57.89p	£34,736

Source: Toyota

December 2, 2011

Top 3 Most Expensive Celebrity Cars

The first place goes to Jay-Z’s Maybach Exelero with the cost of the $8 000 000. Beyonce’s husband obviously can provide such ride for him, his DIVA and their upcoming baby. You can even see this “look-like-a-batmobile” vehicle in his video for the song “Lost One”. The optimum speed of this unbelievably expensive car goes up to the number of 351.45 km/h (218.38 mph). Moreover it’s acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achievable only in 4.4 seconds. And all this the superstar gets despite the weight of the vehicle, which is the whole 2.66 tones! Maybah Exelero is a high-performance German luxury sports car that was originally made as a one-off for Fulda Tires back in 2005. However nowadays Maybach decided to manufacture them for the general public. I guess only the rich ones can afford them!

The second place deservedly goes to the Rapper Birdman with his purchase of Bugatti Veyron for the $2 000 000. And although you might think the sum is far less than Jay-Z’s, this car is absolutely worth the price! This European car is one of the most expensive ones in the world, but also is the fastest street legal car in the world! This mid-engine grand touring car has a top speed of 408.00 km/h . In comparison to it, the Super Sport version is much faster with a top speed of 431 km/h (268 mph). The fact you might not know is that it was originally based on the Bentley Hunaudieres concept, and designed and developed by Volkswagen Group. More details about the vehicle is that it features an 8.0 litre quad-turbocharged W16 cylinder engine, which is the equivalent of the two narrow-angle V8 engines.

Not surprisingly probably for anyone, the third place goes again to …. Bugatti Veyron. This time on the driver’s seat is Simon Cowell – the Super Super-Producer, best known for American Idol and X-Factor. Of course, given these facts, we can imagine that the sum of the $1 700 000 wasn’t a heartbreak for Simon. What we haven’t said about the car already is its acceleration, which for only 2.5 seconds goes from 0 to 100 km/h. And not to forget the maximum speed of 431 km/h (268 mph) which makes the car the one of the fastest car in the world (sorry Jay-Z!). And obviously Simon Cowell has a very good taste for cars and likes to collect them, because in his “backyard” you can also see Ferrari, Rolls Royce Phantom, and 100EX Cabriolet.

December 1, 2011

2012 BMW Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo

Alpina has announced 2012 B6 Bi-Turbo featuring all-aluminium V8 power plant with two turbochargers delivering stunning amount of power.

2012 Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo has a twin-turbo 4.4 liter V8 with 540PS (397 kW) at 5500RPM and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque at just 3000RPM. Two turbo-chargers configured in parallel, each feeding one of the two cylinder banks, with specially developed large diameter exhaust-turbines allow this engine configuration to provide both exceptional power output and an abundance of torque over an especially broad rpm range while maintaining excellent throttle response at low rpm.

High-performance MAHLE pistons are designed specifically to deal with temperatures and pressures associated with up to 1.0 bar charging and the engine’s 9.2:1 nominal compression ratio. Altogether this results in an impressive specific output of 122.7hp (90kW) per litre and a mean total compression of 20.1 bar. Direct injection and Double-VANOS contribute to the B6 Bi-Turbo’s class-leading consumption and emission figures: 10.5 l/100km and 244 g/km CO2, Combined cycle, measured according to ECE Norm.

The performance is simply astonishing – 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, which is exactly the same as the latest M5 F10 and a top speed of 320 km/h.

The engine is mated to SWITCH-TRONIC 8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission by ZF. It offers Sport Shift Mode (S) and Manual Shift Mode (M).

The suspension comes with specific springs, increased front wheel camber and a subtle adjustment of the toe-in in conjunction with a 20″ wheel-tyre combination all serve to produce a very agile chassis set-up. The lightweight 20″ Alpina CLASSIC wheels, with MICHELIN PILOT SUPER SPORT tyres in the dimensions 255/35 ZR20 front and 285/30 ZR20 rear, contribute significantly to the direct handling and precise steering. Conventional tyres are used to promote ride comfort. There are also Drive Performance Control (electronically adjustable dampers) and Dynamic Drive (active roll stabilization) as standard.

The exterior boasts aerodynamics body kit including a new front spoiler with carbon fiber splitter and a rear spoiler with a rear wing, which is available as an option. All these components also ensure the effective flow of air to various cooler groups, such as the inter-coolers and engine cooling system. One special detail: the high-performance brakes, with a diameter of 374mm front and 345mm rear, are additionally supplied with cooling air by a specially constructed NACA air intake on the front underbody.

The interior comes with blue Alpina instruments with high resolution information display with black panel LCD technology. There are also a sport steering wheel, hand-stitched in LAVALINA leather, blue illuminated entry sills with logo and classic Alpina myrtle wood.

The B6 Bi-Turbo features an extensive range of standard equipment, including leather upholstery, fully adjustable comfort seats with heating system, navigation system with preparation for Bluetooth mobile phone, USB audio interface, Xenon lights and LED fog lights.

Source: Alpina

December 1, 2011

Category: Auto News