Stylish, expressive Renault Laguna GT introduces the new Active Drive chassis with four-wheel steering (4WS) and two exclusive high-performance engines in the form of the diesel 2.0 dCi 180hp and the petrol 2.0 turbo 205hp. Renault Laguna GT makes a sparkling entry into the select field of sports tourers, combining real and perceived quality with performance, safety and driving pleasure. (more…)
Tag: GT
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Renault Laguna GT
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Bentley Continental GT Speed
The Continental GT Speed is the most powerful production Bentley ever and the first to top 200mph (322km/h). A potent addition to the company’s highly successful Continental series, the GT Speed extends the appeal of the Continental GT coupe to driving enthusiasts who place a high value on outright performance and agile handling. -
Alfa Romeo Unica
Exclusiveness and personality’ have always been distinctive features of the Alfa Romeo brand, a fact borne out by the broad choice of bodies, engines, exterior outfits, interior furnishings and options, enabling customers to order the car that meets their needs and their desire to be different.To extend this broad choice even further, and in response to the growing number of requests from the market, Alfa Romeo has now developed the ‘Unique Alfa’ Customisation Programme, a new departure for the brand that will enable customers to make their cars even more refined and exclusive.
The Alfa Romeo Customisation programme has been available on the entire range for a couple of months, and was born out of the experience of the Alfa 8C Competizione, the model that the brand has chosen to define its strategies with precision and authority. One of the winning features of this lovely GT is the fact that it was conceived to cater for every whim of competent, refined customers, who wish to state their personality by the way they configure their car, transforming a car that is already exclusive into something unique.
By the same principle, the ‘Unique Alfa’ Programme, the expression of the best Italian products, now extends this opportunity to the other Alfa Romeo models. Alfa Romeo is one of the most prestigious brands in motoring history, and it indubitably conjures up the art of Italian living, expressed in a perfect synthesis of tradition and modernity, heritage and the avant-garde, beauty and culture. And it is thanks to this propensity for art and beauty that the Alfa Romeo Customisation Programme has taken shape, developing into three different areas that identify the brand’s exclusive values and make its relationship with its customers unique.
The first area, known as ‘Vintage’, reinterprets Alfa Romeo tradition with elegance and modernity: intriguing colours that conjure up the Dolce Vita or victories on the world’s most prestigious racing circuits, chromatic treatments that recall the timeless emotion of the prestigious finish, and upholstery crafted with the care and precision typical of a craftsman’s workshop.
‘Collezione’ is the second area, which invites customers to explore the world of fashion and elegance. The interiors are designed to recreate a sensation of well-being and beauty, underlined by the materials chosen to give a feeling of sensory involvement: soft, perfumed leather covers the seats, facia, and panels; the stitching reveals and underlines the sinuous, elegant shapes; the real metal inserts propose different finishes. On the exterior, multi-layer lacquered paints give an extra touch of elegance to the lines of the body, drawing attention to the ornamental elements and the alloys with their luminous sparkle finish.
The third and final area of the ‘Unique Alfa’ programme is ‘TI’ (Turismo Internazionale), which obviously harks back to Alfa Romeo tradition, where racing and competitions have always played an important part in the development of cutting-edge technologies designed to guarantee the proverbial enjoyment of driving an Alfa Romeo, and safety in all driving conditions. The heritage of technological culture and a passion for the product have laid the foundations for the development of this area, which addresses customers who are particularly demanding where performance, dynamic behaviour and sporty personality are concerned, with mechanical components such as a low stance, boosted braking system, alloy wheels and high performance tyres. And in the immediate future, this exciting catalogue will also incorporate other features to raise the performance of the powerful Alfa Romeo engines even higher.
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Maserati to unveil the Quattroporte Sport GT S
The new Quattroporte Sport GT S will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motorshow for its worldwide preview. The Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate expression of Maserati‘s saloon sportiness.Exclusively for those looking for an even stronger sporting edge in a luxury saloon, the Quattroporte Sport GT S, equipped with an automatic 6-speed gearbox, stands out for its exceptional dynamic behaviour and uncompromised handling.
This result was obtained with the introduction of new suspension layout, featuring single rate dampers and a “racing” set up. The Quattroporte Sport GT S sits 10mm lower at the front and 25mm at the rear compared to other versions of the Quattroporte, and also features new, stiffer springs and dampers.
The Quattroporte Sport GT S boasts a unique braking system developed in collaboration with Brembo. This innovative technology uses dual-cast brake discs, and this is the first time such a set up has been employed on a road car.
Unlike traditional cast iron discs, dual-cast discs are made of two materials, cast iron and aluminium, to ensure optimised braking, improving performance in the most extreme conditions and providing greater resistance to fade even at the highest temperatures. The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s new braking system also benefits from new mono-block, six-piston callipers at the front and tyres developed especially for this car (front 245/35-R20 and rear 295/30-R20). The increased size of the rear tyres allows optimum use of the Maserati’s V8 power, whilst the new tyre compound helps the brakes and set-up to guarantee a superior level of handling and driving emotion.
The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s exterior is distinguished by a more aggressive look. Along with the black-chrome mesh front grille, a characteristic element of sporty Maseratis, the side window trims and the two double exhaust pipes are also in black, whilst door handles are in the same colour as the body of the car.
The Quattroporte Sport GT S is fitted with eye-catching dark-chrome 20″, seven spoke alloy wheels.
Even the choice of material for the interior of the Quattroporte Sport GT S reflects the car’s sporty character. Traditional Poltrona Frau leather has been combined with Alcantara, which covers the central zone of the seats, the interior door panels and the steering wheel. Maserati has previously used Alcantara for the interior of the Trofeo cars and the MC12.
The dashboard is finished in new carbon fibre with aluminium treads, whilst front seats are characterised by a new, more cosseting sporty shape.
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TechArt GT Street
With its 2001 TechArt GTstreet based on the Porsche 911 Turbo of the 996 model series, TechArt Automobildesign created one of the fastest and most powerful street-legal sports cars of its time. The next evolutionary stage of this fascinating concept celebrates is now available: The new TechArt GTstreet, based on the 911 Turbo of the latest 997 series, starts at 245,000 Euros MSRP.Like the predecessor the new GTstreet edition centers on a powerful engine: The 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat engine is modified by the TechArt engine specialists and now develops 630 hp / 463 kW at 6,800 rpm, up from standard 480 hp / 353 kW. Peak torque increases from 620 Nm to 820 Nm at 4,500 rpm.
The TechArt TA 097/T3 engine conversion comprises two special VTG turbochargers, a new air box with sport air filter, high-performance manifolds, intercoolers and a stainless-steel sport exhaust system with high-performance catalysts. The precise optimal interaction of all modifications is ensured by a newly programmed engine management system.
Power is transferred to all four wheels via a modified transmission with TechArt gear-throw shortening.
Thus equipped the TechArt GTstreet delivers performance that firmly places it among the world’s fastest sports cars: 0 – 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, 200 km/h after just 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 345 km/h speak volumes.
The body kit for the TechArt GTstreet was created in the wind tunnel, and offers an optimal symbiosis of aerodynamic downforce, minimized drag and striking design.
The front fascia of the GTstreet with retractable carbon-fiber splitter produces downforce on the front axle and provides radiator, oil coolers and brakes with more cooling air, thanks to its large, striking air inlets. The auxiliary headlamp units with daytime running lights and fog lamps improve active safety. They also give the car even more passing clout.
The TechArt GTstreet fender flares on the front axle add 10 mm to the two-door’s width and give it an even more dynamic appearance. But that’s not all: The air outlets behind the front wheel houses optimize brake venting. The larger air ducts in the rear sidewalls provide engine and intercoolers with a larger supply of cooling air. For an optimal transition between front and rear fenders the TechArt designers have developed rocker panels that complement the new contours. TechArt mirror and headlamp moldings provide the finishing touches.
The TechArt roof spoiler extends the roofline and optimizes airflow to the adjustable rear airfoil of the GTstreet.
The TechArt GTstreet rear fascia with integrated carbon-fiber diffuser contributes to the strong downforce generated on the rear axle. It also provides the perfect backdrop for the quad exhaust of the TechArt high-performance exhaust system.
TechArt Automobildesign offers a number of versions of its popular Formula wheel in sizes 8.5Jx20 in front and 12Jx20 on the rear axle. GTstreet buyers can choose from several color combinations and between the one-piece Formula and the multi-piece Formula II designs. The Formula II wheel features an exchangeable wheel lip. For optimal tires TechArt chose ContiSportContact 3 high-performance tires in sizes 245/30 ZR 20 and 325/25 ZR 20.
The large 20-inch wheels also provide the necessary space for the especially powerful and durable TechArt high-performance brake system. It features six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 390-millimeter discs on the front axle. The rear axle is fitted with 365-millimeter discs and four-piston fixed calipers.
The TechArt GTstreet comes with a TechArt VarioPlus coil-over suspension that is based on the electronically adjustable PASM damping system of the 911 Turbo. This chassis allows individual ride-height lowering by up to 25 millimeters and push-button selection of two different damper settings, “Normal” or “Sport.” However, the dampers are not limited to these presets. Sporty driving automatically results in firmer damper settings in both modes, thus combining excellent ride comfort during normal driving with agile and responsive handling during fast cornering.
The cockpit of the TechArt GTstreet also differs distinctly from the stock 911 Turbo. Among the differences is an exclusive leather interior with color-contrasted stitching and sporty CarboBlack highlights. The coupe is further equipped with an ergonomically shaped TechArt sport steering wheel, aluminum foot pedals, foot rest and shifter, as well as with illuminated door sills sporting the TechArt logo.
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Autodelta GT 3.7 Super
Autodelta is pleased to present for its world première the most dynamic and powerful version of the Alfa GT Coupe yet – the 405 bhp supercharged Autodelta GT 3.7 Super. With its top speed of 293 km/h (182 mph) and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 4.9 seconds the Autodelta GT 3.7 Super offers the driver supercar level performance coupled with the car’s famous driveability and practicality.Introduced four years ago, the Alfa Romeo GT Coupe, styled by famed historic Italian design house Bertone, is a gorgeous, sleek and very agile, yet at the same time truly practical, four-seat coupé which immediately won plaudits and awards as well as a loyal following worldwide: a true Alfa Romeo in every sense of the word. Now the new Autodelta GT 3.7 Super takes the GT Coupe theme to the ultimate performance level. It follows on from the market success of the firm’s previous work with the 3.2-litre Alfa GT model: the 320 bhp Autodelta GT 3.2 Super (2004) and the 341 bhp Autodelta GT 3.2 Super Evo version (2005), by raising the Alfa V6 engine and chassis package to even more extreme performance levels.
“Our customers continually push us forward, demanding ever more performance from Alfa Romeo models, and following the 3.2 Super and Evo versions we have had many requests to maximise the Alfa GT’s potential with a 3.7-litre supercharged version,” says Autodelta Managing Director Jano Djelalian. “We have a vast experience with the chassis of this car, and knew it was more than capable of handling the serious power and torque increases that would result from this project – and then transmitting them to the road in a useable and effective manner.”
The new car sees the Alfa GT’s 3.2-litre engine’s capacity increased to 3,750cc, and harnessed with the space-efficient Rotrex C38-81 centrifugal supercharger. The engine development includes extensive cylinder head improvements, new larger fuel injectors with revised spray patterns to optimise combustion and emissions, and a Ferrari-derived throttle body. The car also receives new tubular exhaust manifolds and a complete exhaust system specially designed for the requirements of this upgrade. The result, combined with further chassis, transmission and aerodynamic developments is earth shattering. The Autodelta GT 3.7 Super boasts maximum power of 405 bhp at 6,800 rpm and 508 Nm (375 lb/ft) of torque at 4,800 rpm. The standard Alfa GT 3.2 V6 by comparison offers 240 bhp and 300 Nm (221 lb/ft).
The new Autodelta GT 3.7 Super can reach a maximum speed of 293 km/h (182 mph) and boasts a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 4.9 seconds – blistering performance from what is a perfectly sorted car. (Standard Alfa GT Coupe V6 top speed is 243 km/h while the 0-100 km/h time is 6.7 seconds). The torque availability of the Alfa V6 engine – one of the most famous units in the brand’s almost century long history – is truly impressive, the power curve running smoothly from tickover to the redline at 7,400 rpm.
“The Arese-built Alfa V6 is an excellent engine,” says Jano, “we have more than twenty years of experience developing it to the maximum, and it quite simply responds to everything we want to do to it. The Alfa GT Coupe provides us with all the right ingredients to work with – in the engine and chassis area – and we are all delighted with the results we have achieved with the Autodelta GT 3.7 Super.”
The improvements made to the engine are complimented by extensive remapping to the ECU, while the front-wheel-drive car is able to effectively put the additional power down on the road through the incorporation of an Autodelta-developed and specially manufactured Limited Slip Differential (LSD). Autodelta also fit different gearbox ratios, depending on the customer’s specific requirements.
This is not just a very powerful machine for trackdays or special occasions, but an effective, practical car ready for day-to-day use, fully able to use all its 405 bhp and 508 Nm to enhance the owner’s sensory experience under all driving scenarios. Most Autodelta customers’ demand a high performance Alfa Romeo which is suitable every use, and Autodelta’s engineers regard it as their priority to fulfil this demand.
The Autodelta GT 3.7 Super comes with the enhanced aerodynamic package of the GT Super, including a deeper spoiler that supplies and optimises airflow to the intercooler. The rear bumper assembly incorporates a ‘diffuser’. Interior trim upgrades are optional, including Alcantara trim on the dashboard and panels, as well as bespoke leather packages.
The full Autodelta GT 3.7 Super package is now available for immediate ordering from the London factory or from our worldwide network of authorised dealers.
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Edo Ford GT
Increased performance up to 60 HP with: Sport catalyst 200 cell, electronic tuning. All work controlled by dyno running. Sport back box stainless with flap system. Loudness of the exhaust adjustable.- New taile pipes stainless
- Carbon fibre engine bay panelling, 3-pieces
- Special rear wing
- Wheels in different colours and designs available
- tyre-air-pressure control system shows pressure and temperature per wheel
- Design modification outside for example complete different colour.
- Independently adjustable dumping technology – rebound and compression dumping
- Racing wheels in different designs and available.
Technical data
engine type DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder,
supercharged V-8
horsepower @ rpm approx. 610 HP @ 6.500/min
torque @ rpm approx. 800 Nm @ 4.500/minPower train
top speed > 340 km/hp
0 – 100 km/h approx. 3,7s (3,9 s serial)
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TVR T350
The T350 is a brand new coupe based on the running gear of the universally acclaimed Tamora. The concept is to apply TVR’s expertise gained in motorsport to a road car, and both shape and engineering owe much to TVR‘s racing programme. It is intended to form the basis of a racing car for the new GT Cup class of the British GT Championship as well as for a number of overseas one-make race series. This car is available in two forms the T350C, where C stands for coupe, and the T350T, for targa, which is the version with two removable panels overhead.Function dominates form with the T350 and its motorsport application determines the way the car looks. As a result, every effort has been made to maximise downforce while minimising drag. The frontal area is very smooth without a central radiator intake which helps it punch through the air easily while the sharply cut off tail punctuates the airflow sharply to reduce drag. The sloping roofline at the back has been very precisely profiled to ensure that the airflow remains attached to the car in order to negate lift. Allied to a diffuser under the exhausts and a splitter at the front, the T350’s shape has been optimised aerodynamically in a way that is simply impossible with a two-seater convertible.
The interior of the T350 is largely based on that of the Tamora and is all the better for that. It has the same analogue readout for speed and engine revs above a switchable multi-function display which gives the driver the fullest range of information from engine water and oil temperature, outside air temperature and battery volts to maximum and minimum values achieved (including maximum speed). A sports pack is available which will have extra readouts including lap times. With a side-opening hatchback above the large luggage area, an unexpected advantage will also come in terms of plenty of boot space with easy loading.
The T350 enjoys the performance its looks promise. It is propelled by the same 350 bhp version of TVR’s Speed Six engine that has seen the Tamora decimate the competition in test after test by the motoring press. In the case of the T350, acceleration, top speed and handling have been helped by its aerodynamically superb shape as well as its lower weight and centre of gravity. Now in production for five years, the Speed Six is a tried and tested unit and has performed admirably in the hothouse environment of GT endurance racing including the Spa 24 hour race in 2002. In all variants, TVR’s own engine has been designed with responsiveness in mind which is the reason for it having individual throttle butterflies per cylinder and an ignition and fuelling map specifically written to make revs rise and fall instantaneously.
Source: TVR Engineering Ltd.
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Pagani Zonda R – Ultimate Racetrack Performance
While we certainly cannot say the Zonda F lacks performance figures, driving around the Nürburgring in 7:32 and achieving lateral G forces of almost 1.5 G, it is however a road car, easy to drive, intuitive and setting the benchmark for comfort, safety and lightweight. Paired with a quality finish and the attention to detail this made the Zonda F one of the most desirable supercars resulting in the 25 Coupé models being sold out in record time. (more…) -
TechArt GT Street – based on Porsche 911 Turbo
TechArt revealed the first renderings of its new GTstreet model based on the 911 Turbo of the latest 997 series. A direct inheritor of the 2001 TechArt GTstreet based on the Porsche 911 Turbo of the 996 model series, the new beast boasts 630 hp / 463 kW at 6,800 rpm, up from standard 480 hp / 353 kW, the peak torque is increased to 820 Nm at 4,500 rpm. -
Aston Martin V8 Vantage N24
Aston Martin has confirmed details of its N24 race car, based on the critically acclaimed Aston Martin V8 Vantage road car, which will be showcased at the Autosport International Show this week.The Vantage N24 is based on a standard European specification production V8 Vantage, with modifications undertaken to prepare the car for the competitive racing environment. (more…)
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Shelby GT 2007
Today, Ford debuts the all-new 2007 Ford Shelby GT through a behind-the-scenes look at the high-performance Mustang’s development on its “Bold Moves: The Future of Ford” web-based documentary ( www.fordboldmoves.com ). On Wednesday, Ford confirmed production of the Shelby GT as one of 9 new product introductions coming in the next 6 months. The Shelby GT will feature a 4.6-liter V-8 producing 325-horsepower and production will be limited to less than 10,000 models in volume therefore assuring its exclusivity like all Shelby Mustang models.
“Our goal is to offer a steed for every need,” says John Felice, Ford brand general marketing manager. “The new Shelby GT is a low-volume, extremely collectable Mustang for enthusiasts. It also offers a few more customers the opportunity to experience firsthand magic of Mustang and Carroll Shelby.”
The Shelby GT is the third modern Shelby Mustang produced through a collaboration of Ford and Shelby Automobiles. In addition to the 2007 Shelby GT500, Ford and Shelby created 500 copies of the Ford Shelby GT-H, which are available only through select Hertz rental centers.
“We have been overwhelmed at the number of people who want to buy a version of the Shelby GT-H,” said Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles, Inc. “The Shelby GT will deliver the power and balanced handling of the Shelby GT-H, but with more performance potential, especially due to the available manual transmission.”
Modern Shelby Mustangs have proven to be extremely desirable among Mustang and Shelby enthusiasts. For example, in January an early production Shelby GT500 sold at the Barrett-Jackson auction for $600,000, with proceeds benefiting the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation. On July 28, a Shelby GT-H was sold for $250,000 at the EAA AirVenture, with proceeds benefiting the Youth Eagles aviation education program.
Shelby-inspired performance, proven by Ford Racing
“The Shelby GT builds on the expertise of Ford Racing, the experience of Carroll Shelby and the Shelby team to deliver an incredible driving experience that is unmistakably Shelby ,” says Jamie Allison, manager, Ford Racing Performance Group. “And, like every Shelby Mustang should be, the Shelby GT is ready to be both a weekday driver and a weekend warrior for track days.”
The Shelby GT driving dynamics are fine tuned with the Ford Racing Handling Pack, which was developed by the same engineers that developed the Ford Racing FR500C, which won the 2005 Grand-Am Cup Championship. New coil springs drop the overall ride height by an inch-and-a-half for a more aggressive stance and reduced body roll. Stiffer dampers and front swaybar further enhance cornering feel and body control. To showcase the key performance modifications, Ford Racing painted all the key suspension components, including the damper, spring, and swaybar Ford Racing Blue.
A front strut-tower brace adds additional strength to the chassis structure, and P235/55ZR18 high-performance tires maximize the benefits of the chassis upgrades.
Under hood, the Ford Racing Power Pack increases the output of the naturally aspirated, three-valve, 4.6-liter V-8 to 325-horsepower, and 330 pound-feet of torque. The Power Pack includes a 90 millimeter cold-air intake and a new performance engine calibration for improved response. The high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover offers better power delivery and a throaty V-8 exhaust note. A shorter rear-axle ratio is installed to capitalize on the Shelby GT coupe’s extra power, especially accelerating off the line. For Shelby GT models equipped with a manual transmission, a Hurst short-throw shifter is installed for more precise shift action.
“The Shelby GT is great fun on the track,” continues Shelby . “It’s got the heart and soul of the Mustang GT pumped up with a strong motor, nimble chassis and great sound. It’s one of those rare cars that’s easy to drive really fast.”
Authentic Shelby design cues
The Shelby GT will be offered only as a coupe, and only in two exterior colors, Performance White or Black. Both colors are accented by silver LeMans-style racing stripes – a signature detail of classic Shelby Mustangs. The LeMans stripes extend over the hood, roof, and trunk, and are complemented by matching side stripes with “Shelby GT” nomenclature.
The powerful face of the Shelby GT features a unique front fascia, with a more aggressive lower air dam. The brushed-aluminum grille is accented by an offset Mustang logo. In addition, the Shelby GT has a new hood scoop that comes directly from the famed Shelby Cobra roadster.
The side profile features chromed, 18-inch wheels and unique side scoops just before the rear wheel arches. The rear fascia frames the larger dual exhaust tips, and is topped by Shelby badging on the trunk lid.
Inside, features include ‘Shelby GT’ logo floor mats and custom sill plates with Shelby GT nomenclature. In addition, the Shelby GT features an authentication plate on the center dashboard, as well as matching tag underhood. This tag features the CSX number, which is recorded in the Shelby Automobiles registry.
Shelby GT models will begin as a stock Mustang GT assembled at AutoAlliance International assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The cars are then shipped to the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas for modification before delivery to Ford dealerships.
“The Shelby team in Las Vegas is excited about building the Shelby GT,” said Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles, Inc. “With our partners at Ford, we are creating the next chapter in the Shelby legacy.”
Offering a steed for every need
“It’s an exciting time to be a muscle car fan, as legendary names from the 1960’s are being reincarnated in the marketplace,” says Felice. “As the Shelby GT shows, Ford will continue to dominate the new muscle car wars just as we have done for over forty years. No other nameplate will be able to match the depth and breadth of options the Mustang offers.”
In support of Ford’s “steed for every need” strategy, Ford now offers four horsepower options for Mustang, with pricing from $19,995 for a 240-hp V-6 Mustang coupe to $46,500 for a 500-hp Shelby GT500 convertible.
Ford has also introduced several special packages on Mustang further increasing its unique offerings, including the Pony Package and the California Special. And there are plans for more in the future.
In addition, Ford Racing offers a complete catalog of performance parts for Mustang fans, from custom wheels and exhausts to the complete, turn-key Ford Racing Mustang FR500C race car.
As a result, Ford offers Mustang enthusiasts the ability to buy, modify and drive the steed that perfectly fits their need.
