GT3 – Page 2 – Automobiles Review

Acura NSX GT3 Racecar is hot and sweaty on the racetrack

Acura reveals first official images of NSX GT3 Racecar

The first official images of the Acura NSX GT3 racecar have been revealed, showing the car sexy and sweaty on the racetrack. The twin-turbocharged NSX GT3 was shot with its exposed carbon fiber bodywork at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, MI. This happens at the time of continuous development at circuits throughout the United States. Acura is actually preparing to campaign the vehicle in North America in 2017 and at the same time it is slated for homologation as an FIA GT3 class racecar this fall.

But we believe that this time the task Acura has undertaken is way easier, since the racer is built over the very solid basis of the production NSX. As they both share many similarities, the most major one is the 3.5-liter, 75-degree, twin turbocharged DOHC V-6 engine. In both cars are used the same design specifications, including the block, heads, valvetrain, crankshaft, pistons and dry sump lubrication system. However, the GT3 comes equipped with 6-speed, sequential-shift racing gearbox, delivering power to the rear wheels.

To go further into details, the Acura NSX GT3 racecar has been given custom bodywork and aero components, namely large deck wing spoiler and underbody diffuser. We spot enlarged hood vents, which serve to cool down the (probably) uprated engine.

Acura NSX GT3 Racecar side view

By the way, the NSX GT3 has abundant legacy of Acura sports car racing campaigns and championships. These include the 1991, 1992 and 1993 IMSA Camel Lights as well as the 2009 American LeMans championships. Acura is currently campaigning a couple of TLX GT cars with Real Time Racing in the Pirelli World Challenge.

The first development stages of the NSX GT3 racecar were conducted on race circuits in Europe and Japan. Besides the additional development testing, the racer is under final homologation to FIA GT3 global racing specifications. Acura NSX GT3 will be produced by company’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, which is also responsible for the birth of the production NSX. More details to follow soon.

Source: Acura

July 8, 2016

Meet Kaege Porsche GT3 RS: Lighter and More Powerful

Kaege Porsche GT3 RS Front View One has to be very brave to make any kind of tuning on a Porsche, especially a GT3 RS. This however, didn’t scare the specialists at KAEGE Automobiles, who stepped in when it came to the conversion of this particular model. The main changes are in the engine, there is also a lot of weight optimization done as well as some exterior and interior cosmetic tweaks.

Optimization of Horsepower and Weight

To start with the performance boost, we should first tell you that the stock 3.6 liters engine of the Porsche GT3 RS produces no less than 415 HP (305 kW). First, the experts added club sports packet, and then the additional optimization required an installation of M+M muffler system with fan type exhaust manifold and 200 cells cats. The result is an addition of 8 HP and weight reduction by 7 kg.

This also affects the sound sent into the surroundings, which is now exceptional. An extra 7 HP is ‘received” due to the carbon fiber air box, which ensures higher air inlet. Furthermore, the weight distribution from rear to front was optimized due to the substitution of the hydraulic pump with an electrical power steering pump. This adds 10 HP.

Modified air filters and the Sachs sports clutch lighten the weight of the Porsche additionally. Shortening the distance from the steering wheel to the gearshift also shortens the shift time and this is due to the remodeling of the standard gear shift to CAE-Shifter.

Kaege Porsche GT3 RS Engine

Suspension

This project seems to be pretty special, since it rides on in-house made BBS racing sports rims measuring 19-inch. They reduce the unsprung masses by 9 kg additionally, but lend also the desired racing look. The new wheels are matched Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 type tires with typical for Porsche N-code. An adapted aluminum made triple KW competition chassis with completely uniball suspended transverse control arms and track rods ensure the excellent road holding.

The weight reduction proceeds with 15 kg due to the installation of a Liteblox lithium ions battery, and with 20 kg via the demounting the navi device and by modifying the impact protection.

Sportier Interior

Kaege Porsche GT3 RS Interior

The interior changes feature retro-style checkered fabric upholstery for the light construction seats. Moreover, the center console, the rollover bar and some of the interior parts are painted in car color, while the steering wheel has been taken from the 4-liters GT3 and the trunk’s appearance has been changed.

And last, but not least, for more comfortable and joyous journey the tuning experts have added a travel and helmet bag matching to the seat upholstery… just like Vilner started adding such goodies to their conversions years ago.

Source: KAEGE Automobiles via Miranda Media

February 15, 2016

Lexus RC F GT3 is Here to Kick Some Ass!

2016 Lexus RC F GT3 Lexus RC F GT3 will participate in the this year’s US-based IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship . This step marks brand’s confident step in developing and using the special purpose-built V8-powered sport vehicle.

In fact, the RC F GT3 will also be campaigned in the whole event by Michigan-based F Performance Racing, owned and managed by Trans-Am Series champion and motorsport veteran Paul Gentilozzi. The F Performance Racing effort will also assist the process of achieving FIA GT3 homologation, allowing the car to enter even wider variety of race events.

2016 Lexus RC F GT3

Also good news for Lexus team is that the development and tuning program will lead (or at least it is expected to do so) to RC F GT3 becoming available as a production race vehicle, where racers can purchase and use it in different race events around the world.

As you might remember, the RC F GT3 participated in the Germany-based VLN endurance series and Japanese Super GT championship last year as part of the developing project. Let us remind you that the team achieved incredible results which include and the class victory in the VLN series at the Nurburgring. Veteran racer Scott Pruett, who drove the Lexus-powered prototypes was also involved in the creation of both Lexus LFA and the IS F sedan. Cool, right?

2016 Lexus RC F GT3

Source: Lexus

February 8, 2016

Bentley Continental GT3 with New Livery for Bathurst 12 Hours

Bentley Continental GT3 2016 Livery Bentley Team M-Sport is returning to the Mount Panorama in Australia. The racing event will happen between 5^th and 7^th of February ant the brand will to take on the Bathurst 12 Hours with two Continental GT3s. The good news is that we have received a photo with team’s new 2016 livery, which was also unveiled at the Autosport International Show a few days ago.

Speaking of team’s brand new livery, we should say that it has been significantly updated for the 2016 season. It now incorporates more of the vibrant green that was introduced to Bentley’s colour palette last year and in addition it also features design elements from the Union Flag.

In my opinion, the two Continental GT3s will undoubtedly look fantastic in their new suits. And we are all happy that Bentley has decided to unveil the 2016 livery as soon as possible and feature in the 12-hour endurance race.

This year Bentley drivers will be Guy Smith (GB) and Steven Kane (GB), joined by Matt Bell (GB), Andy Soucek (ES) and Maxime Soulet (BE). But there is another person in the team, who had previously not driven for Bentley and this is Aussie V8 star David Russell (AU).

If you are not familiar with David Russell, we can only say that he has taken class victories in all of Bathurst’s endurance race formats including the 24-hour race last year. By the way it was where he also set the fastest lap of the Mountain track ever completed by an Australian.

In other words, Bentley is returning to Mount Panorama looking to get the podium result! The experience the drivers have is substantial, the line-up is very strong and David Russell will definitely help immensely. Can’t wait to see what happens.

Bathurst 12 Hours takes place on Sunday 7 February.

Source: Bentley

January 18, 2016

BMW M6 GT3 Street Legal Doppelganger by M&D. Yes, it exists!

M&D BMW 650i PD6XX GT3 Front View - Exterior PD6XX GT3 is the name of a very special project made by the talented tuners at M&D Exclusive Cardesign. Believe it or not it is based on the 650i F13 BMW, although it looks a lot like the M6 series. Actually, BMW recently unveiled the M6 GT3 announcing it as the new GT3 category challenger for the 2016 motorsports season. And as much as we like it, we are 100% sure, that the car won’t see the streets. Here the M&D specialists step in and they offer us a solution: a street legal doppelganger.

Wide-Body Aero Kit

The transformation of the 650i F13 starts with the addition of an aero wide-body kit. First, it includes front bumper with enlarged front air intakes. There is also a front splitter and dive planes on each side, which act in terms of reducing lift. Then, the wheel arches both front and rear were extended and are housing wider wheels, too. A new bonnet with a prominent power bulge speaks of an enhanced twin-turbo V8 motor beneath.

The side skirts are more prominent now and they merge into the new rear bumper, which in turn has received four big exhaust tailpipes. At last, the aero kit also adds a boot-lid mounted spoiler that helps to reduce lift over the rear axle.

Wheels & Suspension

M&D BMW 650i PD6XX GT3 Rear and Side View - Exterior

PD6XX GT3 project car runs on in-house made three-piece Rennen Forged Type R-55 alloy wheels in 10.0 and 11.0×21-inch sizes, at the front and rear, respectively. These alloys were shod with 255/30R21 and 295/25R21 ultra-low profile Continental Sport Contact 5 tires. As you can see, the wheels are deeply dished and are painted in matte gold, with the outer rims in a glossy gold. But can you spot that the interior surfaces and wheel bolts are painted in black. Finished in Racing Red, the big brake calipers stand out behind the wheel spokes. In terms of suspension, the height of the car has been dropped by 30 mm, with the help of lower sport springs.

Other Advantages of the Exterior

M&D tuners are also specialists in foil wrapping. They have applied the red and blue BMW motorsport colors to the mineral white base car in a pattern that clearly mimics the dynamic color scheme of the M6 GT3. What is more, several exterior parts were also emphasized with gloss black paint to create strong visual contrast, while the bonnet includes colorful flashes in Racing Red, black and blue.

ECU & Exhaust

M&D BMW 650i PD6XX GT3 Exhaust Tailpipes

The standard engine under the hood of the 650i F13 is the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, which produces 408 hp (300 kW) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque. After an ECU software optimization however, the unit is more forceful and boasts 495 hp (364 kW) with 722 Nm (533 lb-ft) of torque.

At last but not least, custom-made sports exhaust system with X-pipe and a pair of rear silencers and 80 mm diameter black chrome finish tailpipes, help in the production of throaty sound.

Despite BMW M6 GT3 will ever make it to the streets, we are definitely sure that the PD6XX GT3 is a worthy doppelganger! Oh, and by the way, have I mentioned that the car in the pictures below is for sale?

Source: M&D Exclusive Cardesign

November 17, 2015

Kaege Changes Porsche 997 GT3 Clubsport

Kaege is another tuning company working in Germany and optimizing exclusive cars. The current example shows how they have managed to tune the outstanding Porsche 997 GT3. Originally the car is powered by a 3.6 liters engine that generates 415 HP (305 kW). The wish of the client was to make the performance of the car far better.

So basically the expert succeeded in the modification of the sports Porsche and this is how they have done it. At first, the car received M+M noise reduction system as well as racing header. The tuners also added 200 cells catalysts and then modified the air filter in order to enhance the output by 8 hp. As a result of these steps, the weight of the car was lowered with 7 kg.

The hydraulic pump was substituted with an electric power steering pump, thus distributing the weight from the rear to the front and improving the response and performance (with additional 10 hp) of the car.

What lightens the weight of the car even more, by 8 kg actually, is the single mass flywheel including Sachs sports clutch, which also contributes towards additional 5 hp. Lithium-ions battery and RS rear window were installed, thus saving another 32 kg.

The car runs on special 19-inch red extra red coated ATS superlight rims, fitted with Michelin Pilot Cup2 tires with Porsche-specific N-label. And as you can guess they also result in a total weight economy of 13.5 kg. Triple KW clubsport running gear with uniball bearing and tie rods take car for the road holding.

All in all, the saved weight estimates around 60 kg, while additional horses are rated at 23 hp (17 kW), and this is without any software optimization.

Of course, the tuners ensured great sporting experience inside, where the lightweight seats have been wrapped in retro-checkered fabric, while the central console, the rollover cage and different interior parts have been painted in car’s color. At last, the steering wheel was newly covered and the trunk was cleaned.

What’s left unsaid is the special travel and helmet bag made of the same to the seats cover fabric.

Source: Kaege

May 28, 2015

Mystery Solved: Porsche Revealed the 911 GT3 RS in Geneva [VIDEO]

Remember when we told you about a mysterious Porsche model which is going to debut in Geneva? Well, the mystery is solved, since we have already at hand the911 GT3 RS car. The company itself announced this car as the “definitive track car for everyday use” and forgot to mention that you should be a millionaire or very wealthy to afford this. The price exceeds 200K of US dollars.

Drive system, aerodynamics and design were optimized and the proof of this is the lap time around the 14 mile Nürburgring Nordschleife of 7 min 20 seconds. The reason for this breathtaking performance is the 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine which produces 500 hp (368 kW) and 460 Nm of torque. The power is transmitted onto the road via the very special PDK transmission.

And if you wonder about the acceleration time: the street legal model can sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.3 seconds and to 124 mph (200 km/h) in 10.9 seconds.

There is a total of 10 kg saved from the weight of the model and this is due to the implementation of magnesium for the roof and carbon fibre for the engine and luggage compartment lids. Combined with RS-specific aerodynamic components like the front spoiler lip and the large rear wing, it is no surprise that this Porsche is so powerful.

Other standard features that will delight the lucky owners are the bi-Xenon headlights, sports exhaust and dynamic engine mounts. There is a choice of 20- or 21-inch forged alloys that are complemented by the PASM and PTV, or Porsche Active Suspension Management and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, respectively.

Alcantara interior was fitted for the sake of luxury, but what makes more impression are the sports seats that are based on the carbonfibre ‘bucket’ seats of the 918 Spyder. Club Sport Package comes as a standard in contrast to the Sport Chrono Package. While the first adds a roll cage, the second will optionally include several technology tweaks.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS is currently available to order with first cars arriving in showrooms in May.

httpv://youtu.be/sQjPECvmBRM

httpv://youtu.be/n1qtyIy22qs

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Porsche

March 5, 2015

Mercedes-AMG GT3 Racer is Fully Revealed!

After we had a glimpse of what the Mercedes-AMG GT3 car would look like, now it is time to have a full view on it. In addition, there is some impressive data regarding its specifications. Although the famous carmaker has revealed only four pictures of the motorsports-beast we are extremely satisfied that the veil has been finally lifted. So, take a look at the gallery and tell us what you think.

The 2015 motorsport season starts in March, not literally of course, but with the start of the Geneva Motor Show, and this is where we are going to hear the V8 engine of the AMG GT3 roaring.

The car has all the necessary characteristics of a FIA GT3 racer, thus it will be eligible to compete in the race series. Spectacular design is what we can see from the photos, but what Mercedes ain’t telling us is the cutting-edge racing technology imbued in it.

Going straight to these facts, the 2015 GT3 car is based on the Mercedes-AMG GT. This means that both models have similar characteristics like the low centre of gravity, the perfectly distributed weight and wide track width. As a matter of fact, this layout is the reason of the precise cornering as well as the high lateral acceleration, exceptional agility and traction.

The design of the car is classy: the body is painted in matt designo selenite grey mango, while the large air intakes, diffuser and the rear aerofoil speak of extreme track performance. The vehicle is constructed with lightweight aluminium spaceframe, thus ensuring less weight and more aerodynamism.

Inside, the driver is protected via the carbon-fibre seat pan and the integral roll-over cage. For the purpose of weight savings the engine cover, doors, front wing, front and rear aprons, sidewalls, side skirts, diffuser, boot lid and rear aerofoil are all made from carbon-fibre.

The horsepower comes from the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine that is coupled with a six-speed sequential racing gearbox. The transmission is mounted in a transaxle configuration on the rear axle, which actually results in the perfect weight distribution. What’s left to be mentioned is the aluminium double-wishbone suspension.

The GT3 has gone through extensive testing and the company is saying that it will ship the racer to the customer teams at the end of this year.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

February 27, 2015

Take First Look at the Mercedes-AMG GT3!

Mercedes-AMG GT3 has been finally revealed! Although the company has uploaded only one image of the awaited car on its social network, we think that it is enough to soothe the emotions ahead of the “full debut”. Next to the picture, Mercedes announced that the new AMG Customer Sport race car complies with every single FIA GT3 race regulation. For the design and creation of this extreme vehicle, the technicians and designers have used the road-going AMG GT. This is the perfect basis for a superb racetrack performance machine, isn’t it?

As we already know, the GT3 car will make its world premiere in eleven days at the Geneva Auto Saloon. As a matter of fact, at the event the model will be introduced as a replacement of the SLS AMG GT3 that was stopped from production last year.

We can clearly see from the darkened photograph that the model has extremely purposeful and wide body. The front end of the car definitely looks modified and if you are a fan of Mercedes, then you will notice that it features larger radiator grille, redesigned bumper with new gills as well as lower mesh grille.

What we also received as information about this “beasty” car is that it will undergo extensive testing accompanied by a development period after its debut in Geneva. At last, we had hopes to see the car in action sooner, but it is already official that it will hit track next year, participating in the FIA GT3 Championship season.

Source: Mercedes-Benz via Facebook

February 20, 2015

Mercedes-AMG GT3 Teased Before Its Debut

Back in November last year, Mercedes-AMG made an announcement regarding its new GT3 which is set to make its debut next month in Geneva. Now, the company has displayed two images of the same upcoming vehicle.

The two design sketches reveal an automobile which has wider body kit, underlined by flared wheel arches, a lot of additional air vents and a massive rear wing which brings more downforce to the rear axle. The new Mercedes-AMG GT3 is compliant with the FIA GT3 requirements and regulations and is going to hit the track for the 2016 season. This means that we are going to say goodbye to the SLS AMG GT3. When comparing it to the new model, SLS AMG GT3 racer exhibits less aggressive presence. So the new racer might really be a good replacement after all.

No technical and performance details have been shared so far. What we know for sure, though, is that everything will be unveiled soon as the GT3 will be brought to the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. After that, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 will go through an “intense testing and development period” in order to be reinforced and made ready for the FIA GT3 Championship season in 2016.

Source: Mercedes-AMG

February 13, 2015

BMW Teases the M6 GT3 Racer

BMW M6 GT3 has just been presented with couple of sketches. This means that the company will cease the Z4 GT3 racer and substitute it with the new car based on the powerful and aggressive BMW M6 Coupe. This will happen by the end of next year and the car is planned to compete in the GT racing from 2016. At the moment, the racecar is under development and its first track tests will start in the beginning of next year.

BMW specialists also reveal that the properties of the car make it predestined to succeed the BMW Z4 GT3. In addition, they also wanted to show the high product substance of BMW M cars in motorsport.

Under the hood of the M6 GT3 will be sitting an optimized version of the standard car’s 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine. The power output is expected to be between 500 hp and 600 hp. In addition, the chassis will also be improved for the racetrack.

Although the car will be based on the M6, it will feature a lot of lightweight components and will loose a lot of its unnecessary equipment. The weight it must achieve is between 1200 and 1300 kilograms. Furthermore, the M6 GT3 will be also equipped with a racing gearbox and ABS brakes.

Source: BMW

October 8, 2014

Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Shown on Track for the First Time [VIDEO]

Lamborghini Huracán GT3 was shown on the track for the first time in Vallelunga (Rome). The evidence for this is the video below, which was officially released by Lamborghini. The Huracán GT3 made the testing on the ”Piero Taruffi” circuit under the supervision of Giorgio Sanna. The drivers were the two official Lamborghini Squadra Corse test drivers Adrian Zaugg and Fabio Babini. With joint forces the team set up the new race car for the first time.

The Huracán GT3 is an example of the next step for Lamborghini towards development and production of a race car for one of the most prestigious international categories. In fact, the GT3 model will be company’s first in-house racing project.

There not much revealed by Lamborghini, but the rumors say that the car will be powered by the 5.2-liter V10 engine, which is expected to produce up to 600 horsepower (441 kW). According to the GT3 configurations, cars must meet certain power to weight ratios and they must produce outputs between 500 and 600 horsepower. The weight is should be between 1200 and 1300 kg.

After the tests, Sanna confirmed his satisfaction with the Huracán GT3. Although they had much work to still do with the car, he found its performance and reliability feedback is encouraging. Sanna will be competing next season in the 2015 Blancpain Endurance Series. The racings are scheduled at five venues in Europe such as the Spa 24 Hours.

httpv://youtu.be/bF28ssh-gP4

Source: YouTube

Source: Lamborghini