Tag: McLaren

  • Most Collectible Cars from the Present

    2013-bugatti-veyron-ThumbHere is a short list of some of the most collectible cars from the present, which in my opinion, are going to cost even more amount of money in the near or distant future. They are unique in several aspects, including style, speed, expense and produced examples of their particular model. Such cars are driven for prestige and are considered as a symbol for high status.

    Let’s start with Dodge Viper, which undeniably is one of the most famous cars ever produced. Its production started back in 1992 and continues till now. The vehicle has 6 speed manual transmission which allows the person behind the wheel to experience the excitement of driving. Moreover it is usually equipped with very powerful engine which produces a pleasant roaring sound and in some versions achieves the whole 600 hp (442 kW). Therefore, if you seat behind the steering wheel with the aim to achieve the top speed, then you’ll get up to 202 mph (325 km/h). Undoubtedly, this model is an emblematic one for the American automotive history and I am sure that one day models will cost a lot.

    2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X
    2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X

    Next comes the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which production started in the near past – in 2009 and since then it is still being produced. Although it has a short history, it is the most powerful Corvette ever made. It includes six speed manual transmission, but unlike the previous discussed vehicle, it can produce the astonishing 638 hp (470 kW) at 6,500 rpm of torque. The top speed here is 205 mph (325 km/h)! It definitely deserves the investment, because it is going to be one of the most desirable collectables in the future.

    2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
    2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

    Here comes the luxury Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren without which the sport car industry wouldn’t be the same. Its production began in the 2003 and lasted till 2010. Unlike the Corvette and the Viper, it has five speed automatic gearbox. Here the Mercedes achieves the 617 hp (454 kW) at 6,500 rpm, but its maximum speed is higher than Corvettes. This vehicle can reach up to 208 mph (335 km/h). And the price as well is far grater than the ZR1’s. The last one costs around $100 000. The Mercedes however, is estimated around $ 450 000. What is so typical and emblematic about this model, are its unmistakable gullwing doors.

    Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
    Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

    There is a real rarity present to our attention – the two door coupe named Lamborghini Reventón, which production lasted just one year (from 2008 till 2009). What makes this car so special and priceless is that you can’t see it on the streets very often. And this isn’t due to its high price (which by the way is estimated around $1.6 million dollars), but due to the fact that there is only twenty of it produced! This beauty, has a six speed manual or six-speed paddle shift transmission, and as you expect its engine is a powerful V12 6,5 liter one. Hence, it produces the astonishing 650 hp (478 kW) at 8,000 rpm of torque. The top speed is exactly 211 mph (340 km/h).

    Lamborghini Reventón
    Lamborghini Reventón

    Without a doubt a collectible one is Bugatti Veyron, for anyone who can afford it of course. It costs around 1,7 million dollars and since 2005, when it production started, is one of the most appealing cars to the famous people. Its acceleration, which for only 2.5 seconds goes from 0 to 100 km/h, is due to the unbelievable 1001 hp (736 kW) at 6,000 rpm! And not to forget the maximum speed of 268 mph (431 km/h) which makes the car one of the fastest cars in the world! But wait this is not all! The new hyper car model, which is going to make its debut in 2013, will be also powered by the famous 8.0 liter W16 quad-turbo engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Moreover, it is expected to achieve more than 1200 hp (895 kW)! This makes it a real collectable car even before its official release, isn’t it!

    2013 Bugatti Veyron
    2013 Bugatti Veyron

  • 2012 F1 Season – McLaren MP4-27

    Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has unveiled the new Mp4-27 ahead of the 2012 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The Formula 1 car was presented at the McLaren Technology Centre.

    Maintaining the belief in the validity of strengthened continuity, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is the only team in Formula 1 whose driver line-up consists of two world champions: Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. Between them, they have scored 22 grand prix victories for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and are the strongest and most consistent driver line-up in the sport. Maintaining the partnership into a third successive season was merely a formality.

    While the all-new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-27 closely resembles last year’s multiple race-winning car, the 2012 chassis has been substantially revised from the ground-up, with all major systems updated or re-designed for the new season. The most evident visual differences include more tightly waisted rear bodywork, developed to improve flow to the rear of the car, and a revised cooling system, which re-directs the gearbox oil-cooler. Last year’s U-shaped sidepods have also been re-designed – a legacy of the FIA’s new exhaust regulations that redefine the shape of the rear bodywork.

    On the technical front, our exemplary engineering trio Tim Goss (director of engineering), Paddy Lowe (technical director) and Neil Oatley (director of design and development programmes) once more remain at the forefront of the drawing office. For 2012, they will be joined by sporting director Sam Michael, whose arrival coincides with the re-organisation of our trackside personnel roster to ensure both growth and development within the group.

    Check out the technical specification below!

    2012 F1 Season - McLaren MP4-27
    2012 F1 Season – McLaren MP4-27



    MP4-27 technical specification
    :

    Chassis – Monocoque McLaren-moulded carbonfibre composite incorporating front and side impact structures
    Front suspension – Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
    Rear suspension – Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pullrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
    Electronics – McLaren Electronic Systems. Including chassis control, engine control, data acquisition, dashboard, alternator, sensors, data analysis and telemetry.
    Bodywork – Carbon-fibre composite. Separate engine cover, sidepods and floor. Structural nose with integral front wing, Driver-operated drag reduction system
    Tyres – Pirelli P Zero
    Radio – Kenwood
    Race wheels – Enkei
    Brake callipers – Akebono
    Master cylinders – Akebono
    Batteries – GS Yuasa Corporation
    Steering – McLaren power-assisted
    Instruments – McLaren Electronic Systems
    Paint solutions – AkzoNobel Car Refinishes using Sikkens products

    Engine

    Type – Mercedes-Benz FO 108Z
    Capacity – 2.4 litres
    Cylinders – 8
    Maximum rpm – 18 000
    Bank angle – 90°
    Piston bore maximum – 98mm
    Number of valves – 32
    Fuel – ExxonMobil High Performance Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel)
    Spark plugs – NGK racing spark plugs specially designed for Formula 1
    Lubricants – Mobil 1 – combining greater performance, protection and cooling with increased economy and lower emissions
    Weight – 95kg (minimum FIA regulation weight)

    KERS Hybrid

    Type – Mercedes-Benz
    e-Motor Engine-mounted electrical motor/generator
    ESS Integrated energy storage cells and power electronics
    Power – 60 kW

    Transmission

    Gearbox – McLaren-moulded carbon-fibre composite
    Integral rear impact structure
    Gears – Seven forward and one reverse
    Gear selection – McLaren seamless shift, hand-operated
    Clutch – Carbon/carbon, hand-operated
    Lubricants – Mobil

    Source: McLaren

  • 2011 Wheelsandmore Mc Laren Mercedes SLR 722 Epochal

    2011 Wheelsandmore Mc Laren Mercedes SLR 722 Epochal ThumbThe luxurious german car tuning company Wheelsandmore has prepared for us today an incredible tuning of Mc Laren Mercedes SLR 722 Epochal. The aim of the company is to deliver more style with the fine and exclusive tuning upgrades, starting with the enhancement of the whole 650 hp (478 kW), which seem to be not enough. This was made through the installation of a handcrafted exhaustsystem with sports catalysts and remote-able flaps. Moreover they were adapted to remapped ecu software and a new pulley, thus delivering the amazing 727 hp (535 kW) and 950 Nm (701 lb-ft). We are speaking about real beast here, aren’t we!

    But in order to handle these grandorous changes in the power, Wheelsandmore has required a revision in suspension. This was made possible thank to the specialists of KW, who have dedeveloped a compression and rebounded the adjustable and full race approved system for this Mc Laren Mercedes SLR722.

    2011 Wheelsandmore Mc Laren Mercedes SLR 722 Epochal
    2011 Wheelsandmore Mc Laren Mercedes SLR 722 Epochal

    Of course they have considered the optimization of the weight of the vehicle. For example we have here fully handcrafted, multi-piece forged wheels of the type 6Sporz² which undeniably make a significant change and have a huge effect over the improvement of the acceleration. Furthermore those high-end rims are the perfect fill for the carbon fiber body. Specifically their size is 9.0 x20″ at the front and 11.5 x 20 inches at the rear axle. In this Mc Laren Mercedes SLR722 there is nothing but high quality and standard. Another proof for this fact is the 255/30/20 and 305/25/20 Sportmaxx tires from Dunlop.

    At last the nappaleather, carbon parts, the new steering wheel, the stepped alcantara and the detailed red stitchings are making the Mercedes Mc Laren SLR 722 even more unique and are adding to its individual appearance! Just see the gallery below!

    Source: Wheelsandmore

  • GEMBALLA to enter two McLaren MP4-12C GT3s

    Setting yet another milestone in the year of its 30th Anniversary, GEMBALLA is proud to announce the debut of GEMBALLA racing. The new team will enter two McLaren MP4-12C GT3 cars in the 2012 motorsport season.

    Team owner and GEMBALLA investor, Steffen Korbach, has hired Sascha Bert to manage his new motorsport venture. A well-known racing driver and instructor, Bert is a former German kart champion, Formula 3 and FIA GT driver, and has stood on the winners’ podium at the Nürburgring VLN 24-hour race amongst others. As Korbach said in Frankfurt today, “Sascha Bert is an absolute pro, and is ideally qualified to manage our new racing team.”

    “We chose the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 because we think this car has the potential to be one of the season’s leaders,” Korbach explained. “We have also put together a team of drivers and mechanics who are proven winners. Racing is in our blood! We want to win!”

    The GEMBALLA name has been synonymous with high performance, reliability and extraordinary qualities for 30 years. Now, 17 years after the McLaren F1 GTR won the gruelling 24-hours of Le Mans on its debut outing, GEMBALLA racing will capitalise on McLaren’s competition pedigree to mount its own challenge.

    Race bred by a marque that has always been a front-runner in Formula 1, the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 incorporates world-class technology. Based on the recently launched MP4-12C supercar, the GT3 racecar features a 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine, bespoke racing gearbox, carbon safety cell, race front splitter, large fixed rear wing, optimised air vents at the front and a racing diffuser at the rear. The steering wheel with integrated display is an ode to Formula 1.

    Gemballa Racing McLaren MP4 12C GT
    Gemballa Racing McLaren MP4 12C GT
    Gemballa Racing McLaren MP4 12C GT
    Gemballa Racing McLaren MP4 12C GT
    Gemballa Racing McLaren MP4 12C GT
    Gemballa Racing McLaren MP4 12C GT

    Source: Gemballa Racing

  • Three McLaren MP4-12C GT3 race cars at Spa-Francorchamps

    McLaren will take place at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit this weekend for Total 24 Hours of Spa. The manufacturers follows the successful race debut there in the British GT Championship early in July.

    Totally ten racing drivers will pilot three McLaren MP4-12 Race cars in the first ever 24 hour race for this model.

    The McLaren GT driver line-up for the Total 24 Hours of Spa includes CRS Racing Team Principal Andrew Kirkaldy and McLaren Automotive Chief Test driver Chris Goodwin.  Both are Directors of the new McLaren GT company, which is led by McLaren Group CEO Martin Whitmarsh and includes McLaren Racing Head of Vehicle Engineering Mark Williams.

    Check out the driver line-up, below!

    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Race Car
    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Race Car

    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 drivers for Total 24 Hours of Spa:

    Pro-Cup category

    Car 58 (McLaren GT):
    Rob Bell – GB
    Chris Goodwin – GB
    Tim Mullen – GB

    Car 59 (McLaren GT):
    Andrew Kirkaldy – GB
    Álvaro Parente – POR
    Oliver Turvey – GB

    Pro-Am Cup category

    Car 60 (McLaren GT and VonRyan Racing):
    Adam Christodoulou – GB
    Glynn Geddie – GB
    Phil Quaife – GB
    Roger Wills – NZL

    Source: McLaren

  • McLaren’s First Showroom in Germany

    McLaren is going to open its first two showrooms in Germany, today. McLaren Dusseldorf and McLaren Hamburg are scheduled to open their doors in time for the 2011 Formula 1™ German Grand Prix which will take place at the Nurburgring this coming weekend.

    The new MP4-12C high-performance sports car will be offered as well as a wide range of services. Every showroom will exhibit a piece of history to highlight McLaren’s rich heritage with each McLaren showroom displaying a real McLaren race car, driven by some of the finest racing drivers in the world.

    McLaren Dusseldorf will exhibit MP4/5 which took Alain Prost to a world championship title in 1989 and Hamburg’s showroom will have MP4/6, the car in which Ayrton Senna won his third, and last championship title, in 1991.

    Two more showrooms are planned for this autumn – in Frankfurt and Munich.

    McLaren's First Showroom in Germany
    McLaren's First Showroom in Germany
    McLaren's First Showroom in Germany Outside
    McLaren's First Showroom in Germany Outside

    Source: McLaren

  • McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Price – £310 000

    The price of the new McLaren MP4-12C GT3 is £310 000. The manufacturer will build just 20 units, which will race for teams in 2012.

    At a press conference held at the McLaren Technology Centre, senior McLaren GT executives revealed to the world’s media and a group of prospective 12C GT3 clients the price and development programme details of the first non-Formula 1 race car built by McLaren since the McLaren F1 GTR.

    “Having been a customer of GT car manufacturers for many years, I’m delighted we are now able to offer a carbon chassis based GT3 car for £310,000. There will be no hidden costs and we will work as hard as we can to support as many races as we can.”, commented Andrew Kirkaldy, CRS Racing Team Principal and Project Manager for McLaren GT

    “We will spend the 2011 season developing the car with a team from McLaren Racing, McLaren Applied Technologies and McLaren Automotive and make sure this is the most efficient, reliable and easy to drive GT3 car on the grid when we deliver cars to customers next year.”, he added.

    “The new MP4-12C sports car is the essence of a race car and we used Formula 1 simulation technology to get us ahead in our development programme. We have a unique mix of experience in the McLaren GT team and I expect the 12C GT3 to be the start of our GT racing plans. We have had great success outside of Formula 1, from the US, to France, to Japan and there is no reason why we can’t repeat that success in sports cars after 2012.”, said Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren Group CEO.

    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Conference

    Source: McLaren

  • McLaren MP4-12C GT3: full details

    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 will be the first car from the manufacturer built for FIA GT series racing since the famous McLaren F1 GTR. The iconic F1 finished production in1997. 12C GT3 is based on the new MP4-12C, which is one of the best super sports cars in the world.

    “McLaren has racing in its blood and it was a natural step to take our MP4-12C road car and turn it into the most reliable, efficient and easy to drive GT3 car.  Every car on the grid will have its performance balanced by race rules, meaning our objective must be to select a technical specification that ensures any driver is able to access the 12C GT3’s performance limit with ease.”, commented Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren Group Chief Executive Officer.

    The 12C GT3 made its race debut at the UK circuit – Silverstone. Just a week after, the car was sent to the Circuito de Navarra in Spain for its first FIA circuit test. In simulated tests, McLaren GT was able to fine-tune engine calibration, power steering, spring rates, weight distribution, gear ratios and differential settings.

    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 comes with a new aerodynamics package, which is made entirely from carbon fibre. It is specially created by McLaren Racing in compliance with GT3 regulations. The body kit includes – a new front splitter, door blade, rear wing, diffuser and louvres in the front fenders.

    MP4-12C GT3 has the same 3.8-litre McLaren V8 twin-turbo M838T engine as the road car, but it will be de-tuned to 500PS (from 600PS) in order to provide optimum power for this performance-balanced race car. The car also includes the TAG-400 Engine Control Unit, which is a compact, self-contained engine management system and data logger for race engines designed and built by McLaren Electronic Systems.

    Other very important features are the unique engine calibration, bespoke racing transmission developed in partnership with Ricardo and a suspension arrangement tuned specifically for racing.

    Check out the specification, below!

    McLaren MP4-12C GT3

    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Technical Specification:

    Width (mm) 1995mm
    Height (mm) 1145mm
    Wheelbase (mm) 2670mm
    Fuel tank capacity 120 litres
    Chassis/body McLaren carbon fibre MonoCell with aluminium front and rear frames and bespoke carbon body panels
    Aerodynamics Front and rear diffuser, front splitter, dive planes and adjustable rear wing.
    Transmission 6 speed sequential using actuation via steering wheel mounted paddles

    Limited slip differential with a range of ramps and adjustable pre-load.

    Wet sump

    Sintered clutch hydraulically operated

    Driveshafts with tripod joints

    Engine type V8 twin turbo McLaren M838T
    Engine capacity 3.8L
    Bore x Stroke 93 x 69.9
    Max. Engine speed Limited to 7500rpm
    Cylinder block Cast aluminium , 90 deg V angle, dry sump scavenge, Nikasil coated liners
    Crankshaft Forged steel flat plane
    Pistons Forged aluminium
    Conrods Forged steel
    Cylinder head Cast aluminium with plastic composite cam covers, inlet & exhaust variable cam timing
    Valvetrain 32V with 40 deg variable cam timing on intake & exhaust. Low mass with sliding contact end pivoted pinger followers, single variable rate springs and hollow cast chilled iron camshafts
    Intake system Two water/air charge air coolers. Plastic composite plenum.
    Exhaust system Cast stainless steel exhaust manifold with compact MHI fixed geometry turbo chargers.  970 deg C turbine inlet temperature.
    Fuel system Returnless fuel rail with twin fuel tank mounted pumps and twin spray injectors
    Engine management MESL TAG400 ECU & CIU 100

    Interfacing with Bosch ABS and Shiftec control units

    Wiring harness Modular installation: Engine, chassis, fuel cell
    Lubrication MOBIL1: engine and transmission
    Cooling Air/water heat exchangers for engine water and charge air cooling combined with water/oil heat exchangers for engine, transmission & PAS.
    Front axle SKF integrated axles with handed single wheel retaining nut
    Rear axle SKF integrated axles with handed single wheel retaining nut
    Front suspension Double wishbone adjustable for ride height camber and toe
    Rear suspension Double wishbone adjustable for ride height camber and toe
    Dampers Coil over Multimatic dampers with DSSV technology with independent bump and rebound adjustment
    Front brake system Akebono 6 piston monoblock calliper

    378Ø x 36mm Iron ventilated disc

    Rear brake system Akebono 4 piston monoblock calliper

    355Ø x 32mm iron ventilated disc

    Steering Electro-hydraulic PAS
    Wheels Forged Aluminium

    Front 12” x 18”

    Rear 13” x 18”

    MESL TPS system compatible

    Cockpit electronics Multifunction steering wheel with integrated driver display

    Central switch panel with systems display screen

    Steering wheel Derived from MP4-24 Formula 1 wheel retaining integrated driver display, paddle shift and switches

    Source: McLaren

  • Mercedes SLR Black Arrow by edo competition

    Edo competition has released its astonishing-looking edo SLR Black Arrow project, which is actually way more than just another supercar-styling victim: it is an extremely powerful vehicle that incredibly quickens the pulse when its pedal hits the metal. (more…)

  • McLaren MP4-12C GT3

    McLaren MP4-12C GT3 has just completed its debut tests at the MIRA proving ground facility and Silverstone Circuit in England. (more…)

  • 2011 McLaren F1 Race Car

    The new 2011 F1 Race Car of McLaren Mercedes was unveiled. It will be driven by Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. The aerodynamics is slightly changed – a higher nose, a new airbox and re-designed sidepods.

    The most important thing is that the the McLaren 2011 F1 Race Car is now equipped with the KERS system, just like their competitors. (more…)

  • McLaren MP4-12C production start

    After its stellar world debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed, and the series of exclusive showcases to prospective customers and media across the globe in 2010, the McLaren MP4-12C ultra-sports car has finally enter production at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, England. (more…)