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Two of today’s hottest super cars go at it side by side. Check out the Underground Racing Ferrari 458 Italia, with the UGR Twin Turbo System (700whp), take on the new 2012 Lamborghini Aventador (stock). Aventador owners, don’t feel left out as UGR will be producing Twin Turbo Systems for you soon. And there will be a rematch.
For the first time since the 90s, BMW will return and take part in the DTM series once again. To do that, BMW has revealed their M3 DTM Concept Car for the 2012 DTM season series. This may not be the final design, but it will be awfully close.
Behind the wheel will be Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus. This M3 DTM comes with a 4.0 liter V8 engine with an air restrictor. The air restrictor allows the M3 DTM to stay within DTM regulations while being at approximately 480bhp.
Technical Specs:
Length: 4,775mm (without rear wing)
Width: 1,950mm
Height: Approx. 1,200mm (depending on suspension set-up)
Chassis/Bodywork: CFRP monocoque with steel roll cage structure
Transmission: Sequential 6-speed gearbox
Engine type: V8
Capacity: 4,000ccm (4.0 Liter)
Max. power output: Approx. 480bhp (air restricted as per DTM regulations)
Click the Photos To Enlarge!!
There has been alot of anticipation for the upcoming super-sedan. But this past weekend BMW’s M performance division held a special event in Munich, Germany where it showcased a number of special models, such as, a concept version of the upcoming 2012 BMW M5.
In the Super-Sedan spirt BMW’s go-fast division also rolled out a very special concept version of the M3. Built using parts from the track-focused M3 GTS, the new concept is essentially a stripped out and more hardcore version of the M3 Sedan and hints at a return of the CSL badge.
Intersting enough is the fact that, CSL stands for Coupe, Sport, Lightweight and marks the purest “street legal” but most track-focused cars offered by BMW in the recent past. The last BMW M3 CSL was built in a limited run of just 1,400 cars between 2002 and 2004 it is an very exclusive offering, and only the most dedicated opt for the extra expense and somewhat harsher and noisier ride characteristics of the car.
Now the CSL badge looks set to finally return on the M3 but it’s unclear exactly what it will be like. We should see more power from the familiar high-rev 4.0-liter V-8 but not quite as high as the 450 horsepower from the 4.4-liter V-8 found in the M3 GTS. Some parts on this concept that are borrowed from the M3 GTS, however, include the custom 19-inch alloy wheels, uprated brakes and a blacked-out grille. Other modifications include a tuned exhaust system, lightweight construction and a subtle bootlid lip spoiler.
No word on production but most BMW concepts based on the automaker’s production cars tend to receive the green light.
Interestingly, there have been reports that BMW M is set to unveil a new lightweight concept at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show this December, suggesting that we may see the return of the M3 CSL at the Japanese event
Hyundai’s launches Genesis Prada sedan
Hyundai and Prada is no longer laughable in the same sentence, as it was not so long ago. Hyundai now carries a very different image. No model shows it more than Genesis. And although it is yet to be seen if the Genesis name will branch off to form its own high dollar badge. Moves like this sure make us believe so.
Two years ago, the Korean automaker announced a partnership with the Italian fashion house with a concept car. That car has now launched the production Genesis Prada in its South Korean home market. Distinguishing the special edition luxury sedan is special paint – either Brown Moro, Blue Baltico or Black Nero – with a shark-fin antenna on the roof, offset by dark chrome trim and special 19-inch alloys. Saffiano parchment leather swaths the interior along with piano lacquer black trim and a rear-seat entertainment system. And of course you can count on the requisite badges to identify this Genesis as different from all others.
Hyundai’s celebrated 5.0-liter V8 with 424 horsepower is on pushing duty, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Who’s black and red gilled cover makes me think of the old Tiburon a car I always liked. Distribution will be constricted initially to South Korea, before availability will commence in limited numbers of China and Middle Eastern markets.
The biggest gathering of BMWs anywhere – Bimmerfest is this Saturday at the Rosebowl in Pasadena, California.
From a post on bimmer forums:
KTLA is shooting LIVE footage here at the Rose Bowl this morning in preparation for Bimmerfest 2011 sponsored by HorsepowerFreaks. Some amazing cars have shown up and its just a tiny preview of what is to come tomorrow!
We have a new Art Car from one HUGE BMW enthusiast. The car has been under wraps for some time but is going to be shown off in all its glory for the 1st time tomorrow at the show. Stop by the special display area near the Bimmerfest tent to see it in person. You don’t want to miss this one!
You can check out more at the bimmerfest Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Bimmerfest/ as well.
In honor of Bimmerfest this Saturday. Here are some going around a track sideways.
HKS USA, Inc a leader in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) parts industry will be officially closing their United States operations. As of today, HKS’ plan is to close their US Operations by August. However, this does not mean the end of HKS as they will still be fully operational in Japan, where they will be serving their American market from.
HKS cites a declining industry, the poor U.S. economy as well as the weakening of the U.S. Dollar as reasons for their decision to close U.S. operations. You can read their official annoucement below.
U.S. Demand is Outpacing Audi
Buyers are saying yes to Audi. You may have noticed a recent upsurge in the amount of Audis on the road. So much that they are having trouble keeping up with U.S. demand, says Johan de Nysschen, president of Audi of America.
“We’re down to a 27-day supply now,” de Nysschen tells Ward’s in an interview at the New York International Auto Show. “We simply can’t get our inventory up to (an optimum) 60-day supply.”
“It’s quite challenging,” the Audi chief says. The small number of choices on Audi dealer lots is pushing up custom ordering. “It’s up to 31%,” de Nysschen says.
“That’s high for us and unsustainable because we’re losing business opportunities and causing our 277 dealers some consternation. I have no doubt that some of our dealers are unprofitable.” But he says Audi dealers average a 3.27% return on sales.
Audi is intent on maintaining profitability. However, de Nysschen admits Audi is challenged to compete on average selling prices with its German luxury competitors. “Their sales mix is far richer than ours,” he says.
Also, Audi’s U.S. prices overall are lower than in other markets, giving us the best value.
“That’s something we have to address,” de Nysschen says. “In other markets, Audi does much better in richness of business.” One of his targets is to increase A6 sales from the current 15% to 55%. “A big focus of our business going forward is to sell more high-end cars.”
Audi also is targeting more diesel sales. De Nysschen predicts half of Q7 CUV sales will be diesel models. “But (again), we are so significantly under supplied and could sell twice the amount we now do. We’re competing for supply with Europe and China.”
[source: wardsauto.com]
The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach is an open-wheel race held on a street circuit in Long Beach, California. The Long Beach Grand Prix is the longest running major “street” race held on the North American continent.
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
April 15-17, 2011
3000 Pacific Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90806-1356
(562) 981-2600
America’s #1 street race is a three-day festival of speed that features six races headlined by the IZOD IndyCar Series, plus concerts, a Lifestyle Expo. It started in 1975 as a Formula 5000 race on the streets of downtown, and became a Formula One event the following year. From 1984 to 2008 it was a CART/Champ Car event. Other popular events during the Grand Prix week include a Firestone Indy Lights race, an American Le Mans Series race, and the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race.
You live your life a quarter-mile at a time, but you still care about the environment. So, you’ve patiently awaited Audi’s hybrid Spyder. It’s latest tease is a far cry from the aforesaid ghost, but the A3 e-tron — an entry-level Sportback begging to be modified — is certainly sexy in its own right. The A3-Tron prototype, an electric car derived from the current A3 Sportback. The design is fully intact in the original model and the only difference is easily spotted on the different instruments.
Not exactly Fast and Furious material, the A3-Tron is a pure electric. It has a synchronous electric motor capable of peak power of 136 hp, 270 Nm of torque, a declared weight of 65 kg and is liquid-cooled. Front-wheel drive, with a top speed of 145 km / h it touches the 60 km / h acceleration in 5.3 seconds and 100 km / h in 11.2 seconds.
Lithium-ion batteries (30 modules equipped with liquid cooling) with 26.5 kWh total are positioned in the center tunnel in the back, where normally there is the fuel tank and below the rear seat. The range is 140 km, with 9 hours recharge time with 230V power and 4 hours in case of voltage of 400V. The recharge management, among other functions, may be controlled by a specific remote application for iPhone. You are given a choice of three driving modes: “dynamic” gets you maximum power from the engine and air conditioning, “automatic” optimizes the values for extended battery life, lastly “efficient” power is limited to 68 hp, maximum speed drops to 110 km / h and air-conditioning is kept to a minimum. Sinking the accelerator to kick-down mode you can switch immediately to full power for over taking.
While the weight of the battery pack is 300 kg, the total weight is 1592 kg, only slightly higher than a normal A3 TDI. No hard word on availability or pricing — the company likely wants it on the streets by 2013.
2011 Sportec SPR1 FL
The beautiful Porsche 911 Turbo (997) has been beautified even more by the car tuning company Sportec; however, most of the modifications happen under the hood. On the outside the Sportec SPR1 FL looks like a standard Porsche 911.
Sportec was able to squeeze out a whopping 858 horsepower from the 3.6 liter twin-turbo boxer engine. Power is sent to all four wheels; the car rockets from standstill to 62 mph in 3 seconds and goes on to 124 mph (200 km/h) in under 8 seconds and after another 10 seconds it has already reached 186 mph (300 km/h). The high speed journey comes to an end at 236 mph (380 km/h).
The massive horsepower gain comes courtesy of new hybrid turbocharges with a high performance intercooler, a smooth flow air inlet and a carbon fiber ram air induction system, a new exhaust system, titanium connecting rods, and continuous camshaft phasing. To put the power to the ground effectively, a new high performance clutch and a limited slip differential was added.
Visually, the Sportec SPR1 FL Porsche 911 Turbo doesn’t look too different, a new more aerodynamic rear bumper is added with LED taillights and bigger more aerodynamic mirrors are also installed.
Mitsubishi announces that the EVO is dead.
According to Gayu Eusegi, head of global product development for Mitsubishi, the Lancer Evolution X will be the last Evo the Japanese automaker ever builds. Eusegi says the move is part of a shift in strategy to put the company’s product focus and ethos on leadership in EV technology.
To that end, Autocar indicates that Mitsubishi will release eight fully-electric or hybrid-electric cars by the time 2015 rolls around, and make a grab for a big portion of the CO2-reduction market share. It goes without saying that the fun-yet-fuel-swilling Evo just doesn’t fit that mindset, particularly since it apes a rally car that no longer exists.
Despite the Evo’s huge popularity, Mitsubishi apparently isn’t scared of the step and says it’s confident that consumers will glom on to the idea and rally behind the brand. By killing the Evo, they’re making their intentions plain to an increasingly environmentally-conscious car-buying public.
Eusegi killed dead any notion that the brand would roll out a performance-oriented hybrid as well. “Maybe the world can change, and maybe someday we can do a motor race by electric vehicles. Maybe then we can enter the market agian,” he said.
This report of the Evo’s death would seem to stand in contrast to multiple reports that an Evo XI is in the works with a hybrid drivetrain. We’re taking this latest Autocar missive with a few grains of salt, as we can see how Eusegi may have simply meant that an Evo that relies exclusively on internal combustion is dead – a hybrid Evo would seem to offer a nice technological bridge to Mitsubishi’s more electrically minded future.
Swedish design company Visualtech recently shocked the world with a daring “reimagining” of Jaguar’s E-Type coupe , the “Growler E”. Now comes word that the firm has decided to actually produce the retro-modern cat, as soon as the summer of 2012.
The exact details however, aren’t quite as sculpted as the car. Visualtech states that they will start by producing three or four cars, all to be finished around the same time. Then, depending on demand, an unspecified limited run will be put into production via the help of companies Steyr or Valmet. Paying homage to the brand which inspired it, the Growler E will be powered by Jaguar’s 5.0-liter supercharged V8, currently delivered in the current XKR. With some light tuning, Visualtech expects a car around the 600hp mark, that will pounce from 0-60 in less than four seconds.
With a composite body, the Growler will reportedly come together through a carbon fiber structure and tube frames in both front and rear that will hold its running gear. Price? Well that too depends on the demand and scope of the run. You can expect it to cost anywhere in between $700,000 and $1.4 million, so if you want one, you better try to get a few friends interested in as well.
