Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 and DB9 LM

In addition to the European debut of the DBS, Aston Martin will use Frankfurt to introduce the V8 Vantage N400 and the DB9 LM special editions that pay homage to the marque's track exploits। While we'll have to wait to see what they look like in the metal, Aston has provided a pair of sketches that show us what to expect। The N400 (above) is a celebration of Aston Martin and the Nürburgring, and its nomenclature breaks down quite simply। "N" is for -- you guessed it -- Nürburgring, where Aston Martin has contested the V8 Vantage N24 in the annual 24-hour endurance race held on the track। It's also where the automaker puts under-development road cars through their paces and where the N400 has recorded a sub-8-minute lap time. The "400" refers to the car's power. Its pumped-up 4.3L V8 produces 400 horses and 309 lb-ft of torque. The extra power (the standard car makes 380 hp/302 lb-ft) is further augmented by the standard Sports Pack, which adds a number of dynamic and visual enhancements to the car.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster Revealed

Text & Photos edited by Frank de Leeuw van Weenen

Source: DaimlerChrysler AG
May 4, 2007

Open-air adventure for all the senses

Mercedes-Benz will in future also market its SLR McLaren super sports car in the form of a roadster with a top. In common with Formula 1 vehicles of today, it, too, will be made of carbon fibre, a material that will endow the vehicle with a very high degree of safety as well as extreme torsional stiffness at the same high level as the coupé version. This gives rise, in combination with the racing-type chassis, to outstanding ride characteristics. The maximum speed of the new high-performance sports car, which is powered by an AMG V8 compressor engine delivering 460 kW/626 hp, is 332 km/h, therefore at the same high level as the coupé. Although, thanks to its fully retractable top, the Roadster offers undiluted open-air driving pleasure in the highest performance class, its occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the vehicle's suitability for everyday use. Consequently, the new Roadster opens up a new dimension in refinement for open-top super sports cars.

Like the coupé version, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster once again unites the legend of the successful SLR racing models from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes team. Typical stylistic elements, such as the arrow-shaped tip of the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, establish a visual link with the racing cars. The SLR leg-end of the 50s lives on stylistically in the distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and the wide-opening gullwing doors.

The new Roadster benefits technically from the many years of experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren। Apart from two aluminium engine frames, its body is made entirely of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials, making the vehicle an exception among high-performance sports cars। Especially for the Roadster, complex carbon-fibre technology has been intelligently further developed for the monocoque chassis। The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and, therefore, extremely high occupant safety as well as a degree of torsional stiffness hitherto unattained in open-top vehicles. This leads to outstanding ride characteristics of the kind otherwise found only in closed-top super sports cars.
source:http://www.worldcarfans.com/

Mercedes CLK 63 AMG Black Series Revealed

The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is technically and visually oriented towards the Official F1™ Safety Car and thus addresses all sports-car enthusiasts who value high competitiveness. An output upgraded by 19 kW/26 hp accelerates the CLK 63 AMG Black Series from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds – thus 0.3 seconds faster than the standard model with 354 kW/481 hp. The top speed (electronically limited) is 300 km/h.
Mercedes-AMG engineers achieved the increase in power to 373 kW/507 hp by completely redesigning the intake and exhaust systems. The high-revving, naturally-aspirated AMG engine, with its 6208 cc displacement, gets its fresh air via larger-dimensioned intake ducts. The new AMG sports exhaust system with full-length twin pipes stands out with its unmistakable, pleasant AMG V8 sound. Together with a newly calibrated engine control unit, these measures ensure not only efficient load change behavior, but also let this eight-cylinder unit respond to the accelerator with even greater alacrity.
An overview of the most important data:

CLK 63 AMG Black Series
Cylinder configuration/valves per cylinder
V8/4
Displacement cc
6208
Bore x stroke mm
102.6 x 94.6
Compression ratio
11.3 : 1
Output kW/hpat rpm
373/5076800
Max. torque Nmat rpm
630 5250
Combined fuel consumption l/100 km
15.3
Acceleration 0-100 km/h s
4.3
Top speed km/h
300*
*electronically limited

Audi R8

Audi is entering the most discerning segment of the car market with its R8 mid-engine sports car – and immediately taking up a position among the leaders: equipped with the expertise that Audi has gathered from its involvement in motor sport and from building sporty premium-class cars, the R8 is the embodiment of superlative road behaviour, pioneering technology and fascinating design. The 420 bhp V8 FSI engine, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and the aluminium space-frame body endow the R8 with outstanding qualities to challenge for leadership of this segment, as do its excellent everyday suitability and Audi's typical standards of perfection in quality and finish. The basic price is EUR 104,400, and deliveries will commence in the second quarter of 2007.
Following on from rally success with the revolutionary Audi quattro and the triumphs of its touring car, Audi has added another chapter to the history of motor sport with the R8 racing car: with five wins to its name in the Le Mans 24 Hours, the R8 is the most successful model ever to have competed on the legendary circuit at Le Mans. In a total of 79 starts at venues all over the world, this exceptional athlete has emerged victorious on a total of 62 occasions.

Body:
Powerfully dynamic, elegant design
Lightweight aluminium body based on Audi Space Frame
Aerodynamic negative lift for high directional stability
Dimensions: L 4.43 m, W 1.90 m, H 1.25 m, wheelbase 2.65 m
Generous amount of space for a mid-engine sports car
Luggage compartment 100 l at front, a further 90 l behind the seats
Road performance:
Acceleration 4.6 seconds
Top speed 301 km/h
Engine:
High-revving V8 developing 309 kW (420 bhp), 430 Nm between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm
FSI petrol direct injection
Dry sump lubrication for a low centre of gravity and high loadability
Transmission and drivetrain:
Six-speed manual gearbox with short gearshift travel
R tronic sequential gearbox (optional)
quattro permanent four-wheel drive, perfect weight distribution 44 % to 56 %
Suspension:
Double wishbone axles at front and rear, safe self-steering properties
Innovative damping system Audi magnetic ride (optional)
18-inch or 19-inch wheels, high-performance brake system
Ceramic brake discs (optional, to follow)
Equipment:
Sophisticated interior character, wide range of customisation options
Extensive standard specification, xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights
Bang & Olufsen sound system (optional)
First car in the world with all-LED headlights (optional, from end 2007)

source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2070117.001/country/audi/audi/audi-r8-in-depth

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution FQ360 Special Edition

Mitsubishi Motors UK has unveiled the final edition of the current generation Lancer Evolution supercar. Just one version of the new Evolution IX MR (‘Mitsubishi Racing’) will be available, powered by a 366bhp version of Mitsubishi’s 2.0-litre turbo engine. 200 units of the Evolution IX MR FQ-360 are now available from Mitsubishi Ralliart dealers, priced from £34,539.
The Lancer Evolution IX MR is the final version of a car that can trace its roots back to the original Lancer Evolution of October 1992. Since then, success on the rally stage has been accompanied by a continuous evolution of the road car. This final incarnation of the current model marks the culmination of 14 years of continuous development and marks a fitting finale for the everyday supercar.

TechArt GTstreet at Geneva

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 its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2007: The new TechArt GTstreet, based on the 911 Turbo of the latest 997 series.

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.

Source: TeachArt Automobildesign

Audi TT Edition R

To become member in the club of "300" was first point on - German Tuner - BB's to-do-list (www.bb-automobiltechnik.de) regarding development of this extraordinary TT. To reach the necessary power for a top speed of 300 and more, completely new developed turbocharger and intercooler are installed in the 3.2ltr V6 engine of the Audi TT.

The air intake system has been optimized in a significant way. The oil temperature is kept on a perfect level by the help of a special slim line oil cooling system. For perfect results the engine gets a complete sports exhaust system with race catalysts as well as a especially adapted motor management and electronic.

Pure data: 500hp and 650Nm ­ 0-100km/ in 4,2 sec. ­ 0-200km/h in 12,5 sec. ­ 0-300km/h in 39,2sec. ­ top speed: 320km/h

Security and driving condition was the second point on the to-do-list. To meet risen requirements a special 8-piston high performance brake system was installed as well as a - height and in comfort -adjustable suspension kit which give each driver of a TT "Edition R" a reassuring feeling of security and sovereign driving experience at any time.

A synergy from optical impression and performance was third point on - Siegen based - B&B's list. The top performer of Audi, the new "R8" has given the aerodynamic line of the B&B Audi TT "Edition R" a guiding hand.

Single parts are available in carbon look too. Very exclusive complete wheel sets are available in 19" and 20" and give a perfect finish to the cars exterior package.
Complete cars can be ordered starting from EUR 89.950,-.

Toyota Hybrid X Concept Unveiled

Toyota presents a world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show with the reveal of Hybrid X – a concept car that proposes a new design language for hybrid models, while also acting as an innovative technology showcase for future generation hybrid cars.