9/20/09

Dodge Ram live crash [Video]

发表者 ddgg 9/26/09

This is one of those videos that shows a talentless wannabe drivers that goes to
make a show but fails miserably. The driver of this Dodge Ram SRT-10 want to do
a burnout, but unfortunately he loses control of the car, hits a fence and then
rolls it over. The driver got out without a scratch, but the Dodge Ram SRT-10
involved in the crush suffered some serious damage. Good job!

Pics Aplenty: IIHS reveals before and after of Malibu/Bel Air crash

发表者 ddgg

In the 50 years since US insurers organized the Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety, car crashworthiness has improved. Demonstrating this was a crash test
conducted on Sept. 9 between a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air and a 2009 Chevrolet
Malibu. In a real-world collision similar to this test, occupants of the new
model would fare much better than in the vintage Chevy.

"It was night and day, the difference in occupant protection," says Institute
president Adrian Lund. "What this test shows is that automakers don't build cars
like they used to. They build them better."

The crash test was conducted at an event to celebrate the contributions of auto
insurers to highway safety progress over 50 years. Beginning with the
Institute's 1959 founding, insurers have maintained the resolve, articulated in
the 1950s, to "conduct, sponsor, and encourage programs designed to aid in the
conservation and preservation of life and property from the hazards of highway
accidents."

A decade after the Institute was founded, insurers directed this organization to
begin collecting data on crashes and the cost of repairing vehicles damaged in
crashes. To lead this work and the Institute's expanded research program,
insurers named a new president, William Haddon Jr., who already was a pioneer in
the field of highway safety. In welcoming Dr. Haddon, Thomas Morrill of State
Farm said "the ability to bring unbiased scientific data to the table is
extremely valuable." This scientific approach, ushered in by Dr. Haddon, is a
hallmark of Institute work. It's why the Institute launched the Highway Loss
Data Institute in 1972 - to collect and analyze insurance loss results to
provide consumers with model-by-model comparisons.

Another Institute milestone was the 1992 opening of the Vehicle Research Center.
Since then, the Institute has conducted much of the research that has
contributed to safer vehicles on US roads. At the anniversary event, current
Institute chairman Gregory Ostergren of American National Property and Casualty
summed up a commitment to continue what fellow insurers began in 1959: "On this
golden anniversary of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, we celebrate
this organization's accomplishments toward safer drivers, vehicles, and
roadways. We salute the vision of the Institute's founders and proudly continue
their commitment to highway safety."

First Ride: Devon GTX hopes to be an American Ferrari 599

发表者 ddgg

When news of the Devon GTX first wafted our way, we didn't know what to think of it. Another bit of pretty vaporware being shown to attract investors? Another pet project from some megalomaniac with dreams of grandeur? Another American supercar boasting record-breaking performance with nothing but hot air to back up its claims? Or was it the real deal? Could Scott Devon and his team actually pull it off � could they deliver on the promise of building a truly great American supercar that could equal the world's finest?

Early reports showed that the Devon GTX would have the same power-to-weight ratio as the Ferrari Enzo with 650 horsepower propelling its 3,000 pounds, but the actual benchmark, we would later learn, was the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. When the first pre-production car went out and set the production car lap record at Laguna Seca, it looked like they might not be bluffing about the numbers. And seeing the same car attract more than its fair share of attention from the highly jaded cognoscenti on the concept lawn at Pebble Beach made us think they might not be crazy after all. So did they pull it off? Did Devon actually succeed in building a car that could rival Maranello's front-engined supercar? We stopped by Aria Group, the Irvine-based specialty manufacturing facility that will be handling Devon production to find out. Follow the jump to see if the Devon GTX might just be the real thing.

　

more detail. ...

Abarth 500 for rallies launched in Sanremo

发表者 ddgg

Abarth 500 R3T 　

Abarth introduced its latest racing gem at the 51st Sanremo Rally. The new Abarth 500 R3T will lend its name to a promotional rally trophy in 2010, due to join the two track events (European and Italian) planned for the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse. For Abarth, this marks a return to promotional trophy events, a niche it has made its own for more than thirty years. Since 1977, to be precise, when the first ever Autobianchi A112 Abarth Championship was held, followed by trophies for the Fiat Uno, Uno Turbo, Cinquecento, Seicento, Punto Kit and Super 1600, Stilo, Panda Kit. The Abarth 500 rally version will be type approved for Group R3T, the category for turbocharged cars up to 1600 cm3 in capacity. This class will be the future of the specialism because it represents a good compromise between car cost and performance. Ideal for private drivers and young people who want to show their worth in a true racing car, capable of outstanding performance by any standard. The Abarth 500 power unit is 1368 cm3 with a Garret GT 1446 fixed geometry turbocharger capable of delivering a power of 180 hp (132 kw) at 5500 rpm. The gearbox is sequential, front meshing with 6 speeds and includes a multiplate self-locking differential, twin plate clutch and special half-axles.

Abarth 500 R3T

Great care has been taken to ensure the suspension can be adjusted to obtain a ride suited to each driver's individual driving style. The racing shock-absorbers are adjustable, with coaxial spring and wheel to alter the ground clearance plus special shims to adjust the caster and camber angles. The 7" x 17" OZ asphalt rims are designed for 19/62-17 tyres. The Brembo brakes are all disc, ventilated at the front with 4 callipers, solid disc at the rear with brake distributor and governor. The handbrake is hydraulic. The Abarth 500 is equipped with a special welded roll-bar integral with the body, the required safety devices and FIA type-approved seats with 6 seat belt anchorage points. The weight is the lowest set by the regulations for this category: 1080 kg unladen. Great care has also been taken over the details, beginning with a livery that is most decidedly in keeping with tradition, complemented by a lovingly crafted interior and instruments. The Abarth promotional trophy regulation and timetable will be circulated in the coming weeks.

Preview: 2010 Jaguar XKR GT2 Race Car

发表者 ddgg 9/25/09

RSR Jaguar XKR GT2

The innovations made in the production 2010 Jaguar XKR have lead directly to a more competitive and capable race car. "The Jaguar XKR is exceptionally strong and rigid, and the construction method is in advance of the conventional steel stamping that we see in cars today," explained Paul Gentilozzi, RSR team owner. "That allows RSR to build a lighter, stronger, stiffer racecar. Also, the basic aerodynamic design of the XKR has a low drag coefficient and more than sufficient downforce." All GT2-class cars are production based and modified only as allowed by the official ruleset. The RSR Jaguar XKR GT2, for instance, uses almost the entire chassis structure of the production vehicle, plus the production doors, roof and deck lid. Other components had to be modified to accommodate advanced aerodynamics and safety modifications.

RSR Jaguar XKR GT2

The bodywork on the car was designed by the same studio that designed the production XKR, by a team headed by Ian Callum. "The end result is a GT2 car that contains the DNA and the spirit of the Jaguar Design Department and the production car," said Gentilozzi. The engine in the car is a modified version of the Jaguar AJ133 V-8 engine found in the production XKR, XFR, XF, XK and a number of other Jaguar-Land Rover vehicles. Other race-specific upgrades include four-corner Brembo brakes, with the fronts getting 380 mm discs and six-piston calipers, and the rears using 350 mm discs and four-piston calipers. The car will make its racing debut this weekend at the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta on September 26. The race is a 10-hour, 1,000-mile endurance contest, scheduled to roll off the start line at 11:15 am EDT.

Source:motorauthority

eBay Find of the Day: Hyundai-based X-4 "concept car"

发表者 ddgg

Here's what to do with that Elantra GT you couldn't flip for Cash for Clunkers money. The seller is listing this "X4" as a Hyundai-based concept car, though it's unlike anything we've seen on the show circuit. A lot of work went into making this a conversation piece from what looks like parts of a leftover Hyundai, some VW Type 1 bits, and a whole lot of wackiness.

The build quality, while displaying care and attention to detail, looks to lean toward the late-1970s kit-car end of the spectrum. That's not to say that this vehicular oddity doesn't display ingeniuity, it's sure to draw a crowd of curious bystanders wherever you go with its odd styling and close-set rear wheels. The open design is well suited to cruising golf courses in fair climates, but it's unclear whether you'd have a hassle trying to legally register and drive such a contraption. There's about a day left, and the reserve hasn't been met by the current $5,100 bid for this unique bit of creativity with its matching trailer.

Holland Range Rover

发表者 ddgg

Overfinch Holland & Holland Range Rover

THE HOLLAND & HOLLAND SHOOTING GROUND, LONDON The most luxurious and exclusive off-roader ever - only one hundred will be produced each year for the global market Based on 2010 MY 503 bhp Supercharged or TDV8 Range Rover Completely bespoke interior and exterior, featuring: 31 piece gunstock walnut or special wood veneers for dashboard, consoles and door inserts Individually numbered build plaque hand-made by Holland & Holland's own gun engravers Holland & Holland style engraving to steering wheel spokes with option of bespoke engraving to match client's gun Complete interior in unique colour, extra fine hides, with recessed Holland & Holland signature line in contrast colour Unique four-seater layout featuring hand-veneered rear console with integrated refrigerator and Holland & Holland crystal ware Self-replenishing drinks cabinet featuring Pol Roger champagne, The Balvenie single malt whisky, Hendrick's small-batch gin, Ivan the Terrible luxury vodka and Willow Spring Water from the Lake District. Hand crafted gun cabinet to luggage compartment with fitted drawers for guns, cartridges etc. Four unique exterior colours - with optional Duo Tone paintwork Priced from £120,894 for export, from £139,650 OTR in the UK

Overfinch Holland & Holland Range Rover

Overfinch Holland & Holland Range Rover

Holland & Holland, makers of the world's finest sporting guns and Overfinch, designers and manufacturers of exclusive Range Rover enhancements, have joined forces to create the ultimate luxury off-roader. The Holland & Holland Range Rover was conceived with a single intention: to create the ultimate all purpose, all season, luxury supercar for the discerning few. Designers and engineers at both Holland & Holland and Overfinch have worked together to create a car that embodies Holland & Holland's unique sporting heritage and Overfinch's bespoke craftsmanship. The result is a quintessentially English take on motoring luxury. Based on either the 5.0 litre 503 bhp Supercharged or TDV8 versions of the new 2010 MY car, the Holland & Holland Overfinch features a raft of enhancements that make it unmistakably something very special. On the outside, it has discreet but effective styling changes manufactured from OEM grade thermoplastic polymers, which give unsurpassed quality and durability. Bodywork is painted in one of four unique exterior paint colours, including Holland & Holland Tintern Green. Two-tone paintwork, similar to that of a Rolls-Royce Phantom, is also available, as is black. Overfinch's craftsmen take 130 man hours to paint and hand-polish the car, which gives a depth of colour and quality of finish that marks it out from its mass-produced brethren from a hundred yards. Orange peel, the cellulite-like effect that is visible on many cars considerably more expensive than this one, is banished by Overfinch craftsmen's skill and hard work. The effect is completed by Overfinch's iconic 20" Tiger wheels (fitted with all season Mud & Snow tyres) and special cast exhaust outlets. A choice of 22" wheels is an option for those not intending to venture off road, or for those who also possess a winter set.

Overfinch Holland & Holland Range Rover

Overfinch Holland & Holland Range Rover

But it is on the inside that the designers have really excelled themselves. Eight of Europe's finest hides, of a grade so fine it is only normally used in private jets, dyed in seven exclusive tones, are used to create a cabin of rare luxury. Professionals from both Overfinch and Holland & Holland have worked closely with a colour and trim specialist to ensure that interiors and exteriors complement one another perfectly. A unique trim style covers the seats, doors, upper and lower dash board, centre and rear consoles and even the cubby box lid, which is both cleanly elegant in style and fiendishly expensive in terms of both labour and materials. Not for this car simple contrasting piping-the Holland & Holland Overfinch, even the contrasting colour signature stripes are cut from individual hides and trimmed to sit nearly flush with the leather surrounding them. As a result, it takes over 150 man hours just to trim the car. If the optional aviation-style quilted leather or Alcantara headlining is selected, it takes even longer. The thirty one piece wood veneer kit blends seamlessly into the design of the rest of the car, including that of the gun cabinet and rear console. There is the choice of Olive Ash Gloss, European Burr Walnut with special diamond pattern inlay, Matt Gunstock Walnut and Piano Black Lacquer with silver inlays. Only one hundred Holland & Holland Overfinches will be produced each year, and every one will be fitted with a special shotgun grade steel plaque, which features Holland & Holland's trademark diamond inserts and "Royal" scroll engraving, hand-made by Holland & Holland's craftsmen at their Harrow Road factory. The steering wheel has been designed especially for the vehicle too, with a special ergonomic grip and steel inserts, decorated with a design to match the Holland & Holland engraving, or even that of a customer's own shotgun.

Overfinch Holland & Holland Range Rover

Overfinch Holland & Holland Range Rover

All Holland & Holland Overfinch vehicles will be strict four-seaters as the cars feature a unique centre console, which fits between the individual rear seats. Hand-veneered to match the rest of the car, it has an integrated refrigerator at floor level, large enough for a couple of full size bottles, which can be cold enough to hold an ice bucket. It also has a storage compartment, which could contain controls for the rear entertainment, a power inverter for a laptop and a Holland & Holland game book as well as Holland & Holland crystal tumblers and champagne flutes. In the boot is a bespoke gun cabinet, hand-crafted in veneers to match the woodwork across the rest of the interior. Although it is itself removable for when more luggage carrying capacity is required, it is locked to the boot floor for security and safety. It has three drawers, fitted to carry eight further matching Holland & Holland crystal tumblers and flutes, customers' own shotguns, a cleaning kit for them as well as cartridges and the bag in which to carry them. Additional drawers are available with alternative interiors so that, between the end of one shooting season and the beginning of the next, it can serve whatever purpose the vehicle's owner requires, from a picnic at Ascot to an evening at Glyndebourne. Contained within both the gun cabinet and the refrigerator in the centre console is room for six bottles and it is for these that the car will feature the world's first self-replenishing cocktail cabinet. All cars sold in Europe will arrive from the factory. Full of Pol Roger Champagne, The Balvenie single malt whisky, Hendrick's single batch gin, Ivan the Terrible luxury vodka and Willow Spring Water from the Lake District. During the first year regular refills will be dispatched to the owners of the car to make sure that its passengers don't go thirsty...

Overfinch Holland & Holland Range Rover

Overfinch Holland & Holland Range Rover

Daryl Greatrex, Managing Director of Holland & Holland, said, "Holland & Holland is globally synonymous with both luxury and supreme functionality. To look at, to handle and to shoot with a Holland & Holland is to appreciate 174 years of using the best craftsmanship and technology to make things work supremely well and look even better. It's ten years since we had a Holland & Holland Range Rover and we decided that working with Overfinch was the only way to do it this time. Over the years it has become clear that what AMG is to Mercedes and Alpina is to BMW, so Overfinch is to Range Rover." Neil Underwood, Chief Operating Officer of Overfinch added, "There has always been a great deal of talk in the media speculating that Range Rovers could start approaching Bentley levels of luxury. For one hundred fortunate customers, that will now become a reality. Our designers and engineers have worked closely with the quite astonishing craftsmen of Holland & Holland to create the most exclusive, most luxurious off-roader ever built.

Overfinch Holland & Holland Range Rover

Overfinch Holland & Holland Range Rover

"Notes to Editors: Overfinch is a design-led engineering company that has, over the last 34 years, successfully built a specialist luxury brand. Based in Farnham, Surrey, they operate on five continents and are the originators of the performance Range Rover. It was in 1975, only a few years after the Range Rover was launched, that they built their first high performance derivative. During that time, their in-house design and engineering departments have enjoyed a close working relationship with Land Rover, starting with the development of the first ever automatic Range Rovers and notably including a Paris-Dakar Rally win on behalf of Land Rover France in 1981. Overfinch are the only company in the world building bespoke Range Rovers as their sole business. Holland & Holland are bespoke sporting gun and rifle makers, founded in London in 1835 by Harris Holland, who was later joined by his nephew Henry to create the eponymous brand. They are the most famous gun makers in the world, being the first choice of virtually every royal family and are holders of royal warrants from HRH the Duke of Edinburgh and HRH the Prince of Wales. Holland & Holland's factory on the Harrow Road was purpose built for them over a hundred years ago and is home to a quality of time-honoured craftsmanship virtually unique in the twenty first century. Skills are often handed down from father to son but, despite that, it still takes five years of training to become a Holland & Holland craftsman. Holland & Holland have gunrooms in London, New York and Moscow, where their ever-expanding range of country lifestyle clothing and accessories are available and orders are taken for their bespoke range of guns. The Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds on the outskirts of London have offered instruction and corporate entertainment to blue chip clients and private individuals up to and including the young royals for nearly 130 years. Since 1989, Holland & Holland have been owned by the family that owns Chanel. For further information on the car, Holland & Holland or Overfinch please contact Ben Samuelson at Samuelson Wylie Associates on: 01524 590610 or by email at ben[at]samuelsonwylie.com

Independent Test Claims Corvette ZR1 Matches GT-R Around Nurburgring

发表者 ddgg 9/24/09

2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Nurburgring

The last time we looked, Nissan was claiming a 7m 26.7s Nurburgring lap time for its 2010 'Series II' GT-R, while General Motors was boasting an even better time of 7m 22.4 seconds for its Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 supercar. While manufacturer claims should be taken with a grain of salt--there are just too many variables that can affect the lap times--when an independent magazine runs the tests, with both cars on the same day, the results are usually worth a mention.

In this case the tests were run by German magazine Auto Sport, with current editor and former race driver Horst von Saurma behind the wheel. Saurma, incidentally, held the 'Ring record for a production car with a time of 7m 32s in a Porsche Carrera GT for several years.

2009 Nissan GT-R

So what was the magic number? According to the tests, both the GT-R and Corvette ZR1 achieved a lap time of 7m 38s around the treacherous 13-mile Nordschliefe course.

Hard to believe considering the differences between the cars: one, an all-wheel drive turbocharged V-6 with 480 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque and a hefty curb weight of 3,800 pounds, and the other, a supercharged V-8 with 638 horsepower and a monstrous 604 pound-feet of torque in a chassis weighing just 3,352 pounds. Note that the first series 2009 Nissan GT-R with slightly less power and softer suspension than the 2010 model was used.

The story doesn't end there as other tracks were also compared in the German test, the ZR1 beating out the GT-R's Hockenheimring laptime (1m 09.7s to the GT-R's 1m 10.7s) and then the ZR1 losing out to the GT-R in the wet handling course (1m 36.8s to the GT-R's 1m 32.4s).

Source:motorauthority

Video: Audi Quattro vs TT RS

发表者 ddgg

The British journalists from Autocar have put the legendary rally star Audi Quattro against the new Audi TT RS. Here are some figures: the 1990 Audi Quattro is powered by a 5-cylinder 2260 cc turbo engine that develops 220 bhp and 228 lb.-ft. of torque. With this unit under its bonnet the Audi Quattro reaches a top speed of 143 mph and can accelerate to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The new Audi TT Rs is powered by a 2.5 liter turbo engine with 335 bhp and 332 lb.-ft. of torque. The top speed of the Audi TT RS is 174 mph and the 0-60 mph acceleration takes 4.7 seconds.

BMW M5 F10 Rear Lights Spied for First Time

发表者 ddgg

BMW M5 F10 spy photos on Nurburgring

Spies have captured more images of the upcoming BMW M5 (F10) revealing further design details. Last week the M5 showed its front end design. Now these latest photos give a partial view of the rear taillights with an LED design which looks similar to the 5 Series GT. Previous prototypes incorporated a cylindrical taillight lense which looked like something out of Flash Gordon.

BMW M5 F10 spy photos on Nurburgring

BMW M5 F10 spy photos on Nurburgring

It seems the M5 will lose its 373kW (507hp) naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V10 in favor of a lighter, more economical twin turbo V8 engine found in the X5 M and X6 M making 408kW (555hp). However, latest speculation places power output even higher - between 420kW (571hp) and 450kW (612hp). An 8-speed sequential gearbox has been mentioned as a possible powertrain mate.

BMW M5 F10 spy photo

BMW M5 F10 spy photo

The four extended tailpipes are ever-present and confirm BMW's long-standing approach to all its M cars. Exterior mirrors are standard issue but will likely take on a different shape for the final production model. The other items appearing again are the power dome on the bonnet and cross-drilled brake disks all around.

BMW M5 F10 spy photos on Nurburgring

BMW M5 F10 spy photos on Nurburgring

Formula One derived Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) technology will make its way into the M5 not only as a way to boost power but also to make it eco-friendlier. The M5 based on the next-generation 5 Series goes on sale in 2011.

Spy Photos: 2010 Lexus LF-A V10

发表者 ddgg 9/23/09

These latest photos reveal that the design of the production model remains remarkably faithful to the concept with only minor modifications such as the less prominent side scoops and front fenders, and the replacement of the front-column-mounted rearview cameras with conventional mirrors.

The front end of the LF-A has also received a subtly makeover but it is most likely that many of these changes were made to improve the vehicle's aerodynamics.

Our spies have captured a thinly disguised Lexus LF-A prototype as it was heading to the Nurburgring race circuit for further testing about a month before the Japanese automaker officially unveils the V10-powered supercar at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, which runs from October 23 to November 8. The LF-A has been making the auto show rounds since 2005 when the coupe version was first revealed at the Detroit Show and was followed later on by a roadster concept.

Rumors from Japan suggest production will be strictly limited to 500 units, 120 of which are destined for Japan at an estimated price of around 30 million Yen a piece ($328,000 US - €222,000 at the current exchange rates) or about twice as much as a JDM Nissan GT-R V-Spec.

There was also a report from Japan's Best Car early this year claiming that Lexus is also planning to develop an even more pricier and exclusive version of the LF-A that will be motivated by a 5.5-liter V10 delivering 550HP or more.

Power is said to come from a high-revving 5.0-liter V10 producing a little over 500-horsepower which should allow the first Lexus-badged supercar to hit the 100km/h (62mph) mark in under 4,0 seconds and top out at around 200mph or 320km/h.

Just like Mercedes-Benz recently revealed SLS AMG Gullwing, the LF-A features a front-mid engine, rear-wheel drive layout. The V10 engine is paired to an automated manual gearbox with paddle shifters.
via:carscoop

2011 Infiniti M37x and M56

发表者 ddgg

A brand new Infiniti M sedan is just around the corner and these are the first live shots of the car, which comes with a svelte new design, a range of powerful engines and increased interior space.

Along with the new styling is an upgraded powertrain: the new M37 and M37x get the corporate 3.7-liter V-6, which rates at about 330 horsepower in its other applications, though numbers haven't been put to this incarnation yet. Topping the range is the V-8-powered M56 and M56x, which sports a 5.6-liter V-8 with more than 400 horsepower on tap. All models will come standard with a seven-speed automatic as standard.

Until now we’ve only seen the car in computer generated images, but these live shots give us a much better indication of the overall proportions and stance out on the road. Clearly evident is the car’s styling connection with the stunning 2009 Infiniti Essence Concept, as well as its new coupe-like profile.

The new Infiniti M range will make its official debut at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December, ahead of its sales launch pegged for early next year. For more information check out our previous story following the car’s digital reveal last month by clicking here. Otherwise, follow the link below to see more of the new 2011 Infiniti M.
Source:motorauthority

Video: Buick Avant Concept

发表者 ddgg

Need further proof that the premium car market is looking to downsize? General Motors' latest entry on its recently launched Lab website is the Buick Avant, which the automaker developed to study the future of scaled down models for its upper-level brands.

Innovative ideas abound with the Buick Avant Concept, including doors that can both swing and slide open, a driver's seat that moves laterally to customize interior packaging, a luggage shelf that brings packages to you and a so-called micro pergola roof that can be either opaque or transparent depending on the driver's wishes.

All told, Buick came up with six exterior themes and four interior concepts that it hopes to get feedback on.

Lorinser presents two exciting SLS studies

发表者 ddgg

IAA star already modified

The legendary 300 SL Gullwing has thrilled generations and consequently has a regular space in Lorinser's classic car collection. The designers of the Mercedes customer have now dedicated themselves to its successor, the SLS, which proved to be a show stopper at the IAA 2009 in just its series standard version.

The first Lorinser design of the exhibition star pays homage to the racing soul of the car, as the Gullwing was originally designed for motorsport with its numerous aluminium components. "If carbon fibres had been available then, the lightweight concept of the 300 SL would definitely have contained this material", says CEO Marcus Lorinser.

As a result one of the designs shows the aggressive coolness of carbon fibre, which in selected areas contrasts with the red paint of the aluminium bodywork and the components: for example a carbon fibre element intersects the middle of the grill, in which there isn't a Mercedes star, but the Lorinser family crest from the 15th century instead. A further stylistic element is provided by a spoiler bumper with a carbon insert, arch-shaped air inlet and double fog lights. The muscular sides, on the other hand, are partially shaped by the massive Lorinser side sills, which also adorn black inserts made of the fibre composite material. The air inlets which are drawn inwards and have black sports grills, gape over the sides onto the front fenders. The two chromed cross beams are thereby a homage to the 300 SL. The large wire spoke wheels cite a typical construction form from the 50s, although their design seems extremely modern. At the same time they are also the link to the second design.

The second design pays tribute to the facets of the 300 SL, which reveal it as a sophisticated road sports car with an elegant front spoiler and a more sober grill design. In this study Lorinser also used one-piece side sills with air inlets. With their stronger segmentation the gills on the fenders are orientated more directly to the prototype, than the first design which was dedicated to the motorsport heritage oft the Gullwing.

Whether there will be a small-batch production of either of the two studies - and where applicable the final design - has not yet been decided.
Source:Lorinser

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in Gran Turismo 5

发表者 ddgg 9/22/09

Having already celebrated its real-life premiere during the 2009 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, the new SLS AMG Gullwing is now getting ready to make the jump to the virtual world as Mercedes-Benz announced that the supercar will be featured in the latest installment of Sony's PlayStation 3 Gran Turismo video game, the highly anticipated GT 5 that's expected to be released sometime towards the end of the year or early 2010.

The SLS AMG is powered by a front/mid mounted 6.3-liter V8 engine with 571 horsepower linked to a 7-speed double clutch transmission in a transaxle configuration that launches the car from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 3.8 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 317km/h or 197 mph.

Japanese fans of the racing game will get a chance to see the SLS AMG in the flesh as Mercedes-Benz said that the gullwing supercar will be on display at the Tokyo Game Show that runs from September 24 to 27.
First deliveries of the €177,310 (around $258,000 US) supercar are set to start in Spring 2010 while a Roadster model is expected to join the range in late 2011.
via:carscoop

eBay Find of the Day: Tim Allen's gruntworthy "Licorice Streak Special"

发表者 ddgg

When television funnyman Tim Allen rang up Steve Moal and asked for a custom Tracknose roadster, his response was the car you see here. It's known as the "Licorice Streak Special" and it's won numerous awards in the 10 years since the Home Improvement star was handed the keys. The gang at Moal Coachbuilders did their typically wonderful job of turning out an immaculate one-off that captures the attitude of a classic hot rod with modern designer touches that make this car equally at home at a week-night cruise-in or on the Links of Pebble Beach.

It's technically a '32 Ford, but very little of it would have been available to someone wandering into a Ford dealership back in the day. Just check out all of those Art Deco brass bits by "Kaki" Kakizaki. It's got an aluminum body stretched over a custom tube chassis and is powered by a built SVO 351 that definitely delivers "more power" (*Cue appropriate grunting*).

While it would take something on the order of $450,000 - $500,000 to replicate it, the Licorice Streak Special is up for bid for another 8 days or so and is currently still below its reserve at "just" $85,100. Check out the gallery below and the eBay Motors listing for all of the details about the build.

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Supercharged Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 cometh? Again? For real?

发表者 ddgg

To build or not to build... that is the question. The subject is the Camaro, in this case in the long-rumored Z/28 guise. We've heard over the last few months that the automaker would pass on the opportunity to drop a supercharger atop the Camaro's optional V8 powerplant due to fuel economy, emissions and price concerns. However, Inside Line is reporting that GM Veep Ed Welburn says the Z/28 program is back in full effect and is headed for production.

Underneath a new bulge in the hood will sit a version of the excellent 6.2-liter LS-A from the Cadillac CTS-V that should be good for about 550 horsepower and mated up to either an automatic or manual transmission with six forward ratios. If these newest rumblings are to be believed, the Z/28 will hit the market in about a year. All that's left, says Welburn, is to finalize the tuning of the powertrain and suspension bits. Sounds good to us – we'll take ours in classic Hugger Orange with white stripes, please.

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