Abu Dhabi is probably tired of Dubai always stealing the thunder as the star of the United Arab Emirates, but that may change with the construction of a F1 spec race track and a Ferrari-based theme park set to open in 2010.
Dubbed ‘Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’, the new holiday destination will be the world’s first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind.
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| 2011 Renault Master Van Officially Revealed If the new Renault Master looks familiar that's because the French van formed the base for the also new Opel / Vauxhall Movano that was also unveiled today. |
Showing newest 17 of 26 posts from 10/25/09. Show older posts
Showing newest 17 of 26 posts from 10/25/09. Show older posts
Dodge Motorsports today revealed the Dodge Challenger as the "New Car" for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and announced an expansion of its partnership with Penske Racing beginning in 2010. Dodge will provide support for Penske Racing's two-car operation in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, in addition to Penske's three teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
"As the performance brand of our new company, we are excited to expand our relationship with Penske Racing and introduce the iconic Dodge Challenger as our entry into the NASCAR Nationwide Series," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Car Brand. "Motorsports are a significant part of the Dodge brand's legacy. Penske Racing has such a rich tradition in motorsports, and our partnership in the Nationwide Series will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the Challenger and offer our loyal Dodge enthusiasts plenty of excitement in this very competitive series next year."
Penske Racing will field two teams, both running the full-season schedule. The Dodge Challenger will be used at the four "New Car" races NASCAR has designated, starting at Daytona in July. At the other 31 events that complete the 35-race season, Penske Racing will field Dodge Chargers as it did this season with the No. 12 Verizon Wireless Dodge Charger driven by Justin Allgaier. NASCAR is expecting full integration of the "New Car" in 2011.
Joining Allgaier will be Brad Keselowski in the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge. He also will compete in the Dodge Challenger for the four designated races and in a Charger for the remainder of the schedule.
"Today's announcement further reinforces our relationship and commitment to Dodge Motorsports, and we are excited about our future with this great brand," said Tim Cindric, President of Penske Racing. "We believe Dodge's relationship with Penske Racing will continue to elevate and highlight both our brands and deliver value to Dodge enthusiasts."
Allgaier, in his rookie season in the Nationwide Series, is currently fifth in the season point standings and the leader among Rookie of the Year candidates.
"Penske Racing has a very successful relationship with the Dodge brand," commented Allgaier. "I am honored to be one of Dodge Motorsport's drivers and to be able to drive the new Challenger in the NASCAR Nationwide Series is going to be awesome. The car looks great and will give the Nationwide Series its own identity."
2010 Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics-unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology-to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations. The two-door coupe accommodates up to five passengers and is produced from the company's proven rear-wheel-drive platform. With three models of head-turning styling, two legendary HEMI® V-8 engine choices, up to 25 highway miles per gallon, more than 25 safety and security features and modern amenities, it's no surprise Dodge Challenger was awarded J.D. Power and Associates "Most Appealing Midsize Sporty Car" in its 2009 APEAL Study.
"The Dodge Challenger has proven to be one of the most sought after high-performance vehicles on the street today," said Dave Bailey, Senior Manager of Motorsports Engineering and SRT Body, Interior and Electrical. "Sharing our consumer's passion for performance through the race version of our Dodge Challenger will continue to showcase the unique engineering brought to our race and production vehicles."
Dodge will continue its support of Penske Racing's three-car operation in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2010 with drivers Kurt Busch, Sam Hornish Jr. and Keselowski.
The No. 12 Dodge Challenger will take part in Monday's NASCAR Nationwide test session at Talladega Superspeedway for the "new cars" with Allgaier driving.
Source: Dodge Motorsports
Wheelsandmore – a German tuner – has released their wonderful Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 called “YarroW”. To increase performance they have used a special stainless steel, valve controlled exhaust system, an ECU upgrade and a special carbon airbox delivering a total of 620hp / 580lb-ft at 6400rpm.
The YarroW also comes with a beefed-up brake system to match those extra horses. 8-piston calipers are fitted at the front and 6-piston ones for the rear wheels, with 14.96 and 14.17-inch discs at front and back, respectively.
20-inch wheels are also part of the tuning kit, wrapped in 235/30/20 Dunlop Sport Maxx tires at the front (for the 8.5 x 20" rims) and 305/25/20 at the back (11.5 x 20"). The 3-piece forged rims are lightweight and come in various color and surface configurations.
The full engine upgrade costs around 12,500 euro, the brake kit 13,998 euro, suspension 8,999 euro and the forged wheels 11,400 euro. Total price of the full kit is just under 50,000 euro.
Source:gtspirit
Like a compact SL, the next-gen SLK will be brawnier and more masculine in its appearance than the current SLK, but it will also offer a bit more bite to back up the bark. New tidbits out today hint that the next-gen SLK may end up being one of the most interesting cars in Mercedes-Benz's lineup.
Barring the new small-displacement twin-turbo V-8, a revised version of the 5.5-liter mill, also bearing twin-turbos, could generate 422 horsepower for the next-gen SLK 55 AMG. A 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel is also a likely candidate, at least for Europe, for an entry-level SLK. The oil-burner might even see U.S. sales, but that will depend heavily on Mercedes' decisions regarding the same engine going into the C-Class.
With a 300-350-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 as a post-debut special, the SLK will potentially offer a lot of punch even in standard guise. The AMG version, however, could deliver a gobsmacking 470 horsepower from a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-8 engine to replace the aging 6.2-liter V-8 found in the current '63' model family.
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It was only a few years ago, but how quickly we forget. Maserati actually toyed with the idea of building a crossover back in 2003, even going so far as to unveil a concept for the project called the Kubang GT Wagon at the Detroit Auto Show. The shape was penned by Giugiaro's ItalDesign, but project was scrapped, preserving the Trident marque's chastity in the eyes of many a purist. Now, an ambitious designer out of Russia has revived the idea with a concept he calls the Kuba. Sound familiar?
To our eye, it would look more suitable as a vision for what a future aircraft-engined Veritas sport-ute could look like, or maybe even a weird Citroën concept of some sort (is there any other kind?). Then again, maybe not. It's a love-it-or-hate-it affair, so have a look for yourself in the high-res image gallery below and share your impressions in our comments section. Just don't shoot the messenger.
The brainchild of Andrey Trofimchuk Simeonych, the Maserati Kuba design study is, well...an intriguing take on what a Maserati crossover could look like. Only it doesn't share any design themes with any Masers we can think of. Nor does it have any theoretical specifications attached, though surely a platform and powertrain could be found from the growing Fiat/Chrysler automotive empire.
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According to InsideLine, McLaren is having issues setting up distribution in the U.S., resulting in a delay of the MP4-12C's Stateside launch and its plans to show its newest supercar at the LA Auto Show this December.
Late last month, McLaren appointed Anthony Joseph, former regional manager for Porsche, Ferrari and Maserati, to setup the automaker's dealer network in the U.S., but over the course of the last few weeks McLaren has apparently hit a few roadblocks and it's expected that the creation of retail outlets will be delayed until sometime next year.
With the economy in its current state, that may be a blessing in disguise, but that does little to stave off our desire to see the MP4-12C on the show stand.
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The Range Rover Sport sets the standard for SUVs .The Prestige design team takes it to the next level with the release of an impressive new styling conversion.?Handcrafted British design retains the hallmark quality of Range Rover but delivers a vehicle which stands out from its contemporaries by creating a bespoke conversion .
The PRESTIGE S conversion comprises:
The front bumper is redesigned to feature additional air intake, additional fog lights and to create greater visual impact.? The original upper bodylines are retained, whilst the lower sections have been completely redesigned to strengthen the appearance.
The remodelled front wheel arches give accent with additional width.
The front door panels extend the doors downwards to visually lower the profile of the Sport.
The rear door panel and arches continue the side profile emphasising the stance.? The rear door panel section has an additional air vent.
Rear quarter panel arches finalise the side profile connecting the front bumper and rear bumper.
The rear bumper retains a removable towing mount cover and has been lowered to incorporate the exhaust outlets into the bumper section completing the overall design.
A wide range of addition features can be chosen to your specifications, including an innovative LED headlight conversion, side wing vents, radiator grills, bonnet vents, upper and lower rear tailgate spoilers and engine bay detailing.
To continue the bespoke theme of the PRESTIGE S interior enhancements available to include full leather re-trim options, kick sills and custom detailing.
Wheels, tyres and exhaust packages are offered to complete your bespoke Range Rover Sport.
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The aerodynamic modifications include a 3-piece front chin spoiler - which provides additional downforce over the front axle, new deeper sideskirts, and an adjustable rear spoiler which has a distinct racing look to it. 
Aside from the cosmetic changes, SpeedART have also made some improvements to the 3.4 litre flat-six cylinder engine by adding a sports exhaust system and an upgraded ECU (Electronic Control Unit). In the Cayman S these changes amount to a 30 hosepower increase in peak power.
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This is the first time that Microsoft has made the packages available to partner companies. The special Infiniti theme pack, for example, includes images of various Infiniti vehicles such as the futuristic 2009 Essence Concept.
With studies showing that up to half of all computer owners give their personal computers a custom treatment, Infiniti, Porsche and Ferrari have teamed with Microsoft to provide brand-inspired backgrounds, slide shows, screen savers and color customization as part of the new Windows 7 desktop theme gallery.
The automakers see this as an opportunity to help promote themselves around the globe but also as a way to emphasize the growing belief that technology is an essential ingredient for modern luxury vehicles.
The windows 7 desktop theme gallery can be downloaded from go.microsoft.com.
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Unlike people that celebrate their birthday one day, companies usually try to make the best of it (commercially) by rejoicing all year around. Continuing its centenary festivities, Audi has now announced the launch of a special edition version of its TT 2.0 TFSI Coupe, this time for the Japanese market. The German firm will produce a total of 100 numbered examples of the coupe that's based on the S-Line version and will be available in a choice of two special colors, a pearl blue and a bright orange finish.
![[Audi-TT-100th-5.jpg]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/Sun4ujmwhXI/AAAAAAACM78/rlmdueahaQc/s1600/Audi-TT-100th-5.jpg)
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Amongst M Division cognoscenti there rages an eternal debate concerning what's the best ever BMW M car. To the casual Bavarian-enthusiast the answer is quite simple: E39 M5. However, strong cases can be made for both the E30 M3 and the OG E28 M5, which featured the M1's race-bred 3.5-liter straight-six. In fact, there's a whole subculture of folks that feel a car's not really a BMW (let alone an M) without an inline-six. With that said, the E34 M5 is a pretty compelling candidate for best ever M car, as is the M1. Oddly, no one ever advocates in favor of the E60 M5. Moving on...
Turns out that back in the late '80s BMW built a convertible E34 M5 and they've kept it under lock and key for the past 20 years until showing it to a select group of journalists during a 25 years of M5 celebration. Based of the E34 chassis, the convertible version featured lengthened doors and was actually all set to go into production.
Think about it now -- the E34 M5 is the last of the totally hand built M cars. Sometimes one worker made an entire car, though usually the cars were built by specific teams. In fact, BMW test engineers could tell which person (or people) had built each individual car. That's pretty nifty. Only thing is, all those doors. And that roof! Who needs it? Sadly, it was only with the introduction of the E63 M6 that the big M cars got back to just two doors and a drop top. Or was it?
But then, just one week before its introduction at Geneva (they'd booked space for the car and everything), BMW pulled the plug and canceled the M5 convertible, fearing demand for non-M5 convertibles would cut into the highly profitable 3 Series convertible sales. Too bad, as this thing looks sweet. Also, if BMW pulls the long-rumored-though-(maybe)-never-built M8 out from some dark corner of the storage bin, well, we'll be pretty upset. Yet thrilled at the same time.
via:autoblog
Since BMW is not producing a high-performance Z4 M for the current model the kit is just about as close as fans will get to that halo car. Unfortunately even accompanying engine upgrades are not expected, although the new 326hp, 450Nm M Sport power pack for the 135i and 335i cannot be discounted.
Another BMW Z4 with an M Package was spotted by our spies. Previous shots revealed a red model which is now switched with this grey one. It seems most of the kit is concentrated on the front and rear bumpers where the black and white camouflage is pasted.
Instead the suspension will be tweaked slightly, larger wheels fitted and M badges posted in key areas, inside and out. The package should be offered across the Z4 range.
![[IED-Turin-2.jpg]](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/SujK6szYkWI/AAAAAAACMxc/olRyZX-FczU/s1600/IED-Turin-2.jpg)
Back in February, well before Fiat and Chrysler worked out the final deal, a group of second-year students at the Turin-based IED (istituto Europeo di Design) were asked to design a vehicle capable of combining to the best advantage the technical know-how, the platforms and the values of the two brands. The students worked individually and among the designs presented, the team that oversaw the project picked out 13 proposals, including those of Vasily Kurkov and Roberto Testolin that were then selected to be produced as 1:4 scale models.
![[IED-Turin-1.jpg]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/SujK6cL-TLI/AAAAAAACMxU/0F2YPsbXTi4/s1600/IED-Turin-1.jpg)
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![[IED-Turin-3.jpg]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/SujK60faCVI/AAAAAAACMxk/buaM6FefwWI/s1600/IED-Turin-3.jpg)
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The latest Corvette GTR by Specter Werkes/Sports debuts Nov. 3 at the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Distinguished by its unique, BASF Pearl Blue exterior color and HRE CF40 carbon fiber wheels, the newest GTR will be on display outside the Las Vegas Convention Center's Central Hall, as a feature vehicle for HRE.
Based on the Corvette Z06, this new GTR also represents a collaboration between Specter Werkes and Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, with a Lingenfelter twin-turbo system powering the car – and pumping its 7.0-liter LS7 engine to 800 horsepower.
"Specter GTRs have been featured at SEMA for many years and we're excited to debut the most unique example to date at this year's show," said Jeff Nowicki, president of Specter Werkes/Sports. "From the BASF pearl paint and HRE carbon wheels, to the Lingenfelter engine, there's never been a GTR like this one and we think it will resonate with sports car enthusiasts of all stripes."
Featuring dramatic bodywork and carbon fiber details, the GTR blends racing-inspired design cues with uncompromising luxury and performance. The Specter Werkes/Sports GTR package is available on all C6 Corvette models, including the base coupe and convertible, the Z06 and ZR1. The new, Pearl Blue example's carbon fiber wheels and other carbon accents are complemented by a matte black rear fascia. 
The use of HRE carbon fiber wheels is a first on a GTR. They weigh only 22 pounds apiece and are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 Zero Pressure tires. Additional features on the new GTR include:
StopTech STR big-brake package, featuring six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers
Mobil 1 synthetic fluids
Corsa exhaust system with GTR-specific exhaust tips
Spinneybeck hand-tipped leather interior accents
Matte-finish carbon fiber accents, including the headlamp housing, front splitter, outside mirrors and more
Specter Werkes/Sports is an automotive prototype and fabrication facility based in Troy, Mich. It specializes in race-proven engine performance enhancements and creating specialty accessories for the C5 and C6 Corvette, the Cadillac CTS and more.
For more information, visit www.spectergtr.com or call 248-583-9559.
Source: Specter Werkes
Italian design and engineering company Zagato has worked with a number of other Italian brands in the past, including the best-known of them all, Ferrari. As a 90th anniversary celebration they are collaborating with Maranello once again. The last time the two came together was for the 575 GTZ made for Japanese collector Yoshiyuki Hayashi in 2006.
But future collaborations with Ferrari are unlikely as Ferrari is aiming to take all customisations in-house in the future. That of course doesn’t preclude the one-off commissions, but they couldn’t be badged Ferrari. But Ferrari has agreed one last swansong for the Zagato Ferrari and just five Ferrari 550 GTZ will be built. But they won’t be cheap – over £1 million each.
The original 1996 550 Barchetta was powered by a 361kW (492hp) 5.5-litre V12 with a 0 - 60mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top end of 199mph (320km/h). No performance details were provided for the Zagato interpretation but such a base is quite a good sign.
The cars could become future classics as it is probably the last time Zagato or anyone else is officially allowed to modify a Ferrari. New company rules dictate that all post-production tuning will now be done in-house.
Ferrari and Zagato have played before. Last up was the 575 GTZ built in 2006 for Japanese collector Yoshiyuki Hayashi, but probably the best was the 250 GTZ from 1956.
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The spy shots themselves reveal little except that Buick is working hard to build hype and interest in the car in advance of its production debut. We already know the car will be very similar to the Chinese-market Buick Regal, which is itself based closely on the European Opel Insignia.
Read full story from motorauthority
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There are so many things wrong with this 'one-off' 1966 Chevrolet Corvette (said to be crafted by a Chuck Caddell of Gardendale Texas in the early 1970's) that's up for sale on eBay Motors that we don't know where to start; the shaved windshield, the bullet-like nose job, the psychedelic paint job or the HEMI V8 transplant - critics and haters take your pick.
![[Corvette-Hemi-V8-9.jpg]](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/Suchp5TqyYI/AAAAAAACMg0/E1JjCutRCHo/s1600/Corvette-Hemi-V8-9.jpg)
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