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2010 Carlsson C25 Mercedes SL600 World Premiere in Geneva
Posted by: | CommentsWorld Premiere at the Geneva Motor Show: Carlsson C25
-Limited Super-GT of the small series manufacturer Carlsson
-Edition includes only 25 cars and therefore ensures maximum exclusiveness
-Carlsson combines top performance with drivability
-Carlsson develops entirely own design vocabulary
Carlsson who are approved as an automobile manufacturer by the Federal German Motor Transport Authority, for the first time presents an own developed automobile at this year’s Geneva Motor Show – the Carlsson C25. The concept of this Super-GT is based on the vision of combining maximum driving performance with an entirely new design and high exclusiveness. The result is a breathtaking and beautiful sports coupé with 753 hp in a limited edition of only 25 cars world-wide. Thereby, each automobile will be as individual as its future owner. “We exclusively make the cars to order and the delivery quantity for 2010 is already sold out”, says CEO, Dipl. Ing. (FH) Markus Schuster.
With 753 hp and 1150 Newton metres in 3.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h
The performance data of the six litre V12 Bi-Turbo is impressive. The high-performance aggregate with a motor management optimisation patented by Carlsson renders 753 hp (554 kW) and allows fast acceleration as well as smooth travels at lower speeds. Also responsible for the perfect performance evolvement is the elaborately developed stainless steel exhaust system with ends in four edgy pipes at the back. The power catapults the C25 with a torque of 1320 Newton metres at 3750 r.p.m. which is electronically limited to 1,150 Newton metres from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds and achieves a maximum speed of 352 km/h.Perfect combination between top performance and maximum driveability
When developing the Carlsson C25, the engineers from Gut Wiesenhof have achieved creating a Super-GT for smooth everyday use despite its very high performance. “There are more than enough super sports car in this world which can only be safely driven on a race track”, says Markus Schuster. “Therefore, we deliberately wanted to develop a car which is highly exclusive on the one hand and can be used for the daily journey to office on the other hand. Therefore, a Super-GT which can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds and still offers a very pleasant driving comfort. All security-relevant regulations such as pedestrian protection, crash behaviour, ESP, ABS, Airbag systems are identical to large series editions with most modern standards.”
This is also achieved by the intelligent lowering system C-Tronic® SUSPENSION® which automatically recognises the road characteristics and driving manners and constantly adjusts the suspension setting accordingly. This does not only result in a pleasant journey on long routes, but also guarantees that the nodding and rolling motions of the C25 are reduced to a minimum while driving fast curves. Therefore, the car reaches the perfect road holding characteristics in every situation and renders the feeling of absolute controllability.
Different than other automobiles from small series, the Carlsson C25 has not been solely made for its use at the racetrack. Nevertheless, the C25 achieves top results in acceleration and handling. Compared to the racing machines with MOT approval, the Carlsson C25 offers its driver smooth journeys on Alpine passes and also on city roads or not perfectly even surfaces.
Maximum exclusiveness is ensured by only one automobile per country
In addition to the extensive refinement, the Carlsson C25 offers the advantage that every Mercedes-Benz dealer can maintain the car. As the automobile is based on the latest Mercedes-Benz technology, it is not necessary to drive to a garage, which is specialised in the Carlsson C25. This gives the Carlsson C25 additional suitability for everyday use. Moreover, Carlsson will only deliver one automobile per country and therefore ensures absolute exclusiveness for its customers.
Carlsson creates a perfect symbiosis of design and function
The C25 emphasises this exquisite status with its self-reliant and unique design. The elongated vehicle front with the tapered lobe between the powerful shoulders craves ahead and the generously dimensioned air inlets in the typical Carlsson trapezoid form supply the engine with the necessary ventilation. The ultra-light and forged wheels 1/10 UL in the dimensions 9,5×20 and 12×20 inches have been especially designed for the C25 and are equipped with high performance tyres measuring 265/30 at the front and 325/25 at the rear live axle.
One wheel just weighs 11.2 kilograms and therefore is 40 percent lighter than custom light alloy wheels. Ventilation ducts in front and behind the wheel houses provide the Carlsson brake system with 405 millimetres large slotted race brake discs at the front and 380 millimetre race brake discs at the rear axle with cool air. With this, Carlsson achieves the perfect symbiosis between design and function. The elongated flat rear screen and the restrained tearing edge on the boot lit as well as the generously dimensioned double diffuser render the required downthrust and therefore the C25 does not need any extensible spoilers. In order to emphasise the uniqueness of the C25, Carlsson has also developed a new rear- and front lights design.
Carlsson interior optimised for the driver
The newly designed interior resembles the exterior as far as shape, colour and functionality are concerned. The characteristic trapezoid elements at the front and back are also found on the steering wheel. On the seats and the centre console the edged shape is used as well. The instruments clearly turn towards the driver, indicate the performance capability of the C25 and increase the ergonomics.
The generous use of real carbon, tanned buffalo leather and ultra-suede in special colours provides an evenly exclusive and user-friendly ambience. For driveability reasons, Carlsson deliberately refrains from race seats, race straps, rollover devices and extreme lowering.
With the C25, Carlsson confirms its reputation as being one of the most exclusive automobile manufacturers in the world. High technical competence, many years experience in automobile construction, an advanced sense for design and elegance and German art of engineering make the Carlsson C25 unique all over the world.
2011 Porsche 911 Turbo Pricing Announced
Posted by: | CommentsPorsche Cars North America announced today that the 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo will arrive at its U.S. dealers this week and go on sale on January 30. This is only three months after the debut of the highly acclaimed Panamera, Porsche’s first Gran Turismo and sports car for four.
Porsche traditionally has emphasized efficiency, but the new flagship 911 gives a new meaning to its high-performance label. While its acceleration, braking and handling capabilities make it a true super sports car, it goes about its business with a thriftiness that is equally remarkable and by no means the norm in its class. With 20 more horsepower, and a 13 percent increase in fuel economy, the new 911 Turbo is indeed more powerful and more efficient.
“We are very excited to welcome the all-new 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo into the family,” said Detlev von Platen, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “More than ever, this supercar is a technological tour de force, and the seemingly unanimous accolades from the media support what we already believe; this is the best 911 Turbo ever.”
The 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo features the first entirely new engine in its storied 35-year history. The new flat-six boxer engine now delivers 500 horsepower, 20 more than the previous power plant.
Maximum torque is up by 15 to 516 lb. ft. when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package Turbo.
All of this means that the new 911 Turbo can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds when combined with the new, highly acclaimed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Top track speed is 194 mph for both the Coupe and the Cabriolet models and its EPA estimates are a best-in-class 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for the new Coupe when equipped with the PDK transmission.
“The Porsche 911 Turbo has always represented the pinnacle of the 911 model line since it was first introduced in 1974,” said von Platen.
“Now, 35 years later, the Turbo is still considered the standard when looking for the perfect combination of supercar performance with everyday drivability.”
The 2010 Turbo Coupe and Turbo Cabriolet prices are $132,800 and $143,800, respectively.
2010 Bentley Series 51 Continental GTC prices start at $192,750
Posted by: | CommentsThe Series 51 package, available on the Continental range’s GT, GT Speed, GTC and GTC Speed models, will be priced from $192,750 for the GT coupe model. It provides for a virtually bespoke vehicle experience due to the thousands of configurations available through Bentley’s expansive colour and trim catalogue.
Series 51 is named after the year that the first official styling department was established in Crewe by the gifted John Blatchley, who shaped the original and iconic 1950s Bentley Continentals. Every Series 51 car will feature a highly-distinctive interior colour palette and unique exterior design cues.
Bentley’s Colour and Trim team, managed by Melinda – June Jenkins, has designed some specially tailored three-tone interiors which demonstrate the full potential of leather hide colours and showcase the creative application of contrast stitching and piping. The colour combination on the Detroit show car is Imperial Blue as the main and secondary hide, Linen seat and door inserts and Saddle contrast stitching and piping.
Bentley’s designers have also selected a range of premium-quality materials for the dashboard and centre console to complement the three-tone interiors. The Dark and Bright ‘Engine Spin’ aluminium options provide a striking contrast with darker and lighter hide colour choices and a special, limited-edition Amboyna veneer reserved for solely for Series 51.
Both the Continental GT and GTC offer a powerful road presence and the Series 51 cars further accentuate these sporting credentials with some eye-catching exterior styling. A 20? 14-spoke polished Diamond wheel with a dark centre cap provides Series 51 cars with a purposeful and stylish appearance. The cars will be distinguished by a signature ‘51? badge on the front wings.
To enhance and personalise the Continental GT still further, a new two-tone paint can be commissioned which complements the contrasting interior configuration. This highly distinctive colour split (with one colour running over the bonnet, roof and flowing down to the boot) is a classic design used on many sporting Bentleys of the past.
Vorsteiner V-MS Series Aerodynamic Package for BMW E92 Coupe
Posted by: | CommentsWith the growing popularity of the factory M-Tech aero packages amongst standard order cars, an all-new V-MS (Vorsteiner M-Tech Series) collection has been developed for our distinct group of M-Tech car owners worldwide.
The V-MS Aero package is designed to be simple and easily installed onto the factory bumpers to enhance the performance and sportiness of the existing factory M-Tech package.
The V-MS Aero package is currently available for the BMW E92 Coupe and E93 Cabriolet models and the E90 Sedan models are currently under development, slated to release mid 2010.
Up front, the V-MS coupe shows off a functionally designed 2-piece front add-on splitters constructed of pre-preg autoclave carbon fiber. The V-MS 2-piece front splitters slightly extends the profile of the factory front bumper to further aid in down force while adding a stylish sporty element to the front end. The outer surrounding areas of the splitters are designed to be painted to give an integrated and clean factory look while the exposed carbon fiber areas pay homage to the racing heritage.
The rear bumper is complemented with a totally redesigned replacement carbon fiber rear diffuser that simply attaches to the factory mounting points. The new sporty carbon fiber rear diffuser houses a centrally placed exhaust ventilation opening which aids in cooling the exhaust system. The diffuser also has 2 integrated aero fins placed next to the air vent to improve airflow and downforce.
Optional items not illustrated in our demonstration vehicle are a carbon fiber deck lid spoiler and 19″ & 20″ forged 3-Piece and 1-Piece Monoblock wheels.
The V-MS aero package will be available worldwide starting in January 10th 2010 through select authorized Vorsteiner dealers.
2010 Arash AF10 Full Detail
Posted by: | CommentsArash Motor Company was born out of a passion for cars, the allure of beauty and the thrill of driving the seemingly endless acceleration of a thoroughbred engine.
The engine, or better still, the soul of the AF10 is designed to withstand the punishment of motor racing and we’re sure it will excite even the most accomplished of drivers.
The superlative handling of a chassis designed by leaders in their field combined with extraordinarily forceful braking performance will make you question whether the tyres will still be intact when you climb out. The AF10 seduces and excites on every level with it’s distinctive silhouette and exceptional performance.
Body
100% carbon construction using aluminum honeycomb and nomex panels for sandwich strength.
Rear window and driver to engine compartment window made of non shatter and scratch resistant plastic. Front windows and side windows are constructed of laminated glass.
All body parts have been constructed using the carbon autoclave process of eliminating excess resins via pressure and heat to make parts lighter and stiffer than ever constructed.
Technical
ENGINE
– GM 7 litre LS7 V8
– 550 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
– 475 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
– 7000-rpm redline
– Unique engine block with 104.8-mm (4.125-inch) bores and pressed-in cylinder liners
- Forged steel crankshaft with 101.6-mm (4-inch) stroke
– Titanium connecting rods
– Cast aluminum flat-top pistons
– Racing-derived CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads with titanium intake valves and sodium-filled exhaust valves
– Dry-sump oiling system
– 11.0:1 compression ratio
– Hydroformed exhaust headers with unique “quad flow” collector flange.
– Combustion Chamber with CNC Machining
– Cast Lightweight Aluminium Block
– Cylinder Head – Offset Intake Rocker
ENGINE
“V” Angle (Deg)……………………….90
Bore (mm)……………………………….104.8
Stroke (mm)…………………………….101.6
Compression Ratio……………………11.0:1
Max Power Output……………………550bhp @ 6000rpm
Max Torque………………………………475lb-ft @ 4800rpm
TRANSMISSION
– 6-Speed Graziano GT-ME1
– Pressure fed lubrication system
– Rear subframe mounted, Seperate oil cooling circuit with independent oil cooler
RATIOS
1st……………………………………………3.15:1
2nd………………………………………….2.18:1
3rd…………………………………………..1.57:1
4th…………………………………………..1.19:1
5th…………………………………………..0.94:1
6th…………………………………………..0.76:1
Final Drive………………………………..4.1:1
WHEELS
Material ………………..Arash Motor Company Aluminium 2-Piece
Wheels Front..48.3 x 24.1 cm / 19 x 9.5 in
Wheels Rear.50.8 x 31.8 cm / 20 x 12.5 in
TYRES
Type:……………………………………….Michelin Pilot
Tyres Front………………………………265/35ZR19
Tyres Rear……………………………….335/30ZR20
BRAKES
Front Brakes:
– Ventilated Ceramic Discs 8 Cylinder
AP Racing Calipers
Disk Diameter…………………………..380mm
Rear Brakes:
– Ventilated Ceramic Discs 6 Piston
AP Racing Calipers
Disk Diameter…………………………..362mm
BODY
– Featherweight full nomex-cored, carbon
fibre bodywork
STEERING
– Rack and Pinion Power Assisted
DIMENSIONS
Length (mm) …………………………..4663
Width (mm)……………………………..2050
Height (mm) ……………………………1145
SAFETY
– Exterior Features:
– Full Carbon Fibre and Nomex cored Body
– Electrically Adjustable Wing Mirrors
– Front and Rear Carbon Fibre Spoilers
– Arash Motor Company Stainless Steel Exhaust System
– Lightweight Aluminium Fuel Tanks
CHASSIS/ SUSPENSION/AIRFLOW
– Main Structure Patented Design 2×2 twill, triaxial weave Carbon Fibre with – Aluminium Honeycomb core
– Front and Rear Sub frames Steel
– Roll Cage Steel
– Formula 1 composite engineers were enlisted to produce the chassis out of carbon fibre with a high strength aluminium honeycomb core.
– Autoclave process…
– 2×2 twill and triaxial weave used to give a very high stiffness and strength to weight ratio.
– The end result is an accurate, incredibly light and rigid structure manufactured to the highest standards.
– Strong steel tubed front and rear subframes and a full roll cage complete the chassis structure
– Completely flat underfloor ensures smooth airflow under the car giving the AF-10 high aerodymanic performance. Computational Fluid Dynamic Tested
– Thoughout its development the AF-10 has been subjected to various virtual aerodynamic simulations using complex state-of-the-art CFD software
– The suspension is Double Wishbone AFMS Nickel coated Multimatic Special AF10 Edition Aluminium
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed………………………………..205MPH(tbc)
Acceleration………………………………0-60 MPH
Acceleration………………………………0-100 MPH
Acceleration………………………………0-150 MPH
Braking Distance……………………….100-0 MPH
History
Arash Motor Company was established in March 2006 and has been working on the AF10 ever since.
The styling drawings were made in March 2005 by Arash Farboud Designs and have since been converted into computer models and aerodynamic cfd mesh models.
The company is located in Sawston on the outskirts of Cambridge. Most testing will be conducted at Millbrooke proving grounds 20 miles away from the company. The facility in Sawston Cambridge is equipped with a styling studio, painting booth, carbon lamination room, parts dispatch area, carbon curing autoclave oven and polished epoxy floored car assembly stations. A board room and administration offices are also located at the site.
Arash Motor Company have designed a traditionally shaped badge with an eagle emblem. The background colour is solid black and the foreground eagle is in gold. The Arash Motor Company’ emblem is in flame orange.
Michael Schumacher Return – signs for Mercedes GP
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Michael Schumacher
Seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher has signed a one-year deal to return to Formula One racing with Mercedes GP for the 2010 season, Bild.de reported on Tuesday evening.
Having retired in 2006, Schumacher, who turns 41 on January 3, will be paid seven million euros (9.9 million US dollars) to be on the grid when the new season starts with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 14 2010, Bild report.
It will be 1239 days after his last Formula One race in Sao Paulo at the Brazilian Grand Prix in October 2006 and Schumacher joins Mercedes in an all-German racing team after compatriot Nico Rosberg, 24, signed up last month.
Bild report Schumacher signed the contract on Tuesday at Mercedes’ headquarters in Brackley, England, to return to Formula One having won 91 of his 250 Grand Prix races and started in Pole Position 68 times.
Michael Schumacher factfile
Schumacher had been due to make a remarkable return last season for Ferrari – for whom he acted as a consultant after retiring – as a replacement for the injured Felipe Massa but was unable to because of a neck injury.
Schumacher’s signature is a major coup for Mercedes, who raced under the Brawn GP banner last season, and a blow to Schumacher’s former stable Ferrari.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo admitted last week he is distraught at the prospect of losing Schumacher to a rival team.
Di Montezemolo started working with Schumacher in 1996, when the German joined the Italian constructor from Benetton.
It was the Italian who first suggested to Schumacher he stand in for the injured Massa after the Brazilian’s horrific crash at the Hungarian Grand Prix in July.
“It was me that rekindled his desire to race after Massa was injured in Hungary,” the Ferrari chief had said.
Di Montezemolo admits he would have liked to see Schumacher back in a Ferrari but with Massa and Fernando Alonso already on their books for next season he simply could not offer the German a drive.
Schumacher will be linking up with Mercedes’s team principal Ross Brawn, who was the brains behind all of Schmacher’s seven world titles.
The German won the first of his World Drivers’ Championship titles at Bennetton in 1994 and and was successful with the Italian team again in the 1995 season.
In 1996, he transferred to Ferrari where he proved virtually unbeatable between 2000 and 2004, winning five further world titles and there will be huge interest in the impact Schumacher and Brawn will have now for Mercedes.
2010 Land Rover Freelander 2 Sport Pricing Announced
Posted by: | CommentsIntroducing the Freelander 2 Sport, which goes on sale in the UK in January 2010.
In showrooms early next year, the Freelander 2 Sport will be available with two derivatives and two colors – Santorini Black and Lago Grey. Both will feature exclusive 19″ limited edition diamond-turned alloy-wheels, a unique two-tone interior together with a rear spoiler, color-keyed exterior trim and matching door handles and mirror casings.
There is a standard model available in both Black and Lago Grey with cloth interior and one with a sports styling pack available only in Lago Grey.
A unique two-tone interior is introduced on both derivatives, in contrasting Ebony and Storm. The derivative featuring the sports styling pack will offer a leather interior and the standard version with a cloth/leather interior. The sporty theme continues through the cabin, with an Ebony-colored center-console and lower fascia complemented with two-tone door casings.
The Sport emblem is embossed on the front and outer rear seat head restraints, with Storm colored stitching on all seats and unique Ebony interior carpet mats with contrast piping feature throughout.
The Freelander 2 Sport is available with the powerful and economical 2.2-litre TD4 diesel power unit. The manual diesel comes with Stop/Start technology delivering an 8% improvement on CO2 emissions compared to the previous manual diesel Freelander 2 (from 194g/km to 179g/km) and fuel consumption is reduced (from 37.7 to 42.2mpg – an improvement of 4.5mpg).
John Edwards, managing director, Land Rover UK said: “With its dynamic styling, the Freelander 2 Sport allows you to combine sporting characteristics with all the sustainability and driveability benefits of the intelligent Stop/Start technology.”
The Freelander 2 Sport goes on sale in January 2010, priced from £26,695 on-the-road.
2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X breaks cover
Posted by: | CommentsDodge today pulled the cover off the newest special-edition model of the 2010 Viper SRT10 lineup. The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X is a turn-key, non-street legal race car that is slated to make its on-track debut in the summer of 2010.
-Turn-key, spec-series racer aimed at continuing Dodge Viper’s storied racing history
-Dodge and Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team combine best performance attributes of Viper ACR with Viper Competition Coupe
-Latest special-edition Viper ACR offers improved on-track performance and safety
-Dodge Viper Cup spec series will debut in July 2010
“The Dodge Viper ACR-X takes the performance attributes of Viper to an even higher level for a wide range of drivers starting with the grassroots racer all the way up to the professional,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand. “This project is a result of many years of performance engineering expertise from our SRT team, combined with the passion and dedication of Viper Nation, to keep the Viper racing tradition going strong on tracks around the country and the world.”
Combining the best performance attributes of the record-setting, street-legal Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) and the safety equipment of championship-winning Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X is powered by the SRT-developed 8.4-liter V10, equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system, that produces 640 horsepower (40 more than production model).
The suspension also is tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage, while the weight is lightened by a full 160 pounds (versus the standard production Viper) to take on even the most challenging road course. Additional aerodynamic upgrades improve downforce, while enhancing stability and significantly improving grip in high-speed cornering.
Similar to the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X contains factory-installed safety equipment such as a factory-designed roll cage, fuel cell and race seat. Additional racing components are added to meet the significant durability and reliability requirements for on-track competition.
In what will be the final year of production for the current generation Viper, the ACR-X is the third limited, special-edition model to be introduced by Dodge. ““We’re going to make 2010 the most exciting year for Viper yet with specially developed cars for the street and the track,” added Gilles. “The ACR-X is targeted at road-racing enthusiasts who want to successfully compete in our ultimate American sports car.”
Last month, the SRT team used a testing session at Laguna Seca raceway to shake down the Viper ACR-X for the first time. Behind the wheel was professional driver Kuno Wittmer from the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship series, who was able to run consistent 1:31.00 lap times around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course. Wittmer’s lap times were more than 3 seconds faster than the street-legal Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR that holds the production car track record at Laguna Seca raceway.
“The Dodge Viper ACR-X is incredible,” said Wittmer. “After a short warm up, I was running lap times as quick as exotic GT race cars. I was blown away by the power and acceleration, and even more surprised at how the ACR-X navigated the challenging Laguna Seca corners and how friendly it was to drive at the limit.
“All aspects of the car work together perfectly to plant all that horsepower and torque without issue,” Wittmer added. “This will be a great package for someone coming out of grassroots racing with a desire to step-up to GT level competition. Dodge nailed it with this one!”
The Viper SRT10 ACR-X is designed to compete in the Viper Racing League, Sports Car Club of America and National Auto Sport Association events.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will be approximately $110,000. Production is slated to begin in Spring 2010.
For more information on the Dodge Viper ACR-X, call Viper Race Headquarters at (888) 960-3333 or visit www.viperheadquarters.com
Dodge Viper Cup:
The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will make its on-track debut in July 2010 in a newly developed spec series called the Dodge Viper Cup, which will be sanctioned by the existing Viper Racing League. Each vehicle in the new series must be the new Viper ACR-X.
Two races per weekend for five weekends will make up the 10-race 2010 Dodge Viper Cup schedule which includes July 9-11 at Virginia International Raceway; August 14-15 at Hallett Raceway; September 11-12 at Pocono Raceway; October 1-3 at Miller Motorsports Park and October 22-24 at Daytona International Speedway.
A contingency program sponsored by Dodge Motorsports and Mopar will pay out more than $200,000 during 2010. Payouts for each race are in cash and Mopar vouchers come as credit toward purchase of Mopar parts and accessories.
Per Race Cash Mopar Voucher Total
1st $6,500 $1,000 $7,500
2nd $4,500 $500 $5,000
3rd $2,500 $250 $2,750
4th $1,250 $150 $1,400
5th $500 $100 $600
Additional cash awards will be made to the top-3 finishers in the Dodge Viper Cup. The 2010 champion will win $25,000, second-place will receive $10,000 and third-place will pay $5,000.
Viper Racing Heritage:
The Dodge Viper has enjoyed a successful racing heritage that began in 1996 with the original Viper racing entry, the GTS-R, which earned five international GT championships and the 1997-1999 FIA GT championships. It also posted an amazing overall win at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in 1999 – the first for a production-based American car.
The Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, introduced in 2003, delivered the next chapter with its coupe-shaped carbon/Kevlar body and a track-ready chassis, based on the Dodge Viper SRT10. The Viper Competition Coupe has continued the on-track prowess by capturing the 2004 SCCA Speed World Challenge GT title, championships in Formula D Drifting series in 2004 and 2006 and the British GT Championship in 2007 and 2008.
viperheadquarters.com:
Dodge has created a new website designed to showcase the Dodge Viper SRT10 both on the street and on the track. Check out the new online home for all things Viper at www.viperheadquarters.com
Viper Racing League:
The Viper Racing League is one race series within the group of three (including Challenge Series and Driving School) sanctioned by Viper Days. The series has 11-weekend events scheduled for the 2010 season at some of the country’s most prestigious race tracks. For more information including the 2010 race schedule, visit www.viperdays.com
About Dodge:
Dodge is a full line of cars, SUVs and MPVs that are agile, daring, sensible and inventive. The product line includes the Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro and Dodge Viper SRT10.
Dodge introduced two new vehicles last year: the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, the brand’s first crossover vehicle and the 2009 Dodge Challenger, a modern-day American muscle car. Dodge also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the minivan during the 2009 model year. With more than 65 minivan-firsts introduced since 1983 and more than 12 million Dodge and Chrysler minivans sold, Chrysler Group LLC has solidified its leadership in the segment. J.D. Power and Associates further acknowledged this leadership by naming the Dodge Grand Caravan the Most Dependable Van for 2009. The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to set the mark in the minivan segment with unsurpassed fuel economy of 17 city / 25 highway mpg and minivan-first innovations including the segment’s only Stow ‘n Go® and Swivel ‘n Go™ seating and storage systems. The 2010 Dodge Avenger, with ESC, also earned the 2009 Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Also in 2008, the Dodge Journey entered key volume markets outside North America, joining the Dodge Avenger, Nitro and Caliber. Dodge Caliber was the highest sales volume vehicle for the company outside North America in 2008.
2010 Bentley Continental Supersports Adds Recyclability To Its Green Credentials
Posted by: | CommentsThe new Continental Supersports, the first Bentley to use FlexFuel technology which enables it to run on E85 biofuel, gasoline or any combination of these two fuels, has further underlined its green credentials by meeting the 85% recyclability standard (95% for recoverability) demanded of all the Bentley Continental range.
In May 2009 Bentley received the official recycling pre-certification (in accordance with the EU Directive 2005/64/EG) from the German Motor Transport Authority (KBA) – thereby becoming one of the first luxury car manufacturers to attain this standard.
Type approval then followed from TÜV, the independent testing and certification service supplier, and now, with the addition of the Continental Supersports to this certification, the entire Bentley Continental range meets this exacting standard. The certificate, which is only awarded after detailed independent scrutiny of the car, assures the fact that virtually all the Continental’s materials can be reused or reprocessed by other industries.
The Crewe-built Supercar, which is now arriving in Bentley showrooms, is the most extreme production car in the company’s 90-year history. Capable of reaching 204 mph (329km/h), it is also the lightest road-going Bentley having shed some 110kg through a broad programme of weight reduction involving the innovative use of new materials such as carbon ceramics and carbon fibre.
The achievement of this certification is testament to the endeavours of the Bentley engineering team as Dr. Arno Homburg, Head of Whole vehicle Development at Bentley Motors said:
“Producing the fastest Bentley was a challenge in itself. However, we were equally determined not to sacrifice any environmental aspect in pursuit of this goal. The result is the paradox that the most extreme Bentley ever, is also the greenest”.
The Supersports is the first iteration of the environmental strategy Bentley launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008. Powered by gasoline, E85 biofuel or any combination of these two fuels, the Supersports can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 70% on a well-to-wheel basis.
It is one element of a broader Bentley strategy which will see by 2012 the company’s average fleet CO2 emissions reduced by 15% and the introduction of a new powertrain that will by itself deliver a 40% reduction in fuel consumption. This programme is also supported at the Bentley factory where the use of gas, electricity and water have all been reduced significantly despite Bentley achieving record levels of production in recent years.
A genuine two-seater, the Supersports takes Bentley into new market sectors. It has received an overwhelmingly positive media reaction and is now attracting keen customer interest. Its Flexfuel capability ensures that is fuelled for the future and, with this latest recyclability certification, customers can be assured that every effort has been taken to consider the environmental impact of all components over the entire life of the car. As Dr Homburg adds:
“It is part of our responsibility as a car maker to contribute to environmental improvements and with Supersports you can see an evolution of this thinking. Even though Bentleys last a very long time – nearly 70% of all cars ever made are still on the road or in collections – we have still sought to ensure any environmental impact is minimised. The wide use of natural materials such as wood and leather and the craftsmanship inherent in their use naturally favours us here.”
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec Pricing Announced
Posted by: | CommentsThe Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec, the perfect blank canvas for tuners, priced at $23,750 is beginning to arrive at dealerships across the country. R-Spec takes the core performance equipment from the 2.0T Track model and eliminates non-essential convenience equipment to reduce both cost and weight. The Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec – the first production R-Spec model to arrive in the U.S. – will make its world debut at the Hyundai booth at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 3 – 6 (Booth # 24387).
The R-Spec allows enthusiasts to tune their own car to their desired specifications. R-Spec provides genuine track-readiness and powertrain scalability in an affordable model. The R-Spec adds core Track model performance equipment to the most affordable 2.0T model, such as: Track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance Summer tires, Brembo® braking system, Torsen® limited-slip differential and R-Spec badging.
In a special nod to tuners, R-Spec will also receive a set of front strut camber adjustment bolts (dealer installation – optional for customer to install) to further enhance initial turn-in and handling response. To reduce both cost and weight, the R-Spec eliminates some non-essential convenience equipment such as: Bluetooth®, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls. Genesis Coupe R-Spec is priced $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model, leaving tuners with extra cash for their own choice of aftermarket performance upgrades. Appropriately, R-Spec will be available in three exteriors colors most common among international racing teams: Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red. R-Spec comes with manual transmission only.
R-Spec equipment includes:
2.0-liter low-pressure turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 210 hp, 30 mpg EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph
6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
Electronic Stability Control with Traction control, ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist
19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with staggered-width high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)
Brembo® braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
Track-tuned suspension (higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, front strut brace)
Torsen-type limited-slip differential
R-Spec badging
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Front, side, side curtain air bags
Active front head restraints
Driver’s lumbar support
Air conditioning
Remote keyless entry system
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors
AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers
iPod/USB/Aux jack connectivity
Projector beam headlamps
Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)
– Note: Automatic transmission not available with R-Spec
The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Genesis Coupe buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide.
