2012 Ferrari 599XX Evolution

Posted on 11.30.2011 14:00 by Ouss Filed under: Ferrari | coupe | racing prototype | Ferrari 599 | sports cars | 2012

There’s no better way to mark the end of production for the most extreme Ferrari 599 ever built then to give it a kickass special edition, and Ferrari is doing just that with the 599XX Evolution. The new Evolution package boasts of aerodynamic advancements, as well as a boost in power, and will be available to clients participating in the track-based research and development program for the 2012-2013 seasons.

The new 599XX Evolution features improved chassis dynamics thanks to an active aerodynamic package integrated with the vehicles’ electronic control systems and the adoption of new Pirelli tires. The new aero package uses an active rear wing that features two flaps, with profiles similar to those used in Formula 1, which rotate electronically to adjust the downforce between the front and rear axles in function of vehicle speed and the maneuver being effected.

The most impressive feature, however, is the addition of an extra 50 HP for the 599XX’s 6.3L V12 engine. This addition brings the 599XX’s total power up to 750 HP at 7000 rpm and 516 lb-ft of torque. Helping the engine along is a weight reduction of 77 lbs compared to the standard model.

2012 Subaru BRZ GT300 Race Car

Posted on 11.30.2011 13:00 by Atik Filed under: Subaru | coupe | racing prototype | Tokyo Motor Show | Subaru BRZ

We all knew the secret was out of the bag as far as Subaru’s impending participation in the Japanese Super GT series. Now, the Japanese automaker has officially revealed their entry to the racing series: the Subaru BRZ GT300 Race Car.

The BRZ GT300 Race Car is being built to compete in the Super GT series, replacing the existing Subaru Legacy STI that’s currently plying its craft in race tracks all over Japan.

In terms of its design, the BRZ GT300 looks a lot different than the production BRZ, as well it should. The former was engineered specifically for racing reasons and as such, it’s had some in-house tuning done on it courtesy of STI. Among the modifications done on the BRZ GT300 include a larger carbon fiber splitter, a larger front air intake, new air scoops on the bonnet, a fixed rear spoiler, a new diffuser, Perspex windows, and a new set of 18" black alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohoma Advan tires. As you can expect, the interior of the BRZ GT300 was completely stripped down to its bare essentials to ensure that the car loses as much weight as it can. In place of everything that was taken down, Subaru added a full roll cage and a Recaro racing seat.

Under the hood of the race car, Subaru outfitted the BRZ GT300 with an STI-developed 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that has been tuned to produce 300 horsepower, right in line with the requirements for the GT300 class of the Super GT Series where the racer will be competing in

2011 Honda EV-STER Concept

Filed under: Honda | concept cars | electric cars | roadster | Tokyo Motor Show | 2011

Ever since the Honda S2000 was dropped in 2009, rumors surrounding a a hybrid successor for the roadster have been buzzing. Turns out, those rumors may be true now that Honda has announced the EV-STER Concept at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show. Could this be the beginning of the next small roadster? So far, signs point to yes. The Concept is being described as "a next-generation compact EV sports model, fun to drive while achieving excellent environmental performance." It is an all-electric vehicle that combines the pleasure of driving with zero CO2 emissions.

The new EV-STER Concept is made of carbon materials that help reduce the vehicle’s total weight. It is powered by an electric engine combined with a RWD system and a 10kWh lithium-ion battery that ensure a driving range of approximately 100 miles. The concept will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds and will be capable of a top speed of 100 mph.

The concept uses an easy-to-operate twin-lever steering that was adopted for the thorough pursuit of the joy of driving. Moreover, the new concept model enables the driver to make his/her own adjustments to some vehicle characteristics such as motor output and suspension settings, to embody the joy of maneuvering to the fullest extent.

2012 Toyota 86 "N0" Sports Track Competition by TRD

Posted on 11.30.2011 10:00 by Kirby Filed under: Toyota | coupe | racing prototype | sports cars | car tuning | Toyota GT 86

It took around three years for the Toyota 86 sports coupe to be officially unveiled. And now that it’s here, the wait for a race-spec version of the sports car appears to be much shorter.

At the Gazoo Racing Festival - where the Toyota 86 was officially unveiled - two race-spec versions of the car also made appearances, both of which were tuned by Toyota’s in-house racing arm, TRD.

The first and less modified of the two is called the 86 "N0." Not a lot of details have been revealed at the moment, but photos taken by Japanese website Response revealed a few intriguing details about the model. To begin with, both the N0 and the N1 appear to be full-spec racing cars modified for track purposes. The former is the less modified of the two and doesn’t come with the carbon fiber rear spoiler on the N1, but still looks like it’s got the full checklist of racing paraphernalia down pat, including a race-spec exhaust system, a set of Volk Racing TE37 bronze wheels, and a full roll cage on the interior.

Performance enhancements are most likely done on the N0, although TRD has yet to reveal any information on that regard.

Nevertheless, when the time comes wherein the details emerge, we’ll be sure to bring them to you faster than you can say "Gazoo!"

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS Full Review

Following in the Cayenne GTS’ footsteps from three years ago, the Panamera is getting introduced to its own GTS package. Porsche has unveiled the new Panamera GTS which will go on sale in February 2012. US prices will be announced at a later date.

The GTS in the car’s name stands for Gran Turismo Sport and promises the same extraordinary Porsche performance that started with the legendary 904 Carrera GTS back in 1963. The Panamera GTS uses a modified 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, the same engine used in the 4S trim model, but it now develops 30 hp and 14.75 lb.-ft. of torque more. It also has a faster-revving engine with a maximum engine speed that has been increased by 400 rpm to 7,100 rpm.

Next to more power, the GTS has also received a more aggressive design thanks to reduction of ten millimeters in ride height, a high-gloss black exterior package, upgraded brakes, and a sportier interior.

Exterior

Customers will easily distinguish the new Panamera GTS from the previous Turbo model thanks to its distinctive design features in the front-end, side, and rear areas as well as its black highlights. The Panamera has received a high-gloss black exterior package that comprises the side window trim, the decorative trim on the rear lid, the headlight washer unit cover, the rear diffuser ,and the side air outlet panels. Porsche is also offering black side skirts and matte black tailpipes.

The Porsche Panamera GTS will also get an adaptive four-way rear spoiler that, at speeds above 127 mph, will generate downforce on the rear axle, thereby ensuring stable driving safety at high speeds.

The GTS is built on a tuned chassis combined with an adaptive air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). Compared to any other Panamera in the line-up, the GTS sits 10 mm lower and will be offered with new 19" diameter Panamera Turbo wheels, 5 mm rear wheel spacers, and larger brake discs.

The Panamera GTS will be offered with an exclusive Carmine Red exterior color.

Interior

For the interior, the GTS adds an ambiance of leather and Alcantara with a choice of five interior colors, 18-way adjustable sports seats, a SportDesign steering wheel with PDK shift paddles, and embroidered "GTS" lettering on the headrests and seat belts. There is also decorative stitching on the foot mats, top of the dashboard, upper edge of the door, armrest, door trim, and center console. The door closing handle along with the seat stitching are executed in Carmine Red or GT Silver.

Engine

The 2012 Panamera GTS uses a modified 4.8-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine - the same one used in the Panamera 4S. The engine has received numerous modifications that have helped increased the total output by 30 HP and the peak torque by 14.75 lb.-ft, for a total of 430 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission that delivers sport performance combined with efficiency and comfort.

The GTS will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just under 4.5 seconds and will hit a top speed of of 179mph. Combined fuel consumption is 25.9mpg and CO2 emissions are 256g/km.

Prices

The new Panamera GTS will go on sale in February 2012 and US prices will be announced at a later date. In Europe, the GTS is priced from 116.716 € (about $157,000 at the current exchange rates).

Competition

The new Panamera GTS may not deliver the same performance as its Turbo 4S brother, but it can still do battle with the best of them, including the Jaguar XJ and the BMW 7-Series.

2014 BMW i sedan

Posted on 11.22.2011 13:00 by Simona Filed under: BMW | sedan | Spy Shots and Rendering | electric cars | BMW i

We all knew that BMW’s future i line-up would include the i3 hatchback and the i8 supercar - both electric vehicles - but new spy shots have revealed that the company is also testing a prototype for an i sedan. This newest i model will be launched after the i3 and the i8, so don’t expect to see it on the market until early 2014.

We think the mysterious i sedan will also be an electric model because, well, the other two are, but also because it looks like there are wheel hub motors, electric motors, powering the front wheels. There is also the fact that the both the fenders in the front and back don’t exactly fit and the vehicle is sporting some really narrow tires. All of these quirks lead us to believe that BMW is working on a bigger sedan within the i-family. No other details have been provided, but expect to see an electric engine delivering a little bit more power than in the i3 (rumored to have a 170 HP electric engine).

Guess Tesla and Fisker just got themselves a real competitor.

2011 BMW 5-Series H35d by Hartge

Diesel cars often get an unfair rep for not being as powerful as their gasoline counterparts are. That’s where tuning firms like Hartge come in.

Not much power? Yeah, they’ll take care of that.

The tuning firm’s latest program involves a BMW 5-Series 535d model and it comes with doses of styling and performance modifications. Styling-wise, Hartge’s package comes with new carbon casings for the mirrors, a set of Hartge emblems for the bonnet and the bootlid, new 80mm mufflers, a suspension tweak, and a new set of 21" Hartge Classic 2 wheels. Inside, the BMW 535d gets a Hartge aluminum medal on the steering wheel, as well as aluminum pedals, and black velor floor mats.

More importantly, Hartge also treated the BMW 5-Series with a sweet performance package, courtesy of an engine conversion that takes the 535d’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight six diesel engine and improves its output from 295 horsepower and 442 lb/ft of torque all the way up to 354 horsepower and 516 lb/ft of torque.

With all the changes in tow, the BMW 5-Series 535d can now hit 0-62 mph in just 5.2 seconds to go with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

It’s not flashy buy it certainly catches your attention, especially considering that the 535d runs on diesel power.

2012 BMW M3 DTM Race Car

Back in July 2011, BMW pulled the covers off of the BMW M3 DTM Concept Car, a vehicle that was to be the basis of the actual racer that will compete in the 2012 DTM season. Just a few short months later, the German automaker has officially revealed the actual M3 DTM in all its M Performance regalia.

During the official unveiling, BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquadt talked about the process that went into building the race car. "The car’s aerodynamics were developed in close collaboration with the engineers from series production," he said. The BMW Group boasts impressive resources in this field and the wind tunnels are ultra-modern. This – and the Title Partner BMW M Performance Accessories – shows that the entire company is behind the 2012 DTM project and is working hard towards it."

As far as appearances go, the M3 DTM Race Car was inspired by the original M3 cars that raced in the ’old DTM,’ particularly the white finish with red and blue decals running all around the car. "The design is both traditional and modern in equal measures," Marquadt pointed out. "It shows our roots, but in a contemporary style."

The BMW M3 DTM is expected to carry a powerful V8 engine that has been equipped with an air restrictor to deliver 480 horsepower, hit 0-60 mph in just three seconds, and carry a top speed of 186 mph.

Despite already being unveiled, the M3 DTM Race Car will only begin its first full DTM season next year under the banner of three racing teams: BMW Team RBM, BMW Team RMG, and BMW Team Schnitzer.

Gearworld Classic: 1998 Dodge Zakspeed-Viper GTS-R by Heurich Classics

Posted on 11.29.2011 19:00 by Ouss13 Filed under: Dodge | coupe | sports cars | Dodge Viper | car tuning

Usually, when an automotive conversion is taking place, it’s a road car getting tuned up for the track. But every once in a while, there’s a racer that’s so badass, tuning firms have to make it street legal. This is the case with the Dodge Zakspeed-Viper GTS-R by Heurich Classics. Dodge may be working on their new generation Viper, but for many, the second generation is the true calling for the sports car and the 1998 Viper GTS-R was just too good to be left alone.

The 1998 Viper originally belonged to Zakspeed Racing, but was purchased in 2010 by someone who wanted to recreate the Viper in the original design present during the vehicle’s win at the 1999 legendary 24 h at the Nürburgring, and make it street legal. For this, they turned to Heurich Classics, a Germany tuning firm that specializes in maintaining and repairing vintage classics.

Many changes had to take place in order for this classic racer to be turned into a street legal mad machine. The Viper had to get its spoiler cut, its rear diffuser removed, and its side channels rebuilt, as well as its brake system changed. New tires and wheels were special ordered and a new hand brake system with CNC-machined caliper carriers was installed. For the interior, the seats, harness, and glazing were renewed, and new passenger seats were installed. All of the electrical work was also redone. The finishing touch was provided with the traditional colors and livery of the original Hasseroder Viper GTS-R.

After completing the work on the exterior and interior, the tuner turned its focus on the engine. The steering angle had to be increased, the cooling system changed, additional fans installed, engine peripherals modified, and the exhaust system adapted to get the Viper up to code. As a result, the 6.2-liter V8 engine now delivers a total of 600 HP, combined with a Tremec six-speed manual gearbox.

2012 Honda CR-Z by Mugen

Posted on 11.29.2011 18:00 by Simona Filed under: Honda Mugen | coupe | hybrid cars | sports cars | car tuning | Honda CR-Z

For six months, Mugen has lead us all to believe that their Honda CR-Z Concept was just for display purposes, wiping away any hopes of ever seeing a production model. Now it seems as though they have come around and officially confirmed that the Honda CR-Z by Mugen will indeed see the light of production day. It will be put on sale in February 2012, with prices in the UK starting at £23,000 or about $36,000 at the current exchange rates.

The production version Mugen CR-Z will use a supercharger and a remapped ECU to increase power for the 1.5L four cylinder engine to 197 HP and 158 lb-ft of torque, up from the standard 122 HP and 128 lb-ft of torque. Next to the extra power, customers will also have the opportunity to choose between a wide range of Mugen accessories, including stiffer springs and dampers, larger wheels, bigger brakes, and replacement carbon bonnet and doors.

Maybe it’s a coincidence that Honda has confirmed the production version Mugen CR-Z at the same time Toyota and Subaru debuted the GT 86 and BRZ, respectively, or maybe they are developing this model solely for viable competition. Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

2012 BMW Z4 by Anabolicar Magazine

Posted on 11.29.2011 16:00 by Atik Filed under: BMW | BMW Z4 | sports cars | roadster | car tuning | Essen Motor Show

Anabolicar Magazine is one of Germany’s biggest supercar magazines so obviously, they had to have a presence at the just finished 2011 Essen Motor Show. What we didn’t know was that they were bringing a humdinger of a project in the form of a tuned-up BMW Z4.

The show car, which was built specifically for the purpose of displaying it at Essen, comes with plenty of aerodynamic and performance enhancements that compliments the M Package the car already has. The exterior of the Z4 is highlighted by a Green reptile skin finish that was worked on by KK-Cocoon. In addition to that, the Z4 Anabolicar also has a new KW coil-over suspension, an Eisenmann exhaust system, a lowered M-chassis, and a new set of black, 19" OZ Racing alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the modifications for the interior include new M sports seats, a new M steering wheel, and a voice activated navigation system.

Under the hood of the Z4 Anabolicar lies a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine that produces 265 horsepower. All that juice wrapped up in a fancy aesthetic dress results in a sports car that stole the show at the 2011 Essen Motor Show. Then again, we really shouldn’t have expected anything less from one of Germany’s biggest supercar magazines.

2012 Nissan Juke Nismo Concept

Nissan is headed to the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show with the Juke Nismo - a concept car that offers a first glimpse of Nismo’s future. The vehicle that was designed to "inject some masculinity and dynamism into the small car market" is getting even more agile and aggressive with the addition of the kickass Nismo package.

The new Juke Nismo Concept will be distinguished by Nismo’s signature colors - pearl white with red highlights - and an extreme body kit that not only offers a sportier look but improves the car’s aerodynamics as well. The body kit includes revised bumpers in the front and rear, wider fenders, and sill side skirts. The grille pattern has also been changed and the tailgate spoiler has been modified with the addition of side elements to control airflow more efficiently. The concept will sit on a new set of 19-inch alloy wheels.

The interior has also been highly modified. Everything from the steering wheel, pedals, gauges, shifter knob, and door trims have been redesigned to provide greater involvement when driving. The sporty bucket seats are covered in leather and are highlighted by dials and needles illuminated in red.

"As the Concept shows, Nismo brings new levels of individuality to mainstream Nissan cars like Juke. The future for Nismo is to develop premium sports designs for an ever-widening range of customers," said Nismo President, Shoichi Miyatani.

2016 Jaguar XF Wagon

We absolutely just love talking about wagons that we’ll never get to see on our side of the pond. Wait, scratch that. It actually sucks to hear that Jaguar has finally confirmed the XF Wagon and Europe will be one of the few that will actually revel in its luxurious five door space. It’s not their fault that the British brand is going where the wagon demand is at its highest nor that we decided bigger was better before giving these in-between vehicles a chance, but we’re still a little envious.

Details on the future XF Wagon are more than scarce considering we don’t even have a possible debut date on our hands, but Andrew Whyman, XF Vehicle Engineering Manager for Jaguar, has said: "I can’t say when or how much, but it is on the cards." Well, Whyman, it’s been in the cards since about 2009 so can we speed this up a bit? Our best guess is that we will see this wagon rolling in around the same time as the next generation XF scheduled for release in 2015, maybe as a 2016 model.

Whyman also said that we can expect something special in terms of the design: "Ian Callum [Jaguar design chief] will do something different with this. It will be slightly different, with character and panache."

When Jaguar finally does get around to building the XF Wagon, it will target models such as the Audi A6 Avant and the BMW 5-Series Touring, which have had the wagon market on a tight hold thus far.

2011 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano by Anderson Germany

In early 2011, we saw what Anderson Germany could do when they put their hands on a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. Impressive, to say the least.

But it turns out, they’ve got more up their sleeves with the Italian super car, particularly a refreshed interior that’s a lot flashier than what was done the first time around.

The exterior look of the car remains virtually the same, specifically the Hamann carbon fiber bodykit that was fitted to go with a plush new set of 21" glossy black wheels with red trim. Inside the car is where it’s a lot different. While the previous version came with a black/red interior, the new project has been dressed with a combination of quilted red leather and black carbon leather that’s further accentuated by matching red stitching. To ensure that the Ferrari supercar is as light as it can be, Anderson Germany also provided some carbon fiber on the gear shift, door handles, door sills, and center console.

Under the hood, Anderson Germany increased the output of the 599 GTB Fiorano from the version they released in March 2011. Thanks to a new ECU software and a custom sports exhaust system, the German tuning company managed to ratchet up the output of the Ferrari’s 6.0-liter V12 engine to 674 horsepower - FYI: the first version hit 650 horsepower - up from the standard model’s 620-horsepower output.

2011 Lotus Evora S Roger Daltrey Edition

Posted on 11.29.2011 12:00 by Kirby Filed under: Lotus | coupe | sports cars | special editions | auctions | Lotus Evora

Lotus has always had the pulse for doing charitable things as they have built numerous special edition models to help raise funds for charities. A few months ago, they built a special Evora called the Freddie Mercury Edition - Mercury was the lead vocalist of Queen - to benefit the Mercury Phoenix Trust Foundation.

Recently, the British automaker went back to that same route by unveiling another special edition Evora S, this time personalized by no less than The Who front man, Roger Daltrey.

With the help of Lotus, Daltrey was given the reins in personalizing this car. In addition to signing the car himself, Daltrey also added in red striping details, as well as a number of "The Who" badges and a Union Jack logo on the tailgate. For their part, Lotus gave the special edition Evora Tech and Premium packages that include a Metallic Black paint finish, a reversing camera, and best of all, a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine that produces 345 horsepower.

The Evora Roger Daltrey Edition is set to be auctioned off on December 1, 2011 with proceeds going to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

"Without teenagers and their energy and passion for music, we wouldn’t have Rock ’n Roll as we know it," Daltrey said. "There is no doubt in my mind that we’re really making a difference."

Interested bidders will need to bring their check books with them because the car is expected to go under the hammer for around £70,000, which is around $93,400 based on current exchange rates.

2012 Toyota Fun-Vii Concept

Posted on 11.29.2011 11:00 by Kirby Filed under: Toyota | concept cars | Tokyo Motor Show | future cars

Toyota’s participation at the Tokyo Motor Show will feature three new concepts. One of these concepts is called the Fun-Vii Concept, a futuristic take on a vehicle that that represents the Japanese automaker’s vision of seeing a future where "people, cars, and society are all linked."

If those words were a little hard to imagine, the first official photos of the Fun-Vii Concept will pretty much tell you what the car is all about. While official details behind the Fun-Vii are still being kept under wraps, the company has stated that the concept will have one unique quirk: a body that can be used to display images on BOTH the exterior and the interior.

Try picturing this scenario: the exterior of the Fun-Vii Concept will be able to display messages, images, and what-nots while the interior of the vehicle will feature ambient lighting that can match the "mood of the moment."

Other features of the Fun-Vii Concept include a cabin that can accommodate up to three people, a navigation information system that blends with the interior, and a network update function that pretty much allows you to keep all your software systems up to date. The concept also has a "memory" of its own, one that can connect to other vehicles, as well as friends driving nearby.

Talking about a concept that’s built specifically for the future, the Toyota Fun-Vii Concept fits all that to a tee. It’s like an extremely smart computer on wheels.

2012 Subaru BRZ

Posted on 11.29.2011 09:00 by Erik Filed under: Subaru | coupe | sports cars | future cars | Subaru BRZ

Toyota and Subaru have always said they were going to unveil their collaborative vehicles at the same time, so after finally seeing the production version Toyota GT 86, the production version of the highly anticipated BRZ sports car was given its time to shine. Next to the GT 86, the new BRZ will be making its world debut this week at the Tokyo Auto Show and will go on sale early next year.

While developing the two sports cars, Subaru and Toyota promised they would deliver totally different design languages, but upon close inspection, the two vehicles are almost identical. Both vehicles have a strong front fascia, but the BRZ will be distinguished by a Subaru-signed hexagon lower grille, front bumper design, and headlight detailing. Other details setting it apart are the custom fender vents, integrated exhaust tips, and revised tail-lamps.

As previously confirmed, the Subaru BRZ will be powered by the same 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed boxer engine found in the GT 86. The engine even delivers the same 200 HP and 151 lb-ft torque, meaning the promised 300 HP will be reserved for the STI version.

UPDATE 11/29/2011: This review has been updated with official details and images.