Thursday, May 31, 2012

2013 Porsche Cayman S (981) in Stuttgart

YouTube member DrGumoLunatic spotted this barely disguised 2013 Porsche Cayman S – 981 series – in Stuttgart, Germany today. The video follows after a series of spyvideos and spyshots showing the new Coupe while it is being tested on public roads.

The Cayman series will use the same engines, transmissions and suspension setup as its open-top family members, the 2013 Boxster and Boxster S. The Cayman will be powered by a 2.7 liter flat six producing around 265 horsepower, and the Cayman S will be powered by 325hp 3.2 liter flat six. Reportedly the flat-six engine will be replaced by a new twin-turbo 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine by 2015.
Stay tuned for an official release somewhere at the end of this year.

Range Rover Westminster Black Label Edition by A. Kahn Design

 Range Rover Westminster Black Label Edition by A. Kahn Design
A Kahn Design’s latest creation is this Range Rover Westminster Black Label Edition associated with HRH Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations being held this year. Next to a complete tuning package the tuner from the UK fitted the 4HRH number plate, a nice commemorative item to mark such an event.

The Kahn aerodynamic styling package consists of a RS-front and rear bumper replacements, side skirts, LED daytime running lights in the lower bumper section, LED daytime running lights in the lower front bumper section, brake calipers finished in liquid gold, rear tailgate trim in matt black, rear diffuser in matt pearl grey, door handles and side vents in matt black, front bumper lower bar in matt pearl grey, front bumper fog light surrounds in matt black and front grille running bars finished in dark chrome, Kahn vehicle branding, Kahn enamel wing shields and Kahn enamel tailgate logo. 

Furthermore, an engine upgrade, powered by Cosworth and complete ‘regal’ colour changes is on the option list. The SUV rides on 22 inch Kahn RS two-piece wheels in satin black including original centre caps. Kahn quad rear silencers in stainless steel were also fitted.

On the inside you will find a bespoke touch, which is complemented with RS-quilted and perforated black leather with contrast stitching, a diamond gear selector, a Churchill time clock facia insert and a Kahn key ring in red enamel.
Range Rover Westminster Black Label Edition by A. Kahn Design

Range Rover Westminster Black Label Edition by A. Kahn Design

Range Rover Westminster Black Label Edition by A. Kahn Design

Ferrari holding online auction to benefit Italian earthquake victims

Ferrari 599XX Evoluzione
Italy is unfortunately no stranger to earthquakes, thus neither is the exotic automaker and racing team whose logo bears the country's flag. When disaster struck in Abruzzo, Ferrari launched a special-edition F430 to raise funds for its relief, and has been contributing to rebuilding the stricken region ever since. When the tsunami hit in Japan, Ferrari contributed millions to its aid. Now another earthquake has hit Italy – in the same part of the country that hosts Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello. The company immediately halted operations to let its employees be with their families, and is now preparing for an online auction to raise funds for relief efforts in the region.

The auction will be hosted at FerrariStore.com, and will of course include all manner of Ferrari-branded merchandise – including racing helmets and suits worn in grands prix by Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa. But there are some bigger items as well, including a V8 engine from one of the Scuderia's F1 cars, and, at the top of the list, a 599XX Evoluzione. The most advanced of the company's developmental track cars, the 599XX Evo is worth over $1.6 million, but will likely raise far more than that – and help the disaster relief efforts that have forced the new Italian federal government to raise fuel taxes – when the bidding starts next week. Check out more details by scrolling below. 

FERRARI: AN ON-LINE AUCTION FOR THE FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS OF THE EARTHQUAKES

Maranello, 31 May 2012 – Ferrari will open an international on-line auction to raise funds for the families of the victims of the earthquakes that have rocked the Emilia-Romagna region since the 20th of May.

In the days leading up to the auction next week, www.ferraristore.com will dedicate a section to this important initiative which sets out to contribute significant sums to those families who have lost loved ones.

The auction will include important and rare items, such as a 599XX Evo, the extreme, non-homologated sports berlinetta with a commercial value of €1.3 million. This extreme sports car incorporates the very best of Ferrari technology, the result of on-going Research and Development activities in the GT division and advanced experimentation in F1. The 599 XX Evo features a package of performance-enhancing technical features for the exclusive, dedicated track-based research and development programme for the 2012-2013 seasons.

There will also be a strong Formula 1 theme, starting with a V8 engine along with racing suits and helmets donated by the Scuderia's drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, as well as numerous items of memorabilia from the works racing cars from past seasons.

Also featuring in the auction will be a selection from the Ferrari Store, including Prancing Horse watches.

As soon as news about the earthquakes came out, Ferrari clients and collectors from around the world spontaneously contacted the Maranello headquarters to offer their contributions. Once again the generosity of Ferrari's enthusiasts will enable the company to provide support to those most hit by the tragedy. A demonstration of solidarity that, in recent years, has contributed to the reconstruction in Abruzzo after the earthquake, as well as the building of two after-school facilities in Ishinomaki in Japan after last year's disaster for which Ferrari contributed over 80 million Japanese yen.

Via: Ferrari
Ferrari 599XX Evoluzione

Ferrari 599XX Evoluzione

Ferrari 599XX Evoluzione

Ferrari 599XX Evoluzione

Ferrari 599XX Evoluzione

Ferrari 599XX Evoluzione

Ferrari 599XX Evoluzione



Volkswagen Beetle Fender Edition debuting at Leipzig Auto Show

Volkswagen Beetle Fender Edition debuting at Leipzig Auto Show

Volkswagen's partnership with Fender – one of the world's leading musical instrument companies, best known for its rockin' guitars – officially kicked off in the United States with the debut of a new premium sound system in the Jetta GLI. In Europe, however, the automaker's reworked Beetle is the first car to have this high-end audio kit, and to celebrate, Volkswagen has created this special Fender Edition Beetle that makes its official debut at the Leipzig Auto Show.

No, a shiny, new guitar does not come with the car.

What you do get, however, is a Beetle fitted with Volkswagen's 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, as well as standard visual kit like 18-inch "Disc" aluminum wheels, bi-xenon headlamps, Deep Black Metallic paint and Fender logos at the base of the A pillars. What's really cool, though, is the new painted dashboard, done up in a specific sunburst tone that's commonly seen on Fender's guitars. No, it's not wood, but it sure looks like it could be.

Of course, the highlight of this special edition Beetle is the Fender audio system, packing 400 watts of power, nine speakers, a subwoofer and four deluxe tweeters.

Look for the Fender Edition Beetle to arrive Stateside in the fall of this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the car's on-sale date, but for now, scroll down to read the official press blast for more details.

Via:  Volkswagen
Volkswagen Beetle Fender Edition debuting at Leipzig Auto Show

Volkswagen Beetle Fender Edition debuting at Leipzig Auto Show

Volkswagen Beetle Fender Edition debuting at Leipzig Auto Show

Volkswagen Beetle Fender Edition debuting at Leipzig Auto Show

Volkswagen Beetle Fender Edition debuting at Leipzig Auto Show

SpeedArt Boxster S (981) SP81-R

SpeedArt Boxster S (981) SP81-R
German tuner SpeedArt is the first company to release a tuning program for the brand new Porsche Boxster S (981), called SP81-R. 

The SP81-R bodykit features a rear wing, rear diffuser, side skirts and a front chin spoiler. The new rear wing can be mounted on the rear deck lid over the original spoiler and is painted in the SpeedArt bicolor optic.

Ther tuner has different power kits available for both the 981 Boxster and Boxster S engine offering up to 20hp and 20Nm extra. A new sport exhaust system with sport-catalysts and manifolds can be combined with several tailpipe designs. You can even get the exhaust with a sound switch function. A light Titanium sport exhaust system will be available in a later stage.
SpeedArt Boxster S (981) SP81-R
SpeedArt offers the 20 and 21 inch LSC-Forged wheel for the Boxster (S). The wheel is a light forged wheel availiable in different center star and outer rim colors. Different sport suspensions for street and race track are also on the SP81-R option list. Next to the sport suspensions with sport springs and the adjustable sport suspension you can get an airlift suspension to maintain the everyday practicality of cars with the SP81-R bodykit.

Inside the cabin, you can opt for a variations of leather and Alcantara similar to the Porsche 911 (991) SP91-R package released at the Geneva Motor Show 2012 and driven by us a month ago.

2011 Renault Megane RS250 Cup

2011 Renault Megane RS250 Cup

This is the 2011 Renault Megane RS250 Cup, driven by our photographer Willem de Zeeuw and one of the most potent hot hatches from France. Maybe not the first choice we would make, but according to our crew member one of the best drivers’ cars money can buy. So he stepped behind the wheel of the 2011 Renaultsport RS250 for a day, testing its capabilities on local roads, and shared his story with us. 

With weather predictions for the day being poor, and having 250hp on tap we were in for a blast. The idea was to push the vehicle up to its limit, to find its boundaries. Parked in front us as at the local importer, a bright yellow French sports car fitted with beautiful thick 19 inch rims. 

The RS250 Cup is easily recognizable as a Megane RS because of the logos in the grill and on the back, flared wheel arches, side skirts, F1-style front blade and a huge central tailpipe that sits inside an aerodynamic air diffuser. Open the door and the inside offers a unique rev counter, seatbelts, steering wheel and gear lever, some extra trim on the leather seats, all finished in with accents of yellow inviting us for a drive. The optional Recaro seats fitted to our test car offered an improved seating position for track-biased and sporty drivers.
 2011 Renault Megane RS250 Cup
Under the bonnet, you will find a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine, which is a heavily revised version of the unit found in the Renault Megane R26.R and boosted up to 250hp and 340Nm of torque. The new version of the Renault Megane RS – the 2012 facelift – received an upgrade of 15hp and 20Nm, a performance level equal to that of the Trophy edition. 

The turbocharged power plant offers a strong acceleration improvements between 1,500rpm and the red line. From 1,800rpm at least 80 percent of the maximum pulling power is available offering a sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 6.1 seconds. The new 2012 version does the same sprint in six seconds and it has a five km/h higher top speed (255km/h) then the pre-facelift model. 

The traction is the clear player when it comes to the RS250. The absence of torque steer while accelerating out of fast corners and the direct steering offers the driver access to a dynamically orientated daily drive. The suspension is firm, but not hard, even though the car was fitted with the optional Cup package. The high levels of grip are compounded by a taught and agile front wheel drive chassis that feels at home on even the twistiest of b-roads.
 2011 Renault Megane RS250 Cup
The Cup package brings a stiffened suspension setup, a limited slip differential for less wheel spin through corners and dispenses with some of the regular Renaultsport’s luxury kit. Only choose this option when you are looking for a track-focused car, which is capable of being the fastest production model with front-wheel-drive around the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Just for the record, the Megane RS is the fastest front-wheel-drive sports car around the Green Hell.

To increase the feel good factor of the French hatchback, the traction control has three settings to choose from. Between on and off, you have sport with less interference from the electronic systems than on and without turning them completely off. In both the off and sport modes, the engine noise increases, the throttle response sharpens and there is more room to play for the skillful driver.
 2011 Renault Megane RS250 Cup
The Renault Megane RS250 Cup is a wonderful compromise between the ultimate sportiveness of a front-wheel-drive car and the comfort of the standard Megane. The RS package holds its own as a superb day-to-day driver with the Cup package addressing the agility and handling of the car. 

The balanced ride and minimum body roll are clear winners, combined with precise steering and a refined engine that compliment the purposeful chassis perfectly. On the technical side all seems fine, on the inside we would have loved to see more upgrades that would match the exterior’s visual impact.

Via: gtspirit

Prior Design Ford Mustang

Prior Design Ford Mustang
Prior Design released a few extra images of their Ford Mustang kit today. It features an aerodynamic kit that can be fitted to all C5 pre-2009 Ford Mustang’s.

The kit comes complete with front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper, mounting materials and a TÜV parts certificate. Together, this costs 1,087 euros.

Prior design also offer wheels and exhaust solutions for the Ford Mustang.

Prior Design Ford Mustang_1

Prior Design Ford Mustang_

Prior Design Ford Mustang_3

Prior Design Ford Mustang_4

Prior Design Ford Mustang_5

Prior Design Ford Mustang_6

BMW i8 Concept Driving at Villa d'Este

BMW i8 Concept Driving at Villa d'Este
When we visit a major motor show like Geneva or Detroit, we get the ‘distinct pleasure’ of watching the latest concept car from behind a bit of red line or maybe get up close to photograph it if we’re lucy. That’s not the case with Villa d’Este in Italy, where we’ve already seen most important concepts of 2011 and 2012 in motion, something usually left for the promo videos.

The Ford Evos and Lexus LF-Lc were both interesting in their own way, but perhaps the king of strangely powered concepts in the last 12 months or so is this, the i8 Concept first shown in Frankfurt last year.

Its eDrive system is a strange gas-electric plug-in hybrid mix. The front is powered by electric motors, while the back has a 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine with over 200 horsepower. Together, they offer M3-like performance. The i8 can run as an electric FWD, gasoline RWD or hybrid AWD.

Heffener Twin Turbo Gallardo Build

Heffener Twin Turbo Gallardo Build
You might think that Underground Racing have cornered the market on twin-turbo Gallardos since they’ve build tens of them already, but that’s not you’re only option for forced induction Italian bulls. Heffner Performance also has experience with this hardcore tuning job, and now they’ve detailed an LP560 build for an owner called Joe Z.

The tuner explains that Joe picked up this Verde Ithaca LP560 with the intention of leaving it alone. But as you already know love does not last forever, and so the car was sent to the Florida shop.

The two turbos were supplied by TIAL and proved well up to the job after they were fitted with 3.5-inch tubing for the downpipe that linked them.

The car will put up 963 hp at the engine and 818 at the wheels on 92 octane fuel, and will crank out 1034 at the engine on 100 octane fuel.

TAG Motorsports: Jaguar XJ on HRE Wheels

TAG Motorsports: Jaguar XJ on HRE Wheels
This is a piece of news about a British car receiving a mix of British and American tuning, with the result being called “The Black Cat”. Yes, you guessed it - we’re talking about a Jaguar, an XJ Supercharged.

The car has received a Startech exterior package, but this was nothing new, since the kit is available from late last year. However, US aftermarket developer TAG Motorsports wanted to make it stand out even more and this gifted it with a set of HRE Wheels.

The already-tuned XJ Supercharged received 21-inch HRE P93L rims, which use a multi-spoke design that spells “elegance”. These use a glossy black finish that match that of the car, come in a 21-inch size and are wrapped in high-performance Pirelli PZero rubber.

Via: Luxury4Play

BMW M6 to Get Manual Gearbox in the US

BMW M6 to Get Manual Gearbox in the US

Just like in the case of the M5, BMW denies European buyers the choice of a manual transmissions, but is OK with this in the US. Thus, the M6 Coupe and Convertible are set to receive a six-speed manual for the American market.

The vehicle are making their debut with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, but the manual option is set to arrive in 2013 or 2014 - the time frame for the introduction of the option isn’t clear at the moment.

It’s funny to see how the manual vs automatic situation dramatically changes when it comes to comparing standard and performance cars in Europe and the US. In terms of everyday vehicles, Americans don’t like manuals, whereas Europeans do, but when it comes to go-fast rides, those from the Old Continent accept an automatic much more easily, being ready to trade shifting pleasure for extra performance and efficiency.

Via: Car and Driver

British Celebs Travel in Crystal-Encrusted Peugeot RCZ


British Celebs Travel in Crystal-Encrusted Peugeot RCZ
We thought the epitome of kitsch for this year was reached when a Russian tuner wrapped a Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG in reptile skin. We were so wrong!

Apparently, “The Only Way Is Essex” stars Billi Mucklow and Cara Kilbey were photographed cruising in, what used to be an excellent looking car, a Peugeot RCZ with encrusted crystals. We honestly don’t understand the need to be so opulent, considering the fact that, as previously mentioned, the RCZ is very nice looking and it could even surpass much more expensive cars, in terms of looks.

We hope never to see this car again, as we are disgusted and disappointed at the same time. We’ve also added a picture of a non-crystal-encrusted RCZ to prove that we are right about its looks.

Ferrari Auctioning 599XX Evo As Earthquake Aid for Italy

Ferrari Auctioning 599XX Evo As Earthquake Aid for Italy
Italy has been devastated by three earthquakes taking place on on May 20, 28 and the 29th, killing 24 people in total so far according to most media reports. This has not only ruined lives, but also damaged buildings and even a medieval castle in the North of the country.

the tremors have seriously weakened historic churches and other buildings, which all add up to the greatest loss of heritage in Italy in decades.

Ferrari’s home of Maranello is also badly hurting, and the luxury automaker wants to do its part to help by opening an international on-line auction to raise funds for the families of the victims of the earthquakes that have rocked the Emilia-Romagna region.

The auction that will take place next week will see a very rare and extreme 599XX Evo being sold, a track car worth €1.3 million. There will also be Formula 1 objects, starting with a V8 engine along with racing suits and helmets donated by the Scuderia’s drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, as well as numerous items of memorabilia from the works racing cars from past seasons. To also be featuring in the auction will be a selection from the Ferrari Store, including Prancing Horse watches.

Vencer Sarthe joins the ranks of supercar upstarts

Vencer Sarthe joins the ranks of supercar upstarts

How can the market support so many generic, derivative supercars? It's a simple matter of having the financial wherewithal and the motivation. And it seems like everyone and their cousin wants to start their own supercar company these days.

The latest comes out of the Netherlands from an upstart called Vencer. The Sarthe is its first (and let's face it, it could very well be its last) product. Named after the French countryside circuit where the 24 Hours of Le Mans is contested, the Sarthe follows a familiar formula: a steel tube frame with a V8 engine plonked in the middle and draped in carbon fiber bodywork.

The shape is rather derivative, looking something like a Noble with the front end of a McLaren F1. The stated output of 500 horsepower is said to be enough to propel the 3,065-lb package to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and on to a 202-mph top speed.

Of course, details on production and availability have yet to surface as it appears the first example has yet to be produced, but you can scope it out in the gallery of high-resolution renderings to get an idea of what the Dutch are up to this time.

Vencer Sarthe joins the ranks of supercar upstarts_1

Vencer Sarthe joins the ranks of supercar upstarts_2

Vencer Sarthe joins the ranks of supercar upstarts_3

Vencer Sarthe joins the ranks of supercar upstarts_4

Vencer Sarthe joins the ranks of supercar upstarts_5

Vencer Sarthe joins the ranks of supercar upstarts_6

Vencer Sarthe joins the ranks of supercar upstarts_7

Renault Laguna Coupe Gets 1.5 dCi with 110 HP

Renault Laguna Coupe Gets 1.5 dCi with 110 HP
The Renault Laguna Coupe will receive a new powertrain in some markets. We’re talking about the 1.5-liter dCi turbocharged diesel engine that will act as a 110 horsepower entry-level model. Access to the efficient powertrain is restricted to just a few European markets right now - Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and France, where the model is launched in conjunction with the €30,400 Euro Black Edition.

The launch should take place at the beginning of July or sooner. It’s estimated that on the Laguna Coupe fitted with a manual gearbox, the 1,461cc diesel engine will achieve an average fuel consumption of 4.2 liters/100km according to the French test cycle. Emissions should sit at just 109 g/km of CO2.

The car sound economical and clean-burning, but somehow a 110 hp engine has killed off the dream of Laguna Coupe ownership.

Gumball 3000 2012: Gumballers Mistake Lunch for Launch and Accelerate

Let us give you a typical moment of the Gumball Rally: a small group of participants that had stopped during their journey from Kansas City to Santa Fe, were told that lunch was coming. Want to try to guess what they heard? They thought that the word was actually “launch”.

Thus, they headed for the exit of the parking they were taking a break in and sent their supercars towards the horizon as if there was no tomorrow. The adjacent clip, which comes from Youtube user Shmee150, allows us too see the hyperpowered vehicles taking off and ,of course, also bring a delicious soundtrack.

The 2012 Gumball Rally is taking participants on the following route: New York City (start, May 25th); Toronto, Canada (May 25th); Indianapolis (May 26th-27th); Kansas City (May 28th); Santa Fe (May 29th); Las Vegas (May 30th); Los Angeles (finish, May 31st).