Posted on 25th December, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Volkswagen | Leave a comment
When this 1962 VW Bus rolled off the production line all those years ago, we’re pretty sure it didn’t come with a ‘drag parachute’ option. These days, it looks a little different, but even the 7 inch roof chop is mild - compared to the modifications under the skin.
Owner Ken Prather always knew it couldn’t stay stock, saying “I always wanted to build a mid-engine hot rod. The first thing I did was chop the top, then I pulled the motor, and you know how it escalates once you start on something.” The result is a mid engined Bus, propelled by a blown 355 small-block!
After spending four years creating this animal, Ken has no intention of turning it into a glossy show vehicle, saying “I’m having too much fun just the way it is. You know, if a part starts looking ratty, I just re-primer it.”
He even drove it 4000 miles to Bonneville Salt Flats last August, managing to extract 8-10 mpg out of the two Holley four-barrel carbs. Surely the icing on the cake was getting the thumbs up from Bonneville legend Bob Pierson (pictured with Ken). “Oh yes, I like the chop! This bus is an absolutely marvelous piece. The beauty of the movement today is that they are building things we wouldn’t even have considered.” he said after hitching a ride in the beast.
We really love this bus. Much respect to Ken.
[Source: HotRod]
Posted on 25th December, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Audi, Mercedes | Leave a comment
We’ve found millions (OK, maybe not millions…) of cool action shots from the DTM Series. We’re big fans of the close contact racing and can’t wait for the 2007 season to start!
You can download them at DTM.de.
Posted on 25th December, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Lamborghini | Leave a comment
We thought we’d take a step back in time to bring you this Lamborghini concept named the Pregunta Speedster. It was a fully functioning car, powered by a 550 bhp V12 and capable of hitting 206 mph.
The futuristic model was created in 1998 as a possible successor to the legendary Countach. It never saw production, but will go down in history as the last car to be designed by Lamborghini before they were taken over by the Audi Group.
Lamborghini always knew how to create a visual impact…
[Source: Autodrome-Cannes]
Posted on 24th December, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Miscellaneous | 3 Comments
We want to thank all our readers (and contributors) for all their support and positive comments. We never expected it to be so popular, so quickly.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.
Thanks again, and feel free to send us a GT3 RS for Christmas…
Posted on 24th December, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Miscellaneous | Leave a comment
We’re very relieved to bring you this interview with Richard Hammond. He was on the Jonathan Ross Show on Friday. Enjoy.
Good to see you back Hamster.
Posted on 24th December, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Mercedes | Leave a comment
DaimlerChrysler’s group research chief Thomas Weber, has indicated that due to the rising demand for smaller vehicles, America could receive a compact Mercedes car.
Up until now, Mercedes-Benz has avoided selling small cars in the States due to fears that it could dilute the brand name. But with spiralling fuel costs, there’s a good chance that America’s roads could see such models as the Mercedes-Benz B-Class compact.
“At present, the U.S. market is only conditionally ripe for such a car. But we think that there is a basic global trend toward downsizing — not just for motors but for vehicle size as well,” said Weber. He added “As a complement to the segments in which we are already active — (Mercedes-Benz) S-Class, E-Class, C-Class and the SUVs — we absolutely believe that a car in the A/B Class — a C-segment compact — has chances in the U.S. as well.”
[Source: Reuters]
Posted on 24th December, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Mercedes | Leave a comment
Here’s a video showing the rigorous amount of testing that Mercedes put their future cars through.
Posted on 23rd December, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Audi | Leave a comment
Audi seem to have an LED fetish lately. We brought you news of their use in the R8’s headlights, now we find that its engine bay can now swathed in the tiny lights - should the lucky customer choose that option.
We can’t think of a better way to show off that beautiful 4.2L V8 beneath the transparent engine cover.
[Source: Inside Line]
Posted on 23rd December, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Mercedes | Leave a comment
Here’s a selection of Mercedes-Benz Concept Ocean Drive wallpapers to warm up your desktop. The V12 four-door convertible is bound to be a hit when it goes into production.
You can download these wallpapers and more at Serious Wheels.
Posted on 23rd December, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in BMW | Leave a comment
If you were wanting to try out one of Hydrogen 7-Series models, forget it, they’ve already found a home for each one.
BMW are manufacturing 100 units, with just 25 going to the States. Apparently, they’ve selected ‘influential’ people who can publicise the duel-fuel vehicle.
[Source: Autoweek]
Posted on 23rd December, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Audi | Leave a comment
Audi’s DTM department are said to be keen on signing 1997 F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve for 2007. It’s believed that the guys at Ingolstadt would also consider getting Juan Pablo Montoya on board too. The company are looking for a well known driver to fill the seat vacated by Heinz-Harald Frentzen.
The DTM series has a habit of attracting F1 stars of the past and future, including Jean Alesi, Mika Häkkinen and Giancarlo Fisichella. The 2005 DTM champion Gary Paffett has now become a test driver for the McLaren Mercedes F1 team.
Audi chief Wolfgang Ullrich said “No question about it, big names are good for the DTM.”
It’s believed that could Villeneuve could pick up as much as $8 million a season.
[Source: Home Of Sport]
Posted on 22nd December, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Lamborghini, Mercedes, Porsche | Leave a comment
You’ll remember we brought you scans from Autobild magazine’s supercar test, with the RUF Rt12 blowing away all the competition. The full article is now online.
You can read all the details over at Autobild.
Posted on 22nd December, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Audi | Leave a comment
Hofele Design, along with LLTek, have collaborated to create this new RS4 look conversion program for A4 and S4 B6 platform cars.
What you see above is the new bumper conversion kit for any A4 B6 or S4 B6 to the look of Audi’s new B7 RS4. Over time the product line will evolve to include RS4 look lower sides and RS4 look rear valance, RS colour-coded mirror shells and optional RS badging.
[Source: LLTek]
Posted on 22nd December, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Miscellaneous | Leave a comment
The latest edition of Autobild, shows what’s in store for us next year. From Audi, there’ll be a new A4 and the all new A5 Coupe. Volkswagen will also be giving us a new Coupe.
Estate versions of the VW Golf, BMW’s MINI and the mighty M5, will be appearing at showrooms near you. Convertible fans won’t be disappointed either, with the arrival of BMW’s new 3-Series debuting in January, and who can forget the Mercedes Concept Ocean Drive.
We can’t wait.
[Source: Autobild]
Posted on 22nd December, 2006 by Warren M
Filed in Miscellaneous | Leave a comment
Carbon-ceramic brakes have awesome braking capabilities, but unfortunately come with an awesome price tag too. A new manufacturing process could see the cost come down.
Porsche first introduced carbon-ceramic brakes on their 996 GT2 road cars in the late 90’s. High performance car makers such as Lamborghini, Ferrari and Bentley later followed suit.
Carbon-ceramic brakes can outperform steel discs and last around four times as long, but the price is out of this world. Where as steel items might cost $15 to $20 a disc, their CCB equivalent would be between $665 and $2,660 a disc.
SGL Carbon AG, of Wiesbaden, Germany are working on a solution with Audi. They believe a continuous process rather than batch production combined with a new technique (which they won’t discuss…) could see the price drop to around $465.
Antonio Ferreira, manager of European component forecasts at CSM Worldwide, doubts that a broader market would slash the cost, saying “You would need huge volumes to get the price down. Suppliers would have to come to a two-digit price (per disc). Nothing else is feasible when a complete braking system is not even into three figures.”
[Source: Autoweek]
