Month: November 2012

  • Opel returning to motorsport


    Opel has announced its return to motorsport, with the introduction of two series; one in rallying and the other circuit-based.

    A perfect step into the world of rallying is the Opel ADAM Cup. From next year, enthusiasts will take part in the ADAC Rally Masters competition for the ADAC Opel Rally Cup trophy. Drivers will compete in ADAMs, which are closely specified to FIA R2 standards, on a customer basis, with cash prizes up for grabs and a chance of special coaching for younger competitors who finish highly in the “junior rally” points system.

    If rallying isn’t your bag there’s the Astra OPC Cup, which has also been developed to suit the amateur/customer racer. Designed to be part of the VLN endurance championship, competitors will drive race-prepared Astra OPCs in their own class, with both technical and organizational support from Opel. The highlight of the season being the 24-hour race at the fabled Nurburgring. Again, there will be large pots of money as an extra incentive.

    “These new motorsports activities play an important role in the strategic re-alignment of the company; they are a fundamental element of our brand profile,” says Opel’s Deputy CEO, Thomas Sedran.
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  • G-Power BMW M6 previewed


    G-Power, the Bayern-based tuning specialist, has released initial details of its program to suit the current BMW M6.

    The company’s performance upgrade uses the same Bi-Tronik III software as seen on its BMW M5 program, which sees output from the turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 jump from 418 kW (560 hp) and 680 Nm of torque to 477 kW (640 hp) and 777 Nm; enough for a 310 km/h top speed.

    Also included in the package is G-Power’s coilover suspension kit and a set of its Silverstone RS alloy wheels in a 21-inch diameter, while optional goodies include a carbon ceramic brake upgrade and full titanium exhaust system with a choice of titanium or carbon fibre tailpipes.
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  • Audi R8 Spyder Project Speed Walker by SR Auto


    Vancouver-based stylinghouse SR Auto Group has been busy prettying up Audi’s stunning R8 Spyder, under the name of Project Speed Walker.

    Utilizing components from various manufacturers, SR opted for a set of PUR 4OUR Monoblock wheels, finished in gloss black and measuring a substantial 9 and 12 x 20-inches. The only other external modification i s a carbon fibre front spoiler by Hofele Design. Moving inside, there’s a PPI carbon fibre steering wheel and MAcarbon centre console and gear shift circle trim kit.

    Performance upgrades see the 5.2-litre V10 engine receive a Carbonio carbon fibre intake, a Miltek exhaust system and an ECU software remap by APR.
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  • A tour of quattro GmbH


    This new episode of Motor Trend’s Downshift series features a tour of the quattro GmbH premises in Neckarsulm.

    A subsidiary of AUDI AG, quattro GmbH exists to develop specialist and high performance automobiles for the Ingolstadt company, including the RS 3, RS 4, RS 5 and the recently updated R8 supercar. Taking its name from the iconic four-wheel drive Audi Quattro, a lower-case ‘q’ was used in honour of that innovative vehicle which went on to spawn such machines as the Group B Sport quattro S1 and Sport quattro S1 Pikes Peak.
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  • Onyx Concept Porsche Panamera GST Edition


    Irish styling specialist Onyx Concept has revealed its latest program to suite the Porsche Panamera, with the GST Edition.

    Available to order from next month, there will be two stages on offer. The first, which is priced at €12,999, includes an aggressive front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lights, vented wheel arch extensions, side skirts, rear bumper with large carbon fibre diffuser, custom exhaust tips and rear spoiler.

    For an additional €5,000, stage 2 sees the inclusion of a ventilated ‘Supersport’ hood, a rear roof fin, fender vents and carbon fibre mirror casings. Other options include 22-inch GT alloy wheels, custom paintwork and interior changes such as a full leather retrim, lambs wool floor mats and carbon fibre inlay packages.

    Onyx also provides a range of performance upgrades, which can see 261 kW (350 hp) extracted from the diesel model and up to 462 kW (620 hp) from its Turbo counterpart.
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  • MINI Countryman off-road design package


    As the X-raid Team prepares for the defence of its Dakar Rally crown, it has revealed the MINI Countryman service vehicles that will be supporting the MINI ALL4 Racing cars.

    Apart from the necessary tools, each Countryman is equipped with the off-road design package from the Original MINI Accessories range, which can be retrofitted to any road car. This particular MINI wears a radiator grille with auxiliary headlights and silver-coloured sections on the front and rear aprons and side skirts, while other available components include 18-inch alloy wheels, front and rear mud flaps, all-weather floor mats and a hard-wearing PVC load compartment cover.

    The X-raid Team will be on the Dakar Rally start line on 5 January 2013, ready to cover the gruelling 8,000 kilometres beginning in Peru and ending in Chile after crossing the Andes into Argentina.
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