Month: March 2013

  • Audi R8 e-tron in Iron Man 3 trailer

    Iron Man 3
    Regular readers will remember the sneaky shot from the set of Iron Man 3, which featured Robert Downey Jr. alongside an Audi R8 e-tron. Well, here’s a brand new trailer for the movie with another glimpse of the electronic supercar.

    Looking back, the previous two films have seen Tony Stark behind the wheel of an R8 Coupe and an R8 Spyder, so we don’t see why Audi would want to put such a vehicle as the R8 e-tron on a global pedestal – without making it available to the public.
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  • Porsche 911 GT3 inside look

    Porsche 991 GT3
    evo magazine hasn’t wasted any time in releasing this video of Jethro Bovingdon speaking in detail to Andreas Preuninger, Porsche’s Head of GT Series Production, about the stunning new 991 GT3 model.

    The 350 kW (475 hp) track weapon hits 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, 200 km/h in less than 12 seconds, and enjoys a top speed of 315 km/h (195 mph). It also eclipses the 997 GT2’s Nürburgring time.
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  • 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 revealed

    2014 Porsche 911 GT3
    Porsche has officially revealed its 2014 911 GT3 in Geneva.

    Looking near identical to the cars in the photos we shared with you last year, the GT3 uses the Carrera 4‘s 44 mm wider body, sits on 20-inch alloy wheels and shares most of its aero package with the GT3 Cup car, namely much larger air intakes at the front, with outlets on the tops of both bumpers and sides of the rear. There’s also a deep front spoiler, side skirts, fixed rear wing and twin central tailpipes.

    For the first time, Porsche is using active rear-wheel steering, which improves agility and stability by steering in the opposite or the same direction as the front wheels depending on the speed. Other dynamics include an electronically controlled, fully variable rear differential lock and adjustable height, toe and camber of the newly developed all-aluminium chassis.

    Propelled by a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre flat-six engine, developing 350 kW (475 hp) and 440 Nm of torque, power is sent to the rear wheels via Porsche’s seven-speed PDK (Doppelkupplung) transmission. On the road, 100 km/h appears in just 3.5 seconds, 200 km/h in less than 12 seconds, with top speed an impressive 315 km/h (195 mph).

    It can also lap the Nürburgring in under 7 minutes and 30 seconds, meaning it eclipses the time (7:32) that Walter Röhrl recorded at the wheel of the Porsche 997 GT2.
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  • Mansory Speranza Mercedes G 500

    Mansory Speranza
    Brand-based tuning specialist Mansory has created the Speranza program to suit the Mercedes-Benz G 500 Cabriolet.

    Mansory’s performance upgrade sees the 5.5-litre V8 engine rebuilt using race-spec cylinder heads, pistons, connecting rods, bearings, crankshaft and complete stainless steel exhaust system, which sees output rise from 285 kW (388 hp) and 530 Nm to 515 kW (700 hp) and a limited torque figure of 900 Nm.

    Visually, the G-Class wears a carbon fibre aero package consisting of a replacement hood, widened fender flares, side skirts, new bumpers, rear spoiler and spare wheel cover. Mansory will also be débuting its new ten-twin-spokes GRONOS forged wheels, pictured here in a 24-inch diameter and wrapped in 305/35 Vredestein tyres.

    Moving inside, Mansory has reupholstered the cabin in black and white leather with red piping and quilting on the centre console and door panels, while the steering wheel and dashboard receive carbon fibre trim elements. A set of embossed floor mats and aluminium pedals complete the look.
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  • Carlsson smart race edition

    Carlsson smart race edition
    Merzig-based tuning specialist Carlsson has released details of its smart race edition car based on the tiny fortwo.

    Inspired by Carlsson’s SLK 340 race car, the smart race edition uses the company’s CK10 performance kit, which consists of a sport air filter and remapped ECU software, resulting in a power hike from 62 kW (84 hp) to 82 kW (112 hp) and a 38 Nm increase in torque to 158 Nm. A Carlsson exhaust system with quadruple tailpipes was also fitted. On the road 100 km/h appears in a tarmac scorching 9.9 seconds with top speed limited to a heady 155 km/h (96 mph).

    Other mechanical changes include a sports spring kit providing a 15 mm drop at the front and 30 mm on the rear axle, while the factory alloys make way for Carlsson’s one-piece 1/6 Revo wheels measuring 6.5 and 7.5 x 17-inches.

    Finally, there’s a new front spoiler, black grille inserts and LED daytime running lights, with interior changes including sport seats, aluminium pedals and a full leather makeover.
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  • RWB in Thailand

    RWB Porsche
    Following on from the first video to feature RWB cars in Thailand, here’s a new film that takes a look at the founder, Nakai-San, and some of his latest creations based on older generation Porsche 911s.

    The Japanese chain-smoker likes to take his time building the extreme machines, initially butchering the rear quarter panels and front fenders with an air saw before trial-fitting those cartoon-like arches. Porsche purists look away now.
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