Racing driver and presenter of German motoring show, GRIP, Matthias Malmedie headed over to California to drive Porsche’s new 911 model on the streets and track. Two versions will be available when it hits the showrooms; a Carrera and Carrera S, developing 3.4 L 257 kW (350 hp) and 3.8 L 294 kW (400 hp) respectively. (more…)
Month: November 2011
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GRIP drives the 2012 Porsche 911
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AMS tests the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
Germany’s Auto motor und Sport puts Porsche’s 997 track weapon, the GT3 RS 4.0, to the test. Capable of lapping the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in just 7 minutes and 27 seconds, the GT3 RS 4.0 is powered by a naturally aspirated 368 kW/500 hp flat-six engine (more…) -
Telegraph review: Audi R8 GT
Chris Knapman heads to the track with Audi’s hardcore R8 GT for English newspaper, the Telegraph. Weighing 100 kg less than the regular V10-engined R8, and producing 412 kW (560 hp), the GT hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.6 seconds and 200 km/h in 10.8 s, while top speed is 321 km/h (199 mph). But it won’t catch that R8 LMS… (more…) -
ABT R8 GT R police car
Tune IT! Safe! magazine has presented an Audi R8 police car at this year’s Essen Motor Show.Now in its seventh year, the “Tune it! Safe!” campaign is committed to safe and reputable car tuning, and is fully supported by car clubs and tuning companies as well as the Federal Ministry of Transport. And if a standard Audi R8 wasn’t enough to grab the show-goers’ attention, Kempten-based tuning specialist, ABT Sportsline and Hankook Tyres joined forces to create this special ABT R8 GT R model.
Originally limited to just 25 road-going units, ABT built this R8 GT R purely as a show car. Based on the 5.2 L V10 R8, not only is the GT R 100 kilos lighter that its factory counterpart but, thanks to the ABT Power Kit, it now develops 456 kW (620 hp) rather than the usual 386 kW (525 hp). That’s equates to a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 3.2 seconds, 200 km/h in 9.9 s and a cool 325 km/h (202 mph) top speed.
The police car livery was supplied and applied by Foliatec, while that roof-mounted RTK 7 LED light bar is from Hella.
Be careful to watch your speed when you’re pulling away from Essen this weekend, in your Lupo.
[Source: Tune it! Safe!]
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2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class by Brabus
Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist, Brabus, has unveiled its new program for the 2012 M-Class model.Visually, the SUV is fitted with an OEM-quality polyurethane-plastic (PUR-R-RIM) aero kit, which consists of a lower front spoiler, air inlets, sill extensions with integrated courtesy lights, a subtle tailgate spoiler and lower diffuser attachment for the rear bumper in two styles – depending the exhaust tailpipe layout.
Brabus offers a choice of three cast wheel styles; the Monoblock VI, E and Q, which are available in sizes ranging from 18 to 22-inch diameter, the largest measuring 10×22-inches. The lightweight Monoblock G “Platinum Edition” forged wheels in a ‘five double-spoke’ design can also be specified in that size, with 295/30 tyres.
Sports springs, developed jointly with Bilstein, lowers the M-class by 30 mm, while cars equipped with air suspension can be fitted with the Brabus custom control module, allowing a drop of around 40 mm. Other chassis components include a high performance brake kit featuring cross-drilled 405 x 34 mm front discs, clamped by six-piston aluminium calipers on the front and four-piston calipers on the rear, gripping 380 x 28 mm discs.
As well as a stainless steel sports exhaust, Brabus also offers an upgrade for the V6 turbo diesel-engined ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC model. With its ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit plugged into the SUV’s wiring system, power rises from 190 kW (258 hp) to 225 kW (306 hp), with torque jumping from 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) to 690 Nm (509 lb-ft). That improvement translates to a 0-100 km/h (62 mph0 time of just 6 seconds and a top speed of 229 km/h (142 mph).
Moving inside, there’s the familiar backlit sill stainless steel plates, anodized aluminium pedal covers, foot rest and door pins, and trim sets constructed from carbon fibre or wood. A choice of materials, including Alcantara and leather, can be used to re-upholster the cabin to your tastes.
[Source: Brabus]
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Brabus SLS AMG Roadster
Brabus, the Bottrop-based Mercedes-Benz tuning giant, has released images of its latest tuning program for the SLS AMG Roadster ahead of its official unveiling at the Essen Motor Show, tomorrow.Few details accompany the photos, but its B63 S power kit has been available for its Gullwing-doored counterpart for a while now. The conversion includes two sport air filters, free-flow metal catalysts, titanium exhaust system and a reprogrammed engine electronic system. Those tweaks help the 6.2 L V8 to produce 448 kW (601 hp) and 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque, an increase of 28 kW (38 hp) and 30 Nm (22 lb-ft); resulting in a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of around 3.7 seconds and a 325 km/h (202 mph) top speed.
Suspension is upgraded thanks to an adjustable system developed with specialists Bilstein. The car’s integrated Ride Control function can be operated by the driver – even while driving – allowing fine tuning of the damper settings and ride height, which allows a drop of up to 30 mm.
Visually, the Roadster receives a carbon fibre aero kit, comprising of a lower front spoiler, massive air intakes in the bumper, new fender strakes and sill extensions, while around the rear there’s a small boot lid lip, bumper vents and diffuser. The ultralight Monoblock F Platinum Edition forged wheels are 20- and 21-inch in diameter, with Brabus staggering the sizes to emphasize the car’s wedge appearance.
Inside the cabin, there’s backlit sill plates, with matching lights around the centre console, which is also fitted with a carbon trim insert. Brabus’ says its upholstery department can satisfy any customer’s wishes.
[Source: Brabus]
