MINI has just released this compilation video recounting the John Cooper Works WRC car’s maiden season in the 2011 World Rally Championship. The Prodrive-developed MINI tasted podium finishes along the way, a highlight being Dani Sordo’s recent second place in France. The team is back in 2012 for a full assault on the championship, and we’d be very surprised if they don’t score a few wins. (more…)
Month: December 2011
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MINI WRC 2011 highlights
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2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class revealed
After a few grainy brochure shots were leaked yesterday, we can now bring you the official 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class images and details.Visually, the new SL receives bolder, more muscular styling, specifically that upright grille – reminiscent of the SLK and SLS AMG models, and those extrusive Bi-xenon headlamps equipped with active curve illumination and Adaptive Highbeam Assist, and bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights. It also gets the same Magic Sky Control panoramic transparent roof as the SLK, which allows the driver to switch between light and dark at the touch of a button.
Lighter and 20 percent more rigid than its predecessor, an aluminium bodyshell, plus the use of magnesium for the panel behind the fuel tank and roof, helps to weigh around 140 kg (308 lb) less than the outgoing model. The SL 500 also features aluminium steering knuckles and suspension components, which helps to reduce unsprung weight.
Propelling the SL 500 model is a 4.7 L V8 which develops 320 kW (435 hp) and 699 Nm (516 lb/ft) of torque and transfers power to the road via a 7-speed automatic gearbox, resulting in a 4.5 second sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) – eight tenths faster than the previous SL 500. Even though displacement is reduced by 0.8 L, the new SL not only uses less fuel, but also churns out 32 percent more torque and 12 percent more power.
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Vaeth supercharged Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé
Hösbach-based Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Vaeth has created a rival to the awesome C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series by adding its supercharger kit to the regular AMG model.The V63 Supercharged Tuning Kit, which also includes a remapped ECU and intercooler, makes all the difference to the car’s 6.2 L V8, taking output from 336 kW (457 hp) and 601 Nm (443 lb-ft) to 500 kW (680 hp) and 840 Nm (620 lb-ft). Vaeth also fits a complete stainless steel exhaust system, including manifolds, high-flow cats and adjustable control valve.
Those tweaks result in a 0-100 km/h time of just 4 seconds (down from 4.4 s) and a colossal 335 km/h (208 mph) top speed.
Sensibly, Vaeth provides a brake upgrade kit which consists of 380 mm front discs, stainless steel brake lines and Castrol SRF racing brake fluid. There are also oil cooling and transmission cooling systems, while the limited slip differential is a must-have addition.
Visually, Vaeth adds its badgeless radiator grille, while the rest of the add-ons, which are constructed from carbon fibre, include a front spoiler, replacement hood, rear bootlid lip, diffuser and wider rear arch extensions. These add 80 mm to the Coupé’s track and allow the fitment of those spaced-out three-piece forged rims which measure 11 x 20-inch on the back and 9 x 20-inch on the front. The adjustable Clubsport coilover suspension kit offers a drop of between 20 mm and 65 mm.
Moving inside, there are carbon fibre trim elements, a leather steering wheel, aluminium pedals, velour floor mats, and 360 km/h speedometer dial.
The complete conversion will set you back € 64,308.
[Source: Vaeth] (more…)
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Autocar drives the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid 2.0
Autocar magazine’s Andrew Frankel has been putting the second generation Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid through its paces at Portugal’s Estoril circuit. This million euro development machine features a pair of 75 kW/101 hp (up from 60 kW/80 hp) electric motors on the front axle supplementing its 350 kW/470 hp 4.0 L six-cylinder engine, while the overall weight drops from 1,350 to 1,300 kg. (more…) -
TechArt previews Porsche 991 program
Leonberg-based Porsche tuning specialist, TechArt, has released details and images of its 991 program before it makes its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show, next March.Available for the Carrera and Carrera S model, TechArt’s initial offerings include its classic five-spoke Formula alloys in 20- and 21-inch diameter, or the Formula III forged light alloy wheels in a five twin-spoke design, which weigh 15 percent less than the factory items. This reduces the rotating and unsprung mass which instantly improves the 911’s driving dynamics.
The new tailpipes are constructed from polished stainless steel and can be specified with dual oval or round tube-shaped tips.
Moving inside, TechArt can provide anything from a 3-spoke sport steering wheel – complete with flappy paddles, to carbon fibre trim elements, to a completely reupholstered cabin in leather and Alcantara.
The company will also reveal Aerodynamic Kit I for the new Porsche 911 in Geneva.
[Source: TechArt] (more…)
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TopCar Vantage 2 Carbon Edition Porsche Cayenne
Russian tuning specialist, TOPCAR, has revealed its latest program for Porsche’s Cayenne, the Vantage 2 Carbon Edition.As the title suggests, the wide-arch body kit is constructed from carbon fibre – left with the weave on show, which consists of a replacement front bumper spoiler, rear bumper with integrated diffuser, arch and sill extensions, tailgate spoilers and an aggressively vented hood. The rest of the body is finished in Carbon Grey paintwork. The wheels are ADV.1 ultralight forged items.
Inside the Cayenne, the cabin has been reupholstered in quilted leather on the seats with contrasting stitching and piping, the dashboard also received a coating of hide, while carbon fibre elements adorn the door panels, centre console, steering wheel and gear knob.
Performance upgrades include an ECU remap, air filters and sports exhaust systems, with TopCar promising upto 750 hp from the Turbo model. A Brembo brake kit keeps things in check.
[Source: TopCar] (more…)
