New Cars Garage

FXX programme extended for further two years thanks to new evolution kit developed with assistance of Client Test-Drivers

The innovative FXX programme, based on the eponymous prototype car and launched by Ferrari in June 2005, is being extended to 2008/2009. The FXX, which is the most advanced GT ever created at Maranello, has been updated with an evolution package aimed at further improving its handling and performance. The package was developed as a result of Ferrari's collaboration with its Client Test Drivers and with the invaluable support of Michael Schumacher. The FXXs equipped with this package will also sport a new livery in addition to new rear wing profiles

The FXX is not homologated for road use and there are no plans to compete with it either. In fact, the FXX prototype is designed exclusively for track driving as part of a specific R&D programme agreed with a selected group of just over 20 clients involving 14 group test sessions and 14 private ones in the last two years. Thanks to readings taken over the 16,500 kilometres of tests carried out in 2006 and the 18,500 kilometres covered in 2007, the modifications made to the car have focused on honing its aerodynamics, running gear and electronics. Seven-times Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher also joined the ranks of the client test drivers and gave the programme the benefit of his vast experience on several occasions.

Maranello's engineers studied the wealth of information gained to develop a kit which will cut the FXX's Fiorano lap time to under 1'16'' (previously it was 1'18''). The FXX's 6262 cc V12 engine can now punch out a massive 860 hp at 9500 rpm. Gearshifting takes just 60 ms, a drop of 20 ms on the previous time, and the gear ratios have been adapted to make use of the extra 1000 rpm now delivered by the engine.

The car's new traction control system, developed in close collaboration with the GES Racing Division engineers, gives the driver a choice of no less than nine different settings (plus the off position) which are selected using a switch on the central tunnel. This means that the driver really can modify the car's behaviour on the track from corner to corner, just as the Formula 1 drivers do to maximise performance and reduce tyre wear. The FXX's traction control is also now less invasive and more flexible, adapting more efficiently to the individual driving style of each driver - a requirement pinpointed when this very extreme car was being driven on the track by non-professional drivers.

Wallpaper: http://rapidshare.com/files/66279472/Ferrari_FXX_Evolution_2008.rar

The V-Spec is a more powerful version of the GT-R. The company confirmed that the car is nearly completed and will arrive in America about one year after the Gt-R will go on sale, in early 2008.

The Skyline GT-R R32, R33 & R34 were also offered with a V-Spec version. It featured lowered suspension, an improved brake package, carbon-fiber diffusers and spoilers and also lots of mechanical updates.

Source:TopSpeed

FIA has confirmed the 2008 Formula One Schedule. One of the most interesting changes from the previous seasons is the Singapore street race that will take place at night. Another new entry in Formula One is Valencia with a newly-constructed street circuit around the Spanish city’s redeveloped marina. Canada will also have a circuit next season: Montreal.

The 2008 Formula One Schedule
16 Mar – Australia
23 Mar – Malaysia
6 Apr – Bahrain
27 Apr – Spain
11 May – Turkey
25 May – Monaco
8 Jun – Canada
22 Jun – France
6 Jul – Great Britain
20 Jul – Germany
3 Aug – Hungary
24 Aug – Europe
7 Sep – Belgium
14 Sep – Italy
28 Sep – Singapore (night race)
12 Oct – Japan
19 Oct – China
2 Nov – Brazil

This is the delivery of Bugatti Veyron in Russia. Can you believe it

Bentley is well under way with a plan to replace the mighty Arnage in 2010. It’s a project that will require the Volkswagen-owned company to address green issues, but will also provide the basis for a new generation of Bentley models for the next decade.

The new car is likely to be built around an aluminium spaceframe chassis made by Audi, skinned with aluminium panels. A major reworking of the factory — in preparation for other future models — could also be part of the Arnage project.

Although the car should be powered by Bentley’s venerable 6.75-litre V8, this is likely to be hooked up to a hybrid drivetrain, using either major components from Audi’s new-generation quattro hybrid running gear, or the hybrid transmission already being developed for the Q7.

In a recent interview, Audi engineering boss Michael Dick said all the new Bentleys would use a version of Audi’s spaceframe, cutting around 150kg from the bare bodyshell.

The Bentleys will use the core of the Audi structure, which will be available in three different sizes, but with new metal from the waistline upwards. For the Arnage the base of the windscreen will be mounted higher and the pillars reshaped.

Bentley says the first evidence of its new, more environmentally friendly thinking will be seen at the 2008 Geneva motor show.

In a candid interview with Autocar, Bentley boss Franz-Josef Paefgen revealed that he regarded the Arnage project as the biggest challenge for Bentley since the 1930s.

“This will be a totally independent car,” he said. “It will not be like the Continental, a derivative of a VW Group product, although it will use components from the group.”

Paefgen also stated his determination to keep the classic 6.75-litre V8 alive. Despite the fact that the engine turns 50 in 2009, Bentley wants it to pass new emissions regulations.

“Meeting the 2009 EU5 emissions limits with this V8 can be done,” he said. “We are now working on the proposed EU6 limits for 2013-15. All our engineers want to keep the engine alive.”

Paefgen also admitted the company now had to face green issues. “We are looking at a long-term problem that will develop over decades and centuries,” he said. “If we have to reduce fuel consumption by 20 per cent, we will do it. But we have to satisfy our customers and build a proper Bentley.”

Autocar understands that the idea of building lighter, smaller cars with downsized engines has been discussed. However, Paefgen hinted that this option had already been dumped.

“We may need to shed weight, but we still need to produce cars of a Bentley size,” he said.

Source: autocar

Traffic offenders in Netherlands might need a powerful car than M3 to get rid of the police.


The police from Netherlands received last week a nice BMW M3 Coupe. With a maximum power of 420 hp, catching the bad guys is no problem anymore.

Applying this high-speed concept characteristic of all BMW M power units, the new V8 engine from the M3 develops maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp from engine capacity of precisely 3,999 cc. Further equally impressive factors are the engine’s peak torque of 400 Newton-metres or 295 lb-ft as well as maximum engine speed of 8, 400 rpm.

Acceleration to 100 km/h comes in just 4.8 seconds, and the car continues this mindboggling performance with fascinating consistency all the way to its top speed of 250 km/h or 155 mph, where the engine electronics set an artificial limit to the ongoing power and performance of the new BMW M3.






Source

HOUSTON -- Longtime Houston Astros radio announcer Milo Hamilton suffered a heart attack this weekend and was recovering in a Houston hospital on Tuesday.

The 80-year-old underwent an angioplasty and had a stent put in and is doing well. He began experiencing chest pains on Sunday at lunch and went to an emergency room where doctors discovered an artery that was completely clogged.

"I had a heart attack and there was some minimal damage," Hamilton said in a release. "Only time will tell how much. I'm feeling pretty good and I'm relaxed. Hopefully, I'll leave the hospital soon, likely on Thursday or Friday."

The heart attack postponed hip replacement surgery that had been scheduled for Monday. That surgery will likely be delayed for 6-12 weeks.


Hamilton has been calling major league games since 1953 and has been with the Astros since 1985. He began calling only home games in 2006.

He also has worked for the Cardinals, Braves, Pirates and both Chicago teams. He's called 11 no-hitters, but his most famous call is Hank Aaron's record-breaking 715th home run in 1974.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

NASIOC has long been a bonanza of leaked photos and info relatingng to all things Subaru, and today, user "fyinpig" keeps that tradition going with brochure shots of the JDM Subaru Impreza WRX STI ahead of the car's official debut later this month. As you can see, the muscled-up hatch will be available in 7 colors in Japan ("obshidian" black pearl,, anyone?), with three different wheel styles. Inside, there's no shortage of STI logos, so your passengers won't confuse your machine with the standard WRX. Key numbers you'll undoubtedly be interested in include:





304 hp @ 6400 rpm
311lb-ft @ 4400rpm (41:59 torque split)
Weight: 3263 lb (subtract an additional 22 lbs. if fitted with optional BBS wheels)



Head over to the NASIOC thread for all the info and an ongoing discussion.

[Source: NASIOC]

Lewis Hamilton is under investigation after his win in the Japanese GP

Officials believed to be probing an incident while field behind safety car

Hamilton has a 12-point lead over McLaren team-mate in title race


Briton Lewis Hamilton's world title chances could be seriously compromised after Formula One officals launched an investigation into allegations that he drove improperly while behind the safety car at Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

The McLaren rookie strengthened his grip on the world championship with a superb victory at Fuji in appalling conditions which twice saw the safety car deployed.

As the field trailed behind the safety car on the second occasion, Toro Rosso's Sebastien Vettel drove into the back of Red Bull's Mark Webber, causing them both to retire.

The drivers, who were lying in second and third places behind Hamilton a the time of the accident, have both criticized Hamilton for driving erratically and slowing up and down.

Webber said: "It definitely contributed to Sebastian hitting me up the back because he (Hamilton) wasn't doing what he was supposed to be doing, clearly.

"He spoke in the drivers' meeting about how good a job he was going to do and he did the opposite. Still, we know for next time," added the Australian.

An offical of the sports world governing body, the FIA, told Press Association Sport: "We understand the stewards of the meeting have received new evidence and are looking into the relevant matter.

"It would be inappropriate for us to comment any further at this particular stage, in particular as to what penalty, if any, might be imposed."

The new evidence is reported to be a video clip, taken from the grandstand at Fuji Speedway, which has been aired on the Web site YouTube.

It appears to show 22-year-old Hamilton pulling over to the right-hand side of the track and slowing down markedly, in turn forcing Webber to slow down, which caught Vettel on the hop.

Officials would have to rule if the collision was caused by Hamilton's actions.

Germany's Vettel was handed a 10-place grid penalty for his part in the incident.

Hamilton, who leads the title race by 12 points from team-mate Fernando Alonso, could also be relegated 10 places on the grid for Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, or more seriously for his title bid, be docked championship points.

Article 40.10 of the F1 Sporting Regulations reads: "The safety car shall be used at least until the leader is behind it and all remaining cars are lined up behind him. Once behind the safety car, the race leader must keep within five car lengths of it."

Just as Fiat’s Abarth performance brand was revealing official details of its hot version of the Grande Punto, our spy photographers caught the most eagerly awaited model from the tuning firm out on the road.

These exclusive pictures are the best yet of the stunning Abarth 500, which will make its world debut at next month’s Tokyo Motor Show.

And the souped-up city car should be as good to drive as it is to look at, as engineers are working hard to fine-tune the car’s handling. With pumped-up body panels, flared arches, lower side sills, a big roof spoiler and twin tailpipes at the rear, it looks a lot more aggressive than the standard car. The performance 500 also gets a unique front bumper design to aid cooling.

You can even spot a bonnet scoop on this prototype, to feed air into the turbocharged 1.4-litre engine. The unit comes in three states of tune. Entry-level variants will get 133bhp, with a 152bhp version also planned.


However, top billing will go to the flagship 595 Super Sport model, which is expected to deliver 177bhp.

The Abarth Grande Punto, which our spies also caught testing on the road, will use the same 1.4-litre turbo engine. It has 152bhp as standard, and can propel the hot hatch – which has lowered suspension and a wider track – from 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds.

Buyers will also get 17-inch alloys and uprated brakes, while red stripes along the body, new head­lamps and a revised front bumper help to mark it out in the range.

A Super Sport kit, clumsily dubbed ‘esseesse’, will give even more pace. It increases the Punto’s power to 177bhp and reduces the 0-62mph time to 7.7 seconds. Bigger wheels, even lower suspension and more powerful brakes complete the modifications. The Abarth Grande Punto is due here before the end of 2008, and prices will start at £14,000.

The final addition to the current 911 Turbo line-up has just been launched. But that doesn't mean Porsche's engineers can rest. As you can see, they're already working on the model's successor.

These images reveal the face­lifted 911 undergoing final tests, ahead of its launch at next March's Geneva Motor Show. It will replace the current Turbo model when it goes on sale in the summer of 2008.

As with previous evolutions of the 911, this mid-life makeover is not a total redesign. Instead, the changes improve some of the car's detailing and are expected to have a subtle impact on its specification and performance. The biggest visual difference is the new rear lights. These are sharper and have LED-style bulbs. Up front, the headlamps get more distinctive lenses and there are revised foglights, too.

The car pictured has yellow brake calipers, which signifies that it's fitted with Porsche's PCCB ceramic discs. These help drivers make the most of the spectacular performance.

With a projected 500bhp from its 3.6-litre twin-turbo engine, the new 911 is expected to sprint from 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 193mph. A cabrio version which could cost more than £100,000 is also being developed.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has unveiled official details on the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X ahead of it’s official unveiling at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. There are two models: the Evolution X GSR and the bare bones competition-centric Evolution X RS. The manual version will be launched first, with the Twin Clutch SST version to be available towards the end of November.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR comes with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed Twin Clutch SST dual clutch automated gearbox. It also includes the S-AWC all-wheel drive system. The standard wheels are Enkei 12-spoke 18 inch cast alloy wheels with 245/40R18 tyres, but there is an optional premium package which upgrades these to 18 inch BBS lightweight alloy wheels.

The other noticeable difference on the exterior is the oversized rear spoiler on the GSR which uses a twisted-section wing panel with different attack angles at its ends and in the center portion to match the airflow over the body surface.


On the interior, you get Recaro full bucket front seats which also host the optional SRS side airbag. There is also a leather package which uses genuine leather combined with Glanluxe, an artificial suede-finish leather made by Seiren Co Ltd. The steering wheel is of a small diameter for smooth operation and is wrapped with genuine leather. The left steering wheel spoke either hosts the S-AWC mode selector or audio controls depending on what spec levels you choose.

The instrumentation cluster includes a multi-info display which provides the driver vehicle status information such as fuel remaining, Twin Clutch SST mode, and S-AWC operating mode.

The new engine is of course the 4B11T, a 280PS 2.0 liter inline-4 DOHC engine with MIVEC varaible valve timing which has more torque than the previous 4G63 unit - 422Nm at 3,500rpm. It is 12kg lighter excluding auxiliary equipment thanks to the usage of a die-cast aluminium cylinder block, head cover and chain case. The new engine now uses a rearward facing exhaust manifold which improves exhaust and emission control efficiency and allows the engine to be mounted lower as there is now no need for the exhaust piping to pass underneath the engine. This reduces center of gravity.

While the standard suspension is already a sporty setup with MacPherson struts at the front and a multilink setup at the rear, there is an option to take this a step further with a high performance packagew hich includes Bilstein single tube shocks and Eibach coil springs. The standard Brembo brakes are replaced with 2-piece versions which save 1.3kg at each wheel. Tyres are also replaced with ones with stiffer walls and better grip.

Mitsubishi plans to sell 4,000 units in Japan this year. More photos after the jump.

Source: http://paultan.org/

There are two things that made everyone know we are watching the Lambo SUV under the skin of that false Cayenne: one - the prototype tested was huge compared to the next generation Cayenne that will be smaller and sportier than the current generation. And second, the widened fenders and lowered front-end are not from a regular SUV. Conclusion: we are watching something big! Future Lamborghini SUV that will be unveiled sometime in 2009.


Where were also rumors telling that this might be a Bentley SUV, but the one who saw the prototype on the race track said that the testing speeds were too high for a luxury SUV.

The question is what are going to be the performance of a SUV made by a supercar market? Under the bonnet where will be the same 5.0 liter V10 engine used in the Gallardo, but the weight of the SUV will make the car slower. Maximum output will be around 500 hp and the Lambo SUV will hit an estimated top speed of 175-180 mph.

The 2009 Lamborghini SUV will also get the 4.5 liter V8 engine used in the Cayenne. Also the European market will get the 5.9 litre V12 diesel engine used in the Audi Q7.

The SUV will be based on a modified Cayenne platform. The company wants to keep the producing cost as low as possible, so they ca obtain good money from it. The V10 engine and a Lamborghini style design will make this thing easier to achieve.

2009 Lamborghini SUV

Talking about the new SUV, company boss Stephan Winkelmann said: "An SUV would fit the brand. We’ve done one in the past."

Conclusion: can’t wait for 2009 to come so we can this this crazy beast on the streets!

GT-R spotted at a dealer in Germany. It will be limited to only 21 units each priced at 750.000 euro.

In releasing the GTR, Mercedes have become romantic about their Mille Miglia-winning 300SLR which Stiring Moss piloted to victory in 1955. This was followed by a Uhlenhaut Coupe that never made it into production. The 2008 GTR now pays tribute to this little-forgotten legacy and opens a new chapter in Mercedes motor sports.

It is powered by a V8 engine producing 650 hp. The car weights only 2866 lbs and reaches a top speed of 209.4 mph. The 0 to 60 mph sprint is made just in 3.0 seconds.

Inside, the car is appropriately stripped out with only the essential functions being controlled from a carbon fiber binnacle. New carbon fiber door panels and full roll cage complete the transformation.







Source:Supercars, TopSpeed