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Online Find of the Day: Zagato 575 GTZ puts the rare in Ferrari

2011-12-22T04:26:00.000-05:00

There was a golden era of coachbuilding Ferrari models, and there is the modern era of coachbuilding Ferraris. In between there was very little such activity, but its rebirth was heralded largely by the coupe you see here. As the story goes, the inspiration for this car dates back to the original Ferrari 250 GTZ, which Zagato built in the late 1950s. One such example landed in the collection of a noted Japanese collector by the name of Hayashi, who sought to celebrate the original's 50th anniversary. So in 2005, Hayashi contracted Zagato to build a modern interpretation of the original based on the 575 M. Ferrari gave its blessing, but since the new 599 GTB Fiorano was set to debut at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, they asked Zagato to delay their unveiling until Villa d'Este two months later.

The reaction to the 575 GTZ was so positive that Zagato put it into production, albeit in extremely small numbers. Only six examples were made, with the first two going to Mr. Hayashi – and this is one of them. Whereas the first example received a two-tone silver paint job, this second example was painted black with a green interior. And now it has come onto the market.

Although the one Bentley Continental GTZ ever built recently went up for sale, the opportunity to get your hands on an original Zagato limited edition as exclusive as this car is a rare one indeed. It's on sale at Symbolic Motor Car Company of La Jolla with just 2,800 miles on the clock, though there's no asking price listed and it isn't street legal in California. Check it out in the high-res image gallery for a closer look.Related GalleryFind of the Day: 2006 Ferrari 575 GTZ

Honda Adds 2.4-Liter Four-Cylinder Engine to 2012 Crosstour Range

2011-12-22T03:55:00.001-05:00

The definition for the word ugly in the webster dictionary should be updated.
Ugly: a Honda Crosstour or an object resembling the Honda Crosstour.
To use in a sentence: the Honda Civic looks so crosstour

2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Review

2011-12-15T03:00:00.000-05:00

The Ford Mustang Boss 302 is all about performance, and a nod to heritage comes standard with new paint options and design details for 2013.
A new hockey stick graphic featuring reflective stripes is added to the new Boss, calling back the 1970 Boss 302. 2013 Boss 302 and Boss Laguna Seca models feature new School Bus Yellow paint, honoring Parnelli Jones’ 1970 Trans-Am championship car prepared by Bud Moore.
“Everything we did for 2013 is consistent with and links directly back to our 1970 heritage. The reflective stripes and hockey stick graphic in particular mean something to Mustang enthusiasts,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “Last year, we proved the car had what it takes to perform, and this year we focused on enhancing its eye-catching looks and celebrating its history.”

The reflective stripes on Boss come to life when lights hit them, similar to how they did in 1970 on the Mustang Boss 302. The new stripe follows the classic hockey stick motif by going over the fender and extending down the body panel.

Boss Laguna Seca has new Sterling Gray accents and will be available in vintage School Bus Yellow and black paint offerings, complemented by hockey stick stripes and gray interior rear cross-brace. Gray also sets off the front grille, mirror caps and rear pedestal spoiler, while Laguna Seca rear badging and unique two-tone gray and silver wheels round out the exterior accents. Unlike the previous model, the roof will not feature colored accents.
Similar to the redesigned base Mustang lineup, the front end offers a more powerful design with a more prominent grille. A more powerful splitter and functional hood extractors add to that look. Boss Mustang has new signature lighting, with standard HID headlamps and LED-surround taillamps.

The 2013 Boss also offers a unique functional design feature in the grille with removable covers where fog lamps would be. For improved cooling on track days, the covers can be easily removed with a screwdriver.
Additionally, the rear end features a high-gloss black panel that connects the taillamps. The taillamps deliver a smoked appearance that matches up with the sinister look up front.

The new Mustang Boss includes Ford SYNC®, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system, as a standard feature. With the base SYNC package, customers enjoy the core hands-free features and services that have quickly established SYNC as a must-have technology, with more than 76 percent of current SYNC users saying they would recommend the system to others.

2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale Review

2011-12-14T19:19:00.000-05:00

Ducati has unveiled the long-awaited 1199 Panigale Superbike alongside its entire 2012 range in a stylish Press Conference at the Teatro Dal Verme in Milan, Italy. Setting a new benchmark in the motorcycle industry with their ground-breaking and innovative new Super bike, the Italian manufacturer’s incredible lineup of dream motorcycles are now set to be exhibited from 10-13 November at EICMA 2011, the 69th edition of the Milan International Motorcycle Show. The impressive theatre presentation of Ducati’s 2012 models also gave Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding, the opportunity to announce the positive business performance of the Bologna-based company. In a market challenged by economy difficulties, Ducati has continued to increase its market share, production volumes and global sales, confirming their solid position and underlining the efficient and well organized business structure that will now serve the company in the coming years. “It is the hard work of all the men and women at Ducati that has resulted in the positive results that I present today and it validates the strategy we followed during the period 2007-2011,” said Gabriele Del Torchio during the conference. “Thanks to our focus on product development, increased investment and our work to maintain the desirability of our brand around the world, I take great satisfaction in announcing that 2011 has been the most successful year in the history of Ducati.

“Sales of approximately 42,000 motorcycles have generated revenues of €480m, a 20% increase over the previous year and just reward for our highly innovative products. It gives us the confidence to believe in the pillars of our strategy and to continue on our ‘mission’ to be specialist leaders of the sport bike segment by further developing innovative and class-leading motorcycles. “All of this has enabled us to present the incredible new 1199 Panigale, the new benchmark in the sport bike arena. Without doubt, this has been the most ambitious project in Ducati’s history and underlines our engineering excellence and ‘product emotion’, an aspect of our brand which, in such a competitive market place, has become more important than ever. This motorcycle represents pure Italian style, the reference point for performance and a safety-enhanced, confidence-inspiring experience for our customers on road and track. “We are particularly proud to have created a special ‘Tricolore’ version of this new motorcycle, in the red, white and green of Italy. What better occasion to celebrate the 150th anniversary of our national flag and underline our role and responsibility as ambassadors of the title ‘made in Italy’, than with a product of such style and technical excellence.”

Following Mr.Del Torchio’s announcement, Ducati Motor Holding General Manager, Claudio Domenicali, proceeded to release the details of the 2012 models with particular focus on the 1199 Panigale. “Throughout our long and successful twin-cylinder history of racing, Ducati has never built a sportbike as advanced as the 1199 Panigale,” said Claudio Domenicali during his presentation. “We are moving into a new generation with a ‘revolution’ of the species that establishes new limits for the category. Its Desmodromic heart, the new Superquadro engine, is the most powerful twin-cylinder ever produced and represents the base of a new concept of frame and engine integration. This concept enables the 1199 Panigale a dry weight of just 164kg and gives it a riding sensation that is closer than ever to a full race bike. With revised ergonomics, full Ride-by-Wire engine management and enhanced systems of ABS and traction control, we have controlled the beast within the 1199 Panigale so that the full emotion of this motorcycle can bbe enjoyed easily and safely.”

Indeed, the 2012 Ducati Superbike family marks the official introduction of the ground-breaking 1199 Panigale, 1199 Panigale S and flagship 1199 Panigale S Tricolore and opens a new chapter in the company’s iconic Superbike history. Available early in 2012, Ducati’s new generation Superbike, goes beyond the barriers of motorcycle design and engineering to set the most extreme benchmark ever and the direction for future sport bikes. Developed in the red-hot environment of racing and
designed to raise the performance bar to its highest, the 1199 Panigale uses innovative Ducati Corse-derived solutions to make World Championship level technology available to everyone. The most high tech, most powerful twin-cylinder production engine on the planet is now an integral part of an innovative monocoque chassis that combine to deliver an astonishing 195hp from 164kg (361.5lb) of futuristic Italian thoroughbred. The highest production motorcycle power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios in the world are fitting trophies for the incredible results that Ducati have achieved. Bred for the track and trained for the road, the new 1199 Panigale is a true revolution of the species destined to influence the entire sports bike environment. With the click of a button, Ducati’s Riding Mode concept delivers performance with enhanced rider confidence by combining seven class-leading technologies.

The latest-generation sports ABS system, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES), Ducati Quick-Shift (DQS), Ducati’s new race-derived Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Ride-by-Wire (RbW) are now all programmed into seamless, electronic rider assistance. Even the full color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display changes to suit the rider’s environment. State-of-the-art from the ground-up and melding latest technologies with exciting new family features, the 1199 Panigale is totally “Ducati” in every respect. Its no-compromise approach to sport design and stylish attention to incredibly fine detail presents authentic Italian performance at its purist. The highly successful 848 EVO and new for 2012, 848EVO Corse Special Edition with enhanced electronics, suspension and stunning Ducati Corse livery, complete an incredible 2012 Ducati Super bike range. 2012 sees the excellent new Streetfighter 848 take its
place alongside the awesome firepower of the Streetfighter S to broaden the stylish and exciting,
high-performance naked family. The new 848 fighter is dressed in red with a red frame for Ducati
traditionalists, while yellow makes a comeback and the stunning dark stealth scheme underlines
the Streetfighter’s aggressive image. The Streetfighter S comes to the fight in Ducati red and the
brand new for 2012 “race titanium matte”, both schemes with red frames and black wheels.

The innovative Ducati Diavel introduces a new Cromo model for 2012, in addition to the Diavel
AMG Special Edition, recently unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. First introduced to an excited
public at the 2010 Milan International Motorcycle Show, the Ducati Diavel went on to amaze
motorcyclists the world over, collecting awards along the way and becoming one of Ducati’s top
selling models. For 2012, the groundbreaking Ducati is available in four exciting versions. The standard Diavel, and the Diavel Carbon- with a character-forming mix of aesthetic and performance components - now stand alongside the brand new and stunning Diavel Cromo and the exclusive Diavel AMG Special Edition.

2012 Ginetta G60 Review

2011-12-13T22:29:00.000-05:00

In the last six years Ginetta Boss Lawrence Tomlinson has taken the British marque from a nostalgic relic of the 60’s - 70’s and turned it into what is today a formidable player in on the British motorsport scene. Himself an accomplished racing driver with an impressive engineering background Lawrence is gifted with a striking ability to ‘do it right’. Few are better placed to fully understand the purist love of driving and his very tough, very high standards are all evident in Ginetta’s new sports car, the G60.

The G60 is rare by any standards - with plans for only 50 to be produced each year for global distribution. But rarer still is a modern car company who have purposely engineered-out any and all superfluous electronic gadgetry. The carbon fibre G60 is built by the same impassioned team who build our world beating race cars, indeed it shares the same 3.7 litre cyclone engine as its 185mph GT3 racing stable mate.
Selfish and unremitting in the pursuit of the perfect driving experience the standard of the race-tech engineering speaks for itself;delivering in spadesthe natural and very real sense of handling and performance any red-blooded driving enthusiast craves, strike that…needs.

2011 Volkswagen Race Touareg 3 Qatar Review

2011-12-08T19:34:00.000-05:00

This is a genuine Rally motorsport vehicle, like the one that was still touring South America in the Dakar Rally two weeks ago and was built to withstand the toughest rally race in the world. The vehicle now being shown in Qatar is a version of the Race Touareg 3 – an SUV that can sprint to 100 km/h in less than six seconds – that is legally approved for use on public roadways. The just over two metre wide body was slightly modified for road use. Instead of 16-inch wheels, new 18-inch wheels from BBS with a gold look are being used. The "Race Touareg" signature – also in a golden colour - stretches the entire length of the vehicle’s sides. In turn, it is perfectly coordinated with the exterior paint in "Magic Morning," a white that has a slight gold shimmer to it.
The interior was completely redesigned; all that remained unmodified was the safety cage. Without compromises also means an interior that offers easy controls and is ergonomic. The interior has an extremely well-organised appearance with focus on the driving machine, and it is equipped with Recaro racing bucket seats. Designers created an interior in so-called "Stealth look" that is reminiscent of the aircraft of the same name. In tribute to the Dakar Rally, the Dakar victories are etched in the anodised aluminium of the centre console, right next to the "Race Touareg" signature.

Other trim elements are treated in Matt Carbon. Tuned to this is the roll cage in "Serpentino Grey Metallic." Interior designers have upholstered the seat side supports and the door trim panels with Nubuk leather in "Black" and "Pure Grey," while the centre seat panels are made from perforated Nappa leather in "Titan Black." Additional accents include the two-tone seams and silver piping on the seat covers and safety-related items painted in "Tornado Red." The only other ingredient that is needed is some time to explore the world on a "360 degree route" in this uncompromising car.

2011 Wheelsandmore Ferrari 458 Review

2011-12-07T19:18:00.001-05:00

German luxury car refining company wheelsandmore released their performance package for the actual Ferrari 458 Italia coupe. Developed on latest dyno the tuner raised the serial V8 power from 570 hp up to 620 hp and boosts around 100 lb of torque extra as well. Responsible for this increasement is a weight optimized, handcrafted high-end exhaust system with valve flaps and manifolds. The full system got thermic optimizing heat protection covers. The systems optimized flow is adapted to an ecu upgrade resulting in that enormous 620 hp. Afterwards the performance package is installed the sprint from 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) is done within 3,32 sec.

An also important component of this upgrade is represented due to the upgraded forged multipiece wheels 6Sporz². The 21 inch sizing weight optimized wheels are coming 9,0x21 at the front and 12,5x21 inch at the rear wearing 245/30/21 and 345/25/21 Hankook high performance rubbers. Personal individualization got nearly unlimited opportunities due to colour and surface combinations and is additionally multiplied by offering also individualized design-apps, to be mounted at the spoke openings. All high quality wheels are handcrafted exclusively with components Made in Germany.

2011 Porsche Boxster S Black Edition Review

2011-12-05T11:30:00.000-05:00

The Porsche Boxster model line has a new luxurious top model in addition to the sporty Boxster Spyder: The Boxster S Black Edition limited to 987 cars. With its 320 hp – ten hp more than the Boxster S – this edition offers a substantially larger range of standard equipment and exclusive special options, all at a very attractive price. The new mid-engined sports car is black all over: Black body, black hood, and black 19 inch Boxster Spyder wheels accentuate the muscular appearance of the top roadster. The Boxster S Black Edition will be launched in March 2011, and in Germany is priced at 63,404 euro including VAT and country-specific equipment.

The colour concept of the Boxster S Black Edition is consistent in every detail. The rear side air intake grilles are painted in black as is the twin tailpipe of the exhaust system. The model lettering painted in black on the rear luggage compartment lid identifies the Black Edition as much as the embossed Black Edition model designation on the side of the fabric hood. The roll-over bars are painted in black, too.

The black line of the exterior is continued in the interior. The stainless steel door entry guards feature the "Black Edition" model lettering in black. The standard Sport Design steering wheel with its double-spoke appeal has a non-slip rim of smooth-finish leather and sporty grips. The trim strips of the dashboard and of shift lever or gear selector are painted in black. The dials on the instrument cluster are black as are the partial leather seats with the Porsche emblem embossed in the headrests. Also available upon request: black leather interior. The limited edition badge on the glove compartment identifies the sports car as a model of the Black Edition.

As a standard, the Boxster S Black Edition features the otherwise optional "Comfort", "Infotainment", and "Design" equipment packages, and therefore comes at a more favourable price than a series model with comparable equipment options. The wind deflector is on board right from the factory as are the anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor, cruise control and a climate control system. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) including navigation module are also standard. In addition, the universal audio interface and mobile phone preparation are available as standard. The Sound Package Plus creates an impressive interior sound experience. The standard Bi-Xenon lights with dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime running lights ensure driving pleasure and safety on dark roads. Upon request, the Boxster S Black Edition can be individualised even further with other options of the Boxster programme. For example, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is an option as well as the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and the adaptive sports seats with memory function.

2011 Lamborghini Gallardo Bicolore Review

2011-12-05T02:30:00.000-05:00

With its new Bicolore model, Lamborghini is now setting a further design highlight in the ten-cylinder model series. The colored exterior finish matched with the black on the upper area of the body gives the Gallardo a new, more aggressive personality that looks even wider, even more extreme and innately adhered to the road.
From the window-line upwards (including pillars, roof, engine hood and rear spoiler), the vehicle is decorated in Noctis Black - a pastel black that contrasts perfectly with the lower area of the body, available in a choice of five colors: Giallo Midas, Arancio Borealis, Grigio Telesto, Bianco Monocerus and Blu Caelum.

The exterior appearance is enhanced by Skorpius aluminum-alloy rims with 15 thin spokes that are forged to minimize unsprung weight and are finished in titanium gray enamel. And, the air intakes and front spoiler have a high-gloss black finish, as does the upper section of the rear diffuser.

The contrast between black and color is repeated in an understated, elegant manner in the interior of the Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore. The instrument panel, seats, door panels and other elements in the passenger compartment are upholstered in the finest “Nero Persus” leather, with a refined contrast provided by precise stitching that is colored to match the exterior paintwork: yellow, orange, blue and gray (also used on the Bianco Monocerus version).

The bezel of the e-gear transmission on the center console is in Nero Noctis, just like the upper area of the vehicle. Obviously, the interior is finished in the Lamborghini tradition using only the materials of the very highest quality, which are crafted with undisputed professionalism and fine Italian workmanship.

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Review

2011-12-04T22:44:00.001-05:00

The Aston Martin Vantage range comes of age with the new V8 Vantage S characterised by a host of new driver-focussed features all designed to push the honed dynamics of the standard Vantage to a new benchmark level.Aston Martin’s own 4.7 litre V8 engine has been engineered to deliver peak power of 430 bhp (436 PS / 321 kW) at 7300 rpm and torque of 490 Nm (361 lb.ft) at 5000 rpm and is coupled with a new ground-up developed Sportshift™ II transmission specifically designed for the Vantage S with seven short ratio gears to deliver the most engaging and intense driver involvement.

Dynamic revisions are central to the Vantage S, with a quickened steering rack ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1 on the standard car and a larger diameter front brake disc with new six-piston front brake calipers. New springs and dampers, and wider rear wheels also contribute to chassis revisions. A new dynamic stability control (DSC) system specifically tuned to the Vantage S along with a new brake module providing features such as Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) which provides assistance in emergency braking situations, and Hill Start Assist (HSA). Bespoke tyres have been developed with Bridgestone to optimise road holding enhancing dynamic feel.

At the core of the Vantage S is the new seven speed Sportshift™ II automated manual transmission, offered as standard and delivers exceedingly rapid gear changes, twenty per cent quicker than Sportshift™. The extra gear permits shorter well-spaced ratios taking advantage of the optimum torque, which combined with a shorter final drive ratio of 4.182:1 delivers quicker acceleration and an enhanced sporting feel. The inherent benefits of a single clutch system reduces complexity and significant weight over a dual clutch solution. Sportshift™ II allows the driver to take an increased level of control, modulating the throttle pedal to achieve the desired type of gear change. In addition, the Vantage S features a ‘Sport’ button which quickens the gear changes and gives the driver a more aggressive throttle response while also opening the exhaust bypass valves across most of the engine speed range perfectly characterising the ‘S’ variant.

2012 Lotus Exige S Review

2011-11-20T22:44:00.001-05:00

Raw performance, agility, unparalleled ride and handling and mind blowing drive experience, these attributes are what people have come to expect from Lotus. And we don’t like to disappoint. After months of media speculation Group Lotus is proud to announce the latest addition to the family: the extraordinary new Exige S, the ultimate lightweight high performance sportscar.
Alongside the staggering power to weight ratio, the Exige S has a completely new exterior and interior look and feel. The dramatic styling overhaul sees a completely new look for the Exige including a new front splitter and rear spoiler giving it a strong and aerodynamic profile.

There are two new interior package options available: Premium and Premium Sport. The Premium Pack provides added comfort and style where as the Premium Sport option focuses on creating an internal space optimised for ultimate driver involvement.
Built for the adrenalin hungry sportscar aficionado, the Exige S features high performance bespoke tyre package with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres as standard. A Lotus DPM (Dynamic Performance Management) switch allows the driver to switch between three driving modes: Touring, Sport and DPM off.

And if three dynamic settings are not enough, an additional Race Pack option is available which adds a fourth driving mode setting: Race. This setting provides the maximum possible traction out of corners. The Race Pack also features Launch Control and an optimised suspension setting making the car perfect for letting rip on the track.
Commenting on the Exige S, Group Lotus Chief Executive Officer Dany Bahar said: “Anyone who has ever driven an Exige will tell you that it’s not for the faint-hearted. The new Exige S skips a few rungs on the ladder to give the driver the ultimate Lotus experience. Quite simply you can’t get more Lotus than the Exige S.”

Ducati 848 Streetfighter

2011-11-20T09:30:00.000-05:00

Ducati has confirmed that the much-rumored 848 Streetfighter will be added to Its naked lineup as a 2012 model. The middleweight Streetfighter will have "a new and brilliantly engineered 848 Testastretta 11° engine," with characteristics similar to the larger version of the 11° engine (which refers to the shorter duration of valve overlap and its benefits for midrange power) used in the Multistrada and Diavel models. Little additional
information was available, other than that the bike will be equipped with Ducati Traction Control and have revised ergonomics. The 848 Streetfighter will be available late this year, in red, yellow and "dark stealth" colors. No list price was available as we went to press.

2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 Review

2011-11-20T08:11:00.001-05:00

Yamaha has released an updated YZF-R1 for 2012, with subtle styling changes and a seven-level traction control system among the new features. The model will also be available in a World GP 50th Anniversary Edition to celebrate the company's 50 years in Grand Prix racing. While journalists were shown one of the bikes at Yamaha's headquarters, little information was available as far as the internal changes. The bike retains the previous model's engine with its crossplane crankshaft and uneven firing order, but new ECU settings are used for the throttle angle, fuel and ignition mapping. A new traction control system utilizes wheel speed sensors and offers six positions of increasing intervention in addition to an off setting. This is the first system seen on a Yamaha sportbike (the Super Tenere, introduced last year as an early-release 2012 model, also has TC) and most likely uses some of the technology detailed in our last issue's traction control story. According to a series of patents awarded to Yamaha, the system Includes some innovative signal processing inside the ECU to avoid the use of gyro or lean angle sensors.

The upgraded styling features a more aggressive front fairing with larger LED position lamps, along with new muffler heat shields and end caps. The footrest hangers are now black as opposed to plain aluminum, while t he r am air covers are now color-matched Instead of black. A new t o p triple clamp takes its styling f r om the M1 MotoGP bike. The 2012 R1 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue/White and Raven with an MSRP of $13,790, or Pearl White/ Candy Red f o r $200 more. The 50th anniversary edition wears t he signature red/white/black livery t he MotoGP team used at both US Grand Prix events and f o r Ben Spies' victory at Assen earlier this year, and will cost $14,290. Yamaha USA has scheduled a riding press introduction for about the time you read this, so be sure to check the website for our first impressions of the bike and an upcoming Issue for the full report.

2011 Delahaye USA Lockhart Boattail

2011-11-16T10:30:00.001-05:00

The black and orange Frank Lockhart STUTZ |BLACK HAWK inspired boattail is the fifth in a series of speedster creations by TERRY COOK of Long Valley, NJ utilizing his DECO RIDES body as the basis of the car. Several years ago Terry saw a red scale model of a boattail streamliner built and designed by Mike Ball of VELOCITY ENGINEERING in Fort Wayne, IN. Ball had been inspired by the famed Lockhart land speed record attempt car from 1929. When Terry saw Mike’s red model, it in turn inspired him to build this car, which is distinguished by four pontoons cloaking the wheels.

Built over a period of several years, the car was constructed by Gary and Dillon Brown at BROWNS METAL MODS in Indianapolis, IN. Ironically this is the same town where the original STUTZ BLACK HAWK was built in the late 1920’s. Starting with a fiberglass body at FAT MAN FABRICATIONS in Mint Hill, NC, Mike “Bubba” Craig and Brent Van DerVoort fashioned a custom 130 inch wheelbase frame that featured a “suicide” style tube front axle suspended by a pair of quarter elliptic springs, The goal was to position the front axle out in front of the nose and enclose the Radiir 18 x 3 12-spoke spindle mount front wheels with small Hearst spot disc brakes within a pair of slim fiberglass streamlined wheel pants which DECO RIDES also manufactures. The shape of the trailing edge of these small pontoons was changed to emulate the design of those on Frank Lockhart’s car. Not only do the front wheel pants swivel and turn with the car’s steering, the headlights turn with the steering as well. A small set of aluminum “pie plates” with a screened mesh opening to both cloak and cool the spot brakes were fashioned by panel beater Denny Jamison of AUTOMOTIVE HAMMER ART on Gasoline Alley in Indy. He also built the aluminum rear pontoons that mount directly to the rear axle housing. Because you can’t see the wheels or tires, when the car is move, it appears to be levitating or floating above the ground!

The custom nose, hood and side panels were hand fabricated from steel by Gary Brown, and the side panels feature unique reverse cut sweeping curved louvers by metal shaper Rex Rogers of CUSTOM AUTO in Loveland, CO. Most people take the louvers for granted, but have you ever seen reverse curved louvers anywhere on any car in history? Plotting out the pattern for the louvers required a flotilla of e-mails between Cook and Rogers to arrive at the final layout, followed by a challenge of extreme dexterity by Rex to achieve the final result. Thanks must go to noted car illustrator/artist Darrell Mayabb of Arvada, CO, Art Center grad John Caswell of Detroit and veteran custom painter Don “The Egyptian” Boeke of Dayton, OH for their “two cents” worth of opinion and input advising Cook on the design of this project. One aspect where that particularly applies is the shape of the small dorsal fin on the decklid. The custom taillights in the trailing edge of the rear pontoons were hand hewn from red plexiglass stock.

The engine in the House of Kolor Tangello orange pearl and black boattail is a 4.6 litre Mustang V8. Because Cook likes to incorporate humor in his creations, a set of chrome plated Ferrari V-12 valve covers sit atop the engine cloaking the Ford single overhead cam engine. Cook jokingly explains to people that it is a rare “FORDRARRI” engine. Another name for the engine is FRORD (i.e. “Fraud”). Twelve stainless exhaust pipes peek out from under the boattail in keeping with the V-12 joke. The automatic transmission is a 41279W Ford overdrive. Another touch of Cook’s constant desire to have fun with his cars is the rubber Jivaro shrunken head hanging from the rear view mirror.

2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Review Wallpaper

2011-11-16T10:30:00.000-05:00

The New 2013 Shelby GT500 sets a performance-driven design standard with new downforce-generating front grilles, aggressive splitter, new quad exhaust system and two new forged-aluminum wheels. Also new for 2013 is a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft toque.

The 2013 Boss 302 Mustang is identical yet different

2011-11-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

I was so astounded by the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 we known as it the very best Mustang ever. And we are waiting that assertion. What differences do a model-year make? Let's break it down.
Ok, so the 2013 Mustang Boss 302 hasn't gotten much new content at all. In fact, if it weren't for new, reflective "hockey stick" graphics (like the original 1970 Boss), 1970 Parnelli Jones-style "School Bus Yellow" paint, Sterling Gray accents on the track-focused Boss Laguna Seca, and the addition of Ford Sync as standard equipment, there'd be no new stuff at all. Oh, except for standard HID headlamps and LED-surround taillamps.And that's fine with us. Some had expressed displeasure using the roof accent color around the 2012 Laguna Seca model, but Ford 86'd that for 2013, so forget about such complaints is going to be forthcoming.

The Boss also gets the same tweaks as the base 2013 Mustang - revealed today ahead of its Los Angeles auto show debut - including changes to the grille and splitter, and the addition of functional hood extractors.What's stayed the same? Indeed, the 444 horsepower, 380 lb.-ft. V8, 3.73-ratio rear, optional Torsen diff, higher-rate coil springs at all corners, stiffer suspension bushings and larger-diameter rear stabilizer bar and decent four-piston Brembos up front (though we'd suggest a bit moar breaks!). You don't need to wreck havoc on some of that.

source:http://jalopnik.com/5859598/the-2013-boss-302-mustang-is-the-same-but-different

2013 Mustang 302 Boss Laguna Seca Wallpaper

2011-11-16T06:06:00.001-05:00

2013 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca: The front end on the 2013 Mustang Boss 302 offers a more powerful design with a more prominent grille. A more powerful splitter and functional hood extractors add to that look. Boss Mustang has new signature lighting, with standard HID headlamps and LED-surround taillamps.

2013 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca: Ford Mustang Boss 302 is back for more in 2013 with a new reflective hockey stick graphics package, which is the first modern application on a production vehicle. 2013 Boss 302 and Boss Laguna Seca models feature new School Bus Yellow paint, honoring Parnelli JonesÕ 1970 Trans-Am championship car prepared by Bud Moore.

2013 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca: The new reflective stripes on the 2013 Mustang Boss 302 come to life when lights hit them, similar to how they did in 1970 on the Mustang Boss 302. The new stripe follows the classic hockey stick motif by going over the fender and extending down the body panel.

2012 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Stradale Wallpaper

2011-11-13T15:30:00.000-05:00

2012 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Wallpaper

2012 Super Trofeo Super Stradale Hd Wallpaper

2012 Gallardo Super Trofeo Hd Wallpaper

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo Review

2011-11-13T15:00:00.000-05:00

Right from first glance, these similarities are even more evident in the new Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale. In fact, it is equipped with the same rear spoiler that offers greater aerodynamic load – reaching in the best aerodynamic condition 3 times the load of the Gallardo LP 560-4 – for increased dynamic stability during tight, high-speed driving. As in the race cars, the rear spoiler can be varied manually in order to let the driver optimize the car’s performance according to the track or road characteristics.
Another element taken directly from the racing version is the removable engine hood with quick-release system. Both the spoiler and the hood are of course made of carbon composite material, as are a host of other components on the SuperTrofeo Stradale. Together with aluminum, carbon fiber is the basis behind the extremely lightweight construction of Gallardo’s new top model.

The Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale boasts a maximum dry weight of 1340 kilograms. It beats the already lean Gallardo LP 560-4 by 70 kilograms, which gives the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale a stunning power-to-weight ratio of 2.35 kilograms per HP for breathtaking performance. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.4 seconds and reaches 200 km/h just 10.4 seconds later. Its forward thrust finally tops out at 320 Km/h.

The Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale sports a brand new “Rosso Mars” finish that underscores the special connection between ultimate race track performance and Lamborghini’s “Italianness”. The “Rosso Mars” color symbolizes Italy’s traditional racing red, as established at the beginning of last century in motor racing, when the home nations of the competitors were indicated by the color of the paint on the vehicles. Dark green stood for Great Britain, blue was for France, white (and silver later on) represented Germany, white and blu stripes for USA, and red was the color of all race cars from Italy.

The exterior appearance of the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale is perfectly accentuated by a matte black finish on the large rear spoiler, the engine hood and the front air intakes, which contrasts with the “Rosso Mars” paint. The forged wheels are painted in high-gloss black, a color that is also available on the roof as an option. The rocker panel covers, impressive rear diffuser and outside mirror housings are made of carbon fiber polished to a high gloss, while the brake calipers are accented in red for the first time on a Lamborghini. It’s a perfect match with the exterior color and racing concept of this new super sports car. And besides the historically suggestive “Rosso Mars”, the new Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale is also available upon request in “Grigio Telesto” or “Bianco Monocerus” with the roof available in gloss black as an option, as mentioned above.

Black and red, the perfect combination of sporty minimalism, are the dominant shades inside the Super Trofeo Stradale. The most broadly used materials are Alcantara - in “Rosso Mars” on the underside of the dashboard, the central part of the seat cushion and the backrest - and extremely lightweight carbon fiber. Black Alcantara with contrasting red top-stitching is used to finish the other parts of the interior. The steering wheel is upholstered in black suede and also features red top-stitching. The door panels, the monocoque racing seats and the center console cover are made of carbon fiber, the construction of which Lamborghini has achieved a world-leading expertise. Discreet sporty accents are provided by dark chrome visible metal parts.

Upon request, an interior layout including elements made of carbon fiber, such as the handbrake frame, the middle of the center console, the lower rim of the steering wheel, the decorative frames around the main and secondary instrument panels, the door handles, and the handle for opening the glove box (also available upon request), can be ordered.

2011 Opel RAK e Concept Review

2011-11-12T21:00:00.000-05:00

Opel formally introduced the RAKe experimental vehicle – an all-new battery-powered electric vehicle that can travel 100 kilometers (61 miles) for one euro ($1.36), weighs a third of a modern small car and can reach 120 km/h (75 mph) in less than 13 seconds.
"We want to develop electric vehicles that everyone can afford,” said Karl-Friedrich Stracke, Opel CEO, at the world premiere in Frankfurt. “The RAK-e experimental vehicle aims to deliver pricing that even younger customers can afford. The RAK e has cool looks and production-potential.”

The lightweight concept of the RAK e is based on a steel space-frame structure beneath a skin of conventional synthetic material. This allows a high level of safety as well as affordable pricing. Opel deliberately avoided the use of expensive composite materials in its lightweight-design philosophy, in order to make electric mobility affordable for as many people as possible.
The name “RAK e” recalls the pioneering spirit inspired by Fritz von Opel and his revolutionary rocket-powered car in the last century. In 1928 RAK 2 catapulted the grandson of company-founder Adam Opel to a top speed of 228 km/h (142 mph). The “e” not only stands for electric, but also takes up again the idea of ground-breaking experimental vehicles.

“The RAK e is inspired by our wealth of experience in the area of electro-mobility, above all by the Ampera”; explains Mark Adams, vice president Design. “This progressive concept is creating a new class of electric vehicle; this is what future mobility with ‘my first e-Opel’ could look like. We are eager to see the reaction of visitors to the show.”

The potential of the experimental vehicle is reflected in its design. The bodywork is made of fully recyclable synthetic material; the tandem two-seat passenger compartment is reminiscent of glider. The large cockpit canopy creates a feeling of spaciousness and all-around visibility. The front seat, steering column and armrests automatically tip forward to enable easy-entry; remote control via smart phone enhances the optical effect of this action. The pedals and the steering wheel adjust to the size of the driver.

2011 Land Rover DC100 Concept Review

2011-11-12T16:49:00.001-05:00

Land Rover has unveiled two new concepts for the Land Rover Defender, the iconic go-anywhere vehicle.
Named DC100 and DC100 Sport, the two concepts showcase the direction and thinking behind the ongoing development of the new Land Rover Defender, intended for production in 2015.
DC100 and DC100 Sport capture the flexibility, adaptability and configurability that have always been key attributes of Land Rover and continue in today’s Defender.

DC100 demonstrates the future of Land Rover's capability and versatility.
Both concepts are based on the same shared 100-inch wheelbase. They feature sustainable hi-tech materials and the latest technology to optimise fuel and operational efficiency at all times, in all modes and in all driving conditions.

DC100 and DC100 Sport include a variety of capability technologies including a Terrain-i scanning device to warn of obstacles when off-road, Wade Aid sonar technology to assess water depth and Land Rover Terrain Response System, which automatically optimises the car for any environment.

2012 GEMBALLA RACING MCLaren MP4-12C GT3

2011-11-07T18:07:00.000-05:00

Setting yet another milestone in the year of its 30th Anniversary, GEMBALLA is proud to announce the debut of GEMBALLA racing. The new team will enter two McLaren MP4-12C GT3 cars in the 2012 motorsport season.
Team owner and GEMBALLA investor, Steffen Korbach, has hired Sascha Bert to manage his new motorsport venture. A well-known racing driver and instructor, Bert is a former German kart champion, Formula 3 and FIA GT driver, and has stood on the winners' podium at the Nürburgring VLN 24-hour race amongst others. As Korbach said in Frankfurt today, “Sascha Bert is an absolute pro, and is ideally qualified to manage our new racing team."

“We chose the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 because we think this car has the potential to be one of the season’s leaders,” Korbach explained. “We have also put together a team of drivers and mechanics who are proven winners. Racing is in our blood! We want to win!”

The GEMBALLA name has been synonymous with high performance, reliability and extraordinary qualities for 30 years. Now, 17 years after the McLaren F1 GTR won the gruelling 24-hours of Le Mans on its debut outing, GEMBALLA racing will capitalise on McLaren’s competition pedigree to mount its own challenge.
Race bred by a marque that has always been a front-runner in Formula 1, the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 incorporates world-class technology. Based on the recently launched MP4-12C supercar, the GT3 racecar features a 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine, bespoke racing gearbox, carbon safety cell, race front splitter, large fixed rear wing, optimised air vents at the front and a racing diffuser at the rear. The steering wheel with integrated display is an ode to Formula 1.

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Review

2011-11-03T17:16:00.000-04:00

For 2012, the Dodge Challenger SRT8® 392 adds even more high-tech performance features to solidify its place as the brand’s ultimate modern American rear-wheel-drive muscle coupe. This 470 horsepower machine promises a balanced performance approach with outstanding straight-line acceleration, world-class ride and handling, high-performance braking and the most up-to-date technologies that deliver more driver excitement and control. And it still gets up to 23 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 accelerates from 0-60 mph in the high 4-second range; runs the quarter mile in mid-12-second range with the automatic transmission (high 12-second range with the manual); goes from 0-100-0 mph in the low 15s, reaches a top speed of 182 mph with the manual transmission (175 mph with the automatic) and stops from 60-0 mph in just 117 feet.

The 392-cubic inch (6.4-liter) HEMI® V-8 delivers 470 horsepower (351 kW) and 470 (637 N•m) lb.-ft. of torque. The torque band is extremely flat allowing for strong standing starts and improved straight-line performance throughout the rpm range. An advanced active intake manifold along with high-lift cam with phasing provides maximum low-end torque and high-end power while still delivering up to 23 miles per gallon on the highway with the standard manual transmission. Performance-tuned engine mounts improve idle stability and ride control at all speeds.

Standard Fuel Saver Technology (four cylinder mode) in automatic transmission equipped models allows the engine to operate economically on four cylinders or use the power of all eight cylinders when needed. The EPA fuel economy miles per gallon (mpg) (City/Hwy) ratings for the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 are 14/22 for automatic transmission models and 14/23 for manual-transmission models.
A look under the hood reveals unique valve covers with painted silver ribs and the “392 HEMI” logo, which gives the engine a unique, clean and aggressive look.

2012 BMW i8 Concept Review Wallpaper

2011-11-01T21:00:00.000-04:00

The BMW i8 Concept and the fascinating approach that underpins it embody the vision of a sustainable contemporary sports car brought to life. Its innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric drive system from the BMW i3 Concept – fitted over its front axle – with a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW/220 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at the rear. Working in tandem, they allow the two drive systems to display their respective talents to the full, delivering the performance of a sports car but the fuel consumption of a small car.

Acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under five seconds combined with fuel consumption in the European cycle of under three litres per 100 kilometres (approx. 94 mpg imp) are figures currently beyond the capability of any vehicle powered by a combustion engine of comparable performance. Thanks to its large lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from a domestic power supply, the BMW i8 Concept can travel up to 35 kilometres (approx. 20 miles) on electric power alone. Added to which, the 2+2-seater offers enough space for four people, giving it a high level of everyday practicality.

The LifeDrive architecture of the BMW i8 Concept has been carefully adapted to enhance the vehicle’s sports car character, and therefore to deliver unbeatable performance and excellent driving dynamics. The motor in the front axle module and combustion engine at the rear are connected by an “energy tunnel”, which houses the high-voltage battery. This gives the car a low centre of gravity – and the dynamic benefits that come with it. The positioning of the electric motor and engine over their respective axles and the space-saving and well-balanced packaging of all components result in an optimum 50/50 weight distribution.
The emotional design of the BMW i8 Concept ensures its qualities are clear for all to see. Its dynamic proportions give the BMW i8 Concept the appearance of surging forward before it even turns a wheel and lend visual form to its extraordinary performance.

The sporting character continues into the interior. Boasting a driver-focused environment unmatched by any BMW Group vehicle before it, the BMW i8 Concept immerses the driver fully in the unique driving experience. The BMW i8 Concept is the sports car for a new generation – pure, emotional and sustainable.

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2011-11-01T17:21:00.000-04:00

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