Archive for 2011
2011 GT-R Nissan V-spec + STD Unwrapped at the Nurburgring
Posted by: | CommentsThe 2011 Nissan GT-R facelifted model has been seen in a state of undress at the Nurburgring. The pictures show the production ready mule with almost fully revealed, letting the details about the new detailing at the front and back more obvious.
The bumper at the front of the car has got some additional wind spoiling ripples, and the front grill has been reworked on the car.
At the back, vents have been added in the rear bumper fascia behind the rear wheelsto aid the cooling of the tailpipes which sit close to the bumper.
The facelifted version of both GTR will be released in the first part of 2011 and probably be seen at the Frankfurt IAA later this year.
Standard GT-R
V-Spec GT-R
2011 Mercedes ML 63 AMG
Posted by: | CommentsMercedes unveils its updated exterior on the ML 63 AMG, featuring a powerful 375 kW (510 hp) AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, takes on a more attractive appearance thanks to some subtle but effective changes.
From the front, the eye is immediately drawn to the new bonnet with power domes, and the darkened bi-xenon headlamps with active light function. The rear, meanwhile, also contributes appropriately to the new look: the performance SUV now features darkened tail lamps incorporating a clear-lens design and LED technology. The subtle changes to the exterior coordinate perfectly with the high-gloss, chromed front and rear underguard, and afford the ML 63 AMG an even more powerful and distinctive appearance.
Still boasting a power output of 375 kW (510 hp) at 6800/rpm as well as 630 Nm of torque, the ML 63 AMG is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). At the renowned International Engine of the Year Awards in 2009, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine took the top places in both the “Best Performance Engine” and “Above 4 litres” categories.
As before, power transfer is taken care of via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with three drive modes. The permanent all-wheel drive is decidedly sporty: the power is split asymmetrically 40:60 between the front and rear wheels to provide optimum agility. The AMG sports suspension, based on the AIRMATIC package with air suspension, adaptive damping system ADS and automatic level control all-round, provides dynamic performance combined with the hallmark Mercedes long-distance comfort. The generously dimensioned AMG high-performance braking system, which features internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round, ensures short braking distances and optimum resistance to fading.
The ML 63 AMG comes with 5-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, which are painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and fitted with 295/40 R 20 tyres on the front and rear. As an optional extra, titanium-grey-painted, high-sheen twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels fitted with 295/35 R 21 tyres are also available.
As usual, the interior of the ML 63 AMG is both functional and high-quality: electrically adjustable AMG sports seats finished in nappa leather upholstery, with Alcantara inserts in the shoulder areas and multicontour function and heating, are complemented by the AMG sports steering wheel with AMG aluminium shift paddles and perforated leather on the specially-shaped grip area. A nappa leather-trimmed dashboard is also available as an optional extra.
The updated ML 63 AMG is available to order with immediate effect and will be delivered to customers from July 2010. It carries a price tag of 105,077 euros (incl. 19% VAT).
See Attached Press and Prototype Pictures:-
Fastest Subaru WRX STI Ever #nurburgring 7:55
Posted by: | CommentsAfter 2 months of intensive testing and track development Subaru have officially released the video of some of the Development carried out at the Nurburgring’s racetrack in Germany, the car was rumoured to be the Spec C version of the Sedan this turned out to be false, but it has obviously adopted some of the tooling used on the JDM Spec Cars.
Using a 2011MY Subaru WRX STI 4-door (sedan) test prototype. Subaru has been using the famous Nordschleife course since 1992 for advanced Research & Development as well as tests of the WRX and WRX STI models.
The concept of the 2011MY WRX STI is “The Fastest WRX STI Ever.” At Subaru, the phrase “Fastest” refers to more than just top speed or maximum engine output. It implies driving with confidence. The WRX STI can be taken to its “fastest ever” performance by providing the driver with total driving control with confidence. Major upgrades to the 2011MY WRX STI focused on the chassis and suspension set-up, and tests at the Nurburgring demonstrated the supreme overall dynamics and linear behavior of the new STI. Tommi Makinen, the legendary four-time World Rally Champion, piloted the test vehicle for the development. He commented, “The car was controllable with precise and faithful handling even on tricky corners. I could easily predict the car’s behavior. That is exactly what Subaru is offering, confidence. As a result, the 2011MY WRX STI test vehicle recorded 7’55”00, Subaru’s fastest lap time ever, which is 4 seconds faster than the previous fastest time recorded in 2004.”
The 2011MY WRX STI 4-door will go on sale world-wide this summer. Upgrades to the 4-door version will be carried over to the 5-door model and expect the usual JDM and Spec models towards the 4th quarter 2010.
Also see attached pictures taken by our photographers who caught Tommi Makinen at the Nordschleife.
Jeep Reveal Official Pictures of the 2011 Grand Cherokee
Posted by: | CommentsIt looks like after spotting the Jeep testing at the nurburgring they managed to finalise the production model.
This week Chrysler will begin production of its, 2011 Grand Cherokee.
A pretty grand rollout is scheduled with Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne and Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm on location at the Detroit assembly plant to officially begin production.
That means buyers should expect the first vehicles to arrive at the franchise network in the following few months in the States.
In the meantime, you can check pricing here or check out more photos of the 2011 below. These photos are of the actual production car, which varies from the pre-production model the company has been highlighting until today.
Dont ask me why its announced 2011 if its available this year (o:
2011 Audi S7 Spyshot at the Nordschleife
Posted by: | Comments
Today we spotted the 2011 Audi S7, This will feature a quad-tailpipe exhaust system, and a speed adjusted rear spoiler.
Other extras will include modified bumpers to increase airflow, and the usual Quattro GMBH suspension unit. The photos show the large brakes hinting at the power output.
The power will likely be provided by the RS5′s 4.2-liter V8 detuned with 380-410 hp and around 317 lb-ft of torque. If that isn’t powerful enough, Audi will supply the RS7 with a 580 hp 5.2-liter V10 or a 572 hp (427 kW / 580 PS) 5.0-liter TFSI V10.
Audi RS3 Test Mule Spotted at the Nurburgring wearing VW branding.
Posted by: | CommentsToday our spies caught the 2011 Audi S3 prototype in a sportsback body.
The car adopts some wider vents to feed the 2.5l 5 cylinder turbocharged engine as used in the Audi TTRS we expect a detuned variant of the TTRS expecting aroung the 310ps and 420 NM.
Also noted was its inherent identity crisis with the front VW golf alloys.
The above power output will make up for the Quattro system power loss and compete with the Focus RS and the Renault Megane 250.
Expect the Audi RS3 at the Frankfurt IAA in 2010 and a launch date round Feb-Mar 2011.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Final Testing at the #Nurburgring #exclusive
Posted by: | CommentsThese are the best Pictures yet of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee without any disguise testing at the Infamous Nordschleife even though it was a TF.
The Production will start in may and it looks like this is one of the first non mule vehicles undergoing a rundown test.
This model also introduces an Air Suspension system called the Quadra-Lift which has five height settings, two for off-road use (raising 1.3 and 2.6 inches above normal, to a maximum 11.1 inches of ground clearance), “aero” (lowering .5 inches for aerodynamics at speed), and entry/exit, which lowers the car by 1.5 inches. Quadra-Lift operates four-corner air springs automatically, or via console controls; the Aero control is automatic and speed-controlled.
Also introduced is an Adaptive Cruise Control Radar, which varies the speed of the vehicle in relation to the obstructions picked up on the radar system below the front Number plate.
The Selec-Terrain™ traction control coordinates up to 12 powertrain, braking, and suspension systems, including throttle control, shifting, the transfer case, and stability control. It is included with the Off-Road Group and Hemi, and is standard on Limited and Overland, provided either Quadra-Drive or Quadra-Trac II is specified. The driver can choose between:
•Sand/Mud: Traction control and Quadra-Lift are more sensitive to wheel spin, and torque is tuned; 50/50 torque split
•Sport: Cuts the traction control back, lowers the Jeep by half an inch, and puts up to 80% of power to the rear wheels
•Automatic operation with torque split at around 40/60 front/rear
•Snow: Traction and Quadra-Lift tuned for snow-covered roads; the torque split is around 50/50
•Rock: The suspension raises to the maximum 11.1 inches height and the transfer case, differentials, and throttle coordinate to provide low-speed control; around 50/50 torque split
The Powerunit will be a choice of 3 engines, including a new V6, a diesel, and one mighty V8 HEMI which includes Cylinder deactivation to increase fuel economy.
2011 BMW M5 Spotted Again Nurburgring.
Posted by: | CommentsUntil recently I owned a E60 M5 awesome car and at the time the worlds fastest saloon.
So you can imagine my excitement when the new M5 was rumoured.
It was reputed to be a twin turbo adaptation of the award winning V10 to compete with Audi Biturbo V10 my excitement in the prospect of the high revving V10 coupled with a twin turbo perhaps would even compete with the Lexus LFA.
Unfortunately this isn’t the case, gone is the award winning v10 and is rumoured to have a Twin-Turbo 4.4 litre V8 which is used in the X6 M and the X5 M, Showing one horsepower less than the RS6 with 578hp at the crank the transmission loss in the RS6 could lead to it being beaten.
Apparently the figures for the new model 0-62mph currently has shaved 0.5 of a second of the previous model.
Time will tell if BMW have managed to improve the M5
