Archive for 2012
Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe Spied Winter Testing
Posted by: | CommentsHere are the latest spyshots of the upcoming 911 Turbo Coupe in very light camouflage and just hides some of the detailing on the front bumper.
Looking closely at the spyshots in the images above, we can clearly see the trademark induction inlets supplying the artic cool air to the 6 cylinder twin turbo boxer engine, as well as its wider rear end and oversized spoiler will aid the AWD system in downforce and grip.
The rear bumper on this new 911 Turbo also features additional cooling vents and a set of integrated exhaust pipes which are likely to be changed.
From The current 997 generation, the 911 Turbo is 4.5 cm wider stance than the regular Carrera.
The engine is likely to be around the 565 hp to compete with the Nissan GTR and is likely to release an interesting nurburgring lap time video close to release in late 2012.
The car is also likely to have an optional upgrade to the ‘PDK-S’ dual clutch transmission sporting an additional gear to keep shorter gear ratio to aid acceleration and mid range torque.
We expect a production prototype to be shown at Geneva in a couple of months….
Mini Roadster – Driving Footage Released
Posted by: | CommentsMINI will unveil the new MINI Roadster, the first open-top two-seater in the MINI model range, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2012 in Detroit tomorrow.
A contemporary take on the compact, open-top sports car concept, the MINI Roadster boasts advanced drive and chassis technology including active spoiler, and a classical, manually operated soft-top roof which can be opened and closed quickly and easily.
See attached video demonstrating the impressive sounding roadster showcasing its ready for another Mini Adventure.
Audi RS4 Avant – To be Shown Geneva
Posted by: | CommentsAfter numerous reports that there will be no uplift to the B7 RS4 we have got information hinting that the RS4 will be unveiled at the 83rd Geneva Motorshow.
The mysterious email stated that it could be a production concept or even in its final production form.
We spied the car first at the nurburgring wearing heavy camouflage, but from the looks this was a production ready prototype.
The email didnt state any more information apart from clearing up the rumours circling the internet that it has been cancelled.
We dont expect a saloon variant as Audi wants the RS5 to fill this segment.
Let’s see what happens at the Geneva Show in March.
2012 Volvo V40 Spyshots – Winter Testing
Posted by: | CommentsLast week Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby announced that the new v30 range would be called the v40.
And as regular as clockwork our spies have spotted the V40 undergoing winter testing in northern sweden.
Not just will the V40 be a brand new model, but it will also replace two existing models.
When the V40 arrives in 2012 the current S40 and V50 will be discontinued in Volvo line-up.
During an interview on friday Stefan Jacoby got the question if the V40 will replace the C30 as well but just answered that the C30 is a 3 door car and the new one will have more than 3 doors. So we have to wait and see what happens to the C30 in the future.
The v40 is targeted against the Audi A3 Sportsback and BMW new 1 series which is a hint at the aspirations at Volvo.
From the limited view of the car we guess that it will look a lot like a smaller version of the V60.
We expect the same engines to be carried on with a choice of 4 diesels from 115hp to 215hp, and soon to be followed by a range of petrols from 180hp to a range topping 320hp option along with AWD.
The new V40 will have its public debut in March at the Geneva Car Show.
Ferrari 599 Replacement Spyshots
Posted by: | CommentsHere are the first spy shots of the 599 replacement due late in 2012, as you can see the guys from Marinello want to keep this cars details a secret by covering the prancing horse with its camouflage.
The internals will be derived from the FF, the flagship model will ride on an aluminium chassis that has a multi-link rear suspension.
Also rumoured that there will be excessive use of composites on this car to reduce weight from the previous 599.
The power unit will be a 6.3-liter V12 engine that produces 700 hp (522 kW / 710 PS). It will be mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which will send power to the rear-wheels through an electronically locking rear differential.
This will make it more powerful then both the FF and the 599 GTO but most important, it will be more powerful than the Lamborghini Aventador.
Power will be delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with a F1 style electronic differential.
Expect the car to be revealed at the 2012 Geneva Motorshow.
2013 Nissan GT-R Official Release [video]
Posted by: | CommentsNissan have officially declared the release schedule for the 2012 GTR.
The new model goes on sale November 24 in Japan and lands in European showrooms in January 2012.
The changes include the engine has been reworked to give another 20hp along with additional fuel economy over the previous.
Also the Chassis has been made more rigid which in turn gives a better transmission feel with some tweaked internals.
Also for the RHD market there will also be the addition of a “Track Pack”. Which includes some further modifications to the aerodynamics and the removal of the rear bench seats.
Along with extra cooling ducts for the Ceramic Brakes (Optional), and Carbon Fibre Air ducts to feed the induction.
We Spied the first uncamouflaged versions of this car back in 2010 Click Here!
Volkswagon Shakedown Testing Polo WRC Rally Car
Posted by: | Comments
Volkswagen have begun shakedown testing of the 2013 Polo R WRC rally Car.
Testing is being completed by two-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz.
An initial test run of around 100 kilometers took place in Eifle Valley close to Trier in Germany, one of the stages of ADAC Rally Germany.
Says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen: “Next year we’ll be running an extensive testing programme on tarmac, gravel, mud and snow in order to prepare ourselves for the 2013 season as best we can.”
The Volkswagen Polo R WRC features a 1.6-liter TSI engine that develops approximately 296hp. The car is also equipped with an all-wheel drive system based on the haldex.
2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR is ready to race
Posted by: | Comments
The new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR is ready to race. The top model of Porsche Motorsport’s customer racing vehicles will head into the 2012 season with extensive modifications. Particularly striking at first glance are the changes to the body: the width of the new GT3 RSR has grown by 48 millimetres. Built to conform to the A.C.O. “LM” GTE regulations, the 911 represents the crowning pinnacle of a range of successful customer sport race cars that are based on the 997 type 911 GT3 RS street sports car.
Powering the new 911 GT3 RSR is a particularly efficient six-cylinder boxer engine with a four-litre capacity. With a mandatory air-restrictor, it generates 460 hp (338 kW) and drives the 310 millimetre wide rear wheels. The diameter of the front wheels has increased by 30 mm to now measure 680 millimetres. The Porsche sequential six-speed gearbox is operated via paddle shifts on the steering wheel.
The nose and rear panels are adapted to the flared front and rear wheel arches, as are the door sill and the wheel arch coverings. The aerodynamic concept is complemented by a new ducting of the intake air. Openings in the rear side sections, as known from the turbo variants of the Porsche 911, replace the air scoop on the engine hood, which is very similar to the 911 GT2 RS street sports car.
The new 911 GT3 RSR can be raced at the Nurburgring 24 Hours, the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Le Mans Series, the American Le Mans Series as well as the International GT Open and in other series and races.
