We first caught sight of the full Honda/Acura NSX Prototype about 10 days a go, and ever since we have wanted to hear the beautiful melody of the front-engined V10 GT-R killer. Various amateur clips have been floating around youtube over the past few days, but only high quality content makes it onto WCF. Fortunately German magazine Auto Motor und Sport have met our high standards with the production of a spy video of the new NSX powering round Nurburgring. We highly advise watching all 3 minutes and 19 seconds of the video, but it is strongly recommended a clean pair of trousers is on hand – the sound of the engine is awesome!Read All
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Monday, June 30, 2008
Video:Honda/Acura NSX Spy
benzs.blogspot Mugen Freed Hits the Web
All prospective owners are invited to improve the appearance of their cars using body-whale, lining at the rear view mirror and 16 - inch Alloy wheels. In addition, Honda Freed by Mugen invited sports silencer, special suspension, high-performance air filter and more effective braking system.
Just days after Honda revealed their new 8 passenger Freed model for the Japanese market, in-house tuning firm, Mugen, has already got a styling package and modest performance upgrades ready to go. Starting with the exterior, the typical add-ons include front and rear fascias, grille, side skirts, rear roof spoiler.
Mechanically, suspension gets lowered and stiffened, choice of silver or black chrome wheels 16-inch wheels, sport muffler, high-flow air filter and upgraded brake rotors and pads with stock caliper।
Company Mugen, an officially-tuning unit Honda, issued a set of accessories for the latest - Honda Freed.
via:worldcarfanstophondanews
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Audi A1 Cabriolet is out in the open
It’s mid-summer, and Audi is celebrating in style with this: the new A1 Cabriolet. The German supermini first broke cover last October as the Metroproject Quattro – a concept designed to showcase both the A1 and Audi’s clever electric-hybrid powertrain. Auto Express revealed sketches of the model in Issue 981, and ever since then, the baby Audi has been casting a shadow over the car that’s set to be its main rival: the MINI. Audi has never been one to hold back its engineers when it comes to new challenges, and it sees the premium supermini class dominated by the baby BMW as a lucrative market. So, with an eye on the biggest possible slice of the cake, the A1 will aim to steal sales from the popular Mini Convertible. Our exclusive pictures reveal exactly how the drop-top will look when it debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009, before hitting dealers the following year. The roof mechanism is more sophisticated than that of the MINI. It’s a powered hood which folds down electrically and is swallowed into the boot, rather than sitting on top of the car behind the rear bulkhead.Read All
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Friday, June 27, 2008
Bell Aurens Longnose, A Land Rover With Over 1,500 HP
What would a Land Rover look like if it had a 27-litre supercharged V12 engine, the Merlin, produced by Rolls-Royce to power an airplane, with over 1,500 hp? What if it also had an yatch like tail, like classic cars from the 1930’s, and were a roadster, or, even better, an off-roadster? You don’t have to force your imagination to figure it out, since Thomas Bell, the founder of Bell Aurens, has materialised this idea - called Longnose.
“The 12 cylinder is available on request - our preferred solutions are the Rover V8 4.6 or 5.0 or the double V8 as V16. They are closer to the original idea - nevertheless V12 have a similar tradition with cars of British origin and thus will be available on demand. The Merlin engine is an idea which is feasable, but has not yet been calculated. It is possible though - nevertheless it will remain a promotion car with, if at all, very restricted street legality”, Holger Kalvelage, spokesman for Bell Aurens, has told World Car Fans.Read All
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benzs.blog Audi Officially Announce New 3.0 TFSI Supercharged Engine
This is the new top version in Audi`s V6 engine range. The 3.0 TFSI develops 213 kW (290 hp) and a huge 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft) of torque. It combines two state-of-the-art technologies in perfect style – gasoline direct injection and compressor supercharging. The hi-tech V6 will go into production later in the year.
The brand with the four rings has a long tradition of supercharged engines. The legendary Grand Prix racing cars built by Auto Union back in the 1930s already featured compressors, which coaxed as much as 440 kW (around 600 hp) out of the mighty 16-cylinder and 12-cylinder engines. From the late 1970s on, Audi focused its attention on the exhaust turbocharger, which helped it to a succession of noteworthy triumphs in the world of motor sport. It was at this time that Audi`s turbo engines began to enjoy resounding market success.
The compressor is now staging a comeback. It is the ideal supercharging technology for the new three-liter V6, the 3.0 TFSI; the T in Audi engine designations consequently no longer exclusively denotes turbo versions.
Extensive comparative tests revealed the mechanical supercharger to be superior to a biturbo concept for this engine. In conjunction with direct injection, its packaging, starting performance and dynamic response were far superior.
The compressor is so compact that it easily fits inside the 90-degree V of the cylinder banks, in place of the intake manifold. Because it is driven by the engine via poly-V belt, its full thrust is available from idle speed upwards, producing huge pulling power when driving off. The 3.0 TFSI delivers its maximum 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft) at only 2,500 rpm and maintains this constantly until 4,850 rpm.Read All Article
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The VW golf twin Drive Plug-in type hybrid prototype revealed
In a German government project called “Fleet test: electric drive vehicles”, VW revealed yesterday a Golf prototype with a plug-in hybrid drive engine of the next generation called “TwinDrive”. The research project tests the efficient use of renewable energy sources in transportation with 20 test vehicles using TwinDrive technology.
The core objectives of the research project are not only to improve fuel economy but to also enable driving in urban areas by electrical power only using renewable energy. Therefore, the electric motors of the test fleet should only be driven by electricity generated from renewable energy sources (wind, water and solar power).
Initiated by the German government, the project has put together an alliance of eight Germany industry giants in collaboration. Assuming leadership of the project, “Volkswagen will be investing double-digit millions in advanced development of this technology,” according to VW Chairman, Prof. Dr. Winterkorn. The German Federal Ministry for the Environment is also committing millions of Euros for the large-scale study that runs until 2012.
Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel states, “The test fleet test can make a significant contribution in unifying mobility and climate protection as a result of the close cooperation of partners from the automotive, battery and energy producing industries.” Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn reaffirmed, “For the first time ever, energy producers and consumers are merging to form an even more powerful alliance. If this fleet test is a success, that would be a positive signal for worldwide climate protection.”Read All Article
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benzs.blog-Novitech Ferrari F430 Scuderia Unleashed
The engine gets new belt driven twin-superchargers with a limited boost pressure of 0.48 bar, the heat insulated intake manifold have been redesigned to provide the engine with pre-compressed air and the it also gets two high performance air filters and eight larger injectors. The extra heat generated from the additional power is cooled with a higher capacity coolant system.
Novitec Rosso have just released their own tuning package boosting the engine up to a monstrous 717 horsepower bringing the top speed up to 348km/h and the 0-62mph time down to just 3.5 seconds.
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Monday, June 23, 2008
Alfa GT Cloverleaf Q2 Edition Announce
Alfa Romeo has revived the Cloverleaf badge for a special edition Alfa GT in the UK.
Going back to 1923 the Cloverleaf represented a good luck charm for Alfa Romeo’s racing team and cars. Then in the early 80's “Gold leaf” and “Silver leaf” variations denoted top specification trim levels.
Going on sale July 01 in the UK the Cloverleaf package applies to all four Alfa GT versions with the 170bhp 1.9JTDM 16V Cloverleaf Q2 at the top of the range.
The Cloverleaf package includes Q2 limited slip differential, increased throttle response via sport mode button, exclusive 18” double spoke alloy wheels, red brake calipers, satin-effect front grille and door mirrors.Read All Article
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Wednesday, June 18, 2008
New BMW 5 Series Spied
The current BMW 5 series is a bit awkward in appearance, but it appears that the propeller brand will be getting away from the Bangle-inspired creases and concavities of the current model with the car's next redesign.
Caught testing on the 'Ring recently, the next-gen 5 series is sporting a new grille with nostrils large enough to drive a 1 series through. Seemingly inspired by the mondo nose of the BMW CS concept, the new 5 series will also apparently sport a smoother overall shape that gets us back to BMW sedans of the past. 
We dig it, at least in prototype form. Check out more angles in our high-res gallery of spy shots below.
via:autoblog
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Hybrid supercar finishes Nurburgring race
The first hybrid to enter the gruelling Nurburgring 24 hour race crossed the line on electric power alone.
Although the Gumpert Apollo supercar finished outside the top 150 teams, more than 200,000 spectators were at the 'Ring to watch the proceedings.
The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) Apollo is made by Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH of Germany.
This version was powered by li-ion batteries from Lithium Technology Corporation (LTC).
The team is owned by Mr. Heinz-Harald Frentzen, ex-Formula One (F1) racer and champion, and was piloted by Dirk Muller and Frentzen himself.
The hybrid Apollo used a 3.3 litre V8 bi-turbo petrol mill with a 100kW electric motor.
LTC's 9kWh pack included an advanced battery management system (BMS) that transmitted battery performance data via satellite for monitoring and enhanced performance control of the technical team.
Mr. Muller commented, "I'm proud to have been a driver for this innovative and forward-thinking project.
"I was fascinated at how simple and trouble-free it was to handle the hybrid system."
LTC is involved with several PHEV projects and previously introduced its own Toyota Prius with retrofitted GAIA Lithium Iron Phosphate cells in 2007।
via:images.newcarnet
2009 Nissan Maxima first impressions
I’m back from my day of driving the new Maxima. Today’s Nissan-sponsored junket followed typical junket SOP: Journalists pair off for a nice long drive on a route laid out by the manufacturer. Route quality varies, but today’s was a particularly good one, nice and long with plenty of challenging roads. However, thanks to good timing, fortunate circumstances, and a couple of willing Nissan staffers, I got a couple of hours on my own in a Maxima — and a chance to drive it on the About.com Top Secret Curvy Test Road. I normally eschew use of the word “w00t”, but this is a special occaision. So… W00t!
So how was the Maxima? Well, Nissan has definitely worked out the torque steer issue (the tendency of a powerful front-wheel-drive car to pull to one side under hard acceleration). Torque steer is all but undetectable in the new Maxima, a nice change from the first-gen V6 Altima, a car in which you could change lanes with the gas pedal. The Maxima’s ride isn’t quite perfect; the “sport” suspension is a bit too firm and the regular suspension a bit too soft. But that doesn’t get in the way of handling — the car I took on the Test Road had the base suspension, and when pressed to its limits it handled as well as any front-driver I’ve ever tested, and better than a few rear-drivers. My first impression was of a cut-rate Infiniti M-series — and I mean that as a compliment.
Source:Nissan
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The David spade continues to present the edition
Today Mark "My Bimmer's Like A Shark Fin" Arnold featured some video from Garage 419 of Top Gear America's new host Tanner Foust doing some serious drifting, leading to even more discussion of Top Gear America than we thought possible. Is this a sign of shows to come? Just ask Bento:
"Tonight on Top Gear America, Adam Tests the new Corvette ZR1, Tanner races a Mustang Shelby KR against a man in a rocket powered Segway, Eric Strommer teaches us how to Febreeze our Hybrids after delivering homemade Rumaki to your BFFs Pampered Chef Party....and the Stiggette takes the new Challenger R/T on our track, tehn kicks Strommer in nuts.....but first, David Spade in our resonably priced Aveo 5"
Works for us, though why does David Spade in cars keep happening. Is this a new meme?
[Photo: RLD]via:jalopnik.com
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Autodelta will unveil the bespoke Alfa 159 J4 2.2 Development Project
Autodelta is pleased to announce that it will unveil the bespoke Alfa 159 J4 2.2 C at an exclusive event at the Yacht Harbour of Driessen, Amsterdam, on 20th & 21st of June.
The Autodelta J4 2.2 C (C denoting “Compressore”) will become the third member of the exclusive bespoke J-series models, joining the Brera J5 3.2 C and Spider J6 3.2 C in the range when it is commercialised from July 1st; and like the other two established sports cars, its integral theme continues a long tradition of applying forced induction principles by Autodelta to develop nothing less than the very ultimate expression of high performance motoring.
However, while the Brera J5 and Spider J6 models have focused on improving Alfa Romeo’s 3.2 V6 engine, the 159 J4 2.2 C will be launched with a supercharged version of the 2.2 JTS direct injection petrol engine. The addition of a Rotrex C30-74 supercharger and a specifically-developed system boosts the 2.2-litre unit’s power from the standard 185bhp up to 245 bhp, an increase of 60 bhp. Meanwhile peak torque is lifted from 230Nm to 290Nm, giving the sports saloon an extra 60Nm of torque.
Supercharging the 2.2 JTS engine and evolving the 159 J4 2.2 C package to perfection has been a long-term project for Autodelta, running alongside the development programmes to realise the J5 and J6. Autodelta’s engineering team was able to build on valuable experience gained when it became the first company in the world to apply forced induction to Alfa Romeo’s 2.0 JTS unit, as used in the 156 and GT models; and although an all-new unit, many of the important lessons learnt, and technical knowledge gained, were carried forward to the 2.2 JTS project.
“Both are high compression engines, which mean that a very thorough development programme is called for,” says Autodelta’s Managing Director Jano Djelalian, “but one of the biggest advantages is that a high performance driving experience can be coupled to excellent fuel efficiency, something that is becoming more important with ever rising oil prices.” In fact Autodelta’s technical excellence is quite simply unchallenged: no other company has been able to successfully supercharge and commercialise Alfa Romeo’s direct-injection JTS engines.
The Brera J5 3.2 C revolutionised Autodelta’s operations when it was added to the range in the autumn of 2005, creating a demand that resulted in a restructuring programme being implemented in order to offer customers respectable waiting times. “Alfa Romeo created a superbly stylish sports car with the Brera, and one that we were able to take forward in a number of areas,” says Jano, “It moved us forward as we welcomed a whole new type of customer coming through our doors; for the first time we also had one model that was in demand right across the world, and as well as gearing up to cope with it here, we had to take our global network of agents one step further.” The engineering had to be designed in such a way that Autodelta’s fully trained agents are able to install the supercharger package and test the cars in a most efficient manner. To that effect, the 2.2 JTS Supercharger package has an installation time of only six to seven hours, and then all cars are driven between sixty and eighty miles to complete the testing process.
“The J5 arrived just as we celebrated our 20th anniversary,” continues Jano, “and it has superbly launched us into our third decade.” The global demand for the J5 saw Autodelta’s R&D operation also being restructured and expanded to other regions to spread the demand placed on its UK HQ and allow all new models to be targeted at specific markets right from their launch. Autodelta’s two main R&D satellite hubs are in Athens (Greece) and Moscow (Russia). This widening of focus gives Autodelta’s engineers the ability to run the cars in extreme climatic conditions of heat and cold as well as in very dusty conditions and on surfaces that are extremely challenging. It also allows the cars electronics’ to perfectly suit the different requirement posed by local fuel characteristics.
Development of the 159 J4 2.2 C was able to slot perfectly into this new organisation, with more than half a dozen test cars running in three countries. Autodelta has been able to smoothly bring its development partners into the new structure, including Rotrex (superchargers), OZ (wheels) and Dunlop (tyres). “We have also learnt a lot from taking the decision to run testing on some of the most demanding race circuits in Europe,” says Jano. “The Nürburgring in particular puts a huge strain on every part of the car, not least the brakes, and every flaw is amplified; so we have gained invaluable feedback from taking this route. Although we are a small company with finite resources we want to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of high performance motoring.”
Before starting the supercharger installation project Autodelta’s engineers had to develop solutions to driveability issues that come into the equation. “We listened very closely to customers who had bought the 2.2 JTS and the points they raised,” says Jano. “A re-map to perfect these criteria and optimise the performance was developed.” This re-map will be made available by Autodelta for the standard 2.2 JTS aspirated models, similar to a re-map which has been commercialised for the 3.2 V6 engine; and it will improve driveability, increase performance and improve fuel consumption.
The 159 J4 2.2 C features a completely new aluminium inlet manifold as the factory plastic unit was not able to withstand the 0.65 bar boost which the Rotrex C30-74 unit is producing. The new inlet manifold design, now with a reduced volume was also a critical part of the development as we managed to increase the speed of response says Autodelta’s head of Research & Development, Sergio Truzzi. “Changes to the inlet and exhaust camshaft variator control strategy had to be initiated to generate more continuous torque and improve driveability,” adds Sergio.
With increasing fuel prices and taxation rising on larger capacity engines, Autodelta believe the 2.2 JTS supercharged engine offers certain beneficial advantages over the 3.2 V6. The additional advantage of a lighter kerb weight than the 3.2 V6 Q4 model means that the 2.2 JTS supercharged cars are almost 150 Kilograms lighter and therefore have a better bhp per ton ratio in comparison.
Autodelta has also taken a slightly different overall approach for this project, the third J-series model, in light of the excellent characteristics of the production Alfa 159 2.2 JTS. “During the extensive test programme we were very impressed with the chassis’ all-round capability as factory standard,” says Sergio, “and we found that with the additional performance from the supercharger the very capable chassis came alive and coped extremely well as far as grip and steering turn in was concerned. This clearly demonstrates the inherent sporty nature of the 159 chassis,” he continues. “Although the standard brakes also coped very well, we felt the Selespeed supercharged versions did incur some brake fade; improving the braking window was addressed by developing new perforated brake discs.”
Due to the inherent responsiveness of the overall Alfa 159 package to the supercharging conversion Autodelta will offer the J4 package with its bespoke Rotrex supercharger system, while utilising the car’s standard components. “We’re very pleased with how this project has turned out,” says Jano, “it means we will be able to offer a fully supercharged car at a highly competitive price, and hopefully bring the Autodelta driving option to a wider audience than has been the case, which is especially relevant with the broad appeal that the Alfa 159 offers. The cornerstone of our philosophy has always to blend extreme performance with day-to-day practicality, and with the wide appeal of the Alfa 159 this becomes even more requisite.
“Overall we feel the cars are more then capable to fulfil most drivers’ demands but of course we have gone a further step to satisfy the most demanding of owners and for the most extreme usage of the cars,” says Jano. This has involved progressive all round dynamic development of the car to create a cutting-edge, envelope-pushing sports saloon. The Alfa 159 is based on the same architecture as the Brera, allowing technology applied on the Brera J5 3.2 C to form the underlying basis of the upgrade. A fully adjustable coil over suspension set up allows for height adjustment as well as rebound adjustment to enable the driver to fine tune the car for any occasion. Up-rated perforated brake discs and special compound pads improve the braking capability, while an entirely new aerodynamic package will present a distinct new styling direction.
Autodelta will also release a special ‘Corsa’ tuning kit for the 245 bhp supercharged 159 J4 2.2 C, that will see the car producing more power than the 260 bhp currently available in the Alfa 159 3.2 V6; the Corsa tuning kit will be available as a retro fit for those who want even more power and is fully reversible.
End of Autodelta 159 J4 2.2 Development Project review.
via: auto-power-girl.com
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