New Ranch Designs Peugeot 908HDi

A striking new Ranch Design Peugeot 908 HDi, in 1/43 of course.

Lambo teaser #4

The trickle of images from Sant'Agata continues today as Lamborghini has shipped yet another teaser of the new car that it will show on Thursday at the Paris Motor Show. This time around we get a frontal image of the headlight area. Unlike the last two production models, the Gallardo and Murcielago, the orientation of the light cluster has been switched from vertical to horizontal. There is also a large vent visible implying that the engine is up front this time around. We only have one more day to wait for the full reveal, so it will be interesting to see what Lamborghini has wrought when it unveils the Urus or Estoque or whatever this concept turns out to be named.

[Source: Lamborghini]

Enthusiast designs four-door Ferrari PanaQuattroMeraPorte

Since everyone else is getting in on the four-door supercar game, Ferrari might as well give one of its cars the taffy pull treatment. Rather than wait for one of the design houses classically associated with the Prancing Horse to apply masterstrokes of design, Russian enthusiast Krasnov Igor came up with his own quad portal thoroughbred. We're not thrilled with the results, but we'll bestow an A for effort. Looking like a Scaglietti that got tossed in the blender with an Elise's roof and a Lamborghini tail, the wheelbase and proportions just don't look quite right. Perhaps the Lambo tail is a nod to the car's intended role as a competitor to the Lamborghini Urus/Estoque/whatevertheywannacallit, but we're thinking that car's styling will be far more cohesive.

[Source Cardesign.ru]

Peugeot RD concept

The Peugeot RD Concept, designed by Carlos Arturo Torres Tovar from Columbia is one of the ten finalists of the 5th edition of the Peugeot Design Contest 2008.
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The RD concept is a 3 wheels car perfect for traveling through the busy traffic of a city. The interesting thing about this concept is that the car is able to change direction and to become more compact during heavy traffic and low speeds. The big front window offers the driver the best view of the surroundings, and also offers all the necessary information the diver commands talking to the car. The concept has no doors, only the front window that is also the roof of the car.

Volvo developing 300-hp C30 with AWD

Rumors of a new Volvo hot hatch have gotten hot again with talk of a new 300-horsepower C30 for Europe. According to reports, the new model would be powered by the same 2.5-liter inline-five cylinder turbo engine that powers the new Ford Focus RS. One difference between the two cars, which share a similar platform, is that the Swedish beauty would be offered with a Haldex all-wheel drive system in contrast to the Blue Oval's torque-steer inducing front-engine, front-drive layout. Larger 20-inch wheels ought to fill out the arches quite nicely, and a special body kit should bring the whole look closer to the tarmac. To keep demand high, Volvo may limit the new model to 4,500 units worldwide, though we have no idea where it will offer the hatch besides the U.K. Considering that the Swedish automaker has diluted its R-nameplate, we're also not certain what this performance-minded C30 will be called, but we're sure it'll be the most fun we've had in a Volvo for quite a long time.

[Source: Autocar]

ACS3 Sport Cabriolet Based on the BMW M3 Cabrio

The way AC Schnitzer describes the BMW M3 Cabrio, I'm surprised they don't have to get out every half a mile for a change of trousers, but lets be honest – the rest of us would probably have to do the same as well.

The model is labelled the ACS3 Sport Cabriolet, a sports suspension by suspension guru Manfred Wollgarten is claimed to have thoroughly mastered the physics of driving the M3. Around the bonnet's powerdome are two AC Schnitzer Vents which emit a howling sound during driving.

The sides feature flexibly moulded side skirts which emphasise the wheelarches, these house the 20" Type V lightweight wheels and AC Schnitzer's 8-pot high performance braking system. Other features found on the model include a carbon fibre rear diffuser and a sports rear silencer with chromed tailpipes in "Racing“ design

The acclaimed tuning house has yet to get to work on the award winning 309 kW / 420 HP V8 engine, but we are assured we can expect announcements in this area some time in the future.

MINI Cooper Performance Upgrades by Hamann

In early 2007, BMW Group tuning specialist, Hamann, was quick to produce an aerodynamics styling kit for the new second generation R56 Mini, but took over a year and a half to complete the program with engine performance upgrades mainly consisting of reprogrammed ECUs.

Nonetheless, the Bosch Motrotnic ignition control unit has be remapped, and the 1.6-liter turbo engine in the Cooper S, which normally produces 175 hp / 128 kW, has been increased to 204 hp/ 150 kW at 5,500 r.p.m. and torque of 300 Nm at 1,600 – 5,000 rpm.

However, Hamann offers an even more powerful kit for the Cooper S. Called SPORTKIT CS 230, it adds on top of the ECU upgrade with an improved intercooler and sport muffler making 230hp / 169 kW at 6,050 r.p.m. and 330 Nm torque at 3,860 r.p.m. As a result, top speed increases to 238 km/h and 0-100 km/h increase by at least 0.5 seconds.

For the Cooper D which normally has 110 hp, it now makes 26hp / 20 kW more for a total of 136 hp / 100 kW at 4,000 r.p.m. and a maximum torque of a huge 300 Nm at 1,750 – 2,000 r.p.m.

AC Schnitzer X5 Falcon

German BMW tuning specialist, AC Schnitzer, from Aachen has a new widebody kit for the BMW X5. Called the Falcon, it gets its name from the front and rear wheel arch flairs which are lovingly referred to as broad “wings”.

The kit includes front spoiler, rear skirt and front/rear fender flairs. AC Schnitzer further emphasizes the 'bird of pray' theme with two triangular metal-rimmed air intakes in the bonnet. Add AC Schnitzer's lowering spring kit, sport exhaust system plus 22-inch wheels for the completed look.

For the 3.0 litre diesel engine, ACS offers an electronically upgraded which bumps power from the standard 286hp (210 kW) to 310hp (228kW).

Pagani Zonda 7

Pagani Zonda 7, originally uploaded by Jalopy Jon.

BTCC - Michael Doyle Honda

BTCC - Michael Doyle Honda, originally uploaded by Adam Boix.

Peugeot 207 Avant Slot on the way!

News tonight from Kimrey Enterprises that the new Avant Slot 1/32 rally ref: 50503 Peugeot 207 OJEDA is on the way, preorders are being taken now.

Blog of note-Carrera Slot Car.net

Got a minute? Check out John from California's site, he's blogging about Carrera slot cars at CarreraSlotCar.net . There are a number of websites in the German language but it looks like John is going to blog about Carrera in English. Give his site a click.

Audi S3 gets 7-speed DSG

Audi made a bit of a splash earlier this year with the announcement that the new-for-'09 S3 would be available in either the three-door style or the more practical Sportback five-door hatch. Equipped with a high-pressure 2.0-liter turbo engine with 265-horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the S3 can scoot to sixty in just 5.5 seconds, all while getting nearly 30 miles per gallon. Making the most of that power is the firm's new seven-speed twin-clutch S-Tronic gearbox, which we've had nothing but good things to say about in its past six-speed incarnation. That gearbox will command a £1,450 premium over the standard manual transmission for our European friends. That price will also include twin steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, another first for the S3. Total cost for the three-door stands at £28,920, while £29,420 will get you an S3 with Sportback. Of course, Quattro all-wheel drive comes standard on both. Sadly, the whole S3 package is available only in Europe.

[Source: Audi]

Toyota's Vegas-bound Venzas

When you think about the Toyota Venza, we doubt the first thing that comes to mind is customization. But that hasn't stopped Toyota from tapping Street Image, Inc. and long-time partner Five Axis to create a duo of Venza project cars for November's SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The two low-slung crossovers (don't call them wagons) attempt to highlight and accentuate the active lifestyles of the Venza's core demographic, beginning with the Street Image variant (above) that boasts an upgraded engine and brakes, massive rollers, a lowered ride height, body kit, a black/burgundy interior and a sat-nav-equipped entertainment system. Toyota says the Street Image SportLux version attempts "to give the occupants the feel of a refined sports car while retaining the Venza's utility and functionality." We say, good luck.

Five Axis makes a slightly more compelling case for customizing the Venza with a stow-away rack system created by Magna Car Top Systems that can transport everything from bicycles to skis. New front and rear bumpers, wider fenders and pot-hole averse 20x10.5-inch wheels round out the exterior mods on the Venza AS V.

[Source: Toyota Open Road Blog]

Spy Shots: 2011 CLS

The coming CLS appears to offer more of the same: the current CLS is based on the E-Class platform; the next one is expected to be built atop S-Class underpinnings. Other than bigger body with a wider track, and bolder styling to harmonize with Mercedes' current design language, not much is expected to change.

That is usually the case with iconic cars. Having invented the category of the four-door-car with a more coupe-like silhouette, Mercedes could be waiting to see what its rivals -- from Aston Martin to VW -- will bring to the segment before it makes a revolutionary move.

[Source: Global Motors]

Corvette ZR1 to cost £109,000 in UK

The car that Top Gear liked to drive, if not exactly to look at, has a price they definitely won't want to pay. At an on-the-road price of £109,000, the ZR1 costs nearly £48,000 pounds more than a Z06 in the UK. As if that weren't problematic enough, that price puts the left-hand-drive-only ZR1 £8,000 past the 911 Turbo and a colossal £55,000 beyond the GT-R Premium Edition. True, that's still the base GT-R, but Nissan has a whole lot of room to play with when it prices the V-Spec.

True as well, the price of the ZR1 also includes a driver training course and a 3-year / 60,000-mile warranty, which should count for something. Perhaps not £55,000, though. Luckily for Chevrolet UK, it will only have to sell two of them this year, and single digits in the years to come. You can read the full press release after the jump, and then decide if you'd rather have one lump of incredible American metal or a GT-R and a Swiss bank account.

[Source: GM]

Mercedes-Benz reveals SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S

As the era of the Mercedes McLaren SLR winds down to its conclusion sometime in 2009, Mercedes-Benz is releasing what may be the ultimate example of the breed. The SLR 722 S Roadster picks up where the 722 coupe left off dropping the 650-hp supercharged 5.5L V8 into the open top body shell. With a top speed of 220.6 mph, this may be the fastest open top production car ever built. And unlike the first generation Dodge Viper, Mercedes has devised a soft top that can withstand sustained 200 mph+ top speeds. Mercedes has tapped into McLaren's F1 experience to create the fully carbon-fiber body that can provide the structural integrity needed at those speeds. The semi-automatic top just needs to be unlatched from the windshield header manually before the rest of the process is handled by the electrical actuators. The vehicle dynamics are also aided by dropping the suspension by 10 mm at each end of the car and recalibrating the spring and damper rates. Only 150 examples of the 722 S Roadster will be made available starting Jan. 1 2009.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Citroen GT in stereoscopic darkness

Citroen has let slip another drip in the GT by Citroen reveal, and this time it's a video showing off the dramatic shapes of "The Drive of Your Life." Dig those mirrors, and the glasshouse swept back in monumental fashion. Whatever is pushing the car's massive rims apparently needs a lot of air, with two raked scoops behind the canopy and two more on the sides ahead of the rear wheels. And the rear end of the car looks like -- dare we say it -- a tail... It's Mach 5 if the car comes together like we expect, or platypus if it doesn't. The Paris Motor Show reveal is in but a few days, and you can mark us down as officially excited.

[Source: Gran Turismo]

Aston Martin One-77

More details about the limited edition Aston Martin One-77 have surfaced, providing us with a price, a handful of specs and some new views of the bespoke supercar.

Despite what the original teaser revealed, sources indicate that the One-77 will be packing a naturally aspirated 7.3-liter V12, as opposed to a 7.0-liter unit, putting out 700 hp and 553 lb.-ft. of torque. Power will be channeled through a rear, mid-mounted six-speed automated manual transmission, featuring Auto Shift Manual and Select Shift Manual (ASM/SSM), and controlled by an electro-hydraulic system.

The coupe will be available in left- or right-hand-drive, but seating will be limited to two. The exterior body panels will be made of handcrafted aluminum, while the monocoque body structure will be fashioned from carbon fiber. A deployable rear spoiler, adaptive suspension, carbon ceramic brakes and stability/traction control are all part of the package, and the One-77 is expected to tip the scales at just over 3,300 pounds.

A "Direct Customer Sales Contract" was supposedly leaked to 925.nl, which covers the details in all their fine-print glory, along with the price tag. One of 77 One-77s will set you back £1,050,000, excluding VAT and all the other taxes that go into the purchase. While Aston Martin isn't on the schedule for this week's Paris Motor Show, we're hoping to catch a glimpse of the new coupe in the City of Lights before it goes on sale towards the end of 2009.

[Sources: 925.nl and al-eds.com]

Owner crashes KTM X-Bow first time out

It was bound to happen, but it hurts nonetheless. The KTM X-Bow is hot off the presses, and it didn't take long for some brand new ones to show up on the 'Ring in Germany with their new owners behind the wheel. That hallowed circuit has led to the demise of more than a few machines, not to mention their drivers, and will inevitably continue to claim casualties as racers test their skills on its winding asphalt. The latest victim is one of the aforementioned German-powered, Austrian-built sportscars from KTM. According to reports, the car spent some time skidding on two wheels -- fitting considering KTM's motorcycle heritage -- before meeting the barrier and coming to an involuntary halt. Fortunately, it appears as if the carbon-heavy structure did its job well and protected the owner and passenger. It breaks the heart, but rest assured, it won't be the last. Click on the cropped pic for full-size shots of the carnage. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

[Source: The Sun]

Goodwood Revival September 2008

Goodwood Revival September 2008, originally uploaded by Heliosphere.

Photoshop modifications

Photoshop modifications, originally uploaded by carl_czanik.

TVR - British muscle

TVR, originally uploaded by Umm'Err.

Aston Martin Vantage

Aston Martin Vantage, originally uploaded by GTM (M. Alreshaid.).

2010 Audi A8?

The Audi A8 is understated and elegant...but its design is a little long in the tooth. It stays as is for model year 2009, but a significant revision is due for 2010, and we should expect to see that car unveiled sometime during the upcoming show season. Thanks the Gulf4Cars forum, we might have our first look at what to expect. Our Arabic's a little rusty, so we don't know where these scans (at least they appear to be scans) came from, but they look fairly solid, so let's comment on what we can see.


[Source: Gulf4Cars]


Assuming they're accurate (far from guaranteed), the photos (or 'chops) show an evolutionary exterior design -- no surprise, as the A8's a good-looking car. Up front, the gigunda shield grille is bookended by new-look headlamps that follow the lead of the 2009 A4. Down low, the side intake/fog lamp housings are reshaped as well. Out back, the taillamps ape the ones found on the A4, A5, and revised A6 -- a move that ensures the family resemblance is maintained straight through the lineup.



Inside, there are some immediately noticeable changes. Yes, the design themes are typical Audi fare, but the control arrangement has been rethought. A restyled shifter is now located farther back and closer to the driver on the center console. It looks kinda lonely there now, because the main MMI controller and audio functions have been relocated to the angled console extension under the climate controls -- where the ashtray lives on the current car. It'll be interesting to see how this works in practice, because while the audio and MMI interface placements in the current A8 family may seem unorthodox, they're actually easy to use.

We'll keep you posted as more info on the next-gen A8 trickles out in the weeks and months to come, when it'll become obvious whether these images are legit or not.

Mercedes S 400 BlueHYBRID first official video

The S 400 BlueHYBRID is the first hybrid model from Mercedes. It will go on sale in the sumer of 2009.

It will be powered by a combination of a modified V6 gas engine and a compact hybrid module. The engine delivers a maximum output of 279 hp, while the electric motor generates 20 hp. The result is a combined output of 299 hp and a combined maximum torque of 284 ft. lbs. The S 400 BlueHYBRID accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph

New NSR Clio's and Mosler's

Ferrari 599 panshot

Ferrari 599 panshot, originally uploaded by Bart-nega.

LP710/2 Lamborghini by Edo Competition

Last we heard from Edo Competition's Lamborghini LP 640, it had just received a 23hp boost to 663hp and clocked a record breaking 345.7 km/h (214.8 mph) run, making it the fastest top speed ever recorded by a Lamborghini at the high-speed test track in Nardo, Italy.

Never content, the quest for more power has brought the Edo team back to the LP 640 with successful results. This time, through new exhaust headers, new high flow catalytic converters, new mufflers, a new exhaust tip, new performance camshafts, modified cylinder heads and new high flow air filters plus reprogrammed engine controls, the company from Ahlen, Germany has added another 47hp for a whopping total of 710hp and 700 Nm (516 ft-lb) . The result is 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds; 0 – 200 km/h (124 mph) in under 10 seconds.

With an aerodynamically optimized rear wing with an adjustable lip, the Edo team should have no problem breaking their last record as they calculate the vehicle is capable of a top speed greater than 360 km/h (224 mph) .

MTM RS6 R Avant

Audi's RS6 Avant with its 580 bhp 5.0-liter FSI twin turbo V10 engine is the most powerful car ever produced by the marque and tuning specialist, Motoren Technik Mayer GmbH (MTM) from Wettstetten, Germany has got a performance focused tuning package which boost the performance of this super-fast station wagon even more.

With electronic ECU modifications only, MTM engineers have boosted power to 656 bhp at 6,180 rpm. Upon request from the customer, MTM has the ability to electronically regulate top speed in increments of either 279, 290 or 310 km/h. Torque grows to 785 Nm from the standard 650 Nm, allowing zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds (standard 4.6 sec) - vertebrae crushing power all for only 3,999 EUR.

Adding onto this entry-level package, MTM is currently preparing an even bigger one. By adding a stainless steel exhaust system with throttle control downstream from the catalytic converter and a sports air filter and additional 46 bhp is conjured for a total of 702 bhp. This kit is available for 9,950 EUR.

MTM has taken a reserved styling approach, which includes a carbon-fiber front spoiler lip and a carbon-fiber rear diffuser. Also, six-piston monoblock brake calipers with slotted brake disks are available for the front, plus sport dampners. Rounding out the sports suite are 21" MTM bimoto wheels.

MTM offers this entire suite of compoents for the RS6 R which includes power-boosted engine, modified breathing, exhaust system, suspension struts and 21-inch wheels for a package price starting from 15,500 EUR.

Porsche Cayman S by Inden Design

German tuning firm Inden Design just couldn’t wait for the official Cayman S Sport to be revealed, and so they did what they are in business for; tuned their own. The new exhaust system fitted in the car – what a cracker that looks too – helped it push 19 more bhp to 314 bhp. Apparently the exhaust flaps work with the control unit which works in conjuction with a small microprocessor. This processor is embedded in the system and is freely programmable.

A sports kit which one needs not tell you about as you can already see it yourself, lists 19-inch alloy wheels running on 235/35 R19 tyres on the front side and 305/25 R19 for the rear. H&R height adjustable coil covers add to the performance package of this 3.4-litre baby Porsche.

Porsche Cayenne by JE Design

German tuner, JE Design, is known for specializing in VW Group models, but now announces they will start to include Porsche, starting with the Cayenne facelift.

With expertise that already encompasses the VW Touareg and Audi Q7, including the Cayenne was a natural transition, according to JE Design PR.

The styling program for the Porsche Cayenne (957 model) includes front fascia, LED daytime running lights, headlight masks, side sills, extended rear fascia with diffuser styling, "Shark Attack" roof fin and 22-inch wheels.

Other componenets include LED entry lights and a 35m lowered suspension via electronic lowering module. If your Cayenne isn't equipped with the air suspension, JE Design offers a coilover suspension providing 30 to 70 mm drop.

JE Design is currently preparing various interior carbon treatments.

Rest in peace Paul Newman

Lime Rock Park Mourns the Loss of Paul Newman

Lakeville, CT – Lime Rock Park lost a legend, a friend and a fan this weekend as Paul Newman, age 83, passed away last night, 26 September 2008, at his home in Westport, CT. With ten Oscar nominations, countless awards and credits, Newman's film career was well documented for the excellence he created in front of and behind the camera. At Lime Rock Park, Newman was a very competitive racer winning numerous events throughout the years with his last win being this very same weekend in 2007, the Sports Car Club of America NARRC Championship GT1 Class. And today, Lime Rock Park remembered Newman with a moment of silence between race groups.

That legendary career took a new turn in the early 1970's when he took an interest in auto racing while filming Winning. Newman became an active racer, cultivating a second career that many racers would cherish. His passion for the sport was no mere fancy as he became a tremendously successful team owner while also continuing to compete as a driver. In the same way that Newman astounded the critics with his ability to age with grace and perform with vigor deep into his life, he brought that same incredible performance to the track, even setting a record by becoming the oldest Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona winner at 70 years old.

A philanthropist with a heavy disdain for any sense of entitlement and glory that those in the limelight often crave, Newman considered Lime Rock Park a second home (a backyard playground), who lived far from Hollywood in (Westport), Connecticut. His unassuming manner meant that Lime Rock Park guests never knew if they might bump into him at the track, getting ready to strap into his GT-1 Corvette and taking the checkered flag on an SCCA race weekend or maybe just rumbling through the paddock in a deceptively fast Volvo station wagon.

“Everyone treated him as a fellow competitor, not as a celebrity,” stated Skip Barber, President of Lime Rock Park. “He came here as a racer, was serious about his racing and…he was good. It was amazing that he was as good as he was at his age. And, he liked going fast. Back in the day when Bob Sharp was building the incredibly fast Nissans/Datsons, Newman was racing at Long Beach with Sharp along with the Indy Cars. Newman was the fastest guy down the straight – faster then the Indy Cars. And when I say fast, I don’t mean lap time…I mean speed. He always enjoyed having a car with a big motor. He was a huge supporter of the track. Everyone (the staff, friends and myself) at Lime Rock Park will miss him.”

But beyond statistics, those amazing blue eyes, and a sense of grace that he brought with him no matter if he was waiting on the false grid or heading to the Oscars, Lime Rock Park mourns the loss of a racer, a humanitarian, a gentleman and a true hero. He will be missed by all.

Thank you, PLN.

Statement from Newman's Own:

"Paul Newman's craft was acting. His passion was racing. His love was his family and friends. And his heart and soul were dedicated to helping make the world a better place for all. Paul had an abiding belief in the role that luck plays in one's life, and its randomness. He was quick to acknowledge the good fortune he had in his own life, beginning with being born in America, and was acutely aware of how unlucky so many others were. True to his character, he quietly devoted himself to helping offset this imbalance. An exceptional example is the legacy of Newman's Own. What started as something of a joke in the basement of his home, turned into a highly-respected, multi-million dollar a year food company. And true to form, he shared this good fortune by donating all the profits and royalties he earned to thousands of charities around the world, a total which now exceeds $250 million. While his philanthropic interests and donations were wide-ranging, he was especially committed to the thousands of children with life-threatening conditions served by the Hole in the Wall Camps, which he helped start over 20 years ago. He saw the Camps as places where kids could escape the fear, pain and isolation of their conditions, kick back, and raise a little hell. Today, there are 11 Camps around the world, with additional programs in Africa and Vietnam. Through the Camps, well over 135,000 children have had the chance to experience what childhood was meant to be.

"We will miss our friend Paul Newman, but are lucky ourselves to have known such a remarkable person."

PHOTO CREDIT: Alex von Kleydorff. News used with permission from Lime Rock Park.