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.