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Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
2011 PGO Cévennes Ultimate Black
PGO Automobiles is noted for being a French automaker that specializes on small production cars that are designed to accommodate our longing for the cars of the past while also boasting of modern-day performance specs.
Continuing in their trend of old-school meets new age, PGO decided to release a special edition model of one of it’s most popular models, the Cévennes.
Called the Ultimate Black, the neo-retro two-seater sports car offers plenty of endearing traits to itself that makes it a very attractive car for young and old people alike. PGO decided to make the car look as fashionably sport as it can be by offering plenty of options and accessories so that customers can pretty much build the look of their car depending on their tastes and preferences.
PGO was likewise able to do this by still keeping the Cévennes unique, 50’s look, ensuring all would-be customers that even as a special edition, the Cévennes Ultimate Black retains the same alluring qualities about it that has made it one of PGO’s most popular models.
2011 Anderson Germany Audi R8 Hyper Black
ANDERSON Germany from Dusseldorf helps a practically perfect Audi R8 with specific interventions to attract unlimited attention. First, the performance of 5.2 liter engine and 525 hp was increased, that provides now up to 8700 rpm, 589 hp and accordingly grown torque. This power increase was implemented through the Rennkats exhaust system (this alone allows to save 22 kg weight), a software optimization, and air filter modification. Of course, the exhaust path has a remote-controlled valve adjusting system that lets the driver opt from three different levels of noise. So much for the “inner values”.
Among external and thus visible changes, it is worth to mention exclusive carbon-coated 19-inch rims painted in body color with edging in Racing Orange style. Through the rim, the brake caliper is visible, of course, painted in Racing Orange as well.
On the other hand, the carbon exterior package should also be mentioned which, apart from the window frames, has “covered” various other parts like the front spoiler lip, rear spoiler for improved downforce, the rear diffuser and the mirror. All windows and rear lights were tinted. Last but not least is the expensive paint finish in black mirror which Anderson worthily called Hyper Black. This paint gives the R8 V10 somewhat a black soul.
The interior finish with matte black carbon fiber leather combined with orange Alcantara holds any comparison. At this point, this so-called carbon interior package includes the handbrake handle, the radio visor, the ashtray, the handles of the seat adjustment, door panels, and the side panels of the center console and shifter surround. And finally, the already first-rate sports steering wheel was additionally enhanced with visible carbon.
Video: Cars 2 trailer gets LEGO treatment
In the middle of all the marketing and promotion surrounding Cars 2, the second installment of the Cars franchise by Disney and Pixar, we sometimes need to step back a little and try to filter out all the information we’ve been getting.
The movie isn’t scheduled to hit theaters for another month - it opens June 24 - but it feels like we’ve been seeing promos, trailers, and what not for what feels like six months now. But if you’re one of those people that can’t get enough of all of it, we have a nice treat for you: the trailer of Cars 2 presented in LEGO.
Yep, you read that exactly. LEGO. The work was done by a group of people that apparently knew how to work those LEGO blocks to recreate the trailer of Cars 2 in all its entirety using only these blocks to build everything. It’s about as cool as any ’recreated’ trailer we’ve seen in a long time and actually makes us look forward to the movie even more, despite all the buzz we’ve seen and heard about it.
The movie isn’t scheduled to hit theaters for another month - it opens June 24 - but it feels like we’ve been seeing promos, trailers, and what not for what feels like six months now. But if you’re one of those people that can’t get enough of all of it, we have a nice treat for you: the trailer of Cars 2 presented in LEGO.
Yep, you read that exactly. LEGO. The work was done by a group of people that apparently knew how to work those LEGO blocks to recreate the trailer of Cars 2 in all its entirety using only these blocks to build everything. It’s about as cool as any ’recreated’ trailer we’ve seen in a long time and actually makes us look forward to the movie even more, despite all the buzz we’ve seen and heard about it.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG by MEC Design
There have been plenty of aftermarket companies that have released program options for the Mercedes SLS AMG. And with the car’s popularity continuing to soar, you can expect that more and more companies are ready to take a stab at the German supercar. Some of them even have already done so more than once.
MEC Design is no stranger to working on the SLS AMG, so much so in fact that their first design for the car was introduced 18 months ago. Fast forward to this week and the aftermarket company has prepared a new program for the SLS 63 AMG, one that includes an aerodynamic package for a customer from Florida.
MEC Design’s exterior package for the SLS 63 AMG includes a two-piece front spoiler, a spoiler lip finished in carbon, optional LED headlights, new side sills with four optional LED lights per side, a rear trunk-lid lip, a two-piece rear roof spoiler, a roof air scoop, a custom built, stainless steel sport exhaust system, three different diffuser options (Extreme, Formula, or GT3), and a set of mecxtreme3 allow wheels that are available in either 20" or 21".
Inside the car, MEC Design gave the SLS AMG a sports steering wheel dressed in carbon and Alcantara with leather/Alcantara and carbon/leather combinations coming as added options for customers. Speaking of carbon fiber, there’s plenty of the high-end material placed inside to make it look like its swimming in the posh item. Carbon inserts have been applied on the middle console, door guards, entry guard, the seat casings, and just behind the rear seats.
There’s plenty to see if you have the photos to look at. Fortunately, we have a mega gallery that you can consume at your heart’s desire.
MEC Design is no stranger to working on the SLS AMG, so much so in fact that their first design for the car was introduced 18 months ago. Fast forward to this week and the aftermarket company has prepared a new program for the SLS 63 AMG, one that includes an aerodynamic package for a customer from Florida.
MEC Design’s exterior package for the SLS 63 AMG includes a two-piece front spoiler, a spoiler lip finished in carbon, optional LED headlights, new side sills with four optional LED lights per side, a rear trunk-lid lip, a two-piece rear roof spoiler, a roof air scoop, a custom built, stainless steel sport exhaust system, three different diffuser options (Extreme, Formula, or GT3), and a set of mecxtreme3 allow wheels that are available in either 20" or 21".
Inside the car, MEC Design gave the SLS AMG a sports steering wheel dressed in carbon and Alcantara with leather/Alcantara and carbon/leather combinations coming as added options for customers. Speaking of carbon fiber, there’s plenty of the high-end material placed inside to make it look like its swimming in the posh item. Carbon inserts have been applied on the middle console, door guards, entry guard, the seat casings, and just behind the rear seats.
There’s plenty to see if you have the photos to look at. Fortunately, we have a mega gallery that you can consume at your heart’s desire.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Ferrari FXX crashes at Laguna Seca
The 2011 edition of the Ferrari Racing Days at Laguna Seca was supposed to be a fun day of merry-making amongst owners of the Prancing Horse.
The weekend-long event featured a number of races involving cars from the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, including that of the new 458 Italia, as well as the FXX and the 599 XX.
Unfortunately, one owner of a rare Ferrari FXX didn’t have as good a weekend as his contemporaries after crashing his supercar out on the infamous ’Corkscrew’ section of the racetrack. While the damage doesn’t appear to be as serious as it should have been - FXX models are not meant for collisions - the dings and scratches are still noticeable enough to leave a pretty big dent in the owner’s wallet.
He could probably still afford paying for the damage done to his street-illegal sports car, but for a vehicle that could fetch millions of dollars in the market, the owner of this FXX should probably take good care of his prized stallion the next time he takes it out on the race track.
The weekend-long event featured a number of races involving cars from the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, including that of the new 458 Italia, as well as the FXX and the 599 XX.
Unfortunately, one owner of a rare Ferrari FXX didn’t have as good a weekend as his contemporaries after crashing his supercar out on the infamous ’Corkscrew’ section of the racetrack. While the damage doesn’t appear to be as serious as it should have been - FXX models are not meant for collisions - the dings and scratches are still noticeable enough to leave a pretty big dent in the owner’s wallet.
He could probably still afford paying for the damage done to his street-illegal sports car, but for a vehicle that could fetch millions of dollars in the market, the owner of this FXX should probably take good care of his prized stallion the next time he takes it out on the race track.
1965 Ford GT40 Roadster
Ford was becoming frustrated with the continuing success of Enzo Ferrari’s racing machines. It came to a point that Henry Ford II was given an offer by Enzo to buy the company for an unheard of $18 million dollars. The buyout ended up falling through and Ford was left on its own to develop a racing team that could compete on the European circuits. Due to the non compete pact between American automakers, Ford knew it would have to look outside of its Dearborn, Michigan team for talent.
To make a long story short, Ford took over a GT racing project from Lola, hired a prominent racing manager in John Wyer, and then designed the original GT40s to be raced in 1964. The story is much more complex than that, but the legend that would come from this humble beginning is much more important. The initial GT/101 chassis was essentially a loser and Ferrari continued to laugh while running away with victories. By 1965, Carroll Shelby was taken away from his Cobra projects and started developing the next generation of GT40 for Ford. This car gave Ford a win at Daytona in the first race of the very next year.
Ford did develop several very special prototype cars including four roadster versions. Until recently, the GT/111 chassis was thought to have been destroyed long ago, but a chance find in London led to its discovery. Extensive restoration and consequential historic racing had finally brought it to the auction block at RM’s Villa d’Este with a value estimated between $3,900,000-4,700,000.
To make a long story short, Ford took over a GT racing project from Lola, hired a prominent racing manager in John Wyer, and then designed the original GT40s to be raced in 1964. The story is much more complex than that, but the legend that would come from this humble beginning is much more important. The initial GT/101 chassis was essentially a loser and Ferrari continued to laugh while running away with victories. By 1965, Carroll Shelby was taken away from his Cobra projects and started developing the next generation of GT40 for Ford. This car gave Ford a win at Daytona in the first race of the very next year.
Ford did develop several very special prototype cars including four roadster versions. Until recently, the GT/111 chassis was thought to have been destroyed long ago, but a chance find in London led to its discovery. Extensive restoration and consequential historic racing had finally brought it to the auction block at RM’s Villa d’Este with a value estimated between $3,900,000-4,700,000.
Ralph Lauren's Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic
Friday, May 27, 2011
Engineless Concept Car
The City Car was an interesting way of simplifying a vehicle from 30,000 components into 300. The engine-less car works on solar power, which makes sense that he would utilize a natural power source as all of his work is based on nature. Lovegrove makes use of the solar power by having the car radiate light at night and transforming the car into a street lamp. By stripping it down to its bare minimum, the design displays the sound organic form of the cellulose structure of DNA.
Audi Shark Concept Sports Car
2011 BMW M3 GTRS3 Candy Cane by Vorsteiner
We have seen lots of tuning updates for the BMW M3, but this is without a doubt the sweetest interpretation of the sports car. Tuning firm, Vorsteiner, threw a little sugar on the M3 and calls it the "GTRS3 Candy Cane" because of its pure white exterior combined with striking red elements, including red side mirrors, wheels, bits of the bonnet, and the BMW logo. It’s not every day we see a red BMW logo, but we think the company will forgive the color swapping for this ride.
Adding to the exterior look of the M3 is the new aerodynamic package. Vorsteiner strapped on a carbon fiber wide body conversion, a vented carbon fiber race hood, and a VRS carbon fiber boot lid. The lightweight titanium exhaust system and the new set of red V-309 Forged 5 Spoke wheels size 20" combined with Michelin PS2 Sport Tires 285/25/20 325/25/20 complete the look. A KW V3 EDC Coil over suspension system was also thrown in to absorb the bumps through CandyLand.
As for the engine, Vorsteiner has created two different stages to boost power, but specifics have yet to be revealed. What we do know is that Stage II is ready to pump out up to 620 HP, which is a good 200 HP over the standard version.
Adding to the exterior look of the M3 is the new aerodynamic package. Vorsteiner strapped on a carbon fiber wide body conversion, a vented carbon fiber race hood, and a VRS carbon fiber boot lid. The lightweight titanium exhaust system and the new set of red V-309 Forged 5 Spoke wheels size 20" combined with Michelin PS2 Sport Tires 285/25/20 325/25/20 complete the look. A KW V3 EDC Coil over suspension system was also thrown in to absorb the bumps through CandyLand.
As for the engine, Vorsteiner has created two different stages to boost power, but specifics have yet to be revealed. What we do know is that Stage II is ready to pump out up to 620 HP, which is a good 200 HP over the standard version.
Spy Shots: 2012 Porsche Boxster
Spy photographers just won’t quit and we thank them every day for their insistence in squeezing in just about anywhere to capture images that auto makers just aren’t ready to part with. Their latest conquest is an onslaught of images of the next Porsche Boxster which don’t show a vastly different model from the Boxster currently cruising down our roads.
The biggest change for the exterior look of the Boxster actually stems from underneath the panels. The 2012 model will be built on a longer platform borrowed from the next generation 911/991. The use of this longer base will make room in the lineup for the future baby Boxster. Other than that, the Boxster will carry over some of the same features as before, including the same front and rear fascia, center-mounted exhaust pipes, and restyled side mirrors. Some styling cues from the Panamera may also show up.
Under the hood, Porsche is rumored to be working with a slightly revised version of the 310-HP 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine, although some rumors suggest they may also use an advanced four-cylinder engine producing about as much horsepower as the current 2.9-liter six. Whatever engine they choose, the setup will be made complete with a short-throw six-speed manual or Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission.
The biggest change for the exterior look of the Boxster actually stems from underneath the panels. The 2012 model will be built on a longer platform borrowed from the next generation 911/991. The use of this longer base will make room in the lineup for the future baby Boxster. Other than that, the Boxster will carry over some of the same features as before, including the same front and rear fascia, center-mounted exhaust pipes, and restyled side mirrors. Some styling cues from the Panamera may also show up.
Under the hood, Porsche is rumored to be working with a slightly revised version of the 310-HP 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine, although some rumors suggest they may also use an advanced four-cylinder engine producing about as much horsepower as the current 2.9-liter six. Whatever engine they choose, the setup will be made complete with a short-throw six-speed manual or Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission.
2012 Mostro Di-Potenza SF22 Concept
An American Based company 215 Racing Incorporation has announced that they get the exclusive rights to build the Lamborghini Indomable Concept created by Design 4 Motion. The concept car will be built by the Sub-company MOSTRO DI-POTENZA and to be called Mostro Di-Potenza SF22. SF stands for Street Fighter and only 50 of these cars will be produced.
Mostro Di-Potenza SF22 will be produced in the Philadelphia, PA area, at a production rate of 2 per month. 215 is currently accepting Preliminary Sale Contracts for the Purchase of the car for mid- 2012.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
2010 Aston Martin Rapide at NY Auto Show
The Aston Martin Rapide took a long time to finally come to market and it seems like it’s taken almost just as long to go on public display. First shown in concept form at the Detroit Auto Show way back in 2006, the Rapide had its world premiere at the Frankfurt Auto Show last Fall. Since then both the LA and Detroit shows have come and gone, with Aston a no-show. Finally, North Americans (or at least New Yorkers) will get their first look at the Rapide when it goes on public display at the NY Auto Show in April.
BMW 1M
Breaking from Detroit, BMW has released their new 1M sports car on North American shores. The long awaited BMW 1M features cost effective engineering solutions (ie. part sharing) to provide enthusiasts with the M experience at a more affordable price.
BMW’s 1M packs 340 hp spun from the N54 twin-turbo 3 liter inline six. 332 lb-ft of torque is on tap from low in the rev range, and in harmony with the M limited-slip differential, we see this as a recipe for tail out fun.
BMW intends to open the M brand up to a larger, younger demographic with the 1M – hoping to capture the M5 buyers of tomorrow.
Our editor Hugo Becker shares with us his first impressions of the 1M:
“The new 1 Series M in person is a bit more subtle than one feared (boy racer this isn’t). The front and rear fascia show the most distinction from the existing 1 series along with the flying biplane M3 side mirrors.
Where the difference between the existing 1 and the 1M really shows is in the wheels and brakes. The brakes have a very serious appearance – the floating calipers showing well even up against the stylish Brembos on the regular 135i.
The most striking element of the 1M is the the Valencia Orange paint. It is a polarizing color, more so than the Sedona Red launch color of the 1 Series. Fortunately it is also available in black or white.”
Be sure to check out our exclusive photo gallery from Detroit, and stick around for a video walk around of the 1M later today.
Audi R8 V10 Spyder at SEMA Motor Show
Audi is set to broaden the brand’s appeal by attending the annual SEMA tuning show in the US in an official capacity for the first time. And to mark the occasion in style, Audi of America has commissioned US-based tuner STaSIS Engineering to create a very special one-off R8.Based on the already-potent R8 Spyder V10, STaSIS has added a supercharger and sports exhaust to the engine, upping power from 518bhp and 530Nm to 700bhp and 709Nm. This chops a whole second from the 0-60mph time, with the tuned car completing the sprint in just 3.1 seconds.
To compliment the engine upgrades, STaSIS has also added bespoke Ohlins dampers, lowered the suspension by 20mm, added enlarged Alcon brakes and lightweight 20-inch wheels. STaSIS products are available through Audi dealers in the US, so if an approved dealer completes the modifications, buyers also get a four-year, 50,000-mile warranty.Also on display on Audi’s stand will be its autonomous TTS Pikes Peak technology concept, and an S5 Cabriolet, Q5 and S4 which have also been modified by STaSIS.
Audi A1 Hybird
Audi will not only be displaying its all-new A1 minicar at October’s Tokyo Motor Show but it will also unveil its new hybrid drive system. Targeted at premium small cars such as BMW’s Mini, the new A1 will come as a three-door hatch and be priced less than €20,000 when it goes on sale in 2010.
Production of the new minicar will top 100,000 units per year and it may be joined by a new ’shooting brake’ mini-estate, a drop-top roadster and possibly a new Q1 mini-SUV, reports Auto Motor und Sport. The source also told that a mild hybrid option will be available as well as more conventional TSI and FSI petrol engines and TDI diesels.
This rendering gives us a preview as to what the final version may look likes and shows that designers are going with conventional hatchback styling and will incorporate Audi’s familiar oversized grille.
Sister brand Volkswagen, meanwhile, will showcase its own minicar concept at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The VW car will be built on a new low cost platform and will feature a rear-engined RWD layout and is expected to be sold in emerging markets for under €8,000.
2011 Mercury Mariner
2011 Mercury Mariner .In some ways, the Mariner is still a decent small crossover. The Mariner also offers a number of high-end features unavailable on most rivals, such as Ford's Sync voice-activated multimedia system. Other Mariner strong points are excellent crash test scores and the availability of a hybrid model (reviewed separately).
The 2011 Mercury Mariner compact SUV is available in four trim levels: base I4, base V6, Premier I4 and Premier V6. The Premier models add rear parking sensors, ambient interior lighting, heated front seats, leather upholstery (microfiber suede inserts are a no-cost option), a power driver seat, a six-speaker stereo, Sync and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.
Options for base models include a roof rack, a moon roof, Sync, leather upholstery (with heated front seats), a power driver seat and ambient interior lighting.
Power trains and Performance
The 2011 Mercury Mariner is available with either front- or all-wheel drive. EPA estimates are about average for this segment, with front-wheel-drive I4 models checking in at 20 miles per gallon city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined (19/25/21 for AWD models), while front-wheel-drive V6 models are rated at 18 mpg city/26 highway/21 combined (17/24/20 for AWD models).
Safety
Anti lock brakes (albeit with rear drums), traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags with a rollover sensor are all standard equipment on the 2011 Mercury Mariner.
Unfortunately, the Mariner's braking performance is poor. From 60 mph, the Ford Escape we tested (mechanically identical to the Mariner) required 138 feet to come to a halt.
The Mariner shows its age, however, in terms of comfort and space. Cargo volume stands at a useful 29 cubic feet with the rear seat in place and 66 cubic feet when that seat is folded down not bad given the Mariner's relatively compact footprint.
Driving Impressions
The 2011 Mercury Mariner feels reasonably secure during quick changes of direction, and its ride quality is pleasantly supple.
In 2009, the Mariner adopted more significant power train updates. A third power train is offered in the Mariner Hybrid, which is virtually identical to the award-winning Ford Escape Hybrid. The technology in this version of the Mariner crossover couples a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a full hybrid system combining an electric motor system. The Mariner's somewhat upright look translates into plenty of interior space. Safety scores for the Mariner crossover have been strong. Features like Ford's voice-controlled SYNC system have kept the Mariner somewhat up to speed.
National base price of 2011 Mercury Mariner is around $ 23,565 which excludes destination charges.
Some optional features offered with base model are moon roof, roof rack, sync, power driver seat, leather upholstery and ambient interior lighting.
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