2011 Ferrari 599 GTB GTO

The 599 GTO is Ferrari's fastest road car, ever. In fact the 599 GTO is based on the 599XX, the advanced experimental track car, and can be considered almost a road-going version.




The 599 GTO is reserved for just 599 clients whom seek the maximum expression of high-performance driving. The 599 GTO benefits directly from Ferrari’s racing technology and has set a record lap time at Fiorano of one minute and 24 seconds; a full second faster than the Ferrari Enzo.





The 599 GTO's engine is directly derived from the 599XX unit implementing, however, the necessary modifications for road-going usage. The 5999cc 65-degree V-12 engine offers a smooth, constant rush of power all the way to its redline, with no loss of flexibility even at medium and low revs. This result was obtained by working on the fluid-dynamics and components to reduce internal friction.

The 599 GTO uses the six-speed sequential found in the 599XX with the same 60-millisecond shift times and the possibility to make multiple downshifts.





Apart from new springs and a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, the car also features a second generation magnetorheological suspension control system. The suspension works in tandem with the Vehicle Dynamic Control and latest-generation F1-Trac traction control. This makes the car extremely responsive to driver inputs—thanks in part to the adoption of a very direct steering ratio—but also very stable under braking, sharper on turn-in, more precise in cornering, and quicker out of corners.





The 599 GTO inherits much of the development work—using the same principles as employed in F1—that went into making the 599XX such an extreme performance car. Reducing weight was a vital objective and the result was the widespread use of composite materials. The areas involved include the bodywork with thinner gauge aluminum and thinner glass, the brakes, transmission and exhaust system. The result is a dry weight of 3,295 pounds and a weight-to-power ratio of just 4.9 lbs. per horsepower, a very significant figure that underlines the GTO's performance potential.

The 599 GTO's aerodynamics have benefited significantly from Ferrari engineers' experience in F1 and with the 599XX, which allowed downforce to be greatly increased without impacting on drag. Thanks to solutions transferred from the track car to the road-going version, the GTO generates 317 pounds of downforce at 125 mph. The GTO counts on improved ducting to the brake discs and pads, and the adoption of wheel doughnuts—a disc positioned outside the brake disc that ensure that hot air exiting the wheelarch stays as close to the body of the car as possible to reduce drag.





The difference in size between the front and rear tires has also changed. The GTO's front tires are now 285/30 on a 9.5-inch rim with 315/35 on an 11.5-inch rim at the rear.

The new braking system is lighter and even more consistent in high-performance situations. The 599 GTO boasts an excellent 62-to-zero mph braking distance of just 106 feet.





The car-driver interface was designed to maximize car-and-driver performance with a layout of the main commands that ensures absolute efficiency and minimum distraction. The Racing manettino also puts the emphasis firmly on sporty track-specific driving settings. The GTO also features the Virtual Race Engineer, a system that monitors the status of the car and gives the driver immediate visibility of vehicle performance.

Vehicle Specs


List Price $400,000 (estimated)

Engine 6.0-liter V-12

Horsepower 661 hp @ 8,250 rpm

Torque 457 lbs.-ft. @ 6,500 rpm

Transmission 6-speed sequential

0-60 mph 3.3 seconds

Top Speed 208 mph

Weight 3,295 lbs.

Length 185 inches

Tires Front: 285/30ZR-20, Rear: 315/35ZR-20

FOR Ferrari's fastest road car, ever

AGAINST Only 599 people will be so lucky

Cadillac W.T.F Concept

Here's another one from the world of unlimited conceptual design: the Cadillac World Thorium Fuel concept. Otherwise known as the Cadillac WTF. Created by Loren Kulesus, everything about the WTF has been created to last 100 years without maintenance. That's the reason for the element number ninety, thorium: to act as a nuclear fuel powering batteries that would power the car.

Elsewhere, every major system is redundant in case of a failure. And the wheels don't have individual tires - in fact, what's located at each corner is one combined unit made up of six individual wheels. That gives you 24 wheels in total,

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
and each wheel has its own induction motor. Said Kulesus, "The vehicle would require the tires to be adjusted every five years, but no material would need to be added or subtracted

Ugur Sahin dreams up Aston Martin Gauntlet concept

Some of you might remember Ugur Sahin. He's a designer that we've featured
before, specializing in grand touring cars that make our mouths water. Starting with already beautiful designs, he somehow manages to make shapely Chevrolet Corvettes and Ferraris look even better. From the Corvette Z03 to the Ferrari Dino and Ferrari-599-based USD GT-S Passionata, he's created some of the most exotic and graceful shapes we've ever had the pleasure to lay eyes on.

The latest automaker to earn Sahin's attention is Aston Martin. His latest design, the Gauntlet, blends some of our favorite design cues into a wholly unique package that's simultaneously sensual and brutal. Study the images and you might see a bit of One-77 in the mix, along with a dash of DB AR1, or perhaps you are carried back to the old DB3S, a car that Ugur mentions specifically as inspiration for the Gauntlet.

There's also some Maserati GranTurismo mixed with a little Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione as well, but we're definitely not complaining. It's a terrific design that has us wishing that Aston is looking at Sahin's designs for the next DBS and V12 Vantage. For those who still lament the loss of the Vanquish, with its broad shoulders and studly swagger, this might be the car for you. It's definitely earned a spot in our dream car garage

2011 HENNESSEY Venom GT

Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) is pleased to introduce the first official images of its Venom GT supercar. Based upon the Lotus Elise, the Venom GT combines a high-tech lightweight British chassis with a powerful American V-8.

In the case of the Venom GT, less weight means more performance. The Venom GT will have a production curb weight of less than 2,400 lbs. aided by its lightweight carbon fiber bodywork and carbon fiber wheels. Stopping power is delivered via Brembo brakes with 6-piston calipers up front and 4-piston calipers in rear clamping down on 15-inch carbon ceramic rotors.





The Venom GT’s base power plant is the supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 V-8 (the same as in the Corvette ZR1) tweaked by HPE to 725 hp. The company will also be offering 1,000 hp and 1,200 hp twin-turbo V-8 engine variants. The mid-engine V-8 will transmit its power to the rear tires via a Ricardo 6-speed gearbox.





Hennessey plans to manage power output by using a programmable traction control system. CFD (computational fluid dynamic) tested bodywork and down force will also help keep the Venom stable at speed. An active aero system with adjustable rear wing will deploy under varying conditions on both the road and racetrack. An adjustable suspension system will allow ride height adjustments according to speed and driving conditions. Finally, power will be put to the ground via massive Michelin PS2 tires at all four corners.



Hennessey will be building the power plants at its Texas facility. The engines will then be air freighted to the company's assembly facility near Silverstone, England, where the Venom GT is built and tested. Venom GT buyer will be offered a one-day driver orientation and instruction program by a Hennessey factory test driver, at a track in the UK or USA prior to delivery.





The company plans to establish a network of Venom GT dealers and distributors in the Middle East, Europe, Russia, Australia, and Asia. Production is limited to just 10 vehicles per year and the company already has orders for four Venom GTs.

The 750-hp Hennessey Venom GT price starts at $600,000, while the 1,200-hp version starts at $725,000. If you want the car in Europe, the Hennessey Venom GT price goes up by another $25,000.

2010 Dodge CHALLENGER HPP Daytona

HPP’s interpretation of the Dodge Daytona was first introduced at the 2009 SEMA show. The kit is a culmination of more than 50 product changes; designed and produced by HPP and its partner companies. HPP will offer some of the pieces as aftermarket products in the first quarter of 2010 and it will be offering full vehicle conversions to individual customers, dealers, and corporations once it has completed tooling and development testing.


Of note, here are the main features of the HPP Daytona Charger:

Performance:

Supercharged 5.7 L V-8 (600 hp est.) Vortech Supercharger

K&W Coil Over Adjustable Suspension (Vehicle lowered 3.5")

Magnaflow Cat Back System 3" with custom side exit exhaust tips

Interior:

Seat inserts and logos

Custom shifter and shift knob

Custom floor mats and trunk mat

Custom black face gauges, with chrome bezels and pointers

Color matching trim bezels (gauges, center stack, console)

HPP badging on doors

Daytona dash badge

Exterior:

Custom front Daytona / Superbird nose with active hidden headlights

Custom side rocker covers

New aluminum hood with custom hood power scoop

Custom hood fender vents


Custom rear Daytona / Superbird wing

Custom rear fascia with side exit exhaust


Repositioned side marker lights


New rear tail lights and center Daytona bezel

Custom graphics

Custom door detail

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 First Details

If you’ve been lusting after the new Mercedes SLS AMG Gulllwing but wish it had the raw brazen performance of a fighter jet, you may very well get your wish. The internet is abuzz this morning with leaked details of a new race-ready

 version of the SLS known as the Mercedes SLS AMG GT3, a streamlined version of the Gullwing built along the lines of the FIA sanctioned GT3 series. At this point no official details have been confirmed, but rumors suggest the SLS AMG GT3 will be powered by a 600 horsepower version of AMG’s recently announced twin-turbocharged 5.5-Liter V8. Prevalent use of carbon fiber exterior is expected to keep weight to a minimum, while the interior has been nipped-and-tucked as well to further remove any unnecessary body fat.

At this point there’s still no word on an official release date, but rumors currently peg the SLS AMG GT3’s launch for the 2011 race season. If you’ve got the funds, pricing should follow the Audi R8 LMS GT3, putting the SLS AMG GT3 right around the $500,000 mark. To see more of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 Race Car, keep scrolling for the gallery. And a special thanks to Markus Jordan for the photos.

marussia b2

                                                 

What happens when newly-monied Russians design a super car? You get the successor to the first Russian super car, the B1. It's the Marussia B2 and it's got looks to shame a Ferrari Enzo and, supposedly, a 420HP Cosworth mill

We weren't holding out much hope for the Marussia B2, but it's turned out to be one of the pleasant surprises of the Frankfurt Motor Show with Enzo-like looks and supposedly a 420HP Cosworth mill.

We're still a little foggy on the details, but it seems the Marussia B2 is built on the same frame as it's B1 predecessor but gets a specially built 3.5 liter Cosworth V6, ranging from 245 HP to 420 HP. Whatever the powerplant, it's hard to argue on the looks — the thing is bad ass. It's got more cut lines than a knife fighter and while the forward visibility is probably pretty terrible, awesomely ridiculous is the only way we can describe it.

2011 Chevrolet CORVETTE Z06 Carbon Edition

When the 2006 Corvette Z06 was introduced, it represented the closest connection to the Corvette race cars ever. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 closed the gap between racing and production even further. This year, Corvette continues its tradition of track-to-street technology transfer with the 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.

The Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is another example of the expanded Corvette line-up. Five years ago, customers had the choice of a Corvette coupe or convertible. With the addition of the Z06, Grand Sport coupe and convertible and ZR1, Corvette enthusiasts now have more choices than ever.

This limited edition Z06 will boast Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes with specific dark gray metallic calipers. These powerful brakes were first introduced on the ZR1. Black 20-spoke 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels complement the car's Michelin PS2 tires. Other mechanical features include Magnetic Selective Ride Control for the first time on the Z06 and enhanced cooling. The car also features a special carbon pattern engine cover.

The Corvette Z06 Carbon will be available in two colors: Inferno Orange and the all-new Supersonic Blue. Black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body color spoiler, body-color door handles, carbon-fiber raised hood, and black carbon-fiber rockers and splitter enhance the Z06's dynamic design and reduce mass and aerodynamic lift. For track events, customers can also install the Euro-styled racing numbers that come with each car.





The Z06 Carbon's ebony leather and suede interior is complemented by blue or orange seat stitching to match the exterior color chosen. Other features include a unique steering wheel emblem, sill plate, and logoed headrest. The suede used on the steering wheel, shifter, seat inserts, armrests, and doors add to the luxury of this limited edition Z06.





An optional Z07 performance package that includes the mechanical upgrades introduced on the Z06 Carbon can be added to a regular 2011 Z06. This package also includes Competition Gray 20-spoke wheels and all the chassis and cooling upgrades.





The CFZ Z06 carbon fiber package includes black carbon-fiber rockers, splitter, and roof panel with the full-width body color spoiler. It can also be purchased with or without the Z07 package on regular Z06 models.




The 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, as well as the new Z07 and CFZ Z06 option packages will be available in late summer.

Lexus LFA Special Edition Is Revealed

Lexus is ramping up to the production launch of its LFA supercar by entering two vehicles in the Nurburgring 24 Hours and, according to U.K. publication Autocar, planning the release of an LFA Special Edition.

Two production LFAs, prepped by Gazoo Racing, will contest the Nurburgring endurance race in May, in what will be the first full-fledged competition for the two-seater. While Toyota previously had entered preproduction development versions of the car, this year's event will feature the LFA "in standard production car guise," the company says.

In the meantime, Lexus is planning to release the LFA Special Edition, according to Autocar and other Web sites. Rumored earlier as the LFA Nurburgring Edition, the Special Edition reportedly will get a 10-horsepower bump in output, a recalibrated transmission that slices 0.2 second from shift speeds, a stiffer suspension, new alloy rims with semi-slick tires, a larger fixed rear wing and a new front splitter, according to Autocar, which adds that the car will be available in four colors — Black, Matte Black, Whitest White and Orange.



No word yet on pricing or on whether the Special Edition will be part of the regular production run of 500 cars.

McLaren MP4-12C or the Ferrari 458 Italia?

Today McLaren released a video and confirmed the technical specifications of its upcoming supercar, the McLaren MP4-12C. The MP4-12C will be powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine making 592 hp. With a redline at 8,500 rpm and an engine that produces 442 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm, power should come on early and plateau to the upper limits of the rpm range.

Transferring that power to the rear wheels will be a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with gear changes actuated by F1-style paddle shifters. To keep weight to barely above 3,000 pounds, McLaren has decide to utilize a carbon composite chassis. No performance figures were supplied but you can anticipate acceleration to be brisk, with zero-to-60 mph requiring only a few milliseconds more than 3 seconds and top speed to touch 200 mph.

Since the McLaren will certainly be compared to the 458 Italia, let’s put some of the cars' features side by side. The Ferrari car uses a naturally-aspirated—Ferrari claims that the F136FB engine found in the 458 sets a new world record for specific output in a non-turbo production engine—4.5-liter V-8 making 562 hp at 9,000 rpm and 398 lbs.-ft. of torque at 6,000 rpm. Without putting both cars on a dynometer to compare their power curves, we can anticipate the McLaren to make more grunt in the low revs but the Ferrari engine to be able to hold onto to its power for a just a little longer before hitting its redline.

Both cars utilize seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions. McLaren‘s gearbox comes with a F1-inspired Seamless Shift technology, which primes the gear change as soon as slight pressure is applied to the gear-change rocker and helps it save milliseconds when changing gears. You won’t need to worry about the Ferrari’s gear changes; at 0.4 seconds, you won’t even realize they are taking place.

The 458 Italia is a marvel on the track. Its integrated electronically managed shocks, electronic differential, and F1 Trac stability control system all work together to improve the longitudinal acceleration out of corners by 32 percent compared to the previous models

The Four Million Dollar Ferrari

For all you driving enthusiasts out there, here’s another one for you.




Based on the Ferrari Enzo, the car is valued at $4 million — yes, four million dollars! Pininfarina’s Ferrari P 4/5 was made exclusively for car collector James Glickenhaus.



This red exotic version of the “batmobile” was inspired by the P4 racer of the 1960s. Essentially, the P4/5 is a rebodied Ferrari Enzo, with a Pininfarina-designed and engineered exterior.

The video shows the car in its unpainted state, during the final stages of testing (more pictures below)

I’m heading out to the local convenience store to pick up some lottery tickets

The Maybach Exelero can be yours... for $7.8 million

Big-bucks enthusiasts annoyed that they're not the only ones at the club with a Veyron can now ensure that they arrive in total exclusivity.

 That's because the one-off Maybach Exelero, commissioned by Fulda to act as a high-profile demonstrator for its tire line of the same name, is now for sale. The Exelero isn't some delicate flower of a show car. Based on the Maybach 57 and powered by a 700-horsepower

 version of that car's turbocharged V12, the Exelero reached 218 mph at Nardo. In many ways, Exelero represents what Maybach could have and should have been -- a place where daring styling and incredible performance could merge with extreme luxury to compete with Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Instead, while the marque's sedans clearly get the luxury part of the equation right, in terms of styling, they basically work in anonymity, looking like peculiar old S-Class sedans. There's nothing anonymous about the Exelero, though, and for €5,000,000 (around $7.8 million USD), you can drive the sybaritic supercar that Daimler should have given Maybach all along.

2010 Audi R8 Abt GT R

Sure, the R8 is no lame duck and now even more so thanks to ABT Sportsline. The result is just like a real athlete: it oozes power and doesn’t have a single gram of fat on its body. With the limited version R8 GT R (with only 25 units available) engineers and designers have gone one logical step further: Using their motorsport experience in the design, all the components have been systematically trimmed to ensure a light-weight construction and optimal weight distribution. As a result the hood, front and rear aprons, and the adjustable rear wing are now made of carbon. The external mirrors and the door panel are also made of the same material. The side windows are made of Makrolon—a high-tech polycarbonate that not only reduces weight, but also has impressive strength properties. The result: the ABT R8 GT R is a proud 220 lbs. lighter than its stock counterpart.

Recaro racing seats, a 4-point seat belt system, stainless steel roll-over bar with seat belt attachment, and hand-held fire extinguisher are just some of the race-ready equipment available.





The sports car has enormous performance potential: the 5.2 FSI in the ABT R8 GT R provides a massive 620 hp and a extremely quick top speed of 202 mph. The car can do zero-to-62 mph in just 3.2 seconds can reach 124-mph mark in a mere 9.9 seconds.

In order to ensure that the power can be optimally applied on the road and on the race track, height-adjustable ABT sports suspension and adjustable dampers are standard. The ceramic brake system with modified brake pads has been adjusted to meet the enormous performance potential of the super sports car. Extremely light ABT CR alloys wheels round out the package. The ABT R8 GT R is a unique vehicle which provides maximum driving enjoyment. It has been designed for driving at the limit: from the weight-optimized exhaust unit to the ABT Titanium special coating—ABT’s love of motorsport can be seen in every detail.

ABT TECHNOLOGY



Modified double-wishbone suspension (front- and rear axis)



ABT sports suspension (height adjustable)



ABT damper (adjustable on traction- and compression phase)



ABT ceramic brake system with modified brake covering



ABT sports exhaust system (high quality steel)



ABT titanium special painting





ABT AERODYNAMICS



ABT front skirt (weight-optimized)



ABT rear skirt (weight-optimized)



ABT side skirt (weight-optimized)



ABT rear wing (weight-optimized, adjustable)



ABT hatchback (weight-optimized)



ABT door lining (weight-optimized)



ABT tearing edge at the rear



ABT engine bonnet (weight-optimized)



ABT exterior mirrors (weight-optimized)



ABT front panel (adjustable)

ABT SPORTS WHEELS AND TYRE EQUIPMENT



Front axis: ABT CR Superlight, 9 x 19 inches, 8,2 kg



Rear axis: ABT CR Superlight, 11 x 19 inches, 10,2 kg



Michelin Sportcup tires

WOW!!! The New Bugatti Galibier See it here first

After months of speculation, Bugatti has finally pulled the wraps off its new four-door supercar concept just ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show at an event for past customers and Bugatti-intenders. Up to this point, we've been referring to the French uber-sedan as the Bordeaux, but it seems the actual car's moniker will be Galibier – the name of a difficult Alpine pass along the Tour de France.

One of the Galibier's most striking features is undoubtedly its two-tone outer shell, which is comprised of both polished aluminum for the doors and front fenders and a unique dark blue carbon fiber weave that shines through when illuminated. We also note a prominent center spine that recalls past Bugattis like the Type 35 and the classically beautiful Type 57.

Powering the Galibier concept will be a version of Bugatti's ridiculously powerful eight-liter W16 powerplant. Unlike the mill propelling the Veyron to ludicrous speed, this version is mounted up front and is capable of running on ethanol fuel, which may or may not allow the automaker to squeeze a few more ponies out of the engine... not that it needs it, of course.

Current reports peg the Galibier's top speed at 217 miles per hour (350 kilometers per hour), which, while slower than the Veyron's epic terminal velocity, is certainly nothing to sneeze at. Check out our gallery of high-res images below.

Gumpert Apollo

Gumpert are now assembling a range of the most daring supercars built around Audi components. Their first saleable product, which has started its show rounds, is a production version of the Apollo mid-engine supercar seen earlier this year. It's powered by a twin turbo Audi V8, and if the spec tables are to be believed, new owners can be treated to 60mph in just 3.0 seconds.

The Apollo just might be capable of such a run. Its carbon fibre body sits atop a chrome molybdenum alloy and steel frame that supports an RS6 engine cranked out to 650 bhp. With this setup the Gumpert has a better power to weight ratio than the big 'Mac'Laren F1. Although, some customers might opt out of the carbon for a GRP body and a have the superchared 440 bhp option to save a few dollars, or maybe a little sanity.

Other niceties include a sequential 6-speed transmission, a twin clutch system attached to that, an inboard suspension setup and as much down force as a DTM car. All of this down force is created by the under tray which means the Apollo has no fussy wings and instead, two massive venturis extending the length of the car that increase the drag to 0.43 Cd.

Sensibly, the Apollo has huge brakes hiding behind its 19 inch center-lock wheels. To keep speed in check, 8-piston calipers grab 15 inch discs on all four wheels and an ABS system is included.

Gumpert say they are production ready and can make cars ranging from 150 to 220 thousand euros. They are suggesting that a full-on race version might be feasible, but until then we patiently wait for The Nurburgring lap time.

Lotus Evora Hybrid concept at Geneva

After Telsa was successful in marketing a $100,000 electric sports car based on the Elise, it is easy to see why Lotus has decided to venture into the hybrid car market. Based on the Evora, the concept car shown at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show replaces the 3.5-liter Toyota-based V-6 with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine. The gasoline engine does not put any power to the pavement, but is designed to replenish the centrally located lithium-ion battery pack. The battery pack is connected to two electric motors; one at each rear wheel. Each motor churns out 204 hp and 295 lbs.-ft. of torque for a whopping total output of 408 hp and 590 lbs.-ft. of torque. Because the electric motors operate separately, Lotus will be able to mimic a limited-slip differential/stability control system by simply modulating the power that each wheel receives.

The Evora 414e Hybrid can run up to 35 miles without using a drop of gasoline and has a full range of more than 300 miles. Like the Tesla, the car can be plugged in at home to refill the battery. Keeping in line with the rest of the lineup and despite the extra weight of the battery pack, the Evora will be able to squirt to 60 mph in less than four seconds. Because electric cars can be a safety hazard to those that do not hear them, the electric Evora will come with a sound generator to create an artificial driving sound. The driver has four choices to scare warn pedestrians with: a V-6, a V-12, a futuristic car sound (?), or a combination of futuristic and gasoline-engine sounds.

The most interesting and disturbing part the concept car is the fake transmission operation. The car utilizes a single-speed geartrain for each motor but the car comes equipped with steering-column-mount shift paddles. Press for an upshift and the car will imitate a normal car by jumping forward by increasing torque to the rear wheels or press for a downshift and the car will mimic engine braking by throwing the transmission into regenerative mode, the severity of which is dependent on what gear you came from and went to. The car's fake sound will also work with the car's fake gear changes to give driver the sense that he is driving a normal sports car. If you want you can turn the whole fake seven-speed F1-style gearbox off.



To round out the concept, Lotus painted the Evora in a nice black-and-copper scheme (think Duracell battery) and even painted on some sort of circuit-board