Ferrari reportedly considering V6 turbo to save fuel

It won’t power a Dino - the car is completely off the table - but a turbocharged V6 might power one of the next-generation cars from Ferrari. A company spokesman has said that Ferrari has ruled out nothing in terms of technology as it works to keep high-performance a priority while accommodating strict emissions rules.

Already the company has begun to employ some small technological tools to keep power up while reducing fuel consumption. The recently released California uses the company’s first direct-injection engine, for example. As the company moves forward with the next generation of engines, focusing on the development period from 2013 to 2016, it is open to the possibility of using a turbocharger or other forced-induction methods to yield the power it wants and the economy it must, reports AutoTelegraaf.

If the Prancing Horse marque does end up with a smaller-displacement forced-induction engine, it won’t be powering anything that might be considered ‘entry level’, however. Nor will the company bend to the pressure to become a full-line manufacturer with the addition of an SUV or four-door car - Davide Kluzer, Ferrari spokesman, has said those two types of car “we will never do.”

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/ferrari/ferrari-reportedly-considering-v6-turbo-to-save-fuel/

Bentley Continental GTS Black Edition by Project Kahn

Late last year Project Kahn rolled out their take on Bentley’s ultra-luxury GTS coupe, and now they’ve one-upped themselves with a Black Edition. Building on the same basic appearance modifications, the dominant theme is the brooding color of the car.

The basic Project Kahn Continental GTS treatment consists of an eight-panel bodykit that treats the rear with a new three-piece diffuser and bumper, side skirts down each sill, a set of new front spoilers and a bootlid spoiler. Inside the car gets high-quality leather just about everywhere, with the choice of either leather of carbon fiber cladding for the steering wheel.

A performance exhaust enhances the twin-turbo W12’s already throaty sound, while a set of ‘Silver Mist’ 22in wheels add the most dramatic exterior feature to the Black Edition. Despite the giant wheels, the car also gets a 20mm drop to complete the transformation.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/coupes/bentley-continental-gts-black-edition-by-project-kahn/

Chrysler planning to expand hybrid range

This year Chrysler will launch its first hybrid models with the Chrysler Aspen and the Dodge Durango SUV’s, both of which feature Hemi Hybrids. Chrysler may be a little late to the hybrid party, but that doesn’t mean it will be left completely behind as the company is already planning to expand its hybrid range to other vehicles.

Mike Accavitti, Director of Dodge (which comes under Chrysler’s umbrella) has told reporters that Dodge is interested in producing a hybrid Dodge Journey SUV, as well as a hybrid Dodge Avenger in the mid-sized sedan segment. Chrysler has also stated that the Dodge Ram may get an option hybrid in the next couple of years as well.

Accavitti admitted that Dodge is looking to capitalize in these areas but that resource limits represent a challenge.

The hybrid version of the 5.7L Hemi gets around 25% greater fuel efficiency than its non-hybrid sibling, which may just entice consumers to stick with SUV’s just yet.

Both Ford and GM already offer hybrid vehicles and Japanese rivals Toyota and Honda are also planning to launch a number of mainstream hybrid models in the next two years.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/chrysler/chrysler-planning-to-expand-hybrid-range/

Street legal race car: Pagani Zonda Cinque

Few supercars go to the extremes of performance and design that the Pagani Zonda does, and that extreme nature has earned it as many opponents as it has fans. But both sides can agree it’s an impressive and highly capable machine - however they feel about its looks. The Zonda Cinque takes the car’s extreme ethos to a new level, as it is essentially a Zonda R made for the street.

The Pagani Zonda R was designed as a 750hp track-only race car, limited to 10 units ever to be built, priced at €1.2 million and made almost exclusively of carbon fiber. It has yet to reach production, however. The Zonda Cinque, believed to wear the same body the Zonda R will eventually be fitted with, is even more exclusive and every bit as capable a performer. Those with a talent for foreign tongues have already noticed that the Cinque’s name is the Italian word for ‘five’ - because only five of the street-legal racers will be built.

Powered by a massaged version of the 7.3L V12 engine found in other Zondas that produces 750hp and 710Nm of torque, the Cinque makes the run from 0-124mph (0-200km/h) in just 9.8 seconds. It’s a relative bargain at just €800,000 and with the limited-edition nature, the car will likely only appreciate in value. The first picture of the car shows a machine that looks a lot like the Zonda F that set a record time at the Nurburgring in October last year, a feat it achieved with a mere 650hp.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/supercars/pagani-zonda-cinque-first-picture-leaked/

North American Ford Fiesta to cost less than $15K

North America has missed out on a host of exciting and award-winning Ford products sold in Europe for decades - vehicles like the S-Max, Mondeo and Fiesta compact - but that will soon change as the Blue Oval has introduced a new global strategy where only one model, albeit in slightly different variations, will be sold across all markets. The first of these new global models will be the Fiesta due in North America late next year or in early 2010.

Pricing has for long been an issue for Ford when introducing European-spec models into North America. The cars in Europe are significantly more expensive than their equivalent counterparts North America and, with the U.S. dollar continuing to weaken, the problem has been compounded.

Despite the unfavorable condition, Edmunds reports that the new Fiesta will cost less than the current U.S. model Focus, which already sells for less than $15,000. To achieve the low price point, Ford’s U.S. design director for cars, Murray Callum, explains that engineers were able to keep costs low by working with suppliers on new technologies that produce premium-type interior materials for a lot less money.

Ford is also hoping that buyers downsizing from big SUVs packed with leather and luxury equipment will still find the car cheap and good value when compared with their current gas-guzzling trucks.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/hatchbacks/north-american-ford-fiesta-to-cost-less-than-15k/

Spy Shots: 2010 BMW M3 sedan facelift

The BMW M3 sedan only made its debut last October and it’s still not on sale in a number of markets around the world, but despite this prototypes for a facelifted version of the performance sedan have already spotted ahead of its sale launch early next year. The changes are in line with the midlife update for the regular E90 sedan, due later this year, and entail a number of very minor revisions to both the exterior and cabin.

Most of the car remains unchanged although there are a few differences such as the updated headlights with new LED details, which double as daytime running lights. Up back will be a new bumper with a modified diffuser and redesigned taillights.

The sedan model will also be offered with the ‘Space Gray’ color option that was formerly limited to the M3 Coupe.

The car’s 420hp 4.0L V8 is likely to remain unchanged although it will be offered with the new seven-speed M-DCT dual-clutch transmission.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/sedans/spy-shots-2010-bmw-m3-sedan-facelift/

Ford Fiesta S performance hatch

Ford has taken the wraps off its latest model in the growing Fiesta family of compact cars with the unveiling of the all-new ‘S’ performance model at the Beijing Motor Show this weekend. The new car is expected to join the regular three-door hatch and five-door models - revealed at the last month’s Geneva Motor Show – towards the end of the year in both Europe and China.

North America will still have to wait until 2010 for its version of the car, which will also be available in a sedan bodystyle, and the Fiesta is also tipped to start production in Australia around the same time. Other models in the pipeline include a higher performance ST model as well as a rumored RS range topper. Like the upcoming Focus RS, this latter version would feature a series of weight saving and power mods for ultimate performance.

The Fiesta will initially be available with a range of petrol and diesel engines. Entry-level models will come with a 60hp 1.4L petrol engine and will be followed by a 115hp 1.6L unit. Diesel fans will get two 1.25L units developing 60hp and 80hp respectively. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or a new Durashift automatic. The cars also come with Ford’s new EPAS electronic steering to help save fuel.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/hatchbacks/ford-fiesta-s-performance-hatch/

Land Rover celebrating 60th anniversary with Goodwood appearance

Land Rover will be celebrating its 60th anniversary as the featured marque at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in July and will showcase a new automotive sculpture by artist Gerry Juddah.

The sculpture will incorporate an original 1948 Land Rover, a selection of vehicles from the carmaker’s model range and will be finished with the latest LRX concept cross-coupe (pictured) unveiled at the recent Detroit and Geneva Motor Shows.

Land Rover will also showcase its special edition Defender SVX, launched to mark the anniversary. On the outside the SVX is as tough as its 1948 predecessor but inside it comes equipped with satellite navigation, Recaro seats and iPod compatibility.

Also on show will be Land Rover’s ‘Terrapod’ and ‘mini-terrapod’ hill descent simulators, which will be open to the public to test out the off-road capability of a number of the carmaker’s SUV products. Land Rover plans to donate all proceeds it receives at the event to the British Red Cross.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/suvs/land-rover-celebrating-60th-anniversary-with-appearance-at-goodwood/

Ford fitting electric power steering to 90% of models

Ford has made a commitment to fit 80 to 90% of its future vehicles with electric power steering (EPS) systems by 2012. Currently the 2008 Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, and their respective hybrid models are fitted with EPS, and next in line to receive the fuel-saving device are the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ line of cars.

The EPS system helps correct for road irregularities and improves overall handling and steering feel as well as improving fuel economy. Unlike common hydraulic-powered systems that continuously draw power from the engine, EPS is only activated when it is needed. Ford is also developing a new safety feature that allows EPS to communicate with a vehicle’s brake system to help operate advanced stability control and accident avoidance systems.

The system also opens up doors for other capabilities such as an auto-parking system. EPS systems can also be calibrated, potentially offering customers the opportunity to personalize their drive with selectable steering efforts - in other words choosing between how heavy or light the steering is.

Similar to electronic braking, EPS has not entered the market previously due to high costs and a consumer fear of leaving their lives in the hands of a malfunctionable electronic system, but with rising concern over fuel costs and improving fail-safes and safety systems, consumers may just ignore those fears and be swayed by EPS.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/safety/ford-fitting-electric-steering-to-90-of-models/

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano takes on the F40

It’s young versus old in this latest clip, with two of the hottest cars to ever come out of Maranello decking it out in the Nevada desert. In one corner we have the stripped out F40 from the mid-1980s and in the other is this generation’s technologically advanced 599 GTB. Both will have its fans so we’ll leave it to you to decide which one should come out on top.

BMW M1 supercar turns 30

BMW, a brand that prides itself on building the ultimate driving machine, doesn’t even have a genuine sports car in its lineup. But this was not always the case because back in 1978 BMW launched its very own supercar. The car was the mid-engined M1 homologation special, a car that made its debut 30 years ago at the 64th Paris Motor Show and went on to sell in several different variations until it was discontinued just three years later.

The M1 was developed by BMW Motorsport with the help of Lamborghini and only 456 cars ever saw the light of day. Its body was based on a 1972 BMW concept car but was penned by Italian design house Giugiaro Italdesign.

At the time of its launch, the M1 was one of the fastest and most dynamic cars on the market. It featured a 277hp (204kW) 3.5L straight-six engine and could reach speeds in excess of 160mph (260km/h). The smooth six-cylinder revved freely to a 7,000rpm cut-off and was capable of accelerating the car from 0-62mph (100km/h) in 5.6 seconds. Driving the rear wheels was a ZF manual with five gears.

New technologies employed by the M1 included a spaceframe chassis and lightweight plastic body wrapped around a double wishbone suspension set-up with light-alloy wheel mounts in the front and an independent trapezoidal set-up in the rear. Bilstein dampers were also used with fully adjustable coil springs.

Though the car never saw a great deal of racing success, the M1 remains BMW’s only mid-engined supercar and is remembered for its impeccable handling and build quality – traits that were hard to find in the supercars of that era.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/supercars/bmw-m1-supercar-turns-30/

Mercedes testing fuel-cell vehicles ahead of 2010 launch

Carmakers are faced with a number of options for alternative fuel motoring but at this stage it’s still anyone’s guess as to what will be the dominant fuel source of the future. That’s why most of the major carmakers are hedging their bets, developing a number of different technologies in the hope that one of them will be the right one.

The most popular alternatives to current fossil-based fuels include bioethanol, electricity and hydrogen. Mercedes-Benz is banking on both electric and hydrogen power as the most likely fuel sources of the future and is currently prepping a new fuel-cell model to be released in 2010. The new car, seen here undergoing cold weather testing, will be based on Mercedes’ next-generation fuel-cell technology, which is claimed to be 40% more compact than current designs while at the same time offering 30% greater performance.

The fuel-cell in this B-Class prototype develops around 136hp and 320Nm of torque. The fuel cell uses the equivalent of about 3L of fuel per 100km, all with zero emissions. Testing of the car found that it had no problems with cold starts. However roadholding tests revealed that current ESP systems need to be recalibrated for the fuel-cell vehicle, due to the different power delivery style of electric engines compared to traditional combustion engines.

Honda, meanwhile, has beaten its rivals in the fuel-cell race with the unveiling last year of the FCX Clarity, which officially goes on sale in the middle of the year.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/mercedes-benz/mercedes-testing-fuel-cell-vehicles-ahead-of-2010-launch/

UK looking to triple taxes on high-polluting cars

It’s bad enough London’s congestion charge is set to rise later this year for high CO2-emitting vehicles, but now the country’s annual road tax on these vehicles is likely to be increased as well. The country’s finance minister Alistair Darling has promised that “higher polluting” cars will be taxed more than regular cars as part of widespread reforms to the vehicle taxation system. Darling’s plan would see taxes increase on the heavy-polluters next year and then again in 2010.

If approved, the scheme would see owners of cars emitting more than 255g of CO2/km pay £425 ($865) per year to register their vehicle in 2009 and up to £950 ($1,934) per year in 2010 onwards. Currently, vehicles that emit more than 225g/km pay the maximum tax of £300 ($610) a year, reports Automotive News.

At the other end of the scale, cars that emit less than 130g of CO2/km would be exempt from the annual road tax. As harsh as the new taxes seem, the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders is in favor of the scheme.

Other European countries taxation systems for heavy polluters are no better. In France, the maximum tax on cars that emit more than 250g of CO2/km is €2,600 ($4,052) and in the Netherlands the biggest polluters are charged up to €1,600 ($2,494).

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/news/uk-looking-to-triple-taxes-on-high-polluting-cars/

Dodge builds 25,000th Viper

Today Chrysler announced that its iconic Dodge Viper muscle car hit a production milestone of 25,000 cars, and to celebrate the achievement officials have planned a number of events including the presentation of a brand new 2008 Viper SRT-10 to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kurt Busch.

The Viper, which is produced at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, has been one of Chrysler’s most iconic sports cars since its launch in 1991 when the car was first produced by Chrysler as a modern take on the classic American muscle car. Over the years a number of variants have been spawned including the most recent Viper SRT-10 ACR track special.

The ultimate Viper churns out 600hp from its 8.4L engine and is capable of completing the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 200mph.

While 25,000 is an impressive figure for Chrysler, officials should be feeling a little worried at the moment because the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is likely to topple the Viper as America’s muscle car king thanks to its more powerful 620hp supercharged V8.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/supercars/dodge-builds-25000th-viper/

Lighting GT : First UK’s Electric Sportscar for 2008

Finally, lighting car company has released the first UK’s electric sportscar, the Ligtning GT. The focus point of this sportscar is not the top speed, but rather its electric power that will deliver 700+ HP from its wheel-mounted electric motors charged by just your home electric plugs. There is no price tag yet, hopefully we can see this car in a realistic version instead of just rendering. With virtually no polluting emissions, this energy-efficient car uses clean technology and will have the ultimate green rating.

Source: http://www.tuvie.com/lighting-gt-first-uks-electric-sportscar-for-2008

Novitec Rosso Ferrari F430 Race

Not content with its previous 656hp twin-supercharged F430, German tuner and Ferrari specialist Novitec Rosso has now upgraded the car to ‘Race’ spec. Power is up by an additional 51hp, giving it an Enzo-beating 707hp and decimating the standard F430 which makes do with just 490hp.

At the heart of the new tuning kit is a twin-supercharger engine with boost pressure increased to 0.48bar. Modifications to the previous kit include new turbine vanes and bigger water-cooled intercoolers. The V8 engine is further fitted with an entirely new heat-insulated intake manifold with larger ports and high-performance air filters, and a special air duct in the underfloor routes cooling air to the engine.

The injection system is fitted with larger injection nozzles. On the exhaust side, low-pressure sport catalysts work in conjunction with a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with electronically controlled flap ensure optimal gas evacuation. Weight saving mods include the addition of lightweight carbon-fiber piping and a new carbon hood.

The end result is a peak output of 707hp at 8,350rpm and 712Nm of torque at 6,300rpm. The sprint from rest to 100km/h is shortened by half a second to 3.5 seconds. After just 10.5 seconds the car reaches 200km/h. The 300km/h barrier is shattered after 29.9 seconds. In combination with longer gear ratios available upon request the top speed grows from 315 km/h to 348 km/h.

Complimenting the engine upgrade is a number of changes including modifications to the aerodynamics, tires, suspension and brakes. The body gets a new front spoiler, rocker panels and a custom rear diffuser. Upon customer request a rear wing can be added as well. Black-tinted taillights and lateral turn signals complete the tuned look. Pricing for the new kit starts at €51,260.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/supercars/novitec-rosso-ferrari-f430-race/

Artega GT now on sale

There’s been a definite resurgence in small and lightweight roadsters. Tiny road-going racers with punchy engines and the kind of handling owners of bigger and heavier sports cars can only dream of. Some of the cars that spring to mind include the KTM X-bow, MMI Avocet, and pretty much anything with a Lotus badge attached, but there’s one car that has all others licked when it comes to the style department and that’s the Fisker designed Artega GT.

The svelte coupe has now officially gone on sale, debuting at the Geneva Motor Show this week, and to mark the occasion Artega has launched a new special edition model limited to just 99 units. Dubbed the ‘Intro 2008’ models, the special edition cars receive a number of unique trim and interior options only available on this model. Some of the features include unique paintwork, diamond-turned Artega forged alloy wheels, individually numbered plaques on the side panels and gearshift console, as well as custom velour and leather trim. Pricing for the special edition models will start at €79,790. The standard model will set you back about €75,000 and roughly 500 cars will be built per year.

The car’s powertrain remains unchanged, which means you still get a direct-injection 300hp V6 displacing 3.6L and mated to a six-speed DSG transmission. Expect to see a 0-100km/h time of less than five seconds and a top speed of 270km/h.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/coupes/artega-launches-gt-with-special-edition-model/

Jaguar unveils lightweight XKR-S coupe

Jaguar has lifted the covers off a new limited edition version of its XK coupe that will go on sale in Europe by the middle of the year. The new car is called the XKR-S and it rates as the fastest production XK to date thanks to a series of weight saving modifications and engine upgrades over the standard XKR on which it’s based.

Engineers have added a revised suspension set-up with new springs, dampers, anti-roll bar and a recalibrated Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) system to improve handling. The supercharged 4.2L all-aluminum V8 gets a recalibrated engine management system that enables the XKR-S to reach a top speed of 174mph, 19mph faster than the (electronically limited) regular XKR. Peak output remains at 420hp and 560Nm of torque, which is enough to see the new model sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.2 seconds.

Visual enhancements include a new front air-splitter and side sill-extensions, a revised rear spoiler and new bumper with an integrated diffuser. Rolling stock consists of 20in Vortex alloy wheels housing Alcon R Performance brakes with red monobloc six-piston callipers and 400mm brake discs.

Despite the performance connotations, the XKR-S still features plenty of luxury items such as full soft grain leather trim, piano black dashboard elements, and a revised instrument cluster calibrated to accommodate the car’s higher top speed. Developers have also added Jaguar’s 525W Premium Audio system but customers can also opt for a Bowers & Wilkins tuned system with speakers made out of Kevlar and aluminum.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/coupes/jaguar-unveils-lightweight-xkr-s-coupe/

MMI Avocet ready for sale

While its unlikely anyone remembers the Reynard-designed ‘Strathcarron’ of 10 years ago, the doomed mid-engined sports car has been brought back to life thanks to the insistence of its principal backer, Martin Miles. Renamed the MMI Avocet after its most fervent supporter, the car weighs a tiny 650kg without fluids and will sport a 2.0L Ford Sigma engine outputting either 150 or 225bhp. The transmission is also a Ford unit, which comes as no surprise considering that Roush Engineering played a hand in its development.

Martin Miles was one of the Strathcarron’s original backers but when that business went under he bought the designs and prototypes and hired race-car builder Raqy Mallock to build on the ideas put forth in the original Strathcarron and thus the MMI Avocet was born. Mike Reeves, a car designer who worked on the original Strathcarron, gave the new car its current shape demonstrating just how much passion this project has brought out of the people that worked on it.

First-year production is expected to be around 50 cars per year, with a goal of producing 100 cars per year in the near future. The first 5 cars are being built by Roush and customers brave enough to purchase these will be asked to “be partners in something great”.

And as for performance, Martin Miles says that the 225bhp model will be almost supercar-quick thanks to its lightweight construction. Sounds like an interesting alternative to a Lotus Elise, although the initial buyers will likely be a brave bunch to fork out 25,000 pounds for an independently made car.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/news/mmi-avocet-ready-for-sale/

Italdesign Giugiaro Quaranta Concept

This is the Italdesign Giugiaro’s Quaranta concept, powered by a mid-mounted hybrid powerplant (3.3L V6 + Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive) which produces 268hp and 212 ft-lb of torque, boosting from 0-60mph in 4.05- seconds. As you can see the roof are all black, that is the solar panel which power the interior electronics and charge the batteries. It has a pair of fuel tanks that carried 16 gallons of fuel which can be use to 621-mile range. More pictures after the break.



Source: http://www.2dayblog.com/blog/2008/03/01/italdesign-giugiaro-quaranta-concept/?lang=en