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Archive for the ‘sports cars’ Category
Maserati GranTurismo by Mansory
September 8th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Remember just a few days ago we reported Mansory will come with two new models at the Paris Auto Show? Today the tuner uncovered the first of them: the Maserati GranTurismo. The tuning package includes both exterior and interior modifications, but also an engine upgrade.
Lets start with the beginning! For the exterior Mansory is offering a newly designed front spoiler with discreet spoiler lip, a carbon fiber radiator grille, additional air inlets and outlets, drawn-down deep door-sills, a carbon fiber spoiler lip, carbon inlay for the integrated exhaust pipes and of course a new set of wheels wrapped in 255/30 R 20 front tires and 305/30 R 21 tires at the back. Of course do not forget this amazing red exterior color!
The interior gets high quality leather, aluminum pedals and new ergonomically designed sporty steering wheel.
And now the most important part: the engine! Thanks to a performance-optimized ECU, an air filter with increased air throughput and a sports exhaust system with two double-suction tail pipes, the tuner managed to increase the V8’s output by 30 HP and the torque with an addition 40 NM. This upgrade can be applied for both GT and GTS models.
Press release after the jump.
Maserati GranTurismo by Mansory originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 8 September 2010 04:18 EST.
Ariel Atom turns 10 years old!
September 7th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
From its humble beginnings as the brainchild of then-student Nik Smart, the Ariel Atom has become a childhood fantasy brought to life by speed enthusiasts of all ages. It’s hard to believe that in the ten years that it has been around, the Atom has evolved through three incarnations with the latest one, the Atom 500 V8, being prepared to make its way into production soon.
To commemorate the company’s 10th year anniversary, Ariel took the time to host some Atom owners from all corners of the world at the company’s headquarters in Somerset in the UK. Over forty Atom owners took the company up on their offer and gathered at the headquarters to partake in the festivities, one of which was the building of a live and running Atom 500 V8 that took a little over five hours to build from the ground up.
We would’ve loved to have been part of all the hoopla, but unfortunately, we don’t have an Atom in our garages. But in any case, we do want to send our congratulations to the company for turning 10 years old. It’s a great achievement in itself, but here’s to hoping for more years of success for you boys in the UK.
Ariel Atom turns 10 years old! originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 7 September 2010 21:00 EST.
Mitsubishi To Kill Galant and Eclipse By 2013
September 7th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
We all know that Mitsubishi is having some trouble with their American car line-up and we also know that it’s due to have some serious work done to it. It seems while part of that work is a global small car, the other part is the deletion of a few well known vehicles, at least that’s what Autoweek believes.
The aging machines, the Galant and the Eclipse, won’t be getting any new updates until 2012, as the company looks to create a new global small car. Talk about putting all your eggs in one basket. With those models gone, that would leave the Japanese automaker with only the new small car, the Outlander Sport and the i-MiEV to bring to its already small lineup.
We have all known about this small car for a while now and we can guess what it will feature upon its release. Under the hood will probably be a 1.0-liter or a 1.3-liter four-cylinder motor and for the company’s sake, we hope that America loves the small car by its release in 2012 or 2013, because an engine that big won’t sell well in a power obsessed culture.
We’re still not sold on the idea of dropping a few of the core models because what will dealers have to sell to people? The Outlander and the Lancer are good vehicles, but their sales aren’t that impressive, and the small car and the i-MiEV might not be what Americans are looking for.
Mitsubishi To Kill Galant and Eclipse By 2013 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 7 September 2010 19:00 EST.
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Next Porsche Boxster caught while refueling
September 7th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Even testing prototypes need fuel, right? And when you just so happen to be the guy at the next pump, the most obvious thing to do is start snapping some pictures! The next generation Porsche Boxster has been caught refueling somewhere in Germany without even a hint of camouflage!
The next Boxster will get a newly styled convertible cockpit and stronger, but also more fuel-efficient engines from 270 hp. There are also rumors saying the next Boxster will get a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood. There will also be center-mounted exhaust pipes like the current Boxster and restyled side mirrors.
We also have to remind you that the next Boxster will be longer in order to make room for the next “baby Boxster.” This baby will need to sit on the bottom of the Porsche lineup, so the bigger Boxster will indeed need to become bigger, or longer in this case.
Expect the official debut sometime in 2011.
Next Porsche Boxster caught while refueling originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 7 September 2010 17:00 EST.
Mitsuoka to rent out Orichi sports car and Himiko roadster in Japan
September 7th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Believe it or not, the much-maligned Mitsuoka Orichi can now be rented out in Japan. We don’t want to believe it, but apparently – and unfortunately – it’s true.
The decision was made to rent out the Orichi by its manufacturer Mitsuoka – no surprise there – for anybody looking for a cheap sports car to drive around in Japan. And by cheap, we mean $390 a day.
It’s not as pricey as most rental sports car we’ve seen in the past, but then again, we don’t know anybody who’d shell out $400 a pop per day to be seen in this hideous sports car. There is that other option that we think is a little more palatable. For $177 a day, you can navigate your way around the streets of Osaka in a Himiko, the company’s not-as-powerful-as-the-Orichi-but-definitely-more-pleasing-to-the-eye roadster.
Either way, you could do a lot better than renting out these two cars. But if you’re going to play the ‘I’ll do it for the experience’ card, then, by all means, give it a go.
Mitsuoka to rent out Orichi sports car and Himiko roadster in Japan originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 7 September 2010 16:00 EST.
End of life for the BMW M6
September 7th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
After 14,152 units built, it’s the end of the road for the BMW M6. The sports car, in both coupe and convertible versions, was officially given the axe by BMW after six years of production for the coupe, and five years for the convertible.
The BMW M6 is powered by a 5.0 liter V10 engine that delivers a total of 500 hp at 7750 rpm and 383 lb-ft. of torque at 6100 rpm. The car sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds for the coupe version, and in just 0.2 seconds longer for the convertible. Their top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
The BMW M6 Coupé and BMW M6 Convertible received worldwide acclaim as dream cars for automotive enthusiasts with sporting ambitions. Out of the 9,087 coupes sold and 5,065 convertibles sold, a record of 3,528 coupes and 3,247 convertibles were sold on the US market. But the U.S. market shouldn’t mourn the loss for too long; the next generation 6-series will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September, and we can only hope to see an M-series spawn from that generation.
Press release after the jump.
End of life for the BMW M6 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 7 September 2010 15:00 EST.
BMW M3, Meet The Lexus IS-F
September 7th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
The new 2010 Lexus IS-F is the brand’s first attempt at creating a performance machine to rival the German juggernaut. The car started life as an IS350, so we didn’t have high hopes for it right off the bat. The normal IS is a reliable and capable sports sedan; boring and plain in mostly every way. Then, it found the steroid cabinet.
The IS-F is very interesting to say the least. It’s got bulging front fenders, a 416 horsepower mountain of power, an eight-speed transmission, and a hard ride that would scare away most Lexus owners.
A useful car to Lexus? No, not even close. As pointless things go, the IS-F is on top of the pile. But, it makes a little sense when you remember that the one major flaw with the company was that it could never rival the Germans and their high-performance sedans. The sort of cars that sell in small numbers, but help automakers land big spots on automotive magazines and websites, like this one for example.
Hit the jump to read on.
BMW M3, Meet The Lexus IS-F originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 7 September 2010 13:00 EST.
Is this an Aston Martin DBS Art Car?
September 7th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
By itself, the Aston Martin Carbon Black DBS is one of the most desirable Aston Martins we’ve come to see outside, naturally, of the brand’s One-77 supercar.
So it is with heavy hearts that we show you what happens when a DBS Carbon Black Edition is given the Jeff Koons ‘Art Car’ treatment. We first saw this ‘streaks of color’ finish on the actual Art Car Koons was commissioned to do, a BMW M3 GT2 that actually raced at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
While that particular design looked pretty good on the M3 GT2, it does nothing but illicit groans and cringes on the Aston Martin DBS, especially since the matte black finish of the Carbon Black Edition already reeked of awesomeness on its own.
Now, what once was the Aston Martin Carbon Black DBS has been turned into a multi-colored streak of ugly. Let’s just hope that whoever did this has the common sense, not the mention decency, to restore the car to its former state, or he’d going to be the subject of some intense ridicule from a lot of people.
Is this an Aston Martin DBS Art Car? originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 7 September 2010 11:00 EST.
Toyota works on new range of budget sports cars?
September 7th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Toyota’s FT-86 sports car turned out to be not such a successful car, as he company already announced plans to delay the official unveiling of the production version. But the Japanese company will try in a different direction: a new range of budget sports vehicles aimed for young drivers.
Toyota believes that they have lost their younger clients because the line-up is missing attractive cars that are fun to drive. As a result, for the future Toyota will promote a design-oriented development of new sports vehicles in pursuit of originality, while allowing its sports vehicle management division to take control over product planning. This new models will take them design language from the FT-86 concept, but Toyota will focus on keeping their prices as low as possible.
“We want to offer more cars that are fun to drive and make people think ’Toyota is interesting,’” said Toyota Vice President Takeshi Uchiyamada during a press interview held on Sept. 3, adding, “Sales performance is not our primary concern.”
Toyota works on new range of budget sports cars? originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 7 September 2010 00:00 EST.
Citroen DS4 Racing coming in 2013
September 6th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Now that Citroen has unveiled the official details on the new DS4, there are rumors about a more powerful version that will take on models like Volkswagen Golf R and Renaultsport Mégane RS. The new Citroen DS4, rumored to be called Racing will be revealed in 2013.
Like with the DS3-Racing, the future model will feature a two-tone exterior and on the interior racing seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. There will also be the carbon finish on the front bumper, lower body trim and wing extensions, whilst large 18” alloy wheels, chrome door handles and a chrome-finished exhaust system.
Under the hood Citroen will place the same engine used in the Peugeot RCZ – a 1.6 THP engine that delivers 200 HP. There are also rumors about a hybrid version that will combine a 1.6-liter engine driving the front wheels and a 95bhp electric motor that powers the rears.
Citroen DS4 Racing coming in 2013 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 6 September 2010 21:00 EST.
A time-lapse video of the making of a BMW Z4 E89 GT3
September 6th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Whatever the type of car you build, whether its for mass production or for motor racing purposes, one thing holds true: building one takes some serious work from a dedicated group of people.
In addition to the laborious manual work involved in building a car, it also takes time. You can’t just throw all the parts together and hope that the car magically runs after that. It doesn’t work that way. Fortunately, through the magic of time-lapse technology, you can actually see the entire build from the ground up in just a matter of minutes.
The folks over at WestCoastRacing took to task in building a BMW Z4 GT3 from its humble beginnings as a body shell into a 500 horsepower beast. Using parts that were received from BMW Motorsport, WestCoastRacing took up the task of working on the car, spending 600 hours of work to piece together the entire sports car. The end product, as you can see, is a fine piece of machinery that presumably weights less than 1,200 kilos and uses a 4.4-liter engine that produces over 500 ponies.
And thanks to time-lapse technology, we can watch the entire manual production build in just over three minutes.
A time-lapse video of the making of a BMW Z4 E89 GT3 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 6 September 2010 15:00 EST.
Audi A5 Cabrio by Senner Tuning
September 6th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
After the Audi S5, Senner Tuning is also preparing a tuning kit for the A5 Cabrio. The package is improving both the engine’s output, but is also offering a more sportier appearance for the cabriolet. The price for the kit is 19.900 Euro ($25,000 at the current exchange rates).
The tuning package includes an audibly superior exhaust system with a stainless steel finishing with four end pipes, a carbon hydride screw thread with adjustable settings, 20″ SC1 light metalrims in silver chrome, a new spoiler in the RS6 Design, a cooler grill, exterior mirrors in the RS5 Design and a rear valance with sporty diffuser fins. The interior gets surfaces made from leather and extensive carbon fibre applications.
As for the 2.0 T-FSI engine, the tuner is offering sports air filters and software optimization that increases the output to 275 HP and 430 Nm of torque.
Press release after the jump.
Audi A5 Cabrio by Senner Tuning originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 6 September 2010 13:00 EST.
Video: Porsche Boxster vs Ford Focus RS
September 4th, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
On the surface, this comparison seems like it wasn’t thought out all the way through. For starters, the two cars belong to two different markets. One is a German marquee brand recognized as one of the most sought-after automakers in the world while the other is an American original that’s more of the everyday brand.
But for the purposes of comparison, here we are. Auto Express took it upon themselves to undergo a comparison test between a Porsche Boxster and a Ford Focus RS. In fairness to these guys, the whole point of the comparison test wasn’t focused so much on the car’s engine performance and styling points, but more so on which car should get you the most bang for your buck. Over in the UK, both cars come out with pretty similar price tags so, as far as Auto Express is concerned, choosing between the two boils down to preference. By numbers alone, if you’re looking for a car with more ponies in it, then the Focus RS is the way to go. But if you’re more interested in which car is lighter, then the Boxster is the one for you.
Continued after the jump
Video: Porsche Boxster vs Ford Focus RS originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 4 September 2010 12:00 EST.
Porsche Museum displays the 918 Spyder Concept Study
September 3rd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
After making its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the 918 Spyder Concept is on its way to the Museum of Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG at Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen where it will be displayed starting October 1 through 7, 2010.
The 918 Spyder is powered by a V8 engine delivering more than 500 hp and three electric motors with overall output of 218hp. The engine emits just 70 grams CO2 per kilometer and has a fuel consumption of just 3.0 liters/100 kilometers (94 mpg imp). Despite this the car’s performances are impressive: the sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just under 3.2 seconds, top speed of 198 mph, and a lap time on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring in less than 7:30 minutes, faster than even the Porsche Carrera GT.
Press release after the jump.
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width="180"Porsche Museum displays the 918 Spyder Concept Study originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 3 September 2010 21:00 EST.
Video: Ferrari 458 Italia by Oakley Design
September 3rd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Remember a while ago when the guys from Oakley Design brought forth a tuning kit for the Ferrari 458 Italia? We thought nothing would make the Ferrari any better than it already was (that was, of course, before they started randomly spitting fire). Turns out, Oakley Design did create a better 458 Italia and the lucky guys from Performance Direct Motoring News had the chance to test drive one of the five souped up units! Not only did they get a chance to ride around in the exquisite sports car, but they also had the opportunity to pin it up against a Ducati 1198 ’Carbon Edition’. Some guys have all the luck!
As a reminder, the Ferrari 458 Italia offers a carbon-fiber front spoiler lip, carbon-fiber inserts on the radiator air exit ducts, wider side sills, a lighter carbon-fiber rear diffuser, a new rear spoiler and carbon-fiber roof panel, mirror covers, and an engine cover insert. The engine’s output was increased by 10%, obtaining a total of 627bhp and a peak torque of 567Nm. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is made in 3.0 seconds, while top speed is 205 mph.
We could only come up with one conclusion after watching this video; OMG! That car can fly!
Video: Ferrari 458 Italia by Oakley Design originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 3 September 2010 20:00 EST.
Future Aston Martin DB9 to be inspired by One-77 supercar
September 3rd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
When Aston Martin unveiled the One-77 supercar, everyone was amazed. After all, it’s not every day you see a $1.4 million supercar with such a dynamic design come from the British company. The amazement wasn’t short-lived either as all 77 units of the supercar sold out as quickly as they were unveiled. With such a stupendous response, and such a quick sellout, Aston Martin has decided to apply the same treatment for the future DB9.
So, in 2013 we will see a new generation DB9 (probably carrying the DB10 nomenclature) with styling cues borrowed from the limited-edition One-77 coupe. We are expecting Aston to stick with the aluminum spaceframe for another generation before Aston jumps on the carbon fiber wagon.
The recently redesigned DB9 is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine delivering an unchanged 470bhp and 442lb ft of torque and mated to a choice of six-speed ‘Touchtronic’ paddle-shift automatic or six-speed H-pattern manual transmission. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is made in just 4.6 seconds and top speed goes up to 190 mph.
Future Aston Martin DB9 to be inspired by One-77 supercar originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 3 September 2010 16:00 EST.
Peugeot will unveil EX1 Concept in Paris
September 3rd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Peugeot seems to be pretty excited to reveal their new concept at the 2010 Paris Motor Show at the end of this month. They claim that their “car of the future will combine 200 years of history with 200 years of demands and emotions.” That’s a slightly big statement to make. We hope they have the vehicle that will substantiate that claim, but they are not starting off too well considering this vehicle is only a design study with no plans for a production version. Typical, we supposedly finally get the car we’ve been waiting 200 years for and we won’t even be able to drive it…ever.
The Peugeot EX1 design study will combine design elements found in the BB1 unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 and the SR1 unveiled earlier this year at the Geneva Show. We don’t know for sure if the concept will be a hybrid or an electric vehicle, but we do know it will be a sports car featuring a futuristic interior. With such a bold claim, the EX1 better be worthy of the company’s 200 years of experience or Peugeot will look pretty silly.
The first official details will be revealed on September 6, followed by a reveal on September 21, so stay tuned!
Peugeot will unveil EX1 Concept in Paris originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 3 September 2010 14:00 EST.
Mazda MX-5 hits 100,000 units sold in the UK
September 3rd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Chalk up another achievement for Mazda and it’s iconic roadster, the MX-5.
Twenty years after the roadster landed in the UK, the MX-5, aka the Miata, hit the ever-prestigious 100,000 units sold. It has been widely regarded that the MX-5 is one of the most popular vehicles of all time and the roadster has been a hot seller in the UK since it first arrived in 1989, compromising of over 10% of the vehicle’s global sales figures.
The Miata’s popularity in the land of fish and chips reached its apex a few years ago in 2007 when the venerable roadster sold an unprecedented 9,234 units in the UK alone.
Mark Cameron, sales director of Mazda UK, made no bones about the appeal of the MX-5 to the British car-buying market. “We are the biggest market for this car due to our love of open-top two seat sportscars”, he said.
“The Mazda MX-5 finds its roots in the British heritage of soft top sportscars and has been loved by British motorists since the day it arrived on these shores.”
It’s quite an achievement to sell 100,000 models of the same car encompassing three generations in one country alone. So let’s toast a cup of tea to Mazda for the milestone achievement. At the rate it’s going, we won’t be surprised if the MX-5 continues to sell like pancakes across the pond.
Mazda MX-5 hits 100,000 units sold in the UK originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 3 September 2010 11:00 EST.
Video: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI V10 on the track
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Inside Line got behind the wheel of the 2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI V10 and took it for a little test run out on the track. So, is the R8 Spyder worthy of its Audi name? Check out the video to find out!
The 5.2 Liter FSI V10 in the R8 Spider delivers a maximum output of 525 HP at 8,000 RPM and has a rather high compression ratio of 12.5:1 in order to get the most out of the high revving naturally aspirated power plant. With a weight of only 3,792 pounds, the R8 Spider is able to sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in under 4.1 seconds; go from 0 to 125 MPH in a little over 12.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 194.49 MPH, all while consuming 15.79 MPG in the manual transmission version, or 16.92 MPG in the R-tronic variant.
Video: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI V10 on the track originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 23:00 EST.
Saab Boreas Sports Coupe Concept
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Things sure have a way of coming full circle, don’t they?
It wasn’t that long ago when Saab was teetering perilously close to getting sent to the chopping block until a last minute intervention by Spyker not only gave Saab a new lease on life, but an opportunity to make things right again.
Now that Saab is finally on the right track, it doesn’t surprise us that design proposals bearing the Saab badge have been coming out left and right, with the latest one done by Spanish designer, Jorge Martí Vidal.
Vidal’s work is all kinds of sexy, if we do say so ourselves. Calling it ‘Boreas’ as a reference to the Greek God of the North Wind – yeah, we’re nerds too – the design features some pretty awesome curves coupled with a shiny pearl exterior paint that ironically accentuates the overall simplistic look of the concept.
Truth be told, Vidal’s work merits a pair of thumbs up and, if Saab does want to get back in the good graces of their customers, then they can’t do any better than having this car see the production line. Sure, that’s still unlikely to happen, but we’re just saying Vidal’s design is a sure winner.
Saab Boreas Sports Coupe Concept originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 19:00 EST.
