Never really been a fan of climbing hills in a car. This video illustrates my point.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
GAH. Making of the Porsche The Gathering
Porsche gathered 50 of the most iconic sports cars in history to shoot a commercial welcoming its newest member of the family, the Panamera. While the "Family Tree" commercial doesn't launch until October, this is the first glimpse behind the scenes of this once in a lifetime event.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Seriously quick, but.... Ferrari 458 Italia
...I try, and try, and try. But I just don´t get that involved in the new Ferrari. It sounds to clinical, behaves to cleanly and..... For petes sake, its the new cool Ferrari. I think....
Next M5
Auto, Motor und Sport has been looking into the future of the next über-5-series, the M5. They reason the car most likely will be equipped with the 4,4 liter twinturbo from 750i, X5 and X6 M. AMS belives that even the M5 cant go clear of the consumption- and environmental issue, therefore. BMW can easily get more power out of the plant which givs 555 HP and 680 Nm today. I dont think we will see 600 HP, but in order to beat Audis RS6, 580-590 might be absolutely possible.
The original article with lots of pictures is here
Pictures: SB-Medien.
Worlds first Maybach museum
An German doctor with strong passion for Maybach, has built his own private Maybach-museum. The building contains his own and restored 15 Maybachs, and is the only museum of its kind in the world. This is a great video from Auto, Motor und Sport - if you understand German.
Screensaver of the week
If this picture was to have a name, it would be something like "get out of my way".
Porsche racing: Those daring men
These two clips show how "tuff" racedrivers where back in the old days. Just watch how fast they go on the old Mulsanne straight, which the organizers had to slow down eventually. Still, the guys today has some seriously quick machinery, a fact that puts the ability to react quick in the front row.
Yesterday:
Today (2007):
Yesterday:
Today (2007):
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Porsche Camp4 - treat yourself!
If you want to feel some real magic, join Porsches fairytale in the Finnish Woods.
Great 911 timeline
Love 911? You will love them even more after you have seen these very nice videos. Thanks Robert for sharing with us!
Audi S5 Sportback
Audi now has a really nice range of middleclass-bombers. The latest addition is S5 Sportback, and some of the facts are:
The Audi S5 Sportback is powered by a three-liter V6 with a mechanically driven supercharger. The supercharger sits in the 90 degree V formed by the banks of the cylinders and produces up to 0.8 bar of pressure. Two downstream intercoolers lower the temperature of the compressed intake air for improved filling of the combustion chambers.
The six-cylinder unit, which displaces 2,995 cc, embodies the Audi philosophy that performance and efficiency are not mutually exclusive but rather complement each other perfectly. The engine delivers a constant 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm. The S5 Sportback sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in only 5.4 seconds (provisional figure) and accelerates up to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The spontaneous response, the powerful thrust and sonorous sound make for a thrilling driving experience.
The leading position of the S5 Sportback is further underscored by its drivetrain technology. The top model comes standard with the seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive with a slight rear wheel bias. Optionally available is the sport differential.
The high-end rear-axle differential transfers the forces at the rear axle between the wheels as needed for even greater dynamism and stability.
So this is how the Bentley Mulsanne looks in motion
Have been waiting for this. How the new monster-Bentley looks at speed. What do you think?
Lorinser MB GLK
Cant have a GLK without mods, a fact Lorinser also has realized. Their body kit to the sweetdriving mini-SUV looks really good, and they offer different wheels ranging from 19-21 inch.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Out
Flavio Briatore is out of Renault F1. The circumstances at the F1-race in Singapore last year, where Nelson Piquet supposedly where instructed to crash and therefore help Alonso to win, led to the decision. Chief engineer Pat Symonds leaves the team as well.
MB SLS teaser
Think the video kind of says it all. The sound is very "Bullitt" in my opinion.
The tech:
The tech:
Porsche 997 GT3 RS, it doesn´t get better!
This video shows what we can expect, and it surely is worth waiting for. Thanks for the tip, Kjetil!
Lightweight wonder, Audi R8 Spyder
Audis smashing R8 is now ready for summerduty - topless! The Coupé is a marvel to drive, and I cant help wonder how it is as a spyder. Most impressing is the fact that the roofless sibling only weighs 6 kilos more than the coupé. The reason is Audis Space Frame (ASF). Or as the pressrelease states:
In the version with manual transmission, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro weighs only 1,720 kilograms thanks primarily to its aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF) body. Despite reinforcements in the area of the sills, the center tunnel, the rear wall, the floor pan and the A- and B-pillars, the body weighs only 216 kilograms (476.2 lb) – just 6 kilograms (13.23 lb) more than that of the R8 Coupé. The high stiffness of the ASF body, which includes an integrated engine frame of ultra-lightweight magnesium, provides the foundation for the car’s dynamic handling and superior safety.
Otherwise they tell:
The V10 engine produces 386 kW (525 hp) and launches the open-top two-seater to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 313 km/h (194.49 mph). Featuring technologies such as the Audi Space Frame (ASF), quattro permanent all-wheel drive, full-LED headlights and with an innovative seatbelt microphone available as an option, the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro is the new top-of-the-range Audi.
And not to forget:
he chassis is tuned for good comfort, thanks in part to standard Audi magnetic ride technology. This uses magnetic fields in the shock absorbers to adjust their response to road conditions within milliseconds and adapt to the driver’s style. The driver can choose between two base characteristics. A sports suspension with conventional shock absorbers is available as an option.
The R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro rolls on 19-inch wheels of 10-spoke Y design. The front rims are shod with 235/35 tires, with 295/30 tires at the back. 305/30 tires are optionally available. The brakes offer impressive performance: The four discs are internally ventilated and perforated, with eight-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers at the back. Optionally available from Audi are oversized carbon fiber-ceramic discs that are extremely lightweight, robust and long-lived. The ESP stabilization system has a Sport mode and can also be completely deactivated. The brake system includes an assist function that facilitates starting on gradients.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Mooncarrier, the MB E 63 AMG Estate
It doesn´t have to be an big, powerfull and overly expensive luxury-limo to be fun! A quick, anonymous and reasonably sized (and not that cheap, I´m afraid) estate will do perfect, thank you. This is parts of what MB says about their tasty stealth bomber:
Affalterbach – Pole position for the new E 63 AMG Estate: the high-performance estate develops 386 kW/525 hp, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, offers a maximum luggage compartment capacity of 1950 litres – all with a relatively low fuel consumption of 12.8 litres per 100 km (combined, provisional figures). With these dream figures, the new E 63 AMG Estate adds up to an extraordinary combination of driving dynamics, high utility value and superb efficiency.
The top-of-the-line E-Class not only features its distinctive styling but also the all-new AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension including electronically controlled damping system and a new front axle. A composite ceramic braking system is available for the first time for the E 63 AMG Estate. The unrivalled combination of groundbreaking driver assistance systems raises the bar in terms of active and passive safety in this vehicle class.
Largest luggage compartment and lowest fuel consumption – the E 63 AMGEstate sets new standards. With a luggage compartment capacity of 695 to 1950 litres and fuel consumption of 12.8 litres Super Plus per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined), the new high-performance estate from AMGstands on pole position. None of its rivals can match this extraordinary combination of performance, utility value and efficiency. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine with its 386 kW/525 hp develops 8 kW/11 hp more than the previous model, yet betters its fuel consumption figures by almost twelve percent.
This improvement was achieved thanks to a whole raft of efficiency-enhancing measures. The on-demand delivery of fuel and generator management with recuperation of braking energy on the overrun has helped reduce fuel consumption, just like the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission: a wet start-up clutch that runs in an oil bath replaces the conventional torque converter, while the even more fuel-efficient driving mode "Controlled Efficiency" utilises early upshifts to keep engine speeds as low as possible.
Bentley Mulsanne
The new Mulsanne joins the limo-party that keeps everyone busy in Frankfurt these days. Here is parts of the pressrelease:
“The new Mulsanne is a thoroughly modern flagship that captures the essence of the Bentley marque. It is elegant yet distinctly sporting in character, delivering effortless performance while within its sumptuous cabin, advanced technology sits discreetly with handcrafted luxury.” Bentley Motors Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen.
The design of the new Mulsanne is a unique fusion of sportiness, coachbuilt elegance and solidity. Echoing the Bentley S -Type of the 1950s, the Mulsanne features a bold frontal design dominated by the traditional Bentley matrix grille and highly prominent, classic round inner headlamps with chrome surrounds, flanked by two, smaller outboard lamp clusters, all featuring the latest in lighting technology. The iconic ‘Flying B’ retractable radiator mascot is available as an option.
The long bonnet, short front overhang and long rear overhang help to convey a sense of power and movement, reinforced by muscular haunches and sharply sculptured lines which flow gracefully from the front wings to the rear. Uniquely designed 20-inch wheels (and optional 21-inch) reinforce the Mulsanne’s powerful, sporting stance.
The complex form of the aluminium front wings, impossible to achieve with normal pressing techniques, is created using superforming, a technology usually reserved for the aerospace industry.
To achieve a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2. emissions, the Mulsanne V8 sees the introduction of two new control systems: cam phasing and, a first for the ultra-luxury sector, variable displacement.
The pioneering use of these two technologies in combination allows the Mulsanne’s engine management system not only to adjust the V8’s breathing for improved engine idle quality and torque delivery, but also to close the valves of four of the eight cylinders for maximum fuel economy when cruising.
New lightweight componentry including pistons, connecting rods and forged crankshaft reduce reciprocating mass and internal friction for improved engine response.
In the new Mulsanne, the 6¾-litre V8 develops 512 PS (505 bhp/377 kW) while the massive torque (1020 Nm / 752 lb ft) is now delivered even earlier at 1800 rev/min. This dramatic improvement in torque delivery from just above idle and right across the rev range ensures that with a mere tap of the accelerator the driver is immediately rewarded with that characteristic deep, muffled V8 burble and phenomenal acceleration.
A new air suspension system with continuously variable dampers creates an even more refined and comfortable ride at lower speeds, yet can reduce the Mulsanne’s ride height automatically at high speeds to reduce lift and improve aerodynamic stability.
Ehhmm, electric R8?
Audi has launched this concept. The question is what we can expect int the future. Electric supercars?
This is the short version:
The Audi e-tron
Audi presents the highlight of the IAA 2009: the e-tron, a high-performance sports car with a purely electric drive system. Four motors – two each at the front and rear axles – drive the wheels, making the concept car a true quattro. Producing 230 kW (313 hp) and 4,500 Nm (3,319.03 lb-ft) of torque, the two-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 – 62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and from 60 to 120 km/h (37.28 – 74.56 mph) in 4.1 seconds. The lithium-ion battery provides a truly useable energy content of 42.4 kilowatt hours to enable a range of approximately 248 kilometers.
The Aston Martin Rapide
Okay, this is what AM says about their ultralimo:
Rapide: Pure Aston Martin
The World’s Most Elegant Four-Door Sports Car
The most elegant four-door sports car in the world
Accommodates four adults in luxury and comfort
Benchmark levels of driver engagement and refinement
Spacious and functional creating a truly versatile Aston Martin sports car
Gaydon, Warwickshire 15 September 2009. Aston Martin will unveil one of the most eagerly awaited cars of 2009 at the 63rd Frankfurt Motorshow. The elegant Rapide, functional yet luxurious, provides space for up to four adults combined with an engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins.
As the marque’s first production four-door sports car, Rapide encapsulates core values of Power, Beauty and Soul; four ‘swan wing’ doors provide access to cosseting sports seats both front and rear bestowing occupants with ample accommodation. A 301 litre luggage compartment affords generous space for belongings for all four passengers whether they be sports bags or indeed, sets of skis, creating an Aston Martin which can be enjoyed on any occasion, anytime, anywhere.
Rapide’s rear environment has been intelligently packaged to create a space where passengers feel a part of the driving experience with clear views to the front and sides. Comfort and support is supplied in the form of two hand trimmed individual seats and a personal face-level heating and air conditioning system. Aiding the practicalities of everyday use, the luggage compartment features a movable bulkhead to permit access from the rear cabin while the rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button to create a flat loading space increasing the luggage compartment from 301 litres to 750 litres.
At the heart of every Aston Martin lies an evocative engine providing effortless power and torque: Rapide features a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp (477 PS / 350 kW) with peak power being delivered at 6000 rpm and 600 Nm (443 lbft) peak torque at 5000 rpm. A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission features as standard, allowing the driver to change gear automatically or manually via the steering column-mounted magnesium paddles.
First shown in 2006 in concept form at the Detroit Auto Show, the Rapide project received an immediate green light from Aston Martin’s new shareholders in mid 2007 following the sale of the marque by the Ford Motor Company. In a little over two years, Aston Martin’s design and engineering team have delivered a new car from the ground up. Rapide has been developed from the ‘V/H Architecture’ platform which already forms the backbone to Aston Martin’s critically acclaimed line-up: the DBS, DB9 and Vantage range.
Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez said: “Rapide is the culmination of the Aston Martin range of sports cars, a car that seals the revival of a truly admired marque. There is now an Aston Martin for every taste and for every use.
“With Rapide, the entire family can enjoy their Aston Martin together in unison, in an invigorating yet comfortable environment, sitting low, with plenty of visibility from every seat and with new levels of comfort, refinement and entertainment.”
Director of Design, Marek Reichman who led the in-house design team which penned the Rapide said: “Like a race horse standing still, you can see its power and elegance, the shape of Rapide’s rear haunches are muscular conveying the power that lies beneath while its low stance produces a powerful look.
“There is a real sense of proportion with this car, akin to a tailored suit; the new double grill gives more presence on the road while the iconic signature side strake has been lengthened through to the rear doors to enhance its lateral proportions in a subtle, yet elegant way. The car’s purity makes it look right from every angle.”
First deliveries of the Rapide will commence early in 2010 and will be available globally through Aston Martin’s 125 strong dealership network. Pricing will be confirmed at the Frankfurt Show.
- Ends –
Fast and effortless driving at Nordschleife
This is fellow Norwegian Kjetil doing a finishing lap in his 997 GT2 at Scuderia Hanseat last week. Look at the speedo (in miles) an you will realize how fast and clean he (and the car!) goes. No wonder he was best in class...!
Scary Ken Block
This time Ken shows some "innocent" fans how to drive in real life, not in a TV-game! Think some of them nearly soils their underwear....
Techart Panamera
Techart shows their first step towards the ultimate Panamera. They have not said anything about more power yet, which will follow quite soon I guess. Here from the pressrelease:
Das vollkommen neu entwickelte Aerokit I wurde aus PUR-RIM gefertigt und optimiert die Fahreigenschaften speziell bei hohen Geschwindigkeiten. Der dreiteilige Frontspoiler I verfügt über integrierte Bremsluftführungen und reduziert so den Auftrieb an der Vorderachse bei gleichzeitig besserer Bremsenkühlung. Seitenschweller beruhigen den Luftstrom unter dem Fahrzeug und bilden eine dynamische Linienführung in der Seitenansicht. Der neue Heckflügel I und ein Heckdiffusor unterstützen die Fahrstabilität und unterstreichen zusammen mit ovalen Doppelendrohren aus Edelstahl mit TECHART-Gravur auch am Heck das konsequente Design.
Die Kraftübertragung auf die Straße übernehmen wahlweise elegante 21-Zoll TECHART Formula oder sportbetonte 22-Zoll TECHART Formula II Leichtmetallräder. Für die nötige Haftung empfiehlt TECHART Conti Sport Contact 3 Pneus oder Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 Reifen.
Für den Panamera Turbo stellt TECHART ein multifunktionales Tagfahrlichtsystem bereit. Die LED-Systemeinheit kombiniert Tagfahrleuchten, Blinker, Stand- und Positionslicht in einem Gehäuse – wahlweise in Chrom oder Schwarz – die sich nahtlos in das Frontdesign des Panamera einfügt. Das System verfügt über eine automatische Dimmung der Tagfahrleuchten beim Blinken sowie bei Zuschaltung des Abblendlichts.
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Lamborghini Reventón Spyder
Since this is one of the essential new supercars at Frankfurt, I do take the liberty to copy+paste the whole pressrelease:
Designer piece with uncompromising performance
Lamborghini presents the ultimate driving machine among open-top two-seaters – the Reventón Roadster is a sports car of breathtaking fascination, menacing power and uncompromising performance. The 6.5 liter twelve-cylinder generates 493 kW (670 PS), catapulting the Roadster from 0 to 100 Km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 330 KM/h (205 mph). The open-top Reventón is not only one of the fastest, but also one of the most exclusive cars in the world – Lamborghini has limited the series.
The Lamborghini Reventón is not destined to remain a one-off. Less than 20 Lamborghini friends and collectors will be able to own this extraordinary car and, naturally, enjoy the incomparable pleasure of driving it.
Each Reventón Roadster will be sold for 1.1 Million Euro (without taxes). Deliveries will begin October 2009.
“The Reventón is the most extreme car in the history of the brand,” comments Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. “The new Roadster adds an extra emotional component to our combined technological expertise – it unites superior performance with the sensual fascination of open-top driving.” The Reventón Coupé was presented at the 2007 IAA in Frankfurt and was sold out immediately.
Open-top sports cars are a tradition at Lamborghini that stretches back over 40 years. In 1968, the company from Sant’Agata Bolognese built a Miura without a fixed roof as a one-off. The Diablo Roadster appeared in 1995 with its targa roof anchored to the engine cover.
Sculpture with extreme dynamics
All Lamborghinis are created with an avantgarde approach to design; a fast-moving technical sculpture. The Reventón Roadster is derived from the same creative thinking as the Coupé. Its designers found their inspiration in aviation – the aggressive wedge shape evokes images of fighter jets.
The powerful arrowhead form at the front, the mighty air intakes pulled way forward, the broad side skirts, the upwards opening scissor doors and the rear end with its menacing edges – the Roadster is clad in a design of maximum functionality and spectacular clarity. Details set stylish accents, such as headlamps featuring bi-xenon units with LEDs forming the daytime running lights and indicators. The rear lamps are also equipped with LEDs.
Like the Coupé, the Reventón Roadster measures 4700 mm (185 in.) long. It has a wheelbase of 2665 mm (105 in.) and is 2058 mm (81 in.) wide and 1132 mm (45 in.) high. The driver and passenger seating positions are low and sporty, separated by a substantial central tunnel.
Behind the two seats are two hidden pop-up bars that deploy upwards in just a few hundredths of a second in the event of an imminent rollover. A fixed, horizontal wing-shaped member behind the seats bears the third brake light. The design of the Roadster’s long back is also quite distinct from that of the Coupé. The engine bonnet is virtually horizontal and a total of four windows made from glass provide a view of the mighty V12 in all its technical elegance.
Stiff bodyshell base
The base bodyshell of the Reventón is already so stiff that the Roadster requires only minimal reinforcement. It has a dry weight of only 1690 Kg (3,725 lbs.), just 25 Kg, (55 lbs.) more than the Coupé.
Like the Coupé, the cell of the Roadster is made from high-strength steel profile and carbon components joined with specialist adhesive and rivets. The bodyshell is made almost entirely from carbon fiber elements, with sheet steel used only for the outer door skins.
Exclusive grey paintwork
A unique paint finish completes the razor sharp design language of the Lamborghini Reventón Roadster. For this exclusive special edition, designers have created a new shade of matt grey called Reventón Grey. As for the Reventón Coupé, which is a slightly different shade of grey, this is a matt paint finish that, in the sunlight, displays an unexpected impression of depth thanks to its special metal particles.
The wheels of the Reventón Roadster also incorporate the interplay of matt and glossy elements. The five spokes of the rims each bear a Y-form, and on each spoke are mounted small crescent-shaped wings made from matte carbon. These provide not only an unusual visual impact, but also a turbine effect that further improves cooling of the mighty ceramic brake discs.
Aircraft-style displays
The interior of the Reventón Roadster conveys the same powerful design as the exterior. The cockpit is structured with technical clarity, the interfaces arranged for functionality. Like a modern aircraft, the open two-seater no longer has classic analogue instrumentation – instead, information is delivered via two transreflective and one transmissive liquid-crystal displays.
The driver can switch between two modes at the touch of a button – one digital view with illuminated bars and one level with classic round dials, albeit with changing color graphics. Centrally located at the top of the display is the G-force meter. It represents the intensity of the forces acting on the Reventón Roadster under acceleration, braking and heavy cornering; the same format used in Formula 1.
The instruments are mounted in a casing machined from solid aluminum which is housed in a carbon fiber dashboard. The interior displays uncompromisingly clean craftsmanship and features a host of carbon fiber applications – e.g. on the center tunnel – aluminum, Alcantara and leather. The central panels and the seat cushions are perforated, with precision stitching gracing their outer edges.
Lamborghini has equipped the Reventón Roadster with full options.
An icon of engine design
The twelve-cylinder engine that powers the Reventón Roadster is a Lamborghini icon – and the technical feature that defines the character of the car. It is one of the world’s most powerful naturally-aspirated engines. With a compression ratio of 11 : 1 and a displacement of 6496 cc (396.41 in3,) it generates 670 PS (493 kW) at 8,000 rpm. Its maximum torque of 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) kicks in at 6,000 rpm.
The V12 engine is a masterpiece of Italian engineering. Two chains drive its four camshafts that, in turn, operate the 48 valves. Together with the three-phase adjustable intake manifold, the variable valve timing delivers a meaty torque build-up. Dry sump lubrication ensures that the hi-tech power unit has a constant supply of oil, even under heavy lateral acceleration. The absence of the oil sump means a low mounting position – benefitting the car’s outstanding handling characteristics.
The V12 catapults the Reventón Roadster from 0 to 100 Km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 330 Km/h (205 mph). It reacts with the eagerness of a racing engine to input from the right foot, revving to 8,000 rpm and beyond, and performing a symphony that sends shudders along the spine. The deep booming bass, the powerful mid-range and the exultant horn section play music that, once heard, can never be forgotten.
All-wheel drive for maximum traction
In classic Lamborghini style, the aluminum engine is mounted longitudinally in front of the rear axle, with the transmission ahead of it beneath the center tunnel. This layout results in 58 percent of the overall weight being borne by the rear wheels – ideal for a powerful sports car.
This layout accommodates the Viscous Traction permanent all-wheel drive. Under normal conditions, it sends the vast majority of the driving force to the rear wheels. Should they begin to spin, the central viscous coupling sends up to 35 percent of the power via an additional shaft to the front axle. Limited-slip differentials are located there and at the rear axle with 25 and 45 percent lock respectively.
Lamborghini introduced the all-wheel drive principle with the Diablo. The reason back then was just as clear as it is today - four driven wheels grip far better than two, and the more powerful the engine, the greater the impact of this fundamental law of physics.
Also standard on the Reventón Roadster is the e.gear automated six-speed sequential manual transmission. The driver controls the gear shift, which is activated hydraulically via two steering wheel paddles. In addition to the “Normal” mode, the system offers a “Corsa” and a “low adherence” mode. The driver just has to keep his foot to the floor - the rest is handled by e.gear.
Running gear layout from motorsport
The Reventón Roadster keeps the extreme power of its engine in check with a running gear layout derived directly from motorsport. Each wheel boasts double wishbone suspension, with one spring strut on each side of the front axle and two each at the rear. The front end of the car can be raised by 40 mm (about 1.6 in.) to protect the underside of the vehicle over potholes or on steep entrances into underground garages.
The open two-seater runs on 18-inch wheels. The front tires measure 245/35, while the rears are 335/30. Dedicated air channels in the bodyshell cool the four wheel brakes. Carbon-fiber ceramic discs are standard – they have an extremely lightweight construction, operate with virtually no fade, are corrosion-free and achieve the highest service life. Each disc has a diameter of 380 mm (~15 in.) and is gripped by six-piston calipers.
As fast as the open two-seater may be, its road manners are impeccable. Its performance limits are extremely high, yet effortless to control. And, on exiting a bend, all four wheels stick tenaciously to the asphalt. The permanent all-wheel drive dovetails the car firmly with the road, delivering decisive benefits in traction and stability.
High-performance aerodynamics
A further distinctive characteristic of the Reventón Roadster is its calm directional stability even at extremely high speeds – a feature that also turns fast highway stretches into sheer joy. Alongside the bodyshell design and the smooth underbody, which culminates in a powerfully formed diffuser, the rear spoiler carries responsibility for downforce. It deploys from the rear edge at about 130 Km/h (80 mph) and adopts an even steeper angle as of about 220 Km/h (136 mph). The entire aerodynamic concept – around and through the car – is radically laid out for performance.
State-of the-art development techniques
Lamborghini used state-of-the-art, highly networked processes to bring the Reventón Roadster to life. The design, CAD work and model making that took place in the Centro Stile, which opened in 2004, were accompanied continuously by specialists and test engineers from the Research & Development Department.
The Design Department is directly linked to the neighbouring Ufficio Tecnico, ensuring rapid implementation of ideas. Lamborghini’s capabilities also include the independent development of the complete electronic platform. This incorporates all control units – including those for the V12 and the innovative cockpit displays.
All units of the Reventón Roadster are being built on the Sant’Agata Bolognese production line, with perfect craftsmanship and to the highest levels of quality.
Ken Block goes oldschool
Here in a classic Escort, equipped with sequential transmission! Cool to watch Block on this surface with a rwd car.
New Bugatti 16 C Galibier Limousine
Then its official. Bugatti has secretly been building a new limousine, still called a concept.
This is what the press release gives us:
BUGATTI sets the course for the future
The Bugatti 16 C Galibier Concept The most exclusive, elegant, and powerful four door Automobile in the World
Molsheim, Elsass, 14 September, 2009 – As the climax of its centenary celebration ceremonies, Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. presented customers and opinion-makers with the Bugatti 16 C Galibier concept, intended to be the most exclusive, elegant, and powerful four door automobile in the world last weekend in Molsheim. At the historic site where Ettore Bugatti once laid the cornerstone of his company, Bugatti’s current president, Dr. Ing. Franz-Josef Paefgen emphasised that the Galibier is one of several concept studies with which the company is considering for the future of the Bugatti marque.
Art - Forme - Technique: those are the brand values to which Ettore Bugatti and his son Jean oriented themselves in order to develop even more powerful engines and even more noble body designs for each new model, which were without equal in quality, handling, speed and elegance. In the process, they experimented again and again without compromise with new materials; thus was Bugatti one of the first manufacturers to use aluminium parts for bodies, engine blocks and wheels.
Art - Forme - Technique are also the brand values to which the design and engineering team of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. oriented themselves in the development of the Galibier. With this new four-door concept car, Bugatti assumes anew a leading role in the use of new material combinations. Thus the body is constructed of handmade carbon fibre parts coloured dark blue so that, when illuminated, the woven structure shimmers through strikingly. Carbon fibre not only possesses unusually great rigidity but is also especially light. The wings and doors are out of polished aluminium.
The Galibier’s design masters the challenge of uniting sportiness with the comfort and elegance of a modern four-door saloon. The basic architecture picks up on the torpedo-like character of the Type 35, which was already revived in the Veyron, and reinterprets it. With the typical Bugatti radiator grille, big round LED headlights and the clamshell running the length of the vehicle which became synonymous with the brand identity under Jean Bugatti in the Type 57, this car transports the Bugatti genes into the modern world.
Beneath the bonnet, which folds back from both sides, there resides a 16-cylinder, 8-litre engine with twostage supercharging. What makes this engine special is that it was developed as a flex-fuel engine and can optional be run on ethanol. Four-wheel drive, specially developed ceramic brakes and a new suspension design enable the agile, always-sure handling of a saloon of this size.
The interior reflects the elemental design of the exterior. The dash panel has been reduced to the essential; two centrally located main instruments keep even the rear passengers constantly informed of the actual speed and previous performance. Parmigiani, the Swiss maker of fine watches, created the removable Reverso Tourbillon clock for the Galibier, which may be worn on the wrist thanks to a cleverly designed leather strap.
“Galibier” is not just the name of one of the most difficult alpine passes along the Tour de France but, in its time, was a version of the four door Type 57 unequalled in sportiness and elegance.
Waiting for Reventón Roadster
As one of the most exclusive cars on earth, the Coupéversion wouldn´t hurt either!
Porsche PDK essential
Now that Porsche is starting to use their seq.transmission PDK in several models, this video shows how it works in an understandable language.
Not to forget the Launch Control (which is much more brutal in real life than this video shows):
Not to forget the Launch Control (which is much more brutal in real life than this video shows):
Sunday, September 13, 2009
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