Saturday, December 12, 2009

Tell me! Veyron vs F1

TopGear has put two of the most serious heavyhitters of all time up against each other. Veyron vs F1. Tell me which one you would prefer. Come on, comments please!!

G-Power BMW X5 M and X6 M



Sorry guys, I normally enjoy G-Powers wild M3s, M5s and M6s. But this just doesn´t do it for me. I will reconsider if the company shows the cars in all black. More stealthy. But I do like the 600+ HP and 300+ km/h topspeed.

Here is what the company says:

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Derived from the G-POWER Widebody-Kit TYPHOON, G-POWER presents an excitingly styled aerodynamics pack made of full carbon which renders 15 percent more cooling power to the 4.4l V8 BI-Turbo engine in the BMW X5 M and X6 M and therefore clears the way for increasing the basic performance by 45 hp to altogether 600 hp.
The first thing catching your eye with M-models modified by G-POWER, is the front skirt made of full carbon which entirely replaces the original component part. The front skirt with the striking air inlets derives from the G-POWER Widebody-Kit TYPHOON RS and turns the visual appearance of the BMW X5 M and X6 M significantly more aggressive. Due to the elaborate design, the aerodynamic lifting forces at the front axles could be also reduced. A further highlight is the G-POWER TYHPOON bonnet made of Kevlar hybrid or full carbon which ensures an improved removal of the hot exit air from both turbo chargers out of the engine compartment by a central Venturi engine compartment ventilation for driving and 2 lateral ABS-grids for the standard ventilation. Moreover, the new face of the BMW X5 M and X6 M are formed in a subtle way.

Moreover, the G-POWER full carbon add-ons for the serial side skirts perfectly and harmonically combine the visual intersection between the wheel houses. With the X5 M, these contain forged, one-part G-POWER SILVERSTONE EDITION aluminium wheels in the dimensions 11x23 and 12x23 inches, whereas the X6 M is equipped with three-part G-POWER RS forged wheel in the same dimension (if desired, also available in 22 inches). As far as the tyres are concerned, G-POWER counts on balance and uses 315/25 ZR 23 high performance tyres by its development partner Michelin for optimal traction and dynamic handling which are further enhanced by the G-POWER sports spring set and a lowering by additional 30 mm.

The BMW X5 M and X6 M are both perfected by the G-POWER full carbon diffuser which elegantly emphasises the 4 x 100 mm end pipes with G-POWER logos. Optionally, also a G-POWER full stainless steel end muffler is available. It enhances the 4 x 100 mm end pipes also with the patented DEEPTONE sound which is so typical for G-POWER. Exclusively for the BMW X6 M, a rear spoiler made of full carbon which additionally reduces the downforce at the rear axle can be optionally ordered with the rear diffuser.

But the appearance of the BMW X5 M and X6 M is not only visually improved by the G-POWER TYPHOON S aerodynamics pack. Due to the enlarged air inlets at the front skirt and the exit air outlets at the bonnet, more cold air reaches the water coolers and oil coolers at the car front. Therefore, the cooling performance improves by 15 percent. This is the basis for a thermally healthy performance enhancement by an electronic optimisation developed by G-POWER which is based on changing the engine characteristics and removing the V-max limitation. Therefore, an additional 45 hp are generated and the overall performance rises to mighty 600 hp at 6,000 r.p.m and 700 Nm torque from 2,000 r.p.m.
The enormous performance potential of the BMW V8 BI-Turbo engines modified by G-POWER empower the two “Off-road cars“ with driving performances catapulting them into the top group of their vehicle class: the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h only takes 4.5 seconds. After 16.2 seconds, already 200 km/h are achieved. The maximum speed is more than 300 km/h.

Worlds fastest SUV, MB Brabus GLK V12



One of the most crazy cars, oooops, sorry. SUVs this year? Think so....

A shortened version of the press release:

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Dubai, December 11th, 2009
With a top speed of 322.3 km/h (200.3 mph) the BRABUS GLK V12 has set a new speed record for street-legal SUVs on the Italian high-speed test track on October 19th, 2009. The exclusive special model, powered by a twelve-cylinder twin turbo engine with 750 hp (740 bhp) / 552 kW, celebrates its world debut at the DUBAI INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW. The BRABUS GLK V12 starts at 397,000 Euros MSRP.

The new BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine was implanted in the small engine bay of the GLK with meticulous precision. The engineers and technicians drew upon their experience and know-how gathered from the development and production of the special model BRABUS BULLIT, based on the latest Mercedes C-Class.
The motor delivers 750 hp (740 bhp) / 552 kW at 5,500 rpm and produces a peak torque of 1,350 Nm (995 lb-ft) at 2,100 rpm, limited in the car electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).
To achieve this kind of performance, the engine –based on the latest Mercedes 600 twelve- cylinder engine – was completely re-engineered in the BRABUS engine department. Displacement is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters with the help of a special crankshaft, larger cylinder bore, special pistons and piston rods. In addition the three-valve heads are precision-machined and fitted with special camshafts.
For maximum power yield the BRABUS engineers have developed a special twin turbo system with two larger turbochargers and more efficient intercoolers. Free-flow metal catalysts and a fully stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system custom-tailored to the GLK body let the BRABUS SV12 R 750 Biturbo engine breathe more freely.
Custom-programmed engine electronics ensure an optimal symbiosis of power yield, running smoothness and especially eco-friendly exhaust emissions.
The enormous power is transferred to the rear wheels via a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission and a BRABUS limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent.

Together these measures make the BRABUS GLK V12 the fastest street-legal SUV in the world. But it is not just the incredible top speed of 322.3 km/h (211 mph) that are the basis for its fascination. With an acceleration time from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) of just 4.2 seconds and 12.8 seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph) the five-door sets new standards for its kind.
BRABUS manages this extraordinary SUV performance with custom modifications to aerodynamics, suspension and brakes.
The front apron of the BRABUS WIDESTAR version was developed in the wind tunnel. Its large air dams provide radiators and front brakes with ample cooling air. In combination with a carbon-fiber spoiler lip the front apron also minimizes aerodynamic lift on the front axle –a prerequisite for directional stability beyond 300 km/h (186 mph).

Favorable aerodynamic properties were also a top priority for the design of the BRABUS WIDESTAR fender flares on front and rear axle.
The larger wheel houses of the record car provide space for BRABUS Monoblock wheels up to king-size wheels with a diameter of 22 inches. The size 10Jx22 wheels come in five different designs: GLK V12 customers can choose from the new BRABUS Monoblock G five- spoke forged wheels, three-piece Monoblock VI alloy wheels and one-piece Monoblock E, Q
and S wheels. High-performance tires from BRABUS technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA can be mounted up to size 285/25 ZR 22.

The BRABUS coilover sport suspension was developed specifically for the twelve-cylinder SUV. It is height-adjustable on front and rear axle and features ten selectable settings each for bound and rebound.
To handle the extreme performance the brakes were upgraded as well and trimmed for maximum stopping power and endurance. The BRABUS high-performance brakes system features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented and grooved steel discs measuring 380 x 37 millimeters (15 x 1.5 inches) on the front axle. The rear axle stops on six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented and grooved 360 x 28 millimeter (14.2 x 1.1 inches) discs.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Video: Porsche 60 years

Nice video showing some real highlights from Porsche.

Screensaver of the week: 9ff GT9R


With "only" 1.120 HP, 414 km/h topspeed and 20 built cars, this should be the thing to look for.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Novitec Rosso Ferrari California




Novitec Rosso launched their California today, and this is what the press-release says: (pics in hi-res by clicking)


Tasteful refinements with aerodynamic benefits characterize the NOVITEC ROSSO design program for the sports car from Maranello. All aerodynamic-enhancement components are made from especially lightweight yet high-strength clear-coated carbon fiber.

The NOVITEC ROSSO front spoiler attaches to the production bumper and lends the sports car an even more striking face. Its sophisticated shape further reduces lift on the front axle for even better directional stability at high speeds.

The sides are upgraded with striking NOVITEC ROSSO rocker panel moldings for an even more clearly defined racing look. Black side markers add further individual highlights.

To reduce lift on the rear axle and thus achieve an optimal aerodynamic balance NOVITEC ROSSO equips the California with a newly designed diffuser for the rear apron and a spoiler lip on the trunk lid.

Three-piece NOVITEC ROSSO NF3 wheels also play a major role in the even more stunning appearance of the refined Ferrari. By choosing a staggered combination of size 9Jx21 wheels in front and size 11.5Jx22 on the rear axle NOVITEC ROSSO further emphasizes the wedge shape of the car. Technology partner Pirelli supplies high-performance tires custom-tailored to this Ferrari. The front axle features tires in size 255/30 ZR 21. In the rear tires in size 315/25 ZR 22 provide optimal traction.

NOVITEC ROSSO sport springs are custom-calibrated to match these ultra-low-profile tires, and lower the ride height by some 35 millimeters. At the same time the NOVITEC ROSSO specialists have developed an additional feature to further improve the everyday utility of the Ferrari California. The NOVITEC ROSSO hydraulic front lift system raises the front of the car by some 40 millimeters at the push of a button in the interior. That allows drivers to safely navigate parking garage ramps or speed bumps. At a second push of the button or automatically when reaching a speed of 80 km/h the front reverts to its original position.

Even faster throttle response and more power characterize the first NOVITEC ROSSO tuning stage for the Ferrari California, which increases power output of the 4.3-liter V8 engine by 40 hp / 29.4 kW to 500 hp / 368 kW. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 485 to 518 Nm at 5,300 rpm.

This injection of extra power comprises on the one hand a newly calibrated engine management system with custom mapping for injection and ignition, including a new higher redline speed of 8,300 rpm. The tuning package also includes the NOVITEC ROSSO stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts and a flap actuator operated from the Manettino switch on the steering wheel.

NOVITEC ROSSO fulfills customer demands for interior customization with perfectly finished leather and Alcantara interiors. The choice of available colors and meticulously sewn upholstery designs is virtually unlimited.