Screensaver of the week: Rolls-Royce Phantom drifting on snow

Click on the pic for hi-res.

One of the pics I got of Jo´s Phantom drifting on the snow last week. You can watch the first Phantom in the world drifting on snow at youtube here.

Russian Marussia: Great after all?

I have to say, the cars in this video is a blast. Very stealthy, and probably some of the most aggressive lines I have seen in ages. Its possible to hear the engine screaming from revs between the awful music. Enjoy!

Those were the days

A true Opel classic, the Kadett B Coupé in rallye-trim vs the new specialedition of the Corsa, the Color Race.

New commercial: The MB of my choice

This new and amazing commercial certainly doesnt help. I now want the SLS more than ever.

Think its closed...

A shot from the webcam at the Nordschliefe today. Think its closed...

Gemballa MIG-U1

Gemballa has released all the details and new photos of their Enzo-based MIG-U1.

From the press release:
In the last 27 years, Uwe Gemballa has achieved the best world-wide reputation for refining Porsche cars. Now, the company manager from Leonberg near Stuttgart takes on a new challenge. The automobile manufacturer turns the most potent super sports car from Maranello, the Ferrari Enzo, into the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 – an individually produced edition, limited to only 25 cars.

The core part of the overall makeover is the entirely re-engineered aerodynamics concept by GEMBALLA. Without any exception, the manufacturer produces all components in real carbon in order to combine lowest weight with highest material strength.




Active aerodynamics for the maximum driving experience
Owing to the active aerodynamics conception, the front spoiler lip generates an additional downthrust of up to 35 kilograms at the front axle, according to the individual position. Analogically, the flap on the newly designed rear spoiler generates even up to 85 kilograms more downthrust on the rear wheels. For optimal handling results, the flap lowers, as soon as the car reaches a speed of 120 km/h. In this way, the GEMBALLA-aerodynamics concept adjusts to the outer conditions and always ensures perfect road holding characteristics. All components of the aerodynamics kit attribute to this: starting from the new front skirt with spoiler lip, over the door extensions to the diffuser and rear spoiler.



The air duct system of the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 does not only help bringing the power of the twelve-cylinder car onto the road. At the same time, the engineers from Leonberg (Baden-Württemberg) develop an extensive ventilation- and cooling concept. Here, both the front and the back wheel-houses are supplied with cooling air and this guarantees an optimal use of the high performance braking system. The outlets behind the wheels ensure that the heated air does not pile up. Moreover, the air inlets behind the doors and on the roof supply fresh air into engine compartment behind the passenger cabin. The newly designed air exhaust ducts end in and on top of the rear skirt. Their dimensions also allow the supply of an additional radiator.



The GEMBALLA car body components therefore guarantee the functionality of the new super sports car and provide the car with a unique look at the same time. Following the design of Formula-1 racing cars, the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 has an extended front and an edged rear spoiler. Formerly rounded edges were replaced in order to provide the car with an aggressive look with greedy air inlets and outlets.

Even the rear lights do not remain openly on the back, but are cased and equipped with air ducts. The MIG-U1 grows broader by 80 millimetres at the front- and 100 millimetres at the back axle.




For everyday use, the optional electro-hydraulic height-adjustment (HLS) is extremely innovative and enormously helpful. By pushing a button in the passenger compartment, it is possible to lift the body by 45 millimetres at the front- and rear axle and therefore allows driving over obstacles such as underground car park entrances and traffic ramps. Also by pushing a button or by reaching 80 km/h, the MIG-U1 lowers itself to its original level. Additionally, the multiple adjustable sports suspension which is equipped with ball bearing bushes significantly improves the handling and driving comfort of the MIG-U1.



The forged wheels GEMBALLA GTR RACING forged by our development partner “Advanced Structural Alloys” contribute both to the appearance and the performance of the car. The wheels which are made from a massive light alloy block combined highest stability with an extremely light weight. The elaborate forging process reduces the unsprung masses of one wheel set by 16 kilograms. Therefore, the wheels respond in an even more agile way and precisely follow every steering command even under highest strains. At the front, the 10x19 inch rims hold high-performance wheels in the dimension 265/35, while the back axle transfers the power of the engine through 13x20 inch rims with 335/30 wheels.



The twelve cylinder engine of the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 works with an optimised motor management and an especially adjusted exhaust system. This combination allows a performance output of 700 hp (515 kW). The four-pipe system with pneumatic flap control is added to the sports catalyser. The end-pipes are equipped with the typical GEMBALLA heat shield and share the exit into the rear skirt with the exhaust ducts of the rear wheel houses.



High-End for the interior
In the interior, GEMBALLA devises a control centre which perfectly combines functionality and comfort. The especially for the GEMBALLA MIG-U1 designed seats, the custom-made centre console and the sports steering wheel with its leather-ultra suede combination guarantee full control over the car. At the same time, the interior of this super sports car reflects pure luxury. All interior components are lined with leather and ultra suede. The integrated high-end multimedia system offers a seven-inch touch screen, navigation, DVD changer and an iPod connection. The 950-Watt amplifier operates the high frequency ranges in the cockpit front, the 165 millimetre large membrane on the door linings and the subwoofer between the seats. GEMBALLA-logos on the seats, the floor mats and the safety belts perfect the refinement.





With the GEMBALLA MIG-U1, the automobile manufacturer once again proves that its know-how is not only limited to Porsche cars. On the basis of the already exhilarating Ferrari Enzo, the engineers developed a unique car. But even the limited edition with only 25 cars is not exclusive enough for GEMBALLA. Therefore, every single GEMBALLA MIG-U1 is individually adjusted. This ensures that there will not be any identical cars. Therefore, the specialist with its reputation for unique high-end refinement once again meets the requirements for highest individuality.

Missing the fun

From last Thursday when I participated in snowracing with my 996 Turbo. Really want to go back for more action. Sigh.
For winterly occasions I have equipped the car with original wheels from the 993 w/widebody, dimensions are 7,5 inch (front) and 10x18 (rear) with an offset that works very well with 5mm spacers. The tyres were just fantastic, they are the new Hakka 7 with studs in the dim 225/40 and 255/35. A perfect fit regarding rolling circumference. (Thanks to Jan Erik at the Norwegian Nokian dealership/Egil and Steffen at Auto9 for wheels and Lars Johnsen/SportAuto for the picture)

Before Jeremy became a TV-star...

Video: BBC TopGear tests the Lexus LFA

Hammond is playing around in the RX450h before he lets the LFA animal loose. Niiiice.

Video: MINI Beachcomber

Since I am old enough to remember the original MINI Moke as shown in the video, its safe to say that time has passed on.

Video: Audi suicide commercial

Not sure if this is bad taste or fun. What do you think?

Thursday at the office: Leisure, winter and supercars in Norway

This is what I have been doing today. Kjetil has the Panamera Turbo, Jo has got the RR Phantom and Ole has the Cayenne Turbo S. My car is the red 996T.
Needless to say this was a great day out of office :-)





Thanks to Kjetil for the clips.

Porsche video: Racing. Not posing.

This video clearly shows what Porsche is about.

Embarrassing moments

Hopefully these moments are done for the rest of 2010, with this fun clip from Top Gear.

Preview: Audi A7

Hmmm. This is probably not the production version, regarding details like the front and rear. Judge yourself.

9ff: Comfortably the fastest 911

At a hi-speed run at Papenburg, 9ff managed to set a new world record for 911s. With 1.000 HP in the heavily modified 997 Turbo, they reached 392 km/h.

Promotion video: Lexus LF-A

Here the great newcomer is, in all its supercar glory:

Aha: This is the MB SLS Desert Gold

The very special model of the SLS was first shown at the Dubai Motor Show earlier in December. I miss more sound of the car, though.

Leno and the new Mac

Leno gets a close view of the new super-McLaren. But why is Leno so loosely strapped to the seat?

RR Ghost

Just love those automatic suicidedoors in the back. Look at 1:10 in this clip.

Porsche winter driving

Enjoy a Porsche sideways? Join one of their courses in the Porsche Driving Experience Winter Trainings.



Or maybe just take your own car to the Nordschleife? I mean, it is perfectly OK to have dreams....



Alternatively just change to a car from the same company, Volkswagen?

Aston Martin Carbon Black Special Editions

Aston Martin has announced these specialmodels: The Carbon Black Special Editions

The press release:

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Gaydon, Warwickshire. 18 December 2009. Aston Martin’s two top-of-the-range sports cars; the DBS and V12 Vantage have undergone a unique Carbon Black makeover to create a highly desirable special edition.

Celebrating the enormous success of the DBS and V12 Vantage which have surpassed all sales expectations since launch, the new special editions add a typically understated flair to these acclaimed models. Featuring bespoke Carbon Black metallic paint especially formulated with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep rich patina. Each car will undergo 50 man-hours of hand painting followed by stringent quality checks. For the V12 Vantage the iconic Aston Martin side strake has been fashioned from real carbon fibre backed by a black mesh and complimented with gloss black 10 spoke diamond turned alloy wheels. A bright finished grill and front parking sensors (normally an option) complete the exterior detailing.

Inside, owners will be greeted to swathes of Obsidian Black leather highlighted with a contrast silver coarse stitch all hand stitched by the craftspeople at Gaydon – Aston Martin’s global headquarters in England.
Lightweight seats formed from Carbon Fibre and Kevlar saving 17 kg over the standard seat also feature together with Piano black facia trim, centre stack and centre console, anodised black tread plates and unique sill plaques build on the carbon theme. The Aston Martin 700w Premium Audio System is delivered as standard in the V12 Vantage while the DBS boasts the Bang & Olufsen Beosound DBS audio system as standard.

Customers who order a Carbon Black Edition V12 Vantage will have the opportunity to experience Aston Martin’s renowned Performance Driving Course (UK and Europe only) free of charge which offers a memorable day helping customers to equip themselves with the skill sets to enhance the enjoyment of their Aston Martin on the track.
The Carbon Black Editions are available to order from the official Aston Martin dealership network with final pricing (expected to be approximately 5% over current base prices) to be confirmed in the New Year.

About the DBS
The DBS was launched in 2007 and is Aston Martin’s ultimate GT sports car. Benefitting from weight saving materials including aluminium and carbon fibre; the DBS offers dynamic and aesthetic purity, an exquisite interior and a driving experience unsurpassed by any other car in its coupe and Volante forms. Its hand built V12 engine produces 380 kW (510 bhp / 517 PS) making it one of the most powerful production cars Aston Martin has ever made. In 2009, the DBS ‘Volante’ (Aston Martin’s nomenclature for convertible) joined the DBS line-up

About the V12 Vantage
Launched in 2009, agility and outright performance form the basis of the design of the V12 Vantage creating the most exciting incarnation of the Vantage line-up to date. The V12 Vantage subtly hints at its sporting intent with its controlled aggression and lower, purposeful stance. The naturally aspirated 6.0- V12 engine provides the driver with instantaneous access to high levels of power and torque at all engine speeds, while Aston Martin’s class-leading, all alloy VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture provides exceptional strength and rigidity.

250 GTO California, "The Ferris Bueller way"

Growing up

I grew up in a neighborhood where one of the guys had one of these Suzuki GT380. A 2-stroke and 3-cylindered engine that made the most incredible sound in the late 70s. Now I know why the engine- and exhaustsound is so important to me.

BMW Concept ActiveE

Compared to the MINI E where the batteries occupies the back seat, the new ActiceE based on 1-series seems to have seats for four. Interesting!

New MB E-class Convertible

Worldpremiere: Kepler Motors MOTION Hybrid

This is the new Kepler hybrid supercar.

New Veyron-models from Bugatti

At Dubai today, Bugatti presented three new Veyron-models.

Here is the press release:

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Dubai, 15th December 2009 – Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. finishes its Centenary celebrations with three tailor made cars, especially developed for its discerning clientele in the Middle East: the Veyron “Sang d’Argent”, the Grand Sport “Soleil de Nuit” and the Veyron “Nocturne”, limited to five cars only.

The “Nocturne” – a special Veyron five car edition exclusively for the Middle East Market
The Veyron “Nocturne” strikes with an extraordinary partition of surfaces never used so far, giving the car a new dimension of lateral length. Bugatti is experimenting with galvanized side windows continuing the line of the polished aluminium upper body parts to the rear of the car and contrast vividly with the uni black of the side- and door-panels and the roof. Added to that is the hood, also covered in polished aluminium which emphasizes this impression of elegant length. Special polished custom rims at the exterior and a futuristic interior dominated by a black nanocoated magnesium dashboard and a centre console in galvanized Platinum complete this unique combination of individualized modern design.
This mini series has been especially developed for the Middle East Market honouring its importance and its strong partners in the area - Al Habtoor Motors, UAE, Al Zayani Trading Co., Kuwait, Al Ghassan Motors, Saudi Arabia and Dana Motors, Quatar.

“Sang d’Argent” and “Soleil de Nuit” - two dreams for 1001 nights
The two-tone-scheme of the Centenary Villa d’Este cars were at the origin of the “Sang d’Argent”, a one-off Veyron version built exclusively for the Middle East. But the country coded coloured parts of the car have now been changed to a subtle silver metallic which discreetly flows into the lines of the polished aluminium parts – doors and front wings – thus enhancing the “silver theme” of this car; yet another unique Bugatti creation celebrating the 100th anniversary of the brand. The “Sang d'Argent” has the Grand Sport rims, they complete together with the air intakes on the roof the overall silver appearance

Through the windows shines a differentiating Havanna interior with quilting pattern on seats and saddle and other very personalized items emphasizing the unique features of this very special Bugatti.

The “Soleil de Nuit” – Sun of the Night – is another stunning example of how a modern interpretation of Bugatti’s core values “Art, Forme, Technique”: A very unusual colour/material split characterizes the “Soleil de Nuit”, the second Middle East one-off model created for the Dubai Motor Show. The horizontal split in the lower part of the car – a synthesis of polished Aluminium, painted Black Blue Metallic enriched by mirror shine meshes – softens the lines of this Grand Sport and gives the body a new touch of sportiness. Blue Metallic in the upper body parts and also in the inner side of the (“Sang Noir”) rims, the outer side of which are in diamond cut, underline the exquisite appearance of this dramatic looking car. A strong burnt orange interior crowns the attractiveness of this impressive “Soleil de Nuit”.

The cars will be available for delivery in the first quarter of 2010. Their prices range from 1.65 Mio Euro for the five car series of the “Nocturne” to 1.45 Mio Euro for the “Sang d’Argent” and 1.55 Mio for the “Soleil de Nuit”, the Veyron and Grand Sport one-off models.

Wildchilds from MB for Dubai

The Middle East is an important market for MB. Today the company released this:

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Dubai (VAE) – The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the highlight of this year's
International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main, is on display in a stunning gold paint finish at the Dubai International Motor Show. This matt silk finish with the designation "AMG Desert Gold" lends an extraordinary aura to the new super sports car. The show in Dubai is also the premiere of the special G 55 AMG KOMPRESSOR "Edition 79" model. The Dubai Inter-national Motor Show is regarded as the most important motor show in the Middle East, and takes place every two years.
Matt gold on the aluminium body together with striking highlights in high-gloss black – an extraordinary and highly attractive combination. With its matt silk surface, "AMG Desert Gold" further accentuates the sporty appearance of the Gullwing model. All the decorative and mounted features that are in shining chrome or Silver Shadow in the standard SLS AMG have been given a deep-black paint finish by AMG's designers. Whether for the Mercedes star and the trim strip on the cross fin at the front, the fins on the bonnet and flanks, the filler cap or all the model plates: high-gloss black is used everywhere, ensuring a striking contrast with the matt silk sheen of the gold paintwork. The black-painted AMG light-alloy wheels in size 9.5 x 19 at the front and 11.0 x 20 at the rear are embellished with a golden ring on the rim flange.
"AMG Desert Gold" has currently only been used for the display vehicle at the Dubai International Motor Show, but given sufficient customer demand, this special gold paint finish could become available as an individual optional extra from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO. Two alluring matt paint finishes - AMG Monza grey magno" and "designo magno alanite grey" - are already offered for the SLS AMG. And as a highlight, the unique "AMG alubeam silver", a finish that makes the paintwork glisten like liquid metal. At present SLS AMG customers have a choice of nine attractive paint colours.
Completely black interior, with plenty of solid carbon-fibre
The interior of the special SLS AMG model is in uncompromising, sporty black, the AMG sports bucket seats corresponding with the solid carbon-fibre centre console and other carbon-fibre interior features. Opening the bonnet reveals the 420 kW (571 hp) AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, which is strikingly framed by the high-quality carbon-fibre engine compartment cover.
"The premiere of the SLS AMG in "AMG Desert Gold" at the Dubai International Motor Show is a token of respect for the Middle East. After the USA, Germany and Japan, the Gulf region is the fourth-largest market for AMG," says Volker Mornhinweg, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Special G 55 AMG KOMPRESSOR "Edition 79" model
Exclusively destined for the Middle East, the special G 55 AMG KOMPRESSOR "Edition 79" model is a reference to the sales start of the series in 1979. This 373 kW (507 hp) off-road icon has a particularly large community of fans in the Gulf region – which is the largest sales market for the top AMG model. The "Edition 79" has a highly attractive combination of unique features: the exclu-sivity of this limited edition of 79 off-roaders is immediately made apparent by the "designo magno alanite grey" paint finish. This matt finish is already familiar from the SLS AMG, but is otherwise unavailable for the G-Class. The G 55 AMG KOMPRESSOR "Edition 79" differs from the standard model in having a crash bar at the front, carbon-look side trim strips, 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a titanium finish and chromed protective grilles for the front indicators, tail lights and the underguard. Eyecatching interior features include the designo leather seats in black/sand, high-quality, solid carbon-fibre trim and the Edition logo "1 out of 79" positioned in front of the selector lever.

Gemballa MIG-U1

Exciting! The motorshow of Dubai opens tomorrow, and among the new cars Gemballa will show the MIG-U1.