2010 Caterham Seven Lambretta Special Edition

English car company Caterham Cars will be releasing a special edition of the Caterham Seven later this year.

The Lambretta Special Edition uses a 1.6 liter Ford Sigma powerplant, which delivers 125 hp and 120 lb-ft of torque. The unit is matted to a five speed manual gearbox and pushes the car to 60 mph in six seconds. The trendy Caterham uses a “purposeful chassis” that allows it to offer exceptional handling.

The Caterham Seven sportcar from Lambretta features a unique body paint, a combination of red, white and blue, based on the Union Jack. The same combination is used on the decals and livery, leather seats, dash, carpets and boot allowing for a proper homage to the heritage of the U.K.


Caterham Special Edition Seven exterior features a unique paints that includes with decals that matches leather seats, dashboard, carpet and boot.

The price for this special edition is £26,995.





Press Release

LAMBRETTA'S TAKE ON A CATERHAM SEVEN

Caterham Cars has teamed up with another iconic British company, Lambretta Clothing, to give its legendary Seven sportscar a visual overhaul for a unique 2010 Special Edition.

The British-owned fashion label, which is based in London's famous Carnaby Street, has drawn on its characteristic flair and rich heritage in popular culture to create a bespoke, custom-tailored Caterham, which screams ‘Britannia'.

The body paint, decals and livery leave you in no doubt of its geographic heritage with the Union Jack's unmistakable hue of red, white and blue dressing the paintwork.

Naturally, the theme continues inside with a matching colour scheme spanning the leather seats, dash, carpets and boot. Hand-stitched seat piping, embossed Lambretta motifs and a stylish Moto-Lita steering wheel finish the interior detailing.

Under the skin, the engineering is pure Caterham.

Powered by a 1.6-litre Ford Sigma engine, which pushes out 125bhp, the Lambretta Special Edition can call upon 120lbs ft of torque to propel its lightweight frame to 60mph in six seconds. The marriage of a quick-fire five-speed gearbox, with a purposeful chassis, provides the responsiveness and handling characteristics every Seven is famous for.

Available immediately, the Caterham Seven Lambretta Special Edition is priced at £26,995 OTR.

Lambretta's managing director, Rob Harmer explained: "Designing the exterior and interior of a car is an entirely different challenge to our core business of fashion and accessories, but there are clearly some shared philosophies between the two companies, which made this collaboration so exciting."

Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/Specialty%20Marques
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Lawrence Tomlinson adds to growing automotive portfolio

Iconic British car marque Ginetta, has extended its road car proposition by acquiring Bath-based supercar manufacturer Farbio Sports Cars. Driving the potential deal is Ginetta Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson, who acquired Ginetta in 2005 and has pushed the sports car maker to new levels.

With three highly successful one-make championships and the GT winning G50 which has beaten the likes of Aston Martin, the Leeds-based manufacturer has become a major player on the global motorsport scene.

Meanwhile, Farbio, which was established in 2005 by former racing driver Chris Marsh, offers a stunning lightweight British supercar in the form of the Farbio GTS and its enhanced performance models the GTS350 and GTS400. The cars unique selling point comes in its ground-breaking carbon fibre body which is manufactured at specialist facilities at Farbio's Bath factory - and ensures that the cars are lighter than an average Ford Fiesta at just 1048 kg.


With the top of the range GTS400 reaching an impressive 410bhp, Farbio has produced a super quick road car with the handling of a race car. It has received phenomenal press reviews, with the Sunday Times calling the GTS400 "one of the best cars this country has ever produced". Farbio has already set up an impressive worldwide Dealer Network and the fusion of the two marques will add to the global presence of the automotive group. A rebadged Ginetta F400 was unveiled today at Silverstone by Tomlinson and Marsh

Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson said: "I have been continually impressed by Farbio - Chris Marsh and his team have established a car which incorporates complex design with obvious beauty. The acquisition by Ginetta will mean that we can further develop on the existing carbon fibre component facility which is housed at Bath whilst using Ginetta's considerable motorsport credentials and inherently strong brand identity to propel a road car to international acclaim. I am very confident that bringing Farbio under the Ginetta marque will be an incredibly positive move."

Managing Director, Chris Marsh has followed the Ginetta brand since its acquisition by Tomlinson. He added "The accomplishments that have been made by Ginetta have been fantastic. I have been following Lawrence's achievements over the past years, having been at Le Mans for his first win in 2006 and am very much looking forward to working with him and his team to expand and develop the brand. Both companies will mutually benefit from their individual qualities and strengths resulting in a strong and enhanced global position in the sports car market".

Chris Marsh will remain as Managing Director with the existing team set to expand significantly. The Farbio brand will be re-named Ginetta.


About Ginetta

Ginetta is an iconic British sports car manufacturer which has been building road and race cars since 1958.

Today the Yorkshire-based company is a major player on the motorsport scene in the UK and abroad. Its own three single-make Championships, two of which support the prestigious BTCC series, are renowned for their entertaining close racing.

Multi-marque racing at GT level with the G50 and the Ginetta-Zytek's LMP1 and LMP2 cars complete the career ladder opportunities starting from 14 years old in the Ginetta Junior car.

In 2008 Ginetta Cars was awarded the title of ‘Small Business of the Year' by the Motorsport Industry Association and in the same year the Ginetta G50 was crowned Autosport's Car of the Year. In June 2009, Team LNT raced a Ginetta-Zytek GZ09S in the premier LMP1 class at Le Mans with Formula One icon Nigel Mansell competing in the same car at the Le Mans Series finale in September.

Ginetta's latest launch the G40, was unveiled to international acclaim at Autosport International in January 2010. The multi-platform road and race car will hit grids in April 2010.
More Photos


Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/Specialty%20Marques
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Geneva 2010: NLV Quant Concept

The second generation NVL Quant made its public debut in front of media yesterday in Geneva, bringing with it what NVL Solar, its creator, calls "a breakthrough the market eagerly has been anticipating for years." While this last statement is a matter of interpretation, the Quant does bring a range of interesting features. The most exciting thing about it, however, is the promise to turn production version rather sooner than later.


Set to be production ready next year, the Quant was designed to prove "cutting-edge supercars can combine speed, comfort and enjoyment with environmental integrity." It features two different battery systems ("a long-life metal-air battery or a rechargeable redox flow cell"), four torque-vectoring electric motors, a full carbon fiber chassis, and a revolutionary thin-film coated photovoltaic body.


The Quant has some initial performance figures which would give a regular, internal combustion engined supercar, a good run for its money: 2.8 seconds 0-100 km/h acceleration time and a top speed of 377 km/h (234 mph).


The latter converts light into electricity to supply the operating electronics and the battery. While it's a bit technical, NLV says the coating has "an average photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 38%, depending on ambient conditions, and a peak performance of over 50%." More importantly, the company believes they can tune the material's absorption characteristics to create multiple layers with their own unique absorption frequency. As impressive as this is, NLV estimates the film will have a degradation coefficient of only 5-6% over 20 years.


The Quant comes with four airbags, ABS and ESP, two infotainment panels for the rear seats, zone Climate Control system, LED front and rear lights and, la piece de resistance, NLV photovoltaic thin film solar coating all over the body of the car.


More Photos



Press Release



NLV Solar AG, a pioneer in photovoltaics and accumulator technology, have joined forces to create the Quant sport. The brainchild of this marriage of power and energy is a four-seater electric car - a breakthrough the market eagerly has been anticipating for years. A prototype is to be unveiled at the Motor Show Geneva 2010, with currently working to scale up for series production.

The NLV Quant is an exciting, revolutionary automotive project. Within the coming year, the NLV Quant will be fully engineered and ready for production. You can follow the last few stages. The design, drive system, range and photovoltaics of the Quant are already spectacular and record-breaking as individual components, and we believe that together they will mark a milestone in automotive history.

Technics

The NLV Quant is proof that cutting-edge supercars can combine speed, comfort and enjoyment with environmental integrity. It implents the mobile energy technology of the future. The NLV Quant has two different battery systems, a torque vectoring with 4 electric motors and a full carbon chassis. A thin-film coated photvoltaic car body supplies the operating electronics and also supports the battery. Gull-wing doors provide easy access to all four passengers.

Carbon Chassis

A reason for the car's low weight is the utilisation of a carbon-fibre monotube backbone chassis, construction, which houses the FAES system safely inside the centreline of the car at the lowest possible position, bringing down the centre of gravity and central mass point.

Using tradition lay-up, the vacuum bag generates the pressure for consolidating the carbon plies. In RTM process there are two moulds and the pressure comes only from the resin pump. The design becomes quite critical as inner and outer skin has to be perfectly defines in order to have a designed volume matching exactly the tooling volume. The risk is to have voids generated by not precise fitting of the inner cores.

Thin Film

The NLV Quant is coated with a thin film made of pyrite, which converts light into electricity to supply the operating electronics and also support the battery. This innovative pyrite technology is cost-effective, efficient and ecological.

NLV Solar AG has developed an iron-sulphur composite semiconductor using digital prototyping, with very promising results. The research indicates:

• an average photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 38%, depending on ambient conditions, and a peak performance of over 50%

• the possibility of fine-tuning the material's absorption characteristics by modification of its crystal lattice structure using ion implantation; stacked in a multilayer thin-film cell, it would be possible to tune each layer to a different target absorption frequency

• as a thin-film cell, the material could be applied to substrates in a transparent, semi-transparent or tinted coating

• the projected degradation coefficient is only 5-6% over 20 years

Electric Power

The NLV Quant allows for the modular installation of either a long-life metal-air battery or a rechargeable redox flow cell. These are both future-oriented, secure energy sources which help give the Quant exceptional power and range.

Speed

The projected curb weight of 1680 kg is very light considering that it is a battery-powered, four-seater, luxury performance car. This is partly due to the four-motor installation- a remarkable achievement which allows the NLV Quant to deliver 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 377 km/h.

Gullwing

The gull-wing doors set the NLV Quant apart from any other four-seaters on the market. As well as being a stylish feature, they also make entry to the car more ergonomic, thanks to the lack of B-pillars. They provide easy access to both the front and rear passenger seats. The unique split side-lite feature allows either passenger to open and close the front and rear side windows separately, despite the fact that there is only one door per side.

Preliminary Specs

• Power: 600 kW ( 4x 150 kW), 800 bhp
• Rotation speed 12'000 U/min
• Torque: 1500 nm
• 0-100 km/h: 2,8 seconds
• Top speed: 377 km/h
• Curb weight: 1680 kg
• Wheelbase 3102 mm
• Track - Front: 1730 mm; rear: 1729 mm
• Wheels/tyres ? front: 245/35 - 23"; rear: 285/30 - 23" - low friction tyres
• Width: 2016 mm incl. rear-view mirrors; length: 4879 mm; height: 1335 mm
• Rear-wheel drive
• Four-wheel brake regeneration
• Minimum 4 airbags, ABS and ESP and torque vectoring
• 2 infotainment panels Adjustable rear seats
• 3 zone Climate Control system
• Generous leg room in the rear
• LED front and rear lights
• Body covered in NLV photovoltaic thin film solar coating
• Accumulator with cooling liquid (weight ca. 500kg)
• Operating voltage 420 V
• Inverter voltage 350 V
• Price: TBD

Features

• NLV Quant has two different battery systems: on the one hand, purely conventional accumulator technology with a transition metal and air mixture, and on the other hand, a pure redox flow cell

• Thin-film photovoltaic coating of car body and windows

• Torque vectoring with 4 electric motors for wheel-specific torque distribution to enhance the vehicle's agility and stability

• Full Carbon chassis and carbon body

• Minimised running and manufacturing costs thanks to new technology

• Optimised safety

• Unique/functional design, vehicle comfort and loading capacity




Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/Specialty%20Marques
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Geneva Preview: Hennessey Venom GT

Hennessey Performance Venom GT fans won't be pleased to learn that the upcoming hypercar is not coming to the Geneva Motor Show next month, no thanks apparently, to a lack of exhibition space at the event. Autoblog reports that HP will instead showcase the Venom GT for the first time at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK this July. US fans will get their first glimpse in Monterey.


The car is said to achieve power figures of around 746kW (1,000bhp) while peak torque is 1,288Nm (950 lb-ft) at 4,800rpm. It's all sent to the rear wheels from a 6-speed manual transmission.


Final testing is still going on so hopefully more concrete performance figures will be confirmed over the coming weeks.


More Photos


Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/Specialty%20Marques
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Inspires New Cigarette Racing Boat

Two legendary performance brands - Mercedes AMG and Cigarette Racing - unveiled a custom Cigarette Racing boat and the SLS AMG, which inspired its design, at a special preview at the Miami International Boat Show on Thursday, February 11. Both the Cigarette Boat and SLS AMG are on display at the boat show until Monday, February 15, 2010.

While each brand's playground is as different as asphalt and water, both AMG and Cigarette use their racing expertise to develop high performance machines for passionate enthusiasts.

Available this May, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was developed exclusively by Mercedes-AMG, the high performance and motorsports division of Mercedes-Benz. Featuring a lightweight aluminum spaceframe chassis, hand built 563-hp AMG V8 engine and signature "Gullwing" doors, the SLS AMG is sure to quicken the pulse of high-performance enthusiasts.

Founded upon mutual respect and product admiration, Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing have developed a long-standing professional relationship, allowing Mercedes-AMG to provide manufacturing expertise and materials to enhance one of Cigarette Racing's top models, the 46' Rider.

The new Cigarette 46' Rider features hand-applied AMG ALUBEAM silver paintwork also available on the SLS AMG. This process, used exclusively by AMG, covers body surfaces like a metallic skin, targeting light reflections to further emphasize exterior character lines and design details. Showcasing the state of the art nanotechnology, this unique finish imbeds tiny pigments of color measuring just 30 to 50 nanometres. The ALUBEAM silver is contrasted with AMG Designo Mystic White metallic in a bold design echoing the Mercedes-AMG logo. Inside, the boat features marine-grade upholstery that resembles the two-tone AMG Designo porcelain and white Nappa leather offered on the SLS AMG.

While many of the influences of the SLS AMG can be seen in the exterior paint work and interior, the true benefits of the inspiration can be found below the surface. With more than 100 innovations on display, the all new 46' Rider serves as a technology showcase for Cigarette.

From the propulsion system to the rigging, a clean sheet approach was utilized to build the all new 46' Cigarette.

Powerd by a pair of revolutionary twin-turbocharged 552 ci, 1350 HP Mercury Racing engines, the 46' Cigarette is estimated to have a top speed in excess of 130 MPH.

More details on the Cigarette Racing "Inspired by AMG" 46' Rider can be found online at www.cigaretteracing.com/legendary

About Cigarette Racing

Since 1969, Cigarette Racing Team has left an everlasting mark on the worldwide luxury powerboating industry. Its logo and iconic shapes are recognized throughout the world as the definition of custom high performance powerboating. The brand is renowned for its custom approach to building high performance luxury powerboats in which every customer's personal touch can be seen. Cigarette's long history and dedication to quality are on display all around the world being driven by presidents and enthusiasts alike. From 38' to 50' Cigarette Racing defines the industry of High Performance powerboating. More information can be found on Cigarette Racing at www.cigaretteracing.com.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. For more than 40 years, MBUSA has taken pride in its commitment to the customer by providing superior quality luxury vehicles coupled with outstanding customer support. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.
Source: Mercedes


Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/Specialty%20Marques
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Video: Next Generation Concept IndyCar Unveiled in Chicago

DeltaWing LLC, of Indianapolis, introduced the future of open wheel racing today at the Chicago Auto Show, aimed at realigning America's premiere racing tradition with current automobile industry and consumer trends. DeltaWing calls on technological innovation to return racing to cutting edge relevance in the search for extreme performance with less environmental and financial resources.

"Today marks a fundamental shift in how race fans and the general public will view all racing cars in the future; this is a game changer" said Dan Partel, Chief Executive Officer of DeltaWing LLC. "This radical prototype takes open wheel racing to a new level from both an engineering standpoint and the overall spectator experience."

The car also marks the next step in the industry's dedication to becoming more environmentally responsible. DeltaWing has identified that this marketplace trend can be applied to the IZOD IndyCar Series and has developed this concept car using the most advanced American technology.

By targeting reduced aerodynamic drag and lighter weight, the DeltaWing design achieves record breaking on track performance with only half the engine power of its recent predecessors. The unique vehicle design provides optimum and consistent distribution of loading for the Firestone Firehawk tires, which are specifically developed for the dynamic characteristics of the DeltaWing racer. The futuristic form aims to appeal to a younger demographic audience who is increasingly in search of technological innovations to solve the requirement for sustainable personal mobility. DeltaWing LLC will design, engineer and supply a running prototype by August, 2010.
Revolutionary design from every angle



• Ultra narrow front track design saves weight, while fairings for the Firestone tires reduces aerodynamic drag and prevents wheel interlocking

• Delta plan view shape provides undisturbed airflow to the downforce generating ground effect underbody venturi located beneath the car's center of gravity just ahead of the widely spaced rear wheels. Highly efficient downforce with negligible wake ensures minimal loss of aerodynamic performance for a trailing car thus enhancing the on-track overtaking spectacle


* Uncluttered side view with rearwards driver location provides ideal sponsorship positioning and true single-seater appeal. The highly prominent tail fin replaces the conventional inverted aerofoil in order to broaden the yaw stability envelope without inducing aerodynamic drag on straight-aways

"We are confident that this car will outperform the current generation IndyCar and do it in a more environmentally friendly way," said Partel. "Auto racing has always been a powerful marketing tool for propelling new technology into the hearts and minds of consumers. This new car was specifically designed to be more closely aligned with the new reality of automobiles that are arriving on the road today. Consumers are choosing cars that provide impressive performance capabilities but with greater fuel efficiency. This prototype IndyCar features those same characteristics, making it much more relevant to the public and the auto industry. It is our goal to make participation in the series highly attractive to the automobile manufacturers as well as the fuel, technology, information and entertainment corporate sectors."

DeltaWing anticipates the final car will weigh a remarkable 50 percent less than the current generation IndyCar and crucially, generate only half of the aerodynamic drag. This combination requires substantially less horsepower to generate speeds of over 235 miles per hour while delivering a 100% improvement in fuel efficiency.

"Our goal is to have our first prototype on the track in August," said Partel. "We look forward to an exciting development project with the Indy Racing League to ensure that all of their requirements are met for DeltaWing to become the next IZOD IndyCar in 2012."

"Today, we saw the future of racing unveiled", said Bill Lafontaine, Chief Marketing Officer. "This revolutionary car and business concept ushers in a new era in racing and reinforces the strong tradition of innovation in open wheel racing. This initiative reaffirms America's ability to lead in the automotive field. We look forward to the development of the car and our first running prototype."


About the DeltaWing IndyCar Prototype

Initial concept work by Ben Bowlby started with a clean sheet approach and began in January, 2009 at Target Chip Ganassi Racing in Indianapolis. The first prototype car will be powered by a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbocharged engine. Final horsepower figures will be based on the car's performance on the track, but by using state-of-the-art computer modeling, it is anticipated that the engine will need to produce approximately 300 horsepower to attain the performance targets and will run over 4,000 miles before requiring a rebuild, a dramatic 100% improvement over the current engine.

"The DeltaWing Concept is more than just a new and exciting racing car; it is about creating a platform that moves racing into the new era of information entertainment", said Bowlby, Designer and Chief Technology Officer. "Once we have successfully production engineered and manufactured the first generation of team cars, those cars will form the beginning of a constant evolution formula. Our intention is to publish the entire design detail via the DeltaWing website where access will be available to everyone and so provide a unique participation opportunity and insight into the engineering world of modern racing cars. Just as we hope to see multiple engine suppliers with different configurations and displacements, we also hope to create a framework that will allow us to see a varied and ever changing grid of racing machines in a sustainable, cost controlled and high value manner. We will be unveiling these plans once the prototype is up and running. As we design the DeltaWing prototype, safety, efficiency, value and cost are our main priorities; the goal is that more teams and drivers will have the opportunity to compete in the IZOD IndyCar series. At this point we anticipate a complete car with engine will sell for $600,000."


Key Specifications (estimated)



• Weight with driver: 1,030 lbs.

• Horsepower: 300 BHP

• Wheel base: 125 inches

• Front track: 24 inches

• Rear track: 70 inches

• Aerodynamic drag: Cd 0.24



Key Technical features


• Engine and transmission are "non-stressed members" of the chassis structural design which allows teams to install a wide variety of lightweight powertrains

• The prototype will feature a 4 cylinder turbo charged engine that will produce approximately 300 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and weigh only 160lbs fully dressed

• Engine capacity, RPM and configuration freedoms are anticipated given only that the rate of fuel delivery to the engine will be controlled by a specially developed fuel flow rate control unit

• Vehicle weight distribution is necessarily more rearward than traditionally seen with 72.5% of the mass on the larger rear tires

• 80% of the aerodynamic downforce acts on the rear of the car

• Inline traction under acceleration through the rear tires is greatly enhanced by rearward weight and aerodynamic distributions

• Unique amongst today's racing cars 60% of braking force is generated behind the center of gravity giving a dynamically stable response

• Locking propensity of the inside front wheel on corner entry is greatly reduced

• Transission features 6 speed oval and 5 speed plus reverse road track configurations with sequential paddle shift actuation

• Differential features full torque vectoring active technology with driver control of gain for balance adjustment. "Active stagger" removes the expensive necessity for staggered rear tire diameters for ovals

• Advanced computer modeling of structures, impact energy management, aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics and tires has been used to develop the virtual DeltaWing car

• The car's performance has been simulated on each configuration of race track encountered during the IZOD IndyCar Series Championship

• Modern advanced materials and CNC construction techniques applied to achieve gains in light weight structures and occupant safety

• Driver position, restraint layout and energy absorbency facility designed with the latest data on survival criteria


Visit www.deltawingracing.com for additional information and to follow progress on the design and development of the concept


More Photos


Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/Specialty%20Marques
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

2012 IndyCar Swift Concepts [Video]

San Clemente, California - USA February 2010

American race car company, Swift Engineering, Inc. is proud to announce key motorsport partnerships with industry leading companies to further its bid to design and build the next generation race car chassis for the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series ®.

"Given Swift is the leading US race car design and manufacturing company and our 27-year history was founded in motorsport, it is only natural that we aspire to partner with the nations' premier open-wheel formula, the IZOD IndyCar Series," Jan Wesley Refsdal, Swift's president said.


Key business alliances have been cemented between Swift and Cray Inc. (The Supercomputer Company), Indianapolis-based Mark One Composites, Inc. and Cruden America, world leaders in motion racing simulators

"Individually, each one of these partnerships is critical to Swift's continuing commitment to motorsport; however, collectively and in conjunction with one another they will help us set new industry standards in innovative design, manufacturing and support," Refsdal stated.


Swift's strategic industry partnerships were carefully selected and cultivated through a focused effort to realize the challenge the IZOD IndyCar Series has set for its next generation car.

Cray supercomputers will be used at Swift's facility to further enhance its capabilities in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), an important tool in the design and development of aerodynamic concepts. In conjunction with Swift's existing on-site wind tunnel designs will be tested in accurate virtual models allowing for valuable driver feedback and performance data collection on Cruden's state-of-the-art 3Ctr 6-DOF motion racing simulator which is soon to be operational at Swift.


"Speed-to-market is critical in any business, but probably more so in racing as the green flag doesn't wait for anyone," Refsdal said. "Rapid development is just as much about the speed and quality of the design process as it is manufacturing. We are evolving our four-year exclusive certified composite repair relationship with Mark One Composites, Inc. to provide further manufacturing and inventory support directly to teams from its Indianapolis-based facility."


More Photos


Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/Specialty%20Marques
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Video: 2010 Matech Ford GT1 unveiled

As early as 2009, before the regulations of the new GT Championship came into force, Matech Concepts started developing a new Ford GT1 based on the prototype fielded in the previous season. On the way to the Portuguese circuit at Portimão, Matech Competition stopped in Spain at the Ascari circuit to perform the roll-out of the new car. With Thomas Mutsch at the wheel, the first metres of the Ford GT1 went according to plan, just as the driver and Martin Bartek had been hoping:


"The car is completely new. Not a single element, be it the engine, the transmission system, the suspension or aerodynamics are the same as those of the Ford GT1 from 2009. The roll-out was very promising, and we are confident with regard the forthcoming season." The next step will be the "balance of performance" at Portimão on 3 and 4 February, followed by further testing at the Alcañiz circuit where a handful of previously selected drivers will take the wheel of the Ford GT1. This first stage will then be concluded by the presentation of the vehicle to the press in Paris on 1 March.


The driver pairings...
To determine the final line-up for the cockpits of the two Ford GT1 cars, Matech Competition has invited seven drivers to participate in a comparative test in a "special" Ford GT3 on the Portimão circuit. In addition to the five men - Mathias Beche, Yann Zimmer, Borja Garcia, Casper Elgaard and Carlo Van Dam - the group also includes two ladies, Natacha Gachnang and Cyndie Allemann. ‘'Our goal, clearly, is to form two teams that are as strong as possible by giving young drivers, including women, an opportunity to compete.


For these tests, they will be driving one of our Ford GT3 cars on which we have removed the ballast and the air-restrictor so that it will handle in a similar way on the track as the GT1," explains Martin Bartek. After this initial evaluation, there will be some candidates for further tests, this time in the Ford GT1 at the Motorland circuit near Alcañiz. Jonathan Hirschi and Marc Hennerici will join this test as well.


via:world car fans


Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/Specialty%20Marques
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Video: Lamborghini Ad Personam Programme Promo Revealed

Lamborghini has released a new video to support their "Ad Personam" program. The plan, which translates from Latin as "To the person," offers customers the opportunity to select from a variety of exclusive options.


The options include an extensive variety of choice in exterior color, leather tone, and stitching hue. As the video points out, one thing that will not be changed is Sant'Agata, Bolognese, where each hand built Lamborghini is still assembled.


Lamborghini makes Ad Personam available, for a fee, to those customers who need an extra level of exclusivity. Launched at NAIAS in 2008, the only limiting factor to the options is the customer's available cash.


More Photos


Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/Specialty%20Marques
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

LONG AWAITED GINETTA G40 UNVEILED AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL

Top British race car manufacturer Ginetta today unveiled its latest launch, the Ginetta G40, before a rapt audience at the prestigious Autosport International exhibition at Birmingham's NEC.

The car, which was revealed for the first time to the general public by Ginetta Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson and Autosport's Henry Hope-Frost, will be the UK's first multi-platform road and race car and is set to make its debut on the BTCC-supporting 2010 Ginetta Junior Championship.

Joining Mr Tomlinson on stage was current Ginetta Junior Champion Sarah Moore, who will defend her title this season and karting supremo Seb Morris who recently purchased the first ever production G40 - chassis G40-LT-005.

Ginetta Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson said: ""I am absolutely thrilled to see the Ginetta G40 launched at Autosport International here today. We debuted both the G50 and the G50Z at the exhibition and I'm delighted that Autosport visitors have had the first ever glimpse of Ginetta's stunning new car. The G40 is the most versatile road and race car on the market today - with safety features that exceed all FIA regulations. We have been completely overwhelmed by demand for the G40 and I just can't wait to see it out on the grid in its first Ginetta Junior race in April. It will kick off the season in style and will be THE car to watch in 2010!"



Featuring an 1800CC sealed Zetec engine and a proposed weight of 850kg, the G40 will not only serve to elevate the current Junior series with a fresh, modern look but will also be eligible for entry into a variety of competitive racing categories - whilst addressing a vast array of safety issues. Key features of the G40 include:



• Safety cage 50 times stronger than minimum 2009 FIA homologation regulations

• Front and rear crash zones

• Updated side impact bars

• Increased occupant safety and visibility

• Adjustable interfaces to maximise comfort

• Comfortable dual occupancy


Following the highly successful launch of the Ginetta G50 launch 2 years ago, Ginetta is producing an initial batch of twenty six G40's, with pricing set at £24,950.


About Ginetta

Ginetta has been building road and race cars since 1958.

Today the Yorkshire-based company is a major player on the motorsport scene in the UK and abroad. Its own three single-make Championships are renowned for their entertaining close racing plus cater for novices and the career-minded alike.

Multi-marque racing at GT level with the G50 and the Ginetta-Zytek's LMP1 and LMP2 cars complete the career ladder opportunities starting from 14 years old in the Junior car.

Racing pedigree is evident in Ginetta's road cars. Suitable as track day cars or for leisure, pleasure and everyday use, high performance, affordability and drivability is key.

In 2008 Ginetta Cars was awarded the title of ‘Small Business of the Year' by the Motorsport Industry Association and this June, Team LNT raced a Ginetta Zytek GZ09S in the premier LMP1 class at Le Mans.

In September 2009, Nigel Mansell will drive a Ginetta-Zytek GZ09S at Silverstone in the Le Mans Series finale with his son Greg and Ginetta Chairman Lawrence Tomlinson.

www.ginettacars.com

via:worldcarfans


Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/Specialty%20Marques
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Detroit Premiere: Revenge Designs Verde Supercar Teased Ahead

This year a multiple powertrain option will be announced, although the optional HP2ge hybrid engine will not be displayed due to time constraints. It is said to return 110mpg through its V8/ electric motor combination. The system makes 678Nm (500 lb-ft) of torque. Power is a respectable 294kW (400hp). But the Revenge Verde super car itself, which has apparently garnered so much interest, is set for a public display regardless.


Revenge, the manufacturer-turned-tuner based in Indiana, Ohio, is poised for its second appearance at the North American International Auto Show. Last year the company showcased the Revenge GTMR at the same event.

According to the company website the Verde will launch at a price of US$180,000 which is quite less than the Gallardo's US$250,000. Sales are scheduled to begin in July.


"That Gallardo's clutch will run US$16,800 to repair," says Peter Collorafi, President and CEO. "Ours will be done with domestic vendors and labour and run US$3,200. That's a niche we want to fill."
Tom Dupont from the Dupont Registry will speak regarding the kind of international interest the super car has had when the Detroit curtains drop.
More Photos


Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/Specialty%20Marques
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

2011 BMW ALPINA B7 Sedan

BMW returns legendary ALPINA badge to North America

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - January 8, 2010... BMW of North America announced today that the 2011 BMW ALPINA B7 sedan will join BMW's North American product range as the most dynamic 7 Series model. The BMW ALPINA B7 represents the second generation of ALPINA automobiles based on the BMW 7 Series to be offered in the US. The first BMW ALPINA B7 was offered as a limited edition for the 2007 and 2008 model years. Newly interpreted and based on the current BMW 7 Series platform, the B7 will again set the benchmark in terms of performance, refinement, technology, luxury and exclusivity.
Yielding exquisite levels of power and torque from the twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8, and in conjunction with the electronically-adjustable suspension with active roll stabilization, the new B7 promises to offer a spectrum of driving experiences so broad as to be unheard of in this class of automobiles. The evolution of the traditional 20-spoke 21" ALPINA CLASSIC wheels underline the fresh design language found throughout the B7 and impart it a distinctive appearance and powerful stance.
Both short- and long-wheelbase models will be offered. The BMW ALPINA B7 will make its North American premiere at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show in February, and go on sale at authorized BMW Centers in Spring of 2010. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.


ALPINA and BMW. A history of synergy.
ALPINA - a name famous in Europe and the wider world for putting a particular performance accent on BMWs, though not yet so well-known in North America. BMW - a name famous all over the world for motor vehicles of performance, quality, luxury and safety.
The two companies, both at home in the German state of Bavaria, have a long history of working together to produce special BMW automobiles. Burkard Bovensiepen, son of the founder of ALPINA Business Machines and an enthusastic racing driver/engineer, began his automotive career path in 1961 by developing a dual-carburetor setup for the just-introduced BMW 1500 sedan. It was a predictive beginning: to take an already fine-performing BMW (which also just happened to be a practical sedan) and making it perform even better.
By 1964, BMW had officially recognized ALPINA's contribution to BMW performance. Not long thereafter, Burkard Bovensiepen founded the ALPINA company - ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen KG - that continues today, creating special versions of BMW automobiles that offer a particular brand of performance for discriminating auto enthusiasts. Yet outside the circle of dedicated BMW enthusiasts, ALPINA has kept a low profile in North America. In addition to racing versions of BMWs, ALPINA has developed a progression of BMW-based cars based on 3, 5, 6, 8, Z4 and Z8 models and offered them on a limited-production basis. ALPINA is located in the small Bavarian city of Buchloe, some 50 miles southwest of Munich, BMW's headquarters city and the capital of Bavaria.
The B7 is the newest manifestation of the unique BMW-ALPINA synergy - once again based on the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan. Currently, BMW offers ultra-performance models of its 3, 5, 6, X5 and X6 Series developed by BMW M, BMW's own performance subsidiary. For an ultra-performance version of the 7 Series - a vehicle defined by luxury and generous interior space - something other than "M" performance character was called for.
In recent models, ALPINA has concentrated on delivering very high levels of performance with moderate rpm ranges and automatic transmission. Most appropriately, the new BMW ALPINA B7 applies this philosophy to the newest 7 Series to produce a luxury sedan of stunning performance. "A 7 Series Beyond," one might say.


Powertrain
The B7 sedan is equipped with BMW's twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter, all-aluminum, High Precision Direct Injection V-8 engine which has been enhanced by ALPINA and is capable of producing 500 (373kW) horsepower and 516 lb-ft (700Nm) of torque. This rear-wheel drive performance/luxury Sedan achieves 0-60 mph in 4.5 sec. With maximum torque available across an unusually broad engine range, from 3,000 to 4,750 rpm, the B7 accelerates effortlessly from virtually any speed.
The two turbochargers operate in parallel, with generously-dimensioned turbine vanes measuring 44mm in diameter. Thorough exploitation of the engine's potential was achieved by means of optimizing the indirect intercooler (air-water/water-air) with its short intake paths and flow-optimized intercooler tracts. All three intercoolers, the low-temperature intercooler integrated into the radiator package, as well as the two near-engine intercoolers are enlarged by approximately 35%, ensuring very high thermodynamic efficiency. High-performance pistons have been specified to withstand the thermodynamic forces created by a 9.2:1 compression and a maximum turbo boost of 1.0 bar. The result is a formidable specific output of 115hp (85kW) per liter, with a maximum average compression of 20.1 bar, a benchmark even amongst established sports cars.
This wide power band coupled with the six-speed sport automatic transmission gives the driver remarkably high levels of power and capability in every driving situation. The ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC transmission control offers tailored shift characteristics for every driver and situation thanks to its Sport and Manual modes. To manually select the gears of the automatic transmission, the driver may use buttons found on the back of the ALPINA-tailored steering wheel. This results in shifts which take place in a few hundred milliseconds with minimal power interruption.
Ending in two polished double-tailpipes, the stainless-steel ALPINA exhaust system offers up that deep and sonorous yet not intrusive V8 sound that enthusiasts have come to expect from ALPINA.


Chassis & Suspension
The BMW ALPINA B7 builds on the state-of-the-art adaptive suspension technologies of the 7 Series, including tuned Dynamic Damping Control and Active Roll Stabilization, to the demanding requirements of a high performance sedan. Long gone are the days when a purely "hard and sporty" ride was a sought-after attribute of suspension set-ups. Striving for truly neutral handling continues to be the goal, yielding the best of what is technologically feasible. In pursuit of this goal, shorter and uniquely calibrated springs reduce front and rear ride height by 15mm and 10mm respectively. Dynamic Damping Control and Active Roll Stabilization enable the driver to select from three distinct suspension set-ups: Comfort, Normal and Sport. These are intentionally calibrated to provide noticeably different set-ups, influencing the characteristic of the dampers, the Active Roll Stabilization as well as the parameters of the power steering assist, throttle response algorithms and load-reversal damping. The Sport-Plus mode automatically shifts the Dynamic Stability Control system into Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). This allows noticeably more slip at the driven wheels and delayed intervention by the traction control system.
Together with the 21" wheel and tire combination, the suspension is at once sensitive to inputs and direct in its feel, yet free from the harshness of a purely sports-oriented suspension. The light-weight 21" wheels, with their new interpretation of the ALPINA CLASSIC wheel design, are shod with a specially selected staggered MICHELIN PS2 tire set-up: 245/35 R21 front and 285/30 R21 rear.
The result is that the BMW ALPINA B7 captures an agility associated with much smaller sedans, while preserving the ride quality associated with the BMW 7 Series.


Design
The B7 sedan is finished with ALPINA aerodynamic developments, including front and rear spoilers which not only enhance the appearance but also improve stability and performance at high speeds. In true "form-follows-function" fashion, the ALPINA front integrates the fresh-air requirements of the transmission and engine oil coolers, which are separated out of the main cooler module for improved efficiency. The spoilers reduce lift at the front by 30% and rear by15%. The exhaust system's two double tailpipes are seamlessly integrated into the rear bumper. The newest evolution of the traditional 20-spoke ALPINA CLASSIC wheels gives the B7 a distinctive appearance and powerful stance.
The interior of the B7 sedan features ALPINA blue illuminated door sill trims, the SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel in hand-stitched LAVALINA leather, and the Black-Panel LCD screen instrument cluster branded with ALPINA. Exclusive interior luxury wood trim in the form of Myrtle Burl, a knotted burl of the Laurel only found on the Pacific Coast of the United States, provides a warm and traditional ambience. Optional ALPINA Piano Lacquer interior trim with its silver diagonal rhombs, offers a modern alternative.
The full complement of BMW 7 Series exterior colors remains available, in addition to the signature ALPINA Blue metallic paint.
Discreet metal ALPINA emblems adorn the upper seatbacks of the standard leather Comfort seats and are inlayed in the wood trim. An additional ALPINA plaque indentifying the car is mounted on the inner roof panel just ahead of the sunroof. Even the engine bay carries a subtle signature by tidily presenting itself with a newly-designed ALPINA engine cover.


More Photos

Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/Specialty%20Marques
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Vandenbrink unveiled new design sketches - Ferrari 599 GTO Ecurie GTX

The new Ecurie GTX is a true racer with its slick tyres, a big wing on the back producing loads of down force and the enormeous diffuser at the front and the back. We haven’t received any information at this stage regarding this model, no official specifications nor any information on the availability.


The designers at Dutch firm Vandenbrink Design have released new drawings showing their latest proposal: the Vandenbrink Design Ferrari 599 GTO Ecurie GTX. The car builds on the Vandenbrink GTO, a lightweight model limited to just five production units.
more detail


Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/Specialty%20Marques
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Climax Sports Racer

The culture of public track days is quite established in the UK. As such a number of manufacturers who specialise in road-legal track cars have emerged. Well-known names include the Ariel Atom V8 and Caparo with its T1. Climax Cars hopes to be added to that growing list.
The UK company plans a production run of 200 Sports Racer models for its Coventry facility. Power is supplied by a Ford Racing 4.6-litre V8 that makes 257kW (345bhp) and 414Nm (305lb ft) in its natural state while a supercharged version will take go up to 309kW (450bhp). A 6-speed Graziano GT ME1 gearbox sends power to the rear axle.


This latest object of our desire (and we reserve the right to add to our lust list at any given time) packs up to 450 horsepower – courtesy of a supercharged 4.6-liter Ford Racing V8 – in a car that weighs just 1,999 pounds (907 kilograms). That's a power-to-weight ratio of... carry the one, move the decimal point... about 450 horsepower per ton! Acceleration, thy name is Climax Sports Racer.


The metal alloy was used for the chassis as well as in the bodywork. Weight comes to 907kg (1999.5 lbs), giving the Sports Racer a power-to-weight ratio of 283kW (380bhp) per tonne for the normal V8 and 342kW (458bhp) per tonne for the supercharged version.
The fully-adjustable double wishbone suspension ensures good handling. There is an options list that includes ceramic brakes, full race harnesses, and sequential and semi-automatic gearboxes.


Fully-adjustable double-wishbone suspension at all four corners, ceramic brakes and a six-speed sequential Graziano GT ME1 gearbox ought to ensure suitable track-day performance cred while the expected £92,000 (about $150,000) asking price undercuts the Ariel Atom V8 by £30,000 and the Caparo T1 by over £60,000. Only 200 are planned and there's no word on if there will ever be U.S. availability. Looks like we're moving to Britain.
More Photos


Source URL: https://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/search/label/Specialty%20Marques
Visit Automotive Trend News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection