BMW i8

Looking at the future. Is the i8 the future of sportscars ?

The i8 is a sports car with hybrid drive: it has a small thermal unit three-cylinder turbocharged 1.5-liter engine coupled to an electric motor, the former delivers 231 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque, sending power to the rear wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the second provides 131 horsepower to the front wheels through an automatic transmission with two ratios.



The resulting power is 362 horsepower and 570 Nm of torque, numbers that allow the i8 to take from 0 to 100 km / h in just 4.4 seconds while maintaining very low consumption: the house declares in fact a fuel consumption of only 2.5 liters per 100 km.

The secret of this sport is in the weight, which stood at just 1,490 kg, not considering the weight of the batteries that power the electric motor, this figure is achieved thanks to the extensive use of sophisticated materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

Official Video: Ferrari 458 Speciale

...or in Italian Video Ufficiale della 458 Speciale!

As Ferrari says: "The 458 Speciale was designed to provide non-professional drivers with a much more intense and extreme experience behind the wheel."

I hope that 458 Italia Speciale owner will experience the tense!

458 Speciale Specs

 A Ferrari Speciale for special emotions.

It’s called the 458 Speciale: it’s Ferrari’s new sportscar, the fruits of the innovation and extreme technological research that have gone into a car as outstanding as the 458 Italia.

The aerodynamic efficiency (an E index of 1.5), a more powerful aspirated V8 engine (605 cv) and the highest power density (135 cv/l) in the history of Ferrari road cars, an extraordinary weight/power ratio (2.13 kg/cv), electronic control of the slip angle (SSC): these are some – but not all – of the characteristics that make this car truly Speciale and that are destined to become standard for the Ferraris of the future. The aptness of the car’s name is easily shown by its performance figures: accelerating from 0-100km/h in 3s (or 9.1s for 0-200km/h) and a best lap time round Fiorano of 1m 23.5s.

The new 8-cylinder mid-engine berlinetta, which will be launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 10, was designed with the target of raising performance and driving emotion to the highest levels, while still guaranteeing ease of control in every situation.

The 458 Speciale is the latest product of Ferrari’s core philosophy of extreme technological innovation and research which, in this instance, has yielded powertrain, aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics advances that transform the already exceptional 458 Italia into a car genuinely worthy of the “Speciale” moniker. The result is a completely new, uncompromising, streamlined sports car concept.

Many of the sophisticated solutions being applied for the very first time to an in-range car in the 458 Speciale, including its advanced active aerodynamics, will become a standard feature of all new Ferraris in the future.

Flanked in the Maranello marque’s range by the multi-award-winning 458 Italia and 458 Spider, the new mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta was designed to boost both performance and driving emotion to unprecedented levels, yet simultaneously guarantee smooth, effortless control in all kinds of situations.

Having lavished meticulous attention on the power unit that was named “Best Performance Engine” at the International Engine of the Year Awards for two consecutive years, Ferrari has now built its most powerful naturally aspirated V8 ever (605 cv) with an extraordinary specific power output of 135 cv/l , the highest ever achieved by a road-going naturally aspirated engine.

Thanks to an equally exceptional weight/power ratio of just 2.13 kg/cv, the 458 Speciale can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.0” (0-200 km/h in 9.1”) and also clocked a lap time of just 1’23”5 at the Fiorano Circuit.

Aerodynamic requirements guided the work of the Ferrari Styling Centre, which led the project in cooperation with Pininfarina, to sculpt the car’s forms to ensure they were more performance-oriented than ever. The most notable features in this sense are the front and rear movable aerodynamics which balance downforce and cut drag, thus helping make the 458 Speciale the most aerodynamically efficient range production car in Ferrari history (E Index of 1.5)

The technology used in the vehicle dynamics subsystems which gives the driver instant confidence and control at high speeds, natural power oversteer management and precise response to commands are further advances in an area in which Ferrari is already a well-established leader.

---

One of the most innovative content of the 458 Speciale is the Side Slip angle Control system (SSC) which makes it easier to achieve car control on the limit, thereby greatly improving driving emotions.

Thanks to the development of an accurate new algorithm SSC performs instant-to-instant analysis of the car’s side slip, comparing it with the target value and then optimising both torque management (via integration with F1-Trac traction control) and torque distribution between the two wheels (via integration with the E-Diff electronic differential).

Part and parcel of the car’s development included Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres which were specifically honed for it in an intensive collaboration programme involving, amongst other factors, numerous track test and simulator sessions. Conceived for the 458 Speciale, they boost performance over a single lap in the dry as well as improving performance consistency in subsequent laps. They also allow the car to avail of maximum available grip in the wet.

The abovementioned technical content has improved the 458 Speciale’s single lap time and also delivers repeatability of that performance on subsequent laps that is absolutely unprecedented for a car not designed exclusively for track use. The result is that the 458 Speciale has the fastest response time (0.060 s) and highest lateral acceleration (1.33 g) ever achieved by a car in the Prancing Horse range.

ENGINE

TypeTotal Displacement Maximum power Specific Power Output Maximum torque

V8  -  90°4497 cm³ 605hp @9.000 rpm 135 hp/lt 540 Nm @6.600 rpm

WEIGHT

Dry weightWeight/Power Horse Power/Tone

1290 kg2.13 kg/hp 469 hp/tn

PERFORMANCE

0-100 km/h0 – 200 km/h Fiorano Lap Time

3.0 sec9.1 sec 1' 23" 5

Video: Honda NSX GT Concept on Suzuka Circuit

The Honda NSX Concept-GT has been unveiled in Japan, previewing the brand’s challenger for the 2014 Super GT racing series.

Destined to tackle the GT500 class of the domestic racing series, the Honda NSX Concept-GT was revealed at the Suzuka Circuit ahead of this weekend’s fifth round of the 2013 season.

A dedicated racing machine based on the NSX concept seen at the 2012 Detroit auto show, Honda says the Concept-GT complies with 2014 GT500 regulations by being powered by a mid-mounted turbocharged 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder engine equipped with a hybrid system.

Honda NSX Concept-GT

Earlier this month, a prototype of the new-generation NSX appeared on track at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, giving us our first opportunity to hear the new Japanese supercar.

Production of the Honda NSX, badged as an Acura in North America, is set to start at the newly established Performance Manufacturing Centre in Marysville, Ohio in 2015.

More Photos of the Honda NSX-GT Concept

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Source: [caradvice.com.au]

The new BMW M3+1

The new BMW M4 (or as I prefer to call it M3+1), it is revealed. The grand premiere will be at Pebble Beach.

The top version of the new BMW  4-Series is finally here!



 

BMW Says

"The BMW Concept M4 Coupe reflects the BMW M philosophy in ideal form," says M chief Dr Friedrich Nitschke. "It combines motor racing genes and unrestricted everyday suitability in a highly emotional overall concept. For four generations, the BMW M3 has put motor racing on the road, and the BMW Concept M4 Coupe consistently continues to pursue this fundamental idea."

New BMW3+1 Specs

Though BMW is being shy with the tech stuff, we have an idea of what some of the meat will taste like: it'll most probably sport a modified version of the 435i's 3.0-litre turbocharged six-pot engine up front, producing somewhere around 450bhp, together with a DCT gearbox and a limited slip diff. It'll also be lightweight, and it'll be suitably hardcore. There might - might - even be a hardcore CSL version in the works, too, so imagine this on lovelier rims and a revised front apron.

BMW M4 Gallery

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A Behind the Scenes Look at Manufacturing a Viper

When I was a kid Dodge Viper was my favorite car.

I love that car because it was so different, it had a really stupid 8.0 engine that was producing around 450hp with one camshaft that was making the most crazy sound possible, it looked like nothing other. It wasn't the best car, but it is still a car with a soul!



...And i still love it. This video is for every one that shares that stupid sentiment!

Video: Alonso drives LaFerrari

F1 Driver Fernando Alonso takes the 963hp Ferrari LaFerrari for a spin around Maranello

Before heading for Budapest and the Hungarian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso had the opportunity to assess for himself the very latest phase of development of the quickest car ever produced in Maranello for everyday road use, not just exclusively on track; the LaFerrari.

Today, we present a video made at the time: judging from his efforts, Fernando enjoyed every one of the 963 horsepower on offer from the combination of the V12 engine (800) and the electric motor (163) which powers the first hybrid car to come through the gates on Via Abetone Inferiore. Along with his team-mate Felipe Massa, the Spaniard was involved right from the start in the project and even on this occasion he contributed valuable insights to the team of engineers and test drivers involved in bringing to life and developing this extraordinary car.

Source: [Youtube ferrariworld]

Pagani Zondas at Wilton House 2013

6 Pagani Zondas attended at Wilton House 2013

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Photo Source: [facebook.com/PaganiAutomobili]

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG full review by Autocar

Mercedes' take on a hot hatch gets four-wheel drive and a punchy turbocharged motor, but is it as engaging as its bigger rear-drive brethren?

AMG, purveyors of wonderfully potent big cars, has made a wonderfully potent small one in the form of the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG.

To be precise, it delivers 355bhp from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a mammoth specific power output of 178bhp per litre. And the technical changes to this car run deep, which is why the A45 AMG costs near enough £40,000.

Over and above the A-class hatch on which it's based, the A45 gets a new bumper and grille at the front, which wouldn’t be significant were they not backed by an intercooler for the turbo, while there’s a secondary radiator inside a front wheelarch.



The steering knuckles are different as well, as are the anti-roll bars, springs and dampers. The electric steering’s constant-ratio rack is bespoke to the AMG too, further differentiating it from the A-class.

The gearbox is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and here’s where the effort has really gone into making this more than just a fast A-class. It drives through Mercedes’ 4Matic system, making the A45 AMG four-wheel-drive. To that end, the multi-link rear suspension is new, while to improve weight distribution, the clutch that enables drive to the rear is mounted at the rear differential.

'Enables' drive to the rear? Er, yeah. The A45 is four-wheel drive, but only when slip occurs does it push power to the rear. The 4Matic system is designed to aid traction, rather than providie rally-replica-style permanent all-wheel drive. Does that matter? It might.

Meantime, inside, this A-class feels like an AMG ought to. The black headlining, diddy gear selector and carbonfibre-like fabric weave are neat; the red seatbelts and vent highlights we could live without. The terrific front seats are heavily adjustable and clenching yet comfortable, while the rest of the A-class package is as-you-were: respectable rear head and legroom and a big boot.

[gallery ids="1707,1710,1708,1709,1711,1712,1720,1719,1718,1714,1713,1715,1717,1716"]

Read more about the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG 

Video: Ferrari F12 v Lamborghini Aventador v Aston Martin Vanquish by Evo

The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta tackles the Lamborghini Aventador and Aston Martin Vanquish in our supercar supertest video

Can the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta match the GT credentials of the Aston Martin Vanquish and outperform the wild Lamborghni Aventador? We head to Italy to find out...

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMHpMCVIuEc]

It should make for a fascinating battle. The Ferrari F12 is one of the punchiest cars to wear the Prancing Horse badge, its 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 730bhp and 509lb ft, enough to hustle the 1630kg past 211mph via a 3.1sec 0-62 time. With a seven-speed DCT gearbox, rear-wheel drive and a host of electronic trickery - E-Diff, F1-Trac - it weighs in at £239,736.

 

The Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 trumps the F12 for drama, and they trade blows closely on paper. Its mid-mounted 6.5-litre V12 drives all four wheels with 690bhp and 509lb ft, allowing the F12 a small victory, but its sleeker shape and 1575kg kerbweight result in a swifter 2.8sec 0-62 time and 217mph top speed. It costs more, at £247,000.

The relative bargain of the group is the £189,995 Aston Martin Vanquish. It has the same front-engine, rear-drive layout as the Ferrari. But with a less potent 565bhp 5.9-litre V12 up front and with a heftier 1739kg to shift, it's more sluggish with a 4.1sec 0-62 time and 183mph top speed. It's a more subtle, friendly approach to the supercar recipe, though, which could win it favours against the more brutal Italians.

Photo Gallery

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 [Source: Evo.co.uk]