Wow, is this ever nice....
You wouldn’t look at the BMW Zagato Coupe and say that it’s a car that was created on the “from follows function” principle, but you’d be wrong. The Italian coachbuilder’s designers used the “Vmax concept” when bringing the vehicle to life.
This meant that they had to draw a vehicle that came with aerodynamic characteristics which allowed for it to be driven at high speeds in an efficient manner. They used the BMW Z4 as a base and fitted it with a hand-built aluminum body, which comes with special features such as beefy fenders and a double bubble roof, as wee as a transparent area for the rear end.
Of course, since efficiency was mentioned, and we do know that BMW really knows how to cut fuel consumption, we’re expecting impressive figure, but the automotive producer hasn’t offer any specs until now - we don’t even know what engine is powering the car. Until the company does, we're inviting you to watch the Zagato Coupe's first promotional video above.
Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/bmw-z4-zagato-coupe-makes-video-debut-video-45431.html
Showing posts with label Sportscar News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sportscar News. Show all posts
Lamborghini Aventador J Sold for $2.76 Million
Yes, the stunning Lamborghini Aventador J is already sold to an unnamed collector for the lofty sum of $2.74 million at current conversion rates.
There is only one Lamborghini Aventador J and whoever the lucky individual is who ultimately purchased the Aventador J, he or she bought an incredibly beautiful and well-engineered machine and no doubt left those they outbid with the lingering taste of jealousy.Brand representatives naturally would not divulge the name of the buyer, but acknowledged that whoever bought it would experience what the company called an “extreme driving experience.”
Aventador J was essentially a show-pony concept car, revealed at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, that demonstrated just what the flagship Lambo could be capable of. About that there is no doubt: The J is an open-cockpit two-seater, capable of speeds in excess of 180 miles an hour.
It packs 691 hp from the same 6.5-liter engine as its fixed-roof, serially produced sibling and is clad in a shade called Rosso Red. It makes extensive use of carbon fiber, including a patented material called “carbon skin” for the interior.
Source;
http://www.inautonews.com/lamborghini-aventador-j-sold-for-276-million
Toyota plans 4 door RWD sedan version of FT-86(GT-86) sport car
Um....looks nice but, why? Could you imagine a 4door Prelude?
There’re report that Toyota developing a sedan version of the Toyobaru,Toyota FT-86, since 2010.But now Autointrends got the latest rendering and we considers it the prettiest that Autointrends ever seen it the past few year!!.The picture is generated by Japanese Mag-X.
It seem that the sedan version will import front half styling of the FT-86 Or the GT-86 that they called in Europe (when it get European premiere in 2012 Geneva motorshow or Toyota 86 that they dubbed in Japan) Although the styling of the sedan version is not yet finalize but many source expect bumper,grille,bonnet and headlight is to be the same with the coupe version.While the rear styling from the rear door to rear bumper will be all new design which should be sedan with rear roof’s slope like the 4 door coupe car.
The car will get lengthen wheel base from 2,570 mm to 2,670 mm. and overall length is expect to increase from 4,240 mm to around 4300 mm to 4400 mm.
It will power by Subaru’s newly developed, horizontally opposed, 1,998cc, four-cylinder boxer engine, Toyota has added its D-4S technology. With separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection which carry from the original version.
The car will ready by 2014,Around a year delay from original planed.
Source;
http://autointrends.com/2012/04/19/toyota-plans-4-door-rwd-sedan-version-of-ft-86gt-86-sport-car-here-is-the-most-beautiful-rendering/
There’re report that Toyota developing a sedan version of the Toyobaru,Toyota FT-86, since 2010.But now Autointrends got the latest rendering and we considers it the prettiest that Autointrends ever seen it the past few year!!.The picture is generated by Japanese Mag-X.It seem that the sedan version will import front half styling of the FT-86 Or the GT-86 that they called in Europe (when it get European premiere in 2012 Geneva motorshow or Toyota 86 that they dubbed in Japan) Although the styling of the sedan version is not yet finalize but many source expect bumper,grille,bonnet and headlight is to be the same with the coupe version.While the rear styling from the rear door to rear bumper will be all new design which should be sedan with rear roof’s slope like the 4 door coupe car.
The car will get lengthen wheel base from 2,570 mm to 2,670 mm. and overall length is expect to increase from 4,240 mm to around 4300 mm to 4400 mm.
It will power by Subaru’s newly developed, horizontally opposed, 1,998cc, four-cylinder boxer engine, Toyota has added its D-4S technology. With separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection which carry from the original version.
The car will ready by 2014,Around a year delay from original planed.
Source;
http://autointrends.com/2012/04/19/toyota-plans-4-door-rwd-sedan-version-of-ft-86gt-86-sport-car-here-is-the-most-beautiful-rendering/
Next Generation Mazda Miata/MX-5
Mazda is hard at work on a new MX-5 that’s set to capture the spirit of the original eighties model, thanks to a huge reduction in weight and a pure and simple driving experience.Key to the next-generation MX-5 is the firm’s SKYACTIV technologies that focus on reducing weight and improving efficiency. While the current car weighs around 1,050kg, Mazda engineers are reportedly on track for a kerbweight of under 900kg.
Mazda has said that it hopes the body alone will account for a 10 per cent weight loss, despite the fact it is about 30 per cent stiffer than the current car, thanks to the use of more high-strength steel.
The chassis itself will also be 10 per cent lighter than the current car's, with redesigned suspension and steering hoping to offer a lightness and agility at low speeds but a more secure feeling at high speeds.
With a new lighter car will come a range of smaller capacity engines. Currently the MX-5 is powered by 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engines producing up to 170bhp. The new car is expected to use a turbocharged 1.3-litre SKYACTIV engine, although a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre unit will also be offered.
The MX-5’s new look is inspired by the Takeri concept that debuted at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The new design language incorporates a larger shield grille and defined creases in the bodywork.
Expect the next-generation Mazda MX-5 to be unveiled towards the end of 2013, with sales starting the following year.
Source;
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/277357/new_mazda_mx5.html
2015 Toyota Supra to be a hybrid with 400 hp - report
Smaller coupe also under considerationThe rumor mill is back in action as a new report is indicating Toyota is developing a Supra successor.
According to Motor Trend, the car will likely be launched in 2015 and feature a hybridized 3.5-liter V6 engine with more than 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS). Additional information is limited, but the model will reportedly be rear-wheel drive and have styling that recalls the 2007 FT-HS concept.
In related news, engineers are reportedly working on a coupe version of the GRMN hybrid concept II concept. It could be launched by late 2014 and use the same hybridized 3.5-liter V6 engine as the Lexus GS 450h.
Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/111121338997/2015-toyota-supra-to-be-a-hybrid-with-400-hp---report#ixzz1gcHWanU6
Acura NSX Successor Taking Shape
Ahead-of-Its-Time Honda Dualnote Concept Provides Powertrain Clues
By Peter Lyon of www.motortrend.com
At Honda's recent shareholders' meeting in Tokyo, a middle-aged man stood up during the Q&A session and asked whether the company was going to reinterpret a small, sporty car like the Beat for the 21st century. "While I am still young enough to enjoy sports driving, I'd like to drive something compact and sporty, something like an updated Beat. What are the chances of that?" he said poignantly.
Honda CEO Takanobu Ito took the microphone and replied without hesitation. "We are currently developing a successor to the Beat, a car that anyone can easily have fun with. Expect to see it in showrooms within the next few years." The comment dominated the headlines the next day. Strangely, Ito's subsequent utterance didn't get nearly as much play, but potentially was much more significant to those pining away for a road-going Honda supercar: "In addition to the Beat successor, we are also making significant progress with plans for an exotic sports car."
Just six months ago, Ito told a media gathering that Honda felt compelled to re-launch a high-performance sports car like the NSX, but he didn't go so far as to say it was definitely happening. But it was the first time Ito had actually uttered the telling phrase "making significant progress with plans to..." build a successor.
To get a clearer idea of exactly what Honda has planned, a source close to Honda suggested we go back a decade and re-examine the Dualnote, a gasoline-hybrid, all-wheel-drive concept car first shown way back at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show. Powered by a midship-mounted (Japanese-speak for mid-engined) 3.5-liter V-6 with Honda's IMA hybrid system, the four-door concept's front wheels were propelled by in-wheel electric motors, while the rears were driven by the engine, a combination that reportedly generated more than 400 horsepower. The Dualnote was so advanced back then that all Honda did was adapt the drive system (minus the in-wheel electric motors) to the soon-to-be-launched Legend, thus creating the SH-AWD system.
Ten years down the track, Honda is still perfecting that original AWD hardware, which includes the large-capacity engine with hybrid combination, motors that propel the fronts, and V-6-driven rears. Another insider tells us the car's target specifications have already been decided. "Honda wants to build a supercar that breaks the mold while creating a totally new technological package," he said. So what we are going to see is a further development of that 2001 concept, but adapted for today's fuel economy and emissions expectations.
It's not a car that rests on its engine-generated power alone. The extra herbs produced by the front-mounted electric motors will make the next-generation NSX a very quick car. "It has to be fast to live up to the expectations of a future NSX, right!?" pleads our insider. He went onto say that a record Nurburgring lap time is not Honda's target. "But be rest assured, this car will be the top in its class, and the powerful engine-motor combination will achieve that result."
Our sources inform us that Honda is working on a VTEC V-6 engine displacing 3.5 to 3.7 liters that boasts a cylinder head with an integrated exhaust manifold and valveless throttle. Obviously it will be of the Atkinson cycle variety. The two-motor setup will be powered by lithium-ion batteries and employ a plug-in recharge system to minimize battery weight.
The original Dualnote system incorporated an engine that drove an on-board generator powering the motors, a system considered inherently inefficient. By fitting an all-new continuous current motor to the new concept, engineers have been able to minimize electricity consumption while at the same time creating a gutsy torque-generating, high-revving system. "This system will be the secret to the NSX successor's incredible pace," suggests our source.
One other critical aspect of the new car will be its weight-saving aluminum body, a process carried over from the first NSX. And the final part of the package is price. Our sources tell us that Honda wants to bring the car to the U.S. as an Acura by 2014 for under $100,000 -- a sticker price designed to rival that of the Nissan GT-R.
Source;
http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/1110_acura_nsx_successor_taking_shape/
By Peter Lyon of www.motortrend.comAt Honda's recent shareholders' meeting in Tokyo, a middle-aged man stood up during the Q&A session and asked whether the company was going to reinterpret a small, sporty car like the Beat for the 21st century. "While I am still young enough to enjoy sports driving, I'd like to drive something compact and sporty, something like an updated Beat. What are the chances of that?" he said poignantly.
Honda CEO Takanobu Ito took the microphone and replied without hesitation. "We are currently developing a successor to the Beat, a car that anyone can easily have fun with. Expect to see it in showrooms within the next few years." The comment dominated the headlines the next day. Strangely, Ito's subsequent utterance didn't get nearly as much play, but potentially was much more significant to those pining away for a road-going Honda supercar: "In addition to the Beat successor, we are also making significant progress with plans for an exotic sports car."
Just six months ago, Ito told a media gathering that Honda felt compelled to re-launch a high-performance sports car like the NSX, but he didn't go so far as to say it was definitely happening. But it was the first time Ito had actually uttered the telling phrase "making significant progress with plans to..." build a successor.
To get a clearer idea of exactly what Honda has planned, a source close to Honda suggested we go back a decade and re-examine the Dualnote, a gasoline-hybrid, all-wheel-drive concept car first shown way back at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show. Powered by a midship-mounted (Japanese-speak for mid-engined) 3.5-liter V-6 with Honda's IMA hybrid system, the four-door concept's front wheels were propelled by in-wheel electric motors, while the rears were driven by the engine, a combination that reportedly generated more than 400 horsepower. The Dualnote was so advanced back then that all Honda did was adapt the drive system (minus the in-wheel electric motors) to the soon-to-be-launched Legend, thus creating the SH-AWD system.
Ten years down the track, Honda is still perfecting that original AWD hardware, which includes the large-capacity engine with hybrid combination, motors that propel the fronts, and V-6-driven rears. Another insider tells us the car's target specifications have already been decided. "Honda wants to build a supercar that breaks the mold while creating a totally new technological package," he said. So what we are going to see is a further development of that 2001 concept, but adapted for today's fuel economy and emissions expectations.
It's not a car that rests on its engine-generated power alone. The extra herbs produced by the front-mounted electric motors will make the next-generation NSX a very quick car. "It has to be fast to live up to the expectations of a future NSX, right!?" pleads our insider. He went onto say that a record Nurburgring lap time is not Honda's target. "But be rest assured, this car will be the top in its class, and the powerful engine-motor combination will achieve that result."
Our sources inform us that Honda is working on a VTEC V-6 engine displacing 3.5 to 3.7 liters that boasts a cylinder head with an integrated exhaust manifold and valveless throttle. Obviously it will be of the Atkinson cycle variety. The two-motor setup will be powered by lithium-ion batteries and employ a plug-in recharge system to minimize battery weight.
The original Dualnote system incorporated an engine that drove an on-board generator powering the motors, a system considered inherently inefficient. By fitting an all-new continuous current motor to the new concept, engineers have been able to minimize electricity consumption while at the same time creating a gutsy torque-generating, high-revving system. "This system will be the secret to the NSX successor's incredible pace," suggests our source.
One other critical aspect of the new car will be its weight-saving aluminum body, a process carried over from the first NSX. And the final part of the package is price. Our sources tell us that Honda wants to bring the car to the U.S. as an Acura by 2014 for under $100,000 -- a sticker price designed to rival that of the Nissan GT-R.
Source;
http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/1110_acura_nsx_successor_taking_shape/
Toyota FT-86 / Scion FR-S specs leaked via training manual
Last week, we saw leaked images of a tricked out Toyota FT-86 thanks to a leaked brochure of the company’s in-house tuning arm Modellista. Over the weekend, another brochure was leaked showing the production version of the Toyota FT-86. We now have another leak – a training manual that gives us more information on the specs and options that will be available on/with the FT-86 and Scion FR-S (as it will be sold in the United States).If the document is to be believed, the Toyota FT-86 will weigh in at 2,662 pounds (with manual) and will be powered by a 2.0 liter flat 4-cylinder engine making 197-hp at 7,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 150 lb-ft at 6,600 rpm. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual as standard and an optional 6-speed automatic.
The document also shows that the FT-86 and FR-S will be available in two trim levels. The base will be a lower-spec model that has only the limited-slip diff with the manual transmission. The higher-spec model will get a limited-slip rear differential in both manual and automatic versions. Higher-spec models will also get leather-wrapped steering, ‘high-quality’ seats, LED accent lighting, a 6-speaker audio system, sport pedals and white-lighted gauges and larger wheels.
Click here more news on the Toyota FT-86.
The production Toyota FT-86 will debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show along with the Subaru BRZ. The production Scion FR-S will most likely debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.
- By: Omar Rana
Source: FT-86 Club
Source;
http://www.egmcartech.com/2011/10/31/toyota-ft-86-scion-fr-s-specs-leaked-via-training-manual/
Next-gen Mitsubishi EVO hybrid confirmed for 2014!
2013 Mitsubishi EVO XI conceptual renderingIf you wonder what Mitsubishi is up to these days then, read on to find out their ambitious plans for the future. If are a fan of the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO and you don’t want to miss this. The Japanese car maker is coming up with an all new Mitsubishi EVO by 2014. However, this car isn’t what you’d expect from a car maker who have dominated the cross-country rally scene with its powerful four-wheel drive saloons. The latest from them has been the Misubishi EVO X. To put in plain English, the next-generation EVO will be a hybrid!
Surprised? Well, that is correct. Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko, has confirmed this with Autocar but refrained himself from revealing the technical details of the new car. According to him, the Mitsubishi EVO XI will feature a diesel-hybrid powertrain. The new changes are aimed at controlling emissions. Now, the EVO is known for lightning fast 0-100 kph times and nimble reflexes. It is difficult to image an EVO without its USPs and that is what Mitsubishi engineers also feel. The new EVO XI will thus retain its trademark handling and performance characteristics.
The only change then, could be under the hood. That said, the acceleration will certainly be spine smashing with a diesel engine and an electric motor working in unison. The team at Mitsubishi will start work on the new EVO project next year. The actual car is expected to arrive in the three years time. Earlier in the year, there were reports of the EVO being axed for a more sustainable electric car over which the world reacted in criticism. Taking notice of the reaction from fans, Mitsubishi was quick respond. So with a hybrid EVO taking shape, Mitsubishi’s marketing bumph might read, “EVO XI- Its Green and goes like stink “.
Source;
http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/cars/nextgen-mitsubishi-evo-hybrid-confirmed-2014-50510/
Subaru BRZ: new tech details
The new Subaru BRZ coupé will have the lowest centre of gravity of any production car when it goes on sale next summer, according to the manufacturer.The BRZ’s rear-wheel-drive configuration has meant that Subaru's compact 2.0-litre Boxer engine can be mounted even lower in the chassis than would normally be permissible in the manufacturer's conventional four-wheel-drive layout.
Despite being co-developed with Toyota, the vast majority of the engineering work has been undertaken by Subaru; although the company has confirmed that the BRZ's flat-four unit will incorporate a Toyota direct fuel-injection system.
Power outputs, however, will differ with a Subaru-spec ECU liberating the BRZ’s power to “less than 300bhp,” compared with the FT-86’s 200bhp figure.
Details of the car’s final spec remain under wraps - even Subaru's UK new MD admitted to Autocar that he'd only seen a clay model of the finished product - but insiders suggest that the grille and bumpers will differentiate the RBZ from its Toyota-badged sibling.
A roadster version could yet play a part in future model plans, but a topless car is ‘under consideration’ rather than developmental reality.
Subaru insists that no costing strategy has been established, but with the Volkswagen Scirocco confirmed as the main rival, expect the RBZ’s price tag to land somewhere in the current coupé ballpark.
The lack of a final figure - or even an image of the production car - has apparently not dissuaded Subaru fans from already registering their interest with the company's dealership network.
While the new 2+2 coupé is expected to fill a healthy new niche for the manufacturer, Subaru UK has made it clear that it intends to focus much of its energy on 'lifestyle' products, such as the new XV crossover, as it looks to achieve a sales target of 7500 units in 2012.
The Subaru BRZ will be unveiled at the Tokyo show next month.
Nic Cackett
Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?AR=259739
Inside Honda Performance Development
By Carlos Lago of www.motortrend.com
"Oh cute," I'm thinking, "Honda's strapped a wing and a roll cage to a CR-Z and called it a racecar." Burbling out of pit lane at Willow Springs Raceway in the Honda CR-Z Racer, with what sounds like a swarm of bees armed with a megaphone in tow, I roll on the throttle. Suddenly the tach needle jumps by two thousand rpm, the front wheels jolt, the steering wheel scrambles in my hand, and I'm heading into turn one much faster than anticipated.
"Oh cute," I'm thinking, "Honda's strapped a wing and a roll cage to a CR-Z and called it a racecar." Burbling out of pit lane at Willow Springs Raceway in the Honda CR-Z Racer, with what sounds like a swarm of bees armed with a megaphone in tow, I roll on the throttle. Suddenly the tach needle jumps by two thousand rpm, the front wheels jolt, the steering wheel scrambles in my hand, and I'm heading into turn one much faster than anticipated.This white and red concoction of turbochargers, nickel cobalt magnesium batteries, and racing slicks is the work of Honda Performance Development, a research and development subsidiary of the Japanese automaker that focuses solely on racing. Based in Valencia, California, the roller coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain are visible from the road that approaches HPD's two-story, 125,000 square foot building. Home to an engine assembly hall, machining rooms, dynos, and so on, HPD is responsible for producing about one-third of the engines for IndyCar -- each of which takes 120 hours -- and for developing products for ALMS, go-karts, SCCA World challenge racers, quarter midgets, and SEMA show pieces.
The injury is one to ego. HPD knows the ins and outs of its hardware, as most of it is factory spec. The V-6 the new ARX-01d chassis relies upon is based on a stock Honda Accord engine. HPD changes the crank, cam profile, and adds two turbochargers. There's your race engine.
Admittedly, I wasn't thinking about development practices while heading towards turn one at Big Willow. I was thinking about attempting the fast left-hander in fourth gear and pushing those tires harder. I wasn't thinking "Oh, cute" anymore. I was thinking that while the showroom may not inspire the enthusiast within, enthusiasm for racing is alive and well at Honda.
Hence, the CR-Z Racer I'm fumbling around the big track at Willow Springs. It bowed at SEMA last year, alongside a group of similarly modified stable mates, with a turbocharged 1.5-liter I-4 and a higher output battery pack; combined, the package makes right around 190 horsepower. The hybrid system offers interesting approaches to racing. The 25 horsepower and 65 pound-feet of torque Honda estimates it delivers can be activated by pressing a button, push-to-pass style. The powertrain can even revert to an economy setting for endurance races. How well does it work? Honda entered two CR-Zs at the arduous 25 Hours of Thunderhill (a race famous for its "I survived the 25" finish line slogan) one of which placed second in class and ninth overall.
If there were a finishing place for fun-factor, the result might've been similar. The CR-Z is exceedingly hilarious. It is not a fast car, although it offers admirable acceleration in the upper arches of its powerband. The CR-Z's strength is maintaining speed. Its 17-inch wheels are shod in BFGoodrich racing slicks which beg to be pushed harder corner after corner. After a two-lap taste, I want to gorge.
The CR-Z Racer remains a small part of HPD's interests, which range from top-tier IndyCar and ALMS series to grassroots efforts. In 2010, the SCCA approved a variant of the Fit-based 1.5-liter engine for use in Formula Ford, or as it's now known officially, Formula F. The engine that powers your Honda generator? HPD turns that into a mill for quarter midget racing. It also takes 125 cc dirt bike engines and readies them for go-karts.
Most recently, Honda has been working with other manufacturers to introduce B Spec, a racing series for subcompacts like the Fit. The cars rely on production components -- engine, transmission, and chassis -- to drive down the cost of entry; a finished racecar should total around $25,000. Required changes for safety include a roll cage, suspension upgrades, wheels and tires, and a few other pieces, and HPD will, of course, offer these parts for your Fit. Mazda has been gung-ho with its Mazda2 -- such that it and Honda debuted the two racecars simultaneously. Ford and Kia have subsequently prepared versions of the Fiesta and Rio for competition. Toyota may even offer a Yaris. The series is rapidly gaining traction, and the automakers plan on having the cars performance balanced soon (a process that ensures that all cars perform on an equal level).
DEPENDABLE RACE CARS
Honda calls itself the most dependable name in racing and eagerly backs up the claim. Since becoming the sole supplier, HPD's IndyCar V-8s have broken records for reliability; the last in-race engine failure happened in 2009. Such performance is the result of scrupulous investigation. A materials analysis room at HPD is the home of countless slivers of metal and rubber, material encased in plastic. Each one has a story to tell. A piston, for example, is cross-sectioned, sliced thinly like a steak. Across the length of the slice, every few millimeters, HPD takes measurements to see what temperatures the metal has experienced. Knowing the temperatures means knowing how far the pistons can be pushed in the future, or how much to back off.
Honda calls itself the most dependable name in racing and eagerly backs up the claim. Since becoming the sole supplier, HPD's IndyCar V-8s have broken records for reliability; the last in-race engine failure happened in 2009. Such performance is the result of scrupulous investigation. A materials analysis room at HPD is the home of countless slivers of metal and rubber, material encased in plastic. Each one has a story to tell. A piston, for example, is cross-sectioned, sliced thinly like a steak. Across the length of the slice, every few millimeters, HPD takes measurements to see what temperatures the metal has experienced. Knowing the temperatures means knowing how far the pistons can be pushed in the future, or how much to back off.
Other pieces tell stories of tragedy. A square gasket, no taller than a coffee mug, hangs from a wire stand. It's from Fernandez Racing's ARX-01b, the then Acura-branded American Le Mans prototype, which finished second overall at the 2008 12 Hours of Sebring. During the post-race inspection, the engine refused to stall after its intakes were plugged (ALMS requires all air entering an engine to go through inlet restrictors). The team was disqualified. After an intense search, HPD found that the supplier responsible for the small gasket switched glues during production. That glue failed and the gasket unseated, allowing extra air through. Though a small, seemingly insignificant piece, the gasket cost the team the race. HPD doesn't forget, and team members still sour when telling the story.
The injury is one to ego. HPD knows the ins and outs of its hardware, as most of it is factory spec. The V-6 the new ARX-01d chassis relies upon is based on a stock Honda Accord engine. HPD changes the crank, cam profile, and adds two turbochargers. There's your race engine.
When I toured the facility, I was guided to one of the dyno rooms, where an example of the twin-turbo V-6 sat. In the isolated room, the bare engine was hooked to an innumerable amount of wires, looking ready to enter the Matrix. We entered an adjacent room for monitoring, separated from the dyno chamber by two heavy doors. We watched as the engine ran a simulated lap of Sebring raceway, using data gathered from a race. The suspended engine revved to its 6200-rpm limiter, simulated an up shift, and continued again. Its sound is a flat and low burble, the piping around the turbochargers quickly glows orange. When needed, HPD will run an engine for 24 hours to simulate the rigors of endurance racing. I closed my eyes and pictured running a lap, downshifting for braking, maintaining throttle during long corners. At one point the engine audibly shot past limiter. "Over rev," the technician says. The driver from when this data was gathered put a tire on the slippery painted curbing, getting wheel spin.
This type of development is one of HPD's contributions to Honda products. Since its inception in 1993, HPD has learned much about efficiently developing cars for extreme scenarios. For example, HPD doesn't rely on wind tunnel testing anymore, favoring computational fluid dynamics, or CFD, until race day. Eliminating wind tunnels means eliminating costly and time-consuming scale models; designing and building a front splitter for that 50 percent scale ALMS prototype costs $25,000. The company relies on computing power and claims no downsides. The team says it has so much success with the process that they can take a prototype out on a shakedown and it will perform just as CFD predicted. Passing this expertise on to the parent company has the potential to cut development time and costs.
Admittedly, I wasn't thinking about development practices while heading towards turn one at Big Willow. I was thinking about attempting the fast left-hander in fourth gear and pushing those tires harder. I wasn't thinking "Oh, cute" anymore. I was thinking that while the showroom may not inspire the enthusiast within, enthusiasm for racing is alive and well at Honda.
Source;
SPIED: Subaru BRZ Coupe Shows its Face
Upon viewing these pictures of the Subaru BRZ prototype we can hear some of you shouting, "just come out with it already", and we couldn't agree more. The same can be said about for the BRZ's twin sisters, the much-teased global Toyota FT-86 and the North American Scion FR-S.Anyway, if the current buzz is to be believed, then we should catch our first glimpse of the BRZ in concept form at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show in mid-November with the final production model to make its world premiere alongside the FT-86 at the Tokyo Motor Show in December.
If you're having a hard time figuring out the differences between the swirly covered BRZ test car and the FT-86 prototypes, that's because the two models will be almost identical minus some extremely subtle cosmetic differences.
If you compare these pictures with our previous spy shots of the FT-86, you will see that the BRZ seen here features a slightly different nose with a reversed grille (and by that we mean that the upper side is longer than the lower side) and redesigned fog lamp housings.
The mechanics are already known with all three cars featuring a Subaru-sourced, 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated flat-four matched to a standard six-speed manual or an optional (depending on the market) automatic transmission that will power the rear wheels only.
Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/10/spied-subaru-brz-coupe-shows-its-face.html
Next Gen Toyota Supra underway!
Lexus plans super LFA Tokyo Edition, new Supra underwayBy Tim Pollard
Lexus will launch an LFA Tokyo Motor Show Edition at this autumn's 2011 Japanese show, CAR has discovered - and we can expect a brace of additional new Toyota/Lexus performance cars in the coming years, including a likely Supra replacement.
The Lexus LFA Tokyo edition will bring an M3-esque exposed carbon roof and (still hydraulically adjustable) carbon rear spoiler. Presumably this just means the weave is exposed, as the LFA is already made from carbonfibre.
CAR understands the LFA Tokyo will cost about €40k more than a 'regular' Lexus LFA.
What else is planned for the Lexus LFA?
A spider roadster was planned and its carbonfibre construction meant the open-top LFA was nearly as rigid as the coupe. But our sources in Japan have confirmed the roadster LFA has been canned owing to the economic uncertainty in markets around the world.
And what's this about new performance cars from Toyota/Lexus?
Toyota is working on two other performance cars separate from the FT-86 and LFA projects.
Information is sketchy at this point, but CAR understands one is a front-wheel drive car (possibly a go-faster CT200h) and one is a potential successor to the Supra.
Officially, a Supra replacement is denied. But we hear a skunkworks, unofficial project is underway to replace the RWD coupe and some insiders predict a 2014 launch.
It also sounds like future fast Toyota/Lexus models will switch from high-revving naturally aspirated engines - as in the LFA, ISF and FT-86 - to smaller, turbocharged engines. Interesting times at Toyota, as it attempts to play catch-up after a decade away from the performance heartland.
Source;
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-new-cars/Search-Results/Spyshots/Lexus-to-launch-super-LFA-Tokyo-Edition-plus-new-Supra-underway/
2012 Porsche 911 Gets Official With 7-Speed Manual, Start/Stop System
Porsche's 991 911 is the next step in the evolutionary lineIt may be hard for the untrained eye to spot the differences between the older 997 and new 991 versions of the 911, but people have been saying that for years when it comes to Porsche's most famous model. The 911 may have not changed significantly when it comes to styling, but there's enough going on under the flesh to justify it being called an "all-new" model.
First of all, in a move that is sure to anger some purists, the 911 is growing in size yet again (the last big jump came with the 996 introduction). The rear-engined sports car is now 3.9" longer overall bringing total vehicle length to 179.5". However, Porsche counters with the fact that the body weight weight of the vehicle is down 100 pounds thanks to the use of lightweight steel, aluminum, and composites.
Also new to the mix is a “world first” 7-speed manual transmission for those that prefer to row your own gears. For those that would rather have a computer micromanage your shifting, the 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) is available. Porsche has also installed an automatic start/stop system in the 911 which will help to improve fuel efficiency while driving around in the city.
Although Porsche has not revealed U.S. EPA numbers for the new 911, the company says that fuel consumption is down 16 percent compared to the outgoing model using the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).
The engines are mostly carryover this time around, but power is up for both the Carrera (3.4) and the Carrera S (3.8). The 3.4-liter flat-6 is up 350hp (an increase of 5hp) while the larger 3.8-liter flat-6 jumps to 400hp (up 15hp).
As in previous models, 911s with the PDK transmission will be faster on the track than the manual-equipped cars. The Carrera with a PDK can hit 60mph in 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 179mph. The Carrera S with PDK and Sport Chrono Package can do the dance in 3.9 seconds and reach 188mph.
However, all of this fun is going to cost you a serious amount of coin -- the base MSRP for the Carrera is listed at $82,100. Stepping up to the Carrera S will set you back a whopping $96,400, and that's before the option overload that greets you when it's time to order your new 911.
Source;
http://www.dailytech.com/2012+Porsche+911+Gets+Official+With+7Speed+Manual+StartStop+System+/article22516.htm
Next Generation Hyundai Genesis Coupe Spied
Well, I guess the next generation Genesis Coupe will get the corporate look, in my humble opinion, this look is a step backwards, I really liked the look of the current Genesis coupe below....
For more shots of the car, follow the link to Mr. Thompsons excellent site;
http://www.woodyscarsite.com/2011/08/genesis-reveals-itself-in-dark.html
For more shots of the car, follow the link to Mr. Thompsons excellent site;
http://www.woodyscarsite.com/2011/08/genesis-reveals-itself-in-dark.html
Subaru BRZ Revealed as Name of Subie’s Toyota FT-86
Subaru has announced its name for the joint sports car project developed with Toyota, dubbing the rear-drive coupe the BRZ.
The news comes in a release by the Japanese automaker, announcing it will show a second rendition of the Boxer Sports Car Architecture, cumbersomely named “Subaru BRZ Prologue – Boxer Sports Car Architecture II” at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
The BRZ name stands for “Boxer engine”, “Rear-wheel drive” and “Zenith”. Subaru has also created a teaser webpage for the car which can be viewed here.
Source;
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/08/subaru-brz-revealed-as-name-of-subies-toyota-ft-86.html
Burlapp find: 2013 Mitsubishi EVO Illustration
Gotta say, nice looking illustration....
"Another illustration, so who know what it will look like.But Road and Track reports that the Evo is not dead.And the new version would be powered by a Hybrid system, paired with a 1.6 Liter Turbo engine.Why not?We still need fun cars around. I just wish they also looked more fun. So far it's just been tricked out versions of the boring Lancer.How about its own design, for once. "
Source;
http://www.burlappcars.com/2011/06/2013-mitsubishi-evo.html
"Another illustration, so who know what it will look like.But Road and Track reports that the Evo is not dead.And the new version would be powered by a Hybrid system, paired with a 1.6 Liter Turbo engine.Why not?We still need fun cars around. I just wish they also looked more fun. So far it's just been tricked out versions of the boring Lancer.How about its own design, for once. "Source;
http://www.burlappcars.com/2011/06/2013-mitsubishi-evo.html
Don't Call it a Comeback....Honda Beat
Well, where there's usually this much smoke, there's fire....
Successor to tiny Nineties’ drop-top is on way
By Peter Lyon
10th June 2011
The Beat goes on, Auto Express can reveal. Sources in Japan say that Honda will combine the best of its car and motorcycle technologies to create a front-wheel-drive, two-seater sports coupé successor to the Nineties Beat.
Successor to tiny Nineties’ drop-top is on wayBy Peter Lyon
10th June 2011
The Beat goes on, Auto Express can reveal. Sources in Japan say that Honda will combine the best of its car and motorcycle technologies to create a front-wheel-drive, two-seater sports coupé successor to the Nineties Beat.
The original was a 3.3-metre-long drop-top, produced between 1991 and 1996, that had a 660cc engine to take advantage of Japanese tax breaks. The reborn Beat coupé will be based on the platform of the petrol-electric CR-Z two-door, but employ a smaller body with shorter overhangs, and is likely to take cues from Honda’s OSM concept car.
It is rumoured to incorporate one of the firm’s next-generation petrol engines: either the 1.3 or 1.5-litre advanced VTEC, due to appear in the company’s production cars from next year. Our spies tell us that a hybrid is not being considered for the coupé, although stop-start will feature.
The engine bosses eventually choose will be hooked up to the company’s first-ever dual-clutch transmission for cars. This set-up is borrowed and adapted from Honda’s VFR1200F motorcycle.
Targeting coupés such as the next Mazda MX-5 and recently launched Renault Wind, the newcomer is due in dealers in late 2013. It’s expected to cost less than £20,000, and will be sold in the US as well as Europe.
Carscoop Find; Honda CR-Z Mugen Concept Video
With development of the new Honda CR-Z Mugen concept nearing its end, the Japanese automaker decided it’s time to release the first video of the supercharged hybrid model on the road before its world premiere at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.
The prototype CR-Z is the collaborative work of Honda UK and its in-house tuning shop Mugen Euro. The hotted-up hybrid sports car feature modifications to the 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine with the addition of a supercharger as well as to the Honda IMA system.
Mugen remains tightlipped at present over output numbers, but given that the regular model delivers a combined output of 122-horsepower, the supercharged model should flirt with the 200-horsepower mark.
“Performance figures already look promising for this supercharged Honda CR-Z, as early tests with a prototype car based on a standard CR-Z and a mid-tune engine giving 0-60mph times around that of the Civic Type R,” Honda said in a statement.
The tuning firm has also stripped out 50 kg or 110 pounds from the chassis and made changes to the suspension, alloy wheel / tire combos, brake system and the car’s aerodynamics.
Source;
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