Serving up a quick preview before the grand unveiling in a few short weeks, Porsche has given up the goods on two of its newest road-ready racers, the 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo, and the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
Like the 2010 Turbo, the 2010 GT3 RS ditches the 3.6L slant-6 of years past in favor of a 3.8L (albeit a naturally aspirated one), boosting engine output to 450-horsepower, a full 15 units higher than the current GT3. Befitting a sports car of its pedigree, the GT3 RS is only available with a 6-speed manual tranny features shorter gear ratios specifically revised to enhance performance on the track. Also new for 2010 is the optional lithium-ion battery that can be ordered to the conventional lead-acid battery. Although it sounds vaguely green, the lithium ion battery shaves roughly 22 lbs off the GT3 RS’ total weight and was introduced specifically for track day improvement.
To ensure the garments of bystanders and/or fellow motorists remain properly soiled, the 2010 GT3 RS also comes with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) actively and continuously regulates the damping force for each wheel according to the road conditions and driving style, simultaneously allowing the suspension to be lowered by 10 mm. In addition, both the front and rear tracks have been widened, and the front axle comes with 9″ wheels running on 245/35 ZR 19 sports tires while the rear axle features 12″ wheels incorporating 325/30 ZR 19 sports tires.
Lagging about 6 months behind the 2010 Turbo, the 2010 911 GT3 RS will hit the U.S. in early spring of 2010 with a price tag beginning at $132,800.
As its impending debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show draws nigh, the 2011 Peugeot RCZ has finally bared its full production form in a series of new images. As suggested by the artfully elusive teaser images released in early July, the 2011 Peugeot RCZ is an exercise in sleek, über-luxury performance and bears a striking resemblance to its direct competition, the Audi TT.
Engine specifications for the RCZ will be kept under wraps until its official unveiling, but Peugeot has confirmed at least one of the options will include Peugeot’s new 147kW (200bhp) 1.6-L THP. Also appearing alongside the production RCZ will be a concept hybrid version, dubbed the RCZ HYbrid4, which Peugeot claims will cut CO2 emissions down to just 95g/km. Unlike the standard-gasoline RCZ, however, Peugeot has yet to announce any definitive timetable for the RCZ HYbrid4’s production, but we expect more information to be released following the official introduction.
A full three weeks ahead of its scheduled unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Porsche has lifted the sheet off the new, more powerful 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo. Marking the first total engine upgrade in the Turbo’s 35 year history, Porsche has completely abandoned the previous gen’s 3.6L in favor of a 500 bhp (368 kW) DFI 3.8L. If optionally equipped with Porsche’s 7-speed PDK Doppelkupplungsgetriebe dual-clutch gearbox, the 2010 911 Turbo also comes with a custom 3-spoke steering wheel fitted that swaps the lifeless shift buttons in favor of track cred-enhancing gearshift paddles.
For your sister, the 2010 911 Turbo can also be fitted with an automatic transmission which, thanks to the new direct-inject technology, boosts fuel economy from the PDK-equipped Tubro’s 24.1 mpg to a whopping 24.8 mpg.
Regardless of your competence the gearbox, both models come with a heavily upgraded AWD system employing the use of PTM (Porsche Traction Management), PSM (Porsche Stability Management), and PVT (Porsche Torque Vectoring) that, combined with the slight weight reduction and hp boost, basically means it’ll blow your toupee off. More specifically, it’ll blow your toupee off at 194 mph after sprinting 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds.
Scheduled to hit the U.S. in November 2009, the cost of hooning in the 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo coupe is $132,800, and if your trophy wife insists on feeling the wind in her bleached hair, the cabriolet will set you back $143,800.
In a few short weeks, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept will join the production-ready BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and BMW ActiveHybrid 7 at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show for the inaugural debut of BMW’s new ActiveHybrid technology. Initially conceived as an electric plug-in hybrid and designed in part by Bimmer’s famed Motorsports division, the 2+2 Vision EfficientDynamics combines the use of a 1.5L turbodiesel, two electric motors, and a lithium-polymer battery pack. The set-up itself is not entirely unlike similar plug-in hybrids already in various stages of development, but the Vision EfficientDynamics immediately distinguishes itself from the pack by flexing some serious specs.
Alone, the mid-mounted 3-cylinder 1.5L turbodiesel puts out a modest 163 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque, all of which is delivered to the rear axle via BMW’s new 6-speed double-clutch transmission (DCT). Located between the diesel and the DCT is the first of two compact electric motors, capable of cranking out a maximum of 51 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque, that utilizes a regenerative braking system to generate and feed electric power to the lithium-polymer battery. The second hybrid synchronous motor is located on the front axle and offers a continuous output of 80 horsepower and peak torque of 162 lb-ft. Extra power of 112 horsepower is available for a period of up to 30 seconds and, for a 10-second “burst,” the electric motor is able to develop 139 horsepower. The power is transmitted through a 2-stage, single-speed reduction gearbox. With all sources combined, the Vision EfficientDynamics output is boosted to 356 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the greenest white-knuckle experiences by far.
Using a standard EU 220V outlet (220 V, 16 Amps), the battery cells can be fully recharged in just 2.5 hours – which can be shaved down to a mere 44 minutes if a 380V outlet used. At full charge, the Vision EfficientDynamics is capable of traveling up to 31 miles on electric power alone. When combined with the combustion engine the range is increased to a staggering 431 miles while only consuming an estimated 3.76 liters/100 kilometers (62.6 mpg). Although the figures are still subject to official approval, BMW also claims the Vision EfficientDynamics boasts a CO2 emission rating of 99 grams per kilometer, or 50 grams a kilometer when driving in the all-electric mode.
Thanks to the engineering prowess of the performance-hungry M Sport engineers, the Vision EfficientDynamics can hold its own not just at the pump, but on the track too. Using a minimalist, aerodynamic design, the Vision EfficientDynamics is purportedly capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in just 4.8 seconds, maxing out at an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. Measuring 181.1″ in length, 74.8″ in width and 48.8″ in height, the drag coefficient is an austere 0.22 and despite its track-bred features, the interior is supposedly spacious enough to comfortably accommodate 4 adults.
If you aren’t loaded enough to check out the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics for yourself at Frankfurt, don’t worry, we aren’t either. We are, however, connected enough to have exclusive access to live motor show coverage, so check back in a few weeks for the official updates.
We won’t even pretend to think that Lotus won’t tweak, snip or otherwise improve upon the 2010 Exige Cup 260. Each time we conclude they have taken the current model of their street-legal race car to the highest levels of performance, (and minimalism), they come back with another slightly improved version that tops the last. But nevertheless, even knowing that an even better Exige will surely be forthcoming, at least right now, the 2010 Exige Cup 260 is the best Lotus ever.
Like its predecessor, the design of the Exige Cup 260 is led in both performance and style from the Lotus Exige GT3 race car. The consequence of being motivated to copy this machine as closely as possible means that the Exige Cup 260 receives subtle, but measurable improvements in a wide array of areas, including a little more power, a 30 percent stiffer rear chassis, more carbon fiber in the bodywork, impossibly light alloy wheels, a new and improved aerodynamic package and the adherence to the goal of stripping weight out whenever feasible. This involved replacing most of the aluminum body panels with carbon fiber and removing such extraneous pieces like the carpets, mud flaps, battery cover, rear view mirror and sun visors.
Lotus proudly proclaims the new model “one of the most exhilarating, focused and pure sports cars on the road today,” and it would be hard to argue against them. The 257 horsepower supercharged and intercooled Toyota-derived engine in the Exige Cup 260 reaches maximum power output at 8000 rpm, which as you can imagine, is an insane amount for a car that weighs only 1958 lbs, 84 less than a standard Exige S. Not only is the top speed of this glorified go-cart 150 mph, but it reaches 60 mph in only 4.1 seconds. Of course, you would want to confirm these numbers for yourself, which makes the available launch control option a must have.
The exterior of the Exige 260 has a number of extroverted cues that indicate its capabilities. The oversized roof scoop feeds air into the intercooler and the rear wing and front spoiler were given meticulous attention over the previous model to increase down-force and stability at high speed. Because the Exige 260 is catering to the weekend racer crowd, the car comes with two-way adjustable dampers in the suspension system that allow for a custom setup for the driver. Similarly, other nods to its track abilities include a smaller flywheel, a light weight race battery, a heavy duty sports clutch that is mated to a C64 six-speed gearbox, the aforementioned launch control, FIA compliant seats, a roll cage and a torque sensing limited slip differential. Stopping power comes from huge 12.1-inch front and 11.1-inch rear cross-drilled and ventilated brake discs with AP Racing and Brembo calipers.
There is not a definite timeline for the vehicle in North America, though it will certainly arrive at some point. Prices are expected to be in the $80,000 range.
The upcoming 2010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic is reviving some classic Porsche details by fitting new versions of the iconic Fuchs wheels, and a freaking ducktail spoiler, a la the famous 2.7RS (and an indeterminate but huge amount of lesser 911s cloned to look like one) lightweight factory road-racer of the 1970s. Perhaps just as shockingly as this heretofore unprecedented mining of the venerable sport car’s legacy, it actually looks pretty good on the 997-series car. And check out the houndstooth cloth seat inserts! But probably the best part is unlike the countless special edition 911s that are merely some tack-on appliques and a shiny numbered plaque, this one gets some more than trivial underhood tweaks. More on the mechanical enhancements, plus a gallery and press release, after the jump.
Nestled under that upturned spoiler rests a new intake manifold with variable-length intake runners that are good for a 23 HP increase over stock – that really isn’t too shabby. You also get Porsche’s hallowed carbon ceramic brake system, and their Porsche Active Suspension Management sport suspension. So they nailed the look, and added some serious goodies, making this one of the only limited editions we’ve seen in a long time that actually seems worth the added bread and exclusivity. Only 250 will built, and you know, if you have to ask, you definitely aren’t old or impotent enough to afford one. Look for it to bow at Frankfurt. Press release below:
The 911 Sport Classic – Exclusive for 250 Fans of the 911
Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has refined the DNA of the 911 to what must be the most supreme standard of class and style in the 911 Sport Classic available to a strictly limited number of very special 911 enthusiasts. Creating this unique model, Porsche is bringing back the tradition of exclusive small series built in very small numbers. The 911 Sport Classic will be presented at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and is limited in production to just 250 cars.
This very special 911 from Porsche Exclusive has been developed over a project period of about three years, with lots of love for detail, catering especially for the most demanding group of genuine aficionados. Porsche Exclusive is Porsche’s Specialist Department for the most outstanding customised versions of Porsche cars going beyond even the highest standard of the Company’s regular production models.
The unique character of this very special 911 comes out at very first sight in the newly developed double-dome roof. A further highlight of this sports car based on the rear-wheel-drive Carrera S is the wider rear body up by 44 millimetres or 1.73″ and the wider track on the rear axle. The striking SportDesign front apron with its unique spoiler lip and the rear spoiler fixed in position like the legendary ducktail on the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 round off the unmistakable look of the 911 Sport Classic. Power comes from Porsche’s 3.8-litre with Direct Fuel Injection, increased in this case, also through the introduction of a newly developed resonance intake manifold with six vacuum-controlled switching flaps, by 23 bhp to 408 horsepower for even more outstanding performance.
The 911 Sport Classic comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes ideally reflecting the sporting character of this exclusive 911, PASM sports suspension lowering the entire car by 20 mm or 0.79″, as well as the mechanical rear axle differential and custom-made 19-inch wheels with their rim star painted black all come together to offer a perfect match for the character of this most exclusive car.
The very special, highly sophisticated interior of the 911 Sport Classic bears powerful testimony to one of the core competences of Porsche Exclusive and is characterised by new materials never used before even by Porsche. One example is woven leather made up of smooth leather strips and woven yarn featured on the seat centrepieces of the newly designed adaptive sports seats complete with light-grey piping and on the door panels.
The dashboard including a wide range of inserts and add-on components is finished in Espresso Nature natural leather, providing a distinctive contrast to the exclusive body paint in Sport Classic Grey.
Marking the introduction of this special limited edition model, Porsche Design Driver´s Selection is likewise introducing a range of new andThe 911 Sport Classic – Exclusive for 250 Fans of the 911
Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has refined the DNA of the 911 to what must be the most supreme standard of class and style in the 911 Sport Classic available to a strictly limited number of very special 911 enthusiasts. Creating this unique model, Porsche is bringing back the tradition of exclusive small series built in very small numbers. The 911 Sport Classic will be presented at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and is limited in production to just 250 cars.
This very special 911 from Porsche Exclusive has been developed over a project period of about three years, with lots of love for detail, catering especially for the most demanding group of genuine aficionados. Porsche Exclusive is Porsche’s Specialist Department for the most outstanding customised versions of Porsche cars going beyond even the highest standard of the Company’s regular production models.
The unique character of this very special 911 comes out at very first sight in the newly developed double-dome roof. A further highlight of this sports car based on the rear-wheel-drive Carrera S is the wider rear body up by 44 millimetres or 1.73″ and the wider track on the rear axle. The striking SportDesign front apron with its unique spoiler lip and the rear spoiler fixed in position like the legendary ducktail on the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 round off the unmistakable look of the 911 Sport Classic. Power comes from Porsche’s 3.8-litre with Direct Fuel Injection, increased in this case, also through the introduction of a newly developed resonance intake manifold with six vacuum-controlled switching flaps, by 23 bhp to 408 horsepower for even more outstanding performance.
The 911 Sport Classic comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes ideally reflecting the sporting character of this exclusive 911, PASM sports suspension lowering the entire car by 20 mm or 0.79″, as well as the mechanical rear axle differential and custom-made 19-inch wheels with their rim star painted black all come together to offer a perfect match for the character of this most exclusive car.
The very special, highly sophisticated interior of the 911 Sport Classic bears powerful testimony to one of the core competences of Porsche Exclusive and is characterised by new materials never used before even by Porsche. One example is woven leather made up of smooth leather strips and woven yarn featured on the seat centrepieces of the newly designed adaptive sports seats complete with light-grey piping and on the door panels.
The dashboard including a wide range of inserts and add-on components is finished in Espresso Nature natural leather, providing a distinctive contrast to the exclusive body paint in Sport Classic Grey.
Marking the introduction of this special limited edition model, Porsche Design Driver´s Selection is likewise introducing a range of new and very special products at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The limited edition AluFrame Trolley as well as a polo-shirt, a cap and a personalised lanyard take up the colour concept of the 911 Sport Classic, and in good time for the introduction of the new car a top-quality 1:43 model will also be available.
Sales of the Porsche 911 Sport Classic are starting in January 2010. The Euro base price of the car without value-added tax and national specifications is Euro 169,300.-.
The retail price and market launch date vary by region or country. Please contact the Porsche PR Manager of your country in order to receive country-specific information. very special products at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The limited edition AluFrame Trolley as well as a polo-shirt, a cap and a personalised lanyard take up the colour concept of the 911 Sport Classic, and in good time for the introduction of the new car a top-quality 1:43 model will also be available.
Sales of the Porsche 911 Sport Classic are starting in January 2010. The Euro base price of the car without value-added tax and national specifications is Euro 169,300.-.
The retail price and market launch date vary by region or country. Please contact the Porsche PR Manager of your country in order to receive country-specific information.
How do you follow up after producing possibly the world’s single greatest sportscar of all time, the McLaren F1? Apparently, you design and produce this, the new McLaren MP4-12C. (Gesundheit.) It has all the go-fast bits you’ve seen on countless other supercars recently, and while it has a trick twin-turbo V8 … maybe it’s the fact that we got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning, but color us unimpressed. In fact, we’re going to go out on a limb and quite blatantly ask: WTF? This is the replacement for the all-conquering McLaren F1? This generic mashup of Saleen, NSX, and Fierro bodykit styling? And we thought the new Lotus Evora was disappointingly under-styled. We snagged a mega-gallery of photos, so make the jump and decide for yourselves if we’re just being unnecessarily grumpy. (Also we’ve got a full press release and more details below.)
We should note that our disappointment stems mainly from the fact that this is clearly a Ferrari 458 Italia-level competitor, with a conventional two-seat layout, and that McLaren didn’t try and make a new F1. This is going to be a “volume” sportscar, and while it has great specs (600 HP in a super-light, very trick single-piece carbon fiber chassis) and a lot of cool McLaren-designed technology, it’s simply not that innovative as a package. The F1 was a giant leap forward. This is a halting step forward, and then a realization that it’s way uglier than any of its Italian competitors. Sorry McLaren, we think you’ve lost your way, although ultimately the court of public opinion will be the MP4-12C’s final judge.
That editorial comment aside, here are the basic specs so you don’t have to skim the press release:
-600 HP, 433 ft-Lbs of torque from bespoke twin-turbo 3.8L V8 -176 lbs carbon fiber monocoque -7-speed dual clutch gearbox with Pre-Cog preselector system -0-60 MPH in low 3 second range, 200+ MPH top speed -~$265,000 MSRP
McLaren Automotive introduces the McLaren MP4-12C
• The first in a range of high performance sports cars from the home of the world’s most successful racing car company
• McLaren MP4-12C set to re-write the rules of sports car design through Formula 1-inspired engineering, revolutionary chassis architecture, and absolute focus on efficiency
• Legendary McLaren F1 inspires concept; 21st century demands drive McLaren MP4-12C execution
• McLaren MP4-12C represents ‘pure McLaren’; from unique engineering to bespoke design where everything is for a reason
The McLaren MP4-12C is revealed as the first in a range of high-performance sports cars from McLaren Automotive, the independent car division based at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. The 12C, and future models within the range, will challenge the world’s best sports cars, benefiting from the expertise and virtuosity of the McLaren Group.
Twenty years of sports car design, engineering and production combined with inspirational success in Formula 1 have driven Ron Dennis, McLaren Automotive Chairman, to announce his plans for the ultimate line-up of technology-led and customer-focused performance cars for the 21st century. The rules in the sports car world are about to be re-written.
Through a rich modern history, McLaren’s automotive division has already built the world’s most critically acclaimed supercar, the McLaren F1 (1993-1998) and the world’s best-selling luxury supercar, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (2003-2009). McLaren Automotive now looks to the future with a new range of revolutionary sports cars.
“It is a long-held dream of mine to launch high performance sports cars that set new standards in the industry,” said Dennis.
“We began designing and building cars for aficionados of thoroughbred sports cars almost 20 years ago. Incorporating the leading edge technologies that the McLaren Group has built up within its various companies, I believe we are now perfectly placed to open up this new chapter in McLaren’s history as well as play a part in the regeneration of high-tech manufacturing in the UK and global automotive environment,” he concluded.
At its heart, the McLaren MP4-12C features a revolutionary carbon fibre chassis structure, the Carbon MonoCell: the first time a car in this market segment is based around such a strong and lightweight racing car engineering solution and the first time any car has ever featured a one-piece carbon fibre structure.
This step change in sports car design means that the 12C introduces new standards not just in handling, ride and outright performance, but also safety, economy and practicality in an already competitive sector.
Martin Whitmarsh, Team Principal of McLaren’s racing team highlighted the integral part that McLaren’s motorsport and road car experience played in developing the 12C: “McLaren has for years offered a potent mix of race car and road car technologies. This combination of McLaren’s performance heritage, and future demands on what is expected of high performance sports cars in the 21st century, gave us a head-start when we embarked on this project. The 12C, and future variants, draws on the spirit of Formula 1 and delivers real-world technological advances.”
The first car from the new company, the McLaren MP4-12C, is a high performance two-seat mid-engine model in the ‘core’ sports car market segment for cars costing between £125,000 and £175,000. The 12C is pure McLaren, featuring no carryover parts from any other car, and will be produced by McLaren in the UK. It goes on sale through a dedicated, worldwide retailer network in early 2011.
“McLaren is already a car maker with maturity and experience, having produced iconic cars such as the F1,” said Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director.
“The next step was to construct a range of pure McLaren high performance sports cars that are true to the company’s philosophy and reflect our position as an absolute technology and performance leader. So, when we embarked on the 12C project, we wanted to re-write the rules of sports car design. Indeed, the 12C offers performance and technology that exceeds that of the world’s most expensive and sophisticated supercars, while competing in a much more accessible market segment. And to achieve this result, we designed every component from scratch to meet the extreme goals of the 12C and avoid any compromise.”
“Forget what you know about sports car companies, McLaren is different,” he concluded.
Inside out
The heart of the new car is the Carbon MonoCell. McLaren pioneered the use of carbon composite construction in the 1981 Formula 1 MP4/1 model and set a trend that all Formula 1 teams have followed. The company brought carbon fibre to road cars for the first time with the 1993 McLaren F1 and then built on this experience with a carbon fibre chassis and body on the SLR manufactured to the same exacting standards, but in higher volumes.
So, until now, carbon chassis have remained the preserve of the most expensive exotic cars; a purchase for the super-rich where costs are driven by the complexity of carbon fibre chassis design and build.
The 12C changes this by introducing the advantages of carbon composite – light weight, high strength and torsional rigidity, and longevity – to a more affordable sector through its revolutionary engineering as a one-piece moulding. Never before has a carbon fibre chassis been produced this way.
The 12C MonoCell not only brings dynamic benefits, but also offers fundamental engineering opportunities that form the basis of the car’s unique character. It has been designed to allow a much narrower structure overall which in turn contributes to a more compact car that is easier to position on the road and more rewarding to drive.
Not only is the 12C unique in its class by offering carbon technology, it also has the highest specific power output as well as extraordinary power- and torque-to-weight ratios. Furthermore, the Proactive Chassis Control system offers groundbreaking handling and ride comfort while an intense focus on occupant packaging offers new levels of comfort and everyday usability.
Antony Sheriff explained. “With the 12C we are redefining the relationship between performance and practicality, as well as performance and efficiency, achieving leading positions in both. We have designed this car from the inside out. We have a saying in McLaren – ‘everything for a reason’ and the 12C will surprise people in many ways.
“A clear illustration of its special qualities is in the efficiency of its power delivery. With the 12C’s power output of around 600hp and its low CO2 emissions, it delivers the highest horsepower to CO2 ratio of any car on the market today with an internal combustion engine…and that includes petrol and diesel hybrids,” Sheriff concluded.
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