Well now this isn’t exactly a modified car, but and this is a big big big BUT it is a car that any of us would jump at the chance of slipping into even if it is for a brief stint! So time for something a little different, we’ve had a bunch of seriously tough highly modified cars so far, so why not check out one that is built from the factory to turn normally sane grown men into drooling apes! Welcome the Maserati GranTurismo S!

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As with most cars in the same stratosphere as the GranTurismo S, cornering at any speed, even far beyond the realms of sanity doesn’t fluster it at all. Naturally this can be attirbuted to the suspension setup, along with the near perfect weight distribution. The engine is set back behind the front axle giving a weight distribution of 47 percent over the front axle and 53 percent over the rear axle. Approach a corner blip down a gear, turn the wheel and forget about braking, it just isn’t necessary.

Having said that, massive 6spot BREMBO calipers are draped over some not so small cross drilled rotors which have no problem in bringing the Maserati to a standstill.

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Powered by what most of us would call a baby V8 at 4.7litres (4691cc), it still pumps out a tidy 440bhp and propels the 1.9 tonne Maserati to 100 clicks in just 4.9 seconds. The power and styling are amazing, however the most notable feature about this goddess of the roads is the sound it emits whilst driving whether it be simply cruising along or pushing your foot through the firewall. You see there is a special little button named ’sport’ hit this and baffles in the exhaust open, allowing the car to breathe better, not to mention stifening up the suspension, locking up the diff, firming up the gear shifts and adding a bit more grunt into the mixture.

“…if the engine revs are above 5500 and if the accelerator is at 80%, the car’s electronics change gear in just 100 milliseconds rather than the usual 300. The shifts are super smooth and 0-100 km/h is covered in only 4.9 seconds”. Imagine having to wait a whole 300 milliseconds to change gear……….

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Power is put to the ground via a “six-speed electro-actuated gearbox” aka paddle shift. In sports mode whilst using the paddles, down changes come with a neat blip of the throttle giving you the feeling you’re a professional race driver perfectly matching the revs for a nice smooth down change, kinda like a very surreal playstation experience. It kinda makes you want to change gears up and down far more frequently than necessary just to hear the blip of the throttle then crackle of the exhaust as you back off.

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No gear stick, simply start her up hit the ‘R’ button in the centre console to select reverse or click up on the paddle on the steering wheel.

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Lightly touching the door handle causes the door to click open, a waft of leather upholstery hits your nostrils and you’re presented with a sea of buttons, dials and gauges. All of which lure you in, to touch turn and prod……

Hope you all enjoyed getting a closer look at this beasty, as it was a blast to take photos and vids of it!

Quick Specs

ENGINE
Make : 4.7 Litre V8, Peak torque is 490 newton metres at 4750rpm

Power : 440hp at the wheels

Performance :0-100 in 4.9seconds

TRANSMISSION
Gearbox : Tremac Treo 600 manual
Clutch : Electronic double clutch

SUSPENSION & BRAKES

Brakes : BREMBO brakes and calipers

RUBBER & RIMS

Tyres : Rear - 20 * 12” Front - 20* 10”

Full Gallery of Maserati GranTurismo S

Video Compilation of Maserati GranTurismo S

Discuss the Maserati GranTurismo S

Spyker’s owner shot in apparent assassination attempt

[Source]

(Autoblog.com) Reuters is reporting that Alexander Antonov, the owner of flamboyant Dutch supercar company Spyker, has been seriously wounded in an apparent assassination attempt while leaving his Moscow residence. The Russian billionaire, who is also the chairman of the board of the Konvers Group (a banking concern), was shot along with a bodyguard.

According to the news agency, Antonov has survived the attack and his injuries have been identified as non life-threatening, although he remains in intensive care after being shot five times in the stomach and losing a finger to another bullet. The security guard, shot in the leg, is also in intensive care but is expected to survive.

Moscow police are now investigating the crime, and though they have yet to make any arrests, they apparently suspect that the shooting is related to Antonov’s business dealings.

[Source]

MOSCOW (Reuters) - A gunman shot and seriously wounded the head of a Russian banking group in an attack in Moscow on Wednesday that was likely linked to his work, local news agencies quoted investigators as saying.

The chairman of the board of the mid-size Konvers Group, Alexander Antonov, was shot on a street in northwest Moscow early on Wednesday, ITAR-TASS and RIA Novosti news agencies reported.

"A. Y. Antonov was injured, and he and his security guard are in intensive care," RIA Novosti quoted Viktoria Tsiplenkova, an investigator with the General Prosecutors’ Investigative Committee as saying.

A statement on the committee’s website said an unidentified assailant shot at the banking group’s chairman of board and his bodyguard, and that criminal proceedings had been launched.

RIA quoted another investigator, Anatoly Bagmet, as saying the attack was likely linked with Antonov’s professional activities.

Shootings of high-profile businessmen are relatively rare in Moscow. A Russian financier was jailed last year for the 2006 murder of the deputy head of the Central Bank Andrei Kozlov who led a campaign against money laundering and corruption.

Links

Spyker C8 Aileron

Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris

2009 Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85

2007 Spyker C12 Zagato

Spyker C8 Spyder T

Spyker Cars Website

* Acura dual overhead cam, aluminum/magnesium block, 3.5 liter, V-tech, V-6, Type S Engine
* 289 Horsepower in stock form, 450 plus with the twin turbo option
* 6 speed close ration manual transmission, 6 speed sequential automatic available in 2009

Driving prototypes is practically useless. It’s next to impossible to get a feel for what the production version is capable of, and you rarely get a chance to explore the limits. Our time with the Ronn Motor Company Scorpion didn’t change that sentiment, but it did give us a glimpse into the upstart’s future and how its program is progressing since the concept’s introduction at last year’s SEMA show. Tooling around Sacramento in the V6-powered, hydrogen-injected roadster, the unmuffled exhaust made us almost as uncomfortable as the lack of seatbelts. But to the company’s credit, the Scorpion is a rarity in the show-car world – a concept that actually drives. So when the call came from Texas to get some wheel-time in the Scorpion, we jumped at the chance. Hell, Arnold Schwarzenegger personally invited the Ronn Motors crew to the Capitol to get a closer look… who are we to deny the chance to hold court with the Governator?

Now, before you step up to the commenting plate and knock a few softballs off the Scorpion’s styling, understand that it’s more attractive in person than in pictures, and it made the transition from the computer screen to a tube-framed, carbon fiber-bodied proof-of-concept runner in a scant 12 weeks. The low-slung front-end, swept-back headlamps, hood vents and bulbous fenders do their best supercar imitation, while the massive air-intakes aft of the front doors are large enough to swallow a ‘tween. The rear track is reminiscent of a Diablo left in a microwave, and although we wouldn’t call the overall shape "pretty," it does exude an air of ’90s-era exuberance. Too bad things go awry in the rear, with a back end that’s less J-Lo and more Eddie Murphy in a fat suit.

The environment inside is a different story, thanks to a steering wheel pilfered from the Acura parts bin and a shifter any Hondaphile would recognize instantly. The semi-slab seats are one-offs, along with the dash, massive center tunnel, door panels and carbon fiber gauge cluster that houses the Autometer-supplied tach, speedo, temp and fuel dials. On the inside of the left A-pillar is a small LED that glows blue when the hydrogen injection system kicks in, which is where the Scorpion differs from the slew of kit-car manufacturers trying to make their name in a sea of over-hyped, under-funded ambition.

Nestled within that bodacious badonkadonk is a twin-turbocharged, Acura-sourced 3.5-liter V6 mounted amidships. Depending on the spec, the Scorpion can be had in two flavors – 450 or 650 horsepower – each equipped with the company’s proprietary H2GO hydrogen injection system.

The idea behind the setup is to produce enough hydrogen on board and inject it into the fuel stream to get the benefits of the gas (increased fuel economy, higher octane and reduced emissions) without having to top up at non-existent hydrogen refueling stations. Combined with the ultra-efficient V6, Ronn Motors claims a boost in mileage of around 20 to 30% and a substantial drop in C02 output. With only 2,200 pounds weighing the Scorpion down, the company estimates fuel mileage at around 40 miles-per-gallon.

One of the major hurdles to overcome when creating hydrogen in an automotive application is producing enough electricity to split the water molecules without drawing too much energy from the vehicle’s electrical system, thus negating the positive effects. The Ronn Motors crew claims the stock alternator doesn’t need to be modified, although the lack of interior amenities compared to the Acura TL drivetrain donor means there’s more wattage available from the onset. According to Ronn Maxwell, the company’s founder and namesake, "We’re not trying to run this motor on pure hydrogen gas. It doesn’t take much [hydrogen] to get the benefits."

Although Mr. Maxwell and his team are confident in the technology, they’ll need more than engineering expertise to defeat the negative publicity surrounding similar systems. Do a search for "hydrogen injection" and you’ll be bombarded with countless companies claiming a variety of benefits from their own devices. While some of these firms have been exposed as scams, preying on punch-drunk consumers bowled over by last summer’s surge in gas prices, the jury is still out and Ronn Motors is bound and determined to prove its detractors wrong.

The company contends that their H2GO setup is a more holistic, total system approach that allows Ronn Motors to develop the injection system into the vehicle from the beginning. Without performing a battery of tests, we can’t confirm or deny their claims, but we’re hoping that when production begins this fall, we’ll be afforded a follow-up test that allows more drive time, a chance to calculate overall fuel economy and maybe a stint on the dyno

Tech briefing and green cred aside, we fired up the engine and the bent-six’s siren song was barely muffled by the Turbonetics turbos. We engaged the stiff clutch, selected first on the weighty shifter, let up on the left pedal and got underway.

As suspected, this is still very much an early prototype, so the steering is lacking in on-center feel and it takes a considerable amount of muscle to tackle the first right-hand bend. A judicious dip of the throttle sends the tach spiraling to the right as all 450 hp is fed through a lightened flywheel down to a standard limited-slip differential. Just as the experience transitions from turbocharged torque to high-revving bliss, our fun is cut short by a 4,500-rpm rev limiter (it’s an engineering mule after all, so expect something closer to 8k in production trim) and the wastegates fire off with enough gusto to give SRT4 owners bouts of blow-off valve envy.

After making our way through second and third gear, we engage the anchors, and although the pedal travels past the half-way point before the Wilwood calipers begin to clamp down onto four, 12-inch slotted discs, the feel is tight and controlled, if not entirely confidence-inspiring.

Visibility is somewhat compromised by the concept’s slanted windshield and the back-up camera is a necessity when attempting to park. Although the ride-height has been increased from its show stand stance, the independent suspension, equipped with fully-adjustable coilovers, does little to cushion the blow from the 20×9-inch (front) and 20×11-inch (rear) wheels fitted with Toyo Proxies T1R rubber (sized 255/30 and 305/30, respectively). Expect more fiddling here before serial production begins.

After a few more passes and a handful of U-turns, we park the Scorpion to let things cool (a small, rear-mounted radiator is fitted for photo shoots, while a larger unit is equipped for testing) and quiz Ronn on what’s due to change as the Scorpion evolves from prototype to production.

The exterior’s shape will supposedly make the transition unscathed, although the interior will benefit from a complete redesign with a thinner center console and a few ergonomic tweaks. A five-speed automatic (also sourced from Acura) is under development, complete with revised gears ratios and paddle shifters, along with a retractable roof housed behind the seats and deployed Gallardo-style.

If you get the impression that Maxwell and the rest of the Ronn Motor crew have a lot of work ahead of them, you’re right. The concept we drove is a solid first step, and judging by Ronn’s resolve and the production partnership his company has forged with Southern California-based Metalcrafters – the same fabrication gurus responsible for building the concept as well as dozens of others for big-name automakers – we’re far less skeptical about the Scorpion’s future.

Ronn Motor Company

Type: Concept / Prototype Car
Built at: Los Angeles, California, USA
Body stylist: Rust Heinz
Coachbuilder: Bohman & Schwartz
Production: 1
Engine: Lycoming 80º V8
Position: Front Longitudinal
Aspiration: Natural
Valvetrain: OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl
Fuel feed: Stromberg Carburetors
Displacement: 4729 cc / 288.58 cu in
Power: 141.7 kw / 190 bhp @ 4000 rpm
Bhp/weight: 91.0 bhp per tonne
Body / frame: Aluminum over Steel Frame w/Cord 812 Front Subframe
Weight: 2088 kg / 4600 lbs
Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
Top speed: 185.03 kph / 115 mph

In the late thirties Rust Heinz was certain he had the vision of America’s first supercar: a coachbuilt masterpiece of the streamlined era called the Phantom Corsair. Despite not having any experience in automotive design or business, he convinced his rich family to fund development. The result was a modern car built far too ahead of its time, made with too many liberal features to suit its target audience.

Having moved to California in 1936, Heinz was a keen entrepreneur with a high spirited attitude. This was enough to persuade his aunt to fund the car in the face of protest from the rest of the "57 Varieties" Heinz family.¹ Unlike their food for the masses, this car was envisioned for limited production at a staggering price near $15,000 USD.

Immediately, a scale model was made in clay featuring a sleek aerodynamic shape unlike anything on the road at the time. Heinz brought this to Chistian Bohman and Marice Schwartz in Pasadena California to be realized as a full size car.

Bohman & Schwartz started with a custom chassis from the AJ. Bayer Company that used a donor Cord 812 drive train complete with its complex front-wheel drive sub-frame and V8 engine. On top of this they fashioned Heinz’s extravagant body in aluminum and supported it with a steel tube lattice framework. To accommodate the fully enveloped wheels, the body had to be significantly wide at the wheel wells.

Inside, the Phantom Corsair offered room for six people, four upfront and two in the rear. The dashboard had an unusual array of aeronautical instrumentation and a switch panel mounted on the roof. Other unique features included push-button automatic doors, ‘thermostatic’ temperature control, green-tinted safety glass, hydraulic bumpers, and a thick layer of cork/rubber insulation for the cockpit.

Looking like an oversize sucker fish, the front-end featured characteristic vents and sculpted lights that organically blended into the main shape. Chrome was reserved for the front and rear triple-blade bumpers. The split windscreen was dramatically low while the side windows extended higher into the roof. Unfortunately, the small front louvers limited front cooling causing the Lycoming 4.7-liter engine to frequently overheat.

Weighing over 4600 lbs, the Cord V8 was upgraded from its normal 125 bhp to 190 bhp. Driven by the front wheels, this power combined with the car’s aerodynamic shape was reported to take it up to 115 mph (185 kph).

With the prototype costing upwards of $24,000 USD to build, it was time to publicize the car and recoup costs. Promotion included a full page ad issued in Esquire magazine, a display named it ‘The Car of Tomorrow’ at the World’s Fair and it played the role of ‘The Flying Wombat’ in David O. Selznick’s film The Young in Heart (1938). Furthermore it was featured in a Popular Science film series in 1938. Despite all the attention, no orders came in for the eccentric design, reducing the Phantom Corsair to a very expensive one-of.

Heinz used the car until his death at the age of 25 and the car was stored by the family until 1942. Later, it was driven by a relative before being sold and painted gold at some point. By the 1950s, Herb Shriner commissioned Albrecht Goertz, designer of the BMW 507, to rework the car’s front end and increase engine cooling. Additionally, the front window was raised to increase visibility. Probably due to cabin darkness, the roof was modified to include two targa top-style panels.¹

In this modified configuration, the car was sold at auction and purchased by Bill Harrah for inclusion into his spectacular collection. He reversed Goertz’s work and returned the car to its 1938 specification.

Since then, the Phantom Corsair has remained in the National Automobile Museum, formerly known as The Harrah Collection, in Reno, Nevada.. In recent times it was displayed including the 2006 Goodwood Festival, 2007
Nevada.. In recent times it was displayed including the 2006 Goodwood Festival, 2007 Pebble Beach Concours and 2009 Amelia Island Concours

Construction:
Chassis: Aluminium
Bodywork: Aluminium, hand made
Dimensions:
Length: 4831 mm
Width: 2000 mm
Height: 1350 mm
Wheelbase: 2781 mm
Wheels: Front: 255/30/ZR 21 (option: 245/35/ZR 20)
Rear: 295/25/ZR 21 (option: 275/30/ZR 20)
Engine: 5.8l V10
Capacity: 5771 ccm
Bore: 93 mm
Stroke: 85 mm
Compr.Ratio: 11,0
Power: 630HP @ 7500rpm
Torque: 630Nm @ 5500rpm
Max. Speed: 335Km/h
Acc. 0-100: 3.9 s

(from Faralli & Mazzanti Press Release) A perfect mix between apparently opposite worlds such as craftmanship and modern technology; including techical partnerships with Zsolt Tarnok designer, OZ Racing, Continental Italia, AIM Sportline, Black srl, and Delta Sigma; F&M is proud to announce the first car entirely designed and developed in-house: Vulca.

The name, as per Faralli & Mazzanti tradition, is inspired by the Etruscan world. Vulca da Veio is the most famous Etruscan sculptor, responsible for some of the most well known artistical expressions of this great and mysterious ancient population, including the “Apollo di Veio”.

Vulca classically interprets the typical concept of “GT all’italiana”: lightweight, hand beaten all aluminium bodywork, 2+2 coupè, sinuous and modern, elegant yet aggressive style. Under the hood pulsates a powerful, reliable, latest generation engine which provides in all its guises exhilarating performance.

Vulca will be produced in very limited numbers: only 10, individually numbered. This will ensure exclusivity and unbelievable attention to detail.

F&M Auto’s Webpage

Specifications

Price: €1,350,000

Engine: 8 liter W16

Weight: 4160 lbs

Aspiration: 4 turbochargers

Torque: 922 lb-ft

HP: 1001 hp

HP/Weight: 4.2 lbs per hp

HP/Liter: 125.1 hp per liter

1/4 mile: 10.8 seconds @ 140 mph

0-62 mph: 2.5 seconds

Top Speed: 253.2 mph

(from Bugatti Press Release) Hundred years of Bugatti at the Geneva Autoshow

The Veyron „Bleu Centenaire“ – a one off anniversary model

Geneva, 3rd March 2009 – At Geneva the Bugatti Veyron « Grand Sport » is shown for the first time to a wider public in Europe. Next to the Grand Sport Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. presents the Veyron « Bleu Centenaire », a special commission honouring the 100th anniversary of the company, thus initiating a range of worldwide activities celebrating the creation of this mythic brand a hundred years
ago.

Hundred years of Bugatti

In 1909 Ettore Bugatti started his business in the Alsacian town of Molsheim, France. The name of the company: „Ettore Bugatti Automobiles i.Els.“. And although the name has changed into “Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.”, the site and the philosophy of the brand have been preserved. In 2006 the first model under the „new management“ was launched, precisely 50 years after the last car of the original company left the gates of the Molsheim factory. The Bugatti Veyron has only been on the market for three years, but has already reached the status of being an undisputed part of automotive history, with 250 cars ordered to date, and nearly 200 cars delivered. This means that there are only 50 Veyrons to be sold until the limit of 300 units will be reached.

The Veyron “Bleu Centenaire”

Building on the marque’s core values of « Art – Forme – Technique » , Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. has created the Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire, a unique model to celebrate the hundred year old history of the company. This special model takes up the traditional Bugatti two-tone-specification, but portrays it in one rather than two colours: in the most known light shaded Bugatti blue. The Centenaire’s unique combination of a « sprintblue matt » and « sprintblue gloss » hence offers a new impression of the two-tone-scheme known so far with parts of the engine also covered in this traditional Bugatti Blue.

The roof-trim-stripes and the exterior rearview mirrors are of polished, anodised aluminium. A special wheel design has been added – enhanced by a bright red brake-capillar. The grills at the front and at the side air intakes are in « mirror shine ».

The interior of the Centenaire is fitted in a special «snowbeige» leather with quilting on the seats. The central console is covered in the same leather. New LED lights, Park Distance Control and a rearview camera have become part of the standard equipment for all Bugatti Veyrons from this year onwards. The Bleu Centenaire shares all performance characteristics of other Veyron models performance-, acceleration- and deceleration characteristics which have been highly praised ever since the Bugatti Veyron first appeared on the scene. The car will cost 1,35 Million Euro exclusive taxes and transportation.

Celebrations throughout the year

“2009 will be an exciting year for the brand,” announces the President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S., Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen, at Geneva Autoshow, “we will be celebrating our hundredth anniversary with references to our successful past and a – hopefully – successful future”.

"Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. “, will celebrate its hundredth anniversary on various occasions throughout the year, culminating in an event in Molsheim on September 12, 2009. The next highlight Bugattisti should look out for will be the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este at Cernobbio in the North of Italy between April 24 and 26.

Specifications

Production: 350 cars

Engine: 6.5 liter V12

Weight: 3450 lbs

Aspiration: natural

Torque: 487 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm

HP: 670 hp @ 8000 rpm

HP/Weight: 5.1 lbs per hp

HP/Liter: 103.1 hp per liter

0-62 mph: 3.2 seconds

Top Speed: 212 mph

(from Lamborghini Press Release) Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce – the new king of the bulls is even more powerful, lighter and faster

The Lamborghini Murciélago is one of the most extraordinary super sports cars of all time. Automobili Lamborghini has now expanded its model range with a new, exceptionally purist and even more extreme top model – the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is even more powerful, lighter and faster than the Murciélago LP 640. With the output of the 6.5 liter V12 increased to 670 hp and a weight reduction of 100 kg (220 lbs), the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 2.3 kg (5.1 lbs) per hp. This catapults it from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a breathtaking 3.2 seconds and powers it on to a top speed of around 342 km/h (212 mph). Distinctive design refinements ensure that each of this 350-unit limited edition series conveys its full potential from the very first glance.

With its outstanding performance, razor-sharp precision and exceptional high-speed stability, the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the ultimate performance car for advanced sports car drivers. The super sports car has been extensively redesigned with a new front and rear, an innovative engine bonnet and a choice of two aerodynamic set-ups featuring either a small or large rear spoiler. The interior in Alcantara and carbon fiber provides a purist and minimalist approach.

In order to achieve the substantial weight reduction of 100 kilograms (220 lbs), the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce was extensively reworked and redeveloped in virtually every aspect – from chassis to engine and transmission, right through to the interior. The increase in engine output from 640 to 670 hp is the result of optimized valve timing and a reworked intake system. The significantly modified aerodynamics with substantially increased downforce brings considerable improvement to vehicle stability at very high speeds. With the small standard-fit rear spoiler, top speed stands at 342 km/h (212 mph), while the large “Aeropack Wing” and its added downforce gives a top speed of 337 km/h (209 mph).

“The new Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the systematic continuation of our brand philosophy. It is more extreme and uncompromising than virtually any other automobile,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “As the new top model of the highly successful Murciélago range, the SuperVeloce displays not only outstanding driving dynamics, it is also further evidence of our company’s technological expertise. Customers can look forward to an utterly unparalleled driving experience.”

Design and aerodynamics

The Murciélago is an icon of the Lamborghini brand – a sports machine of menacing character and brutal power. Its unique design radiates a supreme form of highly concentrated sensuality. Wide, low, with its glass area pushed way forward and a long, taut back – the interplay between the soft contours of the basic form and razor sharp edges is the perfect expression of the Lamborghini design language. In the totality of its character, the Murciélago is without comparison on the sports car market.

Yet even a character like this can be further refined – the new Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the more extreme, even more purist pinnacle of the model range. This is clearly evident from the very first glimpse of its completely redesigned front end – pulled way forward and finished in matt black paint, the carbon fiber front spoiler is connected to the front end via two vertical elements. The large air intakes for the front brakes are more powerfully emphasized. The new front fenders feature additional air intakes for brake ventilation. The air vent for the oil cooler located in the driver-side sill area is painted matt black to match the sills.

The modifications are even more apparent around the mighty engine bay of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The twelve-cylinder engine is presented as an engineering masterpiece under a transparent engine bonnet that boasts a completely new architecture. Hexagonal polymer plates made from transparent polycarbonate are set on three levels within a carbon fiber framework. The layers are open towards the rear, playing a key role in the thermodynamics of the high-performance engine.

The impressive rear end of the SuperVeloce is dominated by a veritably noble, flat and extremely wide exhaust tailpipe and, on the underside, by a two-level diffuser system finished entirely in carbon fiber. The rear light clusters display their signals in that distinctive Y-shape that has been a fixed element of Lamborghini design since the Murciélago LP 640, Reventón and Gallardo LP 560-4. The panel between the lights is made from carbon fiber, while the large intake mesh below expands across the full width of the rear end. Made from thick-walled aluminum, the hexagonal pattern is laser-cut and a Teflon coating provides the necessary heat protection.

The aerodynamics of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce have been completely redeveloped. Alongside the enlarged front spoiler and the twin rear diffuser, the new fixed rear spoiler also plays an important role. Customers can choose between two versions, with the small rear spoiler providing improved downforce at high speeds. As an option, the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce can be supplied with the “Aeropack Wing” – a large, fixed, carbon-fiber wing mounted on two carbon-fiber brackets. The new aerodynamic set-up provides a significant boost to directional stability at the very highest speeds. The top-speed downforce on the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce with Aeropack is strongly increased.

Bodyshell and lightweight construction

With the construction of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, Lamborghini proves its expertise in the manufacture of lightweight materials and in working with hi-tech carbon fiber. The structure of the super sports car is a composite construction of extremely stiff carbon components and a tubular steel frame – as in a race car. The transmission tunnel and the floor are made of carbon fiber, attached to the steel frame using rivets and high-strength adhesives. The roof and the exterior door panels are formed in sheet steel, while the remainder of the outer skin is made from carbon composite material.

For the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, engineers in Sant’Agata Bolognese recalculated the framework and selected a new, super high-strength sectional steel. This achieved two objectives – on the one hand, they increased the torsional stiffness of the chassis by 12 percent to provide improved handling precision and, on the other, they were able to reduce weight by 20 kg (44 lbs), making a significant contribution to the reduction of overall vehicle weight. And the systematic approach to lightweight design continues throughout the entire bodyshell. The front fenders, the rear side panels/fenders and the casing for the third brake light are made of a modified carbon-fiber material. Combined with the removal of the drive for the moveable spoiler, this brings a further weight reduction of 13 kg (28.6 lbs).

Added to the 33 kg (72.6 lbs) of weight reduction from the chassis and exterior, are 34 kg (74.8 lbs) from the interior, as well as over 33 kg (72.6 lbs) removed from the engine and drive train.

Power unit and transmission

The longitudinally mounted 6.5 liter V12 delivers the infernal power for an unparalleled driving experience. With 670 hp (493 kW), the engine in the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is 30 hp more powerful than in the Murciélago LP 640. The twelve-cylinder sends its mighty 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft at 6,500 rpm; maximum power is reached at 8,000 rpm, with an average piston speed of 23.7 meters per second – a figure almost comparable to race engines.

The V12 is eager to deliver its performance – it brings its menacing power with immediacy and precision to guarantee breathtaking performance – after only 3.2 seconds the SuperVeloce has already reached 100 km/h (62 mph).

The engine block and heads of the V12, positioned at the ideal cylinder angle of 60 degrees, are made from aluminum. The four chain-driven camshafts are variably controlled, while the intake manifold operates in three stages – both technologies add even greater thrust to the merciless pushing power. To increase the performance of the SuperVeloce, the intake system was modified, the valve train optimized and, most importantly, valve travel was increased.

The control electronics for the V12 were developed internally by Lamborghini - each cylinder bank has its own high-performance processor. If the engine needs more cooling air, intake funnels emerge from the rear pillars: when not in operation, they lie flush with the bodyshell. Dry sump lubrication enables the V12 to be mounted extremely low down, benefiting the handling dynamics: this also guarantees oil supply under extremely dynamic driving conditions. With 12 liters of lubricating oil in circulation, the oil cooler is located on the left side of the vehicle and cooled by air flowing through the aperture in the sill.

The weight reduction of more than 26 kg (57 lbs) in the engine area was derived primarily from the completely new exhaust system. The muffler has been redesigned and even the mighty tailpipe of the SuperVeloce manufactured from new materials is lighter than on the Murciélago LP 640. But most of all, the new exhaust system makes for an acoustic experience that is surely equal to the driving performance – from the heavy rumble of a stormy night, through the trumpeting of mighty elephants to the roar of a raging lion, the SuperVeloce performs the grand opera for 12 cylinders, 48 valves and 8,000 revs.

The SuperVeloce is equipped as standard with the sequential, automated manual transmission e.gear, which uses electro-hydraulics to shift gear extremely quickly and smoothly. A cockpit display informs the driver of the gear currently engaged. In addition a special “Corsa” mode and a “Low adherence” mode are available.

As a no-premium option, the SuperVeloce is available with a six-speed manual transmission. Its short metal shift stick runs in an open gate of classic Italian elegance. In both variants, the new lightweight clutch makes its own contribution to the weight loss program.

All-wheel drive and chassis

The Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce delivers its extreme power to the road with great reliability – assured by its permanent all-wheel drive. Before the rear wheels spin, the viscous coupling sends up to 35 percent of driving force via its additional shaft to the front wheels. The front and rear limited-slip differentials are set at 25 and 45 percent. With its four driven wheels and traction, the Murciélago delivers a decisive advantage over rear-wheel drive sports cars when it comes to accelerating out of a corner – and always with maximum stability. The rear axle bears 58 percent of its overall weight – a distribution ratio that is highly beneficial to traction.

Explosive dynamics, tenacious cornering and extreme speeds – the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is a super sports car packed with aggressive power, but by no means a mean-spirited car. Its steering requires very little power support, giving full control of the car to the driver. Those prepared to tackle the beast head on are quickly rewarded with intimate contact and trust – as speed increases, so the Murciélago reveals its strengths, thus exposing a character with no hidden surprises and behavior that can always be anticipated.

The Murciélago is fitted with double wishbone suspension all round. Spring struts – two on each of the rear wheels and one on each of the front – control the loads transferred from the road. The standard-fit lifting system enables the front end of the vehicle to be raised by 45 mm (1.8 inches) to avoid obstacles such as garage entryways. The SuperVeloce is equipped with exclusive “Ares” alloy-forged wheels, bearing the exclusive five twin-spoke design. The front wheels are clad in 245/35 ZR 18 rubber, while the rears sport 335/30 ZR 18. High-grip Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires come as standard.

Four brakes controlled by a hi-tech ABS system are capable of mighty stopping power when required. The Carbon Ceramic (CCB) brakes are fanned by cooling air flowing through enlarged channels in the bodyshell, while openings in the front fenders provide additional ventilation for the SuperVeloce. The ceramic discs are exceptionally lightweight, fade-free and capable of extremely high operational performance.

Interior and equipment

Even stepping into the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is an experience as individual as the vehicle itself. The upward-opening doors – a solution developed by Lamborghini in the early seventies for the Countach – are released via small latches, then swing wide open to reveal a panorama of the exclusive interior of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The dominating materials are Alcantara and carbon fiber, which make for an ambience that is as high-quality as it is sporty.

The sports bucket seats come as standard and provide exceptionally firm support around the hip and shoulder areas. The bucket seats are made from lightweight and highly robust carbon fiber and guarantee the driver perfect support, even in the most extreme driving situations. The Murciélago’s standard seats are also available on the SuperVeloce as an option free of charge.

Not only the seats are upholstered in black Alcantara micro-fiber; the cockpit and the roof lining are also finished in this high-quality, lightweight material. The Y-shaped perforations on the seats and roof lining bring additional finesse, with an inlaid backing material in the same color as the exterior paintwork. The Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce can be delivered with the paint finishes Giallo Orion, Arancio Atlas, Bianco Isis, Grigio Telesto and Nero Aldebaran, as well as Bianco Canopus (white matt) and Nero Nemesis (black matt) as an option.

Naturally, the interior also makes its contribution to weight reduction. The door panels are clad in carbon fiber, as is the wide center tunnel. The application of Alcantara instead of leather is another weight-saver, just like the selection of sports bucket seats and the omission of the radio-navigation system (if requested, this is available as an option). At the end of the day, the music in a Murciélago comes from the engine compartment. Overall, modifications to the interior contribute over 34 kg (75 lbs) to the SuperVeloce weight loss program.

But absolutely no corners have been cut when it comes to one characteristic that is a feature of all Lamborghini super sports cars – the exceptionally high quality of the workmanship. The craftsmen in Sant’Agata Bolognese are all masters of their respective trades; the three-year warranty bears testimony to absolute faith in product quality.

Specifications

Engine: 3.7 liter V6 hybrid

Aspiration: twin turbochargers

HP: 592 hp

HP/Liter: 117.3 hp per liter

(from Infiniti Press Release) INFINITI ESSENCE: THE MAGNIFICATION OF “INSPIRED PERFORMANCE”

ROLLE, Switzerland (March 3, 2009) - The essence of the Infiniti brand distilled into one car and then taken to the extremes to satisfy the world’s most demanding car enthusiasts … this is the Infiniti Essence.

Presented as a concept at the 79th International Motor Show of Geneva, Essence is a celebration of Infiniti and its 20 years history as a creator of performance cars. But equally it is an inspiring exploration into the brand’s future.

The dramatic design, technology and performance statement is a 600PS, petrol/electric hybrid coupe with rear-wheel drive. What Essence is not is merely an indulgent birthday present from Infiniti to itself.

This concept embodies Infiniti’s core values as an inspiration for the future as much a celebration of the past. Essence showcases many of the technologies, including hybrid, and design cues that will distinguish Infiniti production cars of the coming years. And by steering Infiniti’s guiding principle of “Inspired Performance” into the super-performance, super-luxury coupe market for the first time, it reaffirms Infiniti’s place among the world’s most exclusive and vibrant car brands.

ESSENCE: AN OVERVIEW

• A front-engined, two-seat, 600PS luxury coupe concept, 4.7m long
• First motor show preview of Infiniti’s petrol/electric hybrid drivetrain
• Capable of vast speeds where conditions allow, zero emissions where they don’t
• Rear-wheel drive for maximum driver involvement
• Fresh design language to influence future production models
• Previews new safety technology including Back-up Collision Prevention
• Minimalist and intensely driver-focused interior
• “New luxury” meets traditional Japanese craftsmanship
• Bespoke Louis Vuitton fitted luggage to maximise trans-continental capability

ESSENCE: THE CONCEPT

“An Essence owner is characterized by his or her fearless self confidence; he or she is an intellectual hero rather than just a successful money maker.”
Francois Bancon, General Manager Advanced Product Planning

Essence began life not in the design studio but in Infiniti’s product planning department. Francois Bancon, General Manager Advanced Product Planning, and his team might not, at the start of the project, have known how Essence would look, but they did know what it had to be, why it had to exist – and who it would appeal to.

“Essence is a brand icon,” Francois Bancon said. “It is driven more by a conceptual approach than by any design execution. It is not just an object. It isn’t a teaser for a new model. It is solely dedicated to Infiniti brand promotion, to demonstrate and advocate the Infiniti unique values.”

The concept called for a very clear understanding of who the super-luxury coupe’s potential customers would be. Painstakingly, Bancon and his team of advanced product planners built up a picture of a typical Essence owner. It was a profile that showed an uncompromising, risk-taking 42-year-old passionate about the best things in life, but equally passionate about not flaunting them. “These consumers don‘t need to demonstrate to others,” said Bancon. “They are already at the next step of achievement that leads to rewarding themselves first.”

Francois Bancon went on: “We wanted a new way of mixing various ingredients to get a car that was reserved but with a big presence, something trendy but also indicating the next trend. We wanted a car that aspired to become a cult. It had to be exclusive, smart and mysterious. For the driver, it had to sum up the six-word essence of Essence:

Everything I want, nothing I don’t

ESSENCE IN DETAIL

DESIGN: DYNAMIC ADEYAKA

“The design embeds a sense of mystery, a sense of being in the know. Essence is not about showing signs of wealth and success.”
Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President of Design

With breathtaking good looks and perfect proportions, Essence exerts a powerful pull on all those who love cars. It looks like a driver’s car, one that would be right at home spearing down the world’s grandest motoring routes.

But Essence is no aggressive sports car. Infiniti’s “Dynamic Adeyaka” attitude ensures Essence is single-minded, but also inviting, sophisticated and born of inspiration from both the human and natural worlds. To further boost its emotional appeal, it features details that bring a very modern take to some very old Japanese traditions.

The designers’ aim was to merge all existing Infiniti design cues with fresh design language in a shape that the 20-year-old marque has never before attempted. The result is highly sculptural yet also very delicate. Essence speaks of power but not intimidation.

The bonnet is, as you would expect of an Infiniti, long, and the rear deck short. Together with a flowing “wave” profile between muscular front and rear wheelarches, Essence at first appears to be in the classic sports car mould. But there is nothing retro about Essence.

The side window graphics bring a particularly innovative and distinctive edge to the styling. The window appears to be resting on a ledge, its razor sharp line in contrast to the concave sweep of the upper body just below it. Imagine juxtaposing flowing water with the stark outline of a canyon landscape.

The rear section also features complex surfacing with concave “scoops” that flow down the rear pillars from one of Essence’s most distinctive design cues: a C-shaped kink to the side windows’ trailing edge. Outlined by a wide flourish of stainless steel, it adds instant movement to the car even when it is standing still.

One of the most distinctive details is the trim around the side air vents. The simple yet delicate shape, finely finished in aluminium, is based on the “kanzashi”, a hairpin used by women when wearing the kimono. Other lines and details are inspired by the wide brush strokes of Japanese calligraphy. Essence represents a successful merging of iconic cultural cues with automotive aesthetics.

Essence’s front is characterised by Infiniti’s signature double-arch grille, set at an angle that suggests the car is about to leap forward. There is an illuminated Infiniti badge at its heart. Rounded corners effectively hide the front overhang and make this 4.7m-long car appear anything but big in the flesh.

The grille is framed by subtle strips of stainless steel but there’s little other trim and no other grilles or intakes, not even foglights. At the front as over the rest of the car, Essence eschews superfluous body embellishments that could interrupt the graceful strength of the whole. The door handles are slithers of push buttons flush with the body while even rear-view mirrors must make way for minuscule cameras teased out of the A-pillars.

More familiar Infiniti cues include the lights. At the front the signature L-shaped modules taper back on to the bulging guards, picked out at their top edge by a row of LEDs. Slender fillets of red light curve around the car at the back, overlapping with the boot opening and framing the vestigial spoiler. Edged by more stainless steel, the spoiler appears to have been pushed out from within the car.

The windscreen flows back into a full glass roof that then tapers down towards the boot opening – making just one more memorable view of a car that doesn’t have a wrong angle to it.

On design, Essence is simple and amazingly complex, classical and totally dynamic all at the same time. Most of all as the epitome of “dynamic adeyaka” it boasts massive presence. Once seen, never forgotten.

INTERIOR: DRIVER-FOCUSED

“Detailed artistic expression and the rich warmth of the human hand go far beyond mechanical precision.”
Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President of Design

For a driver’s car, the perfect driver’s cabin. Essence’s interior is minimalist, ergonomic and totally focused on the job in hand: to give the person behind the wheel a feeling of absolute control. And yet all this driver focus goes hand in hand with a passenger area dominated by comfort, calm and elegance to offer the kind of hospitality that is so important to the Japanese people, and also to Essence.

The asymmetrical cabin is divided into two areas separated by a large curving console between the seats that sweeps around to merge with the centre of the dashboard. The result is two very distinct cocoons. The driver’s side is themed black, the passenger’s “cocoon” an earthy red.

A flat-bottomed steering wheel and chronometer-style dials announce to the driver this is a serious performance machine. There are no gimmicks or sci-fi solutions here, just single-minded dedication to driving. Witness the technical nature of the displays, the short, alloy-topped gear selector and, just in front of it another finger-flick away, the bright red engine start button.

The car wraps itself around the driver who can quickly relax with the Infiniti trademarks of supportive seat and perfect driving position. There are more Infiniti cues such as the big gearchange paddle shifters behind the wheel and the analogue clock in the centre of the dash.

Infiniti designers believe the best functionality works behind the scenes, appearing only when needed. They call this “hidden tech”, and it’s the key to the functional minimalism that dominates the control layout. By not baffling drivers with buttons or overburdening them with information, Essence offers a sense of well-being to everyone, allowing them to focus entirely on enjoying the energizing driving experience.

With the materials used – leather, Alcantara, hand-painted wood inspired by traditional Japanese lacquerware – the cabin exudes a rich and inviting warmth. Attention to detail is such that even the leather seams on the seat backs differ from left side to right side. Why? So they can accurately reflect the way Japanese men and women tie their kimonos.

Essence’s interior promotes a sense of well-being which is key to the Infiniti driving experience.

DRIVETRAIN: POWER WITH RESPONSIBILITY

“Infiniti’s performance feel has been captured as natural dynamism, like energy rising from within.”
Francois Bancon, General Manager Advanced Product Planning

Essence’s drivetrain is designed to meet the highest expectations of owners by delivering the one thing everyone expects of an Infiniti – sheer driving pleasure. In Essence that pleasure is taken to new heights, at the same time as previewing an innovative green hybrid engine.

Essence is unusual even in the rarefied atmosphere of the world’s fastest road cars by being able to call on a mighty 600PS (592bhp). The power guarantees high performance responses on any road, in any situation. Essence is not, however, an intimidating sports racer. Like the design, the performance is designed to be sophisticated and unobtrusive – performance with a human touch.

The hybrid system is a logical extension of Infiniti parent group’s groundbreaking green commitments. It offers power with efficiency, and high performance with zero-emissions running, by combining a petrol engine with an electric motor. These can work independently or together as a “parallel” hybrid system.

In congested urban areas, the electric motor alone is all that is needed for Essence to glide silently between stoplights, with no tailpipe emissions.

When the traffic clears, Essence responds with a highway performance that few cars could match. In “power assist” mode the full 600PS is unleashed with both petrol and electric power working together.

A key difference over some other hybrid systems is that both the V6 and the electric motor feed their power only to the rear wheels. Performance is more linear, response is crisper – and driving pleasure further enhanced – as a result.

Infiniti’s familiar 3.7-litre V6 gasoline engine is fitted with twin turbochargers, boosting power to 440PS (434bhp). A new direct-injection fuel system ensures the engine works more efficiently than ever in Essence.

Essence previews a new type of electric motor, called 3D Motor, that was designed to meet tough requirements on size and power output. The result is a particularly slim, disk-shaped motor that has twice the torque of a conventional unit. Its design was achieved by 3D magnetic field analysis to optimize the layout of the electromagnetic coils and permanent magnets.

In Essence, the motor is positioned between the engine and transmission and provides 160PS (158bhp), drawing power from a compact lithium-ion battery pack in the boot area. Because the 3D Motor operates in both propulsion and power regeneration modes, the battery pack is kept charged up.

Optimized energy useage across the widest possible range of driving conditions is guaranteed by two separate clutches which “switch in” the motors as required. It is a system that needs no torque converter, further enhancing responsiveness and driving pleasure.

SAFETY: A COLLISION-FREE FUTURE

On a global level, Infiniti is committed to building safer vehicles equipped with advanced safety technologies.

Essence previews some of the next-generation safety features that will ensure Infiniti cars remain among the safest on the road. Chief among them is a “Safety Shield” that goes a long way towards the Infiniti engineers’ dream of a collision-free car.

The Safety Shield adds two new technologies to the Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems that are available in today’s production Infinitis. Side Collision Prevention (SCP) and Back-up Collision Prevention (BCP) extend the anti-collision shield all the way around the car.

With SCP, when the driver decides to change lanes, side-mounted sensors activate a warning if an approaching vehicle is detected in the driver’s intended lane. A yaw mechanism is then activated through brake control of individual wheels to help prevent a potential collision. Back-up Collision Prevention works in a similar way, sensing a vehicle behind, giving the driver a warning but then, if the warning is not heeded, activating the brakes automatically.

The warning system and pre-emptive safety features are designed to help support the driver in an intuitive manner with minimal intervention.

(from AC Schnitzer Press Release) The Noble Athlete

The New 7-series in Sports Trim by AC Schnitzer

F01 / F02 are the internal works codes for the new 7-series. The combination sounds like motorsports, but is this title adequate for a big luxury saloon? Anyone who’s seen the big BMW in AC Schnitzer trim will certainly answer this with an unambiguous "Yes".

"The new model is certainly the most dynamic 7-series ever, so we’ve only made subtle changes to the outline“, explains AC Schnitzer Chief Designer Michele Viandante. His philosophy: "Our accessories set important accents and emphasise the sporting characteristics of the saloon in a targeted manner.“ These are already written large in the imposing front, which is emphasised by a new AC Schnitzer spoiler element. Michele Viandante’s tip: The through lip elongates the front and gives the car a faster look.

Like all accessories from AC Schnitzer, it is made of very hardwearing, well-fitting PU RIM. Subtle but striking also describes the effects of the side enhancements: "The result must be a harmonious ensemble, and not a combination of trainers and tuxedo“, says Viandante. The AC Schnitzer side skirts attachments emphasise the car’s wheelbase and lengthen it visually, giving it a more purposeful appearance. Towards the rear third, they are lifted and widened to give the car a more muscular look.

2009 BMW 7 Series New Era Official Advertisment

( Standard BMW)

This is no bluff, because the new 7-series has plenty of power under the bonnet in every version, even when the music’s playing at the back. The sight of AC Schnitzer tailpipes is as striking as the sound: two exhaust channels come together in a slightly rounded, chromed trapezoid trim – all very individual. But that’s not enough for sporting attributes. Between the exhausts, Michele Viandante has introduced a further spoiler element which with its diffuser style symbolises pure dynamics. Only the subtle boot spoiler and rear roof spoiler remain to complete the look. AC Schnitzer knows how to enhance a saloon’s sporting aura without losing its elegance. Then
the final touch is down to customer taste:

There’s a choice of countless exciting AC Schnitzer wheels for the new 7-series. Two particularly striking examples: the Type V alloy with its clear, transparent five-spoke design, which celebrates its world premiere in 22" on the 7-series and is also available for X5 and X6. Or the multispoke
Type VII, also available in 22". Both versions not only show true greatness, but constitute the perfectly balanced combination of performance and elegance. A characteristic which is symbolic of the entire car.

AC Schnitzer Webiste