TopSpeed Daily Update |  |
- Aston Martin V12 Zagato Racer
- Life Ball MINI by DSQUARED2
- Mazda RX-9 Coupe
- Lincoln considers 200 mph flagship to save the brand
- Porsche Boxster E
- Audi Q5 HFC Hybrid Fuel Cell
- ADV1 Ultima GTR Project with Jon Olsson
- Mercedes CLS AMG by Wheels and More
- Video: Top Gear takes a look at 'Senna' documentary
- French Host 1st Electric Grand Prix Race
| Posted: 25 May 2011 09:00 AM PDT
We haven’t even gotten around to digesting the full breadth of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato and we’re already getting a close look at the race-spec version of the new Aston supercar. Or at least something like it. In preparation for the car’s racing debut at the Nurburgring later this week, Aston Martin gave the eager public a first-hand look at the race-spec version of the V12 Zagato. It might only be a rendering of the car, but at the very least, it gives us an idea on what to expect when the car officially makes its track debut on May 28, 2011 at the 53rd ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN race. Judging from the rendering, the race-spec V12 Zagato looks pretty much like the street-version with a couple of notable additions, including the prominent rear wing, the table-top front lip, and the black wheels. That’s as much as Aston is willing to share for now. But at least the wait won’t be that long before we see the race-spec version in the flesh. Good timing too, considering that the 24 Hours of Nurburgring is scheduled for June 25 and 26, 2011 and Aston Martin will be fielding two V12 Zagatos in the annual endurance race. Aston Martin V12 Zagato Racer originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 25 May 2011 16:00 EST.
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| Posted: 03 May 2011 01:00 PM PDT
Every year since 1993, one of the biggest and most spectacular annual charity events in the world has raked in money to support those affected by HIV/Aids. The Life Ball has succeeded in raising money for the cause and has also facilitated raising the awareness of the disease. Since 2001, Mini has also taken part in the event by creating a legendary one-off MINI to be placed up for auction to benefit the organization. This year, a Mini Cooper S will be designed by Dean and Dan Caten - better known as the design duo from DSQUARED - and will make its official debut on May 21, 2011 in Vienna. Last year, the Life Ball Mini designed by Calvin Klein designer Francisco Costa was auctioned off for $61,000, but since 2011 marks the 30th anniversary of the discovery of the HIV virus, we expect to see this year’s model bring in much more. Dean and Dan are thrilled with the assignment: "If we were a car, it would be rugged and robust. Our MINI 'Red Mudder' is an accurate reflection of that. With the maple leaf on both doors and the DSQUARED logo on the front shield and wheels, this is unmistakably our style." Life Ball MINI by DSQUARED2 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 3 May 2011 20:00 EST.
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| Posted: 25 May 2011 07:00 AM PDT
Mazda produced the RX-7 from 1978 to 2002 and, compared to the RX-8, it did very well. Now, after almost ten years, the Japanese company will bring back the RX-7 DNA with the launch of a new sports car called the RX-9. And, however chronologically deficient it may be, the RX-9 is being made as a successor to the RX-7 and not the RX-8. We should be seeing this new model hit the streets as soon as the RX-8 bids adieu to the market. The RX-9 is rumored to be built in the image of the most recent RX-7, the highly regarded version championed by the legendary "Koby" Kobayakawa, which went out of production in 2002. And, unlike the RX-8, it will be a two-door coupe model and not a complicated four-door coupe. Under the hood, Mazda will place the now famous 16X rotary engine. Expect an official debut to be made in 2012, with sales to begin in late 2013. UPDATE 05/25/2011: MotorTrend is reporting that the future Mazda RX-9 sports car will be using hybrid technology borrowed from Toyota, thanks in part to an agreement the automakers signed last year. Apparently Mazda will only use Toyota’s hybrid drive unit as power booster and range extender, but the vehicle’s main power will come from the Mazda-built rotary. Hit the jump for some specifics on the new RX-9. Mazda RX-9 Coupe originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 25 May 2011 14:00 EST.
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| Lincoln considers 200 mph flagship to save the brand Posted: 25 May 2011 06:00 AM PDT
Back in the ’70s, Lincoln customers could buy the De Tomaso Pantera from Lincoln dealerships, giving the brand some appeal in the sports car department. That only lasted until about 1975 when poor response due to quality issues in the vehicle made Ford back out of their agreement to sell the Pantera, leaving Lincoln with only full-size models. With most brands providing a wide array of vehicular options, Lincoln has slowly but surely been sinking into a hole that only drastic changes can get them out. These changes are more or less what the company is working on now with plans to introduce seven new or revamped vehicles in the next three years. One of these vehicles is rumored to be a 200 mph two-seat sports car which seems a little out of their reach, but may just be possible. If produced, this new sports car may feature a supercharged V-6 to complement the V8 found in Ford’s GT model. In addition to the new sports car, Ford is also planning on juicing up the technology found in their Lincolns. During a recent interview with Automotive News, Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s global product czar, said that "there will be technology that will be unique to Lincoln." He noted that Lincolns of the near future could be fitted with electronic PRNDL (park, reverse, neutral, drive, low), which would "provide a truly unique design and interior." Lincoln hopes to pleasantly surprise their existing customers with this new technology, but also hopes to engage new buyers. New technology on a 200mph two-seat sports car? That’s a good way to start if they are indeed capable of pulling it off. Note: Photo is of the DeTomaso Pantera. Lincoln considers 200 mph flagship to save the brand originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 25 May 2011 13:00 EST.
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| Posted: 24 May 2011 08:18 AM PDT
After being announced back in February, the Porsche Boxster E made its debut has been finally revealed at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin. The visitors attending this forum for sustainable mobility had the chance to take a trip in this impressive electric car. On a sporty circuit, the vehicles demonstrated that a Boxster with electric drive still remains a genuine Porsche in terms of driving dynamics. The Boxster E is powered by two independent electric motors that develop a total power output of 241 HP and a maximum total torque of 398 lbs-ft at a maximum engine speed of approximately 12,000 rpm. With this amount a power the car will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and can hit a top speed of 124 mph, all this while producing zero tailpipe emissions. In fact Porsche has developed three Boxster E prototypes: one with one electric motor apiece on front and rear axle, and two with an electric motor driving the rear wheels. These last two ones have a total output of 120 HP and are capable of a top speed of 93 mph. Hit the jump to read more about the Porsche Boxster E. Porsche Boxster E originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 24 May 2011 15:18 EST.
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| Posted: 25 May 2011 04:00 AM PDT
There’s no question in anybody’s mind that the future of the auto industry hinges on advancements done on alternative technology. Whether its hybrid, electric, or even fuel-cell power, alternative energy is where the future is at. At the 11th Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin, Germany, Audi presented a vehicle that could potentially reshape the landscape of the company’s direction in the future. In trying to examine the potential and probability of using fuel-cell power as an alternative drivetrain, Audi rolled out the concept Q5 Hybrid Fuel Cell (HFC). The SUV, which is actually in concept guise, was built as a technical study to determine the feasibility of a vehicle running on fuel cells. In this particular configuration, the car comes with a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell that produces 98 kW, which is about 133 horsepower and is connected to a lithium-ion battery that comes with an energy content of 1.3 kWh. Roll it up together and you have a drivetrain that’s powered by two electric motors that produces a combined peak output of around 127 horsepower and 310 lb/ft of torque with an electronically limited top speed of 103 mph. Despite its designation as a concept vehicle, the Q5 HFC’s hybrid chassis lends itself to the scenario that sooner than later, a production version may be produced. It’s not so much a question of ’if’ more than it is of ’when’. When that time comes though is still anyone’s guess. But you can be sure that this won’t be the last vehicle Audi is looking into when it comes to the development of alternative drivetrains. Audi Q5 HFC Hybrid Fuel Cell originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 25 May 2011 11:00 EST.
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| ADV1 Ultima GTR Project with Jon Olsson Posted: 16 Feb 2011 05:00 AM PST
Talk about a 'Unicorn Project' if there ever was one. Jon Olsson, the Swedish free-skier and alpine ski race, has made no bones about his love for finely tuned supercars, which includes his own stable of machines like the Nissan R35 GT-R and the Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SuperVeloce. Now, Olsson is collaborating with ADV.1 wheels to create and develop the "ultimate" Ultima GTR project. Details on the car are still not known with the exception of these jaw-dropping renderings, but if you know what the Ultima GTR is capable of, then you know that this car project is going to be a one sweet ride. Fast, powerful, and road-legal, the Ultima GTR is one of the fastest vehicles on the planet, no questions asked. It's got a Chevrolet-sourced 6.3-liter V8 engine that produces 543 horsepower – the chassis, however, can take in engines that have an output of well over 1,000 horsepower – and 528 lb/ft of torque. The car also weighs a little less than 1,000 kilos, thanks in large part to a number of lightweight materials, laminated glass, and a carbon fiber rear wing. According to ADV, the project is well on its way to developing so we're going to stay tuned for all the important updates. For a car that has the stature of the Ultima GTR, we highly suggest that you do the same. ADV1 Ultima GTR Project with Jon Olsson originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 16 February 2011 13:00 EST.
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| Mercedes CLS AMG by Wheels and More Posted: 25 May 2011 03:00 AM PDT
Some may remember the stark contrast of black and white used to set the original Mercedes E55 AMG apart from the pack. The black leather with white inserts and a swatch of white on the steering wheel gave the car an aggressive attitude. Wheels and More has taken the latest Mercedes CLS AMG and brought back some of that original flair, but this tuning company has added several tasteful components to make this one of the first tuned CLS models in the world. To complement the bold white exterior, three piece black alloy wheels were added. These are the newest version of the 6Sporz model and they measure 9.5 x 20 in the front and 11 x 20 in the rear. That large wheel is backed up with some serious rubber from Dunlop; namely 255/30/20 Sportmaxx's in the front and 305/25/20 Sportmaxx's at the back. These huge patches of rubber should help keep this CLS glued tightly to the road. More details on the Mercedes CLS by Wheels and More after the jump. Mercedes CLS AMG by Wheels and More originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 25 May 2011 10:00 EST.
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| Video: Top Gear takes a look at 'Senna' documentary Posted: 25 May 2011 02:00 AM PDT
Whether or not you were young enough - or maybe not even born yet - to not remember the career of arguably the greatest auto racing driver in history, you still owe it to yourself and your love for racing to watch the just-released feature-length documentary of Ayrton Senna. Regarded with so many superlatives both as a man and as a racer, Ayrton Senna was a larger-than-life character who happened to be the best at what he did: auto racing. The man was charismatic, passionate, and an all-around lighting rod. Unfortunately, he was also a victim of an accident that cost him his life. Over the past year, the documentary about the greatest racer of all time was being developed and now, the final product is about ready to hit the shelves. Everything you want and need to know about Ayrton Senna is included in the documentary, including his early upbringing in Brazil, his meteoric rise to the top of Formula One, his unbridled rivalry with Alain Prost, and even the fateful afternoon in Imola in 1994 when everything ended so unexpectedly. Ever the source of important automotive information, Top Gear is front and center in promoting the documentary. The British auto show has a review of it up on their site and in addition to that, the latest issue of the magazine, which will go on sale on May 18, will contain a free preview DVD of the documentary that includes film footage, outtakes, exclusive interviews with Alain Prost and director Asif Kapadia, and so much more. If there ever was a documentary that puts serious truth to the phrase "must-watch", this one is it. Think you knew Ayrton Senna? Guess again. Video: Top Gear takes a look at 'Senna' documentary originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 25 May 2011 09:00 EST.
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| French Host 1st Electric Grand Prix Race Posted: 25 May 2011 01:00 AM PDT
Automotive racing has a long history in many countries, but France was the first to hold a Grand Prix race. The small town of Pau hosted the event in 1901 on the short 1.7 mile course that runs through the town. The town is about 50km from the Spanish border and is known as a resort area set among beautiful rolling hills. It took them until 1933 to set up an annual Grand Prix race for the town, but ever since then its people have been enamored with racing. This past weekend saw a change for this town and its racing heritage. Instead of roaring loud Formula 3 cars tearing up the race track, 12 drivers took electric race cars out for this new event. It must have been an odd sight considering that these petrol heads are used to the sounds associated with Formula racing and thrive upon the excitement, but this sleepy little French town was hardly even disturbed by the low hum emitted from these new race cars. Full story after the jump. French Host 1st Electric Grand Prix Race originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 25 May 2011 08:00 EST.
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