Oldsmobile Aerotech Concept, 1988
Oldsmobile Aerotech Concept, 1988
Monday, December 27, 2010
Mini Cooper S, 1968
Mini Cooper S, 1968
The Mini is a small car that was produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its successors from 1959 to 2000. The most popular British-made car, it has since been replaced by the New MINI which was launched in 2001. The original is considered an icon of the 1960s, and its space-saving front-wheel-drive layout influenced a generation of car-makers. In the international poll for the award of the world's most influential car of the twentieth century the Mini came second after the Ford Model T.
The revolutionary and distinctive two-door car was designed for BMC by Sir Alec Issigonis (1906�88). It was manufactured at the Longbridge and Cowley plants in the United Kingdom, and later in Australia, Belgium, Chile, Italy, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Uruguay, Venezuela and Yugoslavia. The Mini Mk I had three major updates: The Mk II, the Clubman, and the Mk III, within which were a series of variations including an estate car, a pickup truck, a van, and the Mini Moke � a jeep-like buggy. The Mini Cooper and Cooper "S" were sportier versions that were successful as rally cars � winning the Monte Carlo Rally three times.
Design and development
Designed as project ADO15 (Austin Drawing Office project number 15), the Mini came about because of a fuel crisis. In 1956 as a result of the Suez Crisis, which reduced oil supplies, the United Kingdom saw the re-introduction of petrol rationing. Sales of large cars slumped, and there was a boom in the market for so called bubble cars, which were mainly German in origin. Leonard Lord, the somewhat autocratic head of BMC, decreed that something had to be done and quickly. He laid down some basic design requirements: the car should be contained within a box that measured 10 � 4 � 4 feet (3 � 1.2 � 1.2 m); and the passenger accommodation should occupy six feet (1.8 m) of the 10 foot (3 m) length; and the engine, for reasons of cost, should be an existing unit. Issigonis, who had been working for Alvis, had been recruited back to BMC in 1955 and, with his skills in designing small cars, was a natural for the task. The team that designed the Mini was remarkably small; as well as Issigonis, there was Jack Daniels, who had worked with him on the Morris Minor, Chris Kingham, who had been with him at Alvis, two engineering students and four draughtsmen. Together, by October 1957 they had designed and built the original prototype, which was affectionately named 'The Orange Box' because of its colour.
The ADO15 used a conventional BMC A-Series four-cylinder water-cooled engine, but departed from tradition by having it mounted transversely, placing the engine oil lubricated, four-speed transmission in the sump, and by employing front-wheel drive. Almost all small front-wheel-drive cars developed since the 1970s have used a similar configuration. The radiator was mounted at the left side of the car so that the engine-mounted fan could be retained, but with reversed pitch so it blew air into the natural low pressure area under the front wing. This location saved precious vehicle length, but had the disadvantage of feeding the radiator with air that had been heated by passing over the engine.
The suspension system, designed by Alex Moulton at Moulton Developments Limited, used compact rubber cones instead of conventional springs � this led to a rather raw and bumpy ride, but this rigidity, together with the wheels being pushed out to the corners of the car, gave the car its famous go kart-like handling. It was initially planned to use an interconnected fluid system, similar to the one which Issigonis and Moulton were working on in the mid-1950s at Alvis, but the short development time of the car meant this would not be ready in time for the launch. The system intended for the Mini was further developed to become the hydrolastic system and was first used on the Austin 1100 (launched in 1962). Ten-inch wheels were specified, so new tyres needed to be developed � with the initial contract going to Dunlop.
The car was designed with sliding windows in the doors, thus allowing for storage pockets to be fitted in the space where a winding window mechanism would have been. Issigonis is said to have sized the resulting storage bins to take a bottle of his favourite Gordon's Gin. The boot lid was designed with the hinges at the bottom so that the car could be driven with it open to increase luggage space. On early cars the number plate was hinged so it dropped down to remain visible when the boot lid was open.
To keep manual labour costs low, the car was designed with quirky welded seams that are visible on the outside of the car running down the A and C pillars and between the body and the floor pan. To further simplify construction, the car had external door and boot hinges.
The Mini Cooper and Cooper S � 1961�2000
Issigonis' friend John Cooper, owner of the Cooper Car Company, designer and builder of Formula 1 and rally cars, saw the potential of the Mini. Issigonis was initially reluctant to see the Mini in the role of a performance car - but after John Cooper appealed to BMC management, the two men collaborated to create the Mini Cooper. The Austin Mini Cooper and Morris Mini Cooper debuted in 1961.
The original 848 cc engine from the Morris Mini-Minor was increased to 997 cc, boosting power from 34 bhp to 55 bhp (25 to 41 kW). The car featured a racing-tuned engine, double SU carburettors, close-ratio gearbox and front disc brakes, uncommon at the time in a small car. One thousand units of this iteration were commissioned by management, intended for and designed to meet the homologation rules of Group 2 rally racing. The 997 cc engine was replaced by a shorter stroke 998 cc unit in 1964.
A more powerful Mini Cooper, dubbed the "S", was developed in tandem and released in 1963. Featuring a 1071 cc engine and larger servo-assisted disc brakes, 4,030 Cooper S cars were produced and sold until the model was updated in August 1964. Cooper also produced two models specifically for circuit racing, rated at 970 cc and a 1275 cc, both of which were also offered to the public. The smaller-engine model was not well received, and only 963 were built until the model was discontinued in 1965. The 1275 cc Cooper S models were discontinued in 1971.
The Mini Cooper S earned acclaim with Monte Carlo Rally victories in 1964, 1965, and 1967. Minis were initially placed first, second and third in the 1966 rally as well, but were disqualified after a controversial decision by the French judges. The disqualification related to the use of a variable resistance headlamp dimming circuit in place of a dual-filament lamp. It should be noted that the Citro�n DS that was eventually awarded first place had illegal white headlamps but escaped disqualification. The driver of the Citro�n, Pauli Toivonen, was reluctant to accept the trophy and vowed that he would never race for Citro�n again. BMC probably received more publicity from the disqualification than they would have gained from a victory - but had the Mini not been disqualified, it would have been the only car in history to be placed amongst the Monte Carlo winners for six consecutive years.
In 1971 the Mini Cooper design was licensed in Italy by Innocenti and in 1973 to Spain by Authi (Automoviles de Turismo Hispano-Ingleses), which began to produce the Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 and the Authi Mini Cooper 1300, respectively.
A new Mini Cooper named the RSP (Rover Special Products) was briefly relaunched in 1990 to 1991, with slightly lower performance than the 1960s Cooper. It proved so popular that the new Cooper-marked Mini went into full production in late 1991. From 1992 Coopers were fitted with a fuel-injected version of the 1275 cc engine, and in 1997 a multi-point fuel injected engine was introduced, along with a front-mounted radiator and various safety improvements.
Issigonis' friend John Cooper, owner of the Cooper Car Company, designer and builder of Formula 1 and rally cars, saw the potential of the Mini. Issigonis was initially reluctant to see the Mini in the role of a performance car - but after John Cooper appealed to BMC management, the two men collaborated to create the Mini Cooper. The Austin Mini Cooper and Morris Mini Cooper debuted in 1961.
The original 848 cc engine from the Morris Mini-Minor was increased to 997 cc, boosting power from 34 bhp to 55 bhp (25 to 41 kW). The car featured a racing-tuned engine, double SU carburettors, close-ratio gearbox and front disc brakes, uncommon at the time in a small car. One thousand units of this iteration were commissioned by management, intended for and designed to meet the homologation rules of Group 2 rally racing. The 997 cc engine was replaced by a shorter stroke 998 cc unit in 1964.
A more powerful Mini Cooper, dubbed the "S", was developed in tandem and released in 1963. Featuring a 1071 cc engine and larger servo-assisted disc brakes, 4,030 Cooper S cars were produced and sold until the model was updated in August 1964. Cooper also produced two models specifically for circuit racing, rated at 970 cc and a 1275 cc, both of which were also offered to the public. The smaller-engine model was not well received, and only 963 were built until the model was discontinued in 1965. The 1275 cc Cooper S models were discontinued in 1971.
The Mini Cooper S earned acclaim with Monte Carlo Rally victories in 1964, 1965, and 1967. Minis were initially placed first, second and third in the 1966 rally as well, but were disqualified after a controversial decision by the French judges. The disqualification related to the use of a variable resistance headlamp dimming circuit in place of a dual-filament lamp. It should be noted that the Citro�n DS that was eventually awarded first place had illegal white headlamps but escaped disqualification. The driver of the Citro�n, Pauli Toivonen, was reluctant to accept the trophy and vowed that he would never race for Citro�n again. BMC probably received more publicity from the disqualification than they would have gained from a victory - but had the Mini not been disqualified, it would have been the only car in history to be placed amongst the Monte Carlo winners for six consecutive years.
In 1971 the Mini Cooper design was licensed in Italy by Innocenti and in 1973 to Spain by Authi (Automoviles de Turismo Hispano-Ingleses), which began to produce the Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 and the Authi Mini Cooper 1300, respectively.
A new Mini Cooper named the RSP (Rover Special Products) was briefly relaunched in 1990 to 1991, with slightly lower performance than the 1960s Cooper. It proved so popular that the new Cooper-marked Mini went into full production in late 1991. From 1992 Coopers were fitted with a fuel-injected version of the 1275 cc engine, and in 1997 a multi-point fuel injected engine was introduced, along with a front-mounted radiator and various safety improvements.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
FAB-Design Mercedes-Benz Mclaren SLR Desire
The SLR Desire is a creation of Swiss tuners FAB-Design, specialists in Mercedes-Benz customization. The SLR Desire is their first attempt at modifying the SLR and the vehicle was first unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.
The FAB-Design Mercedes Mclaren SLR Desire features a very noticeable and polarizing body modification which is sure to have both the "love it" and "hate it" camps split into equal numbers. The styling seems to be partially inspired by the design of the original Mercedes-Benz 300 SL from the 1950s, and the two cars share the same distinctive horizontal wheel arch extensions.
The radical front end of the SLR Desire features enlarged intakes and a much deeper front bumper with an integrated lip spoiler, new vents have also been incorporated into the bumper just forward of the front wheels. Down the sides the new side sills are noticeably deeper and wider and help to connect the front and rear wheel arch extensions. At the rear of the SLR Desire a distinctive 'V' shaped design divides the larger diffuser into two separate side. This v-shaped styling is echoed in the upside-down v-shape of the rear spoiler mounting. The massive 20" wheels of the SLR Desire are also a product of FAB-Design.
Powering the SLR Desire is the same 5.4 litre supercharged V8 found in the standard car, however FAB-Design have managed to up the power output to 750 horsepower and, raise the torque level to an enormous 1,080 Nm. This setup gives the SLR Desire a top speed of 196 mph and a 0-62 mph (100km/h) time of 3.6 seconds.
The FAB-Design Mercedes Mclaren SLR Desire features a very noticeable and polarizing body modification which is sure to have both the "love it" and "hate it" camps split into equal numbers. The styling seems to be partially inspired by the design of the original Mercedes-Benz 300 SL from the 1950s, and the two cars share the same distinctive horizontal wheel arch extensions.
The radical front end of the SLR Desire features enlarged intakes and a much deeper front bumper with an integrated lip spoiler, new vents have also been incorporated into the bumper just forward of the front wheels. Down the sides the new side sills are noticeably deeper and wider and help to connect the front and rear wheel arch extensions. At the rear of the SLR Desire a distinctive 'V' shaped design divides the larger diffuser into two separate side. This v-shaped styling is echoed in the upside-down v-shape of the rear spoiler mounting. The massive 20" wheels of the SLR Desire are also a product of FAB-Design.
Powering the SLR Desire is the same 5.4 litre supercharged V8 found in the standard car, however FAB-Design have managed to up the power output to 750 horsepower and, raise the torque level to an enormous 1,080 Nm. This setup gives the SLR Desire a top speed of 196 mph and a 0-62 mph (100km/h) time of 3.6 seconds.
Brabus T65 RS Vanish
The Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series is one of those German hyper-cars which is so immense in its performance capabilities you'd think it would be left well alone by the tuning companies. And for the most part that's true. However specialist Merc tuners Brabus are always up for a challenge, and the SL65 AMG Black Series is just their sort of car.
The Brabus T65 RS Vanish is the result. An 800 horsepower monster with a top speed in excess of 200 mph, and a 0-62 mph time well under 4 seconds. In fact the T65 RS Vanish is so quick off the line it can hit 124 mph - about the top speed of a normal family car - in just under 10 seconds.
The increase in power of nearly 140 hp over the standard SL65 AMG Black Series comes courtesy of the BRABUS high-tech twin turbo system that includes two special exhaust manifolds with integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers. Larger intercoolers are also added, as is a high-performance sports exhaust with free-flow metal catalysts. The engine management system was also reprogrammed to take full advantage of the mechanical upgrades.
The T65 RS engine delivers 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available already at a low 2,100 rpm. Peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).
The Brabus T65 RS Vanish package also includes changes to the exterior, like the carbon-fiber hood scoop, and optional matt-black paintwork. The interior can be custom tailored to suit the buyers tastes.
The Brabus T65 RS Vanish is the result. An 800 horsepower monster with a top speed in excess of 200 mph, and a 0-62 mph time well under 4 seconds. In fact the T65 RS Vanish is so quick off the line it can hit 124 mph - about the top speed of a normal family car - in just under 10 seconds.
The increase in power of nearly 140 hp over the standard SL65 AMG Black Series comes courtesy of the BRABUS high-tech twin turbo system that includes two special exhaust manifolds with integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers. Larger intercoolers are also added, as is a high-performance sports exhaust with free-flow metal catalysts. The engine management system was also reprogrammed to take full advantage of the mechanical upgrades.
The T65 RS engine delivers 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available already at a low 2,100 rpm. Peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).
The Brabus T65 RS Vanish package also includes changes to the exterior, like the carbon-fiber hood scoop, and optional matt-black paintwork. The interior can be custom tailored to suit the buyers tastes.
BMW M3 by GTHaus
Despite the distinctly Germanic sounding name of the company, GTHaus is in fact based in Illinois, USA. The company acts as a distributor for a number of European performance exhaust specialists including; Meisterschaft, Flo�mann, Arden, and Kreissieg.
However GTHaus has now decided to enter into the world of body kits and tuning. This is their first offering, a $12,500 (�8,500) GT2 racecar-like widebody conversion for the E92 M3 Coupe. And no it won't make you go any faster as they haven't developed any performance upgrades for the engine yet. In fact if you were to throw this onto a standard M3 all that would happen is that you'd increase drag and go slower. At the same time you'd torpedo the fuel economy.
That said, as far as ridiculously wide bodykits go this isn't too bad. It looks more like a track-derived aerodynamic package, instead of a tuner bodykit which just has vents and oddly positioned bulges for no reason. Also in its favor is the fact the panels aren't heavy weight fiberglass, they're formed from that most excellent of materials, carbon fiber.
To match the new bodywork GTHaus have fitted the car with oversize 20 inch wheels (which will actually be detrimental to the handling), Brembo brakes, and a sports exhaust system designed to offer a racing note.
However GTHaus has now decided to enter into the world of body kits and tuning. This is their first offering, a $12,500 (�8,500) GT2 racecar-like widebody conversion for the E92 M3 Coupe. And no it won't make you go any faster as they haven't developed any performance upgrades for the engine yet. In fact if you were to throw this onto a standard M3 all that would happen is that you'd increase drag and go slower. At the same time you'd torpedo the fuel economy.
That said, as far as ridiculously wide bodykits go this isn't too bad. It looks more like a track-derived aerodynamic package, instead of a tuner bodykit which just has vents and oddly positioned bulges for no reason. Also in its favor is the fact the panels aren't heavy weight fiberglass, they're formed from that most excellent of materials, carbon fiber.
To match the new bodywork GTHaus have fitted the car with oversize 20 inch wheels (which will actually be detrimental to the handling), Brembo brakes, and a sports exhaust system designed to offer a racing note.
Raeder Audi TT RS
The Raeder Audi TT RS is a specially built and dedicated race car prototype which was built by the German company Raeder Motorsport.
In 2010 the car will be competing in the last two races of the Endurance Championship Nurburgring on the 16th and 30th of October.
The car, which was developed jointly by the Technical Development (TE) and the production of Audi AG and quattro GmbH, represents the first prototype of a potential track-only and modular TT RS race car which will be offered to the public - well race teams anyway.
The Raeder Audi TT RS features a five-cylinder turbocharged engine which runs on diesel. It has other upgrades for the bodywork - in the form of a massive wide-arch bodykit. The chassis as been stiffened and fitted with a fully integrated roll cage. And the aerodynamics have been improved thanks to numerous vents, diffusers and spoilers to keep it firmly stuck to the track.
In 2010 the car will be competing in the last two races of the Endurance Championship Nurburgring on the 16th and 30th of October.
The car, which was developed jointly by the Technical Development (TE) and the production of Audi AG and quattro GmbH, represents the first prototype of a potential track-only and modular TT RS race car which will be offered to the public - well race teams anyway.
The Raeder Audi TT RS features a five-cylinder turbocharged engine which runs on diesel. It has other upgrades for the bodywork - in the form of a massive wide-arch bodykit. The chassis as been stiffened and fitted with a fully integrated roll cage. And the aerodynamics have been improved thanks to numerous vents, diffusers and spoilers to keep it firmly stuck to the track.
Edo Competition Ferrari Enzo
Edo Competition's tuning package for the Ferrari
Enzo includes both performance and aesthetic modifications.
Power output of the 6 litre V12 has been increased to 700 horsepower, while the
torque output stands at 527 lb/ft @ 5800 rpm. This gives the Edo Competition
Ferrari Enzo a top speed of 230 mph and a 0-60 mph sprint time of 3.5 seconds.
The performance increase comes from new exhaust headers (similar to those found
on the Ferrari FXX), a high-flow catalytic converter, performance stainless
steel muffler, modified intake with ram-air system, high-flow air filters and
ECU recalibration. The exhaust sound level is adjustable at the push of a button.
A new transmission control unit offers shift times identical to the Ferrari
FXX.
The mild cosmetic changes include black-tinted headlight and tailight covers,
and lightweight wheels wrapped in Michelin tires. The wheels can be custom
painted painted any color on request.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Ferrari F40, 1987
Ferrari F40, 1987
The Ferrari F40 is a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-door coup� sports car produced by Ferrari from 1987 to 1992 as the successor to the Ferrari 288 GTO. From 1987 to 1989 it held the title as the world's fastest street-legal production car, and during its years of production, was Ferrari's fastest, most powerful, and most expensive car. It was intended that there were to be 400 Ferrari F40 made, all painted red, but a total 1,315 F40s were produced.
The Ferrari F40 was, in the most literal sense, designed as the successor to the company's GTO supercar, but the project's meaning ran deeper. At ninety years old, Enzo Ferrari was keenly aware that his life was coming to an end, and was somewhat disappointed that Ferrari's dominance in international motorsport had faded somewhat over the years. As a result, Enzo wanted a new pet project put into the pipelines, something that could remind the world of the company's capabilities as a manufacturer as well as provide both a competitor to the Porsche 959 and come to be his masterpiece; the company's impending 40th anniversary provided just the right occasion for the car to debut. The plan was simple: create a vehicle that combined the company's best technologies into a no-frills sports car that would come as close as possible to being a full fledged race vehicle while still retaining the necessary equipment to be a street-legal product. It was the last car to be commissioned by Enzo himself before his death.
The Ferrari F40 was designed with aerodynamics in mind, and is very much a creation of its time. For speed the car relied more on its shape than its power. Frontal area was reduced, and airflow greatly smoothed, but stability rather than terminal velocity was a primary concern. So too was cooling as the forced induction engine generated a great deal of heat. In consequence, the car was somewhat like an open-wheel racing car with a body. It had a partial undertray to smooth airflow beneath the radiator, front section, and the cabin, and a second one with diffusers behind the motor, but the engine bay was not sealed. Nonetheless, the Ferrari F40 had an impressively low Cd of 0.34 with lift controlled by its spoilers and wing.
Power came from an enlarged, 2.9 L (2936 cc) version of the GTO's twin IHI turbocharged V8 developing 478 PS (352 kW/471 hp) under 110 kPa (16 psi) of boost. The suspension setup, like the GTO's, remained a double wishbone setup, though many parts were upgraded and settings were changed; the unusually low ground clearance prompted Ferrari to include the ability to raise the vehicle's ground clearance when necessary.
The body was an entirely new design by Pininfarina featuring panels made of kevlar, carbon fiber, and aluminum for strength and low weight, and intense aerodynamic testing was employed. Weight was further minimized through the use of a plastic windshield and windows and no carpets, sound system, or door handles were installed although the cars did have air conditioning. Early cars had fixed windows, although newer windows that could be rolled down were installed into later cars and the Ferrari F40 did without a catalytic converter until 1990 when US regulations made them a requirement for emissions control reasons.
As early as 1984, the Maranello factory had begun development of an evolution model of the 288 GTO intended to compete against the 959 in FIA Group B. However, when the FIA brought an end to the Group B category for the 1986 season, Enzo was left with five 288 GTO Evoluzione development cars, and no series in which to campaign them. Enzo's desire to leave a legacy in his final supercar allowed the Evoluzione program to be further developed to produce a car exclusively for road use.
The factory never intended to race the Ferrari F40, but the car saw competition as early as 1989 when it debuted in the Laguna Seca round of the IMSA, appearing in the GTO category, with a LM evolution model driven by Jean Alesi, finishing third to the two faster spaceframed four wheel drive Audi 90 and beating a host of other factory backed spaceframe specials that dominated the races. Despite lack of factory backing, the car would soon have another successful season there under a host of guest drivers such as Jean-Pierre Jabouille, Jacques Laffite and Hurley Haywood taking a total of three second places and one third.
Though the Ferrari F40 would not return to IMSA for the following season, it would later be a popular choice by privateers to compete in numerous domestic GT series including JGTC. In 1994, the car made its debut in international competitions, with one cars campaigned in the BPR Global GT Series by Strandell, winning at the 4 Hours of Vallelunga. In 1995, the number of F40s climbed to four, developed independently by Pilot-Aldix Racing (F40 LM) and Strandell (F40 GTE, racing under the Ferrari Club Italia banner), winning the 4 Hours of Anderstorp. No longer competitive against the McLaren F1 GTR, the Ferrari F40 returned for another year in 1996, managing to repeat the previous year's Anderstorp win, and from then on it was no longer seen in GT racing.
Performance
The F40's light weight of 1100 kg (2425 lb) and high power output of 478 PS (352 kW/471 hp) at 7000 rpm gave the vehicle tremendous performance potential. Road tests have produced 0-100 km/h (62 mph) times as low as 3.8 seconds (while the track only version came in at 3.2 seconds), with 0-160 km/h (100 mph) in 7.6 seconds and 0-200 km/h (125 mph) in 11 seconds giving the Ferrari F40 a slight advantage in acceleration over the Porsche 959, its primary competitor at the time.
The Ferrari F40 was the first road legal production car to break the 200 mph (322 km/h) barrier. From its introduction in 1987 until 1989, it held the record as the world's fastest production car, with a top speed of 324 km/h (201 mph); the record was broken by the Ruf CTR "Yellowbird"'s 340 km/h (211 mph) top speed. The Ferrari F40 was publicly proven capable of its rated top speed in 1992 through an infamous incident in which a Japanese dealership owner proved the car's potential by filming himself touching its top speed on an expressway only to be arrested after he sold a videotape to an undercover policeman. By that time, he already sold ten thousand videos.
The Ferrari F40 was, in the most literal sense, designed as the successor to the company's GTO supercar, but the project's meaning ran deeper. At ninety years old, Enzo Ferrari was keenly aware that his life was coming to an end, and was somewhat disappointed that Ferrari's dominance in international motorsport had faded somewhat over the years. As a result, Enzo wanted a new pet project put into the pipelines, something that could remind the world of the company's capabilities as a manufacturer as well as provide both a competitor to the Porsche 959 and come to be his masterpiece; the company's impending 40th anniversary provided just the right occasion for the car to debut. The plan was simple: create a vehicle that combined the company's best technologies into a no-frills sports car that would come as close as possible to being a full fledged race vehicle while still retaining the necessary equipment to be a street-legal product. It was the last car to be commissioned by Enzo himself before his death.
The Ferrari F40 was designed with aerodynamics in mind, and is very much a creation of its time. For speed the car relied more on its shape than its power. Frontal area was reduced, and airflow greatly smoothed, but stability rather than terminal velocity was a primary concern. So too was cooling as the forced induction engine generated a great deal of heat. In consequence, the car was somewhat like an open-wheel racing car with a body. It had a partial undertray to smooth airflow beneath the radiator, front section, and the cabin, and a second one with diffusers behind the motor, but the engine bay was not sealed. Nonetheless, the Ferrari F40 had an impressively low Cd of 0.34 with lift controlled by its spoilers and wing.
Power came from an enlarged, 2.9 L (2936 cc) version of the GTO's twin IHI turbocharged V8 developing 478 PS (352 kW/471 hp) under 110 kPa (16 psi) of boost. The suspension setup, like the GTO's, remained a double wishbone setup, though many parts were upgraded and settings were changed; the unusually low ground clearance prompted Ferrari to include the ability to raise the vehicle's ground clearance when necessary.
The body was an entirely new design by Pininfarina featuring panels made of kevlar, carbon fiber, and aluminum for strength and low weight, and intense aerodynamic testing was employed. Weight was further minimized through the use of a plastic windshield and windows and no carpets, sound system, or door handles were installed although the cars did have air conditioning. Early cars had fixed windows, although newer windows that could be rolled down were installed into later cars and the Ferrari F40 did without a catalytic converter until 1990 when US regulations made them a requirement for emissions control reasons.
As early as 1984, the Maranello factory had begun development of an evolution model of the 288 GTO intended to compete against the 959 in FIA Group B. However, when the FIA brought an end to the Group B category for the 1986 season, Enzo was left with five 288 GTO Evoluzione development cars, and no series in which to campaign them. Enzo's desire to leave a legacy in his final supercar allowed the Evoluzione program to be further developed to produce a car exclusively for road use.
The factory never intended to race the Ferrari F40, but the car saw competition as early as 1989 when it debuted in the Laguna Seca round of the IMSA, appearing in the GTO category, with a LM evolution model driven by Jean Alesi, finishing third to the two faster spaceframed four wheel drive Audi 90 and beating a host of other factory backed spaceframe specials that dominated the races. Despite lack of factory backing, the car would soon have another successful season there under a host of guest drivers such as Jean-Pierre Jabouille, Jacques Laffite and Hurley Haywood taking a total of three second places and one third.
Though the Ferrari F40 would not return to IMSA for the following season, it would later be a popular choice by privateers to compete in numerous domestic GT series including JGTC. In 1994, the car made its debut in international competitions, with one cars campaigned in the BPR Global GT Series by Strandell, winning at the 4 Hours of Vallelunga. In 1995, the number of F40s climbed to four, developed independently by Pilot-Aldix Racing (F40 LM) and Strandell (F40 GTE, racing under the Ferrari Club Italia banner), winning the 4 Hours of Anderstorp. No longer competitive against the McLaren F1 GTR, the Ferrari F40 returned for another year in 1996, managing to repeat the previous year's Anderstorp win, and from then on it was no longer seen in GT racing.
Performance
The F40's light weight of 1100 kg (2425 lb) and high power output of 478 PS (352 kW/471 hp) at 7000 rpm gave the vehicle tremendous performance potential. Road tests have produced 0-100 km/h (62 mph) times as low as 3.8 seconds (while the track only version came in at 3.2 seconds), with 0-160 km/h (100 mph) in 7.6 seconds and 0-200 km/h (125 mph) in 11 seconds giving the Ferrari F40 a slight advantage in acceleration over the Porsche 959, its primary competitor at the time.
The Ferrari F40 was the first road legal production car to break the 200 mph (322 km/h) barrier. From its introduction in 1987 until 1989, it held the record as the world's fastest production car, with a top speed of 324 km/h (201 mph); the record was broken by the Ruf CTR "Yellowbird"'s 340 km/h (211 mph) top speed. The Ferrari F40 was publicly proven capable of its rated top speed in 1992 through an infamous incident in which a Japanese dealership owner proved the car's potential by filming himself touching its top speed on an expressway only to be arrested after he sold a videotape to an undercover policeman. By that time, he already sold ten thousand videos.
Bentley S1, 1955
Bentley S1, 1955
The Bentley S1 was a luxury car produced by Bentley Motors Limited from 1955 through 1959. It marked Bentley parent, Rolls-Royce, reducing the differences between their Bentley and Roll-Royce models, with the S1 differing only in its radiator design and badging from the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I.
The models shared the 4.9 L (4887 cc/298 in�) straight-6 engine, with this being the last vehicle to use this engine. The bore was 95.25 mm (3.7 in) and the stroke was 114.3 mm (4.5 in). Twin SU carburetors were fitted, with upgraded models from 1957. A 4-speed automatic transmission was standard, with a 4-speed manual available as an option. Two wheelbases were produced: 123 in (3124 mm) and, from 1957, 127 in (3226 mm).
A somewhat sportier coachbuilt-only S1 Continental was introduced six months later.
Production
S1: 3072 (145 with coachbuilt bodies)
S1 long wheelbase: 35 (12 with coachbuilt bodies)
S1 Continental: 431
Bentley R-Type, 1950
Bentley R-Type, 1950
The R Type was the second series of post-war Bentley automobile, replacing the Mark VI. The front of the saloon model was identical to the Mark VI, but many had custom coachwork.
The Continental model was produced specially for continental Europe, with many coachbuilt by H.J. Mulliner. This would be the first appearance of the famed Bentley Continental name.
All R Type models used an iron-block/aluminum-head straight-6 engine fed by twin SU carburettors. The basic engine displaced 4.6 L (4566 cc/278 in�) with a 92.08 mm (3.6 in) bore and 114.3 mm (4.5 in) stroke. The Continental had a larger bore of 94.62 mm (3.7 in) for a total displacement of 4.9 L (4887 cc/298 in�).
Production numbers
Bentley R Type: 2320 (303 with coachbuilt bodies)
Bentley R Continental: 207 (plus one prototype)
The Continental model was produced specially for continental Europe, with many coachbuilt by H.J. Mulliner. This would be the first appearance of the famed Bentley Continental name.
All R Type models used an iron-block/aluminum-head straight-6 engine fed by twin SU carburettors. The basic engine displaced 4.6 L (4566 cc/278 in�) with a 92.08 mm (3.6 in) bore and 114.3 mm (4.5 in) stroke. The Continental had a larger bore of 94.62 mm (3.7 in) for a total displacement of 4.9 L (4887 cc/298 in�).
Production numbers
Bentley R Type: 2320 (303 with coachbuilt bodies)
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Upcoming Cars In 2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 With Specification And Prices
Upcoming Cars In 2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 With Specification And Prices With Reviews
With the 4.3 liter, Upcoming Cars In 2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 is an evolution of N24 with larger capacity engine. Aston Martin Vantage GT4 was built to FIA GT4 regulation. This Aston Martin Vantage GT4 sport car also based on the V8 engine and use the V8 dry sump lubrication system of Aston Martin. Aston Martin Vantage GT4 also has suede-trimmed steering wheel for a quick mechanism. Aston Martin Racing has released.
The world�s best-looking race car ever has just got a little bit better as Aston Martin released a slightly revised version of its Vantage GT4. The 2011 car is closely based on the V8 Vantage road car with the same basic engine, aluminium chassis and suspension design. But it has enhanced aerodynamics and increased downforce.
Aston Martin Racing has built and sold more than 80 Vantage GT4s to customers around the world in the last two years and it has become the most successful car in its class. In 2010, it won the European GT4 Cup as well as the GT4 class at the Dubai 24 Hours,2011 Vantage GT4 specification
Engine:
4.7 litre V8 GT4 race specification engine with new engine mapping for 2011
Transmission:
SportshiftTM or 6-speed manual gearbox
Twin plate competition clutch
Limited slip differential
Fuel system:
100l single-fill fuel tank (standard)
120l endurance single or duel-fill tanks (optional)
Wheels:
Cast magnesium 5-stud OZ racing wheels
Front: 10? x 18?
Rear: 11? x 18?
With the 4.3 liter, Upcoming Cars In 2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 is an evolution of N24 with larger capacity engine. Aston Martin Vantage GT4 was built to FIA GT4 regulation. This Aston Martin Vantage GT4 sport car also based on the V8 engine and use the V8 dry sump lubrication system of Aston Martin. Aston Martin Vantage GT4 also has suede-trimmed steering wheel for a quick mechanism. Aston Martin Racing has released.
The world�s best-looking race car ever has just got a little bit better as Aston Martin released a slightly revised version of its Vantage GT4. The 2011 car is closely based on the V8 Vantage road car with the same basic engine, aluminium chassis and suspension design. But it has enhanced aerodynamics and increased downforce.
Aston Martin Racing has built and sold more than 80 Vantage GT4s to customers around the world in the last two years and it has become the most successful car in its class. In 2010, it won the European GT4 Cup as well as the GT4 class at the Dubai 24 Hours,2011 Vantage GT4 specification
Engine:
4.7 litre V8 GT4 race specification engine with new engine mapping for 2011
Transmission:
SportshiftTM or 6-speed manual gearbox
Twin plate competition clutch
Limited slip differential
Fuel system:
100l single-fill fuel tank (standard)
120l endurance single or duel-fill tanks (optional)
Wheels:
Cast magnesium 5-stud OZ racing wheels
Front: 10? x 18?
Rear: 11? x 18?
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Upcoming Cars In 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster With Specification And Prices
Upcoming Cars In 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster With Specification And Prices With Reviews
Upcoming Cars In 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster which use V8 engine is retained of car benefits with engine performance for 4.7 liter V8 engine power unit of Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster roadster variant. The output of 4.7 V8 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster engine is 420bhp (11% increase of previous 4.3 liter unit) and delivers peak torque of 470Nm (15% increase).
Upcoming Cars In 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster which use V8 engine is retained of car benefits with engine performance for 4.7 liter V8 engine power unit of Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster roadster variant. The output of 4.7 V8 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster engine is 420bhp (11% increase of previous 4.3 liter unit) and delivers peak torque of 470Nm (15% increase).
Upcoming Cars In 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage With Specification And Prices
Upcoming Cars In 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage With Specification And Prices With Reviews
Aston Martin V8 Vantage � originally launched to widespread critical acclaim at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005 � is to receive significant technical enhancements, reaffirming the car�s position as one of the world�s most desirable and exhilarating sports cars. While the universally distinctive and award-winning shape of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is retained.
Upcoming Cars In 2011 Aston Martin confirmed that the Cygnet luxury city car � originally shown as a concept car in March � is to go into production in 2011 at the company�s Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire. It is derived from the Toyota IQ and its purpose is to allow Aston Martin to comply with the strict emissions rule by the European Union in place in 2012.It is time to think differently. Aston Martin is honest and we don�t make compromises� says Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez.
New car design and innovation from Aston Martin that introduced sporty race car models with motorsport powerful engine inspired special edition for customers. 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 that brings a new sport vehicle dimension of sporting prowess and dynamic ability to the V8 Vantage range.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage � originally launched to widespread critical acclaim at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005 � is to receive significant technical enhancements, reaffirming the car�s position as one of the world�s most desirable and exhilarating sports cars. While the universally distinctive and award-winning shape of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is retained.
Upcoming Cars In 2011 Aston Martin confirmed that the Cygnet luxury city car � originally shown as a concept car in March � is to go into production in 2011 at the company�s Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire. It is derived from the Toyota IQ and its purpose is to allow Aston Martin to comply with the strict emissions rule by the European Union in place in 2012.It is time to think differently. Aston Martin is honest and we don�t make compromises� says Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez.
New car design and innovation from Aston Martin that introduced sporty race car models with motorsport powerful engine inspired special edition for customers. 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 that brings a new sport vehicle dimension of sporting prowess and dynamic ability to the V8 Vantage range.
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