Saturday, October 16, 2010

TopSpeed Daily Update

TopSpeed Daily Update

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2011 Lincoln MKX by ID Agency coming to SEMA

Posted: 15 Oct 2010 04:30 PM PDT


Yesterday we announced that there will be three customized Ford Explorers coming to the SEMA Show in November. Now it seems that the SUVs will be joined by a customized 2011 Lincoln MKX that will be displaying its dark side for all to see.

Not much was said concerning the details of this tuning project, but we do know that the model will carry Brembo brakes, a set of rims from HRE Wheels, Falken tires, an Alpine electronics system, and a discrete body kit. Both Ford and ID Agency have stated that this vehicle was a combination of fashion and function. The ID Agency further stated that the Lincoln MKX was designed with the modern man in mind and that the Urban Assault Vehicle was built to fit into his active lifestyle.

Okay, enough of that mumbo jumbo. Can we get some real details or will we seriously have to wait until the SEMA Show opens it’s doors and Ford lets loose the official ones?

2011 Lincoln MKX by ID Agency coming to SEMA originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 October 2010 16:30 EST.

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DMC launches carbon fiber wing styling kit for the Lamborghini Murcielago

Posted: 15 Oct 2010 04:00 PM PDT


As if a Lamborghini Murcielago needed any more fine tuning, German tuning firm DMC released new goodies that will allow you to lessen the weight of the supercar. And you know what; a lighter Murcielago equates to a faster one too.

The new carbon fiber wings styling kit isn't just an accessory to make your Murcielago more eye-catching. On its own, the car can already do that. Instead, these carbon fiber scoops - called Bat Wings - are exchanged with the OEM wings of the supercar, to help it get a reduction in weight while at the same time, accessorizing the Murcielago with sweet carbon fiber patterns.

DMC is also including a Grand Wing, an enormous carbon fiber spoiler that adds a more aggressive touch to the car.

Last, but certainly not least, is the carbon fiber engine cover, which first generation Murcielago owners might find appealing given that their cars don't come with the glass bonnet that's found in the later models. So, if you don't have the glass, might as well scoop up the carbon fiber, yes?

The whole package is available at DMC where pricing is available upon request.

DMC launches carbon fiber wing styling kit for the Lamborghini Murcielago originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 October 2010 16:00 EST.

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BMW Makes DTM Return in 2012

Posted: 15 Oct 2010 03:00 PM PDT


After giving us an inkling of a DTM comeback in April of this year, BMW have finally made it official in Munich today.

It's been a lengthy 16 years since BMW have entered a challenger for the DTM (German Touring Car Championship) crown and no doubt fans all over the world have been eagerly awaiting their return. Currently the championship is only contested by Mercedes with their C Class AMG DTM and Audi with the A4 DTM. Both employ an aspirated 4l V8 and use the same sequential 6 speed gearbox as stipulated by the rules. The cars' are fitted with restrictors to peg the torque they produce at 500Nm to even the playing field. It gets interesting as there is no restriction on horsepower (only torque) and engine design plays a huge roll at gaining a competitive edge.

Traditionally, BMW have entered the M3 and we should see more of the same come 2012. The series has been dominated by Audi as of late, with them winning the Championship for the last three years running. We’re sure the boys from Munich will have something to say about that in the 2012 season.

BMW Makes DTM Return in 2012 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 October 2010 15:00 EST.

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Mercedes Concept 358

Posted: 15 Oct 2010 02:00 PM PDT


The second installment of the unique duo unveiled by Mercedes at the 2010 Australian International Motor Show is the very special Concept 358. Following along the same lines as the Mercedes SLS AMG Night Black, this C 63 AMG is painted in another one-of-a-kind exterior paint job: designo Pearl Orange. It also carries with it the AMG Performance Package Plus found in the Night Black.

This package will increase the engine’s output to a staggering 479 HP, which is where the name comes from. The concept also gets unique 19-inch multi spoke alloy wheels in black, KEYLESS-GO, and extended designo leather appointments in the interior.

"The unique C 63 AMG on display also unveils the AMG Performance Package Plus which Australian customers can now order from their local dealer in both Saloon and Estate," said Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia, Mr Horst von Sanden. "Each Mercedes-Benz vehicle is special, but for this year's motor show we wanted to go that next step and bring two world exclusives to show the Australian public."

Mercedes Concept 358 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 October 2010 14:00 EST.

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Vladimir Putin: Russian Grand Prix in 2014 is a 'go'

Posted: 15 Oct 2010 01:00 PM PDT


Russian Prime Minister and former president, Vladimir Putin, is a man of great influence. Whenever he says something, people tend to listen.

So when Putin told investors that an agreement has been signed for Russia, particularly the city of Sochi, to host at least seven Formula One GPs, you can pretty much take that to the bank.

According to Ria Novosti, a state news agency, Putin was on hand to tell investors during a meeting at Sochi that "an agreement with the organizing company has been reached to host the 2014 Russian Grand Prix at the Black Sea resort town." Incidentally, Sochi will also be hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone added: "I sincerely hope that the Formula One is going to play a big part in what I can see happening in Sochi. I’m sure the circuit can be a super circuit. It’s all the things we need and wanted, and we are very happy."

Putin added that plans to build a world class racing circuit at the Black Sea resort city would need the organization of a management company, which Putin stressed should be comprised of private national companies. A number of companies have already come forward in investing for the 200 million race track, including oil company Lukoil, the state-run Rostekhnologil, and cell phone carrier Megafon,.

While the return of Formula One in Russia is already signed, sealed, and delivered, the hope for most Russians is to eventually field a Russian team in the world's most prestigious racing series.

Russian supercar maker Marussia has already bared its plans of entering Formula One in 2012 and if all things fall into place, we could very well see a Russian outfit racing in its home race two years later.

Vladimir Putin: Russian Grand Prix in 2014 is a 'go' originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 October 2010 13:00 EST.

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Video: Aston Martin bigwigs describe the Cygnet

Posted: 15 Oct 2010 12:30 PM PDT

Now that Aston Martin has finally given the green light on the production of the car, the company is now in full promotional swing for the Toyota iQ-based Cygnet.

In this video featuring company boss Dr. Ulrich Bez and design chief Marek Reichman, the two describe the rationale behind the production of the Cygnet, one of which, as Dr. Bez describes it, is giving customers the option for a more practical city car to drive around cities while not compromising on the luxury that the company is famously known for.

Meanwhile, Reichmann tells us with a straight face that the Cygnet will give customers the same experience as they would in driving any of other Aston Martin's sports car. While we seriously doubt that, we couldn't help but notice how the two stayed away from telling everyone that only Aston Martin customers can purchase a Cygnet, leaving everyone else to "settle" for its almost identical, yet less luxurious counterpart, the iQ.

Video: Aston Martin bigwigs describe the Cygnet originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 October 2010 12:30 EST.

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Mercedes SLS AMG Night Black

Posted: 15 Oct 2010 12:00 PM PDT


Mercedes was prepared to take two unique vehicles to the 2010 Australian International Motor Show and they have delivered the first one in the form of a special SLS AMG. Among the added features of the vehicle, the most notable is the designo magno Night Black exterior paint job that makes this SLS AMG the first and only (so far) to carry it. Add the red highlights and this car is sure to attract some serious attention.

There aren’t tons of modifications made to the car, but what they have done is enough to show the Australian public what a fantastic car this is. Alongside the unique exterior paint, Mercedes has added its Performance Package Plus which will now be available to every mate down under for the first time since its debut. The package consists of the red AMG branded brake calipers adding to the color scheme of the vehicle and a subtle carbon fiber spoiler, as well as a little engine modification. This engine tweak allows the Merc to take on an extra 30hp bringing it to 487 from the stand 457hp with a peak torque is 443 lb-ft at 5,000rpm. It will go from 0 - 62mph in 4.4 seconds (4.5 seconds for the wagon) and 0 - 124mph in 13.9 seconds. It tops out at an electronically limited 155mph.

"Australia is one of our favorite markets," said Mario Spitzner, Director Branding, Marketing & Sales Mercedes-AMG. "We were asked to create two unique AMG vehicles for the Australian International Motor Show. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did building them," said Spitzner.

Mercedes SLS AMG Night Black originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 October 2010 12:00 EST.

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Alpine Open'Back concept

Posted: 15 Oct 2010 11:30 AM PDT


A while ago Renault announced plans to revive the Alpine brand. But while waiting for the official model to be revealed, Patrick Raoux and four other students have developed a 3D concept inspired by the legendary Alpine sports car.

Called Open’Back, the concept pays tribute to Alpine A106 and Spider Renault-Sport and was built in the spirit of the Berlinette time (60s /70s). The concept features a 2,0 liter 4 cylinder engine with 182 HP and the front train of the Renault Clio II RS.

Talking about hic work, Patrick Raoux said: "Concept's name i.e. Open'Back is a variant of other commercial names like Fastback, Hatchback, Liftback or Sportsback for that matter and the front face of our Alpine Open'Back was clearly sketched under the Nissan 350Z influence. It has hybrid structure with steel and alloy tubes and profiles, body in plastic material, rear central transversal engines and gearbox from the Renault-Sport range (1.6L to 2.0L, 133hp to 275hp). The power is sent to the rear wheels and the concept weighs less than one tone."

Alpine Open'Back concept originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 October 2010 11:30 EST.

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Chevrolet Camaro SS by aLL STaR Performance

Posted: 15 Oct 2010 11:00 AM PDT


After the teaser image revealed back in September that barely showed anything but the exterior color of the car, aLL STaR Performance has unveiled the first image of their customized Camaro SS that will be displayed at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

This special edition Camaro comes painted in the aforementioned blue paint job courtesy of Dupont and features a set of Forgestar wheels wrapped with Falken Tires, a custom set of Baer brakes, Air Lift digital suspension, Lysholm supercharger, and a massive front mount intercooler. All of these gizmos and gadgets are sure to improve the muscle car’s performance, but aLL STaR has yet to announce official numbers. What we do know is that the standard version of the 6.2 liter V-8 engine delivers a total of 426 HP and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, so we expect a better output than that when the Camaro debuts at SEMA.

Our expectations for the full list of specifications for the car are a bit high considering the array of companies put together to get this car out and ready. This unique Camaro has been developed in cooperation with Extreme Dimensions, American Status Racing, STACK, Autometer, MagnaFlow Exhaust Products, Webasto, StreetGlow, Image Dynamics, TechAFS, Royal Purple, Real Autoworks, and others. You know the old saying, "two minds are better than one, three minds are better than two...." If there’s any proof in that then we should see it at the showroom floor of SEMA when this customized Camaro SS rolls on out.

Chevrolet Camaro SS by aLL STaR Performance originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 October 2010 11:00 EST.

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2011 Ford F-150 gets new 3.7-liter V6 engine

Posted: 15 Oct 2010 10:30 AM PDT


Ford has announced today that the F-150 pick-up will receive a new 3.7-liter V6 engine that delivers a fuel economy of 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway in 4x2 configuration. Ford also announced that trucks with the 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8, and 6.2-liter V8 will arrive in dealer showrooms later this year. Each engine will be mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission.

The new 3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6 delivers a total of 302 HP at 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 278 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm. The engine also comes with E85 flex fuel capability.

"Seventy percent of F-150 customers said better fuel economy is what they'd like improved most in their truck," said Doug Scott, Truck Group marketing manager. "The 2011 Ford F-150 does exactly that with best-in-class fuel economy, best-in-class capability and power, and more powertrain choices to suit their different needs."

Press release after the jump.

2011 Ford F-150 gets new 3.7-liter V6 engine originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 15 October 2010 10:30 EST.

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