Porsche 911 GT2

Presenting the new 911 GT2 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Porsche is proudly launching the most powerful 911 so far homologated for road use. Through its striking design with large air intakes at the front and the rear wing so characteristic of this very special model, the new 911 GT2 expresses the power and performance potential of the fastest-ever 911 right from the start even at a standstill. Available exclusively with rear-wheel drive and a manual six-speed gearbox, this high-performance athlete accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 204 mph on average fuel consumption of just 12.5 liters/100 km (equal to 22.6 mpg imp) in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), thus offering a level of fuel economy regarded as quite impossible in this performance class just a few years ago.

The power unit of the new 911 GT2 is based on the six-cylinder boxer engine of the 911 Turbo, with air supply by two exhaust gas turbochargers featuring variable turbine geometry (VTG). The 3.6-liter boxer engine achieves its maximum output of 530 bhp at 6500 rpm, with maximum torque of 505 lb-ft maintained consistently between 2,200 and 4,500 rpm. With its unladen weight of 3,175 lbs, finally, the 911 GT2 offers a power-to-weight ratio of just 6.00 lbs per horsepower.

The increase in engine power by 50 bhp over the ”regular“ power unit is provided in the new 911 GT2 by two turbochargers with a larger compressor wheel and a flow-optimized turbine housing raising turbocharger pressure to an even higher level. And for the first time Porsche’s engineers have combined the turbocharged engine with an expansion-type intake manifold – a genuine revolution on turbocharged power units.

The expansion intake manifold uses the principle of oscillating air in the intake manifold during the cooler expansion phase, keeping the temperature of the fuel/air mixture lower than in the 911 Turbo. This, in turn, means a significant increase in all-round efficiency, with fuel consumption down by up to 15 per cent under full load despite the increase in engine output.

The 911 GT2 offers new achievements also in terms of emission management and control: This is the first Porsche homologated for the road to feature a rear silencer and tailpipes made of titanium as standard equipment. This expensive material reduces weight by approximately 50 per cent versus a comparable component made of stainless steel to just 20 lb.

The new 911 GT2 comes as standard with PCCB brakes featuring brake discs made of a composite carbon fiber/ceramic compound ensuring maximum stopping power maintained with an extremely high level of consistency. A further advantage is that PCCB brakes reduce the weight of the unsprung masses versus comparable grey cast-iron discs by approximately 44 lb.

Yet another feature fitted as standard is the electronically controlled PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management. (PASM). The GT2 comes on 19-inch light-alloy wheels running at the front on 235/35 ZR19, at the rear on 325/30 ZR19 sports tires.

The new 911 GT2 will be at the dealership in November 2007. The base price of the car in Germany is Euro 159,100.-, the market price including 19 per cent value-added tax Euro 189,496.

Porsche 911 GT2

The first images of the new Porsche 911 GT2 have leaked on the internet. It will be even more powerful than the Turbo, 530 horsepower to be precise, and all that power will go to the rear wheels, making it one of the most entertaining cars available.

More information and official photos will follow when available.

SpeedART Porsche 911 Turbo

Aero-Kit "BTR-XL" for 997 Turbo from speedART (Bi-Turbo Racer Extra Large) now has more down force and an improved aerodynamics with a complete front spoiler including additional front chin spoiler, design-fog lights and air outlet grill (carbon or PU). The rear spoiler with adjustable spoiler wing and air intakes (air ram system). Spoiler wing in carbon or painted version:
Side skirts
Rear diffusor
20" forged CTS wheels
Sport súspension
Sport brakes
550 hp power kit
Sport exhaust system with sound switch
Carbon mirror boxes
Sport interieur with sport steering wheel, short shifter and sport seats

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution All Wheel Control

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has developed two new component systems that are expected to feature in the new Lancer Evolution, due to be launched this autumn. S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) is an advanced vehicle dynamics control system that regulates drive torque at each wheel. Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) is an automated manual transmission that delivers slicker shifting through the gears while freeing the driver from the need to operate the clutch.

In line with its corporate philosophy, Mitsubishi Motors strives to deliver a dynamic driving experience while making advances to keep drivers safe. Twin Clutch SST and S-AWC do so by making driving more intuitive. Both the systems work to efficiently distribute power appropriate to road conditions, and deliver outstanding control and stability maintained by an "intelligent" system that reads and reflects driver intent in real time.

The system now adds an ASC (Active Stability Control) feature to the ACD (Active Center Differential), AYC (Active Yaw Control) and Sport ABS (Sport Antilock Brake System) components that have proven themselves in the Lancer Evolution series. Integrated system management of these four components allows regulation of torque and braking force at each wheel. S-AWC also now employs yaw rate feedback control. This allows the system to control each wheel under a wide range of driving conditions, thus realizing vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver inputs and allows drivers of all abilities to enjoy sporty motoring with confidence.

MMC's new automated manual transmission employs dual clutches to realize power transmission efficiencies on a par with a normal manual gearbox while also allowing slick and swift shifting. Allowing drivers of all abilities to shift rapidly up and down through the gears, Twin Clutch SST delivers satisfying acceleration while also returning superior fuel mileage thanks to its high-efficiency power transmission mechanism. The new transmission also features three operating modes tailored to different situations: from around-town drivability to instant-response and follow-the-line sporty motoring on the open road.

The S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system integrates management of all its AYC, ACD, ASC and Sport ABS components (see below) while adding braking force control to Mitsubishi Motors' own AYC system. As a result S-AWC elevates drive power, cornering performance as well as vehicle stability under all driving situations, from everyday motoring to emergency evasion maneuvers.

The Active Center Differential incorporates an electronically-controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch. The system optimizes clutch cover clamp load for different driving conditions, regulating the differential limiting action between free and locked states to optimize front/rear wheel torque split and thereby producing the best balance between traction and steering response.

Active Yaw Control uses a torque transfer mechanism in the rear differential to control rear wheel torque differential for different driving conditions and so limit the yaw moment that acts on the vehicle body and enhance cornering performance. AYC also acts like a limited slip differential by suppressing rear wheel slip to improve traction. The first component of its type, AYC was first used in the Lancer Evolution IV launched in April 1996. It then took an evolutionary step forward in the Lancer Evolution VIII launched in January 2003 as the Super AYC when it switched from the use of a bevel gear to a planetary gear differential, thereby doubling the amount of torque it was able to transfer. In comparison to the system used in the Lancer Evolution IX, AYC now features yaw rate feedback control using a yaw rate sensor and also gains braking force control. Accurately determining the cornering dynamics on a real-time basis, the system operates to control vehicle behavior through corners and realize vehicle behavior that more closely mirrors driver intent.

The Active Stability Control system stabilizes vehicle attitude while maintaining optimum traction by regulating engine power and the braking force at each wheel. Taking a step beyond the previous generation Lancer Evolution, the fitting of a brake pressure sensor at each wheel allows more precise and positive control of braking force. ASC improves traction under acceleration by preventing the driving wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces. It also elevates vehicle stability by suppressing skidding in an emergency evasive maneuver or the result of other sudden steering inputs.

Sport Anti-lock Braking System allows the driver to maintain steering control and keeps the vehicle stable by preventing the wheels from locking under heavy braking or when braking on slippery surfaces. The addition of yaw rate sensors and brake pressure sensors to the Sport ABS system has improved braking performance through corners compared to the Lancer Evolution IX.

The use of engine torque and brake pressure information in the regulation of the ACD and AYC components allows the S-AWC system to determine more quickly whether the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating. S-AWC also employs yaw rate feedback for the first time. The system helps the driver follow his chosen line more closely by comparing how the car is running, as determined from data from the yaw rate sensors, and how the driver wants it to behave, as determined from steering inputs, and operates accordingly to correct any divergence. The addition of braking force regulation to AYC's main role of transferring torque between the right and left wheels allows S-AWC to exert more control over vehicle behavior in on-the-limit driving situations. Increasing braking force on the inside wheel during understeer and on the outer wheel during oversteer situations, AYC's new braking force control feature works in concert with torque transfer regulation to realize higher levels of cornering performance and vehicle stability.

Using integrated management of the ASC and ABS systems allows S-AWC to effectively and seamlessly control vehicle dynamics when accelerating, decelerating or cornering under all driving conditions. S-AWC offers three operating modes: TARMAC for dry, paved surfaces; GRAVEL for wet or unmade surfaces, and SNOW for snow covered surfaces. When the driver selects the mode best suited to current road surface conditions S-AWC operates to control vehicle behavior accordingly and allow the driver to extract the maximum dynamic performance from his vehicle.

Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission puts odd (1st, 3rd, 5th) and even (2nd, 4th and 6th) gears on separate input shafts, each connected to an individual clutch. With both clutches under precise system control, this arrangement allows lightening-fast, smooth and lag-free gear changes with no interruption in power delivery. Using clutches instead of a torque converter to transmit power makes the Twin Clutch SST simpler in structure and reduces power transmission losses for higher transmission efficiency that leads to improved fuel mileage.

Twin Clutch SST allows the driver to switch between three shifting programs - Normal, Sport and S-Sport - to cover the full range of driving situations, from town use to sporty motoring on open roads.

Magic gold info

Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Carbon Fibre

In the 1950s, the Mercedes-Benz SLR acquired a hallowed status in the world of motor racing. Quite apart from its long list of legendary race victories, its avant-garde technology and thrilling design instantly transformed it into a blueprint for all high-calibre Gran Turismo touring cars. The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster, which will be receiving its world premiere in autumn 2007, is likewise rife with charisma and technology that is ahead of its time. Just like today's Formula 1 racing cars, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster boasts a carbon-fibre construction that gives it very high levels of safety and exceptional torsional stiffness on a par with the Coupé version. This combines with a chassis with motorsport origins to produce outstanding handling characteristics. The 460-kW/626-hp AMG supercharged V8 engine under the bonnet of the new high-performance sports car propels it to a top speed of 332 km/h, matching the outstanding mark set by the Coupé. Despite the fact that the Roadster comes with a fully retractable soft top to fuse pure open-air driving bliss with the ultimate in performance, by no means do its occupants have to compromise on comfort or everyday practicality. The new Roadster thereby succeeds in taking driving culture and motoring pleasure into a whole new dimension for open-top super sports cars.

The SLR McLaren Roadster is bound to carve out a very special name for itself amongst the ranks of high-performance open-top sports cars. This is thanks to its motor-racing genes and the use throughout of high-tech materials that - despite all their inherent benefits - are generally only ever found in a few individual components of even premium series-production cars, if at all, due to the high costs and elaborate manufacturing processes involved.

This is particularly true of the high-strength yet lightweight carbon-fibre composite materials (CFRP) that are used. Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner, McLaren, have gathered many years of experience with this material that is conventionally used in the aviation and space industries. In an impact, carbon fibres have a level of energy absorption that is four to five times higher than that of steel or aluminium, while the weight advantage of this high-tech material over steel is around 50 per cent.

The new high-performance Roadster capitalises on all of these benefits. The complex carbon-fibre technology has furthermore undergone intelligent redevelopment for the Roadster's monocoque. The result is low weight as well as exemplary energy absorption courtesy of unique carbon-fibre crash structures, which translates into excellent occupant safety, plus a level of torsional stiffness that is unprecedented for an open-top car. This gives rise to the sort of scintillating performance that is normally the preserve of super sports cars with a fixed roof.

Puristic soft top designed for high speeds

The SLR McLaren Roadster's exceptional credentials are given a further boost by the fully retractable soft top that blends seamlessly into the vehicle's flowing lines. The newly developed material it is made from not only promises everyday practicality in all weathers, it also enables the high-performance sports car to attain speeds which are highly unusual for a roadster. For example, the top speed of 332 km/h with the roof up matches the extraordinary figure set by the Coupé. When driving with the top down, the vehicle's favourable aeroacoustics still allow the occupants to converse with one another at speeds far in excess of 200 km/h.

The roof opens and closes semi-automatically in around ten seconds, thereby harmonising the desire for supreme convenience with the Roadster's purist character. To open the roof, the driver simply has to release the catches in the roof frame and lift it up slightly before the electrohydraulic mechanism folds it together. The aluminium bow integrated into the front section of the roof forms a stylish cover for the soft top when it is folded down. A high standard of safety comes in the form of steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed rollover bars.

Streamlined aerodynamics and racing suspension

The Roadster's handling, aeroacoustics and aerodynamics were carefully honed for high-speed driving in the wind tunnel. It borrows the same aerodynamic concept already familiar from the Coupé, comprising an airbrake incorporated into the boot lid, an encapsulated underbody, as well as a diffusor in the rear bumper for generating maximum downforce.

In order to obtain optimum weight distribution for flawless handling dynamics and high braking stability, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster is designed as a front-mid-engined sports car with the drive unit placed behind the front axle. Its AMG supercharged V8 engine, featuring air-to-water intercooler, three-valve technology, dry-sump lubrication and four metal catalytic converters, is installed in a low-set position for a correspondingly low, and therefore favourable, centre of gravity. Coupled to an AMG Speedshift R five-speed automatic transmission, the power unit's 460 kW/626 hp and peak torque of 780 Nm launch the Roadster from 0 to 100 km/h in a fleeting 3.8 seconds.

The open-top two-seater is equipped with a suspension that was bred on the race track, an electrohydraulic brake system, as well as high-endurance carbon-fibre/ceramic brake discs which offer optimum braking performance, thermal resistance and durability.

Subaru Impreza WRX GB270

Subaru is guaranteeing customers exceptional value from the final-edition versions of its iconic Impreza 2.5 WRX saloon and Sports Wagon. Called GB270, the last-of-the-line current Impreza offers around £7,600 in extra equipment for the saloon and just under £7,000 for the Sports Wagon. Both models cost £22,995 on-the-road – only £2,898 and £1,898 more than the standard Impreza WRX saloon and Sports Wagon respectively.

Named after Rally GB – Subaru’s most successful WRC stage – and the 270 PS the Prodrive-uprated engine produces, the GB270 models can be ordered from July 10 with first deliveries planned for September 1. Numbers will be strictly limited to 300 for the Impreza GB270 saloon and 100 for the Sports Wagon.

Both models benefit from the 270 PS Prodrive Performance Pack which boosts power by 40 PS and torque by a staggering 74 lb ft to 310 lb ft.

The result is a 0-60 mph time reduced from 5.9 to 5.3 seconds and a 0-100 mph time of 13.9 instead of 14.4 seconds. Mid-range response is substantially improved.

Other shared features include a lowered spring kit, ‘quickshift’ gearchange, special carpet mats, MOMO ‘Air-Race’ gear knob, larger-diameter 18x7.5ins GT1 alloy wheels and GB270 exterior badging and individually numbered interior plaque.
Impreza GB270 Saloon

Specific to the Impreza GB270 saloon are a WRC-style rear spoiler, stainless-steel mesh front grille, STI front lip spoiler and silver-finished alloy wheels.
Impreza GB270 Sports Wagon

Helping the GB270 Sports Wagon stand out is a rear waist spoiler, front and rear aero splash guards, rear privacy glass, black stainless-steel mesh front grille and gloss-black alloy wheels.

In addition, both models will be available with an optional ICE pack consisting of a Clarion SatNav and iPod adaptor and Bluetooth ’phone kit for £1,750.

Other extra-cost upgrades include a GB270-branded leather or Alcantara/leather interior for £1,400 or £1,600 respectively and privacy glass window tinting for the saloon at £405 (all prices include VAT).

A totally new 5-door Impreza will be launched in the autumn in 1.5 and 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated versions only. The turbocharged STI returns in the spring.

ABT Audi A5

The new Audi A5 combines a sporty and an unobtrusive design to a powerful, elegant and individual appearance. "A uniquely beautiful car and thus a real challenge for us," says Hans-Jürgen Abt. The managing director of Abt Sportsline raved about the new Coupe from Ingolstadt, but he emphasizes that "our designers and engineers were able to improve the outstanding base model even more". The character of the noble sportscar still maintains but after getting a special treatment in the Allgaeu it appears more dynamical. The body kit, especially tailor-made for the Abt AS5, is a spectacular package: a front skirt with a grid element which emphasizes the singel-frame grill and the fog lights, the slightly curved, laterally mounted body parts and the sleek gill-shaped air-inlets, as well as the well-proportioned rear. With the unobtrusive but striking rear spoiler and the rear skirt inset in diffuser optics, the design of the Abt AS5 is gracefully rounded off. The 4-pipe rear muffler is perfectly fitting and additionally recontoures the rear view. Needless to say that the car sounds as a real Abt car should.

Even when standing still, the Abt AS5 is a sensual car, which eagerly wants to be driven. And when it is allowed to go on the road, it shows how much sports spirit it has. First of all, the 3.0 TDI engine gets a significant "power treatment". The extremely powerful, self-igniting engine perfectly fits to the A5 and, in addition, offers moderate consumption values. By means of improved motor management, Abt turns the serial 240 hp (176 kW) into powerful 272 hp (200 kW). With an extra Abt turbo charger, the power even increases to 300 well feeded horses. Diesel and sportiness belong together since long. Certainly, Abt Sportsline will successively modify later developed A5 engines.

To ensure a perfect handling of the noble power package, Abt also makes use of its adjustable sports suspension, besides the serial Quattro engine. All the more, the Abt AS5 will be brought to a standstill by means of the Abt brake system with a disc diameter of 380 millimeters.

To perfectly round off the successful optics package, Abt Sportsline recommends the AR wheel, which is available for the A5 in the sizes from 18 to 20 inch, of course together with appropriate sport tyres. Wheels, body components and technical modifications build a whole unit: a wonderful Coupe at its best.