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Saturday, June 21, 2008

Ferrari F430 Spider








Farrari.
World Premire of the Spider at Geneva Motor Show
Maranello, 10th February 2005 - Ferrari's range of V8-engined sports cars will be joined by the new F430 Spider when it is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show (3-13 March 2005).
Ferrari's new drop-top includes a number of important technical features which give hints of the car's F1 pedigree, starting with the innovative electronic differential - first developed by the racing division for the Scuderia's all-conquering F1 cars - which improves traction and roadholding under all conditions. The Spider also features the steering wheel-mounted commutator switch, known to the Scuderia's drivers as the 'manettino', which allows the car's set-up to be adjusted easily and quickly.
Formula 1 is thus again the inspiration for the development of the company's road cars. Designed by Pininfarina, the F430 Spider's sinuous lines, in fact, were fine-tuned using state-of-the-art computer aerodynamics simulation programmes usually employed exclusively by the F1 team.
The F430 Spider's shape is the result of lengthy testing and features a pronounced nolder which is integrated into the end of the engine cover, new bigger rear air intakes that emphasise the car's muscular stance, and a new rear valance that incorporates a diffuser of competition derivation. The engine itself is attractively set below a glass cover.
Just like the berlinetta, the new Spider incorporates two elliptical air intakes that feed the front radiators. The shape of the intakes is inspired by Ferrari's racing cars from the 1961 season, especially the 156 F1 which Phil Hill drove to that year's F1 Championship title. The spoiler that joins the two intakes at their bottom edge is highly effective in directing the central air flow towards the flat underbody.
The F430 Spider boasts a compact, fully automatic electric hood that allows the engine to be seen in all its glory at all times and which, once lowered, takes up relatively little space, despite the uncompromising central-rear engine layout.
The F430 Spider is powered by Ferrari's new 490 hp, 4,308cc 90 V8 which is capable of pushing the car to a top speed of over 310 km/h (over 193 mph) and covering the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in just 4.1 seconds. This lightweight and highly compact power unit produces a specific output of 114 hp per litre with a weight-to-power ratio of 2.9 kg (6.4 lbs) per horsepower (dry weight).
F430 SPIDER
BRIEF TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Length: 4512 mm (177.6 in)
Width: 1923 mm (75.7 in)
Height: 1234 mm (48.6 in)
Wheelbase: 2600 mm (102.4 in)
Front track: 1669 mm (65.7 in)
Rear track: 1616 mm (63.6 in)
Kerb weight: 1520* kg (3,351 lbs)
ENGINE
Type: 90 V8
Bore x stroke: 92 mm x 81 mm (3.62 x 3.19 in)
Unitary displacement: 538.5 cc (32.87 cu in)
Total displacement: 4.308 cc (263 cu in)
Compression ratio: 11.3:1
Maximum power: 360.3 kW (490 hp/483 bhp at 8,500 rpm)
Maximum torque: 465 Nm (47.4 kgm/343 lbs/ft) at 5,250 rpm
Specific power output: 114 hp/l
PERFORMANCE
Top speed: >310 km/h (over 193 mph)
0-100 km/h: 4.1 seconds
* European market version.

2009 BMW M3























BMW wasn't planning on releasing the M3 convertible just yet. It had its hands full with the crossover and those the company unveiled at the . The M3 drop-top wasn't supposed to debut until March at the Geneva show. But the Bavarian automaker evidently took a decidedly un-German "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" attitude when . Rather than trying to hold the dam together, BMW has decided to join us for a swim and let the floodgates open on its new V8 hard-top convertible.
As exciting and versatile package it is, the real news here is BMW's new M DCT twin-clutch gearbox that stands in for the previous SMG transmission, which had its fair share of haters. The rest we already know from the and the more plebian 3-Series convertible. Unfortunately, the glorious M-tuned V8 is bogged down by an extra 450 lbs. of folding metal and electric motors, but that's the price you pay (on top of what promises to be a heart-attack-inducing sticker price) for the option of taking in the sunshine and that delicious exhaust note without sacrificing the security of a tin top. Swapping cogs at lightning speed, though, should help mitigate the half second the convertible loses on the coupe.
Check out the images in the gallery below and the full press release after the jump.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

2008 Gemballa Avalanche 600 Porsche GT2 EVO







SpecificationsTorque: 620 lb-ft
HP: 600 hp
0-62 mph: 3.5 seconds
Top Speed: 199 mph
(from Gemballa Press Release) Demonstration of expertise: GEMBALLA Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO
• 600 bhp and 840 Nm torque thanks to GEMBALLA power kit• 320 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds• Elegant and sporty body conversion with special paint finish• Sports exhaust system and 20-inch “Racing” wheels• Coilover suspension; more powerful braking system• Sporty and luxurious interior trim
Being one of the premier addresses for stylish and refined Porsche tuning, GEMBALLA has earned itself a worldwide reputation over the course of time. Thanks to its outstanding expertise, proven in numerous conversions, each customer acquires a vehicle that represents the absolute pinnacle of what is achievable in terms of design and performance. One further such demonstration of its abilities is GEMBALLA’s “Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO”.
Ready for take-off?
The basis of the Avalanche 600 GT EVO is the Porsche 997 turbo or the GT2. GEMBALLA even knows how to boost the already impressive set of performance figures of the production model. 600 bhp (442 kW) put the competition from Maranello and Sant’Agata-Bolognese in a tight spot. The six-cylinder boxer with a torque of 840 Nm – power-boosted by the GEMBALLA power kit - stands out even more. Jet-like acceleration in every gear and at every speed being the outcome. A sports intercooler ensures that this performance can be reliably accessed even in hot ambient temperatures. As an option, this task can also be performed by a racing sports intercooler. The power boost is acoustically announced by the sports exhaust system fitted by GEMBALLA, whose awesome sound thrills the vehicle occupants and listeners alike. Upon request, this can also be achieved by means of a four-pipe system instead the two tailpipe versions. GEMBALLA’s power boost allows the modified 997 to race at a top speed of 320 km/h, accomplishing the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. The latter can – depending on the driver’s skill – be even further enhanced by fitting the sport shifter for vehicles with a manual gearshift, reduced gear lever travel, which is available in the “Sport” and “Race” versions.
Powerful appearance thanks to GEMBALLA Avalanche body conversion kit
A successful combination of various aerodynamic components from the company’s own suite goes to ensure greater downforce. In its basic version, the Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO exhibits the fundamental Avalanche modification, which is particularly prominent on the flanks in the form of the air intakes modified to give the look of a Carrera GT. Also characteristic for the Avalanche conversion are the modified side sills, which also feature air intakes, designed to help cool the brakes. In addition, GEMBALLA fits the “GT” hood, the “Avalanche” front skirt with additional cooling openings, the “GT2” front spoiler lip in black carbon, the GTR EVO tailgate skirt with an integral diffuser and hot air outlets, the GT2 EVO rear spoiler and a stoneguard. For the rear end, GEMBALLA borrows design ideas from its own Carrera GT conversion Mirage GT, which is available as a limited edition. The exhaust tailpipes with jet-fighter-style covers bear witness to this.
Needless to say, GEMBALLA also supplies the obligatory logos, identifying the 997 as a genuine GEMBALLA. Drivers wishing to show their allegiances with motor racing can adorn the front and tailgate skirt with carbon components. For the GTR EVO tailgate skirt, GEMBALLA also offers a carbon diffuser option. It is also possible to order the rear spoiler in this light-weight material.
The paint finishes GEMBALLA is offering enable drivers to add that all-important eye-catching finishing touch to this aerodynamics kit. The options of a BICOLOR concept, special colors, effect colors or a “special effect” color are guaranteed head-turners.
Enhanced suspension and brakes
If it looks like a racing car, it should also drive like one. The enhanced engine power alone goes a long way to achieving this. To boost the overall performance, GEMBALLA, however, relies on an additional, extensive enhancement of the suspension and brakes. The GEMBALLA “PROFESSIONAL CONCEPT” is used for the suspension. This consists of a variable ride height coilover suspension, a strut bar, stabilizer kit and stiffened axle mounts. As an option, GEMBALLA is offering the “RACE CONCEPT”, which additionally includes racing transverse links for the front and rear axle. For vehicles without ceramic brakes, GEMBALLA offers a brake system with four red high-performance brake calipers and brake discs with the diameters 380 mm (front) and 350 mm (rear). For an additional charge, an even larger system is available with a brake disc combination 405/380 and brake calipers in the customer’s requested color.
Larger wheels lend the Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO an even more impressive appearance. This is made possible by a set of GEMBALLA “Racing Black Edition” wheels in the format 9.0×20″ (front) and 11.5×20″ (rear) with size 245 and 325 tires. The wheel design is characterized by its classic racing look and the stainless steel rim flange. By way of an alternative and without paying extra, GEMBALLA will also fit the wheel design in its “Silver Edition” version or completely matt black in the “Black Magic” version.
Sporty luxury inside
Even the basic version of the interior trim available for the GEMBALLA Avalanche 600 GT2 EVO is entirely given over to creating a sporty appeal. Pedals and a driver’s footrest from aluminum, Avalanche logos in the door sill area, as well as instruments and foot mats, a new sports steering wheel with a 340 mm diameter in a leather/leather combination (upon request with F1 shift paddles), a conversion of the rear area and the sports package featuring leather components (not for vehicles with original leather trim) all combine to create a sporty and luxurious atmosphere. The options list allows customers to select other versions of sports steering wheels (combinations of aluminum/leather or carbon/leather, F1 shift paddles, etc.), interior packages from carbon or leather (e.g. headliner in leather or Alcantara), various sports seats (also with leather and carbon) or a new carpet for the passenger compartment.As regards the interior, it is of course also possible to request other customized conversions.

2008 Edo Competition Ferrari Enzo












SpecificationsEngine: 6 liter V12
Aspiration: natural
Torque: 527 lb-ft @ 5800 rpm
HP: 700 hp @ 8200 rpm
HP/Liter: 116.7 hp per liter
0-62 mph: 3.5 seconds
(from Edo Competition Press Release) Specifications
Engine V12Power est. 700 hp (514 kW) at 8200 rpmMax. torque est. 715 Nm (527 ft-lb) at 5800 rpm
Performance
Top speed > 370 km/h (230 mph)0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) est. 3.5s0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph) est. 9.5s0 – 300 km/h (0 – 186 mph) est. 22.0s
Features
* Power increased to about 700 hp thanks to new exhaust headers like on the Ferrari FXX,high-flow catalytic converter, performance muffler, modified intake with ram-air system,high-flow air filters and ECU recalibration
*Stainless steel muffler with adjustable remote-controlled butterfly-valve, new exhaust tips
*Exhaust sound level adjustable at the push of a button
*Wheels can be custom-painted on request
*Tire pressure monitoring system displaying air pressure and tire temperature for each wheelSport suspension for the road with adjustable compression and rebound damping like on the FIA GT MC12. Nose lift functionality is retained.
*Special lightweight wheels with Michelin tiresFront: 10 x 19 with 265/35 ZR 19Rear: 13 x 20 with 335/30 ZR 20
*New high-performance clutch. Extremely lightweight. Two different friction compounds selectable (strada/pista)
*New transmission control unit. Same shift times as on the Ferrari FXX



2006 Faralli and Mazzanti Antas V8 GT








SpecificationsEngine: 4.7 liter Maserati V8
Aspiration: 4 double-body Webers
0-62 mph: 5 seconds
Top Speed: Over 168 mph
Note: Our apologies that 6 of the images are smaller than normal. The 2 available high-resolution images were inadequate to get a sense of this vehicle’s unusual design.
(from Faralli & Mazzanti Press Release) ANTAS V8 GT is the first “Berlinetta” (touring car) created in the F & M workshop. It is completely inspired by the philosophy and material used in the “special series” of the past: the body, for example, is made of aluminium and completely built by hand.
ANTAS is driven by a powerful V8 MASERATI engine fed by carburettors and endowed with a pleasing elasticity of power, which gives the “driver” the sensation of “true” steering typical of the great touring cars of the past. Because of this, when the time came to name this “jewel,” a word was chosen that comes from the ancient Tuscan language of the ETRUSCANS: ANTAS, which means EAGLE, the noblest and most audacious dominator of open spaces.
On delivery, ANTAS comes equipped with a case covered in blue velvet bearing the silver plate with the identification numbers; inside are a photography book and a DVD documenting the construction of the vehicle.