Archive for July, 2008
31st July 2008
Developed by Renault Sport Technologies, the M?gane R26.R joins the family that also comprises the Clio Renaultsport 197, M?gane Renaultsport 225, M?gane Renaultsport dCi 175 and, from September, the Twingo Renaultsport 133. Since the launch in April 2004, the family of M?gane Renaultsport has sold more than 20,000 units in almost 30 countries.
The launch of this ultimate version underlines Renault Sport Technologies’ role as a leading manufacturer of high performance cars.
On 23 June, the M?gane R26.R established a new lap record for a front wheel drive production car of the N?rburgring circuit with a time of just 8 minutes 17 seconds. To commemorate this exceptional level of performance, the circuit outline and lap time is etched into the rear side windows.
31st July 2008
Plymouth was required nearly 2000 Plymouth Superbirds for 1970 to satisfy homologation requirements for NASCAR racing at Daytona and Talladega. The rules stated that at least one example needed to be provided for each manufacturer’s US dealer. For 1970, Plymouth produced 1920 examples of the Road Runner Superbird for street use.
The season opening race was the Daytona 500, which was won by a Plymouth Road Runner Superbird driven by Pete Hamilton for Petty Enterprises.
The Plymouth Road Runner and Dodge Charger were built on the same Chrysler platform. Even though this was the case, there were many differences between the two. The bodywork was different and the Superbird’s nose was one inch longer than the Charger’s. The wing had a raised entry angle that swept back farther and inclined towards the body’s centerline.
This 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions in Amelia Island, Florida where it was estimated to sell between 0,000 - 0,000. The car is powered by a 440 cubic-inch V8 engine that is capable of producing 375 horsepower. There is a three-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel power-assisted drum brakes. The aerodynamic body rests comfortably on the 116-inch wheelbase.
31st July 2008
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has developed a new competition car, the Racing Lancer, whose mission will be to target victory on next year’s Dakar which breaks new ground in 2009 with a switch from Africa to South America. For Mitsubishi Motors, not only does the Dakar serve as a platform for the sales and marketing of the Pajero/Montero but it also provides a unique proving ground for powertrains and 4WD transmission systems. In light of the corporate decision to focus the firm’s cross-country rallying activities on the development of a new diesel engine, Mitsubishi Motors sees it as a natural step for the Lancer (known in Japan as Gallant Fortis), a commercially and globally important model powered by the diesel powerplant, to take over the competition baton from the Pajero/Montero and the Pajero/Montero Evolution. The technological expertise accumulated thanks to the firm’s cross-country rally program - which includes the Dakar - will be applied to its diesel engine development, including the new-generation clean diesel that will power the future production cars. Meanwhile, as was previously the case, the 4WD systems technology will also be carried over to the production versions after their configuration has been optimized as a function of their end-use.
Under its new corporate communication tagline ‘Drive@earth’, Mitsubishi Motors has a commitment to providing the joy of mobility for customers worldwide while at the same time taking a responsible stance on the environment. Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart will also play an important role as an integral part of the automobile research and development program.
31st July 2008
Mazda will unveil a sporty, compact crossover concept vehicle, Mazda Kazamai, at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) on August 26. Kazamai, which means ’swirling crosswinds’ in Japanese, expresses the powerful yet nimble image of a stylish and compact crossover. The concept is based on Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development, Sustainable Zoom-Zoom, which aims to provide a unique balance between sporty driving fun and superior environmental and safety performance. Kazamai will be joined at MIAS by the Russian debut of Mazda’s CX-9 SUV, which was crowned 2008 North American Truck of the Year in February.
The Kazamai concept further evolves Mazda’s ‘Nagare’ design language by fusing Nagare’s ‘flow’ design cues with aerodynamic proportions. The design features panel lines inspired by crosswinds in nature which evoke visual lightness. Its bold five-point grille, accentuated front wheel arches and sleek roof line, combined with large 22-inch wheels, lend it high emotional appeal.
Sporty to look at, Kazamai is meant to be spirited and fun to drive, with compact dimensions. Kazamai’s four-wheel drive powertrain will consist of a next-generation direct injection engine and a newly developed transmission. It is also aerodynamic, with an evolved lightweight body structure and enhanced the vehicle safety attributes. Were it to be built, Mazda’s latest show car would deliver exciting driving dynamics, frugal fuel consumption and greatly reduced CO2 emissions.
31st July 2008
TECHART Automobildesign GmbH presents its cutting-edge TECHART GTstreet RS, based on the Porsche 911 GT2 (997), with an impressive best time of 1.06:811 minutes on the short course of the Hockenheim circuit.
Since 2001, TECHART GTstreet vehicles have been among the fastest and highest performance sports cars in the world. This high performance is reflected in the GTstreet RS’s statistics - 700 PS and 515 KW ? with a maximum torque of 860 Nm. This power is achieved through the use of modified turbochargers, enlarged carbon inlet pipes, specially developed intercoolers, a sports flap exhaust combined with high-performance headers, modified pressure sensor and a sports air filter. The GTstreet model demonstrates a high level of performance in the wind tunnel: with a downforce of 10 kilos on the front and rear axles at a speed of 140 km/h.
GT RS front apron is fitted with a carbon splitter. A special air duct has been constructed to enable the cool air to pass directly behind the radiator and over the newly created air outlet thereby reducing the buoyant force on the front axle considerably. Side carbon flics support this effect in that they increase the downforce considerably by acting as a counterpart. All of the sporty basics are featured, creating a sporty appearance and fast model with its aero-bonnet, headlight shades, mirror shades, GT sill panels and carbon roof spoiler. The GT rear spoiler is particularly striking with its carbon winglets and gurney flaps. The GT RS rear apron with carbon diffuser, air outlet and carbon air wings complete the programme for this club sports car.
