2008 BMW M5 by G-Power

One of the world's fastest and most powerful street-legal BMW is made by G-Power. The 211-mph G-Power Hurricane is based on the latest BMW M5. At the heart of the high-performance sedan is a five-liter V10 engine with G-Power EVO II supercharging system that delivers 730 bhp.

To achieve the desired increase in power output of 230 bhp for the fast-revving engine that normally produces 500 bhp, G-Power, in cooperation with ASA Automotive, has developed a high-tech supercharging system. The system uses one belt-driven ASA T1-12 compressor for each cylinder bank. Contrary to conventional mechanical chargers that waste a large portion of the additional power on being driven themselves, the ASA compressor has an efficiency rate of up to 80 percent. The ASA charger is also small, which allows G-Power to install two of them in the tight confines of the M5 engine bay. With a maximum airstream volume of up to 1,200 kg per hour per cylinder bank the compressors are designed for an even higher power output. Boost pressure is limited to 0.5 bars.

The pre-compressed charge air is cooled down in a highly efficient dual-flow water-to-air intercooler system that is mounted above the engine. This measure optimizes power yield and, in combination with a larger water-cooled oil cooler with pressure reservoir, also ensures the engine's thermal health. Specially developed mapping for engine electronics and SMG gearbox controls coordinate the perfect interaction of all new components.

The inner workings of the four-valve ten-cylinder engine are optimized for even higher engine speeds with lightweight, precision-matched high-performance forged pistons from technology partner MAHLE. The supercharged V10 engine produces its maximum power output of 730 bhp between 7,500 and 8,200 rpm. The high efficiency rate of the two superchargers, each spinning at up to 100,000 rpm and more, results in a torque diagram that rises early and at 3,800 rpm already surpasses the production engine's peak torque of 383 lb-ft, delivered at 6,100 rpm. The new peak of 517 lb-ft is reached at 7,200 rpm.

Acceleration performance benefits accordingly. With a sprint time from rest to 60 mph of 4.1 seconds the two-ton sedan bests its production counterpart by a few tenths. With approx. ten seconds to 124 mph the advantage grows to 5.0 seconds. The 186-mph (300 km/h) barrier is shattered in less than 29.5 seconds. Contrary to the production car the G-Power Hurricane is not limited electronically to a top speed of 155 mph. Aided by the specially cooled G-Power anti-slip differential the engine propels the car to a top speed of 211 mph.

The enormous performance places extreme demands on aerodynamics, tires, suspension and brakes.

The G-Power front apron, upon request also available made from especially light carbon fiber, replaces the production part in its entirety. Its large air inlets provide optimal supply of cooling air for all radiators and front brakes. At the same time the spoiler minimizes lift on the front axle at high speeds.

The G-Power rocker panels smooth the airflow between the wheel houses and give the M5 and longer, lower and sleeker appearance. Lift on the rear axle is reduced by a spoiler lip attached to the trunk lid and the carbon-fiber rear diffuser for the G-Power rear apron.

Even better driving dynamics and more exclusive looks are the hallmark of the G-Power Silverstone 21-inch light-alloy wheels that fill out the space beneath the wheel arches perfectly. The drop-center rims have brilliant-graphite coated centers while the outer rim wells and spokes are polished. They are mounted in sizes 9.5 J x 21 with size 255/30 ZR21 tires in front and size 10.5 J x 21 wheels with size 295/25 ZR21 tires on the rear axle.

The large wheels make room for the G-Power high-performance brake system with six-piston fixed calipers and 400 x 36 millimeter brake discs on the front axle. G-Power also offers an upgrade package for the standard M5 brakes that consists of high-performance pads and brake fluid.

The M5 handling can be made even sportier by installing the height-adjustable G-Power coil-over suspension RS with nine selectable settings each for bound and rebound.

For upgrading the cockpit G-Power offers sporty components made from exposed carbon-fiber trim or an ergonomically shaped NARDO EDITION sport steering wheel covered in perforated G-Power Kjerba-Nappa leather that is a pleasure to touch.

The G-Power Hurricane is available as a fully converted car starting at 240,000 Euros. Any existing M5 - sedan and wagon - can also be upgraded with the G-Power twin-compressor system, available for 89,000 Euros. The price includes all necessary modifications to suspension, brakes and wheels. Also available are any items from the extensive G-Power tuning accessories lineup.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS Concept

At the official opening of Aston Martin’s first ever dedicated design center in Gaydon, Warwickshire, on Tuesday 11 December, Dr Ulrich Bez, Chief Executive Officer, thrilled an audience of more than seven hundred VIP guests with a surprise unveiling of a stunning new 600 bhp performance concept car; the V12 Vantage RS.

The V12 Vantage RS concept is based on Aston Martin’s critically acclaimed V8 Vantage coupe, but the company’s design and engineering team have fully exploited the design flexibility of their unique VH architecture and the motor sport development of their 6.0 liter V12 engine to create a dramatic and production feasible concept car focused on extreme performance and dynamics.

In a speech to the assembled guests, Ulrich Bez said: “Over the last five years, we have established a reputation for presenting fully functional, feasible concept cars, and the V12 Vantage RS is no exception. We will listen with interest to feedback on this concept and, as ever, if there is sufficient demand then we will seriously consider a low volume production run in the near future with a price that will reflect the exclusivity of the car.

“With our dedicated production facilities, our own engine plant, our own unique vehicle architecture and now a dedicated design studio, we have the ideal framework to bring new models such as this to market and to further establish Aston Martin as the ultimate independent luxury sports car company.”

Although the 600 bhp power output of the V12 Vantage RS concept will be the focus of attention, just as significant is the level of weight reduction achieved by Aston Martin’s engineering team. With a kerb weight of less than 3500 lbs, the RS concept underlines Aston Martin’s continued commitment to intelligent use of materials and weight reduction as a means of achieving improved efficiency and performance. In common with the recently launched DBS, the bonnet and trunk lid are moulded in carbon fiber and the concept also adopts motor sport-inspired carbon ceramic brake discs.

The subtly aggressive exterior appearance is driven by function. The dramatic bonnet louvres extract air from the fully ducted cooling pack and the trunk lid features a deployable spoiler that rises automatically at high speeds to increase rear down force. The front bumper features cooling ducts for the carbon ceramic brakes and a carbon fiber splitter to balance down force.

Director of Design, Marek Reichman, commented: “Much of Aston Martin’s recent success has come from the ability of our designers and engineers to work hand-in-hand to optimize form and function. Our new dedicated design centre will take this process to a new level and I am delighted that the V12 Vantage RS is the first car to stand on the turntable in the studio.”

The 600 bhp 6.0-liter engine featured in the V12 Vantage RS concept has benefited directly from the race development of this acclaimed power unit. It features a dry sump lubrication system, tuned length exhaust manifolds, forged pistons and steel con-rods, revised lift and duration camshafts and modified cylinder heads. Peak power is achieved at 6250 rpm and peak torque of 509 lb-ft is at 5000 rpm.

With a power-to-weight ratio of over 375 bhp per ton, the V12 Vantage RS concept is the fastest accelerating road car ever built by the company, capable of reaching 62 mph from rest in 4.0 seconds and 100 mph in just 8.5 seconds.

The unveiling of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage RS concept concludes a remarkable year of new product announcements for the British manufacturer. In the last twelve months the company has launched two of the most eagerly anticipated sports cars of the year – the DBS and Vantage Roadster – and announced details of the DB9 LM and V8 Vantage N400 special editions which celebrate the company’s racing successes at Le Mans and the Nurburgring. All of these models now join the award-winning V8 Vantage, DB9 and DB9 Volante models in production at the company’s Gaydon headquarters.

Mercedes-Benz Mclaren SLR by MANSORY

This is what MANSORY thinks a Merecedes-Benz McLaren SLR should like. The modification includes replacing existing components for modified developments by MANSORY. Two examples include new high performance compressors and tailor-made intercoolers. There is also a sports air filter and modified engine management system.

The result is that the Renovatio is two tenths faster from zero to 100 km/h than the normal production version. The top speed increases to 340 kph. The Renovatio generates 880 Nm torque and to save weight, the MANSORY body components are made out of carbon. This is inline with the production car, which has a body already made out of this extremely light materials.

The awesome wheels seen on the Renovatio are one-piece turbine-wheels with five double-spokes, 9 x 20 at the front and 11.5 x 20 at the rear. MANSORY claim that the reduction in weight, thanks to the especially light forged wheels, improves the Renovatio’s braking distance, acceleration and handling. The car uses 255/30 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres at the front and 325/25 at the rear.

The interior completes the overall look with special leather and special interior features, such as aluminium pedals, illuminated door tread plates and real carbon applications. If nothing else, it certainly is a way for SLR drivers who were staring to feel a bit ignored, or maybe overshadowed by the new roadster version, to get more people to notice them!

Press Release

World premiere at the 78th Auto Salon Geneva 2008

MANSORY Renovatio –

The ultimate makeover for the Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren

Since 2004 McLaren has been producing the Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren in Woking in almost unaltered form. MANSORY, the specialist in upgrading super sports cars and luxury limousines has now presented the gull wing racer at the Auto Salon 20

08 in Geneva in a new design. Not only did the bodywork get a facelift, the engine was also given modified supercharging by means of MANSORY compressor technology. Ultra-light forged wheels and a superlative automotive interior complete the all-

round renewal.

Fresh design in tried and tested quality

During the development of the MANSORY Renovatio great value was attached both to individual design as well as aerodynamic efficiency. To save we

ight MANSORY fashioned its body components out of carbon. The production car body is also made out of this extremely light and resilient material. One component of the body kit is the front apron in dynamic sport design. It channels the airstream perfectly to the custom-designed intercoolers of the performance kit and so ensures an extra helping of cooling air. The new side skirts constitute the optical link between the front and rear wheel arch extensions. These calm the airstream between the axles and create space for the outlets

of the MANSORY side pipe exhaust system. The new rear apron with integrated diffuser takes care of additional downforce and puts th

e final touch to the sporting lines of the styling package.

New components for impressive performance boost

The 5.5 litre V8 engine with its standard 626 hp likewise profited fro

m the comprehensive changes. The motto of the MANSORY engineers when redesigning the engine was “evolution instead of revolution.” The leading idea was not about making major changes to the SLR’s core. Rather, existing components were swapped for modified developments by MANSORY itself. For example, use is made of n

ew high performance compressors and tailor-made intercoolers. The finishing touches to the performance upgrade are a sports air filter and modified engine management. As a result t

he Renovatio is two tenths faster from zero to 100 km/h than the super sports car production model. The top speed increases to 340 kph. Following the alterations the Renovatio has 700 PS and generates 880 Nm torque on the crankshaft.

Great looks and excellent roadholding

MANSORY provides a special wheel-tyre combination in exclusive design for the requirements of the Renovatio. The one-piece turbine-wheels with five double-spokes, 9 x 20 at the front and 11.5 x 20 at the rear, are impressive thanks both to their sporting looks as well as their outstanding workmanship. The reduction of the unsprung mass d

ue to the especially light forged wheels improves braking distance, acceleration and handling. For maximum wheel grip MANSORY uses 255/30 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres at the fr

ont and 325/25 at the rear.

Exclusive interior design without limits

MANSORY has succeeded in creating the perfect symbiosis of sporting functionality and luxurious environment. Only the very best materials have been us

ed in the interior and provide for well-being. The leather processed by master craftsmen is especially hard-wearing and yet extraordinarily soft. This characteristic natural product with its special grain and the perfect craftsmanship of its decorative stitching convey an extravagant flair around the redesigned airbag sports steering wheel. The alumin

ium pedals, illuminated door tread plates and real carbon applications complete the luxurious overall impression within the Renovatio.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Chevrolet has announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1 – an American supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design.

“Chevrolet’s goal with the new ZR1 is to show what an American supercar can deliver, at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much – and does so with exceptional driveability,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

“Preliminary testing shows the ZR1 builds on the highly respected Corvette Z06 in every performance category, from acceleration and braking, to cornering grip and top speed,” said Peper. “It all boils down to the power-to-weight ratio and the ZR1’s is exceptional – better than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and even the Lamborghini LP640. In fact, the ZR1 is expected to be the first production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 200 mph.”

Supercharged LS9 Engine

The new LS9 6.2L small-block engine is the power plant the supports the ZR1’s performance capability. The enabler of the LS9’s performance and refinement is a large, positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger with a new, four-lobe rotor design. It is augmented with an integrated charge cooling system that reduces inlet air temperature for maximum performance.

A sixth-generation supercharger developed by Eaton helps the LS9 make big power and torque at lower rpm and carries it in a wide arc to 6,600 rpm, as it pushes enough air to help the engine maintain power through the upper levels of the rpm band – the area where supercharged performance tends to diminish. Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components enable the engine’s confident high-rpm performance.

The LS9 engine is backed by a new, stronger six-speed manual transmission and a twin-disc clutch that provide exceptional clamping power, while maintaining an easy clutch effort. ZR1-specific gearing in the transmission provides a steep first-gear ratio that helps launch the car, and top speed is achieved in sixth gear – a change from the fifth-gear top-speed run-outs in the manual-transmission Corvette and Corvette Z06.

Ride and Handling

The ZR1 is built on the same aluminum-intensive chassis as the Corvette Z06 and features similar independent SLA front and rear suspensions, with aluminum upper and lower control arms. Where the ZR1 differs is the suspension tuning, which was optimized for the car’s steamroller-wide front and rear tires.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard and tuned specifically for the ZR1. The system’s ability to deliver a compliant ride with nearly instantaneous damping adjustments enabled engineers to develop a surprisingly supple ride quality in a supercar that still delivers cornering grip of more than 1g.

Exterior Details

The ZR1 is instantly recognizable, with perhaps the most identifiable feature a raised, all-carbon-fiber hood that incorporates a clear, polycarbonate window. The window provides a view of the top of the engine’s intercooler, with the legend “LS9 SUPERCHARGED” embossed on the left and right sides, and an engine cover with the Corvette crossed flags logo debossed at the front.

The underside of the hood has an exposed carbon-fiber-weave. Exposed carbon-fiber is used on the roof, roof bow, rocker molding and front splitter. These exterior components are protected by a specially developed glossy, UV-resistant clear coat that resists yellowing and wear.

Widened, carbon-fiber front fenders with specific, dual lower vents, and a full-width, body-color rear spoiler incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp, are also unique to the ZR1. All of the exterior features of the car were developed to enhance high-speed stability and driver control.

Interior Details

The ZR1’s interior builds on the brand’s dual-cockpit heritage, with high-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality that support the premium-quality experience promised by the car’s performance. The “base” ZR1 (RPO 1LZ) comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content. The uplevel interior package includes unique, power-adjustable and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo); custom, leather-wrapped interior available in four colors; navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and more.

Porsche Carrera GT by Edo Competition

Shown for the first time at the Frankfurt International Motor Show two years ago, the Carrera GT was the undisputed highlight of the event. Now, Carrera GT owners have the opportunity to tune this expensive and rare Porsche to be even more sporting and exclusive than it already is.

This unbelievable excess of power and individuality is made by edo competition Motorsport.

670, 715 and Even 770 bhp, edo competition achieves this level of power thanks to the use of a modified intake system, re-calibrated engine controls, high flow air filters and new header catalytic converters. To round off this power package, edo competition delivers a full stainless steel performance exhaust system featuring electronic programmable butterfly-valve control.

Acoustics are anything but neglected; the sport exhaust system, which is available in two different sound levels, produces a wonderful deep and sonorous tone, clearly announcing the approach of an edo competition Carrera GT.

The cat-back exhaust system was developed on the dynamometer from start to finish. The result is a power increase of 25 bhp and a 22 ft-lb increase in torque. An additional benefit: the system is 40 lbs lighter.

Aerodynamics

The aerodynamic rear wing is fabricated entirely from carbon fiber. The center portion of the Gurney Flap raises along with the retractable rear wing to produce additional downforce on the rear axle, along with the fixed flaps on either side of the wing.

Suspension

The 3-way adjustable edo/KW Competition shock absorbers and sports suspension system are designed for motorsports. For our 3-way adjustable shock absorbers, we employ gas mono-tube shocks that are adjustable for compression and rebound (separate adjustments for low/high speed compression damping) and feature a remote oil reservoir. The damping forces can be adjusted individually.

edo competition also offers an electro-hydraulic nose lift system as optional equipment.

Wheels

Optimum grip is provided by edo competition’s wheel and tire combinations. Employing a new wheel design, the edo competition Carrera GT is equipped with a set of 18 in. forged wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. Front: 265/35 R18, Rear: 345/30 R18. Polished stainless steel outer rims and high-strength aluminum inner rims make these wheels a visual highlight.

All modifications are carried out exclusively at edo competition Motorsport GmbH in Ahlen.

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano by Mansory at Geneva 2008

Geneva is piling on the glitz at this years 2008 motorshow. Not to be outdone by the automotive giants of this world, smaller bespoke coachbuilders and tuners are also vying for the spotlight.

Conducting what most would think as the impossible, Mansory have long been famed for taking the most prestigious brands in the industry and making them even more prestigious. Marques such as Aston Martin, Bentley and Rolls Royce have often received the Mansory treatment. However, this time the Bavarian customiser has turned its attention to the prancing horse from Maranello. Using the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano as a base is always going to give you a big advantage from the start.

In summary, Mansory have included some lightweight carbon fibre body panels, modified the interior with an exotic birds hide and more importantly tweaked the engine to make what they call the “Mansory Stallone”.

The carbon fibre modifications are mainly reserved for the downforce enhancing body kit which comprises of a newly designed nose piece (with intercooler apertures, yes this thing is forced induced!) and an integrated rear diffuser. There are also a side skirts and wheel arches but these are more aesthetic.

As for the interior, Mansory may have an industry first. The interior is coated in swathes of leather, but the leather is not from a Cow but an Ostrich. There are no interior shots as such, but from the images here we can see that Mansory must have at least plucked the Ostriches before covering the seats. We have never seen a red Ostrich either so it safe to say that the hide has been dyed.

Now for the oily bits. Although this beast appears to be all glamour, a peak under the bonnet would reveal that there is also a degree of substance to the transformation. Lurking within is the glorious 6.0L V12 which can trace its origins to the Enzo, however in this application the Mansory Stallone gains a supercharger which lifts the power output from a not unsubstantial 620hp to a fairly adequate 720hp.

100kph is achieved in 3.7 seconds (a 0.2 sec improvement) and it wont stop pulling until you are over 340kph.

Press Release

World Premiere at the 78th Autosalon Geneva 2008

MANSORY Stallone –
an exquisite power pack based on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

As a specialist for customisation of Aston Martin, Bentley and Rolls Royce automobiles, MANSORY has long been an institution. Now, the company from Brand in Bavaria has tackled the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. With luxurious as well as sporty modifications, MANSORY proves that the company also has a clear understanding of customising Italian super sports cars. Especially light body components made of carbon, a powerful increase to the engine performance and an interior covered with the finest ostrich leather fulfil the car desires of the exclusive clientele.

More Bounce for the Italian Stallion
MANSORY pays special attention to performance optimisation with which the car from Maranello made the sprint from zero to 100 kph two tenths faster than the series version (3.7 seconds). The propulsion is only over at 340 kph. Thus the modification, called the Stallone, impressively fills the gap to the fast, 350 kph sports car brother, the Enzo. The engine components newly developed by the MANSORY technicians are responsible for this. The performance kit includes high-performance compressors and custom made intercooling. The supercharging of the V12 power train is supported by a sport air filter with higher air throughput as well as modified control electronics. This increases the performance of the large 6.0 litre twelve cylinder engine from 620 to 720 HP. The torque increased by an additional 92 Nm. The sport rear muffler made of stainless steel underscores the sporty appearance of the MANSORY Stallone with its impressive sound.

Perfect Symbiosis: the MANSORY forged turbine-wheel and the Dunlop Sport Maxx
In order to accommodate the increased performance, the company developed especially light forged wheels with a 9 x 20 inch size for the front axle and
11.5 x 21 inch for the back axle. At only 13 kg for one of the front axle rims, the MANSORY wheel is one of the absolute lightweights. By using weight-saving aluminium alloys and with the resulting reduction of the unsprung mass, the acceleration, breaking distance as well as the handling are improved considerably. The SP Sport Maxx model of Dunlop high-performance tyres developed together with MANSORY are a perfect match. The front tyres are 255/30 and the back ones are 325/30. The suspension spring also creates a sporty flair, which lowers the centre of gravity of the super sports car by 30 millimetres and moreover emphasises the wheel/tyre combination even more.
Featherweight: Sleek looking packet made of carbon
The MANSORY Stallone is given its optical finishing touch by the uplift-reducing aerodynamics kit made of carbon. This material is already used amply in the base model of the Fiorano. Here, MANSORY goes one step further and uses carbon with the highest surface quality for all of its chassis components. As a result of the modification measures, the weight is reduced to the series components. Part of the expressive front structure is a down force generating front end with special air intakes for ventilating the new intercooler. The Mansory side skirts steady the airflow between the axes and moreover give the vehicles an aggressive sporty look. The newly designed rear with the integrated diffuser stabilised the rear axle and provides the necessary extra down force. The MANSORY Stallone acquires its highly individual flair through the side flared wing arches.


Luxurious Interior in Ostrich Leather
The most exquisite materials, processed with the greatest traditional craftsmanship distinguish the interior of the MANSORY Stallone. The leather used by MANSORY for the interior is particularly durable but still extremely soft. The unique grain of the unusual leather combined with the stylish ornamental seams and the exposed carbon appliqués convey both elegance as well as sportiness in the interior. Masterful handiwork, individual styling, and the highest quality is found wherever one chooses to look. The pedals made of aluminium, the illuminated door entry strips and the ergonomically redesigned sport steering wheel create additional optical highlights.

"Woody" Cars At Geneva 2008

Castagna Milano will show three models at the Geneva Auto Show this march, including the Rolls-Royce coupe you seen recently. The other vehicles feature a wood exterior, and are known as woodys.

Based on the Fiat 500, the WoodyWagon features wood inserts on the sides and rear which create a retro feel. The rear door has been replaced with a new unit that increases load capacity to 440 dm.

Mini Clubman models can be outfitted with the Passion Kit Woody. Like custom made furniture, owners will be able to select the type of wood they will have applied to their car. If wood doesn’t float your boat, the company also offers more modern material choices such as carbon fiber.

Press Release

”Dream factory” Genéve 2008

In the 2008 our claim will be as in the past “Dream factory”. This definition has been dedicated to Castagna in 1932 by a journalist during a visit in the factory of via Montevideo. In a single day event our Atelier will present its latest creations and projects to its international customers. The event will take place in Geneva during the Motor Show that every year attract the fans and those who works within the automotive business.
The creation that will be presented are the following:

- WoodyWagon on FIAT 500 basis;
An example of the new look for the creation realized on the new Fiat 500 basis. This is a preview of what our Atelier wants to realize as we already did with our version of the MINI. This vehicle is available with and without the wood inserts on the body and it’s characterized by the new door of the trunk that increase the load capacity to 440 dm.

- Passion Kit WOODY for MINI CLUBMAN (international patent);
Because of the many inquiries we realized a kit with external wood inserts that recreates a vintage and nostalgic look. The client can choose the kind of wood that prefers or the most technological materials as the carbon fibre. This kit can be shipped in every part of the world and be installed on the vehicle.

For the presentation of these creations we chosed one of the Geneva wonderful villas with a breathtaking lake view. In this location the customers of this unique vehicles will be received for the ceremony. A new formula to propose our new solutions, the philosophy of our Atelier. During the ceremony we will also deliver the creations to their owners.