Friday, December 31, 2010

Porsche Sports Car 911 Tequipment

Porsche Tequipment has announced four new items for the 2010 Porsche Sport Car Classic 911. The new 2010 Porsche 911 Tequipment list includes sport classic wheels, a PDK steering wheel with gearshift paddles, an Aerokit Cup and a sport design front body panel. The new 2010 Porsche 911 Tequipment wheels come in 11.5 J x 19 ET 50 and are priced at Euro 5,569.20 including VAT. For the cars with tire pressure control the price is 5,866.70 EUR.
Porsche Sports Car 911 Tequipment
The 2010 Porsche 911 Tequipment three-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles is priced from Euro 940.10 and can be fitted to all versions of the 911, Boxster, Cayman, and Panamera. The 2010 Porsche 911 Tequipment Aerokit Cup is available for the coupe and is priced at Euro 4,522.00.
The Porsche 911 (pronounced as Nine Eleven, German: Neunelfer) is a 2-door sports coupe made by Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany. It has a distinctive design, rear engined and with independent rear suspension, an evolution of the swing axle on the Porsche 356.
Porsche Sports Cars Press Release:
Four new retrofit highlights from Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, are dedicated entirely to the spirit of sporting performance. Particularly the 19-inch Sport Classic wheels in the unmistakable look of Porsche’s legendary Fuchs rims developed especially for the 911 Sport Car Classic built in a production run of just 250 units are an outstanding example of Porsche’s history and a striking design feature of the 911 Carrera.
Re-interpreted in individual style, the wheels in five-spoke design with the rim star painted black, the wheel hump in gloss-lathed finish, and the Porsche logo in colour on the wheel hub, are a genuine eye-catcher. Introduced by Porsche for the first time in 1966, these unique wheels are now making an outstanding come-back. The new wheels measure 8.5 J x 19 ET 55 and come together with tyres in 235/35 ZR 19 (front) and, respectively, 305/30 ZR 19 (rear) on all current all-wheel-drive models of the 911 Carrera and Targa as well as the 911 Turbo at an all-in price per set of Euro 5,569.20 including VAT (cars with tyre pressure control Euro 5,866.70).
Another particularly sporting feature is the three-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles for the PDK transmission already well known from the new 911 Turbo. Starting immediately, this unique leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles behind the right and left steering wheel spokes carried over from motorsport is available at a price of Euro 940.10 including VAT also for individual retrofitting on all versions of the 911, Boxster, Cayman, and Panamera with PDK and, starting in August 2010, on the new Cayenne with Tiptronic S.
The high-quality shift paddles are naturally made of metal. Through their stretched sickle shape, the gearshift paddles allow the driver to shift gears manually with perfect ease, from a wide range of individual holding positions on the steering wheel. The driver shifts up on the right and down on the left.
The newly developed Aerokit Cup available on all versions of the 911 Carrera Coupé shows a close and direct link to the fastest brand trophy in the world, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. At the front of the car the most outstanding feature is the new apron with its striking trim bars in the centre air intake and the characteristic spoiler lip. At the rear the unique rear lid with the wing fitted in position takes up the highly successful design of the former model. It almost goes without saying that all components have been optimised in Porsche’s wind tunnel to improve both driving behaviour and aerodynamics.
Already available on new cars at a price of Euro 4,968.25 including VAT, the Aerokit Cup may now also be retrofitted on current models of the 911. In this case the price from Porsche Tequipment is Euro 4,522.00 including VAT, plus fitting and paintwork.
While so far the Aerokit with its particularly sporting look was not available to drivers of the 911 Cabriolet and Targa (997), the new, striking Sport Design front apron now closes this gap, with the spoiler lip matched aerodynamically to the regular rear spoiler. Naturally, the new front panel also fits on all other versions of the 911 Carrera and 911 Targa in the 997 model series. Finished in the same colour as the car itself, the front apron in Sport Design blends harmoniously with the overall contours and silhouette of the 911.
The Aerokit retails on new cars at a price of Euro 2,368.10 including VAT and is available from Porsche Exclusive. It may also be retrofitted individually by Porsche Tequipment at a price of Euro 2,159.85 including VAT, plus the cost of fitting and paintwork.

Saab 9-3 Convertible Luxury Sports Car

2010 Beijing Auto Show will be highlighted by the alternative-energy cars. Saab offers the 2010 model of diesel powered 9-3 Convertibles with 7% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while keeping the performance as good as it was in older models. What the carmaker would like to emphasize is that there is no noticeable loss in performance.
Saab 9-3 Convertible Sports Car
The 2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible handles as well as anything else out there. Steering and breaks on the Saab 9-3 Convertible's are masterfully engineered to be quick and sure. The standard engine pulls its weight with aplomb, and for those with a thirst for more power, the turbocharged 210-horsepower is deceptively quick.
Saab's new concert quality 300-watt sound system has no equal. Ventilation settings and seat positions can be saved in Saab'ss onboard computer. For those who seek even more performance, check our home page for links to retailers who offer 2011 Saab 9-3 convertible accessories you can order online. The BMW 3 Series interior space is not as large as the 2011 Saab 9-3 and neither is the trunk as cavernous. The new 9-3 is an above average entry-level luxury sports car that will give people cause to think twice about BMW.
There are two different versions of the 2011 Saab 9-3's new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque are produced by the low-pressure turbo base engine coupled with a five-speed manual standard or a five-speed automatic.
The change is due in part to Saab’s ongoing EcoPower Technology development strategy, which concentrates on optimizing efficiency and minimizing the environmental impact of its products. The low emission diesel variants with the 150 hp/110 kW, single turbo 1.9-liter engine can generate 145 g/km CO2and fuel consumption of only 5.5 l/100 km over the combined cycle. Cars that have the 180 hp/132 kW, two-stage turbo power results to 144 g/km and 5.4 l/100 km. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h and top speed are largely unchanged. However, fifth gear 80-120 km/h times are raised by less than one second.
The high-pressure Saab 9-3 Convertible turbo engine option produces 210 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. The 2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible offers 205 horsepower from its turbocharged four-cylinder coupled to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.
The new 2011 Saab 9-3 convertible comes as a 4-door, and a convertible, both of which are offered with a choice of three trim levels. The new 2011 "Linear" model comes with full leather seating, fabric door panels and gray trim in addition to a 150-watt stereo, keyless entry, the OnStar system, stability control and 15-inch alloy wheels. The "Arc" versions offers wood veneer and leather with poplar accents, power front seats, automatic climate control, a 300-watt audio system and 16-inch alloy wheels. (2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible facts)
The efficiency gains have been achieved by a series of fine-tuning measures including: the use of wider gear ratios, a longer final drive, idle and low engine speed remapping, and an optimized tire and wheel choice. These variants, which are offered only with manual transmission, are now being built in Trollhättan, Sweden, like all Saabs. In several markets, customers are offered with valuable CO2 tax-related benefits and are being introduced alongside 9-3 Sport Sedan and Sport Combi diesel models, which already feature the improvements.

New Renault Sports Cars


Renault Sports Cars Technologies has helped create two new sporting versions of Renault’s New Mégane – GT and GT Line. 2011 New Renault Mégane GT and GT Line, unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow in March, are available across of the body types that make up the Mégane family (Hatchback, Coupé, Estate, Coupé-Cabriolet) and go on sale in June.
Renault Megane GT/GT Line
Meanwhile, the success enjoyed by New Mégane R.S. – which has already achieved number one status in France, and which holds third place in Germany and Spain – points to a healthy market for Mégane's sporting versions. Building on the reputation and success of its existing performance models, Renault now provides a sporting option for all the body types that make up the Mégane family.
New Renault Mégane GT and GT Line demonstrate that motoring enjoyment can be affordable, and also serve as eloquent illustrations of Renault's new brand signature, 'Drive the Change' New Renault Mégane GT and GT Line are manufactured in the same factories as those that produce the core-range versions: Palencia (Mégane Hatchback, Coupé and Estate GT and GT Line), and Douai (Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet GT and GT Line).
These new versions bring distinctive styling and genuine driving emotions within reach of as many motorists as possible and also bridge the gap between mainstream Mégane and the allout performance credentials of Mégane R.S. GT Line is a Sport Pack which is available as an option on Mégane Dynamique equipment level versions. They feature a specific chassis and are powered by the Mégane’s core-range of economical and ecological engines. New Renault Mégane GT and GT Line stand out by their sporty styling cues both inside and out. Their sporty character is further accentuated by the Malta Blue body colour (which is exclusive to these versions) and by the Dark Metal (anthracite grey) or polished carbon finish of certain details.
New Renault Mégane Hatchback and Estate GT Line and GT inherit the same 'Sport' chassis as Mégane Coupé. As is the case with Mégane Coupé, the ride height has been lowered by 12mm. The GT Line and GT versions of new Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet place the accent more on comfort and feature the same ride height as the standard model. Further exclusive touches include the polished carbon interior door pull handles, outer air-vents and dashboard trim.
Even more exclusive are the new Renault Mégane GT versions which come with 'GT' badging on the grille and 'GT Renault Sports Cars' badging on the tailgate. They sit on 18-inch Dark Metal-coloured Jetow aluminium wheels. Inside, 'GT' badging figures on the dashboard trim strip and front head rests, along with 'Renault Sport'2 branding on the door sills. Drivers will also appreciate the thick-rimmed leather-trimmed steering wheel incorporating thumb rests that was developed for Renault Mégane RS.
The engines available for new Renault Mégane GT and GT Line have been selected to meet customer demand and match the performance characteristics of each version. New Renault Mégane GT Line are available with the same engines as the mainstream Renault Mégane range and deliver a combination of driving comfort and impressive fuel consumption. GT versions are powered by the Renault Mégane range's more potent, more exclusive powerplants for even greater performance. The more exclusive Renault Mégane GT is available with either of the Mégane range's two most powerful turbocharged engines: the petrol TCe 180 or the diesel dCi 160.
The TCe 180 Euro5 (132kW) is a new evolution of the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and delivers outstanding driving enjoyment. With peak torque of 300Nm at 2,250rpm, it is extremely responsive and provides exceptional pick-up from low revs thanks to its twin-scroll turbo and continuously variable camshaft angle at the intake port which optimizes airflow into the combustion chambers and enables the turbine to spin up to speed more quickly. The turbo responds to the slightest touch of the accelerator from as low as 1,200rpm. This engine drives through a six-speed manual gearbox.
The dCi 160 Euro5 (118kW) is derived from the Alliance's 2.0-litre diesel turbo engine and is acclaimed as one of the most efficient of its class. With peak torque of 380Nm available from as low as 2,000rpm, this engine climbs smoothly and swiftly up the revs to 5,000rpm. Its 1,600-bar fuel injection rail, piezoelectric injectors, the advanced form of its pistons and its variable geometry turbo all contribute to making this four-cylinder diesel engine one of the most efficient in its class. The two balancer shafts efficiently filter out vibrations and contribute to an exceptionally quiet ride for even greater driving pleasure and comfort. The dCi 160 Euro5 engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Hamann Sports Cars BMW Z4 Roadster

Hamann has released the all new BMW Z4 Roadster enhancing it with the tuner’s comprehensive program of some cosmetic and performance upgrades. With exciting bodywork styling, striking rim designs and powerful performance improvements, Hamann promises a broad palette of customization options for the roadster fans.
Hamann Sports Cars BMW Z4 Roadster
Just in time for the start of the cabrio season, Hamann Motorsport is introducing a comprehensive programme for accessories and modification of the current BMW Z4 Roadster, known internally as the E89. The broad palette of customisation options for the roadster with the fold-away hardtop includes exciting bodywork styling, striking rim designs and powerful performance improvements.
The Hamann aerodynamics programme is characterised by top-quality workmanship on body components with impressive design and optimised airflow over the vehicle silhouette: The specialists have replaced the series production front spoiler on the front axle with an in-house development that features two integrated LED day lamps. Striking side skirts between the front and the rear impress with a convincing design concept, and lend the Z4 an even lower and longer appearance. The lift force on the rear axle is reduced by a Hamann technical development that sees a shapely spoiler mounted on the tailgate. A new rear apron completes an impressive overall appearance and makes space for the four tailpipes responsible for the throaty sound of the Hamann sports car exhaust system.
The Hamann engine specialists have developed a powerful performance improvement for the BMW Z4 sDrive35i engine, which also lifts the 250 km/h limitation. The optimisation of the series production control device has resulted in performance figures of 360 hp / 265 kW at 5230 rpm (standard is 306 hp / 225 kW at 2500 rpm). The maximum torque simultaneously increases to an impressive 540 Nm, which is available in the engine speed range of 1300 to 5000 rpm (standard is 400 Nm at 1300 - 5000). This modification results in a top speed of 285 km/h.
One of the technical highlights in the comprehensive range of wheels is the three-part Hamann light alloy wheel known as the Edition Race "Matt Black". The 20" forged wheel combines sportiness with elegance. The matt black, polished spoked rims and the titanium screw joints accentuate the wheel dynamics, while the highly polished rim flange makes for a sophisticated impression.
Hamann is offering the wheel/tyre combination of 8,5Jx20 inch including 235/30ZR20 front tyres with 10,0Jx20 rims plus 295/25ZR20 back tyres from 7,640 Euro. Extra focus is on the new aluminium wheels with special chassis springs that allow the centre of mass on both the front and back axles of the Z4 Roadster to be lowered by 30 millimetres. Handling of the sports car is simultaneously enhanced.
For the interior, Hamann Motorsport has come up with subtle internal applications. The aluminium gear knob and the set of foot mats with the silver stitched Hamann logo provide a sporty look. On request, hand-made complete leather fittings in line with the exclusive demands of every BMW Z4 Roadster driver can also be supplied.

Porsche Sports Cars 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Known as the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid, the model hints at new hybrid technology that Porsche Sports Cars will use in its motorsport ventures. According to Porsche, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid will be used as a study to gather information about how hybrid drive will behave under a racing environment and will also help the German automaker study how it can be applied to its road cars.
Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid
During Porsche's press conference here at the Geneva Motor Show, most of our attention was understandably on the 918 Spyder Concept, but the German automaker had several other significant debuts. One was the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, Porsche's first race car to feature electric power sourced from a duo of motors that send power to a generator attached the flywheel. Like many hybrid production cars, the motors are charged whenever the brakes are applied, and the driver can use the extra power for 6-8 seconds for overtaking.
Exactly 110 years after Ferdinand Porsche developed the world's first car with hybrid drive, the Lohner Porsche Semper Vivus, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is once again taking up this visionary drive concept in production-based GT racing: During the Geneva Motor Show, a Porsche Sports Cars 911 GT3 R with innovative hybrid drive is making its debut, opening up a new chapter in the history of Porsche with more than 20,000 wins in 45 years scored by the extremely successful Porsche 911 in racing trim.
Unlike a conventional battery-electric hybrid system the Porsche 911 GT3 R uses a flywheel system, which gathers kinetic energy under braking to power two electric-motors that are mounted in a single assembly and are connected to the front wheel. After each boost of charge, the two motors provide 6 to 8 second jolts of power. The extra power is engaged by pressing a button on the steering wheel, providing up to 161-hp to the front wheels, assisting the 911 GT3 R Hybrid’s 480-hp 4.0L inline-6 that powers the two rear-wheels.
The innovative hybrid technology featured in the car has been developed especially for racing, standing out significantly in its configuration and components from conventional hybrid systems. In this case, electrical front axle drive with two electric motors developing 60 kW each supplements the 480-bhp four-litre flat-six at the rear of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid. A further significant point is that instead of the usual batteries in a hybrid road car, an electrical flywheel power generator fitted in the interior next to the driver delivers energy to the electric motors.
The flywheel generator itself is an electric motor with its rotor spinning at speeds of up to 40,000 rpm, storing energy mechanically as rotation energy. The flywheel generator is charged whenever the driver applies the brakes, with the two electric motors reversing their function on the front axle and acting themselves as generators. Then, whenever necessary, that is when accelerating out of a bend or when overtaking, the driver is able to call up extra energy from the charged flywheel generator, the flywheel being slowed down electromagnetically in the generator mode and thus supplying up to 120 kW to the two electric motors at the front from its kinetic energy.
This additional power is available to the driver after each charge process for approximately 6 - 8 seconds. Energy formerly converted - and thus wasted - into heat upon every application of the brakes, is now highly efficiently converted into additional drive power.
Depending on racing conditions, hybrid drive is used in this case not only for extra power, but also to save fuel. This again increases the efficiency and, accordingly, the performance of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, for example by reducing the weight of the tank or making pitstops less frequent.
After its debut in Geneva the 911 GT3 R Hybrid will be tested in long-distance races on the Nürburgring. The highlight of this test programme will be the 24 Hours on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring on May 15th and 16th. The focus is not on the 911 GT3 R Hybrid winning the race, but rather serving as a spearhead in technology and a 'racing laboratory' providing know-how on the subsequent use of hybrid technology in road-going sports cars.
The 911 GT3 R Hybrid is a perfect example of the Porsche Intelligent Performance philosophy, a principle to be found in every Porsche: More power on less fuel, more efficiency and lower CO2 emissions - on the track and on the road.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

New Porsche Sports Cars 911 GT3 at The Geneva

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is adding yet another new model to the second generation of the 911 model series: the new GT3 even more powerful, faster, and refined than its predecessor. In developing the most sporting and dynamic road-going 911 with a normal-aspiration power unit, Porsche has applied a wide range of know-how gained in motorsport. Indeed, this is precisely why the 2010 new Porsche 911 GT3 is truly impressive not only on the road, but also on the race track.
2010 Porsche Sports Cars 911 GT3
The 2010 new Porsche 911 GT3 is the latest evolution of an iconic sports car. Embodying the essence of more than 23,000 Porsche racing victories, the 911 GT3 is the ultimate integration of driver and car and arrives in the UK this autumn. The new 911 GT3 is making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March, with Europe-wide sales starting in May.
The Porsche 911 GT3 offers an even higher standard above all in two key areas: performance and driving dynamics. The proven six-cylinder naturally aspirated power unit now develops a maximum output of 435 hp (320 kW), up 20 hp over its predecessor. This results first and foremost from an increase in engine capacity by 200 cc to 3.8-litres and from improved cylinder head gas flow: now not only the intake, but for the first time also the exhaust camshafts, are adjusted by VarioCam.
A further important point is that, through its upgraded power and performance, the flat six 'boxer' engine also offers a significant increase in torque at medium engine speeds, a benefit of particular significance in everyday motoring. Clearly, this also means a further improvement in performance; the new Porsche 911 GT3 accelerates from a standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds and reaches 99 mph (160 km/h) in 8.2 seconds. Top speed is 194 mph.
The second emphasis in developing the Porsche 911 GT3 to an even higher standard was to further improve the car's driving dynamics. For the first time, the Porsche 911 GT3 comes with a particularly sporting variant of Porsche Stability Management (PSM), offering the facility to deactivate both Stability Control (SC) and Traction Control (TC) in separate steps. And to give the driver unrestricted, individual control over the driving dynamics of his car, these functions are not reactivated automatically even under the most extreme driving conditions, but only at the touch of a button.
The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) fitted to the 911 GT3 has enabled Porsche engineers to make the springs and anti-roll bars stiffer yet again, thus ensuring even more precise handling in the PASM 'sports' mode. However, the PASM ensures appropriate ride comfort suitable for everyday use when in the 'normal' PASM mode. The Porsche 911 GT3 rides on new, lighter wheels in a racing-inspired design - with a centre locking nut - fitted with ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres. Tyre pressure monitoring is fitted as standard.
Making the car even more suitable for the race track, the new Porsche 911 GT3 will be available with the option of new and highly innovative Porsche Active Drivetrain Mount (PADM) engine mountings. These special engine mounts recognise a particularly sporting, race-like style of driving, making the normally 'elastic' engine mounts harder and particularly resistant. This retains all the motoring comfort of the GT3 in everyday traffic, while on the race track the effect of the mass forces coming from the engine is much reduced, particularly in fast bends and on winding tracks. Yet a further advantage is improved traction when accelerating from a standstill.
Another new feature is the optional lift system for the front axle which is able to increase the ground clearance of the car, at the touch of a button, for driving on bumpy surfaces or steep gradients - for example into an underground garage - by 30 millimetres (approx 1.2 inches).
The Euro base price of the new GT3 is Euro 98,100, in Germany the retail price including value-added tax and specific national features is Euro 116,947. In the USA the GT3 will be at the dealership in October at a price of USD 112,200 (MSRP without taxes).