PRIOR-Design Refines Porsche 911 GT3

Right at the start of the New Year, PRIOR-Design presented its latest aerodynamic achievement. The goal of the new aerodynamic package wasn’t to reinvent the wheel.
The motto was actually complete perfection. With this aim in mind, the PRIOR designers have succeeded in a reinterpretation of the Porsche 911 GT3, which has changed it from being a ‘straightforward’ sports car into an exclusive super sports car – the Porsche 911 PD3!

In detail: thanks to its design, the revised front section ensures an improved supply of fresh air as well as improved levels of downforce. The single most important factor behind these results is the revised dispersal of the air flows through the carbon spoiler blade and the carbon inlets. With the help of the sd-value enhancing sills, the side line of the GT3 is guided seamlessly to the rear, ending at a rear section which is also new. Along with its visuals, the rear section also offers advantages in terms of driving stability and air supply.

These improvements have been achieved by a diffusor which contains two integrated carbon fins. The end of the muffler is completely enclosed, which additionally optimises the aerodynamic attributes. Air inlets which are positioned on the left and the right, are additionally strengthened with two carbon inlets. The GT3 wing, designed in Stuttgart, was judged to be sound by the PRIOR-Design team and therefore remains unchanged. The materials used in the 911 PD3 aerodynamics programme correspond with PRIOR-Design’s latest technological advances. A newly developed carbon-flex fibre glass composite was used, which both saves weight at the same time as offering a maximum level of strength and sufficient flexibility. This means that the necessary level of stability is guaranteed at speeds both up to and beyond 300 km/h.

To convey a genuine feeling of individuality and perfection, along with the aerodynamic and visual aspects, it was necessary for the subjective vehicles dynamic feeling in the form of noise and handling characteristics to be completed. This also includes the option of an in-house designed, hand-made stainless steel exhaust system, which in addition to a positive performance development also offers the driver a virtuoso driving experience over the full rev range, all the way up to 8,400 revs/min.

In addition to this, an ultra light, multi-section forged wheel that has been developed according to the toughest requirements is also available. This can be developed in a choice of different dimensions on the basis of customer request, and due to its variable size, offers an improved distribution of performance and road handling. The adapted chassis means that the body is now some 30 millimetres closer to the road surface, and the deeper centre of gravity that results improves both the handling and feedback of the vehicle without compromising the levels of driving comfort in any way.

SEAT Ibiza Sport Tourer 2011 Will be Available in 6 Engine Variants

The SEAT Ibiza ST (Sport Tourer) is the third model to join the successful Ibiza line-up. With a World Premiere at the 2010 Geneva Motorshow, SEAT is pushing forward with its product offensive. The compact estate car is the perfect vehicle for a youthful and sporty lifestyle, bringing together the brand's most powerful characteristics - it is emotional and well-designed, it is dynamic and efficient, it is easy to use and financially attainable. SEAT will deliver the SEAT Ibiza ST in six modern engine variants and with a broad palette of equipment and technologies. Market launch is planned for early summer.

With a length of 4.23 metres, the SEAT Ibiza ST is no less than 18 centimetres longer than the Ibiza. This creates ample load capacity to satisfy all the requirements of a sporty and mobile lifestyle. The base capacity of 430 litres is already comparatively generous, and can be increased in stages by folding the split rear seat. Engineers paid particularly close attention to the optimal width and low height of the load opening. Overall, the bodyshell is finished to the high levels of precision and stiffness characteristic of all SEAT models.

The stylists at SEAT Design have taken the highly functional concept of the SEAT Ibiza ST and clad it in the Spanish brand's unique design language. Despite the estate layout and generous load capacity, it retains the youthful, sporty character of the Ibiza range. The roofline stretches rearwards, the rear overhang is integrated perfectly into the overall design and the tight span of its flanks lends tautness to its proportions. The front end bears the hallmark SEAT "arrow design"; with the rear end receiving a new look courtesy of the split rear light clusters.

The interior of the SEAT Ibiza ST is impressively spacious, with an accomplished and high quality character. The designers and engineers paid close attention to the tiniest detail; every single element is functional, practical to use and meticulously crafted, as evidenced by the high material quality and tight tolerances. The cockpit feels taut. Circular air vents, a short gear stick - the emotional character expressed by the design of the SEAT Ibiza ST is clearly evident in the interior, too.

Sporty dynamics with a high degree of efficiency is par for the course for every SEAT. The basis for this is delivered by state-of-the-art engines, with the SEAT Ibiza ST offering a choice of three petrol and three TDI units with common-rail injection. Four of the six engines operate with direct injection and turbocharging. They span an output range of between 51 and 77 kW (70 to 105 hp). Particular highlights include the exceptionally efficient 1.2 TDI and 1.2 TSI.

Another guarantee of agility and dynamics comes from the precise and safe running gear. Together with the excellent equipment of the three model lines Reference, Style and Sport, as well as the broad range of hi-tech optional equipment - such as the dual-clutch transmission - this makes the SEAT Ibiza ST the one to beat in the small estate car segment. Especially as excellent value for money is an integral part of the youthful character that defines this kind of SEAT.

2010 MP4-25 McLaren Formula One Car

A day after Ferrari unveiled its F10, McLaren became the second team to reveal its 2010 Formula One contender in a launch held on Friday at title sponsor Vodafone's British headquarters in Newbury. The car will test for the first time in Valencia, Spain, on Monday, alongside new machines from Ferrari, Renault, Mercedes, Sauber, Williams and Scuderia Toro Rosso. Gary Paffett will do the shakedown, before Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button get their first runs.

Introducing the new car, team principal Martin Whitmarsh noted: "At Vodafone McLaren-Mercedes, we've demonstrated that strength in depth is the best approach to take in Formula One. The group of engineers, designers and strategists we've assembled demonstrates how much can be achieved by a very focused team operating at the very limit of their abilities.

Because of the larger fuel tank, the MP4-25 is longer than its predecessors, and the aerodynamics look quite different from last year's car, especially the flat "shark-fin" engine cover running to the tail. McLaren elected to retain its traditional corporate livery, despite Mercedes buying Brawn GP and creating its own silver color scheme. Drastic rule changes implemented over the past two years have kept engineers on their toes to ensure their cars remain competitive. Last year, the FIA drastically revised the aerodynamic regulations, requiring a smaller rear wing and a larger front wing. A new ban on in-race refueling forced the use of a larger fuel tank, which in turn required the car’s wheelbase to grow. Subsequently, McLaren redesigned its cooling system and electrical architecture to accommodate the tank.

Apart from the stretched wheelbase, McLaren says the MP4-25 is an aerodynamic evolution over last year’s car. The team took the pieces they found effective near the end of the last season (when the MP4-24 finally started to become competitive) and applied them to the new car. One of the primary changes to the MP4-25 for the start of this season is the double diffuser at the rear of the car, which sparked great controversy early in the season last year. Other aerodynamic evolutions from last year include the rear wing, which sports a dorsal fin in its center.

Although no longer affiliated with Mercedes-Benz, the German automaker continues to supply the team with its powertrain. The MP4-25 uses a 2.4-liter V-8, which revs to (restricted) 18,000 rpm and puts its astonishing (and unlisted) power down through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Unlike last year, no KERS devices will be used on any car in the field.

The MP4-25’s body is again a carbon fiber composite monocoque. Both the engine and transmission are fully stressed members of the frame, further helping to reduce the car’s mass. Because the cars must now start with a race’s worth of fuel onboard, the MP4-25’s starting weight is significantly heavier. The car’s minimum weight has also increased to 1364 pounds -- 30 pounds more than last year’s car.

2011 BMW 3-Series M-Sport Package

The 2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible were just unveiled this weekend, but already photos of the M-Sport upgrade package have appeared on the Web. Far from the gaudy "improvements" made by aftermarket tuners, the factory M-Sport treatment offers a sharp and aggressive take on core 3-Series styling.

No information on the package has come with the photos as yet, but we can see that the exterior upgrades follow along the lines of the M-Sport packages, like that unveiled last year for the 7-Series. Large 10 double-spoke alloy wheels, aerodynamic front fascia, side skirt and rear clip elements add a more sporting look. Unique paint color choices are usually part of the deal as well.

Interior photos weren't included, either, but expect an M-badged steering wheel, shifter and footrest, carbon fiber trim. Alcantara fabric and unique color themes are also expected.

Real performance upgrades generally aren't part of the M-Sport package, but the 7-Series adds BMW's Dynamic Drive traction/stability control system, and so the 3-Series variant may as well.

As always, we'll keep you up to date with the official facts and figures as soon as they're available. Until then, enjoy this early look.

2010 Audi e-Tron Concept a Compact Sports Car with All-electric Drive

2010 Audi e-tron Concept Car

Audi is showing an uncompromising purist compact sports car with all-electric drive at the 2010 NAIAS. The Detroit Audi e-tron Concept is 3.93 meter (154.72 in) long and 1.78 meter (70.08 in) wide but just 1.22 meter (48.03 in) tall two-seater; just a few months after the debut of the Audi e-tron Concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, this is now the second electric concept vehicle from the brand with the four rings. Coupled with the Detroit Audi e-tron Concept's low gross weight of around only 1,350 kilograms (2976.24 lb), high-torque power units driving the rear wheels guarantee commensurate road performance.

2010 Audi e-tron Concept Car

Two electric motors in sync with a total capacity of 150 kW (204 hp) Audi give Detroit Audi e-tron, use the concept of the performance of a real sports car. Concept car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h (0 to 62.14 mph) in 5.9 seconds, if necessary, and goes from 60 to 120 km / h (37.28 to 74.56 mph) in 5.1 seconds.

And a top speed limited to 200 kmh (124.27 mph), the amount of energy needed to increase the electric motors are disproportionately in speed. Fraction in the combined cycle NEP nearly 250 kilometers (155.34 miles). The energy storage unit in charge of household current (230 volts and 16 amps) through the cable and components.

2010 Audi e-tron Concept Car

Socket behind a curtain in the back of the car. Download time when the battery is approximately 11 hours, but the heavy current (400 volts and 32 amps) of these cuts to about two hours only.

The Detroit Audi e-tron Concept in its further developed version goes one decisive step further into the future; an electro-mechanical brake system means the potential of electric motors for energy recovery can now be exploited. A hydraulic fixed-caliper brake is mounted on the front axle, with two novel, electrically actuated floating-caliper brakes mounted on the rear axle. These floating calipers are actuated not by any mechanical or hydraulic transfer elements, but rather by wire ("brake by wire"). In addition, this eliminates frictional losses due to residual slip when the brakes are not being applied.

The drive system's power is transferred to the road by the rear wheels, reflecting the Audi e-tron's weight distribution of 40:60.

2010 Audi e-tron Concept Car

Both the individual motors, which are installed behind the wheels close to the vehicle's center line as wheel drives, also enable the Detroit Audi e-tron Concept's lateral dynamics to be intelligently controlled. This also boosts traction. Similar to what the sport differential does in conventional Audi vehicles, torque vectoring - the targeted acceleration of individual wheels - makes the newly developed electric drive of the Detroit Audi e-tron Concept even more dynamic while simultaneously enhancing driving safety.

Understeer and oversteer can be corrected by not only targeted activation of the brakes, but also by precise increases in power lasting just a few milliseconds. The concept car remains extremely neutral even under great lateral acceleration and hustles through corners as if on the proverbial rails.

The chassis has triangular double wishbones made of forged aluminum components at the front and rear axles - a geometry that has proven in motor sports to be the optimal prerequisite for high agility, uncompromising precision and precisely defined self-steering behavior. A taut setup was chosen for the springs and shock absorbers, but it is still very comfortable.

2010 Audi e-tron Concept Car

Audi e-tron concept car moves on wheels 19-inch 35 - spoke design. 235/35 front tires and 255/35 rear tires provide excellent grip. Other special feature of tires: Audi designers created a special file for the Detroit Audi e-tron, use the concept.

2010 Chevrolet Aveo RS Sporty Concept Car

2010 Chevrolet Sporty Aveo RS Concept Car

Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands, and one of the fastest growing brands in the world. With fuel solutions that range from "gas-friendly to gas-free," Chevrolet has nine models that offer an EPA-estimated 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway, and offers two hybrid models.More than 2.5 million Chevrolets that run on E85 biofuel have been sold. Today Chevrolet announced the world debut of the Aveo RS show car at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. It features a European-inspired hot hatch look designed to appeal to young enthusiasts, and hints at the next-generation Aveo.

The Aveo RS has a lot more attractive proportions and with a wider profile that makes it much more aggressively than the current model. It takes several design elements of the smallest spark, but the tinier scale. For example, the portion of glass is a similar treatment with a line belt and rear door handles integrated into the C-pillar area. The rock carving is also carved panel RS Aveo has something in common with the spark.

2010 Chevrolet Sporty Aveo RS Concept Car

The Aveo Spark RS differing by more than the closest of his brow. He gets the standard dual-port grille, like all new Chevys, but the top is tapered at the top, giving the appearance of a hexagonal grid. We actually saw a deer production style Aveo next January in August at the General Motors Dome in the design and the basic model is equipped with two grids of equal height. This approach sporty RS concept, however, has a lower grille which extends further down, but this does not bother us with the additional height to width greater than the current Aveo.

Spacious and stylish interior With its matte black interior highlighted by gloss black, metallic and blue accents, the Aveo RS show car reflects as much attention to detail as the exterior. The Boracay Blue theme continues inside, with accent stitching across the dual cockpit instrument panel, front and rear door insert, steering wheel rim, gear shift boot, parking brake, leather seat bolster and even the floor mats. The integrated center stack holds the gearshift, HVAC controls and the sound system, including a USB port. Ice-blue backlighting on the audio display, telltale indicator screen and knobs augments the blue stitching.

The motorcycle inspiration also carries inside, with a round, analog tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout also trimmed in milled metal with round cutouts; and round, aluminum-trimmed side vents.

2010 Chevrolet Sporty Aveo RS Concept Car

The interior is as functional as it is stylish, with storage compartments in the center stack and doors. The rear seats fold flat for carrying larger items. Efficient performer Aveo RS show car is powered by the same high-performance 138 hp (103 kW) 1.4L ECOTEC 4-cylinder turbo engine that will be available in the coming Chevrolet Cruze. A six-speed manual is designed to ensure the car offers more sporty driving experience.

For the show car, the designers have created a special engine cover in silver, graphite, with a brushed aluminum insert. The liquid cooling and power steering filler cap are coated with liquid in ice blue, and air intake honeycomb flanking the center of the cover is a matte finish in dark chrome and designed to meet the wheel colors.

Chevrolet has already announced the new Aveo will be built at theOrion Assembly in Orion Township, Mich., in 2011, a measure that will restore 1,200 jobs in southeast Michigan. The schedule retooling Orion Assembly for the production of the Aveo is scheduled to begin in late 2010.

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X designed to compete in the Viper Racing League

Dodge today pulled the cover off the newest special-edition model of the 2010 Viper SRT10 lineup.The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X is a turn-key, non-street legal race car that is slated to make its on-track debut in the summer of 2010.

The Dodge Viper has enjoyed a successful racing heritage that began in 1996 with the original Viper racing entry, the GTS-R, which earned five international GT championships and the 1997-1999 FIA GT championships. It also posted an amazing overall win at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in 1999 – the first for a production-based American car.

The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will make its on-track debut in July 2010 in a newly developed spec series called the Dodge Viper Cup, which will be sanctioned by the existing Viper Racing League. Each vehicle in the new series must be the new Viper ACR-X.

The Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, introduced in 2003, delivered the next chapter with its coupe-shaped carbon/Kevlar body and a track-ready chassis, based on the Dodge Viper SRT10. The Viper Competition Coupe has continued the on-track prowess by capturing the 2004 SCCA Speed World Challenge GT title, championships in Formula D Drifting series in 2004 and 2006 and the British GT Championship in 2007 and 2008.

The Viper SRT10 ACR-X is designed to compete in the Viper Racing League, Sports Car Club of America and National Auto Sport Association events.

Combining the best performance attributes of the record-setting, street-legal Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) and the safety equipment of championship-winning Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X is powered by the SRT-developed 8.4-liter V10, equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system, that produces 640 horsepower (40 more than production model).

The suspension also is tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage, while the weight is lightened by a full 160 pounds (versus the standard production Viper) to take on even the most challenging road course. Additional aerodynamic upgrades improve downforce, while enhancing stability and significantly improving grip in high-speed cornering.

Similar to the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X contains factory-installed safety equipment such as a factory-designed roll cage, fuel cell and race seat. Additional racing components are added to meet the significant durability and reliability requirements for on-track competition.

In what will be the final year of production for the current generation Viper, the ACR-X is the third limited, special-edition model to be introduced by Dodge. ““We’re going to make 2010 the most exciting year for Viper yet with specially developed cars for the street and the track,” added Gilles. “The ACR-X is targeted at road-racing enthusiasts who want to successfully compete in our ultimate American sports car.”

Last month, the SRT team used a testing session at Laguna Seca raceway to shake down the Viper ACR-X for the first time. Behind the wheel was professional driver Kuno Wittmer from the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship series, who was able to run consistent 1:31.00 lap times around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course. Wittmer’s lap times were more than 3 seconds faster than the street-legal Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR that holds the production car track record at Laguna Seca raceway.

Two races per weekend for five weekends will make up the 10-race 2010 Dodge Viper Cup schedule which includes July 9-11 at Virginia International Raceway; August 14-15 at Hallett Raceway; September 11-12 at Pocono Raceway; October 1-3 at Miller Motorsports Park and October 22-24 at Daytona International Speedway.

A contingency program sponsored by Dodge Motorsports and Mopar will pay out more than $200,000 during 2010. Payouts for each race are in cash and Mopar vouchers come as credit toward purchase of Mopar parts and accessories.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will be approximately $110,000. Production is slated to begin in Spring 2010.

Honda NSX re-developed By John Danby Racing

It was built for David Fenn, racer and huge fan of NSX, to enter the last round of Britcar championship at Brands Hatch on the 7th November.

“The uniqueness and advanced technology involved in this project presented several new challenges and we are pleased to debut this exciting car at the last event of the 2009 season,” says John Danby, Team Principal.

Apparently 5th Gear presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson will drive the debut race for the Honda NSX alongside John Danby Racing regular James Barclay in the daytime Production race. Although the NSX is quit old now, but it still can cut it.

We're not sure how many of you follow the Britcar Championship, but even if you don't, we gather that you'll appreciate these photos of John Danby Racing team's newly developed Honda NSX racer. The matte black Japanese sportscar was built to comply with the Britcar Production regulations and has already completed a successful shakedown test at Snetterton in Norfolk last Friday ahead of its debut at the season's final round at Brands Hatch on November 7.

John Danby Racing have developed the car to include the latest technology and features innovative engine control and data-logging capabilities including GPS, Fly by Wire and live feed video. High specification custom solutions have also been engineered for the NSX such as dampers and brakes.

Motoring journalist and television personality Vicki Butler-Henderson will drive the debut race for the Honda NSX alongside John Danby Racing regular James Barclay in the daytime Production race. Car owner and Britcar regular David Fenn will then drive the NSX in the evening GT race alongside Barclay.

“We are excited with the potential of the NSX following our test programme and look forward to a solid debut performance,” says John Danby.

Indianapolis 500 pace car 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Unveiled

Chevrolet and Indianapolis Motor Speedway unveiled the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Indianapolis 500 pace car. The first year for Camaro to pace the Indianapolis 500 was in 1967, the year the Camaro made its debut. Camaro has since paced the race in 1969, 1982, 1993 and 2009.

The Chevrolet Camaro SS Pace Car is equipped with a stock 400 hp 6.2L V-8, an RS appearance package and leather interior with Inferno Orange interior accents. The pace car also features unique design cues that further enhance the Camaro’s head-turning design. Features unique to the pace car include: 2010 Indianapolis 500 event logo painted on doors and embroidered on driver and passenger headrests, 2010 Indianapolis 500 event logo badges on front fenders, All-new front grille insert that Chevrolet plans to offer as a future Camaro accessory, Amber lens tail lamps, Complete safety strobe light system with custom interior light bar in the rear window (no rooftop light bar) and All-new GM Accessory floor mats with red and orange accent stitching.

Starting at approximately $23,000, and offering an EPA-estimated 29 highway mpg on the V-6-powered car, the all-new Camaro is a budget-friendly sports car that doesn’t sacrifice on performance. Despite the recent economic challenges, the Camaro has overtaken its closest competitor to lead the regular sports car segment in sales for the last six months. Chevrolet sold more than 6,000 Camaros in each of these months.

The public will get their first look at the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS Indianapolis 500 pace car when it makes its auto show debut at the Indianapolis Auto Show starting on Dec. 26.