FEATURED ARTICLE - 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R

NEWS & REVIEWS Following the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Porsche is entering yet another racing car in the 2010 motorsport season: The 911 GT3 R will be raced in series based on the international FIA GT3 regulations, thus succeeding the 911 GT3 Cup S. The main focus in developing this new model was on even better drivability and even easier handling. The 911 GT3 R is powered by a four-liter six-cylinder boxer engine delivering maximum output of 480 hp transmitted to the rear axle by a sequential six-speed dog gearbox. The starting point in developing the 911 GT3 R weighing just 2,646 lb was the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup presented in September for one-make cup racing. Thanks to its increase in engine size by 0.2 liters, the GT3 R offers 30 hp more than the Cup model. Both cars are based on the extra-wide body of the 911 GT3 RS street-legal sports car. An anti-lock brake system (ABS), traction control and an e-gas with "throttle-blip" function make it much easier to get used to this new GT3 racing car than its predecessor, meaning that the new model is also more appropriate for the ambitious amateur racing driver. Flared wheel arches added on to the body both front and rear bear clear testimony to the wider track than on the former model. And like all second-generation versions of the 911, the new 911 GT3 R also comes with striking LED rear light clusters. The Porsche 911 GT3 R is making its world debut on 14 January 2010 at the Birmingham Motor Show. The car is built by Porsche's Motorsport Department at the Weissach Development Centre and will be delivered to Customer Teams the world over as of spring 2010. The base price of the Porsche 911 GT3 R is 279,000 Euros. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

FEATURED ARTICLE - 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid

VIDEO: NEWS & REVIEWS On November 16, 2009, Mercedes-Benz will launch the innovative ML450 HYBRID, the first European full-hybrid vehicle to be offered in the U.S. Featuring V8-like power with four-cylinder fuel economy, the ML450 HYBRID features two electric motors and a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine that work together to provide impressive hybrid power, fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon around town and 24 mpg on the highway. The ML450 HYBRID joins the S400 HYBRID and its BlueTEC diesel models in our portfolio of fuel-efficient and environmentally compatible vehicles and will be offered as part of a special lease only option for a monthly lease price of $659 per month for 36 months and $549 per month for 60 months. The ML450 HYBRID fulfills the same crash test requirements and offers outstanding active safety with stability control systems such as ESP, ABS and BAS, as well as 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The integration of the hybrid technology has been engineered to require no additional packaging space that would compromise comfort or functionality. The space available in the passenger cabin is as generous as before and the trunk capacity remains fully intact. From the outside, the ML450 HYBRID is recognizable by its modified hood, the BlueEFFICIENCY logo on the fender and by the HYBRID badge on its tailgate. The new Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, optimized via the Atkinson cycle, two magneto-electric motors and sophisticated hybrid electronics to produce 46 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model. Integrated within the modified automatic transmission, each electric motor serves a specific purpose. Dedicated to pulling away under electric power, the motor on the transmission output shaft generates 80 hp and 192 lb.-ft of torque. Located closer to the gasoline engine, the second electric motor is set up specifically for acceleration and is rated at 83 hp and 173 lb.-ft of torque. Working with both electric motors when full power is needed, the ML450 HYBRID has a total system performance of 335 hp and 381 lb.-ft. of torque. The electric motors are powered by a liquid-cooled, 288-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery that’s enclosed under the rear cargo floor. A powerful computer controls the hybrid system, recalculating the best operating mode 160 times a second. Capable of up to 50 million calculations per second, the system works to maintain an ideal balance between fuel economy and performance. During parking and low-speed operation, the ML450 HYBRID runs on the electric drive only. The ML450 HYBRID can drive solely on electric power up to a maximum speed of 34 mph. On hard acceleration, the gasoline engine is started automatically, and it works seamlessly with the two electric motors for excellent performance. The hybrid system includes a convenient start-stop function that turns off the gasoline engine – for example, when coasting up to a red light – and re-starts it during acceleration. During braking and coasting, the electric motor acts as a generator, slowing the SUV and recovering kinetic energy. Under heavy braking, the vehicle’s conventional brakes also come into play. Recovered energy is stored in the battery and re-used whenever the SUV runs only on the electric motors. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Audi TT -RS MTM

NEWS & REVIEWS The tuning specialists at MTM present their take on the TT-RS. With the rebirth of the Audi five-cylinder engine, the new more-powerful motivator suits drivers who like their car being suitable for racing. After the MTM power therapy, Audi performance car now produces 424 hp and 413 lbs.-ft. of torque and wears a new aerodynamic body kit. The secret: love for details and understanding of the new engine from Audi. In addition to the adjustment of the engine control unit, MTM has also worked on the exhaust system. The result is a high-revving engine, lots of torque in every range, and an impressive sound. The MTM TT-RS can be ordered in 3 different stages of power enhancement. Besides the maximal stage of 424 hp—84 hp more than the 340-hp base car—MTM also offer 2 stages with 404 and 408 hp and 406 lbs.-ft. of torque. MTM sports rims with the original 19- or 20-inch rims in a BIMOTO design. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Audi S5 MTM Cabrio Michelle Edition

VIDEO: NEWS & REVIEWS The engine specialists at MTM have a power enhancement for the new Audi S4 and the brand-new Audi S5 Cabriolet. Using its approved control device M-Cantronic, both cars, which are motorized by the 3.0-liter TFSI V-6 engine, become more powerful sports cars with incredible power reserves. The tuning specialists from MTM have different stages of performances, starting with at 380 hp and 354 lbs.-ft. of torque, which means about 47 hp more than the stock model. Selecting the new exhaust system with throttle valves in all four rear pipes has access to the ultimate power enhancement of 430 hp and 380 lbs.-ft. of torque. The S5 Cabrio Michelle Edition wears nine-spoke Bimoto 21-inch rims wrapped in huge Michelin tires. The brakes have been upgraded to 15-inch rotors with 8-piston calipers and the suspension is a new lowered unit. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Ford MUSTANG Saleen S281

VIDEO: NEWS & REVIEWS Saleen Performance Vehicles today unveiled the first in its 2010 premiere line of high-performance cars, the 2010 Saleen S281. The introduction took place at the annual SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This is the second Saleen vehicle launched this year, following the 2010 435S introduced in August. The S281, based on the 2010 Ford Mustang, displays a premium level of design consideration, both exterior and interior, with performance to match. It builds on the Saleen tradition of offering limited-edition, high-performance vehicles for enthusiasts who are looking for an exhilarating driving experience, with refined driveability for real-world road conditions. The S281's exterior design features carefully crafted sculptural detailing,with lines and forms that flow naturally and suggest suppleness, power and agility. It features an understated yet imposing grille and front fascia, and a refined treatment of the familiar Saleen extended rear fascia and trunk lid with a simple, elegant, integrated wing. The S281's 4.6-liter V8 engine is equipped with a Saleen Series VI.5 twin-screw supercharger and dual-stage intercooler. It produces 485 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, sent to the rear wheels through a short-throw, five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential with 3.73:1 final drive ratio. The Saleen Racecraft suspension system is new, and includes specially tuned, single-rate front and rear springs; nitrogen-pressurized front struts and rear shocks with a wide range of damping adjustments; and a specially tuned front sway bar with performance pivot bushings. The interior features new, leather sport seats with Ultra-Suede inserts, highlighted by chevron-like Ultra-Suede red tabs in the seatback bolsters, and unique treatments of the gauges, steering wheel, center console and shifter. There also are contrasting Saleen logos in the door panels, and Saleen logos in the door sill plates that illuminate when the door is opened. Additional exterior highlights include unique, 20-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso high-performance tires, and Saleen S281 Supercharged fender badging. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 BMW M3 GTS

VIDEO: NEWS & REVIEWS Even when you see it from a distance, you are instantly electrified. As a BMW M enthusiast, every step you take towards the orange painted concept vehicle of the BMW M3 GTS with its numerous matte-black applications raises your adrenaline level a little more. Exclusive 19-inch wheels with ample 225/35 tires at the front and 285/30 at the rear catch your eye. All this is certainly nice looking and sensible, but what you glimpse through the spokes of the aluminum wheel rims is even more exciting: a generously sized fixed caliper brake system with six pistons at the front and four at the rear. The wheels almost fill out the wheel arches, but if you look closely you discover the next highlight. Yellow springs with a small M logo provide the crucial clue: a threaded suspension, adjustable in compression and rebound. The expert will also spot the adjustable front splitter and rear wing. One thing is clear: this car is serious stuff. Not only can a high level of downforce be generated but it also precisely adjustable at front and rear. Fast bends can look forward to welcoming the BMW M3 GTS—but they won't get to see it for long. A cluster of lightweight construction measures such as optimization of the insulation, the use of lightweight parts in the interior, the use of Macrolon for the car's windows in the back, the lack of air conditioning, navigation and radio, and the entire rear seat also gets the scales the down. And the new titanium rear silencer not only looks great and contributes to the thrilling sound of the BMW M3 GTS, it is also much lighter than its serial production counterpart. Indispensable for safety reasons: the lightweight construction body has been prepared for installation of the 6-point seatbelt included for use on the race track. There are also mounts for the roll-over protective structure bolted on from the B column. A fire extinguisher and a battery master switch/emergency shut-off preparation do not make the car lighter either—but safer. So the BMW M3 GTS concept vehicle puts the scales up to around 3,285 lbs.—causing the engineer to give an appreciative nod. The car is fitted with a 7-speed M dual clutch transmission with adapted shift characteristics. But an absolute highlight is to be found under the bonnet. Exclusively for the BMW M3 GTS, the engine builders of BMW—recent winners of the Engine of the Year Award once again—have developed a power unit based on the M high-performance engine of the current BMW M3: with a capacity of 4.4 liters and an output of some 450 hp, it will catapult the light BMW M3 GTS into a whole new sphere. The BMW M3 GTS is manufactured to order on an individual basis at the BMW M production workshops. The first vehicles are due to be supplied in May 2010 in Germany but won’t make it to other countries until the summer of 2010. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Porsche BOXSTER SPYDER

VIDEO: NEWS & REVIEWS Weighing in at just 2,811 lbs., the new 2010 Porsche Boxster Spyder will be the lightest Porsche available—from a company known for lightweight, proficient sports cars. This new mid-engined roadster represents the true, purist form of the sports car—agile, powerful, open and efficient. This third Boxster model will join the Boxster and Boxster S and will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, December 2, 2009. The newest member of the Boxster family stands out from the other versions of Porsche's mid-engined roadster. Its low-slung, lightweight soft top—when closed—extends far to the rear to protect the driver and passenger from bright sunshine, wind and weather. This top, when combined with extra-low side windows and two striking bulges on the single-piece rear lid, provides the Boxster Spyder with a sleek silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT. The Boxster Spyder features a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine with Direct Fuel Injection upfront of the rear axle. Maximum output is 320 hp, 10 hp more than the Boxster S (although the Boxster S will gain the 10 additional horsepower in 2010). The combination of 10 more hp and 176 pounds less weight than the award-winning Boxster S, plus an all-new sport suspension that lowers the Boxster Spyder 0.7 of an inch, a lower center of gravity, a standard limited slip differential, and exclusive wheels provides the kind of driving dynamics that back up the unique look. Aluminum door skins and lightweight interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS contribute to the weight reduction. When equipped with Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission and the Sports Chrono Package, the new Spyder, using Launch Control, accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Top track speed is 166 mph—with the roof open. Significantly less weight than the Boxster S, a lower center of gravity, and an all-new sports suspension give the Boxster Spyder the right kind of driving dynamics clearly reflecting the unique look of the car. Fundamentally, the entire Boxster family is the successor to the legendary 550 Spyder and RS 60 of the Fifties and Sixties, all sharing the same mid-engine roadster concept. Low weight and supreme agility combine to provide outstanding driving pleasure. In 2004 and 2008 Porsche produced limited editions of the Boxster bearing the additional name Spyder, honoring the 550 and RS 60. In contrast, the new Boxster Spyder is a regular, but specially developed and upgraded production model as compared with the Boxster and Boxster S. The 2011 Boxster Spyder goes on sale February 2010. U.S. pricing is $61,200. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Ford MUSTANG Cobra Jet

VIDEO: NEWS & REVIEWS Since its victorious introduction at the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, Ford's Cobra Jet Mustang has created a legacy of power, performance and triumph. The 40th Anniversary 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang lived up to the legend of the original, duplicating the NHRA Winternationals victory in 2009 and dominating drag strips across the land. Ford Racing unveiled the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustang at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which marks the continued evolution of the CJ as a factory-produced turnkey race car. In honor of the SEMA introduction, Ford Racing built and unveiled a one-of-a-kind "SEMA Special" silver Cobra Jet complete with a charcoal Cobra Jet graphics package. The 2010 Cobra Jet, like its predecessor, is a factory-built race car that is intended for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing. The goal for the 2010 Cobra Jet was to enhance the race features to further make its own place in NHRA history. The 2010 CJ will come with all of the features of the 2008 car with enhancements that include options for a full race-prepared automatic or manual transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified rollcage, and an Aeromitive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell. Additionally Ford Racing engineers have developed for the 2010 Cobra Jet a factory-first launch control/rev limiter that will allow drivers to preset the rpm after they stage the car. When they are ready to leave, all they do is put the throttle pedal to the floor; they don't have the engine speed to free rev. Previously, the launch control/rev limiter was only available as an aftermarket option. Much like Ford Racing's previous Mustang FR500S race car, the Cobra Jet Mustang will get its start at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The entire 50-car run of 2010 Cobra Jets will be built on the same production line that produces the 2010 Ford Mustang production car. Production of Cobra Jets will commence in January, with delivery of all vehicles expected in the first quarter of 2010. All of the additional parts and pieces for the CJ can be found in the Ford Performance Parts catalog. And since the Cobra Jet is produced from a base V-6 Mustang, any consumer can turn his Mustang into a Cobra Jet by purchasing the parts from the Ford Performance Parts catalog. The 2010 CJ car features a choice for customers between two supercharged engines or three normally aspirated engines (pending NHRA approval). These options will allow the Cobra Jet to be eligible for more classes in the NHRA, as well as competition with other sanctioning bodies, including NMRA, NMCA, PSCA and IHRA. All 50 of the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustangs have already been ordered by Ford dealers for delivery to customers. For those customers who missed out on the limited run of 2010 Cobra Jets, Ford Racing has set a goal to provide future versions of the Cobra Jet. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2009 Dodge CHALLENGER SpeedFactory Stage 5 Supercharged

NEWS & REVIEWS SpeedFactory, a top-tier modern muscle car builder, will introduce the first modern supercharged, all-aluminum, 440 Hemi-powered Challenger at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nov 3-6, 2009. SpeedFactory works closely with Chrysler Corporation and other high level suppliers including Arrington Engines and Vortech Superchargers to offer many of these premium packages with manufacturer warranties. The SpeedFactory prepared 2009 SRT8 Challenger is powered by a bored and stroked 6.1L Hemi Mopar aluminum block, increasing the displacement to 440 cu. in. (7.2 liters). It includes CNC-ported Mopar aluminum heads and a completely forged rotating assembly. A Vortech V3 centrifugal supercharger boosts the output of this reliable, modern Mopar power plant to 700 hp on premium-grade 91-octane pump fuel. SpeedFactory performance modifications include Mopar Performance NAG 1 transmission, Mopar Performance fuel rails, Moroso coolant tank and oil pan, Getrag IRS with 1000 HP half-shafts, Corsa stainless steel cat back exhaust system, performance springs, sway bars, and additional strut tower braces, 15? Brembo 6-piston front disc brakes, and Bridgestone R Compound tires mounted on 20? BBS Black Edition CH-R flow-formed wheels. SpeedFactory’s Signature interior package includes logo-embossed seat backs, matching door panel stripe with logo, custom floor mats, Mopar door sills and T-handle shifter. Visually, the exterior of the car has also been enhanced with a race-inspired, matte-finish, full carbon fiber hood and rear deck spoiler, as well as SpeedFactory Signature badging and graphics. SpeedFactory works in 2 ways—buy a complete, turnkey, high performance SpeedFactory Challenger from an authorized dealer or SpeedFactory can take your existing vehicle and work their magic. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2010 Aston Martin Rapide

VIDEO: NEWS & REVIEWS Aston Martin will unveil one of the most eagerly awaited cars of 2009 at the 63rd Frankfurt Motorshow. The elegant Rapide, functional yet luxurious, provides space for up to four adults combined with an engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins. As the marquee’s first production four-door sports car, Rapide encapsulates core values of power, beauty and soul while bestowing four occupants with ample accommodation. A luggage compartment affords generous space for belongings for all four passengers, creating an Aston Martin which can be enjoyed on any occasion, anytime, anywhere. Rapide’s rear has been intelligently packaged to create a space where passengers feel a part of the driving experience with clear views to the front and sides. Comfort and support is supplied in the form of two hand-trimmed individual seats and a personal face-level heating and air conditioning system. Rear passengers can benefit from the optional Aston Martin rear entertainment system; two LCD screens are seamlessly integrated into the back of the front seat headrests optimally positioned at eye level. Aiding the practicalities of everyday use, the luggage compartment features a movable bulkhead to permit access from the rear cabin while the rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button to create a flat loading space increasing the luggage compartment from 10.6 cubic-feet to 26.4 cubic-feet. At the heart of every Aston Martin lies an evocative engine providing effortless power and torque: Rapide features a hand-built 6.0-litre V-12 engine producing 470 hp with peak power being delivered at 6,000 rpm and 443 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 5,000 rpm. A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission is standard, allowing the driver to change gear automatically or manually via the steering-column-mounted magnesium paddles. The system also includes a “Sport” mode—activated by a button on the center console—which engages a more aggressive gear shift strategy as gear changes feel sharper along with more forceful engine speed matching on downshifts. The use of lightweight materials has resulted in the Rapide’s projected weight gaining only 419 lbs. over its DB9 sibling delivering a target curb weight of 4,299 lbs.; a small weight gain considering the Rapide is 11 inches longer than the DB9. Aside from the front doors and bonnet, all of Rapide’s body panels are new. The front wings are formed from composite while all four doors and roof are pressed aluminum and the rear quarter panels are steel. For the first time on an Aston Martin, Rapide features a dual cast brake system. The discs are made from two materials, cast iron and aluminum. The new technology provides dynamic advantages in the form of reduced unsprung mass with a brake that is 15–20% lighter than a standard cast iron brake. Using both cast iron and aluminum takes advantage of the heat resistance provided by cast iron and the weight saving properties of aluminum. To take full advantage of its extremely rigid platform, the Rapide features Adaptive Damping System (ADS) first seen on the DBS which uses two separate valves to set the dampers to five different positions, allowing instant adjustment of the car’s ride and handling characteristics. The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond instantly to different road conditions and driver inputs. First deliveries of the Rapide will commence early in 2010 and will be available globally through Aston Martin’s 125-strong dealership network. Pricing will be confirmed at the Frankfurt Show. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge