Remember the ending of Top Gear 13 when Jeremy said that supercars will be soon consigned to the history books?! Well, it seems that the curse is already starting to take effect! Due to all that emission standard and fuel consumption restrictions, car manufacturers are forced to downsize their massive engines in order to keep the green party happy. Audi and BMW are the first to use this tactic by dropping their V10s and using turbocharged V8s instead.

Fortunately, because of the modern technologies, less cylinders and displacement do not necessarily mean less power! In BMW’s case for example, their M-powered V10 develops 507 hp, while the turbocharged V8 that they are already using in the X5M and X6M is more powerful at 555 hp. This engine will also power the next M5 and M6 models.

Audi has a similar situation. Their Lamborghini derived V10 which is used i the S6 and RS6 will be a no no for the next generation models. Instead a newly developed V8 possibly with two turbochargers will be in charge of performance.

Although there will be no shortage of power with new cleaner engines, but this is the start of something terrible! As you know Mercedes too will be losing its mighty V12 engines. Maybe in next few years these V8s also become dirty and be pushed out, then what?! It will keep going until all of us drive hybrids! Then the thing we will miss the most is the heavy roar of a V12 engine!

The growling 6.3 liter V8 engine made by AMG and Mercedes Benz has won two awards for Best Performance and Above 4 liters Engines. This engine replaced the other award winning V8, the 5.5 liter supercharged and is now powering the ML63,C63,CLK63,CL63,CLS63,SL63,S63 and the new E63 AMG. These V8s are widely famous for their blistering performance and magnificent noise.  More details after the jump…

Press Release:

In the coveted “International Engine of the Year Awards 2009″, engines from Mercedes-Benz and AMG were voted the best in three categories. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine carried off two awards: in the “Best Performance Engine” and “Above 4 liters” categories, this high-revving, naturally aspirated engine developing up to 386 kW/525 hp took first place by a wide margin in each case. In the “2 to 2.5 liters” category, the new four-cylinder diesel unit from Mercedes-Benz also took first place by a comfortable margin.

The “International Engine of the Year Awards” are among the most prestigious in the automobile sector, and are presented annually by the British motoring publisher UKIP Media & Events. The best engines of the year are chosen in twelve categories by an independent jury of 64 well-known motoring journalists from 32 countries. This year two engines from Mercedes-Benz and AMG prevailed against stiff competition from Germany, Italy, Great Britain, the USA and Japan. This once again demonstrates the great expertise of Mercedes-Benz and the performance brand AMG in the development and production of exciting engines.

For 2009 the winner in the “Best Performance Engine” and “Above 4 liters” categories was the AMG6.3-litre V8 engine. This high-revving, naturally aspirated power unit with a displacement of 6208 cc develops an output between 336 kW/457 hp and 386 kW/525 hp, a maximum torque of 630 Newton meters, and is used in seven AMG high-performance cars such as the C 63 AMG and the SL 63 AMG. The basis for its agile power delivery is a concerted technology transfer from motor racing, something that has been firmly embedded in the corporate philosophy of Mercedes-AMG for more than four decades. Jury member Bill McKinnon (USA): “Enormous pulling power and the responsiveness of a racing engine, combined with a “Wagneresque” soundtrack – this AMGV8 sets the standard.”

A high performance with exemplary fuel economy is also offered by the newly designed direct-injection four-cylinder diesel engine from Mercedes-Benz. The most powerful variant develops 150 kW/204 hp from a displacement of 2143 cc, with a maximum torque of 500 Newton meters. It is used in both the new E-Class and the C-Class. The C 250 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY Saloon equipped with this engine has a combined fuel consumption of just 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers – showing exemplary efficiency. The 125 kW/170 hp variant is happy with 4.8 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km (corresponding to CO2 emissions of 127 g/km) - the best figure in this category. Jury member John Carey (Australia) describes the engine as follows: “Effortless performance and an unbelievably low fuel consumption.”

According to Friedrich Eichler, Head of Engine and Powertrain Development at Mercedes-AMG: “These top rankings reflect the huge enthusiasm of our customers for the AMG6.3-litre V8 engine and the high-performance cars equipped with it – and they confirm the extremely positive test results in all the worldwide media.” Christoph Schmidt-Arnold, Head Project Manager for the new diesel engines, echoes these comments: “We are extremely pleased that the new four-cylinder diesel engine from Mercedes-Benz has been so well received by our customers and that its combination of high efficiency and maximum driving pleasure has now been acknowledged with this award.”

VW and Porsche are preparing the next generation of their very similar full size SUVs, the Touareg and the Cayenne. Both cars will get a new look which will be much leaner and curvy than the current model’s box shape styling, and both car will hit the markets in 2011. Here you see the first spy pictures of the VW Touareg.

Some say the new Touareg will be as much as 300KG lighter than the outgoing model and will have better off road capabilities as well. VW will also offer Touareg with the third row of seats as a seven seater car. As for the engines, 2011 Touareg will get the fully enhanced  3.6 liter V6 and 4.2 liter V8, with the V10 diesel coming later on. It’ll also get the same hybrid power train as the Porsche Cayenne hybrid which consists of a supercharged 3.0 liter V6 and an electric motor.

The station wagon variant of the 2010 Mercedes E-class has done all the tests and is ready for debut at IAA motor show this summer and it’ll be going on sale in November. The new E-class T-Modell is 4.89 meters long and offers more space for the passengers than the previous model. It is also much roomier in the luggage area, offering 700 liter standard expandable to 2000. It’ll also feature all the new safety equipments introduced in the sedan version. List of engines and pricing after the jump …

source: Autobild

The jaw-dropping new Mercedes E63 AMG is eagerly waiting for its launch to take the market by storm and teach a good lesson to all of them sports saloons out there with its 525hp rumbling V8, which is the most powerful amongst its rivals and is also the most powerful E-class ever made. Now Mercedes has just announced its European price and, well it’s a bit high!

But then it should be, because this is a lot of car. Its 6.2 liter normally aspirated V8 is capable of 525 hp and 630 nm of torque which can take you from zero to 100 in 4.5 seconds in absolute comfort and while the other rivals stops at 250 this E63 keeps going right up to 300 km/h. Of course removing the limiter is an extra option which you have to ask for, but hey!

The car is also lighter, nimbler and more agile than the previous model, you get three settings (Comfort, Sport and Sport plus) for the electronic suspension, so handlingwise it’s almost there to be as good as a sports car, given the weight and all the luxury onboard. Also  because of this lightness and with help of other fuel saving technologies, the E63 is one of the most economical cars in this segment. It averages 12.6 liters per 100km/h which is fantastic considering the performance it delivers. You can order the same sort of ceramic braking package they use for the SLR supercar  for E63 which are so powerful that it hurts more braking than actually having the accident you are trying to avoid!

Already there is a huge demand for this car and people are queuing up to put their name down to get one, but it won’t hit the showroom floor until August with a price tag of 105,791 Euros.

via: AMS

Since the first words about the revival of Lotus Espirit came out, there has been a lot of speculations about its details although even if they are going to make it it won’t come sooner than 2012! but nevertheless. The last rumor is a good one! It says that the next Espirit will be a supercar featuring the 500hp V10 engine of the Lexus LF-A.

Of course the first thing that makes you skeptical about this rumor is the fact that LF-A itself is not ready to come out and how can plan on something which doesn’t exist yet! On the bright side, Lotus and Toyota have very good relationship! Best versions of the Elise are powered by Toyota engines. Taking into account that Lotus, no matter how good they are, is still a small car maker and might not survive in a fight with big boys if it goes alone, some backup force from Toyota sounds like a sweet deal for them.

And there will be a war if they decide to put the V10 in it! In this case the Espirit will go head to head with Lamborghini Gallardo and Audi R8 and Ferrari F450. With the V10 as the top of the range model, there can be more affordable versions of the car with the V8 of Lexus IS-F or the 300hp 3.0 liter V6 Toyota engine developed by Lotus.

source: Evo

We have already brought to you some clear spyshots of the next generation Audi A8 which will come with lots of innovative features. Now more details are known about the car plus its debut time which will be next spring in 2010 during  Geneva Motor Show.

The new Audi A8 will be about 10cm longer than the current model and that means it’ll set a new standard for the space inside the cabin.  To achieve this, the front axle had to move forward by 15cm which is also good for weight distribution. Of course rear passengers will benefit the most from this space increment.

As for styling, the new car will get only subtle changes specially at the front where the Audi grille is bigger than ever and the new headlights are equipped with daytime LED lights. The whole body is also more curvy and sleek than the current design.

And as for mechanics, 2010 Audi A8 has some new features to offer. The basic version will come with a front-wheel-drive system and a CVT gearbox connected to a six-cylinder 2.8 liter engine. The big A8 will also be available with a twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engine! And inevitably, a hybrid variant would come out later on. You still get the big V8 with the top of the range model, so don’t despair!

source: AMS

Ferrari F430 had a very dignified life through the years it’s been around and so it is set to have a dignified retirement too as Ferrari will auction the last one for charity. But ‘all of a sudden’ a company called Unique Sportscar decides to ruin all that reputation and Novitec Rosso, a top Ferrari tuner, helped them!

Imagine Tony Montana dressing as a punk with tattoos all over his body! How’d you feel about it?! That’s the case with this Ferrari. It is too serious, too good for such a stupid treatment. Of course these airbrush jobs by the artist Knud Tiroch are quit expensive, but nevertheless, it is just not right. And if you think the exterior looks bad, wait until you see what they’ve done to the interior! Novitec contribution for design is a new bodykit and some 20inch rims.

But under the skin is where things are more interesting! Thanks to Novitec expertise in playing witchcraft with turbochargers! the V8 in the Calavera now develops 707 hp! So the performance has been improved noticeably, 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds and top speed 216 mph. They have also fiddled with suspension and dropped the car for some inches so the handling would cope with the extra power.

They say there will be only 11 examples of the Ferrari Calavera, but honestly who’s gonna buy such a thing?! I mean the usual F430 customers are proper middle-aged gentlemen and to them their dignity is more important than life! And those punks or riders or whatever they’re called who like this concept are not rich enough to get it! So its only imaginable customer base  would be premiership footballers!!

Press Release:

Ferrari F430 “CALAVERA” by Unique Sportcars and Novitec Rosso

Calavera “where performance meets design”

Using 11 months of design and development, the bavarian design house „Unique Sportcars” has completed their first design concept: A Super Sports Car for the streets.

Limiting the series to the number of 11, the unique „Calavera” design is based on the Ferrari F430, collaborating exclusively with Ferrari Specialist Novitec Rosso and Airbrush Artist Knud Tiroch.

The „Calavera” concept (Spanish: Skull) is the brand of Unique Sportcars, mother of future design implementations.

In touch with modern fashion, Unique Sportcars has combined „whats hot” with a luxurious sports car, the „Calavera”.

All involved create an inspiring team. For over 20 years, Novitec is well-known on the tuning scene. In the early 90s, Novitic received attention and recognition for their Turbo- and Supercharged motors for Alfa Romeo. 2003 was the year of the first Novitec Rosso twin-supercharger engine for Ferrari, making a statement to professionals worldwide.

Knud Tiroch is one of a kind. He belongs to Europe`s finest Airbrush artists and is responsible for creating the exclusive designs on chassis and interior. His finesse was of great use to David Coulthard, ZZ Top, Arnold Schwarzenegger and many more.
Unique Sportcars develops exclusive designs for customers wanting more than off-the-shelf. Custom-tailoring individual ideas and customer`s wishes, we are on the look-out for partners to make these come to life. Idea, Concept and Implementation, all from one source!

Besides design composition and project engineering, these Bavarians have developed a few special extras. „Calavera`s” front is suited with daytime lights, creating a more agressive look, but not impeding on it`s aerodynamics.
A real eye-catcher is the illuminated engine compartment. This non-standard gimmick puts the „Calavera” in spotlight, setting the tone for the brute rear and 707 HP engine.

The finishing touch is given through its interior. The „Calavera” design continues. Embroidered seats and a modified, extended middle console, leaving room for conventional functions and extensions like the new generation Apple iPod.
The whole procedure of tuning includes completely dismantling the vehicle`s frame. The modifications of engine, aerodynamics, rims, tires and sports exhaust system are done by Novitec.

All custom work is completed within about 3 months.
A bolide, right on schedule for the last series of the Ferrari F430; creating a new sensation.

Summary…a brilliant combination of exclusive design and modern technology. Truely, a „Unique Sportcar”.

Technical Details

707 hp / 520 kW, 712 Nm, 0 – 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, a top speed of 348 km/h and extremely sporty interior appointments. At the heart of the CALAVERA lies the NOVITEC ROSSO twin-supercharger engine in its latest evolutionary stage. Up to now, the eight-cylinder, four-valve engine with a displacement of 4,308 ccm and mechanical NOVITEC ROSSO twin superchargers produced 656 hp / 482 kW.
The sprint from rest to 100 km/h is shortened by half a second to 3.5 seconds. After just 10.5 seconds the car reaches 200 km/h. The 300-km/h barrier is shattered after 29.9 seconds. In combination with longer gear ratios available upon request the top speed grows from 315 km/h to 348 km/h.

20-inch wheels instead of the standard 19-inch wheels: The three-piece NOVITEC ROSSO NF3 double-spoke wheels in sizes 8.5Jx20 in front and 12Jx20 on the rear axle fill out the F430 wheel houses perfectly. High-performance tires in sizes 235/30 ZR 20 and 325/25 ZR 20 come from technology partner PIRELLI.

Like all other body components the NOVITEC ROSSO front spoiler was developed in the wind tunnel. It is attached to the underside of the production front apron. It lends the F430 an even more aggressive frontal appearance and reduces lift on the front axle Agile, safe handling is one of the strengths of the NOVITEC ROSSO sport suspension for the Ferrari, optimized everyday use the other. Contrary to the production suspension the front can be raised by 40 millimeters at the push of a button to safely navigate past curbs, driveway entries and speed bumps. Once the car reaches a speed of 80 km/h the suspension automatically lowers itself back to normal position, about 35 millimeters lower than the production car.

NOVITEC ROSSO sport stabilizers reduce body roll and provide even more direct turn-in. To be able to safely control this enormous performance potential at all times NOVITEC ROSSO also modifies aerodynamics, tires, suspension and brakes

This could be the first diesel powered supercar! When it was first shown at Detroit Motor Show last year, it was an instant hit, a wild version of Audi R8′s already outrageous body with the state of the art V12 TDI engine. It was about to going into production but all of a sudden, Audi announced they cannot be bothered to make it!

They say the cost of making it cannot be justified. They have to re-engineer the R8′s platform for the new powertrain and that means trouble considering they have recently done the process for the the upcoming R8 V10 TFSI ! I think the V10 is the culprit here! it is pointless. It looks exactly like the V8 one and if it’s for the extra power, you can get much more than its 550 hp from tuning companies for much less money. So they should have made the V12 instead. And that could become a milestone for Audi but… they didn’t want it anyway!

Stile Bertone Mantide, a car which is a one-off showcase of the Bertone at its absolute best and was revealed at Shanghai Auto Show, will finally see the sun (sort of!) as it’s set for a limited production of 10 units, Jason Castriota confirmed. I said sort of because it will sport a $2 million dollar price tag! So even if you can afford it, it’s not likely to become your daily driver!

After all, the hefty price tag is a part of the recipe for a super special edition. And as Jason points out they have already seen some interest from customers in Asia, Europe and America. And just think about seeing this car with its radical shape passing by your street! It’ll be the biggest WOW of all times!

The car is built upon the structure of  the Corvette ZR1 so it has the power to match its amazing looks. It’s capable of 638 hp and can hit the top speed of 217 mph. Since it was unveiled there has been some beef about its shape, some say it doesn’t have the finesse of a pure Italian design, some call it ugly. It’s a matter of taste really, but you can consider it as an artwork, something like a modern art statue, only with a big V8 in it! Then it makes sense to pay its price it you really desire it.

So, you can either have two used Bugatti Veyrons or get yourself one of these, your choice!

You probably can’t do better than these two big fellas if you are looking for the perfect car! These cars are four-door saloons with every imaginable luxury and safety equipments and are powered by massive engines which can leave every modern supercar in a deep shame! These are Mercedes S63 AMG and S65 AMG super sedans, now on video!

Mercedes S63 AMG is a beast really with that magnificent 6.2  liter V8 under the bonnet developing 552 hp, but if that’s not enough for you somehow, choose S65 AMG which cost about 50 grand more, but is truly the ultimate car for the ultimate person! It is powered by a bi-turbo V12 which kicks out 612 hp! Unlike the S63 which sounds like a wounded lion, the S65 is not a naughty car. It’s much more discreet and Gentlemenish! So, your choice!

A new BMW M3 rivaling hot Audi coupe is on the way for 2010 and it’s been recently scooped testing at the Nurburgring. The first and most important thing you notice from these pictures is the retractable rear spoiler like those on sports cars, which can be considered as a sign of its huge power! It must be so fast that it needs a spoiler to keep it in check when needed.

It will be powerful but Audi’s V10 engine for the RS5 seems like a tall order, a tricked out version of the S5′s current V8 is much more realistic. As for the gearbox however, Audi’s dual clutch S-tronic is for sure.

The car features usual RS styling cues like big air intakes, sporty radiator grille,  lower suspension and big wheels. The 2010 Audi RS5 is expected to be revealed at next year’s Geneva Autoshow.

As you see from the renderings they have released the car looks intact original, just! And it will have enough power to live up with its great name. For 2009 it’ll get a version of AMG 5.5 liter V8 without the superecharger, almost same engine as SLK55 AMG, with 370 hp and 530 nm of torque. While later on in 2010 you can have it with a V6 from Mercedes 350 models, which will be good for around 320 hp.

Whatever the engine and whatever the costs, as far as it looks like this, it is a must have for every petrolhead!

Press Release

Here is the the rebirth of an Icon, the 2009 300 SL Panamericana, based on a Reproduction from Hoope’r, Gullwing-AG in Germany, who produce the closest model you can get to the real thing. Arturo Alonso and his company, Gullwing-America , modified this already outstanding automobile into an exotic for the 21st century.

A combination of the Glorious Carrera Panamericana cars of the 50′s and new technology, they came out with this incredible sports car, Alonso himself raced the Carrera for years in a Mercedes 300SE, where the passion for this legendary Race and the Mercedes was born.

The 300SL body is constructed with the use of aircraft composite technology. This construction comprises of a sprayed layer of aluminum to a thickness of .5mm into the mold over which an epoxy adhesive is laid and several layers of 7oz woven glass cloth are then applied with epoxy resin.

Chassis is made from RHS steel reinforced and powder coated, has independent suspension with adjustable coil overs, four wheel disk brakes, a 5.5 liter Mercedes engine, (M-133-55) the one used on the AMG Mercedes models and the SLR, mated to a six speed transmission, special made radiator and exhaust system.

The Panamericana will have a re tuned electronics raising the HP about 370, 530nm of torque @5400RPM. The car will sit lower, have speedtronic transmission, side mufflers, no bumpers, a special grill, four spoke leather steering wheel with power assist, a start button, A/C , a four point harness, Becker Mexico Radio with CD and I pod adapter, and fitted leather luggage. It also includes specially made old school 17 X 8 AMG wheels all around with 235/45/17 Continental Sport contact tires, AMG calipers painted in red, HID headlights, and stripes on the fenders like the “Works” Cars from La Barrera.

For 2010 there will also be the option for the new V6 Mercedes engine (M-272-E35) used on the 350 Models, which has almost the same power of the V8 ( 320HP And 360nm torque @4900RPM)) and could be ordered with a manual six speed.

The cars will all be painted in silver with blue accents in the front fenders like the race cars of the Panamericana, there is the option of a white with red stripes and a Black version. The interiors will be red cover in leather and plaid cloth, typical from that model; The instrument panel is identical as the original 300Sl.

Gullwing-America thinks that this is a true rebirth of the legendary 300SL Gullwing. Updated with technology from 50 years later, the car will be more powerful and handle better than the original. It will be a very drivable car with all the convenient accessories like air conditioning, power steering, etc. from modern cars.

For price and more information contact Arturo Alonso at info@gullwing-america.com

Oh My Sweet Lord! Have you ever seen such a hideous looking thing! Gemballa must have done it on purpose! So we won’t call the original Cayenne ugly anymore and cherish it as a beauty!! However, it packs a massive punch in form of 750 hp and 1050 nm of torque. Still not interested!

Gemballa does it every time a new Cayenne comes out. Among all of their other engines which are all very very powerful, they have to have a 750 hp unit! To achieve this level of power they have done a deep surgery on Cayenne Turbo’s V8 engine and increased its capacity to 5.0 liter. They’ve fitted fortified forged pistons, special connecting rods, racing turbochargers and a new air intercooler that has a 90 percent larger cooling area and installed a new sport exhaust system with the sport catalysts, and optimised racing headers.

The result is plain to see, 750 hp / 552 kW at 6,400 rpm and 1,050 Nm of torque at 3200 rpm which translate into 0-100 time of 4.3 seconds and top speed of just over 300 km/h. It’s shame though, they let this engineering marvel down with a nasty bodykit.

Gemballa is going to make only 50 units of this 750 GTS Tornado. And if think the way it looks is ridiculous, check this out: It costs 400,000 Euros! Holy Moly! If I could be really honest with you about this it’d be like ‘BEEP’ ‘BEEP’ ‘BEEP’ ‘BEEP’ …. !

Press Release

There is only a little connection left between the GEMBALLA TORNADO 750 GTS and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. At the most, the Porsche SUV is the master model for the latest development by the automobile manufacturer from Leonberg near Stuttgart. Already at first glance, the targeted goal of the technicians at GEMBALLA Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG can be clearly defined: away from the SUV and more to an uncompromising sports car. The reason for the performed metamorphosis was the large amount of requests for a high performance sports car with the dimensions and the spacious interior of an SUV. 25 years of experience with innovative products based on Porsche sports cars contributed to the development of this new automobile. The unique signature of owner Uwe Gemballa is also clearly visible with the TORNADO 750 GTS: 750 hp and a vehicle weight reduced by 250 kg are only two unique selling points of this superb automobile. Once again, the company confirms its expertise when it comes to striking design and an especially powerful engine technology.

Striking design for highest requirements

In order to meet the sports car’s increased requirements in terms of light construction and torsional stiffness, Uwe Gemballa´s team optimised nearly the entire auto body. For this reason, the ultra-strength and especially light material carbon is mainly used. A front apron extended by 60 millimetres with integrated aero lip generates more downthrust at the front axle and in connection with the also extended rear section it renders the typical elongated sports car look.

Extensive air inlets suck in additional fresh air for the engine, oil- and air intercooler; and moreover, an air duct system even brings the air to the front brakes. On the other hand, the engine heat is effectively diverted by air ducts in the also newly designed bonnet. The special highlight of the bonnet is its fusion with the front wings and the new, converse opening mechanism. Compared to the serial Cayenne, the one-part bonnet-wing-unit now opens forward and therefore allows a better access to the engine.

The outstanding eye-catchers of the TORNADO flanks are the body extensions which are fitted all the way from the front to the rear. They make space for the extremely broad 12-inch rims and in connection with the new side skirts they render a dynamic look. The aerodynamics specialists also extensively optimised the rear section. The rear skirt has been extended by 40 millimetres and for additional downthrust, a race diffuser has been added. A rear spoiler with carbon flaps perfects the aerodynamic overall package.

When designing the body kit, GEMBALLA does not leave any doubt that the TORNAGO 750 GTS is a full-blooded sports car. In order to emphasise this claim, GEMBALLA adds designer characteristics which are typical for sports cars: Round double tail lights and four end pipes of the high performance exhaust system which have been integrated in the rear skirt, confirm the powerful appearance.

Extensive modifications at the driving gear render impressive results

On the one hand, the combination of the sport exhaust system, the sport catalysers and the optimised racing header render the sporty and earthy sound of the V8. On the other hand this is a substantial part of the profound modifications at the serial power engine of the Cayenne Turbo. But the main feature of the engine makeover is the increase of the cubic capacity up to five litres. Here, the GEMBALLA engine experts fitted fortified forged pistons, special connecting rods and racing turbochargers. An air intercooler with a 90 percent larger cooling area supplies enough cold air. All these components are precisely adjusted to each other with the help of new engine electronics maps.

The result: with a top performance of 750 hp / 552 kW at 6,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 1,050 Nm at 3200 rpm, the GEMBALLA engine meets the wishes of its ambitious customers from motor sports and also renders excellent performance values. The 4WD automobile accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in only 4.3 seconds and with a maximum velocity of over 300 km/h, the GEMBALLA TORNADO 750 GTS is significantly more powerful than its serial counterpart.

Running gear and wheels for adequate grip and agile handling

The TORNADO was equipped with an adjustable coilover kit which has been especially adjusted to the enormous performance potential. This allows lowering the car by up to 70 millimetres and therefore permits a variable adjustment of the setup to every individual driver and scope of use.

The right grip is provided by the tailor-made wheel-tyre combination for the GEMBALLA TORNADO 750 GTS: The multi-part, especially light GT SPORT forged rims are available in 12Jx22 with tyres measuring 335/25 Z 22.

By manufacturing the wheels in forged technology, they are extremely light. Moreover, the weight of the unsprung masses is reduced which significantly improves the handling as well as acceleration and braking response.

The high-performance braking system with the punched and slit XXL discs guarantees optimal deceleration values. In order to provide the perfect gas pedal response, the GEMBALLA technicians used 6-piston brake callipers with 420mm discs at the front axle and 4-piston brake callipers with 380mm discs at the rear axle.

4-seater with state of the art interior

As usual, GEMBALLA builds the interior in an unsurpassable quality and in an innovative design. The four single sports seats which offer all passengers a unique seating experience when driving winding roads are another highlight. The hand-holds which are embedded in the rear centre console provide further support.

The new front centre console with the lifted gearbox and the Data Control System renders a real cockpit feeling. The harmonically integrated display presents driving data such as acceleration, cross-acceleration and deceleration values. But also comfort is not neglected in the TORNADO: Stylish and in artisan perfection, GEMBALLA integrates state of the art Rear Seat Entertainment components and combines these with finest materials, such as high-quality leather, carbon fibre or aluminium.

GEMBALLA – the specialist for high end Porsche refinements and innovative engineering design offers the GEMBALLA TORNADO GTS in a limited edition of 50 cars for a price from 400,000 euros.

For more information about the extensive GEMBALLA refining programme, please visit the web site www.gemballa.com

Recently unveiled BMW hot SUVs the X5M and X6M are preparing for their market launch expecting good sales. Middle East as one of the major markets for BMW and specially these high-end models will get them in October this year. The cars are powered by a new twin-turbo V8 engine developing 555 horsepower and go from null to 100 in 4.7 seconds.

Press Release:

These are the first all-wheel-drive models to offer the supreme performance, dynamic driving features, athletic design, and premium quality typical of a BMW M Car.

An unprecedented story in its own right, BMW pioneered the Sports Activity Vehicle segment with the launch of the BMW X5, which has sold over 845,000 units globally in just one decade. The BMW X5 is testament to the leading and progressive nature of the BMW brand becoming a benchmark for innovation, design and performance for the premium automotive industry.

In 2008 BMW took another bold step forward with the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé, the BMW X6. This highly innovative vehicle captures the features and design qualities typical of a large Coupé combined with the X family high driving position and versatility. The X6 has secured an unrivalled position in the Middle East market reporting sales of 2,372 units since its launch in 2008.

Now, the combination of power, agility and character of both the BMW X5 M and the X6 M results in a level of driving performance never seen before in their respective classes. Both models offer unparalled performance in every respect, providing dynamic driving qualities unique to any of their rivals, and ensuring an experience of unlimited supremacy in challenging motoring conditions or in everyday traffic.

Both models are powered by a newly developed M TwinPower Turbo V8 high-performance engine delivering 555 hp at an engine speed range between of 6,000 rpm and a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h. The six-speed sports automatic gearbox allows for extremely short shift times and very smooth gear-changes.

The new M TwinPower Turbo engine develops outstanding output and performance with equally outstanding efficiency. In addition to direct High Precision Injection, both the BMW X5 M and the X6 M are equipped with a wide range of BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies that offer a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emission.

BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system improves traction on rough terrain and enhances driving dynamics on the road. BMW’s xDrive is naturally geared to the specific power and performance characteristics of the BMW X5 M and the X6 M. Dynamic Performance Control, a unique technology which delivers uncompromised tracking stability on the road comes standard on both models.

The xDrive also interacts with the cars’ special M suspension including Adaptive Drive and the newly developed Servotronic Power Steering, to ensure the dynamic driving behaviour so characteristic of a BMW M Car.

In the M Drive menu the driver is able to set up and pre-configure both the Power Mode and the set-up of the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Electronic Damper Control (EDC), which help stablise handling even in critical situations. The driver is even able to save his favourite set-up and subsequently retrieve it at any time simply by pressing the M Drive button on the steering wheel.

The BMW X5 M and the X6 M are the only vehicles in their segment to come as standard with different-sized front and rear tyres, running in each case on model specific 20-inch light-alloy rims. The combination of ideal tyre sizes in terms of driving dynamics promotes both the exceptionally good transmission of power to the rear axle and the precise, exactly dosed steering behaviour of both models.

The truly outstanding potential of both models comes out clearly in their looks and design. The front – uniform for both models – with their massive air intakes and twin exhaust tailpipes are an impressive indication of the awesome engine power. Both models have a M specific cockpit and are fitted with M seats, M leather steering wheel and many opportunities for personalization.

Beyond these features, both of these all-wheel-drive high performance, sports cars stand out clearly as unique models in their own right: The BMW X5 M clearly boasts its superior power and exclusivity at very first sight, while the BMW X6 M, in its unique design, alludes to fascinating driving dynamics and the car’s athletic charisma.

via: AMEinfo

The new AMG models of 2010 facelifted Mercedes Benz S-Class are already seen through the leaked images, but the official ones always taste better! So feast your eyes on the king of super saloons, the best of them all, the Mercedes S63 AMG and S65 AMG !

These twins shares identical styling cues, but the 65 being bigger, is more posh and packs more punch as well. While the S63 seems like a big cheese burger with its normally aspirated 6.2 liter rumbling V8 which develops 520 hp, the S65 is the full double burger with a massive twin-turbo V12 checking out 612 hp and as near as makes no difference, a 1000 nm of torque! That means this Opera hall does the 0 to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds but as always in electronically restrained at 250 km/h, DAMMIT! You get a whole lot of toys with these cars as you get in the normal S-Class, but everything comes with a sporty touch. Like those 19 or 20 inch wheels which are the AMG signature.

Check out the Press Release below for more details:

The next generation of Jaguar XJ will be completely different than the previous model featuring a body inspired by the XF, but you can’t call it a completely new model because it is literally a XF underneath! But that’s OK! The XF is a brilliant car and to have a bigger one is a good thing!

This is the first real picture of the car ( you can see some renderings here) which shows it from the top! The car will be introduced on July 9 in London but won’t hit the markets until the end of 2009. As mentioned earlier, it gets the new AJ133 5.0 liter V8 which produces up to 510 hp (supercharged) first seen in the XF and XK with the same ZF gearbox. XJ can also be had with the 270 hp V6 diesel. Plus, a hybrid model is planned for 2011.

The new Jaguar XJ will be available in short and long wheelbase versions.

This is supposed to be Novitec Rosso’s 20th anniversary birthday cake, but only 11 of their favoured customers will have a taste of  it! That makes it very exclusive or as Novitec puts it: “world’s most exclusive high-end sports car”, eh?

Novitec’s recipe for this orange cake is quit special. The V8 engine which sits in the middle has been tricked out and given not one but two superchargers. The result is a colossal 777 hp and 727 Newton meters of torque.  That should be enough to take you from 0 to 100 in 3.5 seconds and escort you to 350 kph. The TuLesto is blisteringly fast because it weighs very low at 1230 kg, it uses a 6-speed sequential transmission and has semi-slick tires on 21 inch rims. Novitec has gathered all of its Ferrari tuning knowledge to make a high-end supercar, and you have to say, at least on paper, they have done it right!

Of course they could do better with design, F430 is not a very pretty car in the first place neither it has a classic theme like the 612 or 599. The 599 would be a better option for this purpose specially with its V12 which could be tuned to 1000hp so Novitec could have an anniversary never to be forgotten!

Press Release:

NOVITEC TuLesto with 777 hp and a Top Speed of More than 350 km/h

The World’s Most Exclusive High-End Sports Car

There are many fascinating automobiles money can buy but its spectacular design, its uncompromising high-performance concept and its limited edition of just eleven cars make the new NOVITEC TuLesto the most exclusive high-end sports car in the world.

The mid-engine racer is 204 centimeters wide and weighs in at just 1,260 kilograms. It is built by German automobile manufacturer NOVITEC in Stetten in Bavaria. At the heart of the two-seater is a V8 engine with dual superchargers and a rated power output of 777 hp / 571.8 kW. Thanks to its carbon fiber and aluminum construction the coupe has an excellent power-to-weight ratio of just 1.62 kg/hp. The result is driving performance that only very few super sports cars can match: The sprint from rest to 100 km/h takes less than 3.4 seconds, and the NOVITEC TuLesto reaches 300 km/h after just 22.6 seconds. Top speed is more than 350 km/h.

The new high-end sports car represents NOVITEC’s first proprietary car and marks the company’s 20th anniversary. “With the NOVITEC TuLesto we transform our collective know-how from two decades of automobile tuning into an uncompromising high-performance sports car for eleven of our long-time customers from around the world,” says NOVITEC managing director Wolfgang Hagedorn. “The TuLesto offers an optimal symbiosis of exceptional driving dynamics and exciting yet aerodynamically efficient styling.”

Light-weight construction was one of the main goals from the very start of the project. The designers’ materials of choice are normally found in racecars. The chassis and the integrated safety cell are made entirely from aluminum, making them extremely light while at the same time giving them extraordinary rigidity.

The striking design of the sports car is the result of a cooperation between NOVITEC and the Italian design studio Luca Serafini Stile in Modena. The unmistakable shape of the TuLesto was created using state-of-the-art CAD and CFD technologies, further augmented by the use of the wind tunnel. The TuLesto is 462 centimeters long, 204 centimeters wide and has a height of 122 centimeters.

The spectacular curves of the fenders, the front apron, the shape of the rear and the smooth underbody with integrated venturi tunnel and diffuser were calibrated in the wind tunnel to create an optimal aerodynamic balance.

For perfect weight distribution the NOVITEC TuLesto was designed with a classic mid-engine layout. The 4.4-liter four-valve V8 engine with dual superchargers is installed directly behind the cockpit. The high-tech engine produces a maximum power output of 777 hp / 571.8 kW at 8,200 rpm and a peak torque of 727 Nm at 6,300 rpm.

Motorsports was also the inspiration for the power transfer: The six gears of the semi-automatic gearbox with integrated anti-slip differential are shifted with carbon-fiber paddles behind the steering wheel. An adjustable traction control system with launch control for perfect starts guarantees maximum driving safety on the road and on the track.

The NOVITEC engineers and technicians also used racing technology on the suspension: As in GT-series racing, the TuLesto features double-wishbone suspension front and rear, height-adjustable struts with various selectable damping rates, and adjustable sway bars. For easy negotiating of underground parking ramps or similar obstacles the TuLesto front can be raised four centimeters at the push of a button. The anti-lock braking system features ceramic composite discs and six-piston fixed calipers front and back for maximum stopping power and endurance.

Another elementary contribution to the superior driving dynamics of the NOVITEC TuLesto comes from its ultra-light light-alloy wheels with diameters of 20 or 21 inches. These wheels were custom-developed for this coupe and are fitted with semi slicks up to 355 millimeters wide on the rear axle.

The interior design has a decidedly sporty nature but also offers creature comforts such as a climate-control system and a high-end sound system. Lightweight carbon fiber plays a dominating role in the interior as well: It is used for dashboard, center console and door trim as well as for the bucket seats which will be custom-fitted in form, shape, size, color and upholstery to each of the eleven future owners.

Probably one of the best looking race cars ever is this Maserati Gran Turismo MC. With a 4.7 liter V8 developing 450 horsepower and a new Cambio Corsa gearbox, you can call it a GT racer but it is more of a toy for gentlemen drivers! Them businessmen who wanna have real fun trackdays. So check it in action on track!racing

Maser GT MC Corse at Bologna Motorshow:

[View with PicLens]

Jaguar, by making the XF, has shown that they’ve found the balls to brake away from their old nasty design line and make something wonderful. And they are about to show it again by introducing the XJ replacement, which by imagine, would look like this picture.

Of course it will inherit a lot from the XF not only in terms of styling also for the techs and engines. For instance it will almost certainly get the fancy gear knob, or pulsating buttons of the XF, to make it look as futuristic as the car is! But Jaguar shouldn’t go too far with the modernization, they have some traditional qualities which should be maintained.

There is also no shortage of engines in the Jaguar factory! They have their new V8 which with or without supercharger, is brilliant (380 to 510 hp) and they have that magnificent V6 diesel (270 hp) which has so much torque power you can move a planet with it! There are also rumors about a plug-in hybrid version.

New Jaguar XJ would be unveiled to the media sometime before its official debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Pictures: AutoExpress