Indoor Carshow

The East Coast Indoor National Carshow, 2007, originally uploaded by spike55151.

Bentley Continental GTC

Bentley Continental GTC in green, originally uploaded by Delox - :: SK :: EU ::.

Edo Competition Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 Versione Nardo

At the high-speed test track in Nardo, Italy, the venerable team at edo competition have put their Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 to the task, making the raging bull go as fast as they can. Using a “meticulously accurate and incorruptible” GPS-based measuring system from TÜV-Rheinland, the LP 640 clocked a record breaking 345.7 km/h (214.8 mph) run, making it the fastest top speed ever recorded by a Lamborghini. Amazingly, the only modifications made were an ECU recalibration, new high flow air filters and high performance catalytic converters specifically designed for the LP 640 which produce 663 hp from the 6.5-liter V12 engine. Already, edo competition have set a new goal for themselves next year as they aspire to achieve a top speed in excess of 360 km/h (224 mph). They estimate 700 hp should do the trick.

A 4am wake-up Espresso has to suffice. The remaining drowsiness disappears as soon as the 6.5 ltr. V12, now with 663 hp, is fired up. Re-torque the wheels once again. After checking the pressure of the new Continental V-max tires the edo competition LP 640 Versione Nardo rolls onto the 12.6 km (7.8 miles) long oval.

Each contestant has 3 laps: The first one as the warm-up lap, the second one as the high-speed lap and the third one as the cool down lap. By now it’s 6am, the sun is rising over the test track. It’s chilly with light winds, but above all - It’s dry. On this Sunday morning the warm-up lap is driven at speeds between 280 and 300 km/h (174-186 mph). Particular attention is paid to vibrations, oil- and water-temperatures. It feels good, the LP 640, and thanks to the newly developed rear wing it’s so fantastically stable, as if the tires were glued to the south-Italian tarmac.

Now it’s on. The second lap counts and the growl of the V12 is turning into an infernal shriek as the revs rise - similar to a chainsaw cutting through a giant sequoia tree. Wide open throttle is the norm now and even at 280 km/h (174 mph) one is still being pushed into the seat. Meanwhile in 6th gear the raging bull comfortably eclipses the 340 km/h (211 mph) mark, but there’s more. 345.7 km/h (214.8 mph) is what TÜV-Rheinland’s meticulously accurate and incorruptible GPS-based measuring system shows.

Cool down lap – Not without pride the engine is brought back into more sedate rev ranges, with the knowledge to have achieved the fastest ever recorded top speed of a Lamborghini!

Even the newly developed rear wing could prove itself in these extreme conditions. No drop in top speed - far from it, and absolutely stable driving behavior even at these high speeds.

With this result Edo competition has clearly proven that even small modifications like an ECU recalibration, new high flow air filters and high performance catalytic converters specifically designed for the LP 640 can have a resounding effect.

Our thanks go to Continental, AutoBildSportscars, TÜV-Rheinland and Mr. Thomas Budde, Prof. M.D., who measured the heart rate of Edo Karabegovic and the other pilots during the runs.

While for some test drivers heart rates equaling those of top athletes were measured, our results were well within the comfort range with a peak of 150 beats per minute.

Driven by this fantastic success the team of edo competition Motorsport will field the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640 with considerably more power next time. The goal is 700 hp, which should allow for a top speed in excess of 360 km/h (224 mph).

DUNE Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 499HP Premieres In Essen

The maroon matt-finished Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 by “Delta4x4” that made its global debut at the Essen Motor Show features a series of mechanical and cosmetic upgrades. The standard 425 HP 6.1-litre V8 HEMI engine has been enhanced to 499 HP thanks to the new engine control unit, the sport exhaust system with performance manifold and the modified air-feed. Delta says that the 499 HP DUNE project accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mpg) in less than 5 seconds. -Continued

Delta4x4 has also fiddled around with the suspension (+100 mm ground clearance) and the tires as the DUNE sits on new custom light wheel elements IV with 11x23in mounted Continental Cross Contact tires in 305/40 R23. Finally, integrated into the new front spoiler is a Warn winch while the stainless steel roof-rack system and the fender extension contain filigree PIAA main-beam headlights that promise to turn night into day.

2008 Audi A3 Cabriolet Promotional Video

Although we weren’t exactly thrilled about the new A3 Cabriolet’s appearance (see details and high-res images here), journalist friends of ours that saw the car up close during the media presentation in Hungary support that it looks much better in person. We don’t know if Audi’s new promotional video gives you a better sense of the car’s exterior looks, but that’s the best we can do for the time being. Check it out and tell us what you think.

Via: Motorpasion

Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line: Official Details & Images

Volkswagen presented the sporty R-Line equipment packages for the new Tiguan compact SUV at the Essen Motor Show. As we predicted in our initial post on the Tiguan R-Line (click here), the German carmaker will offer two separate kits, an interior package and an exterior package. However, note that the R-Line packages will be exclusively available on the Sport & Style version of the Tiguan. -Continued after the jump

The "Exterior" R-Line package combines a bodykit with 19 inch "Omanyt" type alloy wheels equipped with size 255/40 R19 tires. Furthermore, the so-called dynamic chassis is also on board, equipped with a sportier suspension tuning.

The bodykit includes bumpers painted in car color with redesigned lower areas, a diffuser (painted black) integrated in the rear bumper, and in front a radiator grille screen with dual louvers in "matte chrome". Standard equipment includes black wheel well extensions – and door add-on parts that are painted in car color as well.

Interior upgrades of the Tiguan "Plus" R-Line package consist of the sport seats (front) with R-Line logo embossed in the headrests and "Monte Carlo" fabric design, multifunctional leather steering wheel, also with R-Line logo, and aluminum pedal caps. Leather sport seats are also offered as an option.

Opening Picture edited by Carscoop

New Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is entering the 2008 motorsport season with engine output increased to 420 bhp. The car will be raced in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup, the world’s fastest international brand trophy, and worldwide in national Porsche Carrera Cups and GT3 Cup Challenges. 265 units of this production-based racing car developed in Weissach will be built on Porsche’s production line in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, marking a new record for a car of this category.

The most significant modification compared with last year’s model is the new rear end following the design of the production model. Air venting slits ensure better dissipation of heat at the rear. The 3.6-litre six-cylinder boxer engine developed in Weissach is also based on the street-legal GT3 and develops maximum output of 420 bhp, 20 horsepower more than on the previous model. The sequential six-speed transmission with interruption of engine power enables the driver to shift up under full throttle without disengaging the clutch. The transmission itself has been optimised and the gear ratios adjusted to the characteristics of the engine. Weighing 1,150 kg in race trim, the new 911 GT3 Cup has a power-to-weight ratio of 2.7 kg per horsepower.

The 26 units of the 911 GT3 Cup built for the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup feature a special exhaust system with an even more striking sound pattern reminiscent of the Formula 1 racing scene as well as PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes as exclusive highlights. Compared with conventional brake discs, PCCB reduces unsprung masses by 20 kg and sets new standards in terms of responsiveness, resistance to fading, and a long service life. The racing cars entered worldwide in the Carrera Cup feature a modified exhaust system and steel brake discs.

Porsche’s Racing Department in Weissach is responsible for the fine-tuning and running in the 911 GT3 Cup cars. Deliveries will be directly from Weissach, depending on the country of destination and the schedules to be observed. While the cars for the Carrera Cup New Zealand have already been shipped, delivery of the racing cars for the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup and the Carrera Cup Germany is scheduled for early March 2008.


Specifications

Power Unit
Water-cooled six-cylinder boxer; 3,598 cc; stroke 76.4 mm (3.01"); bore 99.98 mm (3.94"); max output 420 bhp (309 kW); max torque 420 Nm (310 lb-ft); max engine speed 8,400 rpm; four-valve technology; dry sump lubrication; two-stage resonance intake distributor; central air intake; electronic MS 3.1 engine management; fuel injection (multi-point, sequential); fuel grade 98 RON premium plus unleaded; racing exhaust with fully controlled catalytic converter (400 cells); rear silencer with centrally mounted double tailpipe; special exhaust tailpipes for the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup.

Power Transmission
Six-speed gearbox with sequential jaw-type shift; compressed oil lubrication; oil/water heat exchanger; single-mass flywheel; hydraulic disengagement lever; 5.5-inch three-plate sintered metal clutch; limited-slip differential 40/60 %; rear-wheel drive.

Body
Monocoque body made of hot-galvanised steel; aerodynamically optimised front end with front spoiler; doors with side frames made of CFP and reinforced plastic door panels; rear lid with adjustable rear wing made of CFP; rear body panels made of CFP; air jack; welded-in rollcage; bucket-type racing seat (on driver's side only) with flame-resistant seat cover; six-point seat belt adapted for use of the HANS Head and Neck Support; electric fire-extinguishing system; 90-litre fuel tank; safety bar holding the battery in position.

Chassis and Suspension
Front: McPherson spring strut axle; Sachs gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and ancillary spring); front axle arms adjustable for camber; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar; reinforced front axle crossbar with six-point fastening and double clamping; power steering with electrohydraulic pressure supply.
Rear: Multi-arm axle with rigidly mounted axle subframe; Sachs gas pressure dampers; double coil springs (main and ancillary spring); rear axle track arm adjustable for camber; rear axle tiebar reinforced and infinitely adjustable; adjustable sword-type anti-roll bar.
Complete suspension infinitely adjustable (height, camber, track).

Brakes
Brake system with balance bar control.
Front: Single-piece six-piston aluminium fixed callipers; Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), inner-vented, 380 mm (14.96") in diameter; racing brake pads.
Rear: Single-piece four-piston aluminium fixed callipers; Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), inner-vented, 350 mm (13.78") in diameter; racing brake pads.

Wheels/Tyres
Front: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (9J x 18); ET 43 with central locking;
Michelin rain tyres (24/64-18).
Rear: Three-piece BBS light-alloy wheels (11J x 18); ET 30 with central locking;
Michelin rain tyres (27/68-18).

Electrical System
Motec display with integrated data recording; battery: 12 volt, 50 Ah, 90 Ah alternator.

Weight
Approx 1,150 kg (1,130 kg with PCCB).