BMW M3 ALMS Race Car 2009

The American Le Mans Series is going to get a dose of Bavarian brilliance in 2009, as Bobby Rahal and David Letterman are teaming up to bring the fourth-generation M3 to the racing series. To properly battle the best competition in ALMS, BMW bumps the power quotient of its high-revving 4.0L V8 from 414 to 485 ponies, but brute force is just one facet of the M3's attack plan. The already outstanding chassis of the M3 has been further enhanced for the track, and weight has been reduced to make the deadly M even more nimble.

BMW also employed its extensive F1 knowledge into the M-racer, including computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel analyses to make the carbon fiber-winged M3 slip freely through the air. BMW Motorsport is still tweaking the M3 racer in advance of the 2009 season, and the car will be taken through its paces by Andy Priaulx, Jorg Muller and Augusto Farfus of FIA World Touring Car Championship fame. Since the previous two generations of M3 hold six manufacturers championships in nine years of US sports car racing, we're guessing this baddest M3 ever will continue to be a handful for the competition.

2009 BMW M3 Race Version Specifications

Chassis
Front brake system	Six-piston aluminum brake calipers, inner-vented grey-cast iron brake disks 15.0 in./380mm in diameter
Rear brake system	Four-piston aluminum brake calipers, grey-cast iron brake disk, 13.1 in./332mm in diameter
Engine
Type	Eight cylinder, V-configuration
Displacement	3999 cc
Torque	368 lb-ft/500 Nm
Engine management	BMW Motorsport ECU 408 with two high-performance micro-processors

Audi A6 2009

The 2009 Audi A6 with a 3.0 TFSI V6 carries a supercharger that helps it produce 300-hp with a maximum torque of 310 lb-ft. That. Mated to a Tiptronic automatic transmission the A6 goes from 0 to 60 comes in at 5.9 seconds. The 3.0 TFSI supercharged engine will be available on Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige versions of the Audi A6 sedan and Avant. The 255-hp 3.2 FSI V6 engine will be available in the Audi A6 Premium and Premium Plus equipment levels. It will be mated to a multitronic CVT transmission and front-wheel-drive. The Audi A6 4.2 produces 350-hp from its 4.2 FSI V8 engine which is mated to a Tiptronic automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, S-line exterior and the Prestige equipment level as standard. Last but not least, the 2009 Audi S6 features a 5.2 FSI V10 engine that pumps out 435-hp and a maximum torque of 398 lb-ft. It will be mated to Audi’s Tiptronic automatic transmission.

The new A6 will come packed with additional standard equipment, including a sunroof, Bluetooth, Homelink, heated front seats on quattro models, three months of free SIRIUS satellite radio service and Audi music interface with iPod connectivity.

2009 Audi A6 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Audi A6 4-door sedan Audi A6 4-door wagon

Engines
dohc V6 dohc V8 dohc V10
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.2 /191 4.2 /254 5.2 /318
Horsepower @ rpm. 255 @ 6500 350 @ 6600 435 @ 6800
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 243 @ 3250 325 @ 3500 398 @ 3000
Availability Standard Standard Standard

EPA City / highway mpg
6-speed automatic 17/25 16/23 14/19
CVT automatic 18/27 –/– –/–

Aston Martin DBS

The New Aston Martin DBS is expected to look like familiar, as it should, sharing its basic underpinnings with the Aston DB9 sports car. But the car got some changes and looks like that one, that was revealed in the latest film about James Bond Casino Royal. Aston’s new flagship also gets bulging wheel arches to house the standard, 20-inch Pirelli P-Zero tires.

The DBS’s 6.0-liter V-12 makes an impressive 580 horsepower, enough to launch you to 60 in just 4.3 seconds. That’s a full half-second faster than the brand’s previous speed king Vanquish.

The new car is not only quicker, but better braking and better handling than the Vanquish. Perhaps as significant as the 0-60 times, the DBS pulls a full half-minute off lap times at the grueling Nuerburgring, in Germany.

Thus Aston expected to hit a record 7000 this year in sales. They want to open the automaker’s first design studio, which will help support a product development program that has actually been stepped up since Aston spun off from Ford Motor Co. earlier this year.

Only one car per dealer - a total of 124 worldwide - will be produced, and only in a unique silver paint scheme.

Then there’s the V8 Vantage N400, which honours the Nurburgring. Getting a modest performance boost, it’s going from 380 to an even 400 horsepower.

2009 Aston Martin DBS Specifications

	2009 Aston Martin DBS Base Coupe Performance & Efficiency Standard Features
- 5,935 cc 5.9 liters V 12 front engine with 10.9 compression ratio, double overhead cam and four valves per cylinder - Premium unleaded fuel 91 - Multi-point injection fuel system - 20.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 17.1 - Power: 380 kW , 510 HP SAE @ 6,500 rpm; 420 ft lb , 570 Nm @ 5,750 rpm
	2009 Aston Martin DBS Base Coupe Handling, Ride & Braking Standard Features
- Four-wheel ABS - Brake assist system - Ceramic brakes - Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs - Electronic brake distribution - Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management - Immobilizer - Rear limited slip differential - Driver selectable responsive suspension - Stability control - Wishbone front and rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs - Tire kit

Honda CR-Z

Here is the latest from Green Car Congress. The production version of the media's favorite Honda FCX will be presented at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show.

That can only mean one thing. The fuel cell-powered vehicle is poised to go from concept to retail sometime in 2008. The news comes straight from Honda President and CEO Takeo Fukui, who made the announcement at the Tokyo Auto Show today.

Of course, the main focus of the automaker's global market ambitions will be on its continued commitment to hybrid technologies. According to the report, "Honda expects hybrids to account for 10% of its global vehicle sales by 2010--about 5 times the current level."

The most vivid of examples of that development would be Honda CR-Z (above). Scheduled to be released in 2009, the sports coupe is powered by Honda's trusted gas-electric IMA hybrid system and signifies the automaker's attempt to improve on the rather unsuccessful Honda Insight.

‘CR-Z’ stands for ‘Compact Renaissance Zero’-an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals.

This design research model of a lightweight hybrid sports car features advanced technologies that deliver enjoyable driving for all while reducing the vehicle’s environmental footprint.

Exterior design

Designed to be ‘Futuristic and Dynamic’, the CR-Z combines powerful performance in a compact form with a futuristic image. For its frontal view, an over-sized grill with a high-performance look is offset by openings on each side that lighten the overall feel. In the rear, tube-shaped rear combination lamps ensure better rearward visibility. Design details emphasizing the CR-Z’s advanced image include door mirrors that provide high visibility in a stylish form, LED headlights patterned after luminous bodies to convey a sharp impression, and jauntyfin-shaped.

General
Country Of Origin		Japan
Year Of Introduction		2007
Base Price When New		N.A
Miles Per Gallon		N.A
Body Type		N.A
Curb Weight		N.A
Powertrain Layout		Mid-Engine/RWD
Transmission		6-Speed Sequential
Engine
Configuration		V6
Displacement		N.A
Power		300 bhp
Torque		N.A
BHP / Liter		N.A
BHP / Weight		N.A
Redline		N.A
Performance
Top Speed		N.A
0 - 62 mph		N.A
0 - 100 mph		N.A
0 - 250 mile		N.A
Skidpad		N.A
Braking, 62-0 mph		N.A
Slalom Speed		N.A

Nissan Maxima

The 2009 Nissan Maxima is new from the ground up, and will be available in S and SV versions when it goes on sale in early summer of this year. As Nissan's top-of-the-line sedan, it comes with a wide range of standard and optional features. All Maximas will come with an aluminum- and wood-toned driver-oriented cockpit - leather is optional - with an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat and four-way power passenger front seat. The driver's seat is available with a manual thigh extension and can be equipped with heating and cooling.

A twin-panel moonroof is optional, with a large front section and power sunshade for the rear.

The available Bose audio system features nine speakers and has an iPod interface, while the hard-drive based navigation system comes with XM NavTraffic with real-time traffic information, voice recognition, 9.3 GB of hard drive space for your own music and a 7.0-inch color display on the dash.

Safety equipment includes dual-stage front air bags, side impact airbags and roof-mounted side curtain air bags. The Maxima also features active head restraints.

2009 Nissan Maxima Specifications

Chassis
Tires F-R	10-spoke, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P245/45R18 all-season tires
Brakes F-R	4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes, standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
Engine
Type	3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with improved air intake, combustion and exhaust
Horsepower	290
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM	261 lb-ft
Fuel	20-gallon fuel tank capacity for extended driving range
Transmission	Continuously variable Auto
Exterior
Curb Weight	3600 lb (mfr)
Wheelbase	109.3 in
Height	57.8 in
Length	190.6 in
Width	73.2 in
Performance
0-60 mph	6.2 sec (mfr est)
CO2 Emissions	0.9 lb/mile

Mazda RX-8

Mazda’s rotary powered rocket, the RX-8, has been given a few updates by the Japanese automaker in order to keep their sports car current and a bit more user friendly. The four-door, four-passenger sport compact has received rain-sensing windshield wipers, Mazda’s auto-light system and an audio-less option, all standard. However the most striking of the recent upgrades comes in the form of two new color choices for the exterior: Aluminum Metallic and Metropolitan Gray Mica.

Mazda has left the lovable 13B alone; the two-rotor motor still makes 232 HP in manually shifter vehicles. However, we are still awaiting word of a turbocharger.

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is available as either a 232-hp model fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, or a 212-hp model fitted with a six-speed Sport A/T automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a Formula 1-style driving experience.

2009 Mazda RX-8 Specifications

Chassis
Brakes F/R:	ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R:	225/45 ZR18
Driveline:	Rear Wheel Drive
Engine
Type:	Wankel-2
Displacement cu in (cc):	80 (1308)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:	232(173) / 8500
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:	159(216) / 5500
Redline at RPM:	9000
Exterior
Length × Width × Height in:	n.a.
Weight lb (kg):	n.a.
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s:	6.0 (source: Motor Trend)
Top Speed mph (km/h):	150 (241) (source: Car&Driver)
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km):	18/24 (n.a.)

2009 MTM Audi R8 in Porsche Green

The MTM R8 Supercharged is still very drivable; the chassis can easily handle the extra power. But it demands more attention. It’s a good thing the R8 comes with the full package of driver-assistance and stability-control systems, but know that they get less rest in the supercharged R8. It remains a balanced and essentially forgiving car, but you definitely get to the limits a lot more quickly.

You might want to skip the uplevel stereo, as the blaring composition of engine, supercharger, and exhaust sound is just about impenetrable. You are also well advised to watch the speedometer far more closely than in the standard R8. The 0-to-62-mph sprint takes an estimated 3.9 seconds versus an Audi-quoted 4.6 seconds for the standard R8, and 125 mph is settled in 12.5 seconds, according to MTM. (U.S.-spec R8s we’ve tested have reached 60 mph in as quick as 4.0 seconds and 120 mph in 14.3 seconds.) The MTM R8 will pull to a claimed 196 mph, 9 more mph than the standard R8.

It’s not just numbers. With MTM’s enhancements, this practical, everyday supercar becomes a serious contender, out to run with the best. At city and highway speeds, it seems virtually impossible to stay within the speed limit. Throttle response is exceptionally aggressive, and you merely need to look at the gas pedal to make the MTM R8 leap forward. On the autobahn, the feared Merc AMGs and BMW M cars lose their clout entirely. Push the pedal down at 120 mph, and you get a kick in the back, not a smooth massage as in the standard R8. Very few cars have impressed us more with their acceleration, and none with the sound—you’ll get to enjoy the MTM R8’s shout of triumph after it has left you behind.

SPECIFICATIONS: MTM AUDI R8 R SUPERCHARGED

Engine: V8 Compressor, Twin Srew Supercharger Belt Driven
Capacity in ccm: 4163 ccm
Drilling x Stroke in mm: 84,5 x 92,8 mm
Densification : 12,5 : 1
Gearbox Construction Type: 6-Speed Manual Gearbox
Power (max.): 560 PS (412 kW) bei 7.750 U/min
Supercharging Pressure (max.): 0,55 bar bei 7.750 U/min
Torque (max.): 580 Nm bei 5.500 U/min
Max Limited (unlimited): 301 km/h (315 km/h)
Acceleration: 0 -100/200 km/h: 3,9 sec./12,5sec
Drive: Permanent All-wheel Drive quattro
Brakes: VA 380 x 34 Punched, Ventilated, HA 356 x 32 Perforated, Ventilated
Rims: VA MTM Bimoto Forged 9 x 20" ET 42, HA MTM Bimoto Forged 11 x 20 ET 50
Tyres: VA Michelin Sport Cup 245/30-20", HA Michelin Sport Cup 315/25-20"

Bugatti Veyron

How would you begin the design process for an engine this powerful? If you have read How Car Engines Work, you know that if you want to create a 1,000-horsepower engine, it has to be able to burn enough gasoline to generate 1,000 horsepower. That works out to about 1.33 gallons (5 liters) of gasoline per minute.
We need a 16-liter engine to burn 1.33 gallons of gas per minute. That actually makes sense -- the engine in the Dodge Viper is 8.0 liters in displacement and produces 500 hp.

But there's a problem: A 16-liter V-8 engine would be very large. And the pistons would be massive, so there would be no way it could turn at 6,000 rotations per minute (rpm). It might turn at a maximum of 2,000 rpm, meaning that you would need an immense 48-liter engine to generate 1,000 hp. Clearly an engine that big is impossible in a passenger car.
Bugatti did two things to create a compact engine capable of producing 1,000 hp. The first and most obvious thing is turbocharging.

If you have read How Turbochargers Work, you know that one easy way to make an engine more powerful without making the engine bigger is to stuff more air into the cylinders on each intake stroke. Turbochargers do that. A turbo pressurizes the air coming into the cylinder so the cylinder can hold more air.

If you stuff twice as much air in each cylinder, you can burn twice as much gasoline. In reality, it's not quite a perfect ratio like that, but you get the idea. The Bugatti uses a maximum turbo boost of 18 PSI to double the output power of its engine.

Therefore, turbocharging allows Bugatti to cut the size of the engine from 16 liters back down to a more manageable 8 liters.

To generate that much air pressure, the Bugatti requires four separate turbochargers arranged around the engine.

The second thing Bugatti engineers did, both to keep the RPM redline high and to lower lag time when you press the accelerator, was to double the number of cylinders. The Bugatti has a very rare 16-cylinder engine.

Engine
8.0L 1001hp W16	Std.
Horsepower (@rpm)	1001 @ 6000
Torque (@rpm)	922 @ 2200
Displacement (cc)	7993
Bore X Stroke	N/A
Compression Ratio	N/A
7-Speed Automatic Overdrive:	Std.
- City/Highway (mpg)	8 / 15
- 0-60 (sec)	N/A
Interior
Max. Seating	2
Front Legroom (in)	N/A
Back Legroom (in)	N/A
Exterior
Wheelbase	106.7
Length (in)	175.7
Height (in)	47.4
Amenities
Sunroof/Moonroof	N/A
Air Conditioning	Std.
Leather Seats	Std.
Power Seats	Driver Std. Passenger Std.
Power Windows	Std.
Power Door Locks	Std.
Navigation	N/A
Stereo	Radio, CD Player
Safety
Front Airbags	Driver Std. Passenger Std.
Side Airbags	Front N/A Rear N/A
Side Curtain Airbags	N/A
ABS Brakes	Std.
Payload/Towing
Trunk/Cargo (cu ft)	4.0
Std/Max. Payload (lb)	N/A / N/A
Std/Max. Towing (lb)	N/A / N/A
Fuel Capacity
Tank Size (gal)	26.4

Lamborghini murcielago

The Lamborghini Murcielago is a suitable car for both road and track and in both arenas it has been successful. Since the Lamborghini has been racing in the FIA GT1 category, Reiter Engineering has decided to build a new street-legal version of the Lamborghini Murcielago R-GT Racecar.

At the 2008 Essen Motor Show, the German firm Reiter Engineering, displayed their road-worthy lightweight track car. The street version of the car comes with carbon-fiber spoiler up front and a new diffuser and spoiler at the rear, as well as a distinctive high-mounted dual exhaust outlet that’s in line with the taillights. The car will be powered most likely by the roaring Murcielago V12 engine and two-wheel drive and for now Reiter is only promising a few add-ons.

Specifications

Engine
Type:	V12
Displacement:	6192 cc
Horsepower:	580 bhp @ 7500 rpm
Torque:	480 lb-ft @ 5400 rpm
Redline:	7500 rpm
Performance
0-60 mph:	3.6 sec
0-100 mph:	8.7 sec
Quarter Mile:	12 sec @ 121 mph
Skidpad:	.90g
Top Speed:	205 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph:	122 ft
Slalom Speed:	65.7 mph

Toyota FT-HS

The FT-HS incorporates hybrid capability while maintaining sports car essentials, such as a sleek profile, lightweight aero-dynamic materials, and an advanced high-output powertrain for revolutionary acceleration and optimal performance. This 21st century sports car is fun-to-drive with eco-friendly benefits such as ultra-low emissions and fuel efficiency. The FT-HS appeals to an emerging buyer who grew up eco-conscious and perceives technology as a necessity, not a luxury.

"Drivers today are not satisfied with cars that are simply fast," said Kevin Hunter, vice president, Calty Design Research. "In addition to driving enjoyment, today's drivers are concerned about safety, ecology and social responsibility."

The June '07 print edition of Automobile casually drops a bit of a bombshell in page 30. They report that Toyota has given the FT-HS hybrid sports car the green light for production. You should remember the FT-HS concept from this year's Detroit Auto Show, where it was one of the most significant unveilings. The Calty-designed production version will make its debut in 2009. Essentially a successor to the Supra, the two-seater will leverage the automaker's Hybrid Synergy Drive and a to-be-determined gasoline engine (the concept utilized a 3.5-liter V6). Power and pricing are still a mystery, but the concept sported 400 horses and was designed to sell at a mid-level dollar amounts. If those numbers (or similar ones) carry through to production, you won't hear any complaints from us. If you've been waiting for a hybrid sports car, it looks as if Toyota's getting ready to give you exactly that.


Toyota FT-HS Concept Specifications

Chassis
Brakes F/R:	ABS, vented disc/disc
Tires F-R:	245/35 R21 - 285/30 R21
Driveline:	Rear Wheel Drive
Engine
Type:	V6 Hybrid
Displacement cu in (cc):	214 (3500)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:	400(298) / n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:	n.a.
Redline at RPM:	n.a.
Exterior
Length × Width × Height in:	170.2 × 73.2 × 50.8
Weight lb (kg):	n.a.
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph s:	Approx. 4
Top Speed mph (km/h):	n.a.
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km):	n.a.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT

The new Mustang marks new levels of both power and refinement," said Paul Randle, Mustang chief engineer. "We've designed and engineered this to be the next classic Mustang that everyone talks about for years and years."

In true Mustang tradition, there is a "steed for every need." At launch, customers can choose from a V6 or V8 with their choice of coupe, convertible or innovative glass roof, plus several new options and features delivering the opportunity for customers to personalise their cleaner, meaner-looking Mustangs.

"The best Mustangs have always been the ones that connect young America with the spirit of the times – and the 2010 does exactly that," said J Mays, Ford's group vice president of Design. "The new Mustang is close to the magnetic center of the original, fully loaded with the swagger you'd expect, but with modern refinement and attention to detail like you've never seen in a muscle car."

It starts with the more aggressive grille, punctuated with the first new Mustang emblem since the car's introduction in 1964. Both the V6 and GT have brand-new sculptured front-end designs unique to each model. The headlamps and turn indicators, now integrated into one unit, are modern interpretations inspired by the 1970 Mustang. On the V6, the fog lamps are located on the lower fascia, while on the GT, the fog lamps are again located in the upper grille – but are smaller than the outgoing model, similar to the original lamps of the 1967-68 models that inspired them.






Ford Mustang GT Specifications

Drivetrain
Layout	Front Engine, RWD
Transmission	5-speed manual (Tremec 3650)
Final Drive Ratio	3.55:1
Front Brakes	316 (12.4 in) x 30 mm vented disc, twin-piston 43-mm floating aluminum calipers
Rear Brakes	300 (11.8 in) x 19 mm vented disc, single piston 43 mm floating iron calipers
Engine
Engine Type	90-degree SOHC 24V V-8
Displacement	4.6 Liters
Redline	6250 rpm
Horsepower	300 bhp @ 5750 rpm
Torque	320 lb-ft. @ 4500 rpm
Exterior
Curb Weight	3,356 lb.
Wheelbase	107.1 in.
Length	188.0 in.
Width	73.9 in.
Height	55.7 in.
Body Type	2+2, Coupe, Convertible or Glass Roof Coupe
Performance
0-60 mph	5.2 sec
Top Speed	149 mph