the new Porsche 911 GT2 RS

The time: 7 minutes 18 seconds on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.
- The power: 620 hp.
- The weight: 1,370 kilograms in road trim with all fluids on board.
- The car: the new Porsche 911 GT2 RS.
- World debut at the Moscow Auto Show on August 25th 2010

The GT2 RS is the fastest and most powerful road-going sports car ever built in the history of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart and marks the summit in the 911 range. With power up by 90 hp and weight down by 70 kilograms in comparison with the prior 911 GT2, the new 911 GT2 RS has a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.21 kilos per horsepower, by far the best power/weight ratio in its class.

Obviously, these are the ideal ingredients for an ultra-high-performance sports car with supreme agility, combined with truly blistering performance on the road and, of course, exemplary Porsche Intelligent Performance attributes. This manifests itself in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions being lower by approximately 5 per cent to 23.7 mpg (equal to 11.9 ltr/100 km) and 284 g/km versus the 911 GT2, despite the extra power and performance.

.The six-cylinder boxer engine is boosted by two turbochargers with variable turbine geometry (exclusive to Porsche in its combination with a petrol engine) and drives the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Sports tyres measuring 325/30 ZR 19 and developed especially for the 911 GT2 RS convert this massive power into equally massive performance and acceleration on the road: 0 - 62mph (100 km/h) in
3.5 seconds, 0 - 124mph (200 km/h) in just 9.8 seconds, and 0 - 186mph (300 km/h) in 28.9 seconds.

Equally supreme stopping power on this ultra-high-performance sports car is assured by the PCCB composite ceramic brakes fitted as standard. Appropriate longitudinal and lateral dynamic chassis control is ensured by the sporting RS set-up of the springs, Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management (PASM), anti-roll bars, as well as the engine mounts and PSM Porsche Stability Management.

In its exterior styling, the new 911 GT2 RS stands out clearly from the
911 GT2 through the use of carbon-fibre-reinforced (CFR) components
in distinctive matt-black surface finish. At the front, the new, wider
911 GT2-style light-alloy wheels with centre locking are shrouded by flared wheel arches. ”GT2 RS“ model designations give further differentiation on the doors and rear engine cover. The upgraded front spoiler lip and the rear spoiler lip are also made of CFR and display a surface carbon finish. The rear spoiler lip is now 10 millimetres higher to ensure the right aerodynamic precision, as well as extra downforce.

.From behind the wheel of the 911 GT2 RS, the flair of sporting performance continues. Featuring lightweight bucket seats made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic – again in carbon surface finish - and lightweight interior door panels with door opening straps, the high octane ambience is sustained. The basic interior colour is black, contrasting attractively with red alcantara upholstery on the seat centre sections and the roof lining as well as segments on the steering wheel rim, gearshift and handbrake lever.

Limited to just 500 units worldwide, the 911 GT2 RS will be available in the UK from September 2010 priced from £164,107. Further specifications and technical details will be confirmed nearer to launch.

Fitted to every 911 GT2 RS is a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

Porsche Cars Great Britain Press Release 12 May 2010

Toyota to Recall 3.8 Million Vehicles

Toyota says it will recall 3.8 million vehicles in the United States to address problems with a removable floor mat that could interfere with the vehicle's accelerator and cause a crash. The company says it will be the largest recall in its history. Owners could learn about the safety campaign as early as next week.
Toyota and the US federal government warned owners of Toyota and Lexus vehicles about safety problems tied to the removable floor mats. They say the mats could interfere with the vehicle's accelerator and cause a crash. The recall will affect 2007-2010 model year Toyota Camry, 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon, 2004-2009 Toyota Prius, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra, 2007-2010 Lexus ES350 and 2006-2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350. Owners should take out the floor mats on the driver's side and not replace them. Toyota's previously largest recall was about 900,000 vehicles in 2005 to fix a steering issue.

howlowcanyougo ?

Peugeot is searching for the most fuel efficient driver in Ireland. Peugeot has announced details of its How Low Can You Go? competition. A €3,000 shopping spree will be presented to whoever records the best fuel consumption figure in Ireland.

To take part in the Peugeot competition go to www.howlowcanyougo.ie.

Lotus / Frankfurt Motor Show - 15 September 2009

Lotus' stand at the show was displaying three new cars, the Evora, Exige Cup 260 and Elise Club Racer. Lotus Operations Director, Luke Bennett, during his press conference reminded the assembled press that the brand is all about a performance, technology and lifestyle. "We make exciting sports cars and develop engineering innovation. Our brand stems from our motor racing heritage – Lotus, of course, grew out of the disciplines of motorsport - and we have more news later relating to Lotus’ return to the motorsport arena." Trends in consumer preferences and the emergence of new technologies create an enormous opportunity for Lotus to stand as a leading light in the automotive industry. The future trend is clear and Lotus intends to lead the change, not follow.As an example, the new multi-award winning Lotus Evora sets new standards for fuel efficiency in the high-performance sports car market with CO2 emissions of 205 g/km. The Evora is Lotus’ first step to migrate from a single platform car company to a three model range, a vital stage in our long term brand development and initial feedback since launch has been positive. First customer deliveries of the Evora have already started and there is a substantial order bank of five months’ production, clearly demonstrating its appeal to the 21st century sports car customer.To cope with this demand, Lotus have recruited 150 additional staff representing a 30% increase which probably makes them unique in an industry hemorrhaging jobs currently. And brand development continues, with €25m of investment earmarked for product development this year on top of the €35m invested last year.Similarly, Lotus Engineering is committed to driving forward with sustainable low carbon technology derived from our ethos and expertise of reducing vehicle weight. Lotus engineering has an impressive track record in technologies development such as hybrid and electric vehicles and alternative sustainable fuels. Bennett was proud to report at Frankfurt that Lotus Engineering increased sales by 23% over the last financial year, despite the global economic challenges. The Lotus Range Extender engine that was on show at their stand is a great example of this expertise. This 1.2 litre, 3 cylinder engine has been designed and optimized specifically for series hybrids.True to Lotus, it combines innovation and simplicity of design with its aluminium monoblock construction which integrates the cylinder block, the cylinder head and exhaust manifold in one casting, resulting in reduced mass, assembly costs and package size as well as improvements in durability and emissions. It can run on gasoline or sustainable alcohol fuels and weighs just 56 kilos. A "fast route to market" design and development process has given vehicle manufacturers wanting to source a dedicated range extender for series hybrid vehicles a new viable option. The Lotus Range Extender will be first showcased in the Limo Green project which is funded by the UK Technology Strategy Board, targeting less than 120 g/km CO2 emissions in a large, executive saloon. Also, announced was the return of Lotus to the global motorsport arena.Firstly, Lotus and F1. A Malaysian-led initiative, championed by Proton, is entering the F1 arena. Details are still being finalised, with more announcements to come. Secondly, Lotus will be competing in a number of global endurance racing events in 2010/11. Endurance racing is the arena where the combination of performance and efficiency really counts and another area where the Lotus Evora will be a class leader. The Type 124 (pronounced One Twenty Four) Endurance Racecar is the next step in the evolution of the Evora. The car will make its 24 hour racing debut at the ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours which provides a great test for the Evora’s performance, efficiency and durability under tough and demanding endurance race conditions.
At the heart of the Lotus Evora are fundamental racecar elements: mid-engine layout, high-tech and super-stiff extruded and bonded aluminium chassis and very strong lightweight forged aluminium wishbones. All these elements mean that it is a natural evolution from the road going Lotus Evora to a competitive endurance racecar.From the outset the design team had intentions to take the Evora racing and the chassis was designed with this in mind. Endurance races are the perfect events to showcase the efficiency, handling and durability characteristics that have been fundamental to the concept of the Evora.The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar has a race-tuned version of the mid-mounted Toyota V6 engine, with power increased to over 400 ps (depending on race regulations). Vehicle mass is expected to be reduced by up to 200 kg, bringing the weight of the racecar to less than 1200 kg (depending on race regulations).Further changes for the Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar include a six speed sequential paddle shift racing gearbox, full FIA specification roll cage, FIA-compliant 120 litre ATL fuel system, FIA fire extinguisher system, competition carbon fibre rear wing, diffuser and front splitter. The racecar is fitted with AP Racing 6 piston callipers front and rear, with a race-tuned Bosch ABS system, 4-way adjustable dampers and adjustable anti-roll bars. The racecar runs on 18” rims shod with Pirelli racing slicks and the wheels widths have been increased over the roadcar to 9 ½ J on the front and 11 J on the rear. The aerodynamically efficient Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar body design, made from lightweight composite and carbon fibre panels, remains predominantly unchanged from the road car, with the only modifications being to the lower sections of the front and rear clamshells and the side sills. Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars Limited, said, “Motorsport has been in our blood ever since our founder, Colin Chapman, built the first Lotus back in 1948. We are proud of our motorsport history, which includes victories in Formula One, Le Mans, saloon car, rally car and sportscar racing around the world; more recently, we won the British GT3 Championship in 2006 with the Lotus Exige. The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar is from the same unique stable and we expect it to be a competitive racecar when we enter various endurance races next year.”Roger Becker, Vehicle Engineering Director for Group Lotus Plc said, “Every Lotus car is designed to be at home on the race track as well as the road, and the Evora is no different. Designed primarily as an everyday road car, the Evora’s lightweight and stiff structure, its aerodynamics and performance means that it is perfectly suited to taming race tracks around the world, and we are looking forward to seeing the new Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar line up on the grid for the 2010 season.”The racecar is expected to compete in a number of endurance races in 2010/ 2011 forming part of a factory-supported race program. The races that are targeted are: The 2010 ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours (Nürburgring Nordschleife, Germany) in May 2010, Merdeka Millennium 12 Hours (Sepang, Malaysia) in August 2010, BritCar 24 Hours (Silverstone, UK) in October 2010 and the Dubai 24 Hours (Dubai Autodrome, UAE) January 2011. The END

two of a kind on show at Frankfurt

Brabus E V12 - The Black Baron is born.

Brabus has unveiled the limited edition E V12 sedan which is based on the new Mercedes E-Class, the E V12 features a 6.0-liter V12 biturbo bored out to 6.3-liters producing a whopping 800 hp and 1100 Nm of torque. While details are limited at this time, up front, Brabus have outfitted the engine with a ram-air system, a quad-exhaust, and revised engine electronics. To keep this utter beast under control, the company has added a fully adjustable sports suspension, new stabilizers, a high performance braking system, and black 19-inch alloy wheels outfitted with 255/35 (front) and 285/35 (rear) tires.
In terms of styling, Brabus made major modifications to improve aerodynamics, engine ventilation, and brake cooling. Changes include a revised front bumper, new front quarter panels, aggressive side sills, and never seen before, rear wheel covers. Out back, the car features a trunk-mounted spoiler and a carbon fiber rear diffuser.
Thanks to all these tweaks, the E V12 rockets from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.9 seconds, and 0-300 km/h (186 mph) in 23.9 seconds. If you keep your foot planted, the car will eventually top out at an electronically limited 350 km/h (217 mph). Without the limiter, Brabus estimates the car can hit a top speed in excess of 370 km/h (230 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 15.7L/100km (15 mpg), while CO2 emissions are a ridiculous 372 g/km. Inside, the car features black leather upholstery, an Alcantara headliner, carbon fiber trim, and a 400 km/h (249 mph) speedometer. Production will be limited to ten units, and prices start at €600,000. I dont think one of the ten will be lucky enough to make it to these shores.

Frankfurt International Motor Show 2009

Amazing day had in Frankfurt today at motor show. All major manufacturers had a presence at the show which is a real site to be seen. No expenses spared despite falling car sales world wide. Brabus, Lotus and Peugeot/Citroen caught the eye with world premiers and other interesting models on display. Full report to follow........................