New Ford Shelby GT500 Packs a Monstrous 650HP and has a Top Speed in Excess of 200MPH

 

By now, you’ve read all about the revamped Mustang, including the high-performance Boss 302 and Laguna Seca versions. It all pales in comparison to the Shelby GT500 that Ford is planning to roll out at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday. Powered by what Ford claims to be the world’s most powerful production V8 engine, the GT500 packs no less than 650-horses and 600 lb-ft of torque.
That’s no typo: the 5.8-liter supercharged V8 has 41 horses more than the McLaren F1, 24 more than the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, and an amazing 70 more than the original Lamborghini Murcielago. On the downside, it falls one pony short of the Ferrari Enzo.
A top speed in excess of 200 mph (320 km/h) should make you able to keep up with almost anything on the road, bar a Veyron or a Koenigsegg.
“SVT keeps the Shelby GT500 on the cutting edge of technology and takes muscle car performance to new heights,” said Jost Capito, director of Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development.
“We encapsulated every aspect of performance in this car – whether it’s 0-60, top speed, racetrack or quarter-mile times. Beyond that, the daily driver also will find this car perfectly fits his or her needs.”
In order to achieve these numbers, Capito and his team carefully upgraded the V8 by installing a new TVS 2300 supercharger that feeds more air into the engine, cross-drilled block and heads and updated camshaft profile.
Such an engine must create tremendous amount of heat. Therefore the cooling system has been significantly updated and features a larger fan, a fan shroud with high-speed pressure-relief doors, a more efficient charge air cooler, a higher-flow intercooler pump and an intercooler heat exchanger with a 36% increased volume.
Ford’s engineers wanted to make sure that the Shelby’s power actually makes it to the rear wheels and doesn't destroy the rest of the powertrain. So they upgraded the dual-disc clutch, transmission and axle and fitted a new driveshaft made out of carbon fiber.
After testing more than 35 gearbox combinations for the six-speed manual transmission, they finally made their decision. The new box has reinforced gears, bearings and housing to handle the massive torque. That’s to be expected considering the performance: what’s surprising is that the chosen transmission enables the Shelby GT500 to be exempt from the gas-guzzler tax…
“It might just seem like we’re putting a bigger engine into the car. But it’s been a balanced approach through and through,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief engineer. “We’ve completely redone the car to be even more sophisticated in terms of handling and control than the prior model.”
First of all, with that kind of top speed, you sure as hell want to make sure you stay on the tarmac and don’t become airborne. Therefore, the new GT500 offers 33% more downforce compared to the 2011 model thanks to major changes that have optimized airflow, minimized drag and significantly increased downforce.
You also want your 650HP car to catapult from standstill and not just sit there and shred its rear Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G tires to pieces. An SVT-developed launch control that is integrated both with the ECU and the traction control system takes care of that problem. At some point, you’ll have to stop as well and a new Brembo brake system with larger discs on all four corners and six-piston front calipers ensures that you’ll be able to.
Now we’ve ticked the performance, engineering and braking boxes. Have we missed something? Oh, yes: the not-so-small issue of handling.
“We took a completely different approach with this car so drivers can choose their settings instead of a computer making the selection,” Hameedi explains. “Nearly every system the driver interacts with can be tailored to his or her situation including the Bilstein electronic adjustable suspension, launch control, AdvanceTrac and steering assist levels.”
Which means that you can keep the electronic helpers on, for maximum peace of mind, select an intermediate mode for some antics while retaining a safety net, or completely disengage all systems and whet your pants prove your driving skills.
Those wanting more can order the Performance Package that includes a Torsen limited-slip diff, or go all the way with the optional Track Package. The last option includes three separate coolers for the engine oil, the rear differential and the transmission, providing further cooling and preventing those critical components from overheating under extreme driving.
Now, we can’t just get our minds off that Enzo thingy: Mr. Capito, next time make sure you find an extra two ponies. It shouldn’t be that difficult. And then you could brag that your car is even more powerful than an Enzo.

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Citroen Lacoste Concept Cars The Car of The Future

Two names, Citroën and Lacoste, have come together to be unveiled at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show, this new model is an emblem for a state-of-mind and a lifestyle. Clearly alluding to leisure and pleasure, it takes a simplified, no-nonsense approach to motoring - without forgetting refinement - and transports passengers to a lighter, fresher world.

2010 Citroen Lacoste Concept Cars The Car of The Future

At the crossroads of motoring, fashion and sport, the Citroën Lacoste concept cars is a “shared vision of boldness, creativity and optimism” between the French brands, according to the pre-Paris press release. At first glance, the Citroën Lacoste concept appears to be a very optimistic car indeed, as it doesn't have a roof to mitigate the inevitability of a bleak French winter. 2010 Citroen Lacoste Concept Cars The Car of The Future.

Pure, simple and laid-back, while remaining sophisticated, the Citroën Lacoste takes another step forward towards the car of the future - a vehicle aimed at putting an end to the "always more" mantra that often reigns in the automotive industry.

The new model also fuels Citroën's thinking of focusing on the essentials to create original cars that are affordable and economical, while losing none of their ambition or motoring passion, notably through premium styling.

Stylishly minimalist and elegantly laid-back, the Citroën Lacoste instantly attracts with its off-beat sports aesthetic. It features a high waistline; bulging and textured wings; minimum overhangs front and rear; and golf ball-style alloy wheels, placed in the furthest corners of the body. After a longer inspection, it is this car's "open" physique that appeals - promising a fulfilling drive, while expressing a wealth of inventiveness and elegance.

Powering the concept uses a small three-cylinder petrol engine with “plenty of performance on tap” according to the press release, as the compact (3.45 m long, 1.80 m wide, 1.52 m high and with a 2.30 m wheelbase) vehicle should be quite light, which, as per the brand, offers enough power to a vehicle of this size and weight

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Among the other styling details there are golf ball-style alloy wheels, a square relief design resembling the sections of a tennis net on many parts of the car, integration of the lights into the bumper instead of the sheet metal and Lacoste covered stowage in its dashboard and under the two bench seats.

New BMW 3-Series/4-Series Coupe Digitally Imagined

Last month, spy photographers captured the first pictures of the car that will eventually replace the current BMW 3-Series Coupe, and which may or may not carry a new 4-Series Coupe moniker, while testing in Germany. Naturally, as with any early prototype, the coupe was slathered in the usual psychedelic swirl favored by the likes of BMW and other German carmakers.
Using these first scoop pictures as well as some basic styling elements from the recently revealed F30 3-Series sedan as a guide, F30Post forum member Wildspeed crafted a rendering of the next-generation Coupe model, which he then produced in numerous colors for our viewing pleasure.
Regardless of the name and the styling specifics, the 3-Series Coupe's replacement will borrow its basic platform architecture and engine lineup straight from the F30 saloon.
Among other available powerplants, the coupe model will be offered with a selection of turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engines including a 1.6-liter unit for Europe and a global 2.0-liter with up to 240HP at launch and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 300HP (306HP in the EU). Most markets will also get 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 3.0-liter inline-six turbo diesels.
And like the F30 sedan, once production is underway, BMW will offer the coupe with its xDrive all-wheel drive system and of course, in M3/M4 trim.
Story References: F30Post/Wildspeed

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Volvo V60 plug in Hybrid

At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Volvo Cars will be unveiling the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid - a virtually production-ready car with carbon dioxide emissions below 50 g/km. The Plug-in Hybrid, which will be launched on the market in 2012, is the result of close cooperation between Volvo Cars and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall.

"No industry or organisation can tackle the climate challenge all by itself. It is our mission to develop carbon dioxide-lean cars, but a sustainable future must be created jointly by everyone in society. This project shows how cooperation between experts in different areas brings us closer to the transition from individually carbon dioxide-lean products to a climate-smart lifestyle," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.
In January 2007, Volvo Cars and Vattenfall launched an industrial partnership whose aim was to test and develop plug-in technology. This cross-border initiative resulted in the foundation of a jointly owned company - V2 Plug-in-Hybrid Vehicle Partnership,
Half the CO2 emissions, full driving pleasure
Development work has been jointly financed. Now the project is on the threshold of introducing the market's first diesel plug-in hybrid. It's an attractive car type that gives the user access to the very best properties of both an electric car and a diesel-powered vehicle: very low fuel consumption and CO2 levels, combined with long range and high performance.
"One important aspect of the project was to retain the Volvo V60's excellent driving pleasure, high safety standard and luxurious comfort. At the same time, average CO2 emissions and fuel consumption will be halved compared with what is available on the market today," says Stefan Jacoby, and adds:
When powered solely by electricity, the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid has a range of up to 50 kilometres. The car's total operating range is up to 1200 km. Carbon dioxide emissions will be an average of 49 grams per kilometre (EU Combined) and fuel consumption will be 1.9 litres per 100 km.
The cost of the battery pack means the plug-in hybrid will be more expensive to buy than a Volvo V60 with a conventional combustion engine. On the other hand, fuel costs will be one-third compared with a conventional combustion engine. The cost of running on electricity in Sweden has been calculated at about 2.50 kronor per 10 km. The exact cost will vary from one market to another.
The plug-in hybrid can be charged via a regular household electricity socket at home or when parked somewhere else. Charging time is about five hours if the car is recharged at home.
Electric power offers a range of benefits
Electrification of the transport sector is an important step in the fight against climate change. Electricity is a highly beneficial fuel:

• An electric motor is almost four times as efficient as a regular combustion engine. This means that an electrically powered car consumes less energy and thus produces lower emissions, even if it is powered by a blend of electricity sources that include fossil fuels.
• European electricity production has an emission ceiling. This means that even if all vehicles were to run on electricity, electricity production itself is not allowed to produce more carbon dioxide. This emission ceiling will be gradually lowered over a period of time.
• Electricity is an excellent source of energy. It does not risk running out, and it can be produced virtually without any CO2 emissions. For instance, Vattenfall is working towards halving the company's emissions by 2030 and becoming climate-neutral by 2050.
• Emissions from millions of exhaust tailpipes are transferred to a small number of production facilities, which are easier to control and which will operate on the basis of the EU's trade in emission rights, something that does not apply to the transport sector at present.
• Electric vehicles use relatively little electricity and the increase in consumption will be more than covered by ambitious expansion plans for renewable energy sources throughout Europe. A single wind-power station, for instance, produces sufficient renewable energy to power 3,000 electric cars. Vattenfall will offer buyers of the plug-in hybrid a contract including electricity from renewable sources.

Rapid expansion of renewable electricity production
Electricity production is undergoing rapid expansion. Wind-power is being commercially introduced on a large scale and is continuing to expand, biofuels will replace fossil fuels on a broad front, wave-power is expected to enter commercial operation within ten years, and new technology to clean CO2 emissions from coal-fired power stations is currently under development.
At Volvo Cars, work progresses on the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid in parallel with development of the Volvo C30 Electric, which runs entirely on electricity.
"These two car types complement one another. With a plug-in hybrid the driver is entirely independent of recharging stations when driving long distances. The future electric-car market will feature a mixture of both all-electric cars and plug-in hybrids," says Stefan Jacoby.
The third leg in Volvo Cars' electrification strategy is empowering the upcoming engine generation with hybrid technology.

1,308bhp Monster Truck with Scooter Firing Air Canon to Star at Top Gear Live Event

One of the stars of this year's edition of the Top Gear Live show that takes place at the NEC Birmingham from November 11 to 13, and at the ExCel London from November 24 to 27, will be the Red Dragon monster truck. Hand-built by former European Monster Truck Champion, Rob Williams, this beast made its stage debut at the Top Gear Live event in South Africa last year.
The Red Dragon is based on the Ford F-350 Super Duty but power come courtesy of a bespoke 9.5-liter supercharged V8 engine from Chevrolet that delivers 1,308bhp and 1,040 lb-ft while burning through a gallon of methanol fuel every 50-60 yards (!).

Growler E 2011 is a concept car

Growler E 2011 is a concept car which was conceived by automotive designer from Vizualtech named Bo Zolland in collaboration with designer Robelt Palm. The presence of this new Growler E 2011 is a separate respect for the Jaguar E-Type, and at once this Growler E 2011 also represents the language of design brand that takes inspiration from the classic variants.

Bugatti Sports Cars Veyron Type 35 Grand Prix Edition

In a highlight on this year’s agenda of centennial celebrations, Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. presented four Bugatti Veyron specials at Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza. These one off models are reminders of Bugatti’s glorious motor-racing history which played a central role in popularising and ultimately establishing the myth which the brand continues to enjoy to this day.

2009 Bugatti Sports Cars Veyron Type 35 Grand Prix Edition

The Bugatti brand is almost inextricably linked to the Type 35. The Type 35 Grand Prix was by far the most successful racing model. The unmistakable radiator grille and eight-spoke aluminum wheels of the Type 35 have become defining features of the Bugatti automobile. In its day, the Grand Prix was also well ahead of its time in terms of engineering ingenuity.

The front axle design of this vehicle, which, for reasons of weight minimization, is hollow, is a true masterpiece of workmanship and was deemed nothing less than revolutionary. Its springs were passed through the axle to produce a high level of stability. The Grand Prix’s brake drums were integrally fitted into its lightweight aluminum wheels. Unfastening the central wheel nut allowed the wheel to be easily removed within a matter of seconds and the brake to be exposed. This was a crucial advantage at the pit stop.

The blue racers made their first appearance on the race track at the Grand Prix held by Automobil Club de France in Lyon in 1924. In the decade that followed, they remained practically unchallenged thanks to sophisticated manufacturing efforts, their lightweight design and easy handling. During that ten-year era, they won almost 2000 races – more than any other model ever has.

Grand Prix races were highly fashionable events in those days, and Bugatti was not the only brand with considerable interest in substantiating the reputation of its products by winning races. In fact, in the 1920s, Europe was regularly host to a number of different races in different countries on a single weekend. The teams set up by different automobile manufacturers competed at popular race circuits such as Targa Florio, Le Mans, Monza and Spa as well as in Rome, Nice, Antibes and even a village in Alsace.

The main reason Bugatti won such an enormous number of races – on the back of which successes the brand was also able to forge its image – was the fact that Bugatti sold not only its normal sports and touring cars to private buyers, but its racing cars too. Thus it was that its automobiles took part in such a large number of Grand Prix events.

Tradition being what it is, the Bugatti Veyron Specials built to mark the 100th anniversary of the brand feature the racing colors of the respective countries: blue for France, red for Italy, green for England and white for Germany. Each of the four new Veyrons has a specific “predecessor” in the form of an original Grand Prix Bugatti on which it was modelled.

These four historic race cars represent the generation of legendary Bugatti Grand Prix racers which were piloted by world-famous race-car drivers and which scored countless racing victories in the 1920s and ‘30s. Each of the four Veyron Specials is named after a Bugatti race-car driver of the 1920s and 30s. Jean-Pierre Wimille has given the blue Veyron its name, Achille Varzi the red one, Malcolm Campbell the green one and Hermann zu Leiningen the white Veyron.

“We have put a lot of effort into translating colour and material, the defining characteristics of our historic role models, into the designs of the modern-day Veyrons,” explains Alasdair Stewart, Director Sales & Marketing at Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. “We have taken extreme care to match the original colours of the original race cars, exterior and interior”

On Sunday, the four historic racing Type 35s and the four modern-day Centenaire Edition Veyrons will be exhibited alongside each other in the park of Villa Erba for the first and only time.

Ahead of that presentation, Bugatti will on Saturday be prominently represented in the park of Villa d’Este by a special-display-class exhibition of models, which will serve to portray the 100-year history of the brand. Bugatti’s participation in the classic Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este at Lake Como will be the second highlight event to mark the carmaker’s centennial celebrations after it took part in the International Geneva Motor Show in early March.

This latest event will be followed by the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California in mid-August and the main celebratory event on 12 September in Molsheim (Alsace), which has been the home of this unparalleled automobile brand for 100 years.