Lexus LFA to compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race

For Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race in May, Lexus is currently working on two LFA supercars that are set to participate in the races. Lexus aims to be considered as a prime challenger in the standard production car category. It should be noted that development versions of the LFA were previously raced in two outings in the event.

The Gazoo Racing team who prepared the two cars for the race claims that due to the car’s advanced, lightweight composite construction and 552bhp mid-mounted V10 engine, it will be able to sprint to 62 mph in only 3.7 seconds and hit a top speed of more than 200 mph.

Continued after the jump! Leading the team is Toyota master test driver Hiromu Naruse. The team members boast to having excellent GT and endurance racing experience.

There are four Japanese members in this team. First, there is Takayuki Kinoshita, a six-time winner of the Super Taikyu Endurance Series, and holds the distinction of having competed more often and having finished higher (fifth overall) at the Nurburgring 24 Hours than any other Japanese driver.

Akira Ida was overall winner of the Tokachi 24 Hours in 1995 and 2007, and both Juichi Wakisaka and Kazuya Oshima have consistent success in Japanese Super GT 500 and GT 300 competition. There are three German drivers: Armin Hahne, winner of the Spa 24 Hours in 1982 and 1983; Jochen Krumbach, who finished second overall in the 2008 Nurburgring 24 Hours; and Andre Lotterer, Super GT 500 champion in 2006 and 2008.

GM scrapped plan to reshape its Cadillac dealer network in the image of Lexus

To the sound of millions of General Motors Co. dealerships and customers breathing a sigh of relief, the carmaker has announced that it will no longer go through with a plan to cut the number of Cadillac franchises by two-thirds.

Previously, GM has said that it wanted to reshape its Cadillac dealer network similar to that of Lexus. This meant that from 1,422 dealerships on Jan. 1, 2009, there would only be about 500 left by the end of this year. This lean network would be similar to import luxury brands, which only require a few hundred dealerships that focus on coastal urban markets. Continued after the jump!

It’s becoming apparent that GM is reinstating dealerships to rebuild its small-town network. Automotive News interviewed several dealer representatives who said that 55 of their 75 clients that are to be reinstated are rejected Cadillac showrooms. A big number of those Cadillac dealerships are located in rural areas or small towns.

Ernie Manuel, president of the Fontana Group, a financial consulting firm for dealerships, believes that GM has realized that terminating these dealers would not lead to increased sales since many loyal Cadillac customers would be left orphaned. The 922 Cadillac franchises targeted for closure in the reorganization accounted for almost half of the 2,000 GM stores affected. Last year, GM planned to close 1,350 dealerships and another 650 franchises at dualed stores. Dealer lawyers and consultants said that since GM’s bankruptcy last June, the company has been pushing Cadillac sales in large metropolitan areas on the East and West coasts while closing dealerships in less populated regions.

BF Performance GT600 based on Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

The Swiss-tuning company BF Performance has come up with its own version of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4, which it claims to be “too innocent” and “neither dynamic nor individual enough.”

BF engineers are saying that its GT600 package offers just the solution. The performance of the car’s 5.2-liter V-10 engine is raised from the stock 575 hp to 600hp. In addition, torque figures increase from 398 lb-ft to 424 lb-ft. BF claims that the power boost, along with the weight reduction of 95 pounds, makes this car outclass the Murcielago LP670-4 around the Sachsenring track.

The GT600 is differentiated from other Gallardos due to a carbonfiber body kit that supposedly improves the car’s handling. Continued after the jump!BF designed for the body kit to have a new front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and rear wing to increase downforce. BF still didn’t think that this was enough and its engineers opted to include “scissor doors,” which are currently used only on the Murcièlago. BF also modified the car’s interior.

We see that sport bucket seats were added. BF also installed a steering wheel, door handles, air vents, instrument panel trim, and a center console made of carbonfiber. Owners can choose the color they want for the carbonfiber. For those who intend to use this car on the track, BF could also install five-point harnesses, a roll cage, and carbon-ceramic brakes. BF also intends to convert the car to rear-wheel drive, a feature only seen on the limited-edition Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni edition.

Mclaren cars pics and wallpapers

McLaren was founded in 1963 by New Zealander Bruce McLaren, is a Formula One team based in Woking, Surrey, UK. McLaren is one of the most successful teams in Formula One, having won over 150 races, 11 Drivers' Championships and 8 Constructors' Championships.Mclaren cars are known for their speed and design. Mclaren cars engine are provided by Mercedes-Benz. The following are the some of the pictures of its cars.

McLaren pictures 2009

New Hyundai Sonata and Tucson coming in April!

Hyundai Sime Darby will be a very busy company in 2010, and the first launches we can expect from them this year is the introduction of the new Sonata YF and Tucson SUV, which is scheduled for April. Both cars will be imported CBU from Korea, and our source has also revealed the variants that will be brought in.

The sixth-generation Sonata, codenamed YF, will come with two Theta II engines – a 163 bhp/198 Nm 2.0-litre and a 176 bhp/228 Nm 2.4-litre, mirroring the engine options of its D-segment Japanese rivals. Not only the Sonata’s figures compare very well with its competitors, it also has a six-speed automatic gearbox (Accord and Camry 2.4 have five forward ratios) which is self-developed and claimed to be “maintainence free”.

The Tucson SUV will also ship with these two engines and the six-speed auto ‘box. If you want 4WD, opt for the 2.4-litre model, as the 2.0-litre Tucson will be front-wheel drive only. Hyundai’s Theta II, which is a development of the GEMA world engine, is 10kg lighter than its predecessor, more frugal, cleaner and comes with Dual CVVT. The latest GDI direct injection engines won’t reach our shores however, due to below par fuel quality.

Spec levels for these two cars will be competitive and prices will undercut their immediate rivals, which we take as the Honda CR-V for the Tucson, Accord and Camry for the Sonata. You may have noticed the Arab number plates on these pictures; they were snapped this afternoon as we have been test driving the new Hyundais in Muscat, Oman. Unfortunately, we cannot share our impressions with you yet as the story is embargoed, but do stay tuned for updates as the launch date nears. Let’s just say for now that these new entries have great showroom appeal and are very decent to drive

Hyundai i-flow Concept to debut at Geneva 2010

The sketch above previews the Hyundai i-flow concept, which will make its world debut at the Geneva show at the end of this month. Hyundai says this concept will preview a future D-segment competitor – but really, is it time for a new D-segment competitor so soon when the Sonata has just been revealed? The Sonata already has a coupe-like roofline so it would be quite overkill for them to do a “Passat CC CC” with another take on a D-segment car.

This is just a hunch but it could be possible that what Hyundai meant in its press release as D-segment is different from what we normally consider as D-segment cars. In the US, what we call D-segment cars are CD-segment cars. The Camry is a CD car, while Toyota’s D car is the Avalon. Hyundai had a model like that – the Azera, and it was even sold here in Malaysia. The Azera was first launched in 2005 and it’s about time for a 5-year lifecycle full replacement model to arrive!

This new concept car could be slotted in between the Sonata and the Genesis as Hyundai’s most expensive front wheel drive executive car (taking the place of the Azera) before we start to enter Genesis rear wheel drive territory. But then again I could be wrong and this is really a “double CC” version of the Sonata.

The same press release also says this new i-flow concept will be used by chemical company BASF (there’s a good chance you use BASF products in your car everyday – they make petrol additives too) as a platform to showcase some technology such as lightweight materials, and solar cells.

Production Hyundai i-flow planned for 2011; showcar previews diesel hybrid system and new eco ideas

The Hyundai i-flow is one of the significant concept cars at Geneva, not just because it looks dramatic, but because under that heavily sculpted skin is a range of latest tech that could appear in Hyundai’s next generation of cars. Powering the i-flow is the company’s first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain consisting of a U2 1.7-litre oil burner with two-stage turbocharging and Hyundai’s lithium ion-polymer battery. Coupled to a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission, the drivetrain is capable of 33.3 km/l and a low CO2 output of 85g/km.

The i-flow is also a test bed for new energy harvesting ideas, ranging from a flexible solar panel roofing to a thermo-electric generator developed in partnership with leading chemical company BASF. One such idea is thermal engine encapsulation, which ensures that the engine reaches optimum operating temperature more quickly by retaining heat when the car is idle. Hyundai says that this translates into fuel savings and emissions cuts of 5% during summer and up to 9% in winter. The thermo-electric generator meanwhile recaptures energy from hot exhaust gases and converts it to electrical energy to help power auxiliary systems.

Designed at Hyundai’s European studio in Russelsheim, the i-flow sports the firm’s “fluidic sculpture” design language. With an overall length of 4,780 mm and a 2,800 mm wheelbase, the i-flow is a Honda Accord sized D-segment contender that is set to hit the market in 2011. It remains to be seen how much of the i-flow’s styling is retained for production, but things look promising with the recent Korean realisation that advanced design is as important as making competent cars.

2010 Mercedes Benz CL63 AMG

The CL63 AMG, the lesser of two powerful large AMG-tuned Mercedes-Benz coupes, sits somewhere between excessive and grandiose on the scale of high-end cars. With 518 horsepower on tap at 6800 rpm, the nearly 4,500 pound two-door Mercedes-Benz is hardly sluggish, despite tipping the scales at about double what a subcompact weights. 465 pound-feet of torque from the 6.2 liter V8 and a 7-speed automatic transmission help ensure that the CL63 has ample power in any situation.

New for 2008, the CL63 upgrades the basic CL-Class, introduced for 2007, with the standard range of AMG tuned sporting cues, including a lowered sport suspension with active body control, a unique look inside and out, 20' wheels (versus 18' wheels otherwise), performance tires and a few additional standard features, like ventilated and massaging front seats.

2010 Prodrive Subaru Impreza N2010 WRC

Prodrive has launched today the 2010 Subaru Impreza Group N rally car – the N2010 – competing in the 2010 WRC (World Rally Championship). Prodrive Subaru Impreza WRC The N2010 has a larger 33mm air new limiter, as stipulated by the FIA, fuel injectors and high flow re-map ECU. This modification gives Prodrive Subaru Impreza WRC 20 hp and N2010 and increased torque. Prodrive Subaru Impreza.

Mercedes F 800 Style – Premium Sedan of the Future

Just before the Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes Benz have unveiled images of their latest concept car, F800 Style. Announced to be the sedan of the future, the F800 Style research vehicle has rear doors with a sliding mechanism. And thanks to a swivel arm design, the car does not spot any door rails on the outside, giving it a clan look when the doors are shut.

Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept Car

The F800 Style features a bold front-end with new radiator grille with the centrally placed brand star, generously curved air intake openings, LED lights and grey metallic ALU-BEAM color tone. Plug-in hybrids and fuel cells. Mercedes calls it a multi-drive platform, and the F800 Style is built to take both hydrogen fuel-cell and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with the former offering a range of 375 miles and the latter allowing for 19 zero-emissions miles. Because Mercedes has managed to shrink the size of its F-Cell (fuel cell) componentry, the F800 can squeeze the fuel cell or plug-in hybrid powertrains into the engine compartment and (says Mercedes) the gaps within the chassis. And there’s still room inside for five.

Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept Car

The plug-in version of the F800 Style has a next-generation, direct-injection 299bhp 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, mated to an 80kW hybrid module that’s integrated into the seven-speed gearbox. There’s also a lithium-ion battery with over 10kWh of storage capacity, and the F800 can reach 75mph in electric mode – it manages 155mph with petrol power – and return 68g/km.

The all-electric version features a 100kW motor that develops 214lb ft and is powered by a hydrogen full cell and lithium-ion batteries. The technology is a development of the system found in the B-class F-Cell, though adapted for the F800’s rear-drive layout.

Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept Car

The F800 concept also introduces two new technologies that will doubtless appear in upcoming models. Distronic Plus Traffic Jam Assistant is an enhanced version of Mercedes’ active cruise control system, which can now steer the car through curves as long as it’s traveling under 25 mph. Neat. Also new is the Pre-Safe 360-degree system, which expands the existing Pre-Safe collision detection/mitigation system to the rear of the car. Now, if Pre-Safe senses that a rear-end impact is imminent, it’ll apply the brakes in a bid to keep the car from getting into an additional chain-reaction accident involving other cars or pedestrians.

Inside there’s leather and wood trim, magnesium and aluminum seats, and a three-piece sunroof that floods the cabin with light, but much more important are the new gadgets. Top of the list is the latest version of Mercedes’ COMAND multimedia system, with a touchpad similar to that found on the new A8, but with a camera that records the driver’s hand and projects the image onto the screen so he or she can see what they’re about to press.

2010 Tommy Kaira Silver Wolf Nissan GT-R

Settings Japanese lovers (and sim racing fans everywhere) has got to know Tommy Kaira as one of the best in the business. Japan team worked with the magic on the horizon, Impreza and more, and now has released a tuning package for the current Nissan GT-R. Called the Silver Wolf, GT, R consider the left engine intact, but the full body kit, plus a new rolling stock, brakes, exhaust and suspension components.

2010 KICHERER E 50 Coupé Performance

The new ex-works 500 E-class coupé is in itself not underpowered. With 388 PS and 530 Nm torque it's the currently most powerful production model coupé that the company can offer its customers. However, those who like it a touch more dynamic can find what they want with the traditional refiner Kicherer in Stockach. Engineers, technicians and designers have taken on the E-Class derivative and accentuated it in all things sporty, technically and optically. By means of an software update and a sports exhaust system the performance of the V8 was increased by 42 PS and 20 Newtonmetres. So taht the 430 horsepower can freely run the V/max block was raised from 250 km/h to xxx km/h. In addition after the alteration the speedometer can reach speeds of up to 330 km/h.

In order to give the aerodynamics the final polish with regards to performance and looks a "Kicherer Performance Series Package" was employed. This set comprises a front lip, side skirts, a rear diffusor and special mirror casings. All components are made of top quality and ultra-light carbon. The same can also be said of the optionally available three-bladed sports grill.
At the rear both eye and ear can delight in every sense in a lovely exhaust system. On the one hand it is convincing with ist modern, almost rectangular tail pipe design and on the other hand it produces an exciting but not obtrusive sound.

The elegant side view of the coupé is perfected by the sportily filigree Kicherer RS-1 20 inch wheels, behind which you get hints of the braking power of the 6 and 6 piston high performance brake system. With its composite discs and modified flexible steel tubes this ensures a suitable negative acceleration.
The noble interior with its interior elements and entry strips in epoxy resin laqueur complements the outer appearance of the Kicherer E50 Coupé. Thus Kicherer has been able to create an almost perfect balance between dynamism and elegance.

010 MANSORY CYRUS based on Aston Martin DBS

Already for more than 20 years, the Bavarian company MANSORY has been developing and producing fascinating car modifications for demanding customers all over the world. The latest creation of the refinement manufactory is called MANSORY CYRUS and can optionally enhance Aston Martin DB9 or DBS automobiles. Perfect processing and elaborate technology are the hallmarks of this exclusively tuned car which is limited to only 15 pieces. A coilover suspension provides the best road holding and emphasises the striking rims in XXL. The refinement is perfected by an exclusive interior programme.

Haute Couture on wheels

Tailor-made processing and perfect surfaces confirm the superb quality of the MANSORY carbon outfit with the eye-catching gold-texture. The CYRUS aerodynamics components are made of extremely light „prepreg autoclav carbon“ and do not only include wing extensions for the front and back, but also side skirt attachments and linings. At the front axle, a newly designed front skirt with enlarged air inlets provides the optimal ventilation for the twelve-cylinder aggregate. The CYRUS front is visually enhanced with the newly designed carbon bonnet. With its two slotted “power domes” additional fresh air is directed to the front motor. Also at the tail, the refining engineers have invented something extraordinary in order to perfect the visual appearance of the Aston Martin. The newly designed rear skirt with the integrated diffuser emphasises the superior look and provides space for four stainless steel end pipes of the sonorous sport exhaust system.

Design wheels in XXL

The optimal road grip is provided by the 9x20 and 10,5x21 inch rims in combination with Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres measuring 255/30ZR20 at the front and 295/25ZR21 at the back. The design of the ultra-light forged wheel thereby unites sportiness and elegance and perfectly fills out the wheel houses. In addition, an optimally adjusted coilover suspension lowers the centre of gravity of this noble sports car and renders perfect road holding characteristics.

Luxurious atmosphere in the MANSORY super sports car

The CYRUS driver will take his seat in a elaborately refined interior which is nothing short of the exterior. The entire modification includes pedals and foot rests made of aluminium as well as exquisite door sills and head rests with embroidered CYRUS logos. MANSORY enhances the interior with a set of tailor-made carbon parts for the dash board and centre console. Generally, the noble interior is only lined with best quality materials. Decoration stitches by expert hand on the dash board and the seats render visual high-lights and perfect the significantly beautiful overall impression of the complete leather equipment. The ergonomically re-designed steering wheel with airbag lies especially well in the hand.

Mercedes-Benz Set For Electric Destiny, Doubles R&D Spending

Mercedes-Benz is gripping the bets open upon what will be a widespread powertrain of the future by concurrently building competing technologies as a electrification of the car gets some-more widespread. The ultimate F800 Character concept automobile that starred at final week’s 2010 Geneva Motor Show is the perfection of a automaker’s investigate, presenting multiform potential electric powertrains in the common platform.

The list includes all-electric drivetrains, range-extender plug-in hybrid technology as well as even hydrogen fuel cells–all of which is destined for prolongation in alittle approach shape or form during Mercedes-Benz.

After this year the automaker will begin trials of a fuel cell powered B-Class hatchback as well as for the next-generation S-Class due in 2012 Mercedes-Benz skeleton to add a plug-in hybrid option. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz will be using the next-generation A- as well as B-Class models to in the future be accessible with all-electric powertrains.

The pass strategy is a judgment of the modular height, the stretchable architecture which can accommodate a accumulation of powertrains together with some-more fit gasoline as well as diesel motor fuel engines as good.

To fund the growth of all this new record, Mercedes-Benz will dual the R&D spending by investing up to $1.4 billion per year over the next dual years. Partial of a reason for the tall costs is also which Mercedes-Benz will be forced to make much of its own components rstherthan than rest upon third party suppliers since most of a technology hasn’t been developed yet.