AC Schnitzer Reveals 2012 BMW 650i Coupe

2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe

Looking to offer enthusiasts more options for customizing the new 2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe, AC Schnitzer will unveil its new tuning program for the 650i at this week's 2011 Essen Motor Show in Germany.
Dubbed the ACS6 5.0i, the package includes a performance upgrade with unspecified modifications for the 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine that help lift output from 407HP to 540-horses.

AC Schnitzer claims that the ACS6 5.0i passes the 100km/h (62mph) yardstick in 4.3 seconds after take-off, compare to the standard model's time of 4.9 seconds.

The tune continues with a lowered sports suspension, a new exhaust system and a beefier brake system with 8-piston calipers.

For the exterior, AC Schnitzer has designed a new front apron, a chromed front grille and matching fender trim pieces, a boot lid spoiler, and a rear apron that incorporates a diffuser. The ACS6 5.0i rides on new lightweight 21-inch wheels that the German tuner says are 30% lighter than the factory 20-inch rims tipping the scales at just 11.5kg (25.3 pounds).

On the inside, AC Schnitzer's package includes a sports steering wheel, aluminum pedals and new trim accents.

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Special Edition/SSC Tuatara

SSC-Tuatura

Shelby’s latest supercar is reported to have a 7.0-liter twin-turbo V8, has the potential to spit out an astonishing 1350 horsepower, and achieve an estimated top-speed of 275 mph, as well as an astonishing 0-62 mph in less than 3 seconds.

It will be fast, powerful, and really expensive (just under a million dollars).  Some recently released pictures of the interior of the SSC Tuatara for you to excitedly drool over

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2011 Ferrari 599 GTO /Review

Ferrari’s 599 GTO

Ferrari has finally taken the wraps of its high-performance 599 GTO. Billed as Ferrari’s fastest ever road car topping even the mighty Ferrari Enzo — the production version of the 599 GTO is largely based on the 599XX concept.

Using the already potent 599 GTB HGTE as a jumping point, the 599 GTO kicks it up a notch with a number of performance improvements. The 599 GTO cranks out 670 horsepower, up from the standard car’s 612 horsepower. The 599 GTO’s V12 engine is capable of revving to 9,000 rpm. Power is routed through an F1-style six-speed gearbox.

Thanks to that added power, the 599 GTO makes the sprint from 0-62 in just 3.35 seconds, continuing to a top speed of 208mph.

The 599's chassis has been thoroughly reworked for the GTO treatment, and Ferrari says the improvements completely eliminated any understeer.

Of course, with it being well known that weight is the number one enemy of performance, Ferrari also took several actions to shave off unnecessary weight. The areas involved include the bodywork and greenhouse (with thinner gauge aluminum and thinner glass), the brakes, transmission and exhaust system.

The result is a dry weight of 1,495 kg and a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.23 kg/hp, a very significant figure that underlines the GTO's performance potential.

The 599 GTO features Ferrari’s Magnetorheological Supension Control system, as well as carbon ceramic disc brakes measuring 15.7x1.5 inches in the front, and 14.2x1.5 inches in the rear.

The 599 GTO gets its power to the ground thanks to high-performance Michelin tires, size 285/30/20 up front and 315/35/20 in the rear.

The car-driver interface was designed to maximize car and driver performance with a layout of the main commands that ensures absolute efficiency and minimum distraction. The Racing manettino also puts the emphasis firmly on sporty, track-specific driving settings by offering the driver full choice with regard to the electronic control parameters.

The ICE position on the 599 GTB Fiorano has been replaced by CT-Off (traction control off). The GTO is also fitted with bespoke, longer carbon-fibre F1 paddles for easier use in high-speed driving. In addition the GTO also features the Virtual Race Engineer, a system that monitors the status of the car and gives the driver immediate visibility of vehicle performance.

Ferrari will produce just 599 examples of the 599 GTO, with a price tag expected to fit that exclusivity with reports suggesting the 599 GTO will retail from $426,000.

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Basic Specs

Base Price     TBA
Drivetrain     Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs)     3538
City (MPG)     TBD
Hwy (MPG)     TBD
Horsepower     670@8250
Torque (lb-ft)     457@6500
Wheelbase     108.3
Length (in.)     185.4
Width (in.)     77.2
Height (in.)     52.2

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WATCH VIDEO REVIEW

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Special Cars/SchwabenFolia's Weismann Roadster MF5 V10 Black Bat

Weismann Roadster MF5 V10 Black Bat

SchwabenFolia and Dähler are co-partners in the creation of the Wiesmann Roadster MF5 V10 Black Bat.
SchwabenFolia is a car wrapping company based in Korntal-Münchingen, Germany, and is responsible for the Roadster MF5's dark looks.
The company dressed the outer body panels as well as bits from the interior plus the door sills, trunk and engine room in a matte black skin. To showcase its craftsmanship, SchwabenFolia even wrapped the 20-inch BBS alloy wheels in the same shade.
A foiled “imprint” of the Nürburgring's northern loop on the driver's side and the chrome emblems round out the makeover.

In factory spec, the limited production roadster mode is powered by the previous BMW M5's 5.0-liter V10 engine with 507HP. This is where Swiss company Dähler steps in adding a new sportier exhaust system and modified electronics to boost output to 600-horses.
The tuner says that the Black Bat can go from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in just 3.5 seconds, to 200km/j (124mph) in less than 10 seconds and top out at 321km/h (200mph).
To improve braking, Dähler added Brembo 6-piston fixed calipers with 308x32mm discs up front and 4 piston fixed calipers with 380 x 28 discs at the back.
No pricing information has been released yet.
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Infiniti Introduces New IPL G Convertible at 2011 LA Auto Show

 Infiniti  IPL G Convertible

BMW has the M Division, Mercedes-Benz has AMG, Audi its RS and S lines while even luxury-oriented Lexus has the “F Sport” range to show for itself. Infiniti’s answer is IPL, which stands for Infiniti Performance Line.

With just one model though, the IPL G Coupe, it’s not really a line. Therefore, the Japanese carmaker chose the 2011 LA Auto Show to unveil its second production IPL model based on the G37 Convertible.
Displayed initially as a thinly veiled concept at last year’s Paris Motor Show, the production IPL G is distinguished by the redesigned front fascia and bumper with integrated fog lights, the sculpted side skirts, 19-inch split-rim 7-spoke alloys with graphite finish and the two exclusive body finishes named Moonlight White and Malbec Black.

 Infiniti  IPL G Convertible-ii

The interior also gets two color trims –Stone and the IPL-exclusive Monaco Red-, as well as red-stitched leather front sports seats. The “Silk Obi” aluminum trim, aluminum-trimmed pedals and footrest and IPL logos on the front seatbacks and floor mats further distinguish the IPL G Convertible from the standard model.

The Japanese brand has tuned the 3.7-liter V6’s engine management system, raising the maximum output point by 400 rpm, to 7,400 rpm.

 Infiniti  IPL G Convertible-interiors

A more linear torque curve and a revised exhaust system, help raise maximum output by 18HP to 343HP, and torque by 6 lb-ft to 273 lb-ft compared to the standard G37 Convertible.
Power is transfered to the rear wheels through an electronically controlled, seven-speed auto transmission that allows the driver to also change gears manually via the magnesium steering-wheel mounted paddles.
Finally, the Infiniti IPL G Convertible features an IPL-developed sports suspension, low-profile W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE050A performance tires and a more poten-t braking system.

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2013 Volkswagen CC to first launch in Germany in February 2012

Set to make its world debut at the upcoming 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show later this month, the 2013 Volkswagen Passat packs some select visual scrub ups to bring it up to date with the German brand's more recent offerings.

2013 Volkswagen CC

You can spot the new model by the redesigned front that gets a new chrome-trimmed grille, reshaped headlamps that incorporate a ring of LEDs and a reworked bumper.

Similar changes can be found at the back with the new LED tail lamp, bumper and boot lid designs. A fresh choice of colors and alloy wheel options round off the exterior updates.
Inside, VW's designers tinkered around with the air-conditioning controls and trim options while the company says it has improved the standard features across the range with the addition of a fatigue detection system, new audio, stainless steel door sills and safety head restraints with additional longitudinal adjustment for the front seats.

2013 Volkswagen CC back view

For the 2013 model year, there is also a new batch of available assistance systems such as the Side Assist Plus with integrated Lane Assist that warns of vehicles in blind spots and assists driver in avoiding an accident by steering intervention, Dynamic Light Assist and a camera-based traffic sign detection system.
In the USA, the CC will launch with the same engine lineup as before, including a 200HP 2.0-liter TSI petrol and a 280HP 3.6-liter V FSI petrols (FSI).
There are no changes to the European lineup either, with the CC being offered with several TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines ranging in output from 140HP to 300HP. The most fuel-efficient version is powered by the 140HP 2.0 TDI that delivers a combined fuel consumption of 4.7lt/100km (equal to 50mpg US).
The refreshed Volkswagen CC will first launch in Germany in February 2012, then gradually across Europe, America, Russia, China (local version starting in 2013) and other sales regions

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McLaren Planning to Launch Iconic F1 Successor as Early as 2012

McLaren P12

Since the launch of the MP4-12C, McLaren has made it pretty much clear that it plans to establish itself as a serious sports carmaker and gain a full range of models that will cover the entire supercar spectrum.

Now it seems that the British car manufacturer is moving up its schedule, as according to a report from British magazine Autocar, it will launch a successor to the iconic F1 of the 1990s in 2012 – that’s one year earlier than expected. Perhaps the reason is to coincide with the original F1's 20-year anniversary.

McLaren F1 Successor  P12

We’ve already covered the issue extensively, laying out McLaren’s plans for its future cars that will require a $1 billion investment. They will all be based on the MP4-12C’s carbonfiber chassis, which has been thoroughly developed to underpin various models, but will be quite different in character.

The top-of-the-line F1 successor is code-named P12 and has quite a reputation to live up to. Its Gordon Murray-designed ancestor set new design, weight and performance standards not only for its time but also for many years after: the Bugatti Veyron managed to beat its top speed record many years later.
The P12 will use the MP4-12C’s carbonfiber chassis featuring a mid-engine layout. No details have emerged about the engine yet, but its output will be near the 800HP mark to outshine rivals like the Lamborghini Aventador and Ferrari’s 2012 Enzo successor.

Despite being more powerful, the P12 will weigh about the same as the MP4-12C thanks to the extensive use of carbonfiber and other exotic materials in its construction. Customers will also be asked to shell out more than the €200,000 McLaren asks in Europe for the MP4-12C.
Company insiders have described the car as “revolutionary”. They also claim that, contrary to the MP4-12C that hasn't received glowing reviews about its uninspired design, McLaren’s flagship will make quite an impact style-wise.
The same sources state that certain elements of the 1992 F1 will be retained, although at this point it is not known whether the distinct center driving position will be one of them. Also, unlike the original that sold only 72 road cars, the modern-day F1 will enter regular production, but will be more exclusive than the MP4-12C.

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The First American Alfa Romeo -Zagato TZ3 Stradale/Review

Italian design house Zagato has announced the Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale, a road-going follow-up to 2010′s TZ3 Corsa racing car concept which won Concept of the Year honours at the Villa del’Este Concours last May. The sumptuous TZ3 Stradale is part of a continuous celebration by Zagato of Alfa Romeo’s centenary.

The Corsa was billed and envisioned as a pure racing car, and the TZ3 Stradale is the street-going version, but it keeps that raw intensity, based on the Dodge Viper, which was itself a race car barely disguised in street trim. Unlike the Corsa, which was intended to get its power from a 4.2-liter V-8 rated at 420 horsepower paired with a six-speed sequential gearbox, the Stradale is expected to keep the Viper’s 8.4-liter V-10 and 600-horsepower output.

Zagato says that the TZ3 Stradale could be the first American Alfa Romeo, since it’s powered by a USA engine. (Dodge is now technically an affiliate of Alfa Romeo within the Fiat Group, and it’s said that the Viper successor will look more than a little like the 8C.) The most striking design feature on both TZ3 models is the chopped-off Kamm tail, which was inspired by the original TZ, but was also seen on such period cars as the Ferrari 250 GTO and the Shelby Cobra Daytona.

That’s good news. The bad news: Only ten copies are being built, so you probably won’t ever see one.  The first is going to noted American collector Eric King, the second and third examples already earmarked for customers in Japan and Europe.

Official Press Release:

The “TZ3 program” managed by Zagato to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Alfa Romeo (1910-2010) ends with the delivery of the TZ3 Stradale.

The initiative started in 2009 with the manufacturing of the “one off” TZ3 Corsa which won the Villa D’Este Design Concept Award in 2010 and followed with nine (9) TZ3 Stradale.

Two different approaches for the same tribute.

The TZ3 Corsa is a track car. It is not a design exercise. It is a Neo-Classic car.

The TZ3 Stradale is a Design Exercise. It is not a race car. It is an Avant-garde car.

The TZ3 Corsa is a tribute to the Alfa Romeo and Zagato racing heritage. It is a one off.

The TZ3 Stradale is a tribute to the Alfa Romeo and Zagato street legal heritage. Just 9 examples in the world.

In total 10 collectible cars for the 100th anniversary of Alfa Romeo made by its most prolific contributor, both with race and road legal bodies.

The TZ3 Corsa celebrates men and machines of the Alfa Romeo Zagato racing heritage:

• Scuderia Ferrari (20s and 30s)
• Alfa Corse (40s and 50s)
• Autodelta (60s and 70s)
• Scuderia Zagato (80s and 90s)

The TZ3 Stradale celebrates the road legal heritage of Alfa Romeo Zagato coupés:

• RLSS, 1500, 1750, 2300 and 2900 Zagato (20s and 30s)
• 6C 2500 Panoramica, 1900 SSZ and the Giulietta SVZ (40s and 50s)
• SZ, 2600 SZ, Giulia TZ and Junior Z (60s and 70s)
• S.Z. and R.Z. (80s and 90s)

The TZ3 Corsa is based on a mono shell carbon fibre chassis, coupled with a tubular frame and a handbeaten lightweight aluminium body. It’s equipped with a front-central V8 90° 4.2 litres engine and 6-speed sequential gearbox.

The TZ3 Stradale is based on the Viper ACR mechanical chassis with a carbon fibre body. “Bellezza necessaria” is the inspiration of this car which matches for the first time an USA power train and can represent the first American Alfa Romeo.

Following Zagato’s gentlemen-driver heritage, TZ3 Corsa has been commissioned by the Alfa Romeo Zagato collector Martin Kapp. The first TZ3 Stradale has been delivered to the US Alfa Romeo and Zagato collector (and Saratoga Automobile Museum’s board member) Eric King. The TZ3 Stradale n°2 and n°3 will be delivered in Japan and Europe.

Both TZ3 Corsa and TZ3 Stradale boast a typical Kamm-tail (K-tail) layout. This solution became famous in Italy with the “Coda Tronca” bodies which were tested by Zagato in the beginning of the 60s. They reached their apex on the Alfa Romeo TZ and TZ2.

Kamm Effect is part of the functional design approach that aims to the aerodynamic efficiency.

According to this, the CX can be lowered by keeping compact volumes at the same time. The reduction of the wind resistance is assured with the Kamm Tail design, without any need of a very stretched “drop” shape of the tail.

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Special Cars/Limited Edition Lamborghini Aventador LP760-2 by Oakley Design

Lamborghini has only just launched its new flagship supercar, LP700-4 Aventador, and Oakley Design has already come up with a tuning package for it. Called the Lamborghini Aventdor LP760-2, the car receives various engine and cosmetic revisions.

The V12 unit will receive an ECU remap, a tweaked airbox, new air intake pipping, as well as a titanium exhaust system. This will allow the engine to deliver around 760 hp and 745 Nm of torque. Avid readers will recognise the alteration of the 2 at the end of the Aventador headline, giving away a clue to the car’s driveline change. In standard form the Aventador is four-wheel drive, but Oakley Design thought it needed a bit more excitement so the LP700 has been converted to rear-drive.

The LP760-2 will ride on ultra-light, forged alloy rims, which are 4.0 kg lighter each compared to the stock wheels. The car will keep its factory tires, which means that we’ll get Pirelli PZero rubber (255/35 at the front and 355/30 at the rear).

The Oakley will also tweak the Lambo’s aerodynamics, replacing a part of the car’s parts. Thus, the front and rear fascias will be redesigned to offer better cooling, while the side air intakes will be placed behind the doors and the side skirts will also receive a few touches. All the aforementioned parts will be made of carbon fiber.

Limited to just five cars that sport a unique numbered plaque, three of Lamborghini Aventdor LP760-2 have been already sold. Oakley Design will sell the parts separately however, to anyone who is already bored with the idea of a standard Aventador. [Oakley Design]

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