Press Releases
PRESS | 2009 CTS-V Blisters Nürburgring
In testing today at Germany’s Nurburgring, Cadillac’s upcoming new 2009 CTS-V completed a lap of the legendary Nordschleife in 7:59.32. This blistering time appears to be the fastest ever publicly documented for a production sedan.
Cadillac is nearing the completion of testing for the highly anticipated CTS-V, the limited-edition high-performance model based on the award-winning CTS sport sedan. John Heinricy, GM Performance Division executive and an acclaimed racing driver, piloted the CTS-V through its sub-8 minute lap. The car itself had no performance modifications outside of those planned for consumer production, which is scheduled to begin this fall.
Estimated at 550-hp, the CTS-V is at the moment going through the final stages of intensive testing and development. One of the realistic objectives of the Cadillac team is to make the CTS-V the world’s fastest production sedan, as a part of the overall goal to make the V-Series Cadillac’s ultimate expression of performance and technology. More updates will be released in the coming weeks as testing is finalized, including the car’s certified SAE power ratings, acceleration specifications and U.S.-market pricing.
Video documentation of the car’s breakthrough Nordschleife performance will be posted online in the coming days at http://cadillac.gmblogs.com
The eight-minute mark has long been recognized as a major Nurburgring milestone, reserved for race cars and the fastest exotic sports cars. While there’s no single official repository for Nurburgring data from private test sessions, numerous reputable websites and publications report lap times from race teams, automakers and independent sources.
The new 2009 CTS-V includes a suite of advanced performance technologies, including a new version of Cadillac’s acclaimed Magnetic Ride Control suspension and the LSA 6.2-liter Supercharged V8 engine. For the first time, CTS-V will include the choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions, with the new automatic sporting steering wheel-mounted shift buttons.
PRESS RELEASE (Source: GM via Autoblog)
PRESS | Toyota Land Cruiser V8 by delta4×4
European premiere: delta4×4 the Bavarian specialist for SUVs presents its new upgrade-program with high performance brake system for this luxurious offroad vehicle
Odelzhausen/Munich, March 12th 2008. Just in time for the official German launch on March 8th 2008, delta4×4 introduces a complete new custom concept for the new Land Cruiser. As is expected delta4×4 combines excellent craftsmanship with sophisticated technology to deliver accessories for the discerning SUV driver.
For some the power surge of up to 318 kmph by the delta4×4 performance increase compared to the standard 286 kmph could cause a little anxiety but with the delta4×4 high-performance brake system any uneasiness is quickly forgotten. This high-performance brake system includes a six-piston caliper, a 396 mm perforated brake disk and a steel-wrapped hose. It provides a precise pedal response, allowing an allround secure and relaxing driving pleasure at a maximum torque of 780 Nm.
”Back to basics“ the Bavarian 4 wheel specialist delta4×4 prides itself on high quality handmade stainless steel accessories
delta4×4 fits Toyota’s new SUV with either a front bar that meets EU pedestrian protection safety standards or a bigger front bar for the export market. Also in the line handmade and hand polished 101mm stainless steel side and rear bars. To accentuate its powerful appearance and to render the vehicle’s sound more deep and mighty, delta4×4 has equipped the V8 with a stainless steel double pipe exhaust system.
The broad sporty wheels and the elegant 17 to 23 inch rim program provides the vehicle with a high urban profile.
The new catalog and more information can be obtained from delta4×4, Unterumbach, 85235 Odelzhausen, Telephone 0 81 34/93 02-30 Fax 0 81 34/93 02 21 email: info@delta4×4.de www.delta4×4.de.
PRESS RELEASE (Source: delta4×4)
PRESS | Shelby 85th Commemorative GT40
In celebration of Carroll Shelby’s 85TH birthday Shelby Distribution USA under license from Shelby Licensing and in partnership with Shelby Automobiles Inc. will reproduce the three dominating Shelby American GT40® race cars that accomplished one of the greatest feats in American automotive racing history into a street legal vehicle that can be driven or simply collected. These rolling chassis will receive a Shelby Automobiles Inc. MSO and will be recorded in the Shelby Registry along with the Safir GT40 Spares LLC assigned licensed mark, identification number and registry that reflects these cars as newly manufactured variants of the original GT40®.
Chassis/Body
The GT40®’s chassis is a near-exact replication of the original race car’s monocoque unibody structure down to the pressed steel roof. The only departure is the use of electro-galvanized sheet steel in the construction. The chassis, at over 12,000 pounds per degree, is stiffer than any other chassis on the market, and is made of over 244 laser cut and bent or pressed parts.
Engine/Transmission
The Shelby 85th Commemorative GT40® is built to accommodate only a Shelby branded engine. The top of the line engine includes the Shelby 427FE V8.
Original Style Suspension
The Shelby 85th Commemorative GT40® features an original style fully independent suspension system utilizing an unequal length A-arm design. The coilover system utilizes H&R springs and Bilstein shocks that are fully adjustable as well as the front and rear anti-roll bars. Ride height can be changed from 4.125 to 4.75 inches.
Wheels/Tires/Brakes
Incredible braking performance is achieved through vented Wilwood super light brakes. Both front and rear brakes feature 12.75″ discs and 4-piston calipers. Original style 15-inch Halibrand wheels are wrapped with high performance BFGoodrich g-Force Drag Radial tires, 225/50/15 front, 275/60/15 rear.
Interior
The interior features original style seats with rivets and 4-point racing harness seat belts. A racing style dash features Smith gauges, and the pedal box, instruments, quick-release 14-inch steering wheel, and dash accurately replicate the original.
Unique 85th Commemorative Edition GT40® Features
The MKII Shelby GT40®’s will be based on the following cars. Only 85 of each color will be issued.
Car #1, Chassis P/1015: Arcadian Blue, White Stripes/Dark Blue borders, and Dayglo Red Fender Flashes
Car #2, Chassis P/1046: Black with solid Silver Stripes and White Roundels
Car #3, Chassis P/1047 Red with solid White Stripes and Roundels
Features Include:
- Record sale into the Shelby Registry
- Shelby MSO and dash plaque
- Carroll Shelby engraved door handles
- Carroll Shelby etched left and right front headlight covers
- Roundels with 85 number decals
- Leather seating
- Hood wind diffusers
- CS GT40® numbered plaque
- CS GT40® side sill graphics
- Carroll Shelby signature floor and sill mats
- 85th Commemorative hood badge
- 85th Special Edition decal
- Available in right and left hand drive
Available Race Version
While the standard Shelby 85th Commemorative GT40® is as close to a race car as one can get to driving on the street, a race version is also available. This package comes with a roll bar, fuel cell and A/C delete.
Vehicle specifications
Wheelbase: 95″
Length: 163″
Height: 40.5″
Width: 70″
Track (f/r): 57″/56″
Ground Clearance: 4.125″ – 4.75″
Curb Weight: 2400 lbs
Weight Distribution: f/r: 40/60%
About Shelby Distribution
Based in Irvine, CA, Shelby Distribution is the official distributor for Shelby continuation cars. Their product lineup includes the CSX4000 Cobra, CSX9000, and the 85th Commemorative GT40. For more information on Shelby continuation cars or to find a dealership, visit www.shelbydistributionusa.com or call 888-SHELBY-USA. The GT40® trademark is owned by Safir GT40 Spares LLC.
PRESS RELEASE (Source: Shelby Distribution USA via Autoblog)
PRESS | WEBER SPORTCARS faster one
WEBER SPORTCARS faster one
Swiss Precision Creates the World’s Fastest Street-Legal Sports Car
Legendary Swiss precision is no longer limited to the domain of creating of the world’s most prestigious chronographs. It’s time for the WEBER SPORTCARS faster one! Using a unique combination of high-tech engineering and uncompromising innovative styling geared toward maximum aerodynamic efficiency, WEBER SPORTCARS from Tobel in the Swiss canton Thurgau develops and builds the world’s fastest street-legal sports car.
The two-seater weighs in at just 1,100 kilograms and is powered by a V8 engine with dual superchargers that produces 900 hp / 662.4 kW. Thanks to its exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 1.22 kilogram per hp, intelligent all-wheel drive and sophisticated aerodynamic properties the mid-engine racer sprints to 300 km/h in just 16.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of more than 420 km/h. Retail prices start at 1,620,000 Swiss Francs (export price without VAT).
Favorable aerodynamic properties are absolutely elementary in order to attain a top speed of more than 400 km/h. The car body of the WEBER SPORTCARS faster one is 204 centimeters wide and 115 centimeters high. It is made entirely from ultra-light yet super-strong carbon fiber. State-of-the-art aerodynamics computer software and wind-tunnel testing were employed to trim the carbon-fiber shell for maximum directional stability at the highest speeds. The aerodynamic downforce it creates is surpassed only by purebred racecars that do not have to comply with any legal requirements, e.g. ground clearance, et al.
The front of the car with its two characteristic WEBER SPORTCARS grilles seems almost vertical compared to that of other sports cars, and is the result of the aerodynamic research conducted. This particular design creates an air wedge in front of the car with positive effects on the airflow over the vehicle. The shape of the upward-sloped hood, which extends all the way to the flush-mounted windshield, produces aerodynamic downforce on the front axle to benefit directional stability. The headlamps with integrated LED turn signals and the LED taillights were both designed in-house by WEBER SPORTCARS.
The super sportscar measures 450 centimeters in length, and features doors that for aerodynamic reasons have no external door handles. They open and close instead at the push of a button. The two streamlined side view mirrors provide an excellent rearward view. Integrated into the roof is an airbox that supplies the engine with its intake air.
Streamlined air intakes integrated into the rear of the car supply intercoolers and oil cooler in the engine bay with fresh air. The smooth underfloor of the WEBER SPORTCARS faster one flairs into a wide upturned Venturi tunnel in the rear. This aerodynamic ploy contributes to the creation of strong aerodynamic downforces as does the electronically controlled deployable rear wing. This high-tech airfoil not only creates downforce but also serves as an air brake. Depending on current speed and driver-applied braking force the wing deploys into fully vertical position in 50 milliseconds. That creates up to 4,000 newtons of additional braking force.
The WEBER SPORTCARS faster one supercar is powered by a V8 engine with a displacement of 7,011 ccm, dry-sump oil system and dual superchargers. The engine is based on the LS7 engine but of the original engine only the cylinder block and the basic design using one central camshaft and rockers for valve activation remain.
The lightweight aluminum block was upgraded with high-performance parts such as a precision-balanced crankshaft, precision-balanced piston rods and forged pistons, a camshaft with sharper timing, and two cylinder heads with larger valves and intake and outlet ports tuned for optimal mixture flow.
The engine peripherals were also modified extensively. They now include a custom-developed high-performance fuel injection system and an also custom-developed supercharging system with one mechanical belt-driven supercharger per bank of cylinders. Maximum boost pressure is limited to 1.0 bars.
The stainless-steel exhaust system features metal catalysts with low back pressure as well as a muffler bypass valve for an impressive sound experience.
The engine management system stems from the world of car racing and orchestrates the perfect interaction of all components and parameters. At the same time buttons on the steering wheel give the driver the option to select different mappings to adjust power output and throttle response to the specific driving situation. The engine electronics also are responsible for meeting stringent EURO IV exhaust emission limits.
The WEBER SPORTCARS faster one twin-supercharger engine delivers 900 hp / 662.4 kW at 7,000 rpm and produces a peak torque of 1,050 Nm at 3,900 rpm.
The transmission was a proprietary development by WEBER SPORTCARS which also builds it in-house. The semi-automatic sequential six-speed gearbox is operated via shift paddles on the steering wheel, the method of choice in today’s super sports cars. Of special importance was an extremely short shift time of just 50 milliseconds between gears, as well as maximum durability under the enormous strain of 1,050 Nm of gut-wrenching torque.
The intelligent all-wheel drive system with dynamic power distribution to all four wheels is also a proprietary development from WEBER SPORTCARS. Electronically controlled differentials ensure maximum traction under all road conditions and thus always the best-possible acceleration. Up to 36 percent of the engine’s power is transferred to the front wheels.
The combination of light-weight design, enormously powerful engine, high-end four-wheel drive, an active traction control system derived from Formula One racing and innovative aerodynamics gives the WEBER SPORTCARS faster one acceleration times previously only attained by purebred racecars. The two-seater sprints from rest to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds and reaches 200 km/h after just 6.6 seconds. Thanks to its favorable power-to-weight ratio and exceptionally low drag it passes the 300 km/h-mark after just 16.2 seconds. Top speed is more than 400 km/h.
To realize the projected performance WEBER SPORTCARS has developed an optimal symbiosis of light-weight design, power and aerodynamics. The entire frame of the WEBER SPORTCARS supercar weighs just 65 kilograms and like almost all components and tools it is manufactured in-house at WEBER SPORTCARS. It is made from high-end aluminum usually reserved for aerospace applications. The tools for making the high-strength aluminum profiles were also created by WEBER SPORTCARS. These profiles are then welded into a tubular frame whose exact design was determined using FEM (finite element method) computer software.
These measures result in exception torsional rigidity: Under a load of 30 metric tons the WEBER SPORTCARS faster one body flexes just 1.0 degrees. For an ideal weight distribution ratio of 50:50 and the lowest possible center of gravity the sportscar is equipped with four fuel tanks that have a combined capacity of 110 liters.
The suspension of the supercar brings purebred racing technology to the street. That includes upper and lower A-arms milled from one piece by WEBER SPORTCARS, and struts with a multitude of selectable settings for bound and rebound on both axles.
Especially light custom wheels were manufactured for the ultra-wide track. The front axle features size 10Jx20 rims shod with size 285/25 ZR 20 tires. They transfer steering wheel inputs and up to 36 percent of the engine’s power to the road. The rear axle is fitted with size 13Jx20 wheels and size 325/25 ZR 20 tires.
In addition to the high-tech air brake WEBER SPORTCARS selected only the best of the best when it came to designing a brake controlled by a high-tech ABS anti-locking system. WEBER SPORTCARS produced its own 12-piston fixed calipers that viciously grab vented ceramic disc brakes measuring 380 x 34 millimeters on front and rear axle. These brakes can bring the two-seater to a stop from 100 km/h in short 30 meters or so.
The two-seater cockpit of the WEBER SPORTCARS faster one with integrated safety cell combines purebred carbon-fiber and leather racing looks with the creature comforts nowadays associated with a super sports car. Customers can freely choose their favorite color combination.
The Formula 1 style steering wheel is another in-house development. It incorporates controls for engine mapping and traction control system as well as shift paddles for the sequential gearbox.
Among the comfort features present are power steering, climate control system, power windows and a sound system with integrated navigation system. A rearview camera facilitates maneuvering in reverse.
As an alternative, WEBER SPORTCARS offers an uncompromising racing interior with carbon-fiber competition seats and six-point seatbelts.
PRESS RELEASE (Source: Weber Sportcars via Autoblog)
PRESS | Alfa uncovers Spider Limited Edition
ALFA SPIDER – MORE FOR LESS THIS SUMMER
Perfectly timed for summer, Italian sporting car manufacturer, Alfa Romeo, has extended the head turning Alfa Spider range with a limited edition version. Complete with £3000 worth of extra features at no extra cost, the Alfa Spider Limited Edition effortlessly unites the head and heart with dramatic effect.
The Alfa Spider Limited Edition features a choice of four colour combinations, alloy wheels, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated memory front seats and door mirrors. Yet the price remains a cool £25,500. The extra features include Italian Frau® leather upholstery and the unique Blue&Me™ hands-free system with voice recognition and media player.
Bespoke colours for the Alfa Spider Limited Edition include a Carbonio Black version with a natural leather upholstery while the Alfa Red exterior paintwork is matched to a black leather interior. The super-cool Ghiaccio White colour scheme comes with a choice of either black or natural leather upholstery. For added driver and passenger comfort, these leather seats are heated to keep the occupant warm whilst the roof is down on early morning starts or late night drives.
Equipped with 19″ spoked alloy wheels, the limited edition Alfa Spider looks purposeful and powerful. Under the bonnet the 2.2 JTS petrol engine produces 185bhp and powers the Alfa Spider from 0 - 62mph in 8.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 139mph.
PRESS RELEASE (Source: Alfa Romeo)
