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Ferrari 599 GTO

Credits to: http://www.worldcarfans.com/110040825572/ferrari-599-gto-first-official-photos-and-details-revealed


Ferrari fans, your wait is over. These are the first official images of the highly anticipated 599 GTO.

Designed to be the ultimate road-going Ferrari, the GTO features a 6.0-liter V12 engine with 661 hp (493 kW / 670 PS) and 457 lb-ft (619 Nm) of torque. It enables the 1495 kg (3295 lb) supercar to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.35 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h). Thanks to the powerful engine, the 599 GTO can lap the Fiorano test circuit in 1 minute 24 seconds - a full second faster than the Enzo.

To ensure the car remains stable at 200+ mph, Ferrari added revised bumpers, a new front spoiler, an aggressive rear diffuser and F1-style 'wheel doughnuts' (a disc which channels hot air and drag away from the brake discs). Due to all these changes, the 599 GTO generates 144 kg (317 lbs) of downforce at 120 mph (193 km/h).

Besides the aerodynamic tweaks, the overlords in Modena decided to put the 599 on a diet. As such, the GTO features thinner aluminum, carbon-ceramic brakes, and a lightweight six-speed transmission (which can shift in 60 milliseconds).

Despite the weight saving, the interior is nicely equipped. Goodies include carbon fiber gearshift paddles, a Virtual Race Engineer (a system that monitors the car's status and gives feedback on vehicle performance), carbon fiber trim, and a leather/alcantara steering wheel.

Ferrari 599 GTO Engine Sound


Full details:
The new 599 GTO - The fastest ever road-going Ferrari will be unveiled to the public at the Beijing Motor Show
Maranello, 8 April - Now available on www.ferrari.com are the first photos and information on the new 599 GTO, an extreme V12 berlinetta developed to a specific performance-oriented brief. The 599 GTO is, in fact, the company's fastest ever road car. It is an exclusive limited edition special which, in true Ferrari tradition, is a completely new concept, albeit inspired by a production car. In fact the 599 GTO is based on the 599XX, the advanced experimental track car, and can be considered almost a road-going version.

The 599 GTO is reserved for just 599 clients who seek the maximum expression of high-performance driving. The 599 GTO benefits directly from the technological transfer from racing and set a record lap time at Fiorano in 1'24".

The Fiorano lap time provides just one indication of the potential of this car. Just as significant are the technical specifications - 670 hp in a 1495kg car represents a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.23 kg/hp, and ensures a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.35" as well as a top speed of over 335 km/h.

Fundamental to the GTO's performance is the innovative approach to chassis development which, for the first time on a production car, saw the integration between a handling set-up tuned for a level of responsiveness that is close to the limit and highly sophisticated electronic controls. The result is the almost complete absence of understeer and a truly communicative chassis.

As is Ferrari's policy, every new Ferrari features new solutions for a road car. Thus the 599 GTO is equipped with the latest, second-generation carbon-ceramic brakes which are lighter and offer better performance, new aerodynamic innovations, such as the wheel doughnuts which increase aerodynamic efficiency as well as improve brake cooling, and the Supersport tyres developed by Michelin include a wider front tyre for greater roadholding. The driver-car interface is also new with the adoption of the Virtual Race Engineer (VRE) which provides the driver with instantaneous information on performance.

The 599 GTO's more aggressive character is also apparent in a number of styling elements that recall the 599XX and from the powerful sound of the V12.

The GTO (Gran Turismo Omologata) moniker instantly calls to mind two Ferraris that have entered the collective imagination as symbols of performance. After the 1962 250 GTO, which swept the boards in GT racing categories in the 1960s and is now a highly prized collector's car, came the iconic 1984 GTO, which basically invented the entire modern supercar genre.

The web special includes photos, videos and interviews on the new car, while an exclusive preview for a small number of Ferrari clients will be held on April 14th at the Military Academy in Modena. The public debut of the 599 GTO will instead be at the Beijing International Motor Show at the end of April.

599 GTO TECHNICAL CONTENTS

ENGINE AND GEARBOX
The 599 GTO's engine is directly derived from the 599XX unit implementing, however, the necessary modifications for road-going homologation. It thus complies with Euro 5 and LEV 2 standards. The 5999 cc 65-degree V12 engine punches out 670 CV at 8250 rpm with maximum torque of 620 Nm at 6500 rpm and there is a smooth, constant rush of power all the way to the redline with no loss of flexibility even at medium and low revs. This result was obtained by working on the fluid-dynamics and components to reduce internal friction and by adopting, amongst other things, the 599XX's redesigned crankshaft. The car also has a racing-type intake system with a new manifold with diffuser-type intake geometry and short inlet tracts designed to improve power delivery at high revs and reduce losses. To maximise volumetric efficiency per cylinder, a connection between the two plenums at the front compensates for variations in the volume. This is how the engineers managed to achieve maximum performance at high engine speeds. The engine sound inside the car is carefully controlled to balance the intake sound with the exhaust, which features a 599XX-derived 6-into-1 manifold.
The 599 GTO features the same, lower 60 ms shift times and the possibility to make multiple downshifts as on the 599XX.

VEHICLE DYNAMICS
One of the most significant innovations on the 599 GTO is the close correlation between the chassis set-up, which is close to the handling limit, and the input from the electronic controls which are developed to increase overall levels of performance.
Since the very earliest states of the two cars' development, Maranello's engineers worked to ensure that these two areas of the car would be seamlessly integrated thus pushing responsiveness to the limit. The result is, of course, superlative driving involvement as well as faster lap times. Apart from new springs and a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, the car also features a second generation magnetorheological suspension control system (SCM2). The suspension works in tandem with the VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) and latest-generation F1-Trac traction control. This makes the car extremely responsive to driver inputs - thanks in part to the adoption of a very direct steering ratio - but also very stable under braking, sharper on turn-in, more precise in cornering and quicker out of corners.

WEIGHT REDUCTION
The 599 GTO inherits much of the development work - using the same principles as employed in F1 - that went into making the 599XX such an extreme performance car. Reducing weight was a vital objective and the result was the widespread use of composites and components manufactured with technologies more akin to racing specifications. The areas involved include the bodywork and greenhouse (with thinner gauge aluminium and thinner glass), the brakes, transmission and exhaust system. The result is a dry weight of 1495 kg and a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.23 kg/hp, a very significant figure that underlines the GTO's performance potential.

AERODYNAMICS
The 599 GTO's aerodynamics have benefited significantly from Ferrari engineers' experience in F1 and with the 599XX which allowed downforce to be greatly increased without impacting on drag. Thanks to solutions transferred from the track car to the road-going version, the GTO generates downforce of 144 kg at 200 km/h. The entire car was honed, including the front, the sides, the flat underbody and cooling flows. In the latter instance, the GTO can count on improved ducting to the brake discs and pads, and the adoption of wheel doughnuts - a disc positioned outside the brake disc that ensure that hot air exiting the wheelarch stays as close to the body of the car as possible to reduce drag.

Work on the nose of the car was aimed at reducing the width of the wake generated by the front and thus reduce drag. The front spoiler incorporates a separate lower wing that increases downforce at the front of the car and increases the flow of cooling air to the oil radiator. On the flanks there's a new sill design with a more pronounced leading edge that improves the efficiency of the central section of the underbody. The underbody itself incorporates a new, lower front section with diffusers ahead of the front wheels to optimise downforce, and a new double-curve rear diffuser.

WHEEL RIMS AND TYRES
Here the difference in size between the front and rear tyres has been changed. The GTO's front tyres are now 285/30 on a 9.5'' channel with 315/35 on an 11.5'' channel at the rear. The 599 GTO has 20'' rims. Roll rigidity is greater at the rear to minimise understeer. These solutions guarantee improved lateral grip and quicker turn in.

BRAKES
The new CCM2 braking system is lighter and even more consistent in high performance situations. Its consistent coefficient of attrition meant that the ABS could be calibrated to a particularly high performance level, further reducing lap times, thanks to improved deceleration and shorter stopping distances. In fact, the 599 GTO boasts an excellent 100 to 0 km/h braking distance of just 32.5 metres. As well as their role in improving aerodynamics, the Formula 1-derived wheel doughnuts also improve braking efficiency by optimising brake cooling.

CAR-DRIVER INTERFACE
The car-driver interface was designed to maximise 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.


599 GTO TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Length: 4710 mm (185.4 in)
Width: 1962 mm (77.2 in)
Height: 1326 mm (52.2 in)
Wheelbase: 2750 mm (108.3 in)
Front track: 1701 mm (67.0 in)
Rear track: 1618 mm (63.7 in)
Dry weight*: 1495 kg (3296 lbs)
Kerb weight*: 1605 kg (3538 lbs)
Weight distribution: 47% front - 53% rear
Fuel tank capacity: 105 litres (27.7 US gal/23.1 UK/gal)
Boot volume: 320 litres (11.3 cu ft)

ENGINE
Type V12 - 65°
Bore & stroke: 92 x 75.2 mm (3.62 x 2.96 in)
Unitary displacement: 499.9 cc (30.51 cu in)
Total displacement: 5999 cc (366.08 cu in)
Compression ratio: 11.2:1
Maximum power: 500 kW (670 CV) at 8250 rpm
Maximum torque: 620 Nm (457 lbs/ft) at 6500 rpm

GEARBOX
F1 6-speed + reverse

SUSPENSION
SCM2 - Magnetorheological Supension Control

TYRES
Front: 285/30 ZR20''
Rear: 315/35 ZR20''

CARBON-CERAMIC BRAKES
Front: 398 x 38 mm (15.7 x 1.5 in)
Rear: 360 x 32 mm (14.2 x 1.3 in)

ELECTRONIC CONTROLS
CST with F1-Trac: Traction and stability control
TPTMS: Tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system

PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: over 335 km/h (over 208 mph)
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 3.35 sec

FUEL CONSUMPTION
Combined cycle (ECE)*: 17.5 l/100 km

CO2 EMISSIONS
Combined cycle (ECE)*: 411 g/km

*European version

BMW 4S Centre

Credits to: Anthony @ http://star-motoring.com/blog/permalink.asp?id=1109

BMW Group Malaysia and Quill Automobiles today officially opened the doors to the newest BMW 4S (Sales, Service, Systems and Spare Parts) centre in the Klang Valley.
  40,000sq ft sales office and BMW FastLane Service centre in the Quill 9 building in Petaling Jaya

The new BMW dealership features a 40,000sq ft sales office and BMW FastLane Service centre in the Quill 9 building in Petaling Jaya, with a 20,000 sq ft after-sales service, systems and spare parts facilities centre in Puchong.

The concept and architecture of the PJ facility reflects the essence of the BMW brand , and houses a sales office, lounge area, M lounge area, BPS (BMW Premium Selection) area, meeting and discussion rooms, concierge and a display area that can hold up to 26 cars.
20,000 sq ft after-sales service, systems and spare parts facilities centre in Puchong

 In conjunction with its official opening, Quill Automobiles is offering a free DVD player for every purchase of a 5 series this Apr 10-12. The dealership is also running a service campaign until Apr 30, with a complimentary safety inspection programme, complimentary car cleaning services, special rates on labour charges, special rates on wheel alignment and spare parts as well as special door gifts.

Bentley Mulsanne to arrived KL on 14th of April

Joy of joys for the ultra rich of Malaysia and for the rest of us who enjoy ogling cars of these price points parked in front of shopping malls – the Bentley Mulsanne will be making its way into Bentley Kuala Lumpur’s showroom on the 14th of April 2010 in conjunction with Bentley Kuala Lumpur’s first year anniversary.
No price yet – but with models like the Continental Supersports and Supersports Convertible priced at RM2,288,000 and RM2,438,000 respectively, don’t expect the “New Grand Bentley” to be priced any lesser!

Fomula 1 Grand Prix Babes

Overall Formula 1 Grand Prix 2010 Models

BMW Malaysia launches the X1

Credits to: Anthony @ http://star-motoring.com/blog/permalink.asp?id=1104

BMW Group Malaysia today launched the X1 Sports Activity Vehicle, with the diesel-powered xDrive20d being the variant making the initial jump for the model here - the petrol version of the E84, the sDrive18i, arrives in June.
 The X1 xDrive20d is equipped with the N47D2000 2.0l four-cylinder turbodiesel, the same found on the 320d, which offers 177bhp at 4,000rpm and 350Nm of torque at 1,750-3,000rpm. Performance figures include a 0-100kmh sprint time of 8.6secs, a top speed of 205kmh and a claimed consumption rate of 6.5l per 100km.

 As for the rear-wheel drive X1 sDrive18i, this one gets the N46B2002 2.0l petrol block developing 150bhp at 6,400rpm and 200Nm at 3,600rpm, with a claimed fuel consumption of 8.4l per 100km. Both variants come with six-speed auto transmissions, the xDrive20d with a ZF 6HP19TU unit and the sDrive18i the GM-based GM6 6L46R.
 Features on the X1, which sits on a 3 Series Touring platform, include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which groups up ABS, Dynamic Brake Control, Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Traction Control as part of the parcel, 17-inch wheels with 225/50 series tyres, bi-xenon headlamps and lots of storage options in the cabin, including 420l of cargo space available at the back, going up to 1,350l with the rear seats folded down.

The X1 xDrive20d is priced at RM299,800, while the SDrive18i will go for RM263,800 when it arrives in mid-year, both on-the-road and inclusive of a 3-year BMW Service + Repair Inclusive package.

Federation D presents Nissan Skyline BNR34 : Drift Car Construction

Credits to: http://federationd.com/

List of Parts to be installed in this Nissan Skyline
Haltech platinum 2000 system
Custom exhaust manifold
Garrett GT3540R turbo
Tomei 260 camshaft
Tomei valve springs
Tomei head gasket
Tomei forged pistons
Injectors
Tomei forged rods
Tomei cam pulley exhaust only
Tomei timing belt
Nismo engine bearings
Walbro fuel pump
Trust extended oil sump
Turbosmart 45mm wastegate
Tomei oil pump
Nismo n1 water pump

Installation of the New exhaust system
Boost Controller is installed in the engine bay. This regulates and allows the driver to alter its boost pressure in case of a sudden change or a usual an increase in power where it is needed for a particular track layout.

A control unit with display is installed in the cockpit.

Resistor coupled with the Fuel Pump at the rear of the car. This resistor placed in the engine bay provides 2-3 volts more to the fuel pump to ensure when at low and at high rpm, the fuel pump is still pushing out fuel as required. This replaces the standard 6V connector.

New iridium spark plugs with platinum lacing replaces the stock plugs. These plugs are higher temp sparks, more consistent, and highly reliable.

Last inspection before having a Dyno test run

Synchronization of the new Engine Control Unit (ECU) or Engine management system (the Brain) that just got installed with a laptop. The laptop is then used to monitor, moderate, and modify the engine characteristics for optimum performance.

Dyno run. The car is out and we're drifting it soon! watch this space!

GM to use brake safety measure Worldwide

Credits to: Anthony @ http://star-motoring.com/blog/permalink.asp?id=1100

General Motors says it will install a new brake safety measure that can prevent unintended acceleration on all its new vehicles worldwide by 2012.

The announcement yesterday comes as federal regulators consider making the technology mandatory on new cars and trucks after Toyota's big problems with vehicles that can speed out of control. Congress is also exploring the issue after a series of hearings last month on Toyota's recall of millions of vehicles over gas pedals that get stuck or trapped on floor mats.

GM has not had major problems with unintended acceleration, but the company said it was taking the step as a means of reassuring customers about the safety of its vehicles. A brake override reduces power to the engine when the driver steps on both the brake and accelerator, and it should also slow a vehicle if the gas pedal is stuck.

GM plans to install the software for the system in the electronic throttle control systems of newly manufactured vehicles. The automaker already uses it in several models in the United States, mostly high horsepower vehicles like the Chevy Corvette.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which regulates auto safety, is exploring whether to require the brake override on new vehicles. Toyota has already said it would use the system in most new Toyota and Lexus vehicles by the end of 2010.

Great news when you buy a Mercedes Benz now

Credits to: Anthony @ http://star-motoring.com/blog/permalink.asp?id=1102
Right until Apr 30, Cycle & Carriage Bintang is giving away to one lucky customer per week a free holiday. Customers are simply required to test drive any Mercedes-Benz and place a booking within the same week to stand a chance to bag the weekly prize in the Test Drive and Win A Holiday Weekly campaign.

There will be one winner picked from CCB’s five branches nationwide weekly and the winner will be given Firefly Holiday vouchers worth RM1,200. Vouchers can be redeemed at Firefly counter for Firefly Holidays destinations which includes flight and accommodation.

Sedan Version of the Subaru Impreza WRX STi is finally Born

When the current five-door Impreza WRX STI came out, many Subaru fans couldn’t accept their icon’s departure from the four-door sedan bodystyle. It didn’t help that the Impreza hatchback wasn’t particularly good looking as a five-door either. Well, Subaru seems to have heard the calls and has rolled out the sedan version of the WRX STI at the New York Auto Show. This will be the first time two bodystyles of the STI are available.

Both hatch and sedan feature sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp housings for a wider and lower look. There’s also a jutting lip spoiler and larger front grille/air intakes. The grille area is now outlined in black. For the sedan, you can see neatly integrated wide rear fenders that match the front’s. Of course, the STI’s trademark big boot spoiler is here, as is a chunky rear bumper featuring quad exhausts (two on each side).

Is it just me or does the rear end look like the previous generation Toyota Vios? Personally, although all the ingredients are there, it just doesn’t quite look right – old is gold when it comes to the WRX STI.

Styling aside, the 2011 WRX STI features improvements to the chassis, leading Subaru to call this “the best-handling Impreza WRX STI”. Aluminum front lower L-arms reduce unsprung vehicle weight, while new pillow-ball bushings in front and stiffer bushings for the rear subframe improve camber and toe stiffness.

Both the front and rear suspension systems employ higher-rate springs and thicker front and rear stabilizer bars than the 2010 model: 21 mm vs 20 mm in front and 19 mm vs 18 mm at the back. Spring rates are up by 15.6% up front and 53% behind. Ride height has been lowered too. The standard 18-inch aluminum wheels are lighter too, but many will take the optional BBS forged aluminum-alloy wheels. But why not in gold?

The US model is powered by a 305 bhp turbo boxer paired to a 6-speed manual. The STI comes with Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) with three Auto modes, as well as a manual mode with six driver-selectable differential locking settings. Also, SI-DRIVE allows the driver to tailor the car’s driving characteristics by choosing from three modes – Intelligent, Sport and Sport Sharp.

Mazda2 makes Local debut

Credits to: http://star-motoring.com/blog/permalink.asp?id=1098


The third-generation Mazda2 made its official debut in Malaysia today, with Prima Merdu/Bermaz Motor launching the DE in both sedan and five-door hatchback forms.

Both model types, built at the AutoAlliance Thailand plant in Rayong, are powered by a ZY-VE MZR 1.5l twin-cam engine, which offers 102bhp at 6,000rpm and 135Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, with a four-speed auto gearbox in tow. Two specification levels are being offered for both the sedan and hatch - V-Spec and R-Grade.

Features and equipment levels common across the board are steering-mounted audio controls, electric power assist steering, ABS, dual front airbags, body-coloured door outer handles, 60:40 split fold down rear seats, a MP3-ready audio system, tilt-adjustable steering wheel and height adjustment for the driver's seat (offering 55mm of travel).

The 5-star EuroNCAP-rated 2008 World Car of the Year utilises twin-tube dampers for its MacPherson-strut and torsion-beam suspension, with front disc and rear drum brakes. The 3.92m-long hatchback has dual Isofix child seat anchors, which unfortunately isn't available on the sedan version. You do get a whole load more of boot space though in the 4.26m-long sedan - a very useful 450l compared to the hatchback's 250l. Oh, and the trunk release button switch is pretty cool.

As for differing trim and kit, the higher specification R-Grade offers a sport tuned suspension compared to the normal tuned one on the V-Spec (which also lowers the ride height by 7mm), and also bags you front fog lamps, a coloured front bumper (black on the V-Spec) and a larger 195/45 R16 wheel/tyre combination, as opposed to the 185/55 R15 wheels found on the V-Spec. Additionally, for the hatchback, the R-Grade gets you a sport bodykit and roof spoiler.

The Mazda2 comes in seven colours - Sparkling Gold, Cool White, Aurora Blue, Metropolitan Grey, True Red, Highlight Silver and Black Mica, with the signature Spirited Green shade available as an eighth colour, only for the hatch.

Prices for the Mazda2 1.5L sedan is RM77,622 (V-Spec) and RM80,622 (R-Grade), while the hatchback goes for RM79,822 (V-Spec) and RM82,822 (R-Grade), all on-the-road, without insurance.

Wekfest (US)

Credits to: Marcus Cooke @ Carbon Vision








Below are the slide show of The Wekfest ( US ). Enjoy!

Lamborghini Gallardo LP-560 Preview

The new Gallardo is sporting 560 hp from its new, direct-injected 5.2-liter V10. Hacking off 20 kilos from the curb weight allows the LP560-4 to rocket to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 201 mph, all the while increasing fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions by some 18-percent.