Viper Sports Cars

Make:	Dodge
Model:	Viper
Acceleration:	3.9 sec.
Top speed:	315 km/h.
Transmission:	6 - speed manual
Design:	8.3 litre V10 engine
Displacement:	8277 cc
Maximum Bhp	500 hp / 5600 rmp
Tires Front:	275/35ZR 18
Tires Back:	335/30ZR18
Length:	4445 mm
Width:	1910 mm
Height:	1209 mm
Weight:	1530 kg

Hamann Sports Cars BMW Z4 Roadster

 

Hamann has released the all new BMW Z4 Roadster enhancing it with the tuner’s comprehensive program of some cosmetic and performance upgrades. With exciting bodywork styling, striking rim designs and powerful performance improvements, Hamann promises a broad palette of customization options for the roadster fans.

 

2010 Hamann Sports Cars BMW Z4 Roadster

 

Just in time for the start of the cabrio season, Hamann Motorsport is introducing a comprehensive programme for accessories and modification of the current BMW Z4 Roadster, known internally as the E89. The broad palette of customisation options for the roadster with the fold-away hardtop includes exciting bodywork styling, striking rim designs and powerful performance improvements.

 

 

The Hamann aerodynamics programme is characterised by top-quality workmanship on body components with impressive design and optimised airflow over the vehicle silhouette: The specialists have replaced the series production front spoiler on the front axle with an in-house development that features two integrated LED day lamps. Striking side skirts between the front and the rear impress with a convincing design concept, and lend the Z4 an even lower and longer appearance. The lift force on the rear axle is reduced by a Hamann technical development that sees a shapely spoiler mounted on the tailgate. A new rear apron completes an impressive overall appearance and makes space for the four tailpipes responsible for the throaty sound of the Hamann sports car exhaust system.

 

 

The Hamann engine specialists have developed a powerful performance improvement for the BMW Z4 sDrive35i engine, which also lifts the 250 km/h limitation. The optimisation of the series production control device has resulted in performance figures of 360 hp / 265 kW at 5230 rpm (standard is 306 hp / 225 kW at 2500 rpm). The maximum torque simultaneously increases to an impressive 540 Nm, which is available in the engine speed range of 1300 to 5000 rpm (standard is 400 Nm at 1300 - 5000). This modification results in a top speed of 285 km/h.

 

 

One of the technical highlights in the comprehensive range of wheels is the three-part Hamann light alloy wheel known as the Edition Race "Matt Black". The 20" forged wheel combines sportiness with elegance. The matt black, polished spoked rims and the titanium screw joints accentuate the wheel dynamics, while the highly polished rim flange makes for a sophisticated impression. 

 

 

Hamann is offering the wheel/tyre combination of 8,5Jx20 inch including 235/30ZR20 front tyres with 10,0Jx20 rims plus 295/25ZR20 back tyres from 7,640 Euro. Extra focus is on the new aluminium wheels with special chassis springs that allow the centre of mass on both the front and back axles of the Z4 Roadster to be lowered by 30 millimetres. Handling of the sports car is simultaneously enhanced.

 

 

For the interior, Hamann Motorsport has come up with subtle internal applications. The aluminium gear knob and the set of foot mats with the silver stitched Hamann logo provide a sporty look. On request, hand-made complete leather fittings in line with the exclusive demands of every BMW Z4 Roadster driver can also be supplied.

 

BMW’s Green Sports Car

 

“It’s the sports car of the future, the way BMW imagines it.” That’s how Adrian van Hooydonk, director of BMW’s group design, describes the “BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics” two-door concept vehicle to be unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show. Think of it as a showcase of the many fuel-efficient technologies that BMW has in various stages of development. Some of the technologies already appear in production vehicles, while the feasibility of rolling out other systems stretch the future to the point of never.

BMW’s overarching goal was to combine breath-taking speed and groundbreaking efficiency. In the BMW Vision, that boils down to 4.8-second 0-to-60 miles per hour acceleration and 63 mile to the gallon.

First, BMW engineers use the rear-axle to combine a turbo-charged small diesel engine and the mildest forms of hybrid technology. That kind of combo comes standard in BMW 1-series cars in Europe. The Vision's setup is a little more similar to the BMW 320d, also to debut in Frankfurt, which uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel to deliver 162 horsepower, while promising more than 57 miles to the gallon. The BMW Vision takes it a step further by downsizing the engine to a 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel engine mated with the more robust hybrid system found in the pricey BMW ActiveHybrid7, expected in the US early next year.

Not satisfied with 162 horsepower, BMW adds a second motor to drive the front wheels exclusively by electricity. When both motors and the diesel engine are called into service, the overall system can put out 356 horsepower. The BMW Vision is lightweight and aerodynamic. The design features an aluminum chassis and suspension, and an outer skin made mostly of polycarbonate glass. The car’s slippery design boasts a drag coefficient of 0.22—beating out the Toyota Prius’s 0.25.

To mitigate the fuel efficiency penalty paid for power, the BMW Vision utilizes plug-in hybrid technology. This is where the Vision becomes more of a fantasy. The combination of diesel and hybrid technologies is widely viewed as cost prohibitive. Adding enough battery power to allow the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics to travel for 30 miles of all-electric drive, as BMW is promising, would send costs through the roof.

BMW also indicates that the Vision only needs a 187-pound 10.8 kWh battery to achieve the 30-mile all-electric goal. To pull that off, the Vision, according to BMW, will discharge the battery pack's capacity by 80 percent, which is likely to significantly reduce the longevity of the battery. (The Chevy Volt will use about 50 percent of its capacity to help ensure a lifetime of use.)

McLaren to build new range of sports cars

 

McLaren has announced news of a drastic restructuring over the coming years, including the introduction of a range of new sports cars beginning in 2010.

Ron Dennis will step down from his position as boss of McLaren’s hugely successful F1 team, handing over the reigns to Martin Whitmarsh in order to direct his focus onto McLaren Automotive.

The new venture plans to produce a range of up to three different sports cars, spearheaded by the P11 that is already in testing for release in 2010.

McLaren is reported to be aiming at a production run of 1000 vehicles by 2011, with plans to push out to 4000 vehicles in 2015.

Production of a new plant is yet to be announced, but is expected to create an extra 800 jobs to facilitate McLaren’s major growth plans.

Mr Dennis has aims of doubling the value of McLaren in the next three to five years by expanding beyond its current motorsport interests and delving once more and into car production.

Aided by Credit Suisse, McLaren is looking for a £250million injection of funds and is offering 49 per cent of the automotive arm for sale to prospective investors.

Codenamed P11, McLaren’s next mid-engined road car seems to be aimed at the like of Ferrari’s F430 and Lamborghini’s Gallardo, funnelling much of the company’s race-sourced technology and materials in its production. Expect a lot of carbon-fibre in the new McLarens, including the brakes.

The main contender picked for powering the P11 is a 6.3-litre V8, sourced from its old buddy and business colleague, Mercedes Benz. Power output could push towards 400kW, and could definitely shake up an already competitive sector.

McLaren have a long and illustrious history with fast cars, and if this newly planned batch of road cars is anything like their first, we better hold onto our hats.