In spite of stringent new anti-pollution laws in California eagerly pursued by the governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, request for fabulous supercars does not seem to be dwindling in the Golden State, especially in Los Angeles which has one of the highest rates of luxury car ownership in the world.

This could explain Lamborghini’s decision to increase its presence in the rich American state, as it’s expecting an increase in sales in the coming years. On this basis, the new quarter for the brand will be born in the Santa Monica area.

The new centre will deal exclusively with the Northern American market and is the first outside of national borders for the company. It appears management has decided that a market which absorbs 41 percent of all Lamborghini’s sold throughout the world deserves some special attention.

In the end they managed it: the 9ff has beaten the maximum speed of the Bugatti Veyron, stated objective for this incredible GT9, which, with its 409km/h has beaten by a hair the French-German hypercar, 2km/h behind. However, we’re still not in the presence of the fastest road car ever: the record still goes to the SSC Aero Twin Turbo, which last September hit 411,76 km/h.

The 9ff GT9 has been manufactured in only 20 units, sold at just under 600,000 euro. While based on the Porsche 911, it’s practically unrecognisable, both in aesthetics and mechanics. The engine is the six-cylinder boxer from Zuffenhausen, but power has been increased to 4.2 litres, and in particular the disposition of this “beast’s” 987 hp and 964 Nm is no longer rear but central.

The body of the 911 GT3 has been lengthened by 30cm and the roof lowered by 12. Thanks to the vast use of kevlar and carbon fibre the weight has been contained in just 1326 kg.

9ff GT9

In case relative and superlative adjectives aren’t enough to describe the exquisite Corvette ZR1, Tadge Juechter, project manager, has an interview with Edmunds in which he summarises all its values and characteristics, and adds a some news.

First the new American coupé will be produced (starting this summer) in 2,000 units a year: a figure which, together with the price of about 100,000 USD, indicates an assumed commercial success. But not only, the ability to “conquer the track record of any world circuit” reveals itself and we wonder if the ZR 1 could be defined as the perfect car.

Juechter, for his part, continues to heap praise. “Our engineers”, he says in the interview, “have created the most efficient engine at 600 hp than the entire automobile panorama, capable of consuming less than the Z06.” This car apparently consumes 22.8 l/100 km on a city track, and 14.7 as a mixed bag. This could humiliate the Lamborghini LP640 (32.3 in the city and 21.3 mixed) and the Ferrari 599 GTB, having the same scary figures as the “Murci”.

dal canto suo, continua a pronunciare lodi sperticate. I nostri ingegneri – prosegue nell’intervista – hanno realizzato il più efficace motore da 600 cavalli dell’intero panorama automobilistico, capace addirittura di consumare meno della Z06. Quest’ultima, accreditata di 22.8 l/100 km nel ciclo cittadino e 14.7 nel misto, si potrà definire umiliata, così come la Lamborghini LP640 (32,3 in città e 21,3 nel misto) e la Ferrari 599 GTB, sulle stesse spaventose cifre della “Murci”.

Thanks to “GT-R slave”

Via | Motorauthority

Looking to reduce consumption and emissions without compromising sportiness - actually looking to increase it - is the new strategy for AMG to limit the environmental impact of its vehicles. The strategy will include the use of turbo and hybrid engines, technical solutions that can’t be left aside in reaching a balanced compromise between performance and savings.

The current V8 6.3 is counting its days: it will be replaced by another V8, 5.8 litre, turbo-compressed and able, in the quieter version, to perform at 570 hp (for 904 Nm of torque), or at 700 hp (1,200 Nm) in the version destined to replace the V12 6.0 twin-turbo.

In addition, the German workshop is reported to have collaborated with Mercedes in the design of a family of V8’s, all turbo, destined to flesh out the top end of the range: with 4.0, 4.6 and 5.5 litres, they’ll have power between 355 and 544 hp.

Speculation on the hybrid is not lacking either, with 2012 indicated as the debut year for the engines proposed by Amg. In the meantime, to kill time, the possibility of adopting an X-Trac Flybrid engine at 100hp is being evaluated.

Via | Autoblog.com

Mini is resuming production of the John Cooper Works-tuned Mini, both in the hatch and Clubman version.

The engine of the new John Cooper Works Mini will be the 1.6-litre turbo-charged 4 cylinder unit, tuned to produce 211 ps and a torque of 260 Nm (temporarily boostable to 280 Nm). The sprint from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) will take only 6.5 seconds. The modifications are extensive (details in the press release below) and include a bigger turbocharger with a higher charge pressure. As an added bonus, the JCW Mini will be the first to comply with the Euro5 emission regulations.

Sales of the Mini John Cooper Works and Mini John Cooper Works Clubman will start in July 2008. Prices are yet to be announced.

Mini John Cooper Works - press release

Production of John Cooper Works-tuned cars is all set to resume at MINI’s Plant Oxford after the launch of the second-generation MINI Cooper S Hatch and new MINI Cooper S Clubman. From July 2008, customers will be able to order factory-built MINIs that produce 211hp and complete a 0-62mph sprint in 6.5 seconds.

Motor sport has heavily influenced the engineering and development of these new MINIs that feature a larger twin-scroll turbocharger and direct petrol injection with common rail. The four-cylinder engine has had the same modifications as the MINI CHALLENGE race car, along with re-engineered brakes, suspension and strengthened gearing. Each upgrade combines to give the car a remarkable output of 132hp per litre combined with 40mpg.

Engine
The engine specially developed for the MINI CHALLENGE race car is fitted to the MINI John Cooper Works cars. The basic unit is the 1.6 litre power plant supplied in the standard MINI Cooper S, but modifications have been made to the air filter, air mass meter, exhaust system and catalyst. Air supply to the modified larger turbocharger is increased through fitment of a larger air intake pipe, which in turn creates a quicker induction phase.

The Works engines from Hams Hall also come with reinforced, specially polished pistons, as well as a strengthened cylinder head for optimised stability and a modified cylinder gasket. The intake valves and valve seat rings have also been upgraded with stronger and more resistant materials. This reduces the engine’s compression ratio.

The new Sports exhaust system is instantly recognisable through the large polished stainless steel twin tailpipes. Modification of the exhaust system has also helped to reduce counter-pressure at the point of exhaust gas recirculation. Ducts in the exhaust manifold and turbocharger are split between two cylinders each. Congestion is therefore minimised when air is inducted to the turbocharger and “turbo lag” is virtually eliminated.

The John Cooper Works MINIs are the first models in the range to fulfil all the requirements of the European EU5 emission standards that come into force in 2009.

The material used in machining the turbine has been upgraded specifically for the Works engine, with maximum charge pressure increased from 0.9 to 1.3 bar, in order to maintain the highest possible temperature for a longer period in the combustion chambers. This lengthening of the combustion process helps to achieve the higher torque curve of the Works car at 260Nm at just 1,850rpm. The Overboost function briefly extends this further to 280Nm. This suits the character of a John Cooper Works car perfectly as Overboost is experienced exclusively through increased torque, not on engine output.

Safety and Driving Dynamics
MINI has always had sophisticated driving stability systems as standard. These include ABS Brakes, EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution, CBC Cornering Brake Control, EDL Electronic Differential Lock, as well as DSC Dynamic Stability Control and Hill Assist. For the first time, DTC Dynamic Traction Control is added to the list.

DTC allows controlled slip on the drive wheels. For example, on a slippery surface, the driver can pick up speed in a controlled manner with the front wheels spinning slightly. When reaching the upper limit, DSC will intervene as usual. But the driver can deactivate the DSC/DTC systems if he wishes by the touch of a button.

In the DSC-off mode, the standard Electronic Differential Lock can be activated and controls cornering at higher speeds. If one wheel loses grip, drive is transferred to the wheel with better grip promoting the car’s traction and pulling force.

Chassis
The Sports Suspension has been specifically tuned for the Works models. However, even greater chassis rigidity can be achieved by ordering through dealerships the John Cooper Works suspension that lowers the entire car by 10mm.

Extra-large disc brakes adorned with uprated red callipers are fitted to Works cars. In addition, inner-vented discs are positioned behind the front wheels. The front discs are 17” in diameter while the rear set measure 16”. The brake discs are approximately 22mm larger than on the standard Cooper S.

Interior
The options included as standard on the John Cooper Works include a leather sports steering wheel, air-conditioning, interior trim in glossy Piano Black and an Anthracite roof lining.
An upgraded sound system is also included in the JCW package and features 10 speakers and an eight-channel amplifier for increased aural pleasure. For the first time, the MINI speedo has been increased to 160mph on the dial to accommodate the higher maximum speed of the JCW.

The six-speed manual gearbox has been strengthened to handle the powerful new engine.

The standard Sports button, located in front of the gear stick, activates a bespoke engine control map which produces even more dynamic performance and sharper steering response.

Exterior
The Works MINIs come with exclusive 17” light-alloy wheels in JCW Cross-Spoke CHALLENGE design, shod with Run-flat tyres, and weigh less than 10 kilos each.

The Works models can be identified by the newly-designed John Cooper Works logo on the boot and grille and wheels, as well as on the door trim.

Spring is drawing near, and Novitec are preparing for the arrival of a new sister for the F430 Coupé: enter the Novitec F430 Spider powered by the same twin supercharged V8 as the Novitec Bi-Compressor Evoluzione. Thanks to the two superchargers which work at 0.38 Bar, the power output will increase the original 490 hp to a whopping 656 hp, achieved at 8200 rpm, however it is not simply the mechanics that have undergone changes. Following tests in the wind tunnels of the Research Institute for Motor Vehicles in Stuttgart, Novitec has developed new aerodynamic additions to the body comprising front and rear wings, skirts for the side panels and a rear extractor. Other changes include grey tinted lights and a body that sits on 20” rims adopted for this version, both of which are relatively small modifications to a creature from the Maranello dream factory, already magnificent in its original state.

Via | auto, motor und sport

Mini will be showing the John Cooper Works version of the R56 next week in Geneva. galleria di immagini.

The new JCW kit will add 17 ps to power output of the Cooper S engine, for a total of 192 ps- Torque will go up 10 Nm, to 250 Nm, available from 1,750 to 5,000 rpm. The overboost function will make 270 Nm available for a short period, on demand, in the range from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm.

Performance date have not yet been announced, but we know that the price of the kit, which can be installed on any R56 Cooper S, will be 1,689 € in Germany. Obviously, there’ll be a whole range of optional accessories, from the sport chassis to sport seats, to alloy rims, aero-kit and perforated brake discs. Full details below the fold, where you can find the official press release and other images.

Get the Racing Feeling: John the Cooper Works Tuning kit for the new MINI Cooper S.

The International Automobile Salon in Geneva (March 8th - 18th 2007) is the setting for the world premiere of the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S. From mid-2007, what is already the most powerful version of the compact premium model will be given an additional power boost under its bonnet. With the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S, the output of the 1.6 litre twin scroll turbo engine is increased to an impressive 141 kW/192 bhp, with maximum torque up to 250 Newton metres in the engine speed range between 1,750 and 5,000 rpm. With the overboost function, the torque level can even be increased temporarily to 270 Nm for powerful acceleration in the engine speed range from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm.

And the MINI brand has even more John Cooper Works components on offer for fans of the new MINI Cooper S - enough to quicken the pulse and put motor racing passion into everyday driving. These include a sports chassis, perforated brake discs for the front axle of the MINI Cooper S and 18-inch light alloy wheels. These options can be ideally combined with numerous other features from the John Cooper Works accessory range which equally enhance the car’s sporting spirit: with the aerodynamics packages in body colour, the John Cooper Works sports seats, the John Cooper Works sports steering wheel and selected equipment components made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic. Not only is the dynamic potential of the new MINI Cooper S increased but also its charismatic sporty appeal.

Racing expertise for more fun in everyday driving.

The John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S includes components whose development is derived directly from expertise gained from motor racing. This most powerful version of the new MINI thus carries on a tradition which dates back to the legendary racing success of MINI and John Cooper Works in the sixties. The John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the MINI Cooper S consists of a sports exhaust system, a sports air filter and an electronic engine management system optimised for greater power efficiency. The resulting package fires the MINI Cooper S to new performance peaks and even greater driving fun.

Perfect look for a sports vehicle.

And the sporty look of the new MINI Cooper S can be further refined with the appropriate ingredients from the John Cooper Works collection. The sports suspension not only ensures even more agile handling but also lowers the suspension by 10 millimetres. In keeping with this, John Cooper Works provides an aerodynamic body kit in body colour - consisting of a front and rear apron and side sills - as well as several versions of 18-inch light allow wheels. The “Double Spoke” design has a particularly agile look and is new for 2007. The largest wheel authorised for the new MINI (dimensions 7J x 18) has low-section tyres sized 205/40/18 with runflat properties.

The perforated brake discs are also borrowed from classic racing technology. And finally, numerous equipment components in carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic give the MINI a new visual kick. The high-tech Formula 1 material is used for John Cooper Works trim panels for the front air inlet, exterior mirrors and tailgate handle - not made exclusively for the MINI Cooper S but also available for other model variations of the new MINI generation.

The new MINI: individuality is the key focus.

A John Cooper Works roof spoiler with carbon spoiler is also available for the new MINI. John Cooper Works leaves its mark in the interior of this racy little car, too: the John Cooper sports seat (ED: not available for the US market) provides an attractive appearance and optimised lateral holding for dynamic travel. And if you want to be absolutely sure of having a good grip on the new MINI at all times, you will opt for the John Cooper Works sports steering wheel. It is optionally available with a cover in leather or Alcantara - a stylish touch of individual flair!

Alternatively, the Original MINI accessory range offers a single-section roof spoiler which can be finished in body colour. Even greater individuality is provided by additional headlamps, illuminated entry sills with free choice of lettering and a wide range of roof decor variations. In addition to the popular motives “Union Jack” and “Chequered Flag” - which are also available for the mirror covers and door handle trim elements - the roof of the MINI can also be decorated with the MINI lettering or even the markings for a helicopter landing spot (”Heliport” motif).

The Original MINI accessory programme also offers MINI fans the opportunity to increase the comfort and functionality of their vehicle. The MINI interface for integration of Apple iPod models means you have just the music selection you want as you drive. MINI-specific roof and rear carrier systems enable the safe transport of bicycles, skis, snowboards or roof boxes. The especially useful options also include high-quality textile floor mats, a rear protective cover, a luggage compartment tub and folding sun blinds. No matter whether sporty or practical: thanks to the extraordinary variety of the individualisation options available, every MINI is one thing above all else: unique.

Via | Motoring File

The Abarth scorpion finally returns, with a standalone brand. The in-house Fiat tuner will be showing in Geneva the Abarth Grande Punto, a sporty version of the small hatchback from Turin, equipped with a 1.4-liter T-JET turbocharged engine outputting 155 ps, while a further tuning kit will take it up to 180 ps.

Abarth has also announced the return of the Abarth Kits, a series of conversion kits for Fiat cars, some of which will be available in the classical Abarth wooden boxes with aluminium trim.

A great project will be launched at the 77th Geneva International Motor Show: the rebirth of one of the most prestigious brands in world motorsports. Its symbol is a scorpion, and its name is Abarth.
Abarth has always been synonymous with assertive cars, competitiveness, passion and excitement, and it now returns with a new range that will appeal to all lovers of motorsports. Abarth’s first interpretation of the Grande Punto will be on the “catwalk” at the Geneva Show, the first step in an initiative which will later involve other models.
This new adventure starts in the familiar, uniquely emotional context and exclusive setting of the Geneva Motor Show. A striking stand has been prepared, in line with the philosophy of Abarth’s rebirth, an innovative space with a fresh, contemporary, technological language and great attention to every detail. The new elements that will publicise the Abarth brand are displayed with all their strong, original personality: the revamped version of the famous Abarth racing stripe has been rendered with LED tiles, while the new logo, the scorpion and the wording are all large, three-dimensional elements in polished, satin-effect aluminium.

The Abarth values and tradition on the other hand are underlined discreetly and technologically: refined materials and precious finishing details in aluminium, carbon fibre, enamel and lacquer decorate the exhibition area, and draw attention to the true stars of the stand: the Grande Punto Abarth S2000, a car that has been type-approved for racing and is proving to be highly successful, and the Grande Punto Abarth Preview, a concept car making its world debut.

These are the two souls of the Abarth world: racing and standard production.

Visitors to the Geneva Show will also have an opportunity to discover a third field in which the brand operates; a multimedia configurator will illustrate the whole concept of the ‘Abarth Kit’, and the flexibility and wide range of combinations that the brand will offer customers in its conversion kits. Some of these solid wooden boxes, inlaid with satin-finished aluminium trims, are on display inside glass cubes, with the historic mechanical and stylistic components from the conversion kits.

And finally, by means of exclusive LED technology and plasma screens, the walls of the stand propose historical photographs and films, alternating them with a reproduction of the new Abarth racing stripe, underlining the fine link between the past and the future, as well as the energy and personality that are inherent in the Abarth brand.

The Grande Punto Abarth Preview

The absolute star of the stand is the Grande Punto Abarth Preview, a true jewel of assertiveness and elegance. The car will be marketed in September, to enhance the sporty, youthful positioning of the Grande Punto.

The car on show in Geneva is equipped with a 1.4 Turbo petrol engine that delivers 150 bhp at 5500 rpm, boosted to 155 bhp by the adoption of 98 RON petrol. What is more, thanks to a booster kit, a version with twice as much power as the basic version (180 bhp) will soon be available. This is a revival of a tradition from the past: for example, the Fiat 500 of 1958 delivered 13 bhp at 4000 rpm with a top speed of 85 km/h, while the Fiat 500 Abarth of the same year delivered 26 bhp at 5000 rpm and a top speed of 118 km/h.

The Grande Punto Abarth aims to revive the feats of these entertaining performance cars, offering young drivers in particular an opportunity to enter the racing world in complete safety and at an accessible price.

The Grande Punto Abarth S2000

The public in Geneva will also be able to admire the extraordinary Grande Punto Abarth S2000. This is a racing car designed for racing stables, which the Fiat Racing Department will be entering in the 2007 Italian Rally Championship with Giandomenico Basso and his navigator Mitia Dotta. Davide Gatti, winner of the 2006 Fiat Abarth International Trophy, will compete at the wheel of an official Fiat Grande Punto R3D with a diesel engine. On the international scene, the Grande Punto Abarth S2000 will compete in the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge) with drivers Andrea Navarra, his navigator Guido D’Amore, and young Umberto Scandola and Anton Alen.

The Abarth & C. Spa racing team will be managed by Claudio Berro.

Powered by a 2000 cc aspirated engine that delivers 270 bhp, with 4-wheel drive, the new Grande Punto Abarth S2000 is heir to the version that took the 2006 Italian Rally Championship title with Paolo Andreucci and Anna Andreussi, winning 7 of the 11 races on the programme. Nor must we forget the excellent season of their team-mates Andrea Navarra and Guido D’Amore who took third place. Giandomenico Basso and Mitia Dotta won the European title and the International Rally Challenge.
Since its debut last season, the racing version has proved unbeatable, whatever the type of route or terrain. And we must underline that the 15 cars built so far have been ordered by several racing stables in Europe and elsewhere, to compete in domestic and international rallies. And now, thanks to this technological and competitive superiority, the new Grande Punto Abarth S2000 is ready to compete in these two championships with the same determination and assertiveness.

And finally, as well as a successful car and an outstanding team of drivers, the new Abarth & C. company can also boast a staff with a great deal of experience in motorsports: a total of 113 experts, 26 in the engineering field, 43 on the manufacturing side and 9 dedicated to racing.

What happens is the Weineck Cobra 780CUI Limited Edition.

780 cui (cubic inches) mean 12,9 liters of capacity, for this monstruos V8 engine. Torque is 1.760 Nm at 5,600 rpm. Power output is 1,100 hp at 7,000 rpm. The power to weight ratio is 0,9 Kg / hp.

Weinbeck doesn’t even bother declaring acceleration data from 0-100 km/h. From 0-200 km/h the Ultimate takes only 4.9 seconds, from 0-300 km/h it takes only 10 s !!!

Interested ? Better hurry: “Limited Edition” means only 15 will be produced.

In relation to the Brabus tuning, the 435 hp of the CK50 by Carlsson is pretty niggardly, while Lorinser (in the photo) and Asma limit themselves to estetics/aerodynamics.

[Via Autoblog.nl]