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Porsche

Porsche Cayman S Black Edition

Porsche Cayman S Black Edition

The Porsche Cayman S is the latest to get the “Black Edition” treatment, and follows similar versions of the 911 and Boxster S.

Like the Boxster, the Cayman S Black Edition scores a modest 7kW power increase, raising peak power to 243kW. The 19″ wheels are sourced from the Boxster Spyder and offer increased diameter and width over standard Cayman wheels.

The Cayman S Black Edition is limited to 500 cars worldwide and a small number will be making their way to Australia. Local deliveries are scheduled to commence in September and the asking price remains at the regular Cayman S figure of $147,500 (plus on roads etc).

Press releases from Porsche AG and Porsche Australia follow.

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McLaren Motorsports

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 pricing announced

McLaren MP4-12C GT3

A few days ago McLaren GT had its official launch press conference. It’s the separate company set up by McLaren and CRS Racing Team for the development and running of the MP4-12C GT3 program.

They’ll be racing their own cars, of course, but if you’ve got nothing better to do with your Sunday afternoons in 2012 you too can race a 12C GT3. All you’ll need is £310,000 for the “race ready” car and a racing budget. Too easy!

For the 2012 season McLaren GT will have 20 cars ready to race, so if you get saving now you just might be in luck.

After the break you can see a nice selection of images of the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 in its stunning orange livery, along with some highlights from the press conference and more.

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Green Machines Jaguar

Williams and Jaguar join forces to build C-X75

Jaguar C-X75

Jaguar has announced a partnership with the Williams F1 team that will see the C-X75 concept car from last year’s Paris Motor Show come to life. The hybrid powered concept used a pair of gas turbine engines to recharge the batteries for the electric motors found at each wheel. However, the transformation from concept to reality will see the C-X75 be powered by a more conventional arrangement including two electric motors and an internal combustion engine.

The only specifics given, at this stage, relate to performance targets and pricing. Jaguar say the road version of the C-X75 will be able to crack 100km/h in under three seconds, 160km/h in 12 seconds and have a top speed over 320km/h. In all electric mode it will have a modest 50km range, while overall it should emit 99g/km of CO2 emissions.

Just 250 examples of the all-wheel drive hybrid supercar will be built, with an expected price range of £700,000–900,000 (AU$1.07–1.37 million).

After the break you’ll see more pics, a press release from Jaguar along with a video review of the concept car by Jay Leno. Also included is a download of the press docs from Paris 2010.

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing

2011 Turkish Grand Prix – Post-qualifying press conference

2011 Turkish GP

Another Grand Prix, another pole position for Sebastian Vettel. The reigning champ has now put his Red Bull Racing machine on pole for all four races in 2011. His best time of 1:25.049 was four tenths quicker than his teammate Mark Webber (1:25.454), who achieved his best qualifying result for the year to date. Nico Rosberg (1:25.574) also notched up his best quali result for 2011 and showed signs of an improving Mercedes GP outfit by qualifying in third place.

Interestingly, the Red Bull duo completed just one quick lap in the third qualifying session, opting to conserve tyres for the race. It’s a tactic that’s already been used in 2011, but it certainly attracted attention to see Vettel climb out of his car with 90 seconds of the final session remaining. Supreme confidence shown by the Red Bull team and perhaps a clear indication of a “catch us if you can” attitude to their rivals.

Make sure you read the full transcript from the post-qualifying press conference below. There’s some interesting discussion about the Webber–Vettel incident from last year. And, Rosberg’s final line, in written form at least, seemed particularly cutting; especially when you consider the glum face produced by Michael Schumacher (1:26.646) after qualifying in eighth place.

[Pic: Red Bull Racing/Getty Images]

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Volkswagen WRC

VIDEO: Introducing the Volkswagen Polo R WRC

Following the written confirmation, here is video confirmation of Volkswagen’s plan to enter the WRC with a new Polo R WRC. The only shame of today’s announcement is we have to wait until 2013 for it to be realised.

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Volkswagen WRC

Volkswagen to enter WRC from 2013

Volkswagen Polo R WRC

Overnight Volkswagen confirmed two rumours, one directly, the other indirectly. First, Volkswagen confirmed its plans to enter a factory-backed team in the World Rally Championship from 2013. By nominating a new Polo R WRC as the car of choice we think VW has also indirectly confirmed plans to manufacture the on-again, off-again Polo R road car.

Speaking about the company’s decision to move into WRC Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board of the Volkswagen Brand, Development Division said, “The new Technical Regulations of the World Rally Championship are an ideal fit for Volkswagen’s philosophy with respect to the development of production vehicles.

“Downsizing, high efficiency and reliability are top priorities for our customers. The timing of the WRC debut is optimal for Volkswagen. The big task of engineering a vehicle that is competitive and capable of winning at a large number of challenges holds great appeal for us.”

Volkswagen reckon their strong success in Dakar not only gives them a solid grounding for a WRC effort, but also the desire to reach new heights. Kris Nissen, Volkswagen Motorsport Director explains, “We can draw on an experienced and proven squad which has done an outstanding job in top-calibre sport in the past few years. Even though the WRC is new territory for us and involves learning in many areas the team already meets some important prerequisites now as it brings an unwavering professional attitude and resolve to deliver absolute perfection to this commitment.”

One thing is certain, the Polo R WRC concept car you see in these pictures looks fantastic! A full gallery and press release can be viewed below.

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Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster targets Frankfurt debut

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Mercedes-Benz has released these official images of the SLS AMG Roadster which document the car’s development from tin top to rag top.

According to Benz the SLS AMG Coupé and Roadster were created in parallel. That has given the engineers a head start in refining NVH levels, body rigidity, handling and the soft top roof.

The Roadster has completed 20,000kms of testing, half on urban roads, the other half around the Nürburgring. It will debut in production form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September.

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Lamborghini

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento on sale in October

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

The news from Lamborghini keeps on coming today with word this carbon fibre origami creation, otherwise known as the Sesto Elemento, will be available for sale on 1 October this year. At least that’s what is being reported by German media outlet Auto Motor und Sport.

Revealed at last year’s Paris Motor Show, the Sesto Elemento uses a 5.2 litre V10 with 570hp to good effect, reaching 100km/h in a claimed time of just 2.5 seconds. You can thank a low 999kg kerb weight for that. Fantastic to see a company like Lamborghini embracing a lighter future for its cars.

Of course, something else embraced by Lamborghini is stratospheric pricing and the Sesto Elemento will be no exception, with predictions of a €1.9 million price tag. Mind, with a production run likely to be in the range of 10–20 cars it promises to be one of the most hyper exclusive hyper cars.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via World Car Fans]

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Lamborghini

Lamborghini Aventador reviews start rolling in

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

Steve Sutcliffe from Autocar has made us insanely jealous once again by being one of the first to get behind the wheel of the new Lambo Aventador. You can see his video review in full after the break. Meanwhile, Car has also published its thoughts on the Murcielago replacement.

The Aventador promises so much. A new carbon monocoque chassis, F1-inspired suspension and, of course, a new 6.5 litre V12. The old Murci had a pretty good reputation as well, so has Lamborghini got it right with the Aventador?

Certainly the new car looks the part. It’s pure Lamborghini with its aggressive and provocative angles. We think it looks great. What’s it like to drive, then?

Sutcliffe reckons the Aventador is a real hit on the road, where its dynamics and relatively light weight offer pinpoint handling. On the track, he says the transmission is no match for the Ferrari 458 or McLaren MP4-12C.

Chris Chilton from Car, sums up the Aventador like this, “The Aventador doesn’t just move the game on from the Murcielago, it transports it to a new time zone. The new car is faster, handles better, is easier to drive and much better built.” Sounds like a pretty big tick. However, there is a but; “The Aventador is so competent that some of that thrill has gone.”

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McLaren

VIDEO: McLaren MP4-12C GT3 officially launched

McLaren MP4-12C GT3

McLaren recently launched their race-ready MP4-12C GT3 at Circuito de Navarra in Spain. The car is set to make its racing debut later this year.

After the break you can see a raft of videos showing the 12C GT3 in action, starting with Martin Whitmarsh waxing lyrical about the company’s new toy, before plenty of on-track footage.

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Categories
Lamborghini

VIDEO: Lamborghini Aventador TFT dash display

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

You’ve seen pics of of the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4, and even a few videos as well, but here’s one filmed inside the cabin while the car was at work during a media track day in Spain Italy. Pretty neat dash display, don’t you think.

We expect there will be more material from this day hitting the web soon, so treat this as a teaser for what may follow.

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Green Machines Peugeot

Peugeot EX1 sets new electric record at the Ring

Peugeot EX1

This crazy looking electric powered Peugeot EX1, complete with 250kW, has set a new lap record on the Nürburgring Nordschleife for an electric powered car. It didn’t hang about, either, posting time of 9:01.338—oh so close to breaking the 9 minute barrier—at an average speed of just over 138km/h for those slow with their calculators.

Stéphane Caillet, from Peugeot’s Research & Development Centre, was the man behind the wheel and we reckon he deserves a big pat on the back. He knocked some 50 seconds off the lap record, previously held by the MINI E.

The official word from Peugeot, plus a brief video clip, can be seen after the break.

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