Monday, July 2, 2007

TechArt GTstreet Based on Porsche 911 Turbo On Sale

First presented at the 2007 Geneva Show back in March, TechArt’s Porsche 997 Turbo based GTstreet is now available for sale with prices starting off at €245,000 MSRP -about $331,000. If any of you find the will power to separate yourselves from that sort of cash you’ll get a modified 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo equipped with a 3.6-liter, 6cylinder turbocharged boxer engine that develops 630 hp at 6,800 rpm, up from standard 480 hp while peak torque increases from 620 Nm to 820 Nm at 4,500 rpm.

Power is transferred to all four wheels through a modified transmission with TechArt gear-throw shortening. According to the German tuner, the GTstreet accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 3.2 sec, 200 km/h (124mph) after just 10.9 sec while its speedometer stops at exactly 345 km/h (215mph). -Full press release and more images after the jump

PRESS RELEASE: With its 2001 TechArt GTstreet based on the Porsche 911 Turbo of the 996 model series, TechArt Automobildesign created one of the fastest and most powerful street-legal sports cars of its time. The next evolutionary stage of this fascinating concept celebrates is now available: The new TechArt GTstreet, based on the 911 Turbo of the latest 997 series, starts at 245,000 Euros MSRP.

Like the predecessor the new GTstreet edition centers on a powerful engine: The 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat engine is modified by the TechArt engine specialists and now develops 630 hp / 463 kW at 6,800 rpm, up from standard 480 hp / 353 kW. Peak torque increases from 620 Nm to 820 Nm at 4,500 rpm.

The TechArt TA 097/T3 engine conversion comprises two special VTG turbochargers, a new air box with sport air filter, high-performance manifolds, intercoolers and a stainless-steel sport exhaust system with high-performance catalysts. The precise optimal interaction of all modifications is ensured by a newly programmed engine management system.

Power is transferred to all four wheels via a modified transmission with TechArt gear-throw shortening. Thus equipped the TechArt GTstreet delivers performance that firmly places it among the world's fastest sports cars: 0 - 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, 200 km/h after just 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 345 km/h speak volumes.

The body kit for the TechArt GTstreet was created in the wind tunnel, and offers an optimal symbiosis of aerodynamic downforce, minimized drag and striking design. The front fascia of the GTstreet with retractable carbon-fiber splitter produces downforce on the front axle and provides radiator, oil coolers and brakes with more cooling air, thanks to its large, striking air inlets. The auxiliary headlamp units with daytime running lights and fog lamps improve active safety. They also give the car even more passing clout.

The TechArt GTstreet fender flares on the front axle add 10 mm to the two-door's width and give it an even more dynamic appearance. But that's not all: The air outlets behind the front wheel houses optimize brake venting. The larger air ducts in the rear sidewalls provide engine and intercoolers with a larger supply of cooling air. For an optimal transition between front and rear fenders the TechArt designers have developed rocker panels that complement the new contours. TechArt mirror and headlamp moldings provide the finishing touches.

The TechArt roof spoiler extends the roofline and optimizes airflow to the adjustable rear airfoil of the GTstreet. The TechArt GTstreet rear fascia with integrated carbon-fiber diffuser contributes to the strong downforce generated on the rear axle. It also provides the perfect backdrop for the quad exhaust of the TechArt high-performance exhaust system.

TechArt Automobildesign offers a number of versions of its popular Formula wheel in sizes 8.5Jx20 in front and 12Jx20 on the rear axle. GTstreet buyers can choose from several color combinations and between the one-piece Formula and the multi-piece Formula II designs. The Formula II wheel features an exchangeable wheel lip. For optimal tires TechArt chose ContiSportContact 3 high-performance tires in sizes 245/30 ZR 20 and 325/25 ZR 20.

The large 20-inch wheels also provide the necessary space for the especially powerful and durable TechArt high-performance brake system. It features six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 390-millimeter discs on the front axle. The rear axle is fitted with 365-millimeter discs and four-piston fixed calipers.

The TechArt GTstreet comes with a TechArt VarioPlus coil-over suspension that is based on the electronically adjustable PASM damping system of the 911 Turbo. This chassis allows individual ride-height lowering by up to 25 millimeters and push-button selection of two different damper settings, "Normal" or "Sport." However, the dampers are not limited to these presets. Sporty driving automatically results in firmer damper settings in both modes, thus combining excellent ride comfort during normal driving with agile and responsive handling during fast cornering.

The cockpit of the TechArt GTstreet also differs distinctly from the stock 911 Turbo. Among the differences is an exclusive leather interior with color-contrasted stitching and sporty CarboBlack highlights. The coupe is further equipped with an ergonomically shaped TechArt sport steering wheel, aluminum foot pedals, foot rest and shifter, as well as with illuminated door sills sporting the TechArt logo.

Cocaine High Driver Plows Wheat Field, Discredits Crop Circle Theory

This aerial image was taken just last week when a man, high out of his mind on cocaine, “plowed” and zig-zagged his way through this wheat field in Dussen, Netherlands. But since it’s never enough fun for one car to take credit for all of the damage, two police cruisers joined in on the chase adding to the chaos. The 35-year-old man was cornered and crashed into a ditch. So much for crop circles huh? I bet the aliens are really annoyed someone stole their idea!

Posted by Dani

Pick via: flick

Mercedes To Abandon Plans For Next-Generation A & B-Class?

According to a report from the German financial newspaper Wirtschafts Woche, Daimler-no-more-Chrylser has scrapped its plans to introduce a successor to the MPV-like A & B-Class hatches in 2011. Instead, Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche is said to have given the o.k for an all new sporty compact hatch in order to compete head on with the sportier Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series models. -Continued after the jump

Wirtschafts Woche notes that the new sporty hatch could also spawn a compact coupe as replacement for the somewhat larger, C-class based, SportcoupĂ©. Even though the German newspaper doesn’t say it, we’re guessing that, unlike the current FWD A and B-Class models, all three versions of Mercedes’ compact model (3d, 5d and coupe) will make use of a rear-wheel drive biased platform.

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: Wirtschafts Woche

Sunday, July 1, 2007

Scooped: Peugeot 308 CC & 308 SW?

With the all-new Peugeot 308 officially introduced less than a week ago, we were quite surprised today when one of our readers pointed out to us a couple of images featuring the upcoming 308 CC and 308 SW that were posted on a French site called “Forum-Auto”. But are the pictures for real or are they work of a talented photoshop artist?

To begin with, all three images -308 hatch, 308 CC and 308 SW, appear to have been “scooped” during a photo shoot and a first verdict says they’re bona fide. However, a closer look at the 308 CC reveals a few details that don’t quite fit. Most importantly there’s the windshield; it seems like it’s twisted. Then there’s the wheels -compare the size of the front wheel with the rear. On the other hand, we couldn’t find any flaws on the 308 SW image -it looks rather real to us. Follow the jump to see the 308 SW and tell us what you think.

Props to Miguel for the tip!

Pics via: forum-auto

Video: Abusing A Bentley Arnage


Wow, right now I’m so impressed with these virtuoso drivers that I think I’ll just throw my driver’s licence in the dunny and solemnly swear to never get behind the steering wheel of anything with more than 20Hp. How can a guy possibly compete with this? Can’t blame the girls in the end for being so rapturous about the whole spectacle, I mean, by the look's of it, it’s not everyday that they get the chance to see a man exhibiting such skills with his toy in a parking lot...

BMW 1-Series Coupe High-Res Image Gallery Released

Little by little BMW’s releasing all info concerning the new 1-Series Coupe. Since we’ve already posted both the UK and U.S. English press releases along with the first video we’ll confine this post to the official image gallery containing 40 high-resolution pictures suitable for any desktop as wallpapers. To summarize, the 1-Series hatchback based Coupe will be initially available in Europe in three guises: 135i with a 306Hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six, 120d fitted with a 177Hp turbocharged 2.0-liter unit and 123d with a twin-turbocharged, 2.0-liter diesel delivering 204Hp. In the North American market, 135i aside, the 1-Coupe will also be offered as a 128i equipped with BMW's 230Hp strong naturally aspirated 3.0-liter straight six. See the European press release here and the North American here. -Click “Read More…” below for the full image gallery