Enough with the spy shots and speculation, here it is folks: The Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. Bologna’s best automaker has just released official info and pics on its latest mighty Murc, and this one tops them all. The LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is described by Lamborghini as “exceptionally purist”. The description fits as the LP 670-4 SV is more powerful, lighter and therefore faster than the already pretty quick LP-640. As its name suggests, the LP 670-4 SV boasts an increase in power to 670 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque for Lambo’s 6.5L V12, all of which was achieved through simply optimizing the engine’s valve timing and tweaking the air intake system.

Combine those extra bulls under the bonnet with a weight decrease of 220 lbs and performance figures begin to fall fast. 0-62 mph is now achieved in just 3.2 seconds and top speed is 212 mph with the standard, small spoiler. A larger “Aeropack Wing” offering more downforce is also available, but the additional drag drops top speed to 209 mph.

The LP 670-4 doesn’t look like your average Murciélago, either. It’s design is simple and brutal compared to the mess of angles that make up the Reventon. Up front the air intakes have been made larger for better brake cooling and the front spoiler extends much farther out. The new engine cover, meanwhile, is a marvel of design with three hexagonal transparent polymer plates supported by a carbon fiber framework. The interior has also been upholstered entirely in Alcantara and features stitching that matches the exterior color of the car.

You can’t argue with a car that’s faster, lighter and more powerful than its predecessors, and the Lamborghini LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is certainly not a car we’d want to argue with. Check out the gallery of high-res images just released by Lamborghini and stay tuned for our own gallery of live LP 670-4 SV shots when we hit the show floor soon.

PRESS RELEASE

Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce – the new king of the bulls is even more powerful, lighter and faster

The Lamborghini Murciélago is one of the most extraordinary super sports cars of all time. Automobili Lamborghini has now expanded its model range with a new, exceptionally purist and even more extreme top model – the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is even more powerful, lighter and faster than the Murciélago LP 640. With the output of the 6.5 liter V12 increased to 670 hp and a weight reduction of 100 kg (220 lbs), the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 2.3 kg (5.1 lbs) per hp. This catapults it from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a breathtaking 3.2 seconds and powers it on to a top speed of around 342 km/h (212 mph). Distinctive design refinements ensure that each of this 350-unit limited edition series conveys its full potential from the very first glance.
With its outstanding performance, razor-sharp precision and exceptional high-speed stability, the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the ultimate performance car for advanced sports car drivers. The super sports car has been extensively redesigned with a new front and rear, an innovative engine bonnet and a choice of two aerodynamic set-ups featuring either a small or large rear spoiler. The interior in Alcantara and carbon fiber provides a purist and minimalist approach.

In order to achieve the substantial weight reduction of 100 kilograms (220 lbs), the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce was extensively reworked and redeveloped in virtually every aspect – from chassis to engine and transmission, right through to the interior. The increase in engine output from 640 to 670 hp is the result of optimized valve timing and a reworked intake system. The significantly modified aerodynamics with substantially increased downforce brings considerable improvement to vehicle stability at very high speeds. With the small standard-fit rear spoiler, top speed stands at 342 km/h (212 mph), while the large “Aeropack Wing” and its added downforce gives a top speed of 337 km/h (209 mph).

“The new Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the systematic continuation of our brand philosophy. It is more extreme and uncompromising than virtually any other automobile,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “As the new top model of the highly successful Murciélago range, the SuperVeloce displays not only outstanding driving dynamics, it is also further evidence of our company’s technological expertise. Customers can look forward to an utterly unparalleled driving experience.”

Design and aerodynamics

The Murciélago is an icon of the Lamborghini brand – a sports machine of menacing character and brutal power. Its unique design radiates a supreme form of highly concentrated sensuality. Wide, low, with its glass area pushed way forward and a long, taut back – the interplay between the soft contours of the basic form and razor sharp edges is the perfect expression of the Lamborghini design language. In the totality of its character, the Murciélago is without comparison on the sports car market.

Yet even a character like this can be further refined – the new Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the more extreme, even more purist pinnacle of the model range. This is clearly evident from the very first glimpse of its completely redesigned front end – pulled way forward and finished in matt black paint, the carbon fiber front spoiler is connected to the front end via two vertical elements. The large air intakes for the front brakes are more powerfully emphasized. The new front fenders feature additional air intakes for brake ventilation. The air vent for the oil cooler located in the driver-side sill area is painted matt black to match the sills.

The modifications are even more apparent around the mighty engine bay of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The twelve-cylinder engine is presented as an engineering masterpiece under a transparent engine bonnet that boasts a completely new architecture. Hexagonal polymer plates made from transparent polycarbonate are set on three levels within a carbon fiber framework. The layers are open towards the rear, playing a key role in the thermodynamics of the high-performance engine.

The impressive rear end of the SuperVeloce is dominated by a veritably noble, flat and extremely wide exhaust tailpipe and, on the underside, by a two-level diffuser system finished entirely in carbon fiber. The rear light clusters display their signals in that distinctive Y-shape that has been a fixed element of Lamborghini design since the Murciélago LP 640, Reventón and Gallardo LP 560-4. The panel between the lights is made from carbon fiber, while the large intake mesh below expands across the full width of the rear end. Made from thick-walled aluminum, the hexagonal pattern is laser-cut and a Teflon coating provides the necessary heat protection.

The aerodynamics of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce have been completely redeveloped. Alongside the enlarged front spoiler and the twin rear diffuser, the new fixed rear spoiler also plays an important role. Customers can choose between two versions, with the small rear spoiler providing improved downforce at high speeds. As an option, the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce can be supplied with the “Aeropack Wing” – a large, fixed, carbon-fiber wing mounted on two carbon-fiber brackets. The new aerodynamic set-up provides a significant boost to directional stability at the very highest speeds. The top-speed downforce on the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce with Aeropack is strongly increased.

Bodyshell and lightweight construction

With the construction of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, Lamborghini proves its expertise in the manufacture of lightweight materials and in working with hi-tech carbon fiber. The structure of the super sports car is a composite construction of extremely stiff carbon components and a tubular steel frame – as in a race car. The transmission tunnel and the floor are made of carbon fiber, attached to the steel frame using rivets and high-strength adhesives. The roof and the exterior door panels are formed in sheet steel, while the remainder of the outer skin is made from carbon composite material.
For the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, engineers in Sant’Agata Bolognese recalculated the framework and selected a new, super high-strength sectional steel. This achieved two objectives – on the one hand, they increased the torsional stiffness of the chassis by 12 percent to provide improved handling precision and, on the other, they were able to reduce weight by 20 kg (44 lbs), making a significant contribution to the reduction of overall vehicle weight. And the systematic approach to lightweight design continues throughout the entire bodyshell. The front fenders, the rear side panels/fenders and the casing for the third brake light are made of a modified carbon-fiber material. Combined with the removal of the drive for the moveable spoiler, this brings a further weight reduction of 13 kg (28.6 lbs).

Added to the 33 kg (72.6 lbs) of weight reduction from the chassis and exterior, are 34 kg (74.8 lbs) from the interior, as well as over 33 kg (72.6 lbs) removed from the engine and drive train.

Power unit and transmission

The longitudinally mounted 6.5 liter V12 delivers the infernal power for an unparalleled driving experience. With 670 hp (493 kW), the engine in the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is 30 hp more powerful than in the Murciélago LP 640. The twelve-cylinder sends its mighty 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft at 6,500 rpm; maximum power is reached at 8,000 rpm, with an average piston speed of 23.7 meters per second – a figure almost comparable to race engines.
The V12 is eager to deliver its performance – it brings its menacing power with immediacy and precision to guarantee breathtaking performance – after only 3.2 seconds the SuperVeloce has already reached 100 km/h (62 mph).

The engine block and heads of the V12, positioned at the ideal cylinder angle of 60 degrees, are made from aluminum. The four chain-driven camshafts are variably controlled, while the intake manifold operates in three stages – both technologies add even greater thrust to the merciless pushing power. To increase the performance of the SuperVeloce, the intake system was modified, the valve train optimized and, most importantly, valve travel was increased.
The control electronics for the V12 were developed internally by Lamborghini – each cylinder bank has its own high-performance processor. If the engine needs more cooling air, intake funnels emerge from the rear pillars: when not in operation, they lie flush with the bodyshell. Dry sump lubrication enables the V12 to be mounted extremely low down, benefiting the handling dynamics: this also guarantees oil supply under extremely dynamic driving conditions. With 12 liters of lubricating oil in circulation, the oil cooler is located on the left side of the vehicle and cooled by air flowing through the aperture in the sill.

The weight reduction of more than 26 kg (57 lbs) in the engine area was derived primarily from the completely new exhaust system. The muffler has been redesigned and even the mighty tailpipe of the SuperVeloce manufactured from new materials is lighter than on the Murciélago LP 640. But most of all, the new exhaust system makes for an acoustic experience that is surely equal to the driving performance – from the heavy rumble of a stormy night, through the trumpeting of mighty elephants to the roar of a raging lion, the SuperVeloce performs the grand opera for 12 cylinders, 48 valves and 8,000 revs.
The SuperVeloce is equipped as standard with the sequential, automated manual transmission e.gear, which uses electro-hydraulics to shift gear extremely quickly and smoothly. A cockpit display informs the driver of the gear currently engaged. In addition a special “Corsa” mode and a “Low adherence” mode are available.

As a no-premium option, the SuperVeloce is available with a six-speed manual transmission. Its short metal shift stick runs in an open gate of classic Italian elegance. In both variants, the new lightweight clutch makes its own contribution to the weight loss program.
All-wheel drive and chassis

The Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce delivers its extreme power to the road with great reliability – assured by its permanent all-wheel drive. Before the rear wheels spin, the viscous coupling sends up to 35 percent of driving force via its additional shaft to the front wheels. The front and rear limited-slip differentials are set at 25 and 45 percent. With its four driven wheels and traction, the Murciélago delivers a decisive advantage over rear-wheel drive sports cars when it comes to accelerating out of a corner – and always with maximum stability. The rear axle bears 58 percent of its overall weight – a distribution ratio that is highly beneficial to traction.

Explosive dynamics, tenacious cornering and extreme speeds – the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is a super sports car packed with aggressive power, but by no means a mean-spirited car. Its steering requires very little power support, giving full control of the car to the driver. Those prepared to tackle the beast head on are quickly rewarded with intimate contact and trust – as speed increases, so the Murciélago reveals its strengths, thus exposing a character with no hidden surprises and behavior that can always be anticipated.

The Murciélago is fitted with double wishbone suspension all round. Spring struts – two on each of the rear wheels and one on each of the front – control the loads transferred from the road. The standard-fit lifting system enables the front end of the vehicle to be raised by 45 mm (1.8 inches) to avoid obstacles such as garage entryways. The SuperVeloce is equipped with exclusive “Ares” alloy-forged wheels, bearing the exclusive five twin-spoke design. The front wheels are clad in 245/35 ZR 18 rubber, while the rears sport 335/30 ZR 18. High-grip Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires come as standard.
Four brakes controlled by a hi-tech ABS system are capable of mighty stopping power when required. The Carbon Ceramic (CCB) brakes are fanned by cooling air flowing through enlarged channels in the bodyshell, while openings in the front fenders provide additional ventilation for the SuperVeloce. The ceramic discs are exceptionally lightweight, fade-free and capable of extremely high operational performance.

Interior and equipment

Even stepping into the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is an experience as individual as the vehicle itself. The upward-opening doors – a solution developed by Lamborghini in the early seventies for the Countach – are released via small latches, then swing wide open to reveal a panorama of the exclusive interior of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The dominating materials are Alcantara and carbon fiber, which make for an ambience that is as high-quality as it is sporty.
The sports bucket seats come as standard and provide exceptionally firm support around the hip and shoulder areas. The bucket seats are made from lightweight and highly robust carbon fiber and guarantee the driver perfect support, even in the most extreme driving situations. The Murciélago’s standard seats are also available on the SuperVeloce as an option free of charge.
Not only the seats are upholstered in black Alcantara micro-fiber; the cockpit and the roof lining are also finished in this high-quality, lightweight material. The Y-shaped perforations on the seats and roof lining bring additional finesse, with an inlaid backing material in the same color as the exterior paintwork. The Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce can be delivered with the paint finishes Giallo Orion, Arancio Atlas, Bianco Isis, Grigio Telesto and Nero Aldebaran, as well as Bianco Canopus (white matt) and Nero Nemesis (black matt) as an option.
Naturally, the interior also makes its contribution to weight reduction. The door panels are clad in carbon fiber, as is the wide center tunnel. The application of Alcantara instead of leather is another weight-saver, just like the selection of sports bucket seats and the omission of the radio-navigation system (if requested, this is available as an option). At the end of the day, the music in a Murciélago comes from the engine compartment. Overall, modifications to the interior contribute over 34 kg (75 lbs) to the SuperVeloce weight loss program.
But absolutely no corners have been cut when it comes to one characteristic that is a feature of all Lamborghini super sports cars – the exceptionally high quality of the workmanship. The craftsmen in Sant’Agata Bolognese are all masters of their respective trades; the three-year warranty bears testimony to absolute faith in product quality.

The era of epic supercars is certainly not over at Aston Martin, with the carmaker confirming the development of a brand new flagship model late last year. A life-size mock up was then put on display at the 2008 Paris Motor Show to tease the public and start building interest for the car, which is estimated to cost a cool £1.2 million. The latest turn of events will see a technical showcase for the new One-77 supercar presented at this week’s Geneva Motor Show.
Aston Martin will essentially be presenting the bare chassis of the first production version of the One-77 in an attempt to showcase the engineering and design expertise behind the bespoke supercar. After all, the One-77 is being built not just as a halo car, but as an ultra-halo car, a sort of rekindling of the legacy of Aston Martin, plus a projection of the brand into the future. It’s designed to be the most quintessential Aston Martin ever, and the most perfectly personalized car available.

Click image to enlarge

The structural core of the One-77 is a lightweight and immensely rigid carbon-fiber monocoque. Conceived and designed at Aston Martin’s Gaydon HQ, the monocoque, or ‘tub’, has been built in partnership with Multimatic (MTC) – a world leader in carbon composite technology.
Attached to this tub is a set of double wishbones at each corner, with pushrods employed to transfer vertical suspension movements to the horizontally mounted spring/damper units.

The dampers are fully adjustable and feature advanced Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) technology – a world-first for a road car application. These special valves use high-precision machined components to enable the shock-absorbing characteristics of the damper to be changed without having to remove them from the car.

Underlining the truly bespoke nature of the One-77, the car’s suspension characteristics will be precisely set-up by Aston Martin engineers to suit the owner’s exact requirements.

The One-77’s power unit is an extreme evolution of the 6.0L V12 engines fitted to the DBS, DB9 and new V12 Vantage models. The brief for engine team was to take the 6.0L V12 as far as it could go, both in terms of output and weight reduction. The targets were a power output of no less than 700hp (522kW) with a 10% reduction in engine mass. Incredibly, the Aston Martin and Cosworth engineers who worked on the powertrain achieved a mass reduction of some 25% while increasing displacement to 7.3L.

Wearing Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires (255mm up front and 335mm up back) developed specifically for it, all 700hp is transmitted to the road through the rear wheels via a new six-speed gearbox. Controlled via column-mounted paddles behind the steering wheel, this robotised sequential manual is a new generation of Aston Martin’s familiar automatic.

Stopping power comes from a set of carbon-ceramic discs and uprated calipers designed to transmit less heat from the brake pads into the brake fluid.
With a projected weight of 1,500kg the One-77 will occupy the very highest echelons of road car performance. Top speed is predicted to be in excess of 200mph, with a 0-60mph time in approximately 3.5 seconds.

The custom-built nature of the One-77 echoes personalization programs recently undertaken by Lamborghini and Ferrari. Buyers will be able to customize every single part of the car, from the gearbox to the interior trim elements. Even the seats will be tailored to fit the driver and passenger’s individual curves. As the company CEO Ulrich Bez explains, the car should fit the owner like a tailored suit.
The next stage in its development will be the performance and durability phase so expect some exciting spy footage in the coming months.

Mazda used last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show to debut the new 2010 Mazda3 Sedan, and then followed it with the reveal of the Hatchback model at the Bologna Motor Show just one month later. There is still one more variant of the Mazda3 in the works and it is set to make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show this week.
The car is the sporty Mazdaspeed (MPS) model and it has now been revealed ahead of its official world debut. Details about the upcoming hot-hatch are yet to be released, although we can confirm that it will come with the same MZR 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine as the current model. Output is expected to be slightly higher than the current model, up somewhere around the 268hp (200kW) mark.

While other specs for the car are hard to come by, there are rumors that the newly developed RevoKnuckle FWD suspension system from the Ford Focus RS could be used in the Mazda. An AWD set-up has been ruled out.

Differentiating the Mazdaspeed from the regular Mazda3 lineup is a large hood scoop for the turbo, oversized air-intakes in the front bumper, a rear diffuser, large-diameter twin-exhaust pipes, and a chunky rear wing.

The new Mazda3 Mazdaspeed will go on sale in Europe in the second quarter of the year and should reach the U.S. before the end of the year.
The Japanese carmaker will also use next month’s Geneva event to unveil a Mazda3 with i-stop – a fuel-saving engine stop-start feature.

Video

Pictures

The Ford Focus RS is a landmark performance car, but it’s also set to be the last RS-badged Fast Ford ever

It’s the end of an era. We can reveal the new Ford Focus RS is likely to be the last model to wear the firm’s legendary performance badge.
The current financial crisis and future emissions laws mean developing such high performance petrol cars in future is no longer viable for the company.
The news will come as a shock to Britain’s fast Ford fans as it marks the end of a long line of Blue Oval high performance vehicles which started with the Escort RS1600 in 1970.

A Ford insider told us: “The new Focus RS is pretty special, and not just because of its incredible performance, but because it’s likely to be the last car of this type you will see from Ford.”
He explained the economic downturn meant there was “absolutely no business case” for any new RS models at the moment and that this situation would probably never change.
That’s because once recovery begins all the firm’s focus will be on economical and eco-friendly vehicles such as hybrids and electric cars.
The insider added: “People should enjoy cars like the Focus RS while they can. It’s unlikely you will see driver focused high performance hatchbacks ever again.”

Source Imotors

Blaming the global economic slowdown, the builders of the first F1-X theme park in Dubai are saying their project is delayed until at least next year. The park was to become part of the “Dubailand” project that included the Dubai Autodrome, luxury condominiums and a business park (think of it like a Disney World for the Persian Gulf). However, banks and other financial institutions have pulled funding, putting the brakes on the half-built project. Union Properties, the company tasked with this venture, insists the project will eventually be completed… although it will obviously miss its planned opening originally set for later this year.

Engine Specifications:
HKS GT2835 Pro S turbine
HKS S-Type Front Mount Intercooler kit
HKS S-Type Oil Cooler kit
HKS Super SQV Blow-off Valve (Black Limited)
HKS Dry Carbon Intercooler pipes
HKS Dry Carbon Intake with Super Hybrid Filter
HKS Dry Carbon Intake Air Duct
HKS Radiator Cap
HKS F-con iS engine management
Kenstyle Engine Cover

Exterior Specifications:
HKS Legamax Premium full exhaust system with Double Wall S/S Tips
Kenstyle Body Kit – includes Front/Rear Bumper, Sideskirts, and Hood Lip
Hyundai Accessory OEM Rear Wing
PPG Candy Red Paint by Kelly & Son Crazy Painters
Volk Racing RE30 Limited Edition Formula Silver – (Front 19×8, Rear 19×10)
Yokohama Advan Sport Tires (Front 235/40/19 / Rear 265/35/19)

Suspension Specifications:
HKS Hipermax III
HKS Dry Carbon Front Strut Tower Brace

Interior Specifications:
Hyundai OEM Leather Seats custom upholstered by BP Customs
HKS EVC (Electronic Valve Controller) Boost Controller
HKS CAMP2 Multi-meter monitoring system
Kenwood DDX712 Navigation Receiver with custom one-off console by Creative Car Audio &

Source : HKS USA

Nissan has announced its Global Motorsports Activities for 2009 and it looks like we’ll be seeing the GT-R campaign in the FIA-GT1 category earlier than expected.
Initial reports claimed that Nissan would begin offering LeMans-spec racers to privateer teams for the 2010 FIA-GT1 season, but in an effort to test the performance and competitiveness of the platform, a NISMO-developed GT-R will run as a non-championship entry in four races in 2009. Nissan is partnering with Gigawave MotorSport on the GT-R entry and has tapped GT500 racer Michael Krumm from NISMO and Darren Turner from Gigawave to pilot the GT-R during the season. Nissan hasn’t announced exactly what events the NISMO GT-R will participate in, but there’s a good chance that we’ll be seeing Godzilla running at LeMans.

The specs on race-ready GT-R haven’t been officially revealed, but there’s a possibility that NISMO will drop the twin-turbo’d V6 in favor of the 4.5-liter VK45D8 V8. Output is estimated to be between 540-590 hp and 450-500 lb-ft of torque, with a curb weight as low as 3,000 pounds.
Nissan also took the opportunity to announce its SuperGT contenders, with four teams – NISMO, Hasemi Motor Sport, Impul and Kondo Racing – each campaigning a GT-R in the GT500 class. The new SuperGT car will sport a new air-cooling system and, in keeping with the new regulations, shortened overhangs to reduce downforce. A new paddle-shift transmission is also being developed.
All the details on the drivers, the teams and Nissan’s other motorsports efforts are in the press release below the fold, along with a video of the official announcement. No word yet on a possible Grand Am GT-R, but with every automaker throttling-back their motorsports efforts, we’re not surprised.

PRESS RELEASE

Announcement on Global Motorsports Activities for 2009
TOKYO (February 27, 2009) – Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. (NISMO) today announced their global motorsport programme for 2009.

For 2009, Nissan continues to participate in the SUPER GT series, GT500 class, which is the highest level in Japanese domestic motorsports, with the Nissan GT-R. Nissan will also support grassroots activities in select countries outside of Japan to help nurture the motorsports culture, which has millions of fans throughout the world.

“Motorsports is an important part of Nissan’s strategy for building a strong brand with consumers who share our passion for high-performance driving,” said Carlos Tavares, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. “In addition to being an important touch-point for consumers, motorsports serve as a dynamic proving ground for automotive innovation.”

1. SUPER GT

Vehicles
The R35 model Nissan GT-R will be entered in the GT500 class of SUPER GT.
This year’s entries will incorporate changes that include an improved air-cooling system and a paddle-shift transmission. The vehicles also conform to the racing body’s latest regulation changes to decrease down force through shortened vehicle overhang. NISMO provides technical assistance and vehicle development to all participating teams.

Team Composition
This year’s line-up of NISMO, HASEMI MOTORSPORT, TEAM IMPUL and KONDO RACING will deploy 1 car each for a total of 4 Nissan GT-Rs that will race in the GT500 class series. Kunihiko Kakimoto remains as general manager in charge of Nissan related teams with the NISMO team managed by Yutaka Suzuki. HASEMI MOTOR SPORT team welcomes to its roster Hironobu Yasuda, who trained in the rigorous Nissan Driver Development Program (NDDP).

2. Private racers category

1. March Cup series
Providing amateur racers a chance to experience the thrill of auto racing, Nissan holds the March Cup races (East Japan Series, West Japan Series, Nissan March Championship Cup). This pits private racers with actual racing conditions, with each car equipped with a data logger and GPS to record the racing lines taken by drivers. As previously announced, 2009 is the final run for the March Cup series.

2. Japanese domestic private teams
1. SUPER GT GT300 class
Technical assistance will be given to private teams competing in Fairlady Zs.
2. Super Taikyu series
Technical assistance will be given to private teams competing in Fairlady Zs in both ST1 and ST3 classes.

3. Global Race activities

China
Aiming for a 3rd championship win, Nissan and NISMO will provide technical assistance to its China partner Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd., which enters its Nissan Tiidas in the 1600cc Class of the China Circuit Championship (CCC). The event is the country’s premier domestic racing event, where locally manufactured production-based race cars compete. Nissan Tiida won the title in 2006 and 2008.

South Africa
With 8 consecutive Driver’s championship wins, Nissan seeks to retain its title in the South Africa Off-Road Championship. Dominating the event will be the Nissan Navara, well known for its controlled performance and rugged reliability.

Europe
To check the performance of cars to be sold to racing teams competing in the FIA-GT1 class, a NISMO-developed car will run as a non-championship entry in 4 races in 2009, entered in a team partnership with Gigawave MotorSport. It is expected that the car is to be driven by Michael Krumm (NISMO) and Darren Turner (Gigawave).

Gigawave MotorSport, a racing team based in county Essex, England, has been competing in the FIA GT Championship since 2007. The team’s parent company Gigawave Ltd., as an official partner of the FIA GT Championship, provides on-board cameras for real-time coverage of the races. http://www.gigawavemotorsport.com/

BMW’s next-generation 6-Series Coupe and its Cabrio variant aren’t due to arrive until late 2010 at the earliest as the current model was only given its mid-cycle facelift a little over a year ago. However, prototypes of the new car are already testing in Germany but heavy camouflage material have kept most of the details hidden.

What we could gather from initial spy shots is that the new model will feature a longer and sleeker design than the current car. These latest computer generated renderings show the car will likely be heavily influenced by 2007’s CS Concept. The wheelbase will be slightly longer than the current car, but overhangs, both front and back, will be shorter. The new 6-Series will also sit much lower than the current model, with a sleeker roofline adding to the sportier look.
The 6-Series has proven to be a sales success for BMW, with numbers averaging just on 20,000 units per year. BMW doesn’t want to risk hurting sales of the next model so for the new car designers will be dialing down the controversial styling.

The ‘Bangle Butt’ bootlid remains but isn’t as distinct as the lid on the current car. The conventional folding soft top roof appears to have also remained, however there are claims that the roof seen on the Cabrio prototypes could be a ruse to hide a new folding hardtop underneath. The material’s ill-fitting form and mysterious bumps suggest that the next-gen 6-Series will in fact sport a folding hardtop. Given that the new 2010 Z4 features a folding hardtop, there is a strong chance the next 6-Series will as well. There are also rumors the car will be offered with two different versions, a more luxurious GT and an aggressive sports model.
Inside, the cars will still feature plenty of luxury appointments as well as a new eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle-shifters. The current engine lineup is expected to carry over relatively unchanged, however the range topping M6 could get a new twin-turbo V10 engine and dual-clutch transmission.

Tuners and fan boys the world over have pored over Best Motoring DVDs, debating the finer points of lap times around Tsukuba’s circuit. And some of the best and hottest laps have been turned in by HKS’s tuned Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions. Now a new one is in the works, dubbed the CZ200S.

The new Evo X will be built with with a goal of a sub-one-minute lap around the Tsukuba Circuit. That’s no small goal, considering the Nissan GT-R’s current lap time is in the 1:01-1:02 range. Currently the CZ200S already has the goal in hand, landing times of 59.495 seconds during testing of Yokohama’s Advan Neova AD08 tires. Further advances will help push the car’s times even lower.

But more than just a project in low lap times, the CZ200S will be the development platform for all of HKS’s Lancer Evolution X consumer parts. The car will wear a combination of current off-the-shelf parts and HKS prototypes in the mean time.

With Targa Newfoundland fast approaching, STILLEN has begun preparation on the 2009 Nissan GT-R rally car. For the past 7 years Steve Millen has made the annual trip to New Zealand to compete in the Dunlop Targa Rally with a Ford vehicle.

2009 marks the first time in 14 years that Steve Millen and Nissan will head back to the races together. With multiple world championships, race wins, and world records together this will be a tough team to beat.

The car is being prepared at here at STILLEN in Costa Mesa, CA. To prepare for the rally we have a long list of modifications to make. Some of these modifications are to be kept top secret, others are very exciting and we just can’t contain ourselves. Some of the modifications will be:

Lightening – We will be removing as much weight as possible from the car. This will include, lighter racing seats, light weight dry carbon fiber body panels, and more.

Performance – With a long list of performance parts including but not limited to performance exhaust, intercoolers, tuning, and more we hope to gain A LOT more power from this already impressive car.

Braking – This one is kind of top secret but still noteworthy. Let’s just say that AP Racing and STILLEN are working on something very special that will blow a lot of people away.

Suspension – The corners of the car will be shrouded in secrecy but we have plans for shock upgrades as well as adjustable sway bars.

Follow along the build as Team STILLEN develops their Nissan GT-R in to a full fledged tarmac rally race car.

Gutting the 2009 Nissan R35 GT-R – Part 1

February 22, 2009

One of the first stages of gutting a race car is to check your starting weights. We loaded it with a full tank of gas to see how much the car weighed, and well, as expected the GT-R is no Georges St. Pierre. Godzilla is a very fitting name for this car as it weighed in at a whopping 3,900 pounds full of fuel.

When building a race car the ultimate goal is to achieve the best power to weight ratio possible. Over the next few days we will be stripping our GT-R down and weighing all of the components that come out of it. We will be weighing the doors, fenders, hood, trunk and everything else to see what we can do to lighten up those parts of the car as well.

Here are some early pictures of the tear-down. We have completely stripped the inside of the car now except the dashboard and doors. All of the panels are out and there are more plans of further parts removal coming.

You would not believe the how heavy some of these parts are. It is incredible! The passenger seat weighs 60 POUNDS!!!! It’s not too surprising considering how many motors and air bags are inside them. We’re going to be replacing that with a light weight, carbon fiber seat that only weighs 15 pounds…Nearly a 100 pound weight savings just by changing seats.

Here’s some photos of the current state of the GT-R:

Source : Stillen