RUF testing ten electric-powered sports cars

The electric car bandwagon is sure filling up these days with automakers from Chevrolet all the way to Porsche, and many in between, coming up with plans to produce or further market their electric vehicles. Now even tuning firms are following in the automakers’ footsteps as RUF, a German tuner, is preparing no less than ten electric sports car based on the Porsche 911. These 10 models will be manufactured in cooperation with Siemens AG and will be presented in the first half of 2011.

The first of the 10 electric models is called the Single Motor Concept and is based on a 997 Carrera. It is powered by a 180 KW electric motor that takes its power from lithium-ion batteries with an energy capacity of 29 kWh. The electric motor has a driving range of approximately 150 km (93 miles) and a maximum speed of about 136 mph. The sprint from 0-62mph takes about 7 seconds.

The second electric RUF vehicle is the Twin Motor Concept with 2-speed Gearbox. It features two transversely mounted Siemens synchronous electric motors producing 250 kW (335hp) with double inverters and an automatic 2 speed gearbox with limited slip differential. This model has an autonomy of 200 kilometers (124 miles) and can hit a top speed of 136 mph.

The third concept we have details on is the Twin Motor Concept with Torque Vectoring. This concept features the same two transversely mounted Siemens synchronous electric motors with double inverters as before, but gets two separate angular bevel gearboxes for independent rear wheel drive as well. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 5 seconds, while top speed is 111 mph.

Read More

2011 Edo Competition LP750

Back in 2006, Lamborghini unveiled the Murcielago LP640, a model powered by a 6.5 liter V12 engine with an output of 640 HP. Shortly after, EDO Competition unveiled the LP710 /2 based off of that same model. This Murcielago became the world’s fastest with a bump up from 640hp to 710hp, but that stay at the top was bound to be limited. Now, the German tuner has prepared an even powerful version of the Murcielago LP640.

The V12 engine found in the Lamborghini has been updated to deliver a total of 750 HP and 546 ft-lb of torque, while the sprint from 0 to 60 mph is now made in 3.1 seconds. It’s top speed goes up to an impressive 226 mph which is a considerable improvement over the LP710’s top speed of 219 mph achieved on the Papenburg high speed test track.

Read More

2010 Bentley Continental Flying Star by Touring

Touring Superleggera was on hand at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show to unveil their new Touring Bentley Continental Flying Star - a shooting brake version of the 2-door coupe. The car is being offered at a base price of €590,000 when based on a Continental GTC.

The Flying Star is powered by a 6.0-liter W12 engine that develops a total of 560 hp and 650 Nm of torque (when based on the Continental GTC). When based on the GTC Speed, it develops 610 hp and 750 Nm of torque. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is made in 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 200 mph.

Customers may choose from a variety of customization options, ranging from bespoke cabinetry and trim to a wide range of dedicated options. The accessory collection includes the Touring designed luggage set coordinated with the boot trim, and distinctive Borrani X-Ray spoke wheels. Blending advanced technology with craftsmanship, Borrani 20" 9.5j X-Ray spoke wheels provide distinctive design, precision, and comfort.

UPDATE 02/18/2011: A year after the Flying Star debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the car has finally been put on the market, but anyone with a desire to purchase this extremely limited model better hurry. There are only two units available worldwide with a price tag of $1,000,000.

Read More

2011 Nissan Micra DIG S

The 2011 Geneva Motor Show is turning into a regular environmental fair - with the exception of the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 of course - and now Nissan is joining the bunch with a special Micra model. The new Micra DIG S will be powered by a petrol engine, but that engine will only produce 95g/km of CO2. Sales will begin Summer 2011.

The new Micra DIG S is powered by a 1.5 liter four-cylinder Direct Injection Gasoline-Supercharger engine that delivers a total of 98 HP and 142Nm of torque, while emitting only 95g/km for the manual version and 115 g/km for the CVT version. The car can hit a top speed of 112mph when coupled with a manual gearbox. The DIG-S uses the Miller cycle and direct petrol injection to raise the compression ratio to 13 to one for greater combustion efficiency and a supercharger for instant throttle response and added power.

"Ultra low emissions with no compromise when it comes to drivability means the Micra DIG-S sets new standards for the current generation of city cars. No other petrol-powered compact hatchback can beat its overall efficiency... and it is more than a match for an equivalent diesel. We have been able to achieve this ultra low CO2 figure in a cost effective package and without the complication of particulate filters needed to clean up diesel engine emissions and which are not entirely compatible with a car that spends much of its life in the city."

Read More

2011 Wiesmann Spyder Concept

Wiesmann, a small German manufacturer who started their career making hardtops for convertibles, has announced that they will be bringing a new spyder concept to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. No official details have been provided as of yet, but we do know that Wiesmann has very little intention of producing this vehicle. In fact, the debut is only being made to gauge the reaction of the experts in the field. After that, Wiesmann will make the official decision as to whether or not the Spyder will see the production line.

Wiesmann describes the concept as being powerful, ultra-light, and purist, which is basically the motto behind every Wiesmann model created. If Wiesmann continues on the same path as its other models - the GT Coupe and MF5, to name a few - then the model will probably be powered by another BMW-sourced engine. The concept being brought to the Geneva Motor Show will be a two-seater with no doors or windscreen to speak of. It seems Wiesmann is taking the bare bones approach to introduce the model. No need to spend money on the details when the car may just be for show, literally.

The official debut of the Wiesmann Spyder Concept will be made on March 1st, 2011. If the company does decide to put it into production, the first model will not be released before 2012.

Read More

2011 Hemi Cuda by Droptop Customs

If Chrysler doesn’t end up utilizing the b>Cuda name they just recently registered, at least we’ll have Droptop Customs’ personal Cuda program to help dull the pain. Their new tuning project based off of the 2009 Dodge Challenger is powered by a 6.1 liter SRT8 HEMI engine mated to six-speed manual transmission. This engine is the same engine used in the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8, but we’re expecting more than the 425hp and 420lb-ft of torque considering it will also be getting a Mopar Catback exhaust system and a pistol grip Hurst shifter. For even better performance, Droptop Customs also added a KW coilover suspension with strut tower braces for both the front and the rear axles.

The exterior modifications for the Challenger include a special front grille, an updated aerodynamics, a shaker hood, and a retro rear bumper from HXC. DropTop Customs also added a new set of 20" BBS lightweight alloy wheels painted in black and contrasting with a yellow paint job, which were a big hit when the Cuda had its run in the seventies. The interior only received minor changes with a Kicker entertainment system and an electric-powered black soft top.

Read More

2010 Range Rover Sport Windsor Edition by Amari Design

It wasn’t that long ago when Amari Design graced our pages with their tuned-up Lamborghini Gallardo Invidia Edition. Today, one of the largest pre-owned supercar dealers in the UK is getting ready to introduce their latest creation, the 2010 Range Rover Sport Windsor Edition.

Loaded with aesthetic and performance upgrades, this Range Rover Sport is certainly not one for the weak-of-heart. Among the aesthetic upgrades you’ll find include a new front bumper with DRL lights, wide wheel arches, door moldings, a carbon fiber front grille, carbon side vents, a rear diffuser with a material choice of either ABS plastic or carbon fiber, a new rear bumper, a carbon hood, exhaust tips, with a choice of three different wheel concepts - deep concave, monoblock, and two-piece – which Amari Design is developing themselves.

Under the hood of the Range Rover Sport, Amari Design also addressed upping the ante on the luxury SUV’s performance capabilities. Having the same 5.0-liter supercharged engine as the stock model, Amari Design was able to increase the output from 503 horsepower all the way up to 611 horsepower, a jump of 108 horsepower. Details on how the company was able to get 108 more horsepower for the SUV wasn’t announced, but nonetheless, it’s still mighty impressive in its own right.

Read More