Tags: INDUSTRY/HOBBY

2014 NISSAN GT-R: TRACK EDITION SUPERCAR!

- Kamis, 07 Februari 2013 No Comments

Limited edition two-seater was developed at Nurburgring and achieves 

true Supercar status.

Debuting today at the Chicago Auto Show, the new Nissan GT-R Track Edition is the third and most exclusive model in the 2014 GT-R lineup. Designed to take Nissan’s legendary 545-horsepower street Supercar even closer to a pure motorsports competition machine, it features a specially tuned suspension, special brake cooling guides, front spoiler with carbon fiber air ducts and a lightweight quilted cloth mat in place of the rear seat! Production will be limited to 150 cars for the U.S. market; orders can be placed at select GT-R certified Nissan dealerships beginning in May.

Changes to the GT-R’s sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension for the Track Edition include special Bilstein DampTronic gas pressure shocks and higher spring rates. Much of the 2014 GT-R’s suspension development took place on the Nürburgring, where the Track Edition damping force and handling benchmarks were further refined by GT-R development driver Toshio Suzuki. The Track Edition’s air guides for the front and rear brakes were also refined through rigorous track testing.

The Track Edition’s performance enhancements are added to a significant number of upgrades to the GT-R for the 2014 model year: new fuel injectors for enhanced torque response in the 4,500 – 6,000 rpm range, improved throttle and acceleration feel at mid- and high-rpm ranges, and the addition of an oil pan baffle to stabilize oil turbulence and oil pressure under high performance driving conditions. An aluminum nameplate is now added to each

hand-assembled engine bearing the name of the specially trained “Takumi” craftsman

who built that individual engine.

In addition to developing 545 horsepower, the GT-R’s standard VR38DETT V6 produces 463 pound-feet of torque. The engine is backed by an advanced paddle-shifted sequential six-speed dual clutch transmission, which can be driver selected to shift at racecar-like speeds (0.15 seconds). The sequential-shifting transaxle features separate wet clutches for the odd (1,3,5) and even (2,4,6) gears and pre-selects the next highest and next lowest gear for quick shifts. It also features Hill Start Assist for easy starts on uphill inclines. High performance differential oil, used in GT-R motorsports competition, is standard.

Nissan’s unique exclusive GT-R platform incorporates the world’s first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, which optimizes weight distribution and handling capability. The rear-drive-biased system can vary torque split from 0:100 to 50:50 depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angles, tire slip, road surface and yaw rate.

Inside, the new GT-R Track Edition features special blue-trimmed high-grip bucket seats that use special leather and fabric appointments. And, like all 2014 GT-Rs, the Track Edition’s interior offers a cockpit-style instrument panel with a large center-mounted tachometer, a large metallic-framed center console with ergonomically designed shift lever, a red “engine start” button and carbon fiber interior trim.

 Finishing off the GT-R Track Edition’s special features are a handmade, lightweight dry carbon fiber rear spoiler and special metallic black six-spoke RAYS forged lightweight wheels fitted with Dunlop® SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT ultra high performance run- flat nitrogen-filled tires. The GT-R Track Edition is offered in five exterior colors: Deep Blue Pearl, Jet Black, Solid Red, Gun Metallic and Pearl White.

Tags: INDUSTRY/HOBBY

2013 DODGE HEMI CHALLENGER: R/T REDLINE!

- Sabtu, 02 Februari 2013 No Comments

Styling and performance upgrades highlight the latest MoPar muscle machine.

For 2013, the Challenger delivers exactly what Dodge enthusiasts want: Optional R/T Redline trim with modern musclecar cues, a potent 375-horsepopwer Hemi V-8 engine, six-speed stick or driver-adaptable paddle-shift automatic transmissions and a performance-tuned chassis for world-class dynamics.

“The new Challenger R/T Redline fuses our iconic heritage with a one-of-a-kind customized appearance,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Dodge Brand. “Featuring unique body-side stripes and black chrome wheels with red accents, the new R/T Redline combines unmatched personalization with the unmistakable performance of the legendary Hemi.”


Filling the wheel wells on the Dodge Challenger R/T Redline are 20-inch Black Chrome wheels with a Redline Red lip and inner backbone for a one-of-a-kind look. For even more performance and driving precision at-the-limit handling, the available Super Track Pak adds Goodyear

Eagle F1 P245/45R20 three-season performance tires, high-performance brake linings

and a lowered ride height.



For the serious performance enthusiast, the 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T Redline features the legendary 5.7-liter Hemi that delivers up to 375 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque and gets up to 25 mpg on the highway. When paired with the Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission, the Dodge Challenger R/T delivers smooth shifts and 0-60 mph sprints in the low-five-second range. Thanks to unique performance-tuned dual exhausts and under-floor mufflers with low-restriction bottle resonators, the Redline R/T delivers a sinister exhaust growl.

The 2013 Dodge Challenger with the R/T Redline Group is available for ordering now and arrives at dealerships this April. For more information about the latest muscle machine from Dodge, please visit http://www.dodge.com/en/2013/challenger

Tags: INDUSTRY/HOBBY

V IS FOR VROOM: CADILLAC V-SERIES PLAYGROUND!

- Selasa, 29 Januari 2013 No Comments

Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch hosts V-Series Performance Playground.

The sprawling Spring Mountain Motor Resort & Country Club automotive “playground” outside Las Vegas features more than four miles of racetrack and 125 feet of elevation change. The V-Series Academy at Spring Mountain curriculum will continuously challenge participants with a blend of car control exercises and on-track performance driving, tailored to explore the capabilities of Cadillac’s V-Series family. Ron Fellows, a class winner at the 24 Hours of Daytona and Le Mans, designed the curriculum.

“The experience of driving a Cadillac V-Series car is extremely convincing,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing. “This new partnership with Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch opens a new experience in a truly luxurious setting for consumers to enhance their skills and put a series of world-class performance cars to the test.”



The Cadillac V-Series Academy classes at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch will be offered throughout the year and are limited to 12 students per session. One-day sessions will be $1,295 and two-day immersions are $2,295. For more information, please visit,

http://www.springmountainmotorsports.com/driving-school/cadillac-v-academy



http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/pd16/media/1050888044001/1050888044001_2124381269001_Spring-Mountain-Sell-FINAL-1080HD.mp4

Tags: INDUSTRY/HOBBY

2014 CORVETTE STINGRAY: MOTORAMA REDUX!

- Kamis, 17 Januari 2013 No Comments

Sixty years to the day, America’s Sports Car returns to the site of its first public showing -  Park Avenue in New York City.

Exactly 60 years ago on January 17, 1953, car lovers and show goers lined New York City’s Park Avenue, waiting to get a glimpse of the futuristic Chevrolet Corvette and other GM concept cars. The lines led to the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Hotel, the venue GM chose to showcase its first Motorama, above. Today, the Corvette is back in Manhattan, marking the historic milestone with the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray.

The introduction of the original Corvette took place at the Waldorf Astoria in 1953 and that year more than 1.4 million people saw the curvaceous design and futuristic approach of the Corvette at Motorama shows & displays around country.

“The all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray is the most advanced and engaging Corvette in the long, prestigious legacy of this uniquely American success story,” said Chris Perry vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. “It is a car woven into the fabric of American culture and it got its start right here in the Big Apple.”

The enthusiastic response prompted Chevrolet to accelerate production plans and by late June that year, Corvettes were rolling out of a specialized assembly facility in Flint, MI. Only 300 were built in 1953 – all white with red interiors. They represented an auspicious launch for a car that would over time become synonymous with performance, technology, design and aspiration.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray remains true to its roots as a two-seat sports car that delivers an engaging driving experience through advanced engineering and use of lightweight materials. Its technologies are supported by a racing-influenced design and features engineered to work cohesively and deliver the most connected driving experience in the nameplate’s history. It is also the most powerful standard model ever and the most efficient, with 450 horsepower, above, that enables 0-60 times of less than four seconds and projected highway fuel economy greater than 26 mpg.

Corvette Fast Facts

• The Corvette was originally championed by GM’s legendary styling director Harley Earl, who insisted there was room for an American entry in the European-dominated sports car market. It was also his idea for Corvette to have a fiberglass body.



• Corvette was named for a small and fast class of naval ships.



• The 1953 Corvette had a base price of $3,498 and offered only two options – a heater ($91) and AM radio ($145).



• Every Corvette model has used innovative materials, from fiberglass in 1953 to advanced carbon-nano technology and carbon fiber on the 2014 Corvette Stingray.



• A V-8 engine was first available in 1955. That year, it was selected by 90 percent of customers. After that, all Corvettes featured strictly V-8 power.

• The Stingray name was first used for a prototype racecar, the design of which influenced the second-generation Corvette that debuted in 1963. The 1963 Corvette Sting Ray split-window coupe has since been called one of the most beautiful and influential designs in automotive history. The first production Corvette to be badged Stingray was in 1969.



• Corvette’s legacy of mainstreaming technology previously reserved for high-end luxury cars includes the introduction of fuel injection and four-speed transmission in 1957, independent rear suspension in 1963, four-wheel disc brakes in 1965, antilock brakes in 1986 and a tire-pressure monitoring system in 1989.



• Corvette is the longest-running, continually produced sports car in the world. Nearly two million Corvettes have been sold since it went on sale in 1953 and in 2012, it accounted for approximately one-third of all sports car sales in America.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale in the third quarter of 2013.

Celebrating 60 years of Corvettes, Gen1 to Gen 7, http://www.sportscardigest.com/corvette-celebrates-60th-anniversary-photo-gallery/?awt_l=5_CW_&awt_m=JrZau5P1uus.C0



Check out the latest from Chevrolet, http://www.chevrolet.com/new-2014-corvette/?seo=goo_|_GM+Chevy+Awareness_|_GG-AWR-Corvette-Stingray-BP-SN-Exact_|_Corvette+Stingray_|_2014%20corvette



Debut (video) of the 2014 Stingray http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6e5vYUwn5M

Tags: INDUSTRY/HOBBY

FAST CARS & KIDS: RIDES & SMILES 2012!

- Senin, 10 Desember 2012 No Comments

Racer-journalist Bill Adam blogs about an annual event hosted by SAMA, Southern Automotive Media Association, that brings smiles to faces of children 

being treated at Miami area hospitals.

Each year, our annual Rides & Smiles event at Homestead International Speedway gets bigger and better for patients and volunteers alike. More than 130 patients from Baptist Children's and Miami Children’s Hospitals, got rides in their dream cars, a wonderful lunch supplied by the Speedway, and goodie bags that so full they were too heavy for some children to carry! From start to the finish in the late afternoon, it was a day full of laughter and squeals of delight.

For SAMA members and volunteers, this was a day all about giving, and all those powerful cars were merely tools being used to provide a day away from the pain or discomfort that the children might normally face. This was a day for creating smiles, and we did. Like the movie, Pay it Forward, where good deeds encourage more good deeds, your efforts of this day did make a difference, and I’m honored to have shared it with you.



NOTE: SAMA is a spirited organization, made up of automotive journalists, media organizations, corporate communications specialists, marketing and advertising representatives, and auto manufacturers related to South Florida’s dynamic automotive marketplace.

For more information about SAMA,

please visit http://www.samaonline.org/

Tags: INDUSTRY/HOBBY

JAMES BOND’S JAGUAR XKR: DIE ANOTHER DAY!

- Selasa, 27 November 2012 No Comments

The famous Jaguar has a starring role in Exquisitely Evil: 50 Years of Bond Villains at the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC.

A decade after its starring role in 2002 in Die Another Day, the machine gun-toting, missile-firing, rocket-launching Jaguar XKR driven by the evil, diamond-studded villain Zao,

has a new starring role.

“Of all the 007 villain cars featured in the past 23 Bond movies, we felt the XKR was the most-villainous of them all. We had to have it,” explains Anna Slafer, the International Spy Museum’s director of exhibitions and programs.

While Jaguar’s former Special Vehicle Operations in conjunction with Pinewood Studios’ special effects team built no fewer than eight specially modified XKRs for the movie, this example is one of the four so-called “hero” cars used for close-up filming. Part of its villainous armory includes a menacing Gatling gun, centrally mounted behind the seats, and red-tipped missiles that deploy from behind the front grille.

The XKR takes pride of place just inside the entrance to the International Spy Museum and is one of more than 100 unique artifacts from 50 years of Bond films, the majority of which

come from the vaults of EON Productions, which makes the Bond movies. It is the

only car included in the exhibition.



For more information about the International Spy Museum and the Exquisitely Evil Show, please visit http://www.spymuseum.org/exhibition-experiences/exquisitely-evil/



Check out the latest Jaguar luxury-performance vehicles from Jaguar, http://www.jaguarusa.com/

Tags: INDUSTRY/HOBBY

2013 DODGE DAYTONA CHARGER: WINGLESS WARRIOR!

- Senin, 26 November 2012 No Comments

It's not winged, but it is trimmed out and comes with performance upgrades.

 

The original Charger Daytona or winged warrior became an instant classic with its racing pedigree and one-of-a-kind aerodynamic styling, tall rear wing and performance on the NASCAR circuit. Beginning in 2006, with the new Charger, special Daytona editions were offered for four consecutive years through 2009. Now, Dodge has reintroduced the iconic nameplate on a limited production, highly-customized 2013 Charger.

Debuting at the 2012 Los Angeles International Auto Show, the re-introduction of the legendary Charger Daytona is available in Charger R/T and Charger R/T Road & Track trim. The 2013 Dodge Charger Daytona brings back some of the unique style of the historic Daytona package, adding all the modern performance and technology offered in the current Charger. Just 2,500 units of the Daytona will be produced in this limited-production run.



“With its 370 horsepower HEMI V-8, rear-wheel drive and iconic design, the 2013 Dodge Charger is a modern day muscle car, and the new Charger Daytona takes it to a new level by paying homage to the historic ‘Daytona’ nameplate,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Dodge Brand. “It starts with a legendary HEMI underfoot and one-of-a-kind interior and exterior styling enhancements that perfectly combine heritage, performance and value,

starting under $33,000 MSRP.”


Available in a unique color palette of Daytona Blue, Bright White, Billet Silver or Pitch Black, the Daytona package features special dark trim that builds upon the Charger’s iconic muscle car design. Satin Black adorns the front crosshair grille with heritage “R/T” badge, the custom vinyl hood graphic, roof wrap, rear R/T spoiler and the “DAYTONA” graphic on the rear quarter panels. The Daytona features exclusive 20-inch five-spoke polished aluminum wheels with

Gloss Black painted pockets.



Daytona models also include a Daytona Blue engine cover, performance 3.06 rear axle, high-speed engine controller, paddle shifters with sport mode and high performance

steering and suspension. 



The Charger Daytona’s interior on the Road & Track features unique black performance Nappa leather and suede heated and ventilated seats with Daytona Blue stitching and piping. Similarly, the Daytona on the R/T offers the same appearance in a custom sport cloth seat. “DAYTONA” is embroidered in blue into the upper front seat backs. Unique dark brushed aluminum trim surrounds the 8.4-inch Uconnect Touch screen and gauges on the instrument panel, as well as the trim around the shifter and cup holders on the center console.

Finishing touches include a Mopar bright pedal kit, a 552-watt 10-speaker Beats Audio System, and a special numbered “DAYTONA” badge on the instrument panel that features the build number of that specific Charger Daytona model.

For more information about the latest Dodge vehicles, please visit http://www.dodge.com/en/

Tags: INDUSTRY/HOBBY

IRON MAIDEN: ROCK STAR RIDE!

- Jumat, 16 November 2012 No Comments

Car Guy Chronicles talks with Nicko McBrain about his one-off Jaguar XRR-S, Maiden the UK for cruising in Florida.

When legendary Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain put in an order for a new 550-horsepower Jaguar XKR-S – Jaguar’s highest performance production vehicle ever - Jaguar’s design team’s part time rock n’ roller, Wayne Burgess, was thrilled. He contacted McBrain and offered his services to help create the ultimate rock star’s ride, a one-off XKR-S. On Friday, November 9, Nicko, a resident of Florida, took delivery of a bespoke Jaguar XKR-S. Nicko explains what went into his dream machine.

How Did the Project Come About?



Since I was a kid, I’ve always loved Jags with a passion. I remember my father taking me to see the big ol’ Mark 10 when it came out in 1961. That was his favorite car, and since then, I’ve always preferred Jaguar sedans rather than sports cars. In fact, I still have my Series III that I bought in 1986 along with my ’89 Series III that I keep in Florida and use as my daily driver. I bought my wife an XK in 2009, and when she finally let me drive it, I absolutely loved it; so when the XKR-S came out, that was it, I decided I had to have one.



When Did You First Get to Drive the XKR-S?



Jaguar invited me to the Gaydon test track in the UK to do a few laps, and really, that’s how my car came about. They drove me to the track in a new Range Rover Evoque with a terrific black and red leather interior. When we pulled up alongside this French Racing Blue XKR-S, the door was open. When I opened my door to the Range Rover Evoque, I said, “This is the interior I want in my car.”

How Did You Go About Personalizing Your Dream Interior?



The Jaguar team initially thought I was doing the rock star bit of demanding the complete Range Rover Evoque interior installed into an XKR-S. Really, I just wanted the red and black color scheme since the original Iron Maiden name was red on a black background. Then the team said, “If we do that, why don’t we Maiden-ize the whole car?” I went over and saw my mate Wayne Burgess and his team in the Jaguar design department at Whitley and the brainstorming started there. Jaguar has an in-house team, the Engineered To Order (ETO) Division, that was interested in helping us out.



ETO is responsible for extending the Jaguar and Land Rover brands with a series of Special Edition models, such as the Jaguar XJL Ultimate, as well as a range of options allowing owners to more uniquely tailor their cars.  My car is truly one of a kind and I had a lot of fun working with the team to make this dream car a reality.

What Features Did You Decide On?



The first major feature we worked on was the paint; I chose a new metallic version of French Racing Blue. Jaguar calls it Ultra Blue and it’s not currently available on the market, but they agreed to let me use it for my car. I live in Florida and when the sun hits the paint, it just explodes; the color is truly amazing.



Next, we wanted to really customize the car so where it says Supercharged on the carbon fiber hood louvers, we’ve used the famous Iron Maiden Metal Lord font. We used the same script for the door tread plates, which now read Nicko McBrain XKR-S. In the piano black veneer above the glove box we’ve added Made In Aluminum, get it?

Tell Us About the Unique Growler on Your XKR-S.



Eddie is the band’s mascot and if you squint your eyes, he looks a lot like a Jaguar growler. So, we created a hybrid version that the team hand-stitched into the seat head restraints. We’ve also used it for the big badge on the front grille and for the wheel centers.



How did the Finished Product Turn Out?

The car is simply a piece of art. It truly is the reality of the dream I had when I first saw the XKR-S, but I had no idea that I could make it my own. Jaguar accomplished it and I know it’s hard to believe, but this is the first NEW car I’ve ever bought; and let me tell you, it was sure worth the wait!

I only picked up my car last week at my local dealer, Jaguar Alpine, who do a great job here in Florida, but I’ve already put a few ripping miles on it. My mate at the dealership told me to keep the miles down, as eventually it’ll be worth a fortune. I told him, “Hold on a minute, I just paid a fortune for it,” and I don’t plan on giving it up anytime soon!



To watch videos of the design process with Nicko, visit Jaguar USA’s official YouTube Channel, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HLu58sHduY&feature=youtu.be



For more information about the latest luxury-performance vehicles from Jaguar, please visit http://www.jaguarusa.com/

Tags: INDUSTRY/HOBBY

MUSTANG BOSS 302 LAGUNA SECA: TRANS-AM REDUX!

- Rabu, 14 November 2012 No Comments

‘It brings back the glory days of Boss 302 Mustangs kicking butt during the golden years of Trans-Am racing,’ says Prestige Auto President and Sarasota Café Racer, Marcello Serrato.

Some of the best racing ever in SCCA’s (over-two-liter class) Trans-Am pitted Boss 302 Mustangs against Z/28 Camaros, 340 T/A Challengers & AAR Cudas and Javelins. There were also Pontiac Firebirds in the mix. Some of the biggest names in the business wheeled our favorite Ponycars on sports car tracks throughout the country. While Chevrolet won the Championship in 1968 and 1969, Ford nailed it with the Boss 302 Mustang in 1970. SCCA started the series in 1966; pure American Ponycars dominated the scene from 1968-1972.

“Many of the legendary greats competed in the Trans-Am: Mark Donahue, Vic Elford, George Folmer, Dan Gurney, Jim Hall, Parnelli Jones, Ed Leslie, Sam Posey, Swede Savage and Jerry Titus. However it was Follmer & Jones, in the Bud Moore Engineering Boss 302 Mustangs, who won the Championship in 1970 and created the Boss 302 mystique that’s still going strong after more than four decades,” says Serrato who owns a very collectible low-serial-number two-seat Boss 302 School Bus Yellow Laguna Seca Mustang, the Sixth built!

“It’s an absolutely incredible machine that combines pure muscle car power with a track-ready platform and, best of all, it’s a pleasure to drive on the street turning heads wherever I go.”

Two-seat Boss Laguna Seca Mustangs have Sterling Gray accents and are available in vintage School Bus Yellow, honoring Parnelli Jones’ 1970 Trans-Am Championship car prepared by Bud Moore. Gray sets off hockey stick stripes, interior rear cross-brace, grille, mirror caps and rear pedestal spoiler, while Laguna Seca rear badging and unique two-tone gray and silver wheels round out the exterior accents. The ‘13 Boss features a grille with removable covers where fog lamps would be for improved cooling on track days.

“Everything we did for 2013 is consistent with, and links directly back, to our 1970 heritage. The reflective stripes and hockey stick graphic in particular mean something to Mustang enthusiasts,” said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “Last year, we proved the car had

what it takes to perform, and this year we focused on enhancing its eye-catching looks

and celebrating its history.”

The powerful Boss engine, above, yields 444 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, while still offering a smooth idle and low-end torque for comfortable around-town driving. Monte Carlo bar improves structural rigidity. A race-inspired clutch with upgraded friction materials helps the short-throw, close-ratio six-speed transmit power rearward.



Power is delivered to the speed-rated tires via a 3.73-to-1 rear using carbon fiber plates in the limited-slip differential to improve handling and longevity. For those who want even more precise control over power delivery, a torque-sensing (Torsen) limited-slip differential is available, coupled with a pair of Recaro buckets, below.

In keeping with the Boss’ handling heritage, the best-handling Mustang ever now sports a highly refined GT suspension. Higher-rate coil springs at all four corners, stiffer suspension bushings and a larger-diameter rear stabilizer bar all contribute to its road racing manners. Boss models are 11 millimeters  (front) and 1-millimeter (rear) lower than the GT. But the real key to handling is the standard adjustable shock and strut suspension.

Working in concert with the suspension upgrades, the Boss 302 has unique, lightweight 19-inch black alloy racing wheels in staggered widths: 9 inches in front, 9.5 inches in the rear. The Pirelli PZero summer tires are sized specifically for each end of the car, with the front wheels, below, fitted with 255/40ZR-19 tires while the rears are 285/35ZR-19.

Boss braking sports Brembo four-piston calipers and14-inch vented rotors up front. In back, standard Mustang GT brakes have been upgraded with Boss-specific high-performance pads. Thanks to vented brake shields and unique ABS-tuning, Boss drivers enjoy maximum control and rapid, repeatable fade-free stops in road and race situations alike.

“Thanks to the Recaro seats, short throw shifter, big Brembos and Torsen limited-slip rear, I feel like I’m driving a street-legal racecar,” said Prestige’s Marcello Serrato, left, after a cruise to Miami’s South Beach!



Photos: Sharbel Murrillo, (Prestige Auto) & Ford Motor Co.



For the latest information about Ford’s Boss 302 & Laguna Seca Mustangs, please visit http://www.ford.com/cars/mustang/2012mustangboss/?searchid=61240949|2322876509|14584356749



For more information about Prestige, The Concierge Experience, check out http://www.prestigeautous.com/