5/21/2012

TopSpeed Daily Update

3,000 horsepower Ford Mustang Mach 1 shows Veyron what true power is
Video: Pagani History in a 5 part video
Ferrari Myth exhibition opens at Shanghai Expo Park
Video: Ferrari 599XX Evolution at Monza

3,000 horsepower Ford Mustang Mach 1 shows Veyron what true power is

Posted: 20 May 2012 05:00 AM PDT

When the Bugatti Veyron was originally launched packing 987 horsepower and 922lb-ft of torque, the vast majority of the automotive industry was left awestruck over how Bugatti managed to extract that much power and torque from the mammoth W16, quad-turbocharged engine.

However, to tuning firms all across the globe, particularly in Japan, 1,000-odd horsepower means nothing as similar figures can simply be achieved using six-cylinder, or even four-cylinder engines combined with just one of two enormous turbochargers.

In fact, 1,000HP is almost considered nothing these days with various companies including the ever-reclusive Rotary Supercars and TranStar Racing both promising to deliver supercars with upwards of 3,000HP. However, neither of these cars have materialized just yet.

But in what can only be described as an outrageous tuning exercise, Steve Morris Engines recently previewed that extracting three times the power than that of a Veyron isn't that difficult. They strapped this insane power plant in a relatively stock 1970's Ford Mustang Mach I body.

In order to achieve these insane results, the firm fitted an incredible 572 cubic inch V8 engine into the car, packing a displacement of 9.4-liters before adding a pair of 88mm billet Bullseye turbochargers. In order to prove that this recipe works very effectively, Steve Morris Engines took the completed engine to the dyno to see what numbers it would deliver.

The results are nothing to sneeze about, as the engine managed to pump out 3,040 raging horses at 7,300rpm while an equally impressive torque figure of 2,411lb-ft was achieved at 6,000rpm. It's crucial to note at this point however, that these figures are straight from the engine itself, and when all that power is sent through the flywheel and driveshaft, this incredible Mustang may produce around 2,300-2,500 horsepower at the rear wheels.

Unfortunately, this unit has been specifically built for drag racing purposes as evident by the massive parachute hanging off the rear, but that certainly doesn't detract from what is a mighty impressive feat. And fingers crossed, these results will help encourage other tuning companies to follow suit and continue to push the boundaries of power and torque.

Second video of Mustang on the dyno after the jump.

3,000 horsepower Ford Mustang Mach 1 shows Veyron what true power is originally appeared on topspeed.com on Sunday, 20 May 2012 12:00 EST.

Video: Pagani History in a 5 part video

Posted: 19 May 2012 11:00 PM PDT

About a month ago, Pagani unveiled a pretty cool documentary explaining the technology behind the Huayra. And because people were thoroughly impressed with it, the company decided to offer a new documentary, this time explaining the history of the very successful company.

Parts 1-4 have already been unveiled and talk about the beginnings of the company. Part One talks about Pagani founder Horacio Pagani and reveals a collage of personal photos, while Part Two explains how the company was founded in 1999 and talks about the first vehicle produced by Pagani: the Zonda C12. Part Three goes into years 2005-2008 of the company and the production of the Zonda F and Part Four handles model year 2009 with the Zonda R. Finally, Part 5 covers the 2009-2011 model years with the Zonda Cinque.

Parts Two, Three, Four and Five can be found after the jump. Enjoy!

Video: Pagani History in a 5 part video originally appeared on topspeed.com on Sunday, 20 May 2012 06:00 EST.

Ferrari Myth exhibition opens at Shanghai Expo Park

Posted: 19 May 2012 04:00 PM PDT

China is becoming a key market for a lot of automotive companies, including Ferrari and, as a thank you gift, the company has opened a new Myth exhibition at the Italian Center in Shanghai Expo Park. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the company's Deputy Chairman Piero Ferrari, as well as representatives of both the Chinese and Italian governments.

The new exhibition center covers an area of 900 square meters and will be open to the public for three years. Its aim is to introduce the Chinese to Ferrari and allow them to experience the history, cars, technologies, and passion of the Prancing Horse first-hand, thereby further consolidating the already strong links between the Italian marque and this nation.

The models displayed are the 348 TS as the first Ferrari to enter the Chinese mainland market, a 275 GTB4, a 365 GTB4 Daytona, the 750 Monza sports prototype, and the FF.

"For millions of people around the world, Ferrari represents the pinnacle of Italian culture," declared Piero Ferrari. "It is a symbol of passion, success and the constant pursuit of excellence. It has always been our wish to share Ferrari's unique history and culture with the people of China who have shown great affection for the Prancing Horse and with whom we share core values such as respect for tradition and a tenacious spirit of innovation."

gallery: 2012 Ferrari FF

Ferrari Myth exhibition opens at Shanghai Expo Park originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 19 May 2012 23:00 EST.

Video: Ferrari 599XX Evolution at Monza

Posted: 19 May 2012 11:00 AM PDT

With 750 HP under its hood, the Ferrari 599XX Evolution is definitely a car that is noticed on the track. And if you’ve never heard it, here’s your chance to get a peek at what it can do. as well as hear the growl snaking its way out of the exhaust. This video was recently shot at the Monza racetrack and features the Ferrari 599XX EVO Evolution in action with start up, loud accelerations, fast fly bys, and amazing downshifts on the track!

As a reminder, the 599XX Evo is powered by a 6.3L V12 engine with an output of 750 HP at 7000 rpm and 516 lb-ft of torque. It features improved chassis and an amazing exterior package to improve the car’s aerodynamics.

Expect to see more videos like this in the future because the 599XX Evo will be used for the 2012-2013 racing season!