TopSpeed Daily Update |  |
- Mazda to Offer SKYACTIV-D Engine in Grand-Am GX Class
- Rumors: Hyundai To Reenter the WRC With Modified i20
- DoniRosset
- PistonSpy Tours gets you in on the spy photography action!
- Nissan DeltaWing Tests for the First Time at Le Mans
- Mazda MX-5 Senshu Special Edition
- The Landrover LR4 even makes being a 7th wheel comfortable
- Porsche Carrera 4 and 4S
- Report: Audi Cans Electric A2 and A1 e-tron
- Porsche 911 Targa
| Mazda to Offer SKYACTIV-D Engine in Grand-Am GX Class Posted: 06 Jun 2012 08:00 AM PDT
In the last year, we have seen Mazda's SKYACTIV technology make its way into various vehicles in an effort to increase fuel efficiency without reinventing the wheel. These technologies include advanced weight reduction, reduced friction, forced induction, and ultra-high compression ratings. All of these advancements combine to boost the fuel economy ratings of Mazda's street cars. Now Mazda is ready to take SKYACTIV to the next level, and introduce it into racing, via the Grand-Am Road Racing Series. The first engine that Mazda will offer to race teams is the 2.2-liter SKYACTIV-D engine, which is an ultra-high-efficiency diesel engine. Now, before you start wondering how Mazda expects this engine to be competitive in the Grand-Am series, keep in mind that this engine will only be raced in the GX class, which is a class dedicated to alternative fuels and highly fuel efficient vehicles. The SKYACTIV-D that is currently being developed will boast a 14-to-1 compression ratio, a two-stage turbocharger and a 5,200 rpm redline. In comparison to the current Mazda 2.2-liter diesel engine, the SKYACTIV-D is 10 percent lighter, has 20 percent less internal friction, and gets 20 percent better fuel economy. The production numbers are not out yet for this racing engine, but we do know that the production SKYACTIV 2.2-liter diesel produces 173 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and an impressive 310 pound-feet of torque at just 2,000 rpm. We will update you with the official base numbers once Mazda completes the dyno phase of its testing. Click past the jump to read the full press release. Mazda to Offer SKYACTIV-D Engine in Grand-Am GX Class originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 6 June 2012 15:00 EST.
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| Rumors: Hyundai To Reenter the WRC With Modified i20 Posted: 06 Jun 2012 07:30 AM PDT
About 10 years ago, Hyundai Accent owners ever walked with their chests puffed out a little bit, as their daily driver econo-hatch was actually being raced in the World Rally Championship. Despite the impressiveness that Hyundai actually got this car into the WRC, it was a widely unsuccessful attempt because it never got a podium appearance and Hyundai cut funding in 2003. It looks like Hyundai is ready to jump back into the WRC circuit, only this time with a more highly modified vehicle. It will also not be an Accent, but rather a heavily modified i20. However, don't expect this Hyundai rally ride to look as much as the i20 in your garage as the Accent rally car did, as this model will sit on a chassis that is significantly wider and lower than the factory model. In addition to the modified chassis, this i20 will ditch the 1.2- and 1.4-liter gasoline engines that it comes standard with and instead have the turbocharged 1.6-liter from the Veloster. There is no way that Hyundai would enter the WRC with a stock 201-horsepower 1.6-liter engine, so we assume that Hyundai will pump this engine to over 300 ponies to keep it competitive. We definitely expect a much better performance by Hyundai this time around because the company has really come into its own when it comes to technology. Hyundai has also become one of those brands that folks can rally around, as it has really come from often being the butt of automotive jokes to a well-respected company that actually gives the big boys – Honda, Toyota and Nissan – a run for their money. So, don't be surprised if to see the fancily written "H" on the podium at some point in the 2013 WRC series WRC. Rumors: Hyundai To Reenter the WRC With Modified i20 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 6 June 2012 14:30 EST.
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| Posted: 06 Jun 2012 07:00 AM PDT
The auto industry is a very interesting place; that much we know. A few years ago, a Brazilian supercar, the Amoritz GT DR7, was being prepared but nothing came out of it. Today, there’s word coming out of Brazil that the project is back up again, except that it’s going by a different name: the DoniRosset. The DoniRosset was born from the mind of entrepreneur William Denis Rosset who was thinking of giving his father, Donino "Doni" Rosset, a one-off exotic for his birthday. After meeting with Amoritz GT owner, Fernando Morita, the DoniRosset supercar became more than just an idea; it was going to be built. Minimal details about the DoniRosset have been released, but looking at the photos released of the supercar, it looks like this Brazilian exotic is about as gorgeous as their women. The sleek and supercar dimensions bear some similarities to the Lamborghini Gallardo and the orange LED lights add a nice kink to its look. The logo of the car was also personalized - it’s Doni Rosset’s signature - and will be made of 24K gold and sided with two emerald stones, colored yellow and green, in homage to the Brazilian national flag. Meanwhile, the interior takes from the McLaren F1 seating configuration with a central driving position and two rear passenger seats on either side of the drive seat. As far as performance goes, the DoniRosset is being prepared with a Dodge Viper-sourced, ethanol converted 8.4-liter V10 engine with twin-turbochargers, developing an insane 1,007 horsepower and mated to a Mendeola six-speed sequential transmission. Here’s where it gets interesting: what started as a one-off project has turned into a business venture after Rosset received several deposits from clients who want their own DoniRosset supercar. Rosset now hopes to produce 50 units prized at $1 million apiece, and is currently seeking new investors. Anyone have their checkbooks ready? DoniRosset originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 6 June 2012 14:00 EST.
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| PistonSpy Tours gets you in on the spy photography action! Posted: 06 Jun 2012 06:00 AM PDT
Ever wonder what it would be like to sit in the wings as the newest, hottest supercar desperately tries to conceal its newest generation? Feel at home with a camera in your hand and money in your pocket? PistonSpy Tours is now offering a few lucky people a chance to do just that as they embark on a trip through some of the most popular testing grounds in the world for the opportunity to catch these cars in action. For a fee ranging from £700 to £1100, these lucky folks will be able to tour either Germany, Italy/Alps, or Sweden with a guide to take pictures or videos of vehicles that have not been introduced to the market just yet. The tour will last four days and will include pick up/drop off at the airport, fuel used during the trip, hotels/guest houses, breakfast and evening meals, and the vehicle that will be shared during the trip. At the end of this adventure, guests will be able to take home a gallery of their shots and will also get the chance to sell them to the automotive press to make some extra cash. All in a day’s work during this remarkable working vacation! This trip is only being offered for a short time and only 1-3 guests will be able to join the guide, so make your reservations quick! Contact pistonspy.mobile@gmail.com for more information. PistonSpy Tours gets you in on the spy photography action! originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 6 June 2012 13:00 EST.
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| Nissan DeltaWing Tests for the First Time at Le Mans Posted: 06 Jun 2012 05:00 AM PDT
For roughly two years now, the DeltaWing has been in the works and just recently it received its most major corporate sponsors in the form of Nissan and Michelin. The DeltaWing is all set to make its debut race at the 80th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the "Garage 56" class, but before it can make that run, the car needs to be tested and said testing has just been completed. In the DeltaWing's inaugural run on Circuit de la Sarthe, it completed a total of 54 laps. Through those laps, the Delta Wing really showed off one of its main benefits; its ability to use tires for longer periods of time, as it almost completed all 54 laps on the same set of tires. The only time the tires were changed was when it started to rain, so the pit crew changed it into a set of rain tires. The second benefit of the DeltaWing's technology, its fuel efficiency, was not mentioned, but we are certain that it was far better than the other classes of cars that run in Le Mans. The fastest lap that the DeltaWing pulled off in testing was 3:47.980, which would put it right on pace with the LMP2 class – the second highest class in the race – as the fastest lap in 2011 LMP2 class ranged from 3:42.625 to 3:55.254, putting it square in the middle of the LMP2 pack. Given the fact that it requires less pit stops for fuel and tires, this experimental car just might place highly in the race, if it finishes. We know that it will definitely win its class, as it's the only entrant in the "Garage 56" class. This definitely makes this year's Le Mans, which starts on June 16th, even more worth watching just to see how this experiment pans out. Nissan DeltaWing Tests for the First Time at Le Mans originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 6 June 2012 12:00 EST.
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| Mazda MX-5 Senshu Special Edition Posted: 06 Jun 2012 04:00 AM PDT
The European auto market has the Spring Edition. The American auto market has the Special Edition. Continuing on that trend, Mazda has announced that it will be releasing a new special run model of their highly-popular MX-5 Miata sports car for the German market. The model is called the MX-5 Senshu Special Edition, which made its debut at the 2012 Auto Mobil International Show in Leipzig, Germany. The "Senshu" name is Japanese for "player," and this particular Miata is all that and more. It’s available in three different exterior colors - Red, White, and Black - and is based on the MX-5’s Sports Line spec model. On the outside, the Senshu Special Edition comes equipped with a unique black surround design on the front front grille, racing stripes that run along the car’s profile, a matte black rear diffuser, xenon headlights, a lowered Bilstein sports suspension, and a new set of 17" dark alloy wheels wrapped in 205/45 R17 tires. Inside, the special edition MX-5 gets treated to leather seats dressed in a two-tone black and gray scheme. It also has red stitching on the door panels, red surrounds on the air vents, an aluminum trim decoration, sports aluminum pedals, and a Bose audio system. No performance enhancements were made to the car so expect it to carry the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Only 200 of these babies will hit the German market with each being priced at €29,190, a number that converts to $36,297 based on current exchange rates. Mazda MX-5 Senshu Special Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 6 June 2012 11:00 EST.
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| The Landrover LR4 even makes being a 7th wheel comfortable Posted: 06 Jun 2012 03:00 AM PDT
At some point or another, everyone has been a third, fifth, or even seventh wheel. You know, those times when you are surrounded by couples and you are the only single one in the group. Amidst the couples’ activities, the bickering, and the "quality time," you wonder why you ever thought it would be a good idea to join in on this nightmarish journey through the land of ball and chains. Well, Landrover has now provided single men and women everywhere a reason to grin and bear it: the Landrover Discovery/LR4. In this ad campaign, Landrover shows how even the 7th wheel can be made extremely comfortable in the LR4’s vast features. The Discovery/LR4 has a new, more comfortable seat design and a wider range of materials to bump up the luxury. Technologically speaking, the LR4 is well-equipped with touch-screen audio systems, a navigation system (Base and Premium), a single slot DVD drive in the audio head unit, and a rear seat audio system operated by new powerful wireless technology called WhiteFireTM via cordless headphones. The Discovery/LR4 is offered with either a 3.0 LR-TDV6 engine or a 3.0 LR-SDV6 engine. The 3.0 LR-TDV6 engine delivers a total of 211 HP at 4,000rpm and a peak torque of 383 lbs-ft at 2,000rpm. The engine is mated to a ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic transmission, while CO2 emissions have been reduced from 244g/km to 224g/km. The 3.0 LR-SDV6 engine produces 256 HP at 4,000rpm and 442 lbs-ft at just 2,000rpm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with command shift. CO2 emissions have been reduced for this engine option, going down to 230g/km from the previous 244g/km. No matter how long you stay single, the Landrover LR4 will make sure you are comfortable during those long couples’ trips. The Landrover LR4 even makes being a 7th wheel comfortable originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 6 June 2012 10:00 EST.
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| Posted: 06 Jun 2012 02:30 AM PDT
Porsche is testing the next version in their brand new 991 family: the wide-bodied Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S. The new model has been caught testing on the famous Nurburgring track and considering the model is fully uncovered, we expect to see some official details pretty soon. As seen from these spy shots, the new Carrera 4S will feature a reflective strip providing a visual link between the two rear lights, just the way it does on the earlier 4S models. On this prototype, the strip is still covered by a yellow sticker in an attempt to hide this area until the reveal. The base version, the Carrera 4, will be powered by a 3.4-liter flat six engine with 350 HP and 287 lbs-ft of torque, which is the same engine found in the standard Carrera. The top version, the Carrera 4S, will be powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six engine with an output of 400 HP and 325 lbs-ft of torque. Both models will deliver better fuel economy when compared to the previous version, just like all of the models in the new 911/991 generation. Porsche Carrera 4 and 4S originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 6 June 2012 09:30 EST.
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| Report: Audi Cans Electric A2 and A1 e-tron Posted: 06 Jun 2012 02:00 AM PDT
  Audi has been experimenting with the electric-car market for a few years and officially unveiled plans for the A1 e-tron and an electric-powered A2 recently. It does not look like either one is going to happen any time soon, according to a report from Car. The A2 electric was slated to be released in Europe, where high-efficiency diesel and gasoline engines that get upwards of 60 mpg reign supreme. These markets are tough enough to crowbar in an electric model, but add in the fact that the A2 was expected to carry a €40,000 ($50,000) price tag, and you get a model that was bound to fail in the European marketplace. Combine that price point with the fact that the Nissan Leaf, with its far lower €25,990 ($32,500) price tag, only saw 3,000 units leave showroom floors in 2011, and Audi wisely saw this as a fruitless journey. The entire A2 line will likely continue as expected, sans the electric model. This leaves a gasoline and diesel model as the only drivetrain options. The A1 e-tron reportedly is meeting a similar fate, but for different reasons. The A1 e-tron is being axed due to extravagantly high production costs. This car was planned to be similar to the Chevy Volt, as it was going to have a gasoline engine to extend the range of its electric motor by charging the batteries via a Wankel (rotary) engine. Though this is a tragic way to abruptly cease the development phase for an electric lineup, we cannot blame Audi for its choice. Electric cars just are not selling well in the European markets and having one priced nearly double its closest competitor and another one with climbing production costs just isn't smart business. Report: Audi Cans Electric A2 and A1 e-tron originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 6 June 2012 09:00 EST.
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| Posted: 06 Jun 2012 01:30 AM PDT
It has been rumored for quite some time now that the new generation Porsche Targa will bring back the famous fixed Targa roof option offered for the first time in 1965 when the first model arrived on the market. Porsche stopped offering this version in 1996 when it was replaced by a sliding glass roof version on the 993 models. Now, we have the first spy shots to prove that the new Targa model will indeed bring back the good old Targa design. Porsche tried to disguise this Targa prototype under a convertible model, but we can clearly see the removable center roof section and the Targa roll-bar. Under the hood, Porsche has fitted the Targa model with the engines offered in the 911/991 models, but at this point it is unclear if the 991 Targa will only be available with four-wheel drive as the current 997 version (Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S), or if it will get a rear-wheel drive version. The new 911/991 Carrera's engine was downsized from the 3.6L flat-six to a 3.4L direct-injected flat-six engine that delivers a total of 350 HP, mated to a new, optional Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK). With no less than seven forward gears, the new gearbox combines the driving comfort of a converter automatic transmission with the dynamic gearshift of a sequential racing gearbox. The new Porsche Targa will arrive in 2013 as a 2014 model. Porsche 911 Targa originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 6 June 2012 08:30 EST.
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