7/07/2012

TopSpeed Daily Update

Lamborghini Opening a Prototype and Concept Development Center
Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale "Project Aurora" by SR Auto Group
Ferrari 458 Italia by Graf Weckerle
SRT Viper GTS-R
Video: F2 Driver Avoids a Serious Wreck with Lightning-Fast Reflexes and a Little Luck
TopSpeed Rendering: 2013 Mercedes S-Class AMG
Alomar Motorcycle Jacket-Backpack is a different kind of cool
Video: Gymkhana 5 draws closer with teaser number 3
Bentley EXP 9 F
Spy Shots: Mazda 6 Wagon testing again; New interior exposed

Lamborghini Opening a Prototype and Concept Development Center

Posted: 06 Jul 2012 09:00 AM PDT

As if Lamborghini needed any more help developing super-fast cars that can nearly keep pace with F1 racecars, it is now dedicating an entire facility to developing and researching new cars. Yep, Lamborghini has just opened up its Prototype and Concept Development Center – that's Sviluppo prototipi e vetture pre serie in Italian – to help it develop and test its new concept cars.

An important feature to this facility is that it also houses a miniature assembly line. This allows engineers to monitor exactly how new cars come together and what flaws develop in the manufacturing process. This small assembly line will also be responsible for running off Lamborghini's limited production models, like the upcoming and non-street-legal production Sesto Elemento.

This is truly an impressive show of dedication to manufacturing only the best vehicles that are as flawless as they possibly can be, but also looks like a huge waste of money. Then again, who are we to question Lamborghini's ways? There is obviously reasoning behind this dedicated factory, we just don't see its real-life purpose just yet.

On an aside, Lamborghini reps are also touting the construction of the building itself, as it is the first ever multi-story industrial building that earned a "Class A" energy certification. So, not only will this building build some of the baddest concept cars ever made, but it will conserve energy in the process.

gallery: 2011 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept

Lamborghini Opening a Prototype and Concept Development Center originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 July 2012 16:00 EST.

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale "Project Aurora" by SR Auto Group

Posted: 06 Jul 2012 08:00 AM PDT

Whereas a lot of people will tell you how much they love Ferraris and Lamborghinis, we certainly don’t mind if we got our hands on a Maserati GranTurismo. Heck, it’s even better if that GranTurismo is the MC Stradale.

Noted tuner SR Auto Group loves the GranTurismo MC Stradale, too. So much, in fact, that they built a program for it called "Project Aurora." According to SR Auto Group, Project Aurora "is a sophisticated machine that has been transformed into a menacing beast." Appropriate description, especially when the Italian super car was dressed with a Frozen White exterior wrap with Matte Black accents while also being treated with a new H&R lowering suspension set-up and a new set of 21" and 22" PUR 1NE wheels finished in gloss black.

SR Auto Group opted to keep the engine straight, but even without any enhancements, the GranTurismo MC Stradale is as beast in its own right, one that’s capable of producing 450 horsepower and 376 lbs/ft of torque from its 4.7-liter V8 engine.

No explanations needed here, folks. Project Aurora is a bright, hot, and smoking piece of GranTurismo MC Stradale awesomeness.

gallery: 2011 Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale "Project Aurora" by SR Auto Group originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 July 2012 15:00 EST.

Ferrari 458 Italia by Graf Weckerle

Posted: 06 Jul 2012 07:00 AM PDT

Graf Weckerle has the market almost covered when it comes to class and elegance in their tuning packages. Not only do they choose the most high end vehicles to dress up, but they also make sure the color scheme is posh and the wheels are exclusively fabulous. After working on Audi’s, Aston Martin’s, and their first Ferrari, Graf Weckerle has chosen to revisit the 458 Italia to provide customers with a second option of exquisiteness.

This second look at the Ferrari 458 Italia leaves behind the purity of the white exterior paint finish behind and moves towards a more decadent black exterior. The only problem we have with this is that we expected more than the 40 HP increase the white Ferrari was given. Instead, the black Graf Weckerle Ferrari has only been given a 20 HP bump from the ECU modifications done to the 4.5L V8 engine, from 570 HP to 590 HP, but has also been provided with a lowered suspension.

The pièce de résistance in every Graf Weckerle project are the wheels. The tuner has replaced the standard wheels with a new set sized 21" at the front and 22" at the rear. The wheels are in a five-spoke design, but this time, they do not feature that eye-catching Fleur de Lis ornament we saw in the previous package.

gallery: 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia

Ferrari 458 Italia by Graf Weckerle originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 July 2012 14:00 EST.

SRT Viper GTS-R

Posted: 06 Jul 2012 06:30 AM PDT

Next to the road-going version of the SRT Viper at the 2012 New York Auto Show was the SRT Viper GTS-R - a model that marks SRT Viper Racing team’s return to the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in 2012. There will be two GTS-R models entering the competition with four drivers currently being signed to drive including Dominik Farnbacher, from Ansbach, Germany; Marc Goossens from Geel, Belgium; Ryan Hunter-Reay from Dallas; and Kuno Wittmer from Montreal.

The GTS-R racing version will be based on the standard Viper, but the model will be updated for track use. The GTS-R version was built in cooperation with Riley Technologies, based in Mooresville, N.C. Both models will race on Michelin GT tires.

"Racing has been a significant part of the illustrious history of Viper not only with wins on the track, but also in the continued development of the street cars – and our new 2013 SRT Viper models are proof of those lessons learned," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC. "Now with our new team and the launch of the GTS-R, we're excited and proud to begin writing more chapters in the racing history of the Viper later this summer."

UPDATE 07/06/2012: The new SRT Viper GTS-R has been taken to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for a new testing session. Check out the sports car in action by clicking on the image above!

gallery: 2013 SRT Viper

SRT Viper GTS-R originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 July 2012 13:30 EST.

Video: F2 Driver Avoids a Serious Wreck with Lightning-Fast Reflexes and a Little Luck

Posted: 06 Jul 2012 06:00 AM PDT

In honor of the recent release of "The Amazing Spiderman" TopSpeed brings to you what happens when Spiderman, bearing full-on spidey senses, hops behind the wheel of an F2 car. Well, not really, but this 19-year-old racer, Dino Zamparelli, certainly looked like he had the web shooter's reflexes at a recent race.

As Zamparelli was pulling away from a yellow flag, which was caused by an earlier wreck, he got up to about 150 mph when suddenly out of the mist appeared a group of very slow-moving cars. Most of us would have likely soiled ourselves and started crying for our mommies, but not Mr. Dino. Nope, he quickly swerves to the left and narrowly avoids the rear, left side of the car in front of him.

On top of his impressive reactions, he also managed to gain a full four positions in the race in the process. How in the world he managed to pull that maneuver off in the pouring rain, with a soaking wet track, and no cockpit to keep the rain from beading up on his helmet's visor is beyond us.

After he regains control of his car, you can tell that he takes just a few seconds to recollect himself and wonder what the hell just happened. Just a few seconds it was too, as he quickly downshifted after that brief pause and continued on as if nothing happened.

Check out the above video to see this amazing driving feat by this young man.

Video: F2 Driver Avoids a Serious Wreck with Lightning-Fast Reflexes and a Little Luck originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 July 2012 13:00 EST.

TopSpeed Rendering: 2013 Mercedes S-Class AMG

Posted: 06 Jul 2012 05:00 AM PDT

Mercedes is upping the ante against its German counterparts by bringing out the new generation S-Class, but the real competition may just lie in their new AMG version of it. We’ve just recently caught the S-Class AMG testing and, even though the styling doesn’t look to be on par with the competition just yet, we’ve put together a rendering in hopes that the final product will do it justice.

The next Mercedes S-Class AMG will be distinguished by a more aggressive look thanks to bigger air intakes, marked side sills, and a new rear bumper with a covered up diffuser. As a mark of the AMG class, the next S-Class AMG will receive quad exhaust pipes, a new set of wheels, and a sportier interior.

Under the hood, Mercedes will place a new AMG twin turbo 5.5 liter V8 engine that will deliver somewhere between 536 HP and 550 HP. We are hoping that an AMG Performance package will increase this output up to 580 HP.

The new Mercedes S-Class AMG will be unveiled in early 2013 with sales to begin shortly thereafter.

gallery: 2013 Mercedes S-Class AMG

TopSpeed Rendering: 2013 Mercedes S-Class AMG originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 July 2012 12:00 EST.

Alomar Motorcycle Jacket-Backpack is a different kind of cool

Posted: 06 Jul 2012 04:00 AM PDT

Ever come upon a product that you can’t point your finger at as far as what its actual purpose is?

Here we have the Alomar Motorcycle Jacket-Backpack, a fashion accessory that converts from a protective and stylish jacket to a durable backpack and back into a jacket at the slightest of ease.

How exactly does all of this simple transformation work?

The Alomar is a jacket that’s made out of 600 Denier Polyester Nylon - the same material space ships are made from - and has been padded with dual Teflon shoulder and elbow pads. The water-resistant polyester, in particular, allows the Alomar to be used in a myriad of weather conditions. It also has adjustable drawstrings and a pocket that can be accessible through both the jacket and backpack orientation, providing enough space to stow anything from laptops, iPads, or any other flat item you’d want to carry.

Everything about the Alomar speaks to an innovation that’s both practical and useful for riders. We’re not quite sure about the weight - 4 lbs - but if you can carry that weight over your shoulder, plus the added weight from the items you’re carrying, then you have yourself a multi-purpose jacket that you can take with you anywhere you want to go.

Alomar Motorcycle Jacket-Backpack is a different kind of cool originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 July 2012 11:00 EST.

Video: Gymkhana 5 draws closer with teaser number 3

Posted: 06 Jul 2012 04:00 AM PDT

Gymkhana 5 will arrive on the 9th of July, which means that we’re going to be treated to three more days of teaser videos.

However, with the way these teasers are being made, we certainly aren’t complaining. Following in the wake of the first and second teasers, teaser 3 gives us yet another sneak peek of Gymkhana 5, complete with plenty of jumping and high-flying action. Just what the doctor ordered.

We also already know that Travis Pastrana will be co-starring in Gymkhana 5, which means that we’re expecting nothing less than an epic showing of hooning madness.

Count the days, kids. Gymkhana 5 is three days away from dropping into our screens. Like we said, we don’t mind waiting for it, but it certainly doesn’t mean that we’re not biting our nails in anticipation. Here’s to hoping we have enough of our fingers remaining by the time the suspense ends this Monday.

Video: Gymkhana 5 draws closer with teaser number 3 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 July 2012 11:00 EST.

Bentley EXP 9 F

Posted: 15 Mar 2012 04:00 AM PDT

It’s time to put an end to all of the rumors surrounding the future Bentley SUV by talking about the real deal. Bentley has unveiled the EXP 9 F at the Geneva Motor Show. This luxury Sport Utility Vehicle concept previews the company’s third model alongside the Mulsanne and the Continental ranges.

The new EXP 9 F looks just how one would expect a Bentley SUV to look. The designers basically took the standard Bentley styling cues and hiked it up to an SUV level. It features Bentley’s famous matrix grille and round lamps, as well as an ultra-wide, two-part split tailgate and twin exhaust tailpipes.

The engine for the EXP 9 F, however, still remains a mystery. The concept was built with a 6.0 liter, twin-turbocharged W12 engine under the hood, but the company says that, for the production version, both a 4.0 liter, twin-turbocharged V8 or a hybrid drivetrain could meet the performance requirements.

UPDATE 03/06/2012: The new Bentley EXP 9 F has officially been unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show, so here’s a series of live images to enjoy!

UPDATE 03/15/2012: Bentley has unveiled a very cool video presenting their press conference at the Geneva Motor Show. Hit the jump to watch it!

Hit the jump to read more about the Bentley EXP 9 F concept.

Bentley EXP 9 F originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 15 March 2012 11:00 EST.

Spy Shots: Mazda 6 Wagon testing again; New interior exposed

Posted: 06 Jul 2012 02:00 AM PDT

Mazda has already spent some time testing the next generation Mazda6 in winter conditions, but now the company is turning up the heat on the wagon version with some hot summer testing. The best part is that our spy photographers managed to catch an interior shot while the vehicle was making its rounds.

It is believed that the next Mazda 6 wagon will be unveiled in August at the 2012 Moscow Motor Show and will be followed by the sedan version next year. As previously reported, the next Mazda 6 design won’t have anything in common with the current generation. Instead, Mazda will take design elements from the beautiful Takeri Concept unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Car Show. This means that the next Mazda 6 will get a new, bigger grille, swept back headlights, and beefed up wheel arches. These elements will offer the next Mazda 6 a sporty and aggressive look.

The interior, now clearly shown in these images, has been altered a bit to make the Mazda 6 more driver friendly. Drivers will now get a clearer look at the navigation screen, as it has been moved further up where the radio, clock, and temperature gauges used to be. Glimmers of light throughout the shot reveal that Mazda has used more chrome trims on this model year, particularly on the dials, gauges, and steering wheel.

Also, for the next Mazda 6, the company will adopt new Skyactiv fuel saving technology, including the Skyactiv-D Clean diesel engine, the new six-speed automatic transmission, and an engine start-stop system. For the first time, the model will also be equipped with a regenerative braking system which converts kinetic energy into electricity during braking and stores it in capacitors for use later in powering electrical equipment such as air conditioning, lighting, and the audio system.