AC Schnitzer RAPTOR

The "Tuner Grand Prix" hosted by "sport auto" magazine on the Hockenheimring played a major role in AC Schnitzer's schedule. 25 tuners battled for the best lap times in 16 classes.
The new RAPTOR (based on the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé) concept vehicle impressively put the competition in its place and circuited the small track in Hockenheim in a sensational time. The RAPTOR was an astonishing 1.11 seconds quicker than the fastest MINI from the previous year: the AC Schnitzer EAGLE (based on the MINI John Cooper Works)
Not only the competition paid respect to the "little Aachener": the "sport auto" editorial team gave the RAPTOR an individual test there and then and was able to improve the lap time by another 0.32 seconds to a fabulous time of 1:10.87.

Renault Sport Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB8

Renault et l’écurie Red Bull Racing célèbrent leur troisième titre de Champion du Monde des Constructeurs de Formule 1 avec la série limitée Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB8.

A la pointe de la technologie embarquée avec Renault R-Link et R.S. Monitor 2.0
La série limitée marque l’arrivée de la tablette multimédia intégrée et connectée R-Link sur toutes les Mégane R.S. Les six univers disponibles (navigation, téléphone, multimédia, véhicule, système et catalogue d’application R-Link Store) sont accessibles via l’écran tactile, la reconnaissance vocale et un joystick positionné sur la console centrale.

Avec R-Link, R.S. monitor passe en mode 2.0 pour les vrais amateurs de conduite sportive. Plus besoin de choisir entre la navigation et le système de télémétrie embarqué grâce à la navigation TomTom Live proposée par R-Link.

Les nouveautés de R.S. Monitor 2.0
Une nouvelle interface plus agréable et intuitive profitant de l’écran couleur 7’’ de R-Link, un écran de bienvenue spécifique Red Bull Racing, des éléments d’informations en 3D, la possibilité de récupérer les données recueillies par le système sur clé USB et toujours la disponibilité en temps réel de la puissance instantanée, du 0 à 100 km/h, du diagramme GG…

Mégane R.S. avant tout
La série limitée bénéficie de tous les fondamentaux de Mégane R.S. : châssis Cup, un différentiel à glissement limité et le moteur 2.0 16V 265 avec stop and start (consommation homologuée : 7,5 l/100 km ; émissions homologuées : 174 g CO2/km)… Des technologies reconnues illustrant le savoir-faire de Renault Sport.

Elle sera commercialisée dans 26 pays. Elle est disponible à la vente en France fin juin à partir de 36.000 euros.

La série limitée Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB8 prendra fin le 30 septembre 2013.

Honda to Participate in the FIA Formula One World Championship

TOKYO, Japan, May 16, 2013 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its decision to participate in the FIA Formula One (F1) World Championship from the 2015 season under a joint project with McLaren, the UK-based F1 corporation.

Honda will be in charge of the development, manufacture and supply of the power unit, including the engine and energy recovery system, while McLaren will be in charge of the development and manufacture of the chassis, as well as the management of the new team, McLaren Honda.

From 2014, new F1 regulations require the introduction of a 1.6 liter direct injection turbocharged V6 engine with energy recovery systems. The opportunity to further develop these powertrain technologies through the challenge of racing is central to Honda’s decision to participate in F1. Throughout its history, Honda has passionately pursued improvements in the efficiency of the internal combustion engine and in more recent years, the development of pioneering energy management technologies such as hybrid systems. Participation in F1 under these new regulations will encourage even further technological progress in both these areas. Furthermore, a new generation of Honda engineers can learn the challenges and the thrills of operating at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Commenting on this exciting development, Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said:

Commenting on this exciting development, Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said:
“Ever since its establishment, Honda has been a company which grows by taking on challenges in racing. Honda has a long history of advancing our technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world’s most prestigious automobile racing series. The new F1 regulations with their significant environmental focus will inspire even greater development of our own advanced technologies and this is central to our participation in F1. We have the greatest respect for the FIA’s decision to introduce these new regulations that are both highly challenging but also attractive to manufacturers that pursue environmental technologies and to Formula One Group, which has developed F1 into a high value, top car racing category supported by enthusiastic fans. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Jean Todt, the President of FIA and to Mr. Bernie Ecclestone, the CEO of Formula One Group who showed great understanding and cooperation to help realize our participation in F1 racing. The corporate slogan of Honda is “The Power of Dreams”. This slogan represents our strong desire to pursue and realize our dreams together with our customers and fans. Together with McLaren, one of the most distinguished F1 constructors, Honda will mark a new beginning in our challenges in F1.”
Also, Martin Whitmarsh, CEO of McLaren Group Limited said?

Also, Martin Whitmarsh, CEO of McLaren Group Limited said:
“The names of McLaren and Honda are synonymous with success in Formula One, and, for everyone who works for both companies, the weight of our past achievements together lies heavily on our shoulders. But it's a mark of the ambition and resolve we both share that we want once again to take McLaren Honda to the very pinnacle of Formula One success. Together we have a great legacy – and we’re utterly committed to maintaining it.”
Jean Todt, President of FIA said;

Jean Todt, President of FIA said:
"I am very happy to hear about Honda’s important decision to return to Formula One with McLaren from 2015. The introduction of the new power train next year, in the form of a 1.6 liter, 6 cylinder engine with direct injection and energy recovery, is a very exciting challenge and demonstrates a vision for the future of the sport. I am sure that Honda will become a strong contender in the years to come. ”
Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of Formula One Group said;

Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of Formula One Group said:
"It is a great pleasure to see Honda back in Formula One. Their engine technology and passion for motor sports make them a natural Formula One contender.”

History of Honda Participation in F1 Racing:
1964 - 1968:     Participated as an “all Honda” team including both the engine and chassis
1983 - 1992:     Participated as an engine supplier (Won both the driver’s and constructors’ championship titles for four consecutive years from 1988 through 1991)
2000 - 2005:     Participated as an engine supplier and joint developer of the chassis
2006 - 2008:     Participated as an “all Honda” team including both the engine and chassis

CEO of McLaren Group Limited Martin Whitmarsh
Honda President CEO Takanobu Ito

Chevrolet 2014 Corvette Stingray

The Stingray is designed on purpose. Low, light and lean. Provocative, purposeful and sculpted for optimal performance. A beautiful weapon against convention.

AERODYNAMICS
The benchmark of aerodynamic prowess. Functional exterior vents create a totally new breathing experience to reduce lift and minimize drag. Increased downforce keeps the car planted. Advanced ventilation systems flow from front to back, cooling critical components of a perfectly balanced powertrain. Efficient airflow controls temperatures and improves vehicle handling. Stunning design meets racing strategy.

HOOD EXTRACTOR
This is no bottom breather. A functional hood extractor directs hot air from the front grille up and out of the engine compartment. Each blade is precisely angled for optimal airflow. The result is reduced front-end lift, increased downforce and improved handling at high speeds.

BRAKE COOLING
The Z51 Performance Package includes dual brake ducts to transport air from the front grille through the wheelwells to effectively cool front brakes and expel heat. Efficient airflow controls temperature, reduces brake fade and optimizes stopping performance.

POWERTRAIN COOLING
Dual rear quarter panel intake vents guide airflow to cool two separate heat exchangers. One routes air to the transmission oil cooler. The other cools the rear differential. Hot air escapes through tailored rear taillamp vents and lower-rear fascia outlets.
A system adapted from Corvette Racing to reduce temperatures during high-performance driving.

DRIVER MODE SELECTOR
With the turn of a dial, everything changes. Five distinct, selectable driver modes electronically calibrate up to 12 performance variables to customize the car for any road. With the optional Z51 Performance Package, available Performance Traction Management offers five settings of torque reduction and brake intervention for more confident driving on the road.

PERFORMANCE
Engine : LT1 6.2L V-8
Horsepower / Torque : 450 / 450 (estimated)
Fuel delivery : Direct Injection
Compression ratio : 11.5:1
Manual Transmission : 7-speed with Active Rev Match
Automatic Transmission : 6-speed paddle-shift
Chassis : Std, Z51, Z51 with Magnetic Selective Ride

FEAURES AND OPTIONS
Tires : Michelin Pilot Sport ZP run-flat    
Wheels : 18" front / 19" rear, 19" front / 20" rear (Z51)    
Three Available Option Groups :  1LT, 2LT, 3LT
Available Roof Options : Painted Carbon Fiber, Visible Carbon Fiber, Transparent

DATA
Wheelbase (in/mm) : 106.7 / 2710
Overall length (in/mm) : 177 / 4495
Overall width (in/mm) : 73.9 / 1877
Overall height (in/mm) : 48.6 / 1235
Weight distribution (%) : 50 / 50 (front/rear)
Track (in) : 62.8 / 61.6 (front/rear)
Brake Diameter (in) : 12.6 (13.6 Z51) (front), 13.3 (rear)

HEICO SPORTIV Volvo V40 Pirelli special edition

Pirelli is celebrating its jubilee and HEICO SPORTIV will be joining in in the fun. On the occasion of the “Pirelli Family Day & Open Day”, HEICO SPORTIV will be presenting a special edition based on the Volvo V40. The exclusive vehicle and new Volvo V40 racer will be on display Whit-son Monday, 20 May 2013 from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on the factory premises in Breuberg.

Extensive modifications from the HEICO SPORTIV program
The alterations include a 37 kW power enhancement for the 1.6 liter turbo engine, from 110 kW (150 hp) to 147 kW (200 hp). The awe-inspiring power punch is delivered by a second, equivalent engine control unit that goes under the name of e.motion®. An additional torque boost, from 240 Nm to 300 Nm, propels the Volvo V40 T3 to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds (compared to 8.8 seconds for the series-produced model). And for the first time: the new HEICO SPORTIV speedpack enables a higher top speed before the series-delivered speed throttle kicks in – in this case, at 230 km/h rather than 210 km/h. Despite these extensive alterations, the manufacturer’s guarantee remains valid, and a 60-month warranty is provided for the HEICO SPORTIV program parts from their initial registration date. And if that weren’t enough, the HEICO SPORTIV speedpack is also compatible with the full-service offering Volvo PRO, the Volvo Pro New Car Extension Guarantee and VOLVOSELEKT (country-specific).
 
Optimal traction thanks to Pirelli P Zero
The new 8x19” VOLUTION® VII. full wheel set provides for perfect road traction. For product developer and HEICO SPORTIV racing driver, Martin Müller, there is only one answer when it comes to tires: “For the Volvo V40, we use 235/35R19 Pirelli P Zeros. They offer the best driving dynamics for our application in dry weather, and maximum grip in wet road conditions.”
Optically, the special edition Volvo also differs considerably from the series model: not only has the vehicle been lowered 30mm, but, through changes to its characteristics curves, it is also more firmly sprung. Most noticeable, however, is the bodykit, consisting of a bi-part front spoiler and diffusor-look rear skirt.
The front spoiler accentuates the series-built spoiler lip, while simultaneously setting a falcate design feature between the main headlamp and LED daytime running light. Made of flexible, lightweight polyure-thane plastic (PUR-R-RIM), it is mounted on the original bumper. Crash tests ensure that all safety func-tions – such as the new pedestrian airbag – continue to function fully and properly.
The rear skirt, also in PUR-R-RIM, cites the form of a diffusor, faithfully embracing the left and right oval tailpipes of the quad outlet exhaust system. The insides of the 120x74 mm diameter stainless steel tail-pipes are finished in black chrome, the outsides, in high-sheen chrome plating. Finally, a red decorative strip emphasizes the bodykit and the Volvo V40’s dynamic lateral profile.

Individualization of the interior, too
Red is again a theme color in the interior, with color setting apart every seam of the sport steering wheel, gear shift and hand brake handle, and optimally harmonizing with the piano-black speedometer casing and floating central console, and the elegant velour floor mats with embossed tire-tread profiles.
The HEICO SPORTIV package for the Pirelli special edition model can be optionally combined with other engine and fitting configurations.

Porsche 911 Turbo S

La nouvelle 911 Turbo S met à votre disposition 560 ch (412 kW) entre 6 500 et 6 750 tr/min. Son couple maximal atteint, à la base, 700 Nm. La fonction Overboost de son Pack Sport Chrono de série permet de le porter ponctuellement à 750 Nm.
D'une cylindrée de 3,8 l, ce 6 cylindres à plat est complété par deux turbocompresseurs à géométrie variable. Des ailettes orientables à commande électronique gèrent les flux de gaz d’échappement récupérés afin d’alimenter les turbines de manière ciblée et optimale pour reproduire le comportement d’un « gros » ou d’un « petit » turbo en fonction des besoins.

Les nouveaux modèles 911 Turbo bénéficient d’une aérodynamique active par déploiement télescopique de l’aileron arrière en trois positions synchronisées avec celles de la jupe avant, qui comporte une lèvre de spoiler en élastomère souple montée sur système pneumatique.

Le nouvel essieu arrière de série avec roues directrices se compose de deux actionneurs électromécaniques qui remplacent les barres d'accouplement classiques sur l'essieu arrière. En fonction de la vitesse, les roues arrière des nouveaux modèles 911 Turbo peuvent ainsi braquer ou contrebraquer selon un angle allant de + 3 à –1,5 degrés par rapport aux roues avant.

Grâce aux touches SPORT et SPORT PLUS associées au Pack Sport Chrono, la pression de suralimentation dans les plages de régime inférieures et intermédiaires augmente ponctuellement d’environ 0,15 bar lors des accélérations plein gaz. Le couple augmente brièvement de 50 Nm, pour atteindre 710 Nm sur la 911 Turbo S.