Tag Archives: edition

Driven – Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nurburgring Edition

Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nurburgring Edition. 34 letters. 5 words. Quite the mouthful. PistonSpy were recently invited up to Vauxhall’s Head Office in Luton to drive this car, and we jumped at the chance. It’s a car we previously snapped pictures of  testing back in 2010 – here. This is what we thought of it.

The Nurburgring Edition certainly looks the part. I thought it might look a little ‘after market’, but in the metal it actually looks great – really mean and purposeful. The squat stance is 20mm lower at the front and 15mm lower at the back than before and the 18” lightweight forged aluminum wheels really fill out the flared arches. To mark this model out as the Nurburgring Edition, there are Nurburgring logos on the B-pillars and door sills. At the back of the car, there are two massive (and real!), stainless steel exhaust pipes. You can buy the car in two new colours, Red Henna, and the colour I drove, Apple Green Grasshopper. This isn’t a subtle car, so if I was buying one, I’d definitely have the stand out green paint to match.

Inside, the car is a nice enough place to be. The great looking leather Recaro seats are undoubtedly the highlight. They are comfortable, and provide loads of lateral support. They also have the Nurburgring logo embossed on the headrest, which is a lovely, high end touch. The piano black plastic inserts on the wheel and across the dash however, look and feel a little cheap, which is a shame on a car of this price. Worst though, is the gear stick. It’s far too big, a very unusual shape, with an enormous trigger style button to open the gate to reverse. The gear changes themselves are also a letdown. It feels more luck than judgement when changing gear quickly.

But what is it like to drive? In short; brilliant. The turbo charged 1.6 litre engine develops 202bhp and 250NM of torque. This gets the car to 60mph in 6.5 seconds. That 0-60 time will certainly prove useful at your next Formula Traffic-Lights event, but this isn’t where the car really excels. This car’s real party piece is tearing down good old fashioned British B-roads.

On B-roads, the car was outstanding. Vauxhall commissioned German suspension gurus Bilstein to develop a bespoke spring and damper set-up, specifically for the Nurburgring Edition Corsa. Over the bumps and wobbles of the country roads around Luton, this Bilstein set-up meant I always felt in total control of the car. It gave a feeling of supreme confidence, allowing me to exploit that 202bhp engine to its fullest.

The most impressive upgrade on the Nurburgring Edition is the limited slip differential. It’s a proper mechanical, multi-plate system built by Drexler and has transformed the car. Throw the little Corsa into a corner, any corner, and apply a boot-full of power – rather than wildly spinning its wheels and just washing out wide, the limited slip diff actually tightens up your line, and pulls you towards the apex. The car is an absolute riot to drive.

Does it deserve that Nurburgring name? I think so. In fact I would absolutely love to drive this car on the Nurburgring. The car has such a sweet setup which really inspired confidence. The car loves corners, which the Nurburgring certainly has plenty of! Power-wise, I think the 202bhp engine is about perfect for a front-wheel-drive hot hatch at the ‘Ring. It’s powerful enough to have lots of fun, and thanks to that limited slip diff, feels totally useable all the time. Equally though, it’s not so powerful that it’s going to be getting you into serious trouble. A great balance.

Vauxhall are only bringing 250 a year to the UK. Each are individually numbered and prices start at £22,295. That’s a serious amount of money for a Corsa. There’s no doubt it’s a brilliant car, but you could get a RenaultSport Clio 200 Cup for £17,135 and save over £5,000. Or, if you’re really into Nurburgringy-ness, you could save up a few more pounds, and buy the current record holder for fastest FWD car, the RenaultSport Megane 265 Cup, for £24,840. You get a lot more car for the extra £2,500. Physically the Megane is a bigger car, but it’s also 30 seconds per lap quicker at the ‘Ring.

Neither the Clio or Megane look or stand out quite like the Corsa though. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing, well, that’s totally up to you.

Pistonspy Says:- Out of 5

The History of the Lexus LFA From Prototype to Production

Lexus LFA

This video shows the life story of the critically acclaimed LFA which took its toll with the tragic loss of Chief Test Driver Hiromu Naruse.

Ironically is death was at the hands of the Nurburgring Edition LFA.

Also shown is the short lived lap record 7:14 which was a tribute to the personally witnessed testing strategy at the Nurburgring.

powered by a sophisticated new high-revving 4.8-liter V10 engine that generates 552 hp (412kW/560DIN hp) and 354 lb-ft (480Nm) of torque for adrenaline-fuelled 202 mph (325km/h) performance. This specially-developed powerplant is hooked up to a unique six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) with paddle shifters for ultimate driver control. Linked by a rigid torque tube for excellent drivetrain integrity, the ASG is located in a transaxle layout over the rear axle for an optimal 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution.

Lexus LS-F – TMG Edition Spyshots 650hp

Lexus LSF

Click Above Picture For Gallery

The wide body DTM Styled Saloon is actually named the TMG (Toyota Motorsport GmbH) Edition and looks to have been built by the Toyota motorsports division.

The specs are vague enough not showing how many cylinders or engine details but they seem inline with the LFA V10.

Thanks to a leaked spec sheet the TMG Edition engine has a displacement of 4.968cc and revs to 9000 rpm same as the LFA.

The Engine Displacement is higher but so is the weight of this car so it all adds up.

I suppose we will have to wait until the Tokyo Motorshow but until then enjoy the exclusive Spy Photos of it in test on the Nordschleife.

Lexus LS - TMG Edition

2012 Nissan GT-R VVIP edition for the Middle East

Nissan Middle East is now offering a new version of the GT-R in the GCC. It is being dubbed as the 2012 Nissan GT-R VVIP edition based on the Egoist version with a different coloured trim.

It is the customised version of the updated 2011-2012 GT-R, with more power and more luxurious cabin upholstery.

The VVIP edition includes the revised 530 hp GT-R engine and adds a high degree of customer personalisation for the interior leather upholstery. The GT-R in these Nissan-supplied photos show a car with white leather upholstery with golden highlights, as well as dealer-installed gold-plated grilles and ‘VVIP’ badges.

Via Drive Arabia & NAGGTROC

Lexus LFA Nürburgring Confirmed – Geneva Unofficial Pics

Back in september last year Lexus returned with the LFA Nürburgring edition after the first prototype, cost the life of the legendary chief designer/driver Hiromu Naruse in an horrific accident close to the Nordschleife.

Now for the first time Lexus are officially to reveal the customisation to the public and press at this years Geneva Motorshow.

The Nürburgring Package is aimed at customers looking for even more focused version of the already ample super car, The package includes aerodynamic features honed on the legendary nordscleife.

Power is hiked by only 10bhp to counter the additional down-force from the fixed spoiler and a quicker up gear shifting with a reprogrammed transmission.

But enjoy my pictures of the Lexus LFA Hiromu Naruse Edition a more apt name in my honest opinion.

RENAULT REVEALS MEGANE COUPE MONACO GP LIMITED EDITION

• Launched in 2010 on Laguna Coupé, striking Monaco GP limited edition is now being added to Mégane Coupé, based on Dynamique TomTom trim level 

• Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the Mégane Coupé Monaco GP limited edition will be sold in 14 countries. UK launch is set for April 2011 

• A new version of Laguna Coupé Monaco GP will also be launched in the UK from April 2011 

Having played a headlining role in the finest moments at the motorsport mecca that is the Monaco Grand Prix, Renault developed the Monaco GP limited edition for its Laguna Coupé last year, aimed at fans of elegance, sport and style. Now set to join it on the grid after its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, is the curvaceous Mégane Coupé version. 

A shared signature for Monaco GP limited edition: elegance, sport and style

The Monaco GP limited edition models are big on personality. On Mégane Coupé, the front end with its sleek headlights and large air intake give it a dynamic stance, enhances by its broad haunches. Its imposing design is accentuated in this limited edition through pearlescent Arctic White paint, together with gloss black body components – door mirrors, rear diffuser and foglight surrounds, black headlight masks and “Monaco GP” badging.  

Exclusive interiors

Everything on the inside expresses its impeccable build quality and stylish sportiness. Among its original touches are Arctic white cabin details (console, dashboard trim, door handles), plus exclusive “Monaco GP” stitching on the seats, a numbered plaque and “Monaco GP” floor mats. 

Reassuring roadholding

Monaco GP features the very best in technology for unrivalled efficiency and peace of mind, including the latest-generation dual-chamber airbags, plus impressive grip whatever the conditions thanks to ESC. The chassis too was specially designed to bring drivers optimal control and driving thrills, without affecting comfort. 

Mégane Coupé Monaco GP

The Mégane Coupé Monaco GP limited editions features all the equipment of the Dynamique trim, including Carminat TomTom Live satellite navigation, plus: 

  • 17-inch ‘Celsium’ gloss black alloy wheels
  • GT/GT Line front and rear bumpers
  • Unique carbon grey upholstery with Monaco GP logo
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Electric folding door mirrors

Two engines are on offer with the latest addition to the Mégane family. The 1.9 dCi 130 uses the best in dCi combustion and turbo technology and emits just 135g/km of CO2, while the TCe 130 benefits from the latest advances in downsizing, enabling a 1.4-litre powerplant to boast the torque of a two-litre and the power of a 1.8-litre.

Opel Corsa OPC “Nürburgring” Edition Spyshots

Coming to the end of the 2010 Industry Pool at the g in Germany, we have spied the Opel Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition, which will continue the legacy that the Astra OPC Nürburgring Edition has started since 2008 .

This Corsa OPC is powered with the current gasoline engine 1.6 Turbo ECOTEC, which offers 192 horsepower.

We are expecting some changes to the induction system sporting a slightly larger intercooler and modified suspension geometry to warrant it Nordschleife credentials.

Detailing includes A more aggressive front hood changes, a new grille and front bumper.

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Other items included are Brembo brakes, interior with leather trim and carbon fiber we expect this to be released first half of 2011 along with the facelift.

Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition Returns to its Home…

Earlier in the year we saw the Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition lapping the Nordschleife by legendary Chief Engineer & Driver Hiromu Naruse, and unfortunately the horrific accident which cost his life.

After an absence of nearly 3 months its good to see Lexus testing a fresh faced prototype on the legendary circuit.

The Lexus LF-A is powered by a 4.8 liter V10 that delivers a maximum output of 560 HP, but for the LF-A Nurburgring Track Edition the output will be raised to 570 hp. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph will be made in 3.7 seconds, and top speed will go up to 210 mph.

This limited production model will only achieve 50 units but you still have the choice of four colours and a choice of three interior colour schemes.

You can differentiate the 2 models by the addition of a fixed spoiler and revised front splitters and a track honed setup specially developed for the ring.

Welcome back Lexus!…..
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