The 458 Speciale is the latest product of Ferrari’s core philosophy of extreme technological innovation and research which, in this instance, has yielded powertrain, aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics advances that transform the already exceptional 458 Italia into a car genuinely worthy of the “Speciale” moniker. The result is a completely new, uncompromising, streamlined sports car concept.
Many of the sophisticated solutions being applied for the very first time to an in-range car in the 458 Speciale, including its advanced active aerodynamics, will become a standard feature of all new Ferraris in the future.
Flanked in the Maranello marque’s range by the multi-award-winning 458 Italia and 458 Spider, the new mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta was designed to boost both performance and driving emotion to unprecedented levels, yet simultaneously guarantee smooth, effortless control in all kinds of situations.
Having lavished meticulous attention on the power unit that was named “Best Performance Engine” at the International Engine of the Year Awards for two consecutive years, Ferrari has now built its most powerful naturally aspirated V8 ever (605 cv) with an extraordinary specific power output of 135 cv/l , the highest ever achieved by a road-going naturally aspirated engine.
Thanks to an equally exceptional weight/power ratio of just 2.13 kg/cv, the 458 Speciale can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.0″ (0-200 km/h in 9.1″) and also clocked a lap time of just 1’23″5 at the Fiorano Circuit.
Continue reading The Ferrari 458 Speciale to debut at Frankfurt
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BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Spied in Munich
These spyshots show that BMW has an answer for the Audi A7 and the Mercedes CLS.
This is the new Gran Coupe, the firm’s four-door version of the 6 Series sporting the M Sports Pack.
M Division has come up with a subtle body with a more aggressive front bumper, incorporating larger vents and a deeper chin, as well as a redesigned rear bumper which continues the theme from the revised side skirts.
First revealed at the Beijing last year, the new model has appeared on German Autobahn unchanged from the original ‘production concept’ that previewed it.
Apart from some of BMW’s usual 3M Camouflage tape on the front and rea quarter, this prototype shows that the new model is an elegant addtion to the 6 series cars.
Expect some splattering of M Brand throughout the trimmings in the M Sports Pack
At the front is the traditional kidney grille flanked by aggressive LED headlights. In profile, all the BMW hallmarks are present and correct – there are short overhangs front and rear, a long wheelbase and a coupe-like roofline which is a full 10cm lower than a 7 Series. The C-pillar features the latest interpretation of the Hofmeister kink, which will be outlined in chrome on the finished car.
Inside, expect BMW to offer a spacious rear seat layout with just two seats, allowing occupants to stretch out in more comfort. Just like the 6 Series two-door coupe and convertible, the Gran Coupe will get the same range of engines too, including BMW’s latest direct injection 3.0-litre turbo petrol and diesel engines, as well as a flagship V8 petrol.
The Gran Coupe is set to be unvailed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September with sales starting 2012. Prices will kick off at around £45,000.
2012 911 Porsche – Spyshots
Porsche’s next 911, known internally as the 991 has been spied in predelivery specification in southern Germany.
The 991 will be a totally reworked version of the current 996/997 platform, with the longer wheel base we expect a bit more lateral grip than previous 911’s.
The powerunit will be the naturally aspirated flat six, likely in two displacements, as is currently 997.
We don’t expect any increase in power but expect it to be lighter by about 35kg than the current model from increased use of aluminimum body panels.
We expect there will be a coupe and a convertible body as well along with future GT2 and GT3 models.
Expect more to be revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt IAA in September.
Mercedes AMG SLK almost Uncamouflaged!
The Mercedes SLK AMG has dropped most of its cammo by now and is doing some quick laps around the Nürburgring to finalise its suspension geometry.
Only thing still really camoflaged is the front bumper with its aggressive looks and the diffuser in the rear bumper.
Power is expected to come from a 5.5 liter V8 delivering some 400-450 horsepower and expected to Debut at frankfurt later this year.
2012 Mercedes SL – Spyshots from Germany
Another year and another Mercedes SL wearing scantily dressed camouflage,getting ready for its catwalk at this years Frankfurt Motorshow in September.
And that means that it is losing more and more camouflage for each time we see it. And loosing camouflage means also revealing more and more details. As we can see the front end reminds a lot of the just released Mercedes SLK with its more upright positioned wideband grille and we also notice the glass roof known from the SLK, Magic Sky Control. That’s a variable-tint roof, at a touch of a button it can be made either transparent or darkened.
Under the hood the range of petrol engines starts with a 305 hp, 3.5 liter V6 followed by the SL 500 with its 435 hp strong V8. And of course there will be at least one AMG version with around 500-500 hp
Inside we will find a more user friendly cockpit with better ergonomics and more space for the driver and passenger.
2012 Porsche 911 (991) Turbo Spied in Northern Sweden
Deep in the winter landscape of northern Sweden we have spotted the Porsche 911 Turbo.
The new 911 will have a slightly wider stance and revised daylight running led lamps.
The larger looking intercoolers exposed by the bumper hints at a increase of Power from the 2 VTG turbocharger estimate at around 550-560hp.
And expect the 0-62 time an improvement to around 3.5 seconds along and a top speed of around 198mph, could this prototype be housing the new 4.0l engine under development from Porsche.
The new 911 will unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September the Turbo series, will probably be revealed in 2012.
2012 BMW 1 Series Spied Winter Test
Here’s the latest set of spy shots of the next-gen 2012 BMW 1-Series undergoing extreme winter testing in northern Sweden.
The new 1 Series hatchback will feature a longer wheelbase and wider track than the current model, and will be available in both three and five door variants.
The 1 series is losing more of its camouflage it looks like it’s trying to hide the new design’s broader stance.
The next-generation 2012 BMW 1-Series is expected to debut sometime later this year probably at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Girls Of The Frankfurt IAA Show 2009
This is a also a tribute to the comedy legend Benny Hill.