Geneva preview: Gumpert Apollo Speed prototype spotted at the 'Ring

German sports car manufacturer Gumpert unveiled a faster version of its Apollo supercar back at March’s Geneva Motor Show named the Apollo Speed. Building on previous versions like the Apollo Sport and Apollo Race, the new Speed had been further engineered to tackle high speed runs.


Gumpert was founded in 2004 by Roland Gumpert, a proponent of street-legal, track-ready cars. After returning to Germany from China, where he had worked as an executive for Volkswagen, he recruited two universities and a small staff to build the first Apollo prototype. Known for their abilitity to quickly develop their vehicles, the Apollo made its race debut at the 2005 Divinol Cup, where it took third. Since, they have released other versions for public sale, including the Gumpert Apollo Race, Gumpert Apollo Speed, and Gumpert Apollo Sport. A hybrid model was also built for the 2008 24 Hours Nurburgring.


Not to be shown up by its brother, the Apollo Speed also crushes the 0-100 km/h time with a 3.0 second time, arriving at 200 km/h in under nine seconds. It was introduced at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show with a more aggressive look, due in part to its shortened height of 1.1 meters. The car has visual modifications, and an underbody built from a composite of carbon and aluminum.


Power comes from an Audi-sourced twin-turbo 4.2L V8 developing up to 800hp (597kW) and 664lb-ft (900Nm) of torque in the range topping model. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a sequential six-speed gearbox, and according to Gumpert the new Speed will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.0 seconds flat, pass 200km/h in 8.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 360km/h.


We always like to see the Gumpert Apollo setup at the Geneva Motor Show, and we're sure they will bring something interesting in 2010. However, we want to know if they will be bringing a new introduction to Frankfurt in September.
Source:worldcarfans

Australia's Joss supercar will officially unveil

Australia's Joss Developments Limited has announced they will officially unveil their new supercar in August.


The Joss Supercar has been five years in the making, but now its creator Matt Thomas should soon see his project come to fruition and give Australia its first real competitor to the likes of the Ferrari Enzo and Lamborghini Murcielago.


Although little is known about the car, it will feature a V8 engine with at least 500 horsepower (373kW). This will enable the lightweight Joss to rocket from 0-100 km/h in just 2.98 seconds before hitting a top speed in excess of 340 km/h (211 mph).


Joss expects to build 25 of the supercars at its Victorian facility in its first year, and anticipates all of these will be sold in very short order. The asking price is estimated to be around $600,000, but considering the rarity - and sheer speed - of the Joss Supercar, it should make an enticing buy for super-wealthy car buffs.


With 10 orders already on the books, the company appears to have a bright future ahead of itself. According to Joss' creator, Matt Thomas, "This is now not just about producing an Australian first and world-class supercar, but ensuring the business is resourced adequately to meet pent-up production demand." He added that, "We have been refining the mechanics of the business model and the car and are now satisfied that we have the right product and systems in place to move forward."


Joss also plans on taking its Supercar racing, with the eventual goal being a place on the grid at Le Mans.
Source:themotorreportvia worldcarfans

Mosler MT900 GTR XX Twin Turbo Land Shark Revealed

Nicknamed "The Land Shark", this car weighs a full 250 kg (551 lbs) less than the already lightened GTR XX, coming in at 861 kg (1898 lbs) with its fuel tanks full. Yes, we said "tanks", as in plural. This car runs on a multi-fuel system using petrol, methanol, hydrogen, and ethanol. Gocha claims that the use of multiple fuels means he was able to register his car as a "hybrid" in California, meaning he gets to take this monster into the often wide-open carpool lanes of Los Angeles!


Here's where the story gets a little suspicious, and no offense to Gocha is meant by this. After all, Gocha has to realize that there will be skeptics when a relative unknown claims to have put something like this together. We all know that the GTR XX uses the GM LS7 engine which powers the Corvette. Gocha says his car utilizes an engine with a 381 cubic inch plant generating an unbelievable 2,500 horsepower, in part thanks to the twin turbos. We instantly thought that the engine he was using was the LSX from GM Performance Parts, which is capable of handling that kind of horsepower.


Now, before you start casting stones, lets keep in mind another little twin-turbo Mosler that goes by the name of "Red Devil." Remember this car? Built by Nelson Racing Engineering for U.S. Mosler dealer Mike Vietro (aka Corvette Mike or Mosler Mike) it produces 1800hp (1635hp confirmed) and has performance specs within range of this suppossed Land Shark.


However, the spec sheet says the block is from billet aluminum while the LSX is made of cast iron. He says his engine uses a 3.000" stroke and 4.500" bore, which would actually be a 382 cu. inch plant. His billet aluminum block engine has four injectors of varying sizes per cylinder, combined with racing fuel pumps capable of delivering six gallons (22.7 liters) per minute. Apparently, you can go really really fast in this car, just not for long. The engine also makes generous use of ceramic, titanium, and carbon to keep the weight down.


While the MT900 GTR normally goes from standstill to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds, Gocha claims his version gets there in just over 2.5 seconds. His car allegedly hits 150 mph in 6.7 seconds, and 250 mph in 17.5 seconds. The car is capable of a nine second quarter-mile, reaching 178 mph by the time it gets there. Even more astonishing is the sprint to stop time. This car allegedly goes from zero to 150mph and back to a dead stop in 8.7 seconds. That's even faster than the Ultima GTR 0-100-0 time of 9.4 seconds, which seems remarkable.


But also seems dubious.

Helping to achieve these unbelievable times is the car's aerodynamic body kit. As seen in these photos Gocha and co. have created a new front splitter, new dive planes, and a fully adjustable rear wing built from carbon fiber. Also added are new air intakes and outlets on the sides, and new intakes on the roof and upper body. They installed a full-length air ducting channel via the flat belly pan to get the best downward force possible.


Intense Automotive Design also claims to have developed an all-wheel-drive system of titanium and carbon fiber, matching the all-titanium suspension system. Carbon fiber Dymag wheels have a magnesium center, and uses titanium lug nuts to attach to the car. Front wheels measure 11.5x19", with bigger 14x20" rear wheels. With all that effort going in to weight savings, you wonder why an Alpine 7.1 Dolby Digital DVD system would be included. The In-Car PC and GPS also adds weight.


More Photos


Press Release

2009 MOSLER MT900

ENGINE SPECS:
381 CUBIC INCHES
2,500+ HP 10,000 RPM TWIN TURBOCHARGED TERROR
MULTI-FUEL SYSTEM: GASOLINE/METHANOL/HYDROGEN/ETHANOL
3.000" STROKE WITH 4.500" BORE
2-MOTEC M880 DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
IAD BILLET CNC BILLET ALUMINUM BLOCK
IAD CERAMIC ROLLER-BEARING CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT BEARINGS
IAD/BRYANT/KEITH BLACK 4330 KNIFE EDGED, ULTRA-LIGHT ROLLER-BEARING CRANKSHAFT
IAD CNC BILLET TITANIUM CONNECTING RODS
IAD/COSWORTH CERAMIC COATED FORGED PISTONS
IAD 4340 1.000" DIAMETER .300" WALL THICKNESS PISTON PINS
1/16-INCH CHILD'S & ALBERT CHROMOLY RINGS
IAD 4-VALVE BILLET CNC ALUMINUM/CERAMIC CYLINDER HEADS
IAD CERAMIC COMBUSTION CHAMBERS & EXHAUST PORTS; BERYLLIUM SEATS
IAD CUSTOM LASER CUT HEAD GASKETS, O-RINGED CYLINDER HEADS
IAD CUSTOM O-RINGED INTAKE MANIFOLD AND CYLINDER HEAD INTAKE SURFACES
IAD/JESEL TITANIUM ROLLER ROCKERS WITH SOLID TITANIUM GIRDLE
IAD/JESEL 3-PIECE .160" WALL TAPERED 9/16 "-1/2" MODULAR PUSH RODS
IAD/CROWER PINNED 1.000" DIAMETER ROLLER LIFTERS
IAD CERAMIC COATED 2.00" TITANIUM INTAKE VALVES, 1.75" INCONEL® EXHAUST VALVES
JESEL TRIPLE VALVE SPRINGS, TITANIUM RETAINERS, 4340 LOCKS
IAD BILLET CNC TITANIUM/CARBON VALVE COVERS, POLISHED
IAD TITANIUM ROLLER CAMSHAFT WITH CERAMIC ROLLER CAM BEARINGS
IAD/JESEL BELT DRIVE CAMSHAFT TO CRANK TIMING, WITH TITANIUM GEARS
IAD CNC BILLET TITANIUM/CARBON MACHINED TIMING COVER
IAD HARMONIC DAMPENER WITH INTEGRAL CRANK TRIGGER PICKUP
IAD BILLET TITANIUM/CARBON DUAL ELECTRIC WATER PUMPS
ALL TITANIUM ENGINE HARDWARE

INDUCTION SYSTEM:
IAD CNC CARBON FIBER/TITANIUM INTER-COOLED INTAKE MANIFOLD
4-INJECTORS PER CYLINDER (2) 150 LB., (1) 90LB., AND (1) 60LB.
2-WELDON 34706 6+ GPM MECHANICAL RACING FUEL PUMPS
2-AEROMOTIVE 16302 BILLET FUEL PUMP SPEED CONTROLLERS
4-WELDON A2047 SERIES, HIGH FLOW 10+ GPM BYPASS REGULATORS
2-OCTANE ON DEMAND SYSTEMS
2-IAD DIGITALLY CONTROLLED INTEGRAL FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, 2500 CFM
RUSSELL'S BRAIDED STEEL FUEL LINES WITH AN FITTINGS
2-88MM IAD/AEROTECH WATER COOLED CERAMIC BALL BEARING TURBO CHARGERS
2-IAD/MOTEC 65MM PROTOTYPE ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED WASTE GATES
IAD TITANIUM EXHAUST HEADERS, FLANGES, V-BANDS
IAD TITANIUM EXHAUST SYSTEM
IAD TITANIUM HI-FLOW CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, MUFFLERS, MOUNTS, HARDWARE

LUBRICATION SYSTEM:
IAD CNC TITANIUM DRY SUMP OIL SYSTEM CAPACITY = 20 LITERS
IAD/MOROSO 5-STAGE DRY SUMP OILING SYSTEM
IAD/MOROSO TITANIUM BILLET OIL PUMP DRIVE
RUSSELL'S BRAIDED STEEL OIL LINES WITH AN FITTINGS
2-IAD CUSTOM HI-VOLUME OIL COOLERS

IGNITION/ELECTRONICS SYSTEM:
IAD/MOTEC FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
IAD/MOTEC M880 ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (DUAL M880 UNITS)
IAD/MOTEC CRANK FIRED IGNITION SYSTEM
MOTEC ON-STEERING-WHEEL MOUNTED HORSEPOWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
IAD/MOTEC POWER CONTROL SYSTEM, VARIABLE FROM 800 TO 2,500+ HORSEPOWER
MOTEC ON-STEERING-WHEEL DIGITAL BRAKE BIAS CONTROL
MOTEC ON-STEERING-WHEEL ACTIVE SUSPENSION CONTROL
MOTEC ON -STEERING-WHEEL 12-STAGE DIGITAL FUEL INJECTION CONTROL
IAD/MOTEC CARBON FIBER DIGITAL STEERING WHEEL WITH INTEGRAL DIGITAL CONTROLS
IAD PROTOTYPE 8-SPEED PADDLE SHIFTERS, WITH QUICK-RELEASE
MOTEC PIT-LANE SPEED CONTROL BUTTON
CUSTOM ALPINE 7.1 DOLBY DIGITAL A/V/DVD/MOTEC EMS DISPLAY
LOWRANCE GPS WITH FRONT, REAR, SIDE, 360 DEGREE SKYTM RADAR TRACKING SYSTEM
IN-CAR PCTM MOBILE INTEL CORE 2 DUO 2.33 GHZ
3.5G MOBILE INTERNET 7.2 MBPS

TRANSMISSION SYSTEM:
IAD PROTOTYPE TITANIUM/CARBON FIBER ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE SYSTEM
TRACTION CONTROL BY MOTEC
IAD CNC BILLET TITANIUM 8-SPEED TRANS-AXLE
QUICK-CHANGE GEAR-BOX, 30 SETS OF TRACK GEARS
WELDON K9200-A HIGH TEMP TRANS & AWD OIL PUMP
RUSSELL'S BRAIDED STEEL OIL LINES
IAD TRANSMISSION AND FRONT DIFFERENTIAL COOLERS

SUSPENSION/BRAKING SYSTEM:
ALL TITANIUM SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
PENSKE 3-WAY ADJUSTABLE RACING SHOCKS
FULLY ADJUSTABLE FRONT AND REAR AND SWAY BARS
CNC MACHINED SOLID DELRINTM SUSPENSION BUSHINGS
CARBON FIBER/CERAMIC 400MM DIAMETER BRAKE ROTORS
8-PISTON, LIQUID COOLED, CNC BILLET CALIPERS

AERODYNAMICS:
FRONT SPLITTER FOR MAXIMUM DOWN-FORCE
FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT DUAL DIVE PLANES
LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE POD AIR INTAKES AND OUTLETS FOR OPTIMAL COOLING
ROOF CANOPY AIR-INTAKE WITH SCOOP
MID UPPER BODY SECTION LEFT AND RIGHT AIR INTAKES
FLAT BELLY PAN WITH FULL LENGTH AIR DUCTING CHANNEL FOR MAXIMUM DOWN FORCE
REAR DECK LID SIDE VENTS
REAR FULLY ADJUSTABLE CARBON FIBER REAR WING

WHEELS:
DYMAG CARBON FIBER, MAGNESIUM CENTER, TITANIUM LUG NUTS
FRONT 11.5" X 19"
REAR 14" X 20"

TIRES:
MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 2
FRONT 285/35R19 PS2
REAR 345/30R20 PS2

COCKPIT:
ALL INTERIOR SURFACES ARE POLISHED, CLEAR COATED, CARBON FIBER
CUSTOM PROTOTYPE DESIGN CARBON FIBER SEATS
SCHROTH TITANIUM 6-POINT SEAT BELTS
DUAL CARBON FIBER FUEL CELLS FOR FUEL/METHANOL
REGISTERED AS A "HYBRID" VEHICLE DUE TO THE MULTI-FUEL ENGINE....
I WILL GET TO DRIVE IN THE DIAMOND LANE..... HA! HA! HA!
FUEL CAPACITY, GASOLINE = 100 LITRES
FUEL CAPACITY, METHANOL= 40 LITRES

ALL VEHICLE COMPONENTS (EXCEPT A VERY FEW INTERNAL ENGINE PARTS) ARE CARBON FIBER, KEVLAR, AND TITANIUM
...... NO OTHER MATERIALS USED .......

THE TRENTEK CHASSIS IS THE WORLD'S STIFFEST, LIGHTEST AND MOST COST EFFICIENT CAR CHASSIS. MADE OF COMPOSITE CARBON FIBER/HONEYCOMB KEVLAR, THE TRENTEK CHASSIS FOR THE MT900 WEIGHS IN UNDER 90LBS, (LESS ENGINE, TRANS, WIRING, SUSPENSION, ETC.) AND COULD BE PUT TOGETHER, BY HAND, IN APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES, ELIMINATING THE NEED FOR AN EXPENSIVE ASSEMBLY LINE. THIS CHASSIS IS OFFERED EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH TRENNE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND TEKLAM CORPORATION. VEHICLE WEIGHS 777 KILOS (1,709 LBS.), WITHOUT FUEL

ACTUAL TOP SPEED = 305 MPH+
CFD/FEA CATIA V5R19, THEORETICAL PHYSICAL TOP SPEED = 375 MPH+
CFD/WIND TUNNEL WITH IAD AERODYNAMIC MODIFICATIONS
COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS VERIFIED AERODYNAMICALLY SOUND AT OVER 400 MPH (AFTER EXTENSIVE IAD AERODYNAMIC MODIFICATION)
(CFD/FEA CATIA V5R19 VERIFIED WITH IAD AERODYNAMIC MODIFICATIONS-AERODYNAMICALLY LIMITING VEHICLE TO 305 MPH, WITH REAR WING ATTACHED)

TOP SPEED = 375 MPH+ WITH 118 OCTANE RACING FUEL, WITH IAD AERODYNAMIC MODIFICATIONS
LIMITED TO 305 MPH, WITH REAR WING ATTACHED, GASOLINE/METHANOL FUEL MIX
0-60 MPH = 2.5 SECONDS
0-150 MPH = 6.7 SECONDS
0-250 MPH = 17.5 SECONDS
1/4 MILE = 9.0 SECONDS
1/4 MILE SPEED = 178 MPH
ZERO TO 150 MPH AND BACK TO ZERO = 8.7
BRAKING: 250 MPH TO ZERO IN 8.5 SECONDS

SPECIFCALLY DESIGNED AS THE WORLDS FASTEST PRODUCTION VEHICLE

IT'S SCHEDULED TO RUN AT BONNEVILLE SPEED WEEK IN 2009, FOR THE GUINNESS WORLD BOOK OF RECORDS PEOPLE, AND WHEN CONFIRMED, IT'S OFF TO NURBUGRING, WHERE MICHAEL SCHUMACHER (IF EVERYTHING GOES AS DISCUSSED) WILL PUSH IT AS HARD AS POSSIBLE.

IT'S CURRENTLY SCHEDULED FOR SEVERAL FEATURE FILMS, SEVERAL MUSIC VIDEOS, STILL SHOOTS, AND COMMERCIALS... AND LOT'S MORE!




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Bugatti Centenaire Revealed at Concorso d'Eléganza Villa d'Este 2009

Bugatti made headlines this week with a once-in-a-lifetime display at the Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza in Cernobbio, Italy, this weekend. The company unveiled four one-off Centenaire Edition Veyrons and displayed them alongside the classic Type 35 racers that inspired them. The first public showing of the Centenaire was just the latest event of Bugatti's 100th anniversary celebrations this year.
Read More








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Morgan Aero SuperSports Revealed

In this 100th year of operations for Morgan Motor Company, the specialty manufacturer has announced they will be putting the Morgan Aero SuperSports on the market. To this day, Morgan is still owned by the family of entrepreneur HFS Morgan, and it shows in many of the design characteristics still seen on their cars today.





Press Release

Morgan Aero SuperSports

Throughout 2009 the Morgan Motor Company is celebrating one hundred years of continuous manufacture of motorcars. The company has remained in one family's ownership since the founder HFS Morgan made his first car in 1909.

As part of the Centenary celebrations Morgan announces a truly special model.

Designed and engineered in house, the Morgan Aero SuperSports is a lightweight aluminium sports car with a luxurious specification. The interior features a comfortable combination of polished hardwoods, hand stitched leather and electronic technology to create a driving environment that is efficient, ergonomic and sumptuous. In spite of all this opulence the overall weight of the car is still minimal so the car is responsive to driver inputs and economical to run. The unique way Morgan can achieve this is down to our use of aircraft style superformed aluminium outer panels and the skills of our craftsmen to hand finish the assembly of each car.

This technology debuted in the 100 AeroMax coupes built by the factory in 2008 and 2009.

Such was demand for this model, that Morgan have taken the decision to produce the Morgan Aero SuperSports. A limited edition, the car makes use of two aluminium detachable roof panels. These can either turn the car effectively in to a coupe or when detached bring fresh air and the aromas of the seasons to the driving experience without undue wind disturbance to spoil the journey. The panels can be stored conveniently in the boot.

The car of course benefits from the lightweight aluminium Aero chassis which is adhesively bonded for class leading rigidity. Exceeding global crash protection standards, this is also the platform used by the Morgan Aero Eight GT3 currently competing successfully in the 2009 International FIA GT3 Championship. This chassis combined with the aluminium 4.8 litre BMW V8 engine and a choice of 6 speed automatic or manual gearboxes offers an unrivalled driving experience. No other automatic car offers such dynamic power transmission.

Drawn by Matthew Humphries, and engineered for production by the experienced "Morgan Design" team, the new Aero Super Sports is due to enter production in early 2010. A deposit of £25,000 is required to ensure the supply of one of these exciting new models. It is anticipated to cost around £127,000 including VAT.

Charles Morgan, Grandson of the founder said " The Morgan Aero SuperSports is a luxurious flamboyant sports car which also remains true to Morgan's philosophy of lightweight minimalist simplicity. It is a celebration of our love of cars and the romance of travel and is a fitting model to announce during Morgan's Centenary year."
via:World Car Fans



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Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing Panamericana Concept

While in Stuttgart Mercedes-Benz is adding the final touches on the legit heir of the iconic 300SL Gullwing in the form of the all-new SLS AMG Gullwing, Arturo Alonso and his team that gained famed with the Bentley S3 Project - a car which we've only seen in computer generated images, has announced the creation of a modern-day 300SL that will blend the classic shape with contemporary technology and materials.

Press Release

Here is the the rebirth of an Icon, the 2009 300 SL Panamericana, based on a Reproduction from Hoope'r, Gullwing-AG in Germany, who produce the closest model you can get to the real thing. Arturo Alonso and his company, Gullwing-America , modified this already outstanding automobile into an exotic for the 21st century.

A combination of the Glorious Carrera Panamericana cars of the 50's and new technology, they came out with this incredible sports car, Alonso himself raced the Carrera for years in a Mercedes 300SE, where the passion for this legendary Race and the Mercedes was born.

The 300SL body is constructed with the use of aircraft composite technology. This construction comprises of a sprayed layer of aluminum to a thickness of .5mm into the mold over which an epoxy adhesive is laid and several layers of 7oz woven glass cloth are then applied with epoxy resin.

Chassis is made from RHS steel reinforced and powder coated, has independent suspension with adjustable coil overs, four wheel disk brakes, a 5.5 liter Mercedes engine, (M-133-55) the one used on the AMG Mercedes models and the SLR, mated to a six speed transmission, special made radiator and exhaust system.

The Panamericana will have a re tuned electronics raising the HP about 370, 530nm of torque @5400RPM. The car will sit lower, have speedtronic transmission, side mufflers, no bumpers, a special grill, four spoke leather steering wheel with power assist, a start button, A/C , a four point harness, Becker Mexico Radio with CD and I pod adapter, and fitted leather luggage. It also includes specially made old school 17 X 8 AMG wheels all around with 235/45/17 Continental Sport contact tires, AMG calipers painted in red, HID headlights, and stripes on the fenders like the "Works" Cars from La Barrera.

For 2010 there will also be the option for the new V6 Mercedes engine (M-272-E35) used on the 350 Models, which has almost the same power of the V8 ( 320HP And 360nm torque @4900RPM)) and could be ordered with a manual six speed.

The cars will all be painted in silver with blue accents in the front fenders like the race cars of the Panamericana, there is the option of a white with red stripes and a Black version. The interiors will be red cover in leather and plaid cloth, typical from that model; The instrument panel is identical as the original 300Sl.

Gullwing-America thinks that this is a true rebirth of the legendary 300SL Gullwing. Updated with technology from 50 years later, the car will be more powerful and handle better than the original. It will be a very drivable car with all the convenient accessories like air conditioning, power steering, etc. from modern cars.

For price and more information contact Arturo Alonso at info@gullwing-america.com


via:carscoop



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