2012 SSC Ultimate Aero High Performance

 

The battle for the title of “World’s Fastest Production car” has just heated up – again. And this time its round two of the classic David vs. Goliath encounter: diminutive Shelby Super Cars taking on the might of VW-owned Bugatti. American one man show SSC, forced the world to take them seriously after the original Ultimate Aero snatched the title away from the Veyron with a run of 256mph, recorded on a four-mile-long Texas single carriageway that featured a dogleg bend that needed to be navigated at “just” 210mph. The man at the wheel was 71 year old Chuck Bigelow who had no racing experience and refused to wear even a crash helmet.

Hitting back, the Veyron Super Sport took to VW’s ultra-modern, ultra-smooth and wide Ehra Lessien test track, with a pro driver at the wheel and crowd of engineers at their beck and call. The result was an impressive 267mph from the 1200HP special edition.

Considering all that Bugatti have at their disposal compared to Jerod Shelby and his band of 16 engineers – that work from a garage behind his house – you begin to realize the magnitude of their accomplishments. Now they have unveiled their new creation, a 1350HP RWD beast that’s yet to be officially named. For convenience, we’ll just call it the Aero II.

Exterior Design

The outgoing Ultimate Aero was very generic in its looks. The body, like the rest of the car, was designed by company owner Jerod Shelby (no relation to muscle car legend Carroll Shelby). He admits that the need for slippery aerodynamics governed the outcome of the final product and being an engineer by trade, design wasn’t his greatest strength. Enter Italian American designer Jason Castriota who, in the beginning, had reservations about taking on the project. We couldn’t really blame him after looking at his impressive resume. He has penned cars for the very best in the industry: Ferrari, Pininfarina, Rolls Royce, and Bertone to name but a few. The last thing his career needed was to design a car destined for failure for a small company with more hopes than money or brains. After a visiting the facility and getting to know the staff and more importantly, their ideals and the car, he took the plunge and created what you see before you.

The outcome is breathtaking, especially once you peel the body work away to reveal how technically challenging it was to overcome the dreaded forces of nature at 200+mph, whilst packaging the required mechanical components. It is the ultimate example of form meeting function, to create a harmonious whole. We like the black teardrop shaped canopy that sits on top of the white exterior, creating a stunning contrast of power and beauty. The shape is classic and pivotal, and has a very low drag co-efficient. The car features dihedral stabilizers or wings that have been borrowed from the realm of aviation. The term “flying buttress” might be construed as a being a bit naughty, but they are actually wings that help support the structure of the car. In this case, they are those bits on the side of the SSC Aero II, which channel air towards the engine intakes – a Castriota design signature. (pictured below)

The front looks intimidating and purposeful with its low slung nose and carbon fiber headlights. Looking closely, you’ll notice venting for the carbon brakes and a cohesive front splitter that generates enough downforce to keep the nose planted at speed. There is no hood or luggage space, or any kind of compromise with this car. The side profile is sleek and sexy – there are no door handles or side repeaters and the car barely stands over a meter tall. Massive lower recesses house air intakes in front of the rear wheel arches and feed the ravenous engine and cooling radiators with much-needed cold air, while doing its bit to balance the look. It checks all the hypercar boxes and then some. Elements of the first Aero are maintained, most notably the party piece doors and simple-spoked wheel design. The latter being the first ever one piece carbon fiber wheels ever fitted to a car. They are products of Australian company, Carbon Revolution, and the 19" fronts weigh just 5.8kg each.

The entire body and chassis, save for front and rear impact zones, are all made from carbon fiber - further emphasizing lightness as key. This is not necessarily for top speed, but more for everyday driving and handling. All mid-engined cars require apertures in the bodywork to help get rid of heat – they usually take the form of slats or louvers but since this car is anything but, it features circular cut outs in various diameters to expel heat and generate pub controversy. Moving to the other-worldly rear, dynamics take over, with aesthetics playing second fiddle. The entire under floor of the car is sealed leading up to the rear which functions as the mother of all diffusers, complete with F1-style exhaust. From this angle, it does bear slight resemblance to an R8 and by slight, we mean slight – the proportions and shapes are similar. Between the rear stabilizers is a hydraulically operated air brake – ala Bugatti Veyron and Merc SLR that comes into play at higher-than-allowed speeds. Dimension wise, the Aero II is slightly more narrow than before to comply with FIA GT regulations, should they decide to race it.

Interior

The interior remains a bit of a mystery – probably because it isn’t 100% finished yet - but we could have a guess as to what to expect. There will be room for two with all the necessary creature comforts like seatbelts and aircon. We wouldn’t bet on heated and electric massaging seats just yet. Judging from the old model, whose interior was pretty sloppy, the new car’s interior has to be better and get the basics right. We believe the design will be based around a large central LCD display and have better quality finishes – after all this car does cost a smidgen under $1 million.

Performance

Do you really have to ask? The numbers on paper are staggering enough – even before getting to actual performance times and stats. The proposed record breaker is powered by a quad-cam, twin-turbo V8 displacing 6.8 liters. The engine, like all the other mechanical parts, are all developed in-house by SSC themselves. The new powerplant shares a lot with the old 6.2 liter item – the block and its innards are the same design, so are the dimensions and location of its 10 radiators. Changes come in the form of a four-valves-per-cylinder overhead cam (OHC) setup as opposed to push rods and new SSC spec turbochargers. The new setup is good for a colossal 1350HP and will rev to 9000RPM! Zero to 62mph will arrive in around 2.8 seconds and SSC claims a top speed of, wait for it, 275mph! The in gear acceleration figures are not known as of yet, but you can be sure they will be absolutely mind blowing. Thank goodness the new car will feature traction control, ABS with servo assistance, and Brembo carbon ceramic stoppers. We can’t even begin to imagine letting that kind of power loose on public roads without fear of being apprehended by the long arm of the law while experiencing acceleration that will rip your face off. This thing should sound the way it goes – an all turbo whoosh and snarling, angry V8.

Because it’s RWD rather than 4WD like our friend the Veyron, it’s lighter...much lighter. The Aero II weighs 1200kgs, a full 638kgs lighter than the comparatively pudgy Bugatti – and it produces more power. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that the power to weight ratio is over 1000HP per tonne, putting it in the league of the Caparo T1. Where the Bugatti is luxurious, refined, and civilized to drive, the Aero II is raucous, unforgiving, and about as scary as a getting a shave from Edward Scissorhands.

Suspension remains as the same coilover setup and so does the triple plate carbon clutch. Whether it’s as good at going round corners as it is in a straight line still remains to be seen. One thing is for certain though, it will set your trousers on fire every time you use the pedal on the right.

Competition

In short, there is none other competition except for the Veyron SS and it costs $2.4 million, more than twice the price of the $970,000 Aero II. You could also buy a Koenigsegg Agera, but the price is unconfirmed and so is the top speed. The cars should be closely pegged, but we guess it depends on personal preference and if you’re into the whole “mine’s bigger than yours” thing. Let’s hope the Aero II will not squeak, rattle, or fall apart like so many other cars made by small firms in small numbers. The first cars will be delivered to their proud new owners around the last quarter of 2011.

Only time will tell whether SSC will bring the top speed crown back to the US.

2001 Lamborghini Diablo SV 6.0

Back in the 1990’s and earlier, Lamborghini was not known for it’s Audi partnership and derived models such as the Gallardo. In fact, it was not known for luxury of any sort, and it certainly was not known caring what any environmentalist thought.

Lamborghini produced aggressively styled, lightweight machines with massive V12 engines putting power to the road. Creature comforts were an afterthought and driving them was not even an easy task. They were not cars that you bought simply to show you had the money to buy one – it was more akin to buying a Harley-Davidson motorcycle – you had to be macho enough to drive these beasts.

The Diablo model which was the successor to the venerable Countach had been introduced nearly a decade before Audi gained control and was in need of some serious updates. What Audi helped them produce was one of the fastest and most competent Diablo models to ever come from St. Agata Bolognese, Italy.

Exterior

A designer named Luc Donckerwolcke began working on the Diablo revision for Automobili Lamborghini SpA. In order to bring the design into this century, carbon fiber was used extensively on the new body panels. The car was redesigned from front to back with even more aggressive and edgy styling. The front-end featured fog lights that had been raised onto the next level of the bumper from previous models and were mounted flush with the body. Large air ducts for brake cooling replaced them below.

Scissor doors – Lamborghini’s staple - remained from the previous model. Traveling around to the rear of the car a revised bumper with refreshed taillights was clearly visible, but the true centerpiece was the dual exhaust exiting upwards. Ferrari may be known for its unmistakable sound, but Lamborghini knows a thing or two about waking the dead with the shriek emitted from this car.

Interior

Once the problem of actually entering the Diablo had been solved, there were still issues with the interior. Some of the complaints had to do with size and others with finish and materials. The overall dimensions of the cabin are something that Lamborghini was never going to apologize for. Clearly the Diablo is an exercise in form over function and if you can’t fit inside it then go buy another car.

Low slung bucket seats that seem to be inches from the road surface are thinly padded, yet supportive. The 6.0 models received a carbon fiber center console that was revolutionary at the time as well as a new steering wheel design. New air conditioning and stereo systems were also included to make the car seem more comfortable – when there is a 6.0-liter V12 sitting a foot behind your head nothing is overly comfortable, but they gave it a good try.

Performance

The decision had been made to do whatever was necessary to get the Diablo back to its peak and be able to fight off other supercar contenders. The solution came from boring out the V12 engine to 6.0-liters. This and a few smaller enhancements gave the car a mighty 550hp at 7,100rpm and 457 lb-ft of torque at 5,500rpm. Adding power and shaving weight is always a good combination so the weight savings from the use of carbon fiber and magnesium wheels in association with 550hp led this Lambo to 60mph in 3.4 seconds. The Diablo was sure to shine just fine until the new Murcielago was complete.

Competition

The Diablo’s main competitor of the day was the Ferrari 550 Maranello and if you owned the Lamborghini than you were hoping to see one of these on the road. We can just imagine waiting at a red light when a pompous Ferrari driver pulls up. Surely they’re thinking we’re driving a regular Diablo – Ha, the light turns green and we’ve hit 60mph nearly a full second faster than him. The Ferrari stood little chance in any other category as well, the Lamborghini was lighter, faster through the slalom, took less room to brake from 60mph, and got better gas mileage just to top it all off.

Pricing

Not only was the car something that could stop your heart, but the price also led to more than a few missed beats. Coming in at $274,000 the Diablo 6.0 was worth the price of an average home. However, this was a completely redesigned masterpiece from the Italians in conjunction with those German Audi boys and had proven the Diablo to still be a viable pure-bred supercar stallion. Many customers may have waited an extra year to receive its replacement, the Murcielago, but for those wanting the ultimate Diablo experience the 6.0 VT would not go quietly into the night as it reached its top speed of 205mph.

2011 BMW 5-Series M-Sport package

Last year Hamann unveiled a pretty impressive tuning package based on the new generation BMW 5-Series. Not the tuner took it even further. Based on the models equipped with M-Sport package, the new Hamann 5-Series features a new competition front spoiler which increases the down-force, a new rear bumper with four exhaust tail pipes, a new roof and rear spoiler, front bumper and side skirts.

 

The exterior package is finished by a new set of light alloy wheels in 21" size. The tuner is also lowering the 5-Series by approx. 35 mm with progressive suspension springs. A new rear silencer with four tail pipes is now available for all engine variants of the 5-series (F10). Only the sports metal catalytic converter with special middle silencer remains reserved for the 550i.

 

The interior has received a 10 piece carbon interior set, including a new sports steering wheel, a new set of pedal set in aluminum painted in silver or black anodized. A high quality set of mats including the embroidered Hamann-logo rounds off the sporty appearance. No changes were made just yet under the hood.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

 Leaving the other debuts of the Chicago Auto Show in the dust is the brand-spanking new Camaro ZL1 - the most powerful Camaro ever. This beautiful beast is powered by a LSA 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine that produces an estimated 550 HP and 550 lb.-ft. of torque which is just enough to get our hearts racing and our fingers twitching to grab the wheel.

"Camaro ZL1 is about high-tech performance and design, and is a type of car no one has ever brought to this segment previously," said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "It’s the most technically advanced Camaro ever, so we’ve chosen a name from the most elite and exclusive Camaro in history."

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be distinguished by a new front fascia, hood with air extractors, and a signature center section constructed of carbon fiber rendered in satin black finish. Completing the look is a set of 20-inch wheels and exhaust tips with ZL1 badge on the grille, hood, and brake calipers.

The new and most powerful Camaro will get a redesigned fascia and aluminum hood with a raised, carbon fiber insert, a front splitter, and new vertical fog lamps with air intakes designed for brake cooling. The hood features front-mounted air extractors with the center section made in satin black carbon fiber. Headlamps will be High-Intensity Discharge HID models in order to provide plenty of light out front. Distinguishing the rear as well as providing more downforce will be a larger spoiler and diffuser. Newly designed 20-inch forged aluminum wheels will help to complete the aggressive look of the ZL1.

Interior

On the interior, the ZL1 will only be offered in black with black leather sports seats with microfiber suede inserts. ZL1 logos decorate the front headrests and microfiber suede covers the instrument panel. Other interior features include a redesigned steering wheel, alloy pedals, a Head-Up Display with unique performance readouts, and the "four-pack" auxiliary gauge system featuring a boost readout. A heads-up display will be available to display unique performance readouts straight onto the windshield allowing the driver to stay focused on the quickly approaching horizon ahead.

The Camaro ZL1 will come standard with six-way power driver and passenger seats, a unique instrument panel, door panel inserts, and ZL1-logo sill plates. New technology can be seen in the steering wheel audio controls featuring Bluetooth capability, Wireless PDIM and USB-port, a Boston Acoustics premium audio system, rear parking assist, and a rear camera system (displayed in the inside rearview mirror). The year 1969 introduced the world to a minimalist muscle machine named the ZL1 – 2012 will see the rebirth of that moniker with higher power and an interior packed with more technology than a BMW.

Engine

Chevrolet has decided to use its most powerful engine ever in a Camaro: a LSA 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine that produces an estimated 550 HP and 550 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission that uses a 240-mm dual-mass flywheel matched with a 240-mm twin-disc clutch system to provide excellent shift smoothness. In order to harness all this power the new ZR1 will also have Magnetic Ride Control offering two settings depending on how quickly you want to get to work that day. Brembo brakes will be used on all four wheels with six piston calipers out front and four piston units at the back. Complete performance figures are not yet available, but we are sure this will be more than just a contender in its class.

Prices

The new Camaro ZL1 will go on sale at the beginning of 2012. Prices will be announced at a later date, but we imagine that it will be priced somewhere around the competition and about $15K higher than the SS model. If we are correct and this comes in priced in the $50,000 region, than it will not be a cheap thrill like an SRT8 Challenger, but could set new performance records for Chevrolet and the industry.

Competition

Any muscle car fanatic will tell us that the most important competitor for any Camaro will be its Ford Mustang counterpart. The Camaro ZL1 specifically has its sights set on the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. The GT500 is powered by 5.4 Liter supercharged V8 that produces 550 HP and 510 lb-ft of torque which only provides the Camaro with a slight advantage off the jump. With numbers so similar, we can only imagine that the ball is now in Ford’s court to come out with a new model to blow Chevrolet out of the water. It has been a long time since Chevrolet has had an answer to the mighty GT500 and we look forward to the ongoing muscle car wars.

2010 Peugeot 308 GT THP 200

Apparently the 2010 Peugeot 308 Millesim Special Edition was just not enough for Peugeot. The automaker has unveiled another special edition 308 as part of their 200th anniversary celebration called the Peugeot 308 GT THP. It will go on sale this month only as a five-door model with prices starting at £21,995.

On the exterior the Peugeot 308 GT THP 200 gets a bright black carbon-style insert under the front bumper lower skirt, a "Sport" lower front panel derived from the 308 CC, and a lower rear bumper panel with Perla Nera black diffuser. The Peugeot will also receive a rear spoiler that offers additional efficiency at high speeds, twin chrome rear exhaust pipes, and "GT" badges on the side and rear of the body.

On the interior the Peugeot 308 GT THP 200 will get sports seats, aluminum pedals, footrest and gear lever knob, leather sports steering wheel with aluminum detailing, and a black lacquer fascia front panel. It will be available in six different exteriors: Bianca White, Nera Black, Aluminium, Shark Grey, Ipanema Blue, and Babylon Red, all with a Payerne black half leather interior trim.

Press release

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the brand, Peugeot is delighted to announce a 200 bhp version of its popular 308 hatchback five-door model which will go on sale this month, priced at £21,995.00 O.T.R.

Powered by Peugeot’s turbo-charged 200 bhp THP petrol engine mated to a six-speed gearbox, which it shares with the new RCZ, the new Peugeot 308 GT THP 200 combines good levels of performance with low CO2 emissions of 159 g/km.

Externally, the Peugeot 308 GT THP 200 discreetly displays its sportier nature with a number of styling features to set it apart from the rest of the 308 range:

• A bright black carbon-style insert under the front bumper lower skirt
• A “Sport” lower front panel derived from the 308 CC
• A lower rear bumper panel with Perla Nera black diffuser
• A rear spoiler, offering additional efficiency at high speeds
• Twin chrome rear exhaust pipes
• “GT” badges on the side and rear of the body

Inside, the Peugeot 308 GT THP 200 benefits from a number of distinctive features: Sports seats, aluminium pedals, footrest and gear lever knob, leather sports steering wheel with aluminium detailing and a black lacquer fascia front panel.

It also benefits from all of the qualities that have made the five-door 308 hatchback a success; in particular:

• High levels of comfort and convenience, thanks to its semi-tall architecture, ensuring exceptional interior brightness, visibility (a glazed surface area of up to 4.86 m2) and interior space, not forgetting its stylish and elegant fascia panel, its build quality and its distinctive acoustics…
• 5 Star EuroNCAP 2009 test rating thanks to its structure and high-performance means of restraint.

In these modern times where comfort and convenience are becoming more important than ultimate performance, the Peugeot 308 GT THP 200 ticks all the boxes. Standard specification includes: ABS, EBFD, EBA, six smart airbags, remote control central locking with deadlocks, electric front and rear windows, radio / CD player with MP3 playback, fully body coloured exterior, dual zone climate control, front fog lights, ESP, leather sports steering wheel, cruise control with speed limiter, special sports GT 200 front grille, 18” alloy wheels, automatic headlamps and wipers, sports rear bumper, comfort pack (lumbar support and rear arm rest), electric folding door mirrors, ambiance pack (lighting) Bluetooth hands-free telephone kit, rear parking aid, alarm, carpet mats, half leather upholstery, sports seats, aluminium and carbon interior detailing, twin chrome exhaust pipes, rear spoiler, black carbon bumper inserts….

The Peugeot 308 GT THP 200 is available in six different exterior body colours: Bianca White, Nera Black, Aluminium, Shark Grey, Ipanema Blue and Babylon Red, all with a Payerne black half leather interior trim.

Modern, sporty and fuel efficient the, Peugeot 308 GT THP 200 is a sporty hatchback for a new era: enjoyable for day-to-day driving, equally at home transporting the family, but with the performance to put a smile on the driver’s face when the opportunity arises.

Finally, for cars delivered in July, customers will also get a free Nokia 5230 smartphone and mounting kit, with inbuilt satellite navigation and free future updates enabling them to find destinations quickly and easily.

2012 Shelby GT350 Mustang

After being revealed at Barrett Jackson in 2010 as a celebration of the original 1965 Shelby GT350’s 45th anniversary, the 2012 GT350 made its world debut at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show.

The GT350 model is based on the most current Ford Mustang GT and is priced at $26,995.00 (normally aspirated) and $33,995.00 (supercharged). The price, however, doesn’t include the base car which will tack on another $22,000 - $40,000 depending on your preferences.

A convertible version is a welcomed change for 2012 considering the last convertible to be offered was back in 1970. Red and blue will also get added to the list of exterior colors which will make the limited run of 350 models sell out as fast as water in the desert.

"Last year, we brought back the GT350 45 years after it was launched," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. "They look and sound just like the ones we built in 1965. We’re repeating history by offering two additional colors and building a few convertibles for the second year of production."

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Shelby GT350 Mustang.

Exterior and Interior

The 2011 Ford Mustang GT was only offered in a white exterior color with Guardsman Blue Le Mans racing stripes running the length of the vehicle, but 2012 will see two new colors in Race Red with white LeMans stripes and Kona Blue with white LeMans stripes. The convertible will offer a new optional light bar with other options including a once piece drive shaft and color coordinated billet aluminum engine cap set.

The extensive body kit includes a revised front fascia, side rockers with brake ducts, rear bumper, and decklid. New taillights and custom GT350 badges further distinguish this special model and bring back memories of past models. The serialized dash plate with individual numbering for each GT350 produced will undoubtedly become important in the future as these cars find their way into collectors’ garages.

"When it comes to performance of the current generation GT350, our team did a great job right out of the gate," quipped Gary Patterson, vice president of operations at Shelby American. "The GT350 leaves its mark on the street that says ‘a Shelby was here’. That’s why we’re packing the ‘12 model with all the same performance as the 2011 Shelby’s."

Performance

The 2012 Shelby GT350 will deliver the same performance numbers as the 2011 model with a 5.0L V8 delivering 430 HP normally aspirated, 525 HP supercharged, or 624 HP supercharged version. The addition of a Whipple supercharger and Borla exhaust system have really allowed this V8 to take on a life of its own. An automatic transmission is optional with the normally aspirated engine, but some will go towards the short throw shifter manual transmission because they actually enjoy to drive.

Keeping the powerful engine under control will be an upgraded suspension system designed by Shelby to give the Mustang reduced body roll and more variability to create custom track setups. Custom ERADISPEED rear rotors in conjunction with Bear 6-piston brakes take care of the car at the corners and bring it to a stop effectively versus the stock items.

Prices

The GT350 package can now be ordered at Shelby dealers and is priced at $26,995.00 (normally aspirated) and $33,995.00 (supercharged), not including the base car which gets a price tag of about $22,000 - $40,000 depending on the trim.

Considering that founder Carroll Shelby is one of the most revered race drivers the United States has ever seen and that his shop has been building the most innovative performance oriented Ford models for over 50 years; it is clear to see that the 2012 GT350 will provide the increased performance and nostalgic appeal that consumers are looking for even at the increased price.

Competition

The GT350 Mustang takes on models like the Chevrolet Camaro SS and the Dodge Challenger SRT8. The SS Camaro is powered by a powerful 6.2L V8 engine that delivers a total of 422 HP and 408 lb.-ft. of torque, while the SRT8 gets a 392-cubic inch HEMI V8 powertrain with 470 HP and 470 lb.-ft. of torque.

The past has shown that Shelby cars strike fear into the hearts of Chevrolet and Mopar fans everywhere. With the recent introduction of the ZL1 Camaro it seems as though Ford has gone to its secret weapon once again. Back in the mid-1960’s Ford’s Mustang was far from a proven track performer and was much in need of a performance boost. Shelby and his team were given the task of turning those original Mustangs into track machines and they did just that, helping those early GT350 models crush the competition.

2011 Mercedes CLS 63 AMG Fashion Force

We would have rather had the fashion police on patrol, but instead it looks like we are going to get a dressed up Mercedes CLS 63 AMG rolling down the streets of New York ready to dole out rides for the most fashionable citizens of the Big Apple. No, this isn’t a bad joke, but the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG Fashion Force decked out in police livery and working as the official car at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

"The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Force car is a statement about New York being one of the greatest fashion capitals of the world and the confident approach to individualistic style that people strive to explore throughout this amazing city," said Brad Goreski.

Whatever made these crazy fashionistas decide to allow a Mercedes to play taxi in New York had more than just a great fashion sense. The CLS 63AMG is powered by a powerful 5.5-liter biturbo V8 engine that delivers a total of 518 HP and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. If you happen to be in the area from Thursday, February 10th, 2011 until Monday, February 14th, 2011, then make sure you try to hitch a ride on this unique fashion patrol car.