Monday, July 25, 2011

Automotive Addicts

Automotive Addicts

Spy Video: 2012 Porsche 911 (991) Mostly Undisguised

Posted: 25 Jul 2011 05:47 AM PDT


A new video of the upcoming 2012 Porsche 911 was shot near Zuffenhausen, Germany recently. From the looks of it, most of the new 911 is in its production flesh. We are still not sure if this is the 'real-deal' as the tail lights look rather deceptive depending on the angle. Take a look for yourself in the independent spy video below.

Ken Block Shows Off His Latest Hybrid

Posted: 25 Jul 2011 05:26 AM PDT


If you're an enthusiast, the word "hybrid" probably conjures up images of a Toyota Prius, being driven at one mile per hour below the speed limit, in the left lane, by some eco-fanatic attempting to squeeze the last tenth of a mile per gallon from the car's anemic engine and motor. That's what I think of at least, and I've never driven a hybrid with any kind of serious entertainment value. Not all hybrids are created alike, and the term "hybrid" doesn't always apply to the powertrain alone.

Ken Block has a serious need for a hybrid vehicle. Not one that runs on battery and gasoline power, mind you, but a race car that can excel at gymkhana, rallycross and stage rally events. One that can put down the 600 horsepower and 665 ft-lb of torque produced by the car's specially built 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, across a wide variety of surfaces, tracks and driving conditions. Enter the H.F.H.V., or "Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle", built as a collaboration between the Monster World Rally Team and its supplier partners across the globe.

The H.F.H.V. cuts the number of cars campaigned by Block from 3 to 1, which greatly simplifies transportation, set-up and race preparation. It also allows Block to focus on driving a single car, instead of having to master three different vehicles. See the H.F.H.V. in action in the video below.

New Mercedes-Benz AMG Black Series Coming In 2012

Posted: 25 Jul 2011 05:16 AM PDT


The 2012 C63 Coupe Black Series. Image: Mercedes-Benz

The AMG Black Series cars have always been the "anti-Mercedes" Mercedes Benz automobiles. Mercedes is known for its subtlety, refinement and good taste, while the Black Series cars have traditionally been loud, brash and in-your-face. Take the last one released, for example: the SL65 AMG Black Series came with a biturbo, 6.0-liter V-12 engine, good for 661 horsepower and 738 ft-lb of torque. Like all Black Series cars, the SL65 was slammed and sported monster-truck sized fender flares; also like the other Black Series cars, it was built in limited quantities.

The 2012 C63 Coupe Black Series. Image: Mercedes-Benz

Now comes word that Mercedes-Benz will bring in a new Black Series car for 2012, based on the C63 AMG Coupe. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series will be the most powerful C-Class Mercedes ever built, with a naturally aspirated, 6.2-liter V-8 good for 510 horsepower and 457 ft-lb of torque. Mercedes-Benz says that's good enough to get the car from 0 to 60 in just 4.2 seconds, thanks in part to the AMG Speedshift seven-speed gearbox, which can shift gears in just 100 milliseconds.

The 2012 C63 Coupe Black Series. Image: Mercedes-Benz

The C63 Black Series can also be equipped for track duty, since buyers can opt for racing front seats and deleted rear seats. A coilover suspension is standard, and an available AMG Track Package includes ultra-high performance tires and rear axle cooling. An available aerodynamics package gives you exterior winglets and an adjustable carbon fiber rear wing, not something you'd usually find on a Mercedes-Benz build sheet.

The 2012 C63 Coupe Black Series. Image: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes isn't saying how many C63 Coupe Black Series cars will be built, but my guess is just a few less than demand. Pricing hasn't been set, but you can rest assured it will be well north of the C63 sedan's $59k starting point. The C63 Coupe Black Series is due in early 2012, but they'll be sold out long before dealers get inventory. If you want one, now is the time to start making phone calls.

Source: Mercedes-Benz
Posted by Didik Rg at 6:08 AM

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