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This Porsche 959 Prototype Is One of Very Few Surviving Examples In Existence

Posted on December 23, 2021 6:00 am by

This Might Look Like A Production Porsche 959 At A Glance, But It Definitely Is Not

This Porsche 959 Prototype Is One of Very Few Surviving Examples In Existence Exterior - image 1018513

I wouldn’t criticize you if you tried to say this was a normal Porsche 959, as the body does look pretty similar to the production car. However, this isn’t the case. In fact, as if being one the few surviving examples of just 12 prototypes built didn’t make this car rare enough, it’s also one of the few that were finished in Ruby Red. The car was apparently designed specifically for electric system testing and hot weather testing on the U.S. West Coast and in Europe.

This Porsche 959 Prototype Is One of Very Few Surviving Examples In Existence Interior - image 1018506

Still need proof that this is an authentic prototype, well that proof comes on the inside. Throughout the testing phase, several different interior layouts were installed, including one with different seats. You can find extra and disconnected electric wiring under the passenger seat along with hard mounts for the electronic testing equipment next to the rear seats. The car is also lacking power steering, ride-height control, a passenger-side mirror, alarm, windshield washer, and the fuel filler cap among other things.

Porsche 959 specifications
Engine	2849 cc Bi-turbocharged flat-6
Bore x stroke	95.0 x 67.0 mm
Compression ratio	8.3:1
Horsepower (DIN)	444 HP @ 6,500 RPM
Torque	370 LB-FT @ 5,500 RPM
Fuel delivery	elect. port injection
Transmission	6-speed manual
0-60 mph	3.7 seconds
Top Speed	197 mph

This 959 Prototype’s History Is Interesting

This Porsche 959 Prototype Is One of Very Few Surviving Examples In Existence Exterior - image 1018517 — **How much do you think the asking price is?**

Swipe up to learn more about it, see the full gallery, and find a link to the sale listing!

After the Porsche 969 hit the production lines, Porsche destroyed most of the other prototypes that were built alongside this one. This car, however, was imported into the U.S. in the latter half of the 1980s and was displayed like a trophy at the HQ of Vasek Polak – a Porsche importer and dealer. Sometime after that, it was shipped off to Japan for demonstrational activities before being sold to Belgium and later the United Kingdom. The car eventually made it back to its homeland of Germany, where it’s currently on sale. According to the listing, it has just 26,520 km (16,478 miles) on the odometer, but the asking price is a mystery. If you’re interested in owning a very rare care, you’ll have to contract the owner through Mechatronik to find out how much you’ll have to shell out.

Source: Mechatronik

Forgotten Cool Cars from the Eastern Bloc

Posted on December 22, 2021 6:00 pm by admin

KD SPORT 900

The KD sport 900 was conceived by a number of enthusiasts and artisans in 1963. It was unique with a great design that earned it the nickname of the Soviet Porsche. Structure-wise, it also had all the makings of a fast car, including the 500-kilogram weight and two-seater fibreglass body, though the mechanical bit was a letdown. The KD featured an air-cooled 900 cc engine that produced a maximum of 30 horsepower leading to a top speed of 74 miles per hour. Numbers like that made it one of the very underpowered, and the low budget issues meant only a small-scale production of 6 cars by 1969 before the project was shelved. There are one or two which still survive, though.

Yuna

Like the KD, the Yuna is a small-scale production car produced by Georgi and Stanislav Algebraistov. The exterior had features that resembled the Ferrari Testarossa and the Lotus Esprit. It was made in 1982, so the styling of the time was a significant influence. Interestingly, it is the only custom-built sports car from the Soviet Union period that currently runs today. The performance figures for the Yuna are somewhat ambiguous due to the custom settings, but it did have the engine from a BMW 525i, meaning a 2.5-litre engine rated at an estimated 150 horsepower. The Yuna also had power windows, and the exhaust was upgraded to produce a better sound.

Melkus RS 1000

The Melkus was initially made by Heinz Melkus in 1968 to celebrate the two-decade anniversary of the GDR RS and debuted at the Brussels Motor Show in 1970. The body was composed of polyester resin reinforced with fiberglass, and the base models only weighed 680 kilograms. Despite the weight advantage, the 1-liter, three-cylinder engine only managed 68 horsepower, which meant a top speed of 102 miles per hour. It did feel quite fast, though with a loudness of 90dB. However, the body was prone to crosswind and common flick oversteer. It also had no airbags or ABS. That being said, it was beautiful to look at.

FSO Syrena Sports

The FSO Syrena Sport was a Polish concept car developed during the late 50s by Cezary Narwot, a mechanical engineer and constructor. When he designed this model, Nawrot got his inspiration from western cars. It is probably why the car had a few design similarities to the Mercedes 190 SL and the Corvette. He opted for an air-cooled 700 cc, flat-twin S16 engine producing an estimated 35 horsepower. The Syrena was quite good in the corners despite the lacklustre performance due to the independent rear suspension. From the time that it debuted in 1960, it became a sensation. In fact, there was a newspaper outlet in Italy that dubbed it the most beautiful car from behind the Iron Curtain.

Stratopolonez

In 1977, the Polish Prime Minister’s son, Andrzej Jaroszewicz, participated in the Malboro Arctic Rally in a Lancia Stratos and crashed it into a tree. The body was in tatters, but the chassis, engine, and other significant parts were salvaged. Rather than let it go to waste, the car was refashioned into what became the Stratopolonez. Considering Jaroszewicz was the then head of FSO research and development, his position was convenient as it led to the development of Delta Integrale styled sports car. The same Dino sourced 2.4-litre V-6 engine delivered 260 horsepower and was linked to a five-speed manual gearbox. It accelerated to 60 miles per hour in five seconds and had a top speed of 143 miles per hour. The Stratopolonez was used in rallying circuits until 1985, before it was retired. No others were ever made, probably because no one bothered to crash and redesign a Lancia Stratos.

ZIL-112 Sports

The ZIL-112 was one of the few models from the eastern bloc that competed in races between 1961 and 1969. It had features resembling the Shelby Cobra, aerodynamics, and apparent light body construction allowed for great trackability. Power was derived from two options. One was a 6.0-litre V-8 producing 230 horsepower, while the other was a 7.0-litre V-8 rated at 270 horsepower. Depending on the engine used, the top speed was between 160 and 170 miles per hour. Following land speed record attempts and participation at the domestic USSR Championship races, the Party Committee at ZiL concluded that the model was diverting engineering resources from the flagships of the soviet industry. There was no place in the republic for a car as extravagant as the 112, and only two were ever produced.

Laura

Like the previous entries, the Laura was also a project model courtesy of Dmitry Parfenov and Gennady Hainov. The two enthusiasts wanted to create a sports car that had nothing in common with what the Soviet bloc was producing at the time, hence the Laura. It had a few similar styling attributes to the American GMC DeLorean though the front was decidedly European. Apparently, it was built almost entirely without factory parts, and even the engine was designed and hand-built by the two enthusiasts. Not many technical details are currently available, though concerning the Laura. Scarce mentions place its top speed at 106 miles per hour, and only two were ever made. It was highly praised by the Secretary-General of the Communist Party, Mikhail Gorbachev though, and displayed in numerous international exhibitions.

📂This entry was posted in Uncategorized 📎and tagged Russia Sports Cars
Porsche 911 Sport Classic Caught Testing

Posted on December 22, 2021 4:03 pm by admin

Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Porsche 911 Sport Classic out for a new testing session on the public roads of Germany. As you can see the car is missing most of the camouflage which means the testing sessions are pretty much done, and all that is left is mostly fine tuning.

The prototype follows the design lines of the 911 models, but there will be a few distinctive features. First one is of course that little ducktail at the back – a signature of the Sport Classic models. The 911 Sport Classic will also feature a double bubble roof and the lines of the special hood will match perfectly the lines of the roof.

The only camouflage we can see on this prototype is some tape around the sides of the ducktail spoiler and in the middle of the rear light arrangement.

As for the engine, rumors suggest the 911 Sport Classic will get the same engine as the 911 GTS: a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six that delivers 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.

Rumors suggest Porsche will only build 2,000 units of the 911 Sport Classic.

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📂This entry was posted in Uncategorized 📎and tagged coupe future cars Porsche Porsche 911 Sports Cars spy shots
Mercedes AMG SL63

Posted on September 18, 2021 10:00 pm by admin

Drivetrain and Performance

AMG boss Tobias Moers mentioned that the new SL is being engineered alongside the next-generation GT model and will be far sportier than previous generations of the SL.

Both models are going to use what is known internally as the Modular Sports Architecture (MSA). This makes the development process for both cars much quicker and cost-efficient. It also means that we can expect a much stiffer chassis, as well as a sportier suspension setup for the 2022 Mercedes AMG SL63. That said, the SL would still retain the GT aspect it has been known for.

A few engine options will be offered. The base one will include the 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six unit featured in the AMG GT53. It produces 435 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet (520 Nm) at 1,800 – 5,800 rpm. This should be enough for a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint in around 4.2 seconds.

Of course, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 makes an appearance too. The first version will offer 522 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 494 pound-feet (670 Nm) at 1,900 – 5,000 rpm. The sprint to 60 mph is expected to be in around 3.7 seconds.

As for the AMG SL63, it will offer a beefier version of the 4.0-liter V8, which produces 612 horsepower at 5,750 – 6,500 rpm and 627 pound-feet (850 Nm) at 2,500 – 4,500 rpm.

Although this version of the engine is a direct carry-over from the E63 AMG, it might receive even more power for the 2022 AMG SL63. We can expect a 0 to 60 mph time of around 3.2 seconds.

So far nothing is said about an SL65 version, which means we probably won’t get a V-12 version for 2022. Interestingly enough, there have been talks about an SL73 version appearing at some point. It’s expected to use the SL63 powertrain and a 204 horsepower electric motor. The total output will be 831 horsepower and at least 738 pound-feet (1,000 Nm). That said, it is unknown whether it will be called the AMG SL63e or the SL73 moniker will make a return.

Regardless of the engine choice, the SL will most probably utilize the nine-speed “Speedshift” automatic.

Exterior

The 2022 AMG SL63 is continuously teasing us with less and less camouflage. It seems the next generation of the two-seater has adopted the new Mercedes design, featuring a narrow more aggressive headlight design, as well as the narrower taillights stretching further towards the center of the car. In typical AMG fashion, we get quad-exhaust tips at the back, which are complemented by air extractors located above them.

After the latest “undressing” of the camouflage, the most notable feature of the 2022 Mercedes AMG SL63 is the fabric folding roof. The car will be offered exclusively as a roadster, and a folding hard-top will not be available. The trunk lid also accommodates what looks to be an integrated rear spoiler.

Interior

We also know the interior, which has the big screen in the middle known from the new S-Class. It will also find its way into the SL, only here it will be flanked by round air vents on both sides. That said, we already made a remark about how the center console of the upcoming SL bears a striking resemblance to the Star Wars character Jar Jar Binks. Hopefully, this will not deter buyers from enjoying the otherwise, graceful and highly-finished interior of the 2+2 roadster. The instrument cluster will be digital, as it’s now a standard, at least in the premium segment. That said, it will be mounted in a more classic housing.

The next AMG SL63 will also have small but usable back seats, so it will technically be a 2+2 seater. We last this layout in an SL back on the R129-generation.

Price

Obviously, it’s too early to talk about the cost of a 2022 Mercedes AMG SL63, as prices have not been announced yet. That said, we can get an idea of what we can expect if we look at the current model. Prices for the current AMG SL63 are around $140,000. Given that cars are gradually becoming more expensive, as more and more tech is being integrated into them, we can expect starting prices of around $150,000 for the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 AMG SL63.

Competition

BMW M8 Convertible

We can’t really mention Mercedes without BMW, as the two brands have decades worth of rivalry. The M8 convertible will probably be the toughest opponent for the SL63, as they are not only in the same price and performance range but are both German. Its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 is mated to an eight-speed automatic. It produces 600 horsepower or 625 in the M8 Competition, at 6,000 rpm. Peak torque is 553 pound-feet (750 Nm) at 1,800 – 5,600 rpm. This is enough for a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint in as little as 3.1 seconds. The starting price for the M8 Convertible is $142,500.

Read our full review on the BMW M8 Convertible

Jaguar F-Type R

The F-Type is the spiritual successor to the 1960s E-Type, which automatically makes it a cool car. That and Jaguar is known to be the brand of choice for all movie villains. Although the facelifted model focuses more on the GT aspect of the vehicle, it still packs a punch. In the R version, you get an epic-sounding 5.0-liter supercharged V-8. It produces 575 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 516 pound-feet (700 Nm) at 3,500 – 5,000 rpm. This is enough for a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. Power goes to all four wheels through an eight-speed “quick-shift” automatic. Price is where the F-Type R starts making a lot of sense, compared to its German rivals, as it starts from “just” $105,900.

Read our full review on the Jaguar F-Type R

Conclusion

Until now, the Mercedes SL has been known as a luxurious grand tourer, which can cover long distances in comfort, while you feast your senses on the elements. Those characteristics extended even to the more radical AMG SL63. With the new emphasis on performance, the 2022 AMG SL63 has to appeal not only to the elderly gentlemen with deep pockets like it was until now but also to those who still seek the thrill of the drive. Although a tall order, AMG has proven before that you can have a nice middle ground between comfort and performance.

📂This entry was posted in Uncategorized 📎and tagged convertible future cars Mercedes Mercedes SL-Class Sports Cars spy shots
Maserati MC20 ’Aria’ By 7 Designs

Posted on May 23, 2021 8:00 am by admin
Carbon Fiber Aero Kit To Improve High-Speed Handling

The Maserati MC20 is a handsome car and we would be disappointed if the addition of the kit would bring in big changes. Perhaps, 7 Designs understands this too and has refrained from going berserk in terms of looks. The company noted that the initial plan was to make a full-body panel conversion kit for the Italian supercar. But, it shifted its focus to develop a kit that works with the original body.

The kit that 7 Designs has come up with consists of eight carbon fiber components and replaces only the unpainted parts of the MC20. These include:
- Front lip spoiler
- Canards on the front bumper
- Widened side skirt
- Carbon mirror covers
- Roof scoop
- Door fin accent
- Rear wing
- Rear diffuser
These components give the factory look a little more aggression without hampering the original design. The thin, deep lip spoiler at the front increases downforce at higher speeds, while the pair of canards on the bumper guide the airflow to the corners for increased stability. The diffuser helps create a smooth slipstream while reducing the drag at the rear. The wing also helps generate downforce at high speeds.

What’s The Maserati MC20 All About?

Maserati marked its return to the supercar fold with the MC20 in September 2020. This is the company’s fourth mid-engined car and is touted as a spiritual successor to the MC12, although it shares no similarities with it, other than the grille, to some extent. If you’re a fan of subtle, plain-Jane designs, the MC20 will please you. It will be offered in six different colors.

The MC20 is powered by a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V-6 engine that churns out 621 horses and 538 pound-feet of torque.

Power is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It takes just 2.9 seconds to sprint to 60 mph from rest and will have a top speed of over 202 mph.

Conclusion

Every component will come with a gloss carbon fiber weave. Wheel options to complement the kit will also be launched along with the kit. The company mentioned it will build only 25 of these kits for the MC20. The price hasn’t been announced, but expect it to cost a bomb given the exclusivity.

Source: 7 Designs
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Cool AMG-Powered Cars Not From Germany

Posted on May 1, 2021 7:00 am by admin

Mitsubishi Galant AMG

Most of us know about the Mitsubishi Galant VR4. It’s a turbocharged performance version of an otherwise forgettable economy Japanese sedan. In 1989 there was another performance version, however. The AMG-badged Galant was only for the Japanese market, which explains why it’s been mostly forgotten. It used the same 4G63 2.0-liter inline-four, but the German tuning company modified it so it now revved up to 8,000 RPM. This resulted in 170 horsepower and 141 pound-feet (191 Nm), which was less than the VR-4, but because it was naturally-aspirated it did not have the immense turbo-lag, present in older turbo-engines.

Mitsubishi Galant AMG specifications
Engine 2.0-liter inline-four

Horsepower 170 HP

Torque 141 LB-FT

The Crossfire is one of the creations born from the Daimler-Chrysler merger. It was based on the Mercedes SLK roadster and shared around 60 percent of its parts. Although the Crossfire is often likened to a dog doing its thing, there’s no denying that in SRT-6 trim, it packs a serious punch.

That’s because the 3.2-liter Mercedes V-6 has been reworked by AMG to pack a serious punch.

To be exact, it develops 330 horsepower and 310 pound-feet (420 Nm). Although the five-speed automatic is not the sportiest gearbox the car still manages a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint of 5.3 seconds.

2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 specifications
Engine 3.2-liter Mercedes V-6

Horsepower 330 HP

Torque 310 LB-FT

Transmission five-speed automatic

0 to 60 mph 5.3 seconds

Read our full review on the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6

Two-door body style 2+0 seating

It’s no secret that all new V-8-powered Aston Martin models use the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 designed by AMG. This is due to e newly-formed partnership between Mercedes and Aston Martin. The M-177 version of the 4.0-liter V-8 is used in Aston Martin’s smallest sports car – the Vantage. It produces 503 horsepower and 505 pound-feet (685 Nm). This is enough to propel the British sports coupe to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds on its way to 195 mph (314 km/h) top speed. Fun fact: the same M-177 engine is put to work in the Vantage GTE race car, developed for the FIA Championship.

Aston Martin Vantage specifications
Engine 4.0-liter V-8

Horsepower 503 HP

Torque 505 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph 3.4 seconds

Top Speed 195 mph

Read our full review on the Aston Martin Vantage

First released in 1999, the Zonda was Horacio Pagani’s foothold into the market of super-exclusive exotic cars. Over its lifespan, the Zonda had many different versions, but one thing remained fundamentally the same – the engine.

All versions of the Zonda were powered by an AMG V-12. More specifically the M-120 unit, which initially developed up to 444 horsepower and up to 472 pound-feet (640 Nm) for the Zonda C-12.

That was enough for a 4.0-second sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h) and a 9.2-second run to 100 mph (161 km/h). The C-12S received a 7.0-liter version of the M-120. Later versions used the AMG M-297, which was still based on the M-120 but was developed for more top-end power. In its most powerful form, the AMG V-12 produced 789 horsepower and 627 pound-feet (850 Nm). This allowed the Zonda to reach speeds of 221 mph (355 km/h).

Pagani Zonda specifications
Engine AMG V-12

Horsepower 444 HP

Torque 472 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph 4.0 seconds

0 to 100 mph 9.2 seconds

Read our full review on the Pagani Zonda

We are back with Aston Martin and their first-ever luxury SUV. The model entered production in 2020, and with it Aston Martin has joined the teeming market of performance luxury SUVs. Power is once again entrusted to the 4.0-liter twin-turbo AMG V-8. In the DBX, however, the M-177 produces 542 horsepower and 516 pound-feet (700 Nm). This allows for a 0 to 60 mph print in as little as 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 181 mph (291 km/h). Being an SUV, power goes to all four wheels. The gearbox of choice is a nine-speed automatic.

Aston Martin DBX specifications
Engine 4.0-liter twin-turbo AMG V-8

Horsepower 542 HP

Torque 516 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph 4.3 seconds

Top Speed 181 mph

Read our full review on the Aston Martin DBX

The Pagani Huayra entered production in 2012, but contrary to popular belief, it was not meant to be a successor to the Zonda. Actually, the initial plan was to launch the two cars simultaneously, but due to financial reasons that wasn’t a possibility. As with the Zonda, the Huayra was powered by a V-12 AMG engine.

The M-156 featured two twin-scroll turbochargers for better response and was actually a derivative of the M-275.

Like the Zonda, the Huayra had many versions. Earlier ones developed 720 horsepower, which eventually went to over 830 horsepower in the Imola version. Torque was 738 pound-feet (1,000 Nm) but later went up to 811 pound-feet (1,100 Nm). Depending on the version, the 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) could be achieved in as little as 2.2 seconds, and the top speed for all versions was well over 224 mph (360 km/h).

Pagani Huayra specifications
Engine V-12 AMG

Horsepower 720 HP

Torque 738 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph 2.2 seconds

Top Speed 224 mph

Read our full review on the Pagani Huayra

We already talked about the connection between Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz and how the former uses AMG V-8 engines in its lineup. Before the Vantage and certainly before the DBX, the brand’s flagship – DB-11 also made use of the German powerhouse. The same goes for its convertible version – the Volante. In the big British gran tourer, the M-177 4.0-liter V-8 pumps out 503 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 498 pound-feet (675 Nm) at 2,000 RPM. Since the AMG V-8 is meant to be the base engine for the flagship Aston Martin, it is no match for their newly-developed 5.2-liter V-12. However, it is still enough for a very respectable 4.0 seconds to 60 mph (97 km/h) and a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h).

Aston Martin DB-11 V-8 / Volante specifications
Engine 4.0-liter V-8

Horsepower 503 HP @ 6,000 RPM

Torque 498 LB-FT @ 2,000 RPM

0 to 60 mph 4.0 seconds

Top Speed 186 mph

Read our full review on the Aston Martin DB11 V-8

📂This entry was posted in Uncategorized 📎and tagged Sports Cars Top 5
Lexus Reveals Limited-Run 2022 IS 500 F Sport Performance

Posted on March 19, 2021 10:59 pm by admin

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition is a fully loaded version of the new, V-8-powered sedan.

The name is long. The order list is short. We got a first look at the new 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance model barely a month ago. Now, the Japanese luxury brand is adding a special Limited Edition package of which just 500 will be produced.

For those who like the idea of having unique features — like the personalized number plate on the center console — the good news is that all 500 of the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition models will be earmarked “exclusively for North America.”

“Standing apart from the standard IS 500, the 2022 IS 500 Launch Edition interior builds upon Takumi craftsmanship with elevated interior materials, including sporty two-tone Black & Gray Ultrasuede trimmed front and rear seats, door accents, and center console,” Lexus said in a statement.

Other special features include silver ash wood details on the otherwise leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as updates to the instrument cluster. Now, when you’re sedan wakes up, the version of the IS spinning on the digital display will be a Launch Edition “to further set this model apart from the standard IS 500,” Lexus explained.

Taking the green flag

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition clocks some track time alongside a race version of the new sports sedan.

The Launch Edition made its debut Friday evening in Sebring, just hours before the start of the annual 12-hour race there. It’s an appropriate venue.

The IS has played a significant role for Lexus, helping adding a little adrenaline to its image of solid but stodgy design and performance. The first Lexus F model was an upgraded IS launched in 2008 and featured a 416-horsepower V-8.

When the prior-generation Lexus IS debuted, some fans feared the automaker was taking a step back. replacing the V-8 with a respectable but nowhere near as impressive 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 311 hp. For 2022, the IS 350 jumped to 350 hp and 311 lb-ft. A nice increase, but still nowhere near past F Sport numbers.

Lexus had a surprise in store

Each 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition will feature a unique number plate, with only 500 of the sedans to be produced.

It turns out the brand was only holding the big news in reserve. Last month, it said it would “dial up the sports sedan formula to eleven,” with the debut of the new IS F Sport. It marked the return of the V-8, punching out a hefty 472 hp, or 122 more than the turbo-6 in the 2021 IS F Sport Performance edition.

And this is just a hint of what’s to come from the brand. Lexus last month said this is “the first model in the new Lexus F Sport Performance line.” It appears the marque is getting ready to take direct aim against the likes of Mercedes-AMG and BMW M.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance gains only 143 pounds when compared with the IS 350 F Sport. So, the boost in performance should be notable. Lexus claims the Performance model will hit 60 in 4.5 seconds, a full 1.1 seconds quicker than the IS 350.

Beyond 0-60

The cabin of the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition features a number of unique details, also including the ash wood-finished steering wheel.

Straight line acceleration is just part part of the picture. To handle the curves, the IS 500 Performance model comes standard with the Dynamic Handling Package now available as an option on the IS 350 F Sport. That includes an adaptive suspension and Torsen limited-slip differential. The chassis also gets a new Yamaha rear performance damper.

To scrub off speed, the Performance model’s brakes are upgraded, as well, with larger 14-inch two-piece aluminum front rotors and 12.7-inch rotors in the rear.

Visually, the IS 500’s hood has been raised by nearly 2 inches and gets more distinctive character lines in Performance trim. The front bumper and fenders also have been stretched to handle the big V-8. There’s also a new, rear diffuser framing the sedan’s quad exhaust, dark chrome window trim, and a black rear lip spoiler.

The top model comes with exclusive 19-inch split-10-spoke Enkei alloy wheels that shave about 6 pounds off total vehicle weight.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 marks just the first of what will be a line-up of F-Sport Performance models.

More to come

Going forward, all Lexus Performance models will feature unique black badging to distinguish them from standard F models.

Inside, look for similar black badging on the heated leather steering wheel and door sill plates. And the gauge cluster will feature unique animation.

Like other IS models, the IS 500 Performance and Performance Launch Edition models will get a number of upgrades to the Lexus advanced driver assistance technology. Among other things, the Forward Collision Warning system now will have greater range and will be able to detect a potential head-on collision when turning left.

Lexus won’t reveal pricing until closer to the on-sale date of the Performance and Launch Edition models next autumn. The current, 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport starts at $42,900. Expect to see the number jump for the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport, especially if you’re considering either the Performance or Launch Edition models.

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📂This entry was posted in Uncategorized 📎and tagged *Daily News* 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Limited Edition Asia Pacific Automakers Automobiles Business China Coupes Europe Lexus Lexus adds Limited Edition version of the IS 500 F Sport Performance Lexus burnishes performance reputation with new limited edition IS Lexus IS sports coupe lexus news Markets Middle East/Africa NAFTA South America Sports Cars Technology thedetroitbureau.com U.S./North America
Chicago Auto Show Postpones 2021 Gathering Due to Pandemic

Posted on December 7, 2020 10:27 pm by admin

Chicago Auto Show organizers have postponed the 2021 event indefinitely.

In what has become an all-too-familiar scenario, the coronavirus pandemic claimed another automotive event: the 2021 Chicago Auto Show.

The pandemic has forced nearly every major show since the 2020 Chicago Auto Show in February to either reschedule, cancel all together or shift to an online format. No new dates have been set and the website for the show simply shows the dates as “Spring 2021.” It was initially set to run Feb. 13-21.

“We are working with our partners at McCormick Place as well as state and city officials to develop a plan that allows us to open the 2021 Chicago Auto Show in a safe and responsible manner,” Mark Bilek, senior director of communications and technology for the Chicago Auto Show, told TheDetroitBureau.com in an email.

(Detroit Auto Show organizers moving NAIAS again.)

The 2020 Chicago Auto Show was basically the last full-on, in-person auto show.

“State officials are currently reviewing our plan. While our traditional February dates are unlikely, we are hopeful to be able to stage the show sometime in the spring.” Bilek told Automotive News show organizers were hoping some time in March, April or May.

Chicago is one of the larger shows on the North American circuit of global auto shows, and very focused on consumers. Bilek noted the show organizers are working with healthcare officials with the city and state to determine when the show can be held.

Not only does the show have to deal with the always changing impact of the pandemic, it’s also got to find a space between other auto shows that have already been forced to reschedule dates. The most immediate show between now and the now postponed Chicago event is the annual Consumer Electronics Show.

Organizers now say they plan to go to an “all-digital” format for CES in January. Better known as the Consumer Electronics Show, the annual show has become a major event for automakers at a time when their vehicles are becoming increasingly high tech. Dozens of automakers and auto suppliers filled an entire wing of the sprawling Las Vegas Convention Center in January 2020.

(CES goes digital — but will automakers (virtually) stick around in 2021?)

“Amid the pandemic and growing global health concerns about the spread of COVID-19, it’s just not possible to safely convene tens of thousands of people in Las Vegas in early January 2021 to meet and do business in person,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CTA, the group that runs the annual show.

Nissan showed off the Ariya Concept at CES last January. Will automakers go with the show in 2021 when it becomes an internet-only event.

The New York International Auto Show, normally held in April, moved to Aug. 20-29 at the Javits Convention Center. Show organizers tried to push back its 2020 show to this fall before ultimately cancelling it. They got proactive and delayed the 2021 event.

The North American International Auto Show in Detroit for 2021 moved its projected June date to now late September in what organizers are calling a “reimagined indoor and outdoor show.”

Public days for the show will now be Sept. 28 – Oct. 9, 2021 with the media preview and other events actually kicking off Sept. 24. Organizers say the NAIAS will be a “fall show going forward.” When it finally opens, it will be 2.5 years between Detroit auto shows.

(New York Auto Show postponed until August due to coronavirus.)

Other shows are still formulating plans, and those plans don’t even account for large classic car shows like the Pebble Beach Concours and others.

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McLaren Artura Hybrid Supercar to Debut in 2021

Posted on November 23, 2020 11:22 pm by admin

McLaren introduced its new Artura hybrid supercar, but provided only scant details.

McLaren has offered up a new name for, and more details about, the hybrid supercar it plans to bring to market next year.

Like competitors such as Aston Martin and Ferrari, McLaren wants to take advantage of the incredible, off-the-line torque that electric motors can deliver. It has already toyed with the advantages hybrid drivetrains can deliver with the limited-run P1 and Speedtail models. The McLaren Artura would be its first series version.

Designed to replace the current Super Series, the new hybrid will pair the electric drive system with a twin-turbo V-6. That engine will be smaller than what’s on the existing line and is widely expected to come in with a displacement of around three liters.

(McLaren eyeing synthetic fuels for future models.)

The Artura, meanwhile, is expected to provide some electric-only drive capabilities, though they would likely be limited. McLaren has so far not indicated any plans to add a plug-in hybrid to its line-up but may need to eventually.

The Artura builds on what the company gleaned from the development of the Supertail.

A number of markets are now enacting new limits on the use of internal combustion engines. That includes the automaker’s home market, the UK banning vehicles solely powered by IC engines as of 2030, and all hybrids by 2035.

McLaren isn’t offering any hard details on power or performance but there seems little reason to believe it would launch a hybrid model that couldn’t at least match the 563 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque currently produced by its 570S model.

There would be the advantage of the instant torque that electric motors can deliver, but there’s also the reality that a hybrid drive system will add to the car’s weight.

(McLaren taking orders for new supercar.)

In a statement, McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt said the product development team is taking multiple steps to minimize that extra mass. “Every element of the Artura is all-new – from the platform architecture and every part of the High-Performance Hybrid powertrain, to the exterior body, interior and cutting-edge driver interface – but it draws on decades of McLaren experience in pioneering super-lightweight race and road car technologies to bring all of our expertise in electrification to the supercar class.”

The P1TM hypercar was the starting point for the Artura.

Another unanswered question is how many motors the McLaren Artura will feature. It may launch with a single motor in a rear-wheel-drive configuration but, if current practices hold, it’s expected to offer even higher-performance versions that would add another motor on the front axle.

Facing the new wave of government mandates, the auto industry is ramping up its collective electrification efforts. That’s particularly true in the exotic and performance segments where there are few other alternatives available.

(McLaren shows us the light – light weight – with new 765LT.)

Aston Martin is already working on a hybridized replacement for its Valkyrie line and recently announced plans to work with Mercedes to offer electric drivetrain technology in other product lines. The Mercedes-AMG performance line will be hybridizing and Maserati has plans for an all-electric version of its MC20 supercar. Even Ferrari is getting into the battery-car game. The SF90 Stradale is its first street-legal plug-in hybrid and it has announced plans to have a pure battery-electric model in its line-up by around 2025.

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Hyundai May Have Just Priced the Veloster N Out of Relevance

Posted on October 25, 2020 2:00 am by admin

Is the Hyundai Veloster N a good hot hatch?

Hyundai’s first foray into one of the most competitive segments in the entire auto industry was a resounding success.

The automaker promised an electrifying — not the sort that you think — debut, and the Veloster N lived up to the hype.

Hyundai’s decision to throw gobs of money at the feet of Albert Biermann — he’s the former boss of BMW’s M division — paid off as the Veloster N was deemed a hot hatch that could rumble with the segment’s legacy models. The success of the 2020 Veloster N, however, also raised expectations for an even better follow-up. The 2021 Veloster N has to be better than its predecessor, and from the looks of it, Hyundai’s N division was up for the job.

Some improvements for the 2021 Veloster N involved turning previously optional pieces and features from last year’s model to standard equipment, That might not sound like a big deal for those who could afford those options before, but it’s no less gratifying knowing that a lot of them are now standard in the 2021MY.

Take the Performance Package, for example. This package cost $2,100 last year, and among the items included was a bump in power from the stock 250-horsepower output of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to 275 ponies. This year, that same engine produces 275 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. In addition to the bump in output, the 19-inch wheels, larger brakes, and the electronically controlled limited-slip differential are now standard in the 2021 model. The new Veloster N is also equipped with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, ensuring that customers can choose between the new gearbox and the existing six-speed manual. Sure, the latter is the more natural gearbox for those inclined to enjoy the hatch to its limit, but that there’s a choice now is a step in the right direction.

New sport seats are a welcome addition, and they weigh 4.4 pounds less than the previous seats.

The hot hatch’s eight-inch infotainment display is now standard, too, as is a suite of driver assistance systems that include forward collision-avoidance assist, lane following assist, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, blind spot collision-avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic collision warning.

Taking into account these additions, upgrades, and inclusions, it’s within Hyundai’s right to raise the price of the 2021 Veloster N. That’s not the issue, though. The issue is whether the automaker raised it higher than it probably should have.

How much is the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N?

According to Cars Direct, the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N will start at $33,245, including the $995 destination charge.

Do the math and that figure is $4,670 higher than the $28,575 starting price of the 2020 Hyundai Veloster N.

Mind you, we’re talking about base prices. It’s only going up if you splurge on options, the most important of which is the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Opt for that setup and an additional $1,500 will be tacked into your receipt, raising the hot hatch’s price to $34,745.

On one hand, there is some justification for the increased starting price of the Veloster N. One is the Performance Package, or what used to be a package in the 2020MY Veloster N. The entire content of that package is standard on the 2021 model. That includes the 275-horsepower output, the set of 19-inch wheels, the bigger brakes, the limited-slip differential, and the assortment of driver assistance safety features. Bolstered seats with illuminated N logos and an eight-inch touchscreen with a navigation system also adds to a compelling list of “new” standard pieces in the Veloster N.

On the other hand, the price bump does move the Hyundai hot hatch up the pricing ladder relative to the competition.

In base form, the 2021 Veloster N is now more expensive than the base Volkswagen Golf GTI S, which starts at $29,690.

The DCT-equipped Veloster N is also more than $4,000 more expensive than a 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI S with its own DSG transmission. The latter starts at $30,490.

This is the reality that a lot of prospective hot hatch owners have to navigate. Is the upstart Hyundai that exciting to justify a price tag that makes it one of the most expensive hot hatch models in the market? Or is a Volkswagen Golf GTI S more of a bargain now? There’s a scenario where, even with all these additions and added equipment, Hyundai priced the 2021 Veloster N higher than it probably should’ve. Of course, we won’t know if the hot hatch justifies the price hike until we take one out for a spin, but would-be buyers will have to make a difficult decision on which hot hatch suits their money and taste better.

Or they could just splurge and spend north of $40,000 on a 2021 Honda Civic Type R. That’ll answer all these questions.

Source: Cars Direct

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