Porsche Boxster & Boxster S SportDesign package

Porsche is offering a new SportDesign package for the Boxster and Boxster S that promise to improve aerodynamics and give the roadster models an even sportier look. This new individualization option comprises spoiler lips for mounting on the standard front trim, an automatically extending, redesigned rear spoiler, and a modified rear trim with an integrated diffuser.

In addition to providing a particularly striking and sporty appearance, the new SportDesign package improves aerodynamics. The lifting forces on the front and rear axles are reduced without air resistance being increased, which further supports the vehicle’s finely-tuned, roadster-specific balance.

The shape of the rear trim with the integrated diffuser evokes a conscious association with the Carrera GT high-performance sports car. The automatically extending rear spoiler, which has been designed according to the divided wing principle, contributes further to this association. All of the SportDesign package’s attractive components are painted in the vehicle’s exterior color, and blend in harmoniously with the Boxster’s dynamic visuals.

Porsche is offering the SportDesign package worldwide. In Germany, it can be ordered from Porsche Exclusive for 4,060 Euros on purchase of a new vehicle. For retrofitting, it is available from Porsche Tequipment for 3,422 Euros plus labor.

Technorati Tags: Porsche, Boxster, Boxster+S, SportDesign+package, Tuning, autos, auto+news, automotive, images, press+release

Baldwin-Motion 540 Chevrolet Camaro SuperCoupe Phase III

Guess who’s back…

One of the most famous names of the muscle car days, Baldwin-Motion, is making a came back as the company is back on its feet, offering an all new Phase III Camaro. The car is based on the SuperCoupe prototype which was previewed last year at the Sema Show in LA

The original team -including the legendary Martyn Schorr and Motion Performance founder, Joel Rosen -- have partnered with Joel Ehrenpreis and Larry Jaworske to jump-start Motion Performance, now named Motion Performance, LLC.

For starters, it is said that only twelve of these red-hot muscle cars will be built with more coming if there is demand…Each car will be built to customer specifications, and will have Joel Rosen’s signature on the headrest, paperwork, and certificate of authenticity. Because Baldwin-Motion starts with actual ’69 Camaros, the cars will have valid VIN numbers to make registration easier.

Details: 1969 Baldwin-Motion 540 Camaro SuperCoupe

Based on a gennie steel 1969 Camaro, the SuperCoupe is gutted to a bare shell. Underneath it gets a 2" x 3" tubular steel chassis, independent front and rear suspensions, Baer Claw disc brakes with 14 inch rotors and 6-piston calipers, and Michelin Sport Pilot rubber on custom-made 18 and 20 inch Bonspeed wheels.

The Camaro SuperCoupe features a custom-designed interior which is completely hand-crafted. It includes six-way power seats, custom fabbed dash with Classic Instruments gauges, and a Sony Xplod audio & video system. But the most interesting part of the interior is the Hemi Cam, a rear-mounted video camera that feeds into a dash-mounted LCD screen. “We call it a Hemi cam because that’s where you’ll see all those Hemis—behind you,” explained Larry Jaworske. There’s also a camera mounted behind the radiator and pointed toward the engine, and another mounted on a front brake caliper so you can watch wheel spin…

The SuperCoupe is powered by an all-aluminum 700-hp Merlin/Motion big-block built by Bill Mitchell. The blueprinted and dyno-tuned 540-cubic-inch powerplant has a World Products aluminum block with 4.50-inch bore, 4.25-inch stroke and 4.840-inch bore spacing. Eagle 6.535-inch H-beam rods, forged crank and 10-to-1 forged pistons are utilized. The roller-cammed engine is topped off with a Cross-Ram fuel injection system custom-built by Jim Kinsler for the SuperCoupe. Polished alloy MOTION-badged valve covers are rare original NOS parts.

Powertrain details include a specially-prepared Tremec TKO five-speed and a fully-independent rear with a Dana 44 Posi and hardened steel high-torque axles. Suspension is four-wheel independent with polished unequal length control arms and toe-in control links and fully adjustable coil-over shocks and sway bars. Steering is rack and pinion.

Stopping power is supplied by MOTION signature Baer Claw Extreme-Plus rakes with forged six-piston Sport calipers and 14-inch cross-drilled rotors front and rear. The SuperCoupe rides on Motion-inspired Bonspeed wheels.

SuperCoupe Video:

SuperCoupe Specifications

CHASSIS

Frame: 2" x 3" tubular steel backbone/spine chassis running through the console and welded to the body

Rear End: Fully independent with a Dana 44 Posi; custom-fabricated, hardened steel, high-torque axles; proprietary ring and pinion; limited-slip differential

Suspension: Four-wheel independent with polished, unequal-length control arms and toe-in control links; fully adjustable TNT Motorsports billet coil-over shocks and sway bars; custom-built Time Machines front and rear stabilizer bars; Ididit rack-and-pinion steering

Brakes: Motion Signature Baer Claw Extreme-Plus brakes with forged, 6-piston Sport calipers and 14" cross-drilled rotors

Wheels and Tires: Custom-designed Bonspeed Intense wheels with Baldwin-Motion Spinners: 18 x 10 fronts wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 265 x 35 x 18 tires and 20 x 12 rears with a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 265 x 25 x 20 tires

Frame Work: Phil Somers/Time Machines, Inc.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

Type: Motion/Merlin 540 cubic inch big block, set back 13"; 700+ hp; dyno-tuned

Block: Merlin/Motion all-aluminum, bored and honed to 4.50", decked surfaces to equalize lifter bores, painted Dupont “Motion Silver”

Reciprocating Assembly: Eagle Specialties 4340 non-twist steel crank; Eagle Specialties 6.535" H-beam connecting rods with L19 bolts; Mahle 10:1 lightweight, forged, coated pistons with full floating pins; Total Seal piston rings; Clevite H-Series bearings; balanced and blueprinted

Camshaft: Comp Cams custom “Motion Ground” solid street roller

Cylinder Heads: Merlin/Motion aluminum 119cc heads with 350cc intake ports, reworked combustion chambers, fully ported and polished

Valvetrain: Comp Cams solid roller lifters, Comp Cams Hi-Tech .080" wall 4140 seamless 1-piece chromemoly pushrods, Comp Cams Hi-Tech stainless steel rockers, Manley stainless steel 2.30"/1.80" valves, Comp Cams dual valve springs, Comp Cams 10° chromemoly keepers and retainers

Fuel Injection: Custom-built Kinsler Cross-Ram polished sequential-fired fuel injection with extruded aluminum high-flow fuel rails, inline Weldon fuel pump, 44 lb. injectors

Ignition: Accel Gen VII+ ECU with sequential distributor, Tilton Super Starter, Billet Specialties polished 1-wire alternator, Painless Performance wiring harness

Cooling: Be Cool polished radiator and fans, Edelbrock aluminum serpentine water pump

Exhaust: Hedman headers, Stainless Specialties 3" polished 304 stainless exhaust, custom Stainless Specialties mufflers

Transmission: Modified Tremec TKO600 5-speed transmission, McLeod dual-disc clutch, McLeod 168-tooth aluminum flywheel, McLeod hydraulic pressure plate, McLeod bellhousing

Other Items: Motion cast aluminum finned valve covers, Motion custom oval breathers, Billet Specialties True Trac polished aluminum pulley system, Bill Mitchell Hardcore true roller timing chain, Russell stainless steel braided lines, ARP polished fasteners, Rick’s Hot Rod Shop 24-gallon S/S Series polished aluminum gas tank, Outerwear prefilters

Engine Machining Work By: Bill Mitchell/World Products, Motion, Steve Keech/Keech’s Performance

Cylinder Head Modifications By: Motion and Keech’s Performance/Steve Keech

BODY

Modifications: All-steel body, fully tubbed with flared fenderwells; functional brake cooling scoops; extended eyebrows; extended hood with L-88–style scoop

Paint Color: Custom-mixed PPG “Motion Red,” highlighted by traditional Baldwin-Motion striping

Fabrication By: Phil Somers/Time Machines, Inc.

Paint By: “James”/Time Machines, Inc.

INTERIOR

Upholstery: Hoyt’s Auto Upholstery Cha Cha Red leather front seats with Baldwin-Motion logo, Cha Cha Red carpet

Front Seats: 6-way power seats

Dash: Hand-built by Time Machines, Inc.

Gauges: Custom Motion/Classic Instruments gauges

Other Items: Sony Xplod custom sound system with a 2-channel amp, in-dash video unit, color cameras, underhood monitors, and 10" subs; hand-built center and overhead consoles; Hot Rod Air air conditioning

Interior By: Time Machines, Inc.

Technorati Tags: Baldwin-Motion, 540, Chevrolet, Camaro, SuperCoupe, Phase+III, images, pictures, videos, autos, auto+news, specifications>

BMW Australia creates a TV Commercial for the 3 Series

BMW Australia brings five generations of the iconic 3 Series sports sedan to life on the screen

The advertisement traces the history of the iconic 3 Series from its genesis as the BMW 2002 in 1968 to the latest E90 3 Series Sedan, with all cars filmed on a race track, and seamlessly morphing from one generation to the next.

In creating the advertisement, BMW and its creative partner, Melbourne based Badjar Group, mixed the latest in computer generated imagery with awesome on track driving, and a unique 360-degree action pan shot of the current and previous generation 3 Series cars.

“We created this television spot to show how the BMW 3 Series has always been fun to drive, is fun to drive today and will always be fun to drive. That’s what you’d expect from the cornerstone of the BMW brand,” says Tom Noble, General Manager, Marketing at BMW Group Australia.

Jack Room, executive creative director of BADJAR Group created a 45-second television spot that embodied the spirit of the BMW 3 Series. Armed with a vital knowledge base of the 3 Series history, the BADJAR creative team focused on the payoff line: “In 1968 BMW invented the sports sedan and never stopped re-inventing it”.

In the TVC, the cars morph through their generations to the climax, with the evocative music of the Body Rocker’s song “I Like The Way You Move” playing strongly. With the help of CGI – computer generated imaging – the BADJAR team spent two days on site at the Eastern Creek race track in Sydney filming and then worked their magic in the editing suite.

BADJAR had not done anything like the 3 Series creative for BMW previously. “We’ve done plenty of television commercials where we have used computer generated imaging, but not to this extent. The unique thing about this particular piece is that we wanted to have an archival feel to it to start with and then, as the whole thing progressed, end up with a much more contemporary feel, when the E46 3 Series morphed into the E90”, says Jack.

To enable that seamless transition, a special rig was built for the money shot, which involved mounting a camera for a 360-degree pan around both an E46 and E90 as one morphs into the other. After the shoot and with the genius of computers in the editing suite, the creatives took some footage of the spectacular mountains around Queenstown in New Zealand to slip into the background.

To see more click HERE

Technorati Tags: BMW, Australia, TV+Commercial, 3+Series, images, autos, auto+news , news

Mazda Roadster NR-A

Mazda announced that it will release the NR-A version Mazda Roadster for sale at its Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers throughout Japan in early April 2006. The Roadster is known as the MX-5 in overseas markets.

Designed with specifications that enable drivers to compete in NR-A category races after the addition of special racing kit, Mazda has been selling the base model NR-A Roadster since December 2001. Since then, the NR-A model Roadster has been favorably received by motorsports enthusiasts thanks to its reasonable cost and the added dimension of exhilarating driving possibilities that come with meeting the NR-A race requirements.

The new NR-A model Roadster is based on the third generation Roadster that underwent a complete redesign and launched in August 2005. Employing special equipment on the new Roadster NR-A model--height-adjustable Bilstein dampers, a torque-sensing 'Super LSD' (limited-slip differential), and front strut tower bars--makes this exciting new model more suitable for sporty driving.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Roadster MX-5 NR-A model is 2,300,000 yen, including sales tax. It is only available in the Japanese market. The new NR-A model was designed to participate in the "Roadster Party" One Make Races in Japan. These events are sponsored by Mazda and will be held from September 2006.

Technical specifications of the NR-A Roadster

Model name and type		Mazda CBA-NCEC
Dimensions	Overall length/width/height	3,995mm x 1,720mm x 1,245mm
	Wheelbase	2,330mm
	Weight	1,120kg (1,100kg with factory-installed aluminum wheels)
	Minimum clearance	135mm
	Seating capacity	2 people
Steering		Rack and pinion
Suspension (front/rear)		Double wishbone/multilink
Brakes (front/rear)		Ventilated disc/disc
Tires and wheels	Tires	205/50R16 87V
	Wheels	16x6 1/2JJ
Engine	Model	LF-VE
	Type	Water-cooled inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve
	Displacement	1,998cc
	Compression ratio	10.8
	Maximum output	125kW (170PS) /6,700rpm
	Maximum torque	189Nm (19.3kg-m) /5,000rpm
	Fuel supply system	EGI (Electronic Gasoline Injection)
	Fuel & tank volume	Unleaded premium gasoline / 50 liters
10/15 mode fuel economy (MLIT inspection values)		13.4km/l
Main fuel economy improvement		Variable valve timing
Minimum turning radius		4.7m

Technorati Tags: , Mazda+Roadster, NR-A, autos, auto+news, images, press+release, MX-5

Nothelle Tuning unveils new Audi A4 kits that improve style & dynamics

The latest Nothelle project is the A4, which the tuning company from Ratingen (Germany) provides with a more elegant and at the same time sportier appearance. And naturally nothelle also offers various performance improvements for the A4.

- Power output increased by up to 310 bhp

- Aerodynamic packages

- Quadruple exhaust and "NOVEDRA VII SPORT" 19-inch wheels

Sophisticated nothelle aerodynamic packages with sporty looks.

Nothelle tackles the external cosmetics with the aid of a comprehensive, in-house, sophisticated aerodynamic kits, which is mounted on the standard components without any additional body modifications.

It consists of a front spoiler (from EUR 490), side skirts, a rear apron attachment and a rear spoiler (one version each for the Saloon and the Avant), as well as optional fender extensions, which can also be fitted onto the standard wings with any body modifications.

The rear of the A4 gets an even sportier upgrade when you order the nothelle diffusor. This is available either in the body colour or in sophisticated genuine carbon fibre.

The nothelle rear silencer with its quad-tailpipe looks (from EUR 620), made entirely of durable stainless steel, promises a sporty sound as well as a touch more power. Its oval, chrome-plated 4 tailpipes give the rear end of the A4 a significant boost. A pretty backside is no less enchanting, after all!

Sports suspension and matching footwear

nothelle also provides matching footwear for the A4, with the company's own NOVEDRA VII SPORT wheels in 8.5 x 19" format. The one-piece wheel is impressive for its striking and extremely exclusive design, as well as its multi-piece looks (from EUR 550). Nnothelle offers it in three versions.

The basic version is the "NOVEDRA VII SPORT", painted in Shiny Silver. The fine surface finish of the "brilliance edition" is achieved by means of an extremely elaborate ball polishing process with high-gloss intensification. Because tastes vary, nothelle also offers the "black edition" as a third version. The alloy wheel is also available complete with an ultra high-performance 235/35-19 tyre from nothelle's technology partner, KUMHO.

Naturally nothelle also takes care to ensure that all the extra power does not throw the A4 off the road. That's why the Ratingen tuning company offers sport suspension systems. Either in the form of a comfort-oriented set of sports springs, as a complete suspension system or as a high-end solution using individually height-adjustable coilovers.

Performance upgrades for diesel and petrol engines

Nothelle gives the diesels a boost by means of chip-tuning or its N TRONIC BOX. The latter represents the intelligent power box for diesel engines, and is a supplementary control unit that will deliver a significant but not excessive performance boost when installed.

Similar performance figures are delivered by the chip-tuning version, LEADERCHIP©, designed for the discerning driver with a desire for more controlled power. The vehicle releases its entire potential and yet at the same time remains supreme and respectable in its running characteristics. The engine offers significantly improved torque and increased power output with well-balanced figures. It is the diplomat among the tuning chips, with unfettered superiority.

As a third alternative nothelle offers the BULLCHIP©, the power upgrade for the driver with sporting ambitions. Full-blooded power delivery, breathtaking torque and fabulous acceleration are its characteristic features. That makes it the muscle man among the tuning chips.

All performance upgrades are of course also available for vehicles with a diesel particle filter.

2.0TFSI Nothelle Style

Of all the A4's petrol engines, the 2-litre TFSI is just asking for some muscle-toning. nothelle turns it into the highlight of its range. In the case of the turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine, the conversion delivers a leap in power output up to a magnificent 310 horsepower! That makes it possible for the A4 to reach a top speed of 280 km/h (175 mph). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.5 seconds will have many a 911-owner booking his Porsche in for a performance check at the first workshop he comes across.

As a rule nothelle can offer performance upgrades for all engines. In all its development work the tuning firm naturally pays greatest attention to ensuring compliance with all applicable emissions standards. And all with TÜV approval and under warranty.

Technorati Tags: Nothelle, Audi+A4, tuning, kits,, press+release, images, pictures, autos, auto+news

Scion tC Release Series 2.0

Toyota announced today that it will unveil a second limited-production Scion tC for 2006 at the New York International Auto Show, with sales beginning in mid-April.

Press Release: The 2006 tC Release Series 2.0 will come in a brilliant Blue Blitz Mica. This limited edition tC features a stainless steel mesh upper and lower front grille and 17-inch alloy wheels that come with a satin metallic finish. The tC's only factory option, front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags, is standard equipment on the R.S. 2.0.

Inside, the tC's front and rear seats are trimmed with black Alcantara(R), a suede-like material that provides passengers better friction grip and is more commonly found in luxury or performance vehicles and on aftermarket racing seats. The tC R.S. 2.0 comes standard with a Pioneer Premium AM/FM/CD audio system with iPod connectivity and color-changing LED display.

A Pioneer six-inch subwoofer with 35-watt maximum power complements the upgraded head unit and is tuned specifically for the tC. This compact subwoofer is mounted in the under-floor storage area, keeping it out of sight and leaving the cargo floor clear. This tC also is equipped with XM Satellite Radio and comes with a paid three-month subscription, wherever XM service is available. An individually numbered brushed stainless steel badge completes the uniqueness of this vehicle.

Only 2,600 units of the tC Release Series 2.0 will be built. The tC Release Series 2.0 model will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,960 over the base price of the tC. The base MSRP for the tC starts at $16,300.

Technorati Tags: Scion, tC, Release+Series+2.0, New+York+Auto+Show, press+release, autos, auto+news, pictures, images

Volkswagen Golf GT Frog Commercial

Seems Volkswagen has gone “commercial crazy” this year, as the German company unleashed another add spot, this time for their new Golf GT model. The GT, which fits just the GTI model is equipped with a 1,4 litre TSI engine, that combines direct petrol injection and a twin supercharger, a mechanical supercharger in conjunction with a secondary exhaust turbocharger, producing 170 hp, 30 less than the GTI.

The add features a frog in a swamp is caught out by an super-strong fly and is carried to another water hole. In the background is the new unusually powerful Volkswagen Golf GT.

The campaign was developed at advertising agency DDB, Berlin by creative director Wolfgang Schneider and Matthias Stiller. Film production was done through Outsider, London and Marken films, Germany while the sound was designed by Chris Turner at Jungle Studios, London Video:

Volkswagen, Golf+GT, Frog, Commercial, autos, auto+news, automotive, video

Opel Corsa / Vauxhall Corsa 2006

One of Europe’s best-sellers, the Corsa , will be replaced this summer with a new model that Opel –Vauxhall in the UK, hopes will be as much a success as the Astra.

Dutch magazine Autoweek, give us a pretty accurate view of the new Corsa that holds a strong resemblance to the successful Astra. As with the Astra, the rear bodywork of both ver­sions will vary significantly, in a bid to make them appeal to different types of customer. The five-door car is expected to have a longer wheelbase, which will also go on to underpin the next-generation Meriva, scheduled to arrive in 2009. Spin-offs from the three-­door platform will include the eventual replacement for the coupe-cabrio Tigra TwinTop, although this is not expected to appear until 2010.

The new Corsa is set to debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show, and will hit the European market in Autumn. It will share many of its mechanical components with the new Fiat Grande Punto, which is built on the same platform. Other shared parts are likely to include the suspension systems, steering and braking components, as well as the much lauded 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine, which already appears in the current generations of both cars.

Opel’s petrol units will differ from Fiat's, though, and will start with an updated version of the 1.0-litre three-­cylinder engine fitted to today's entry-­level Corsas. Other options will include the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre Twinport units, along with an updated version of the 1.7 CDTI diesel from the Astra.

Of course, the Corsa range will include an OPC version with Opel’s latest 1.6 Turbo engine that pumps out 180 hp –first seen on the Meriva OPC. All motors will be com­pliant with Euro IV emissions rules.

Opel also hopes to make the Corsa one of the safest superminis in its class, with airbags all-round, electronic brake­force distribution and other driver aids. These improvements will come at a cost, however, as the newcomer is expected to be slightly more expensive than the model it replaces.

Press Release: One of the most eagerly anticipated automobile premieres of 2006 takes place on July 18 in one of Europe’s most exciting cities: London. Opel has today announced that the all-new Corsa will make its world debut at the British International Motor Show (July 18 – 30). The fourth generation of the popular Opel model comes with a compelling design and an array of innovative technology features. Just as they successfully realized with the Astra, designers have given each three and five-door Corsa variant a unique look. Both versions will be on show in London. Sales of the new Corsa start in the fall of this year.

Technorati Tags: Opel, Corsa, Vauxhall+Corsa, autos, auto+news, pictures, images, official+release, press+release