Performance Sportcar: New Mazda MX5-GT Racer

The MX-5 GT is powered by Mazda’s 2.0-liter engine modified to produce 275bhp. The four-cylinder unit is linked to a six-speed sequential paddle shift gearbox and according to the Japanese company, it can accelerate the car from zero to 60mph (96km/h) in just 3.0 seconds while offering a top speed of 160mph (257km/h). Other mechanical upgrades include the modified suspension, competition alloy wheels and tires, and performance braking system. On the outside, the MX-5 GT features a Spirited Green metallic body color complimented by Jota Sport’s corporate liveries in orange and grey. Open up the carbon fiber doors and you are welcomed by a stripped out interior featuring a roll cage, a fire extinguisher, competition steering wheel and a racing bucket seat.

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MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 Special Edition

Due to the to the high dealer demand, Mini USA announced that it will offer the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 special edition vehicles in the US. Don’t get too excited as the manufacturer will only bring only 50 of the hand-built vehicles. For those who don’t know, the car what was introduced back in 2009 at the MINI United Festival in Silverstone, England and is a tribute to both the birth of the brand and John Cooper’s first Formula One title victory 50 years ago.

Based on the MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop, the special edition comes with a special color called Connaught Green also known as the famous color of British race cars and is combined with the roof and bonnet stripes in Pepper White. Besides the paint, the car is also equipped with a John Cooper Works Aero Kit, gloss black versions of the 17” Challenge spoke wheels, custom numbered side scuttles, a unique Championship Red Lounge Leather interior and carbon fiber accents throughout. The price of this car: $39,600 and $40,300 with the destination and handling costs.

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Nissan LEAF Electric Vehicle Luxurious Series

Infiniti announced that they are taking pains in order to ensure that their version of the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle will be markedly different and more upscale. The design of the upcoming car was reviewed at Nissan’s San Diego styling studio but it appears that the new car is just another version of the LEAF, according to the ones who saw it. But, it appears that more recent designs solved that problem, according to Ben Poore, vice president of the North American Infiniti Business Unit. “I was in Japan last week and saw the final three or four designs for the car,” Poore says.

“And I can tell you without a doubt that we’re going to have a uniquely Infiniti product.” Regarding the Nissan LEAF, for those who don’t know, this was recently priced at about $25,000 after government incentives for alternative-fuel vehicles are applied. Also, it appears the LEAF and the upcoming Infiniti electric car will share lots of drivetrain components, according to Larry Dominique, North American vice president for Nissan and Infiniti product planning.

“But we think it needs to be very unique, not only in exterior design but in interior materials and in terms of its driving performance. It has to accelerate like an Infiniti. It has to be an Infiniti from the standpoint of dynamic performance. The Leaf will be a great vehicle, but it’s very clearly Nissan. The Infiniti version will have to be purely Infiniti.” said Dominique.

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M-Org: The First Organic Motorcycle

Probably you won’t believe this, but what you see in the photos is a motorcycle made out of organic materials, and this includes the frame, suspensions and steering components. According to the designer, Michael Smolyanov, these materials make the motorcycle lighter but also stronger. Unfortunately these are the only details available but as soon as we will find out something we will let you know!

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2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD

In an attempt to answer the call from owners of its heavy-duty pickup trucks for more capability and power General Motors unveiled at this year’s Chicago Auto Show the brand new 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500. It was back in 2001 when GM re-engineered the Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty 2500 and 3500 pickups. “We have a completely new chassis. This is really where our focus has been, and the powertrain,” said Rick Spina, the vehicle line executive who oversees full-sized trucks.

The new Silverado line will offer 11 new fully boxed frames, which are five times stiffer torsionally and 92 percent stiffer in the bending mode. According to the manufacturer the 2011 Silverado offers: fifth-wheel towing capacity of 20,000 pounds, conventional towing (ball hitch) capacity of 16,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 6,335 pounds. Development was “targeted at what these customers want — greater capability,” Luke said.

Under the hood we find the impressive Duramax turbocharged, 6.6-liter diesel V8 that has also been re-engineered for the 2011 model year, delivering more power and torque and about an 11 percent increase in fuel economy. As an option, GM offers a smart exhaust brake system, slowing the truck-and-trailer combination on descents.

This system is activated by the driver and is integrated with the cruise control. Other changes in the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado include: the re-engineered front suspension in order to handle a 25 percent greater axle weight rating, up to 6,000 pounds; a rear suspension with a larger asymmetrical leaf-spring design to handle the truck’s increased payload capacity; an increase in diameter for the front and rear brake rotors. Also, the stability control comes standard on single, rear-wheel models. Gm now offers the hill-start assist system, which holds the brakes for 1.5 seconds or until the gas pedal is pressed, preventing rollback.

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Ferrari 599 GTO official Photos, Details and Specs

After few leaked photos, Ferrari finally unveiled its latest 599 GTO based on the 599XX, the advanced experimental track car. First of all let us tell you that the new car is going to be produced in a limited edition of just 599 units for 599 clients who seek the maximum expression of high-performance driving. The GTO designation a.k.a. Gran Turismo Omologata instantly calls to mind two Ferraris that have entered the collective imagination as symbols of performance: the 1962 250 GTO and the 1984 GTO. Ok, so let’s see what is under the hood of this baby! According to the manufacturer, the car uses the same 5999 cc 65-degree V12 engine (compatible with Euro 5 and LEV 2 standards) found on the 599 GTB but capable to deliver 670 hp @ 8250 rpm and a maximum torque of 620 Nm at 6500 rpm.

The car also features a second generation magnetorheological suspension control system (SCM2), new springs and a stiffer rear anti-roll bar as well as the latest-generation F1-Trac traction control. The new 599 GTO is capable to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.35 seconds and has a top speed of over 335 km/h. The 599 GTO benefits directly from the technological transfer from racing and set a record lap time at Fiorano in 1’24”.

Regarding the new aerodynamic kit, Ferrari says the new front spoiler incorporates a separate lower wing that increases downforce at the front of the car and increases the flow of cooling air to the oil radiator while on the flans the new side sills improve the efficiency of the central section of the underbody. The kit is completed by the 20” rims wrapped in high performance tires: front tires are now 285/30 on a 9.5’’ channel with 315/35 on an 11.5’’ channel at the rear. Behind the rims we find a new and lighter CCM2 braking system. According to the manufacturer the new car boasts an excellent 100 to 0 km/h braking distance of just 32.5 metres.

Inside, the car-driver interface was designed to maximise car and driver performance with a layout of the main commands that ensures absolute efficiency and minimum distraction. The Racing manettino also puts the emphasis firmly on sporty, track-specific driving settings by offering the driver full choice with regard to the electronic control parameters. The ICE position found on the 599 GTB Fiorano has been replaced by the CT-Off (traction control off). Also, we find bespoke, longer carbon-fibre F1 paddles for easier use in high-speed driving as well as the Virtual Race Engineer, a system that monitors the status of the car and gives the driver immediate visibility of vehicle performance.

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New Opel Trixx City Car Concepts

As you may know already Opel/Vauxhall is currently working on a new city car which will be based on the 2004 Trixx Concept car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. What we do know now, is that GM’s upcoming city car will offer a high level of finish and sophistication, according to new Vauxhall/Opel boss Nick Reilly. The new car will be very well finished and sophisticated but will also offer a wide choice of options, as shown by the Mini, Fiat 500 and Toyota iQ. “We’ve learnt how to make money on small cars in Asia,” said Reilly.

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