Opel GT

The modern definition of an athletic two-seater finds its form in the new Opel GT. As a classic roadster, it has a powerful front-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive, a cockpit with sporty instruments and a tailor-made fabric roof. With a wide stance, sleek silhouette, long, front-hinged hood and short overhangs, the proportions are typical of this class. The Opel GT also brings new charm to this genre with its own unmistakable personality thanks to its exciting shape, which contrasts sharp edges with curved surfaces to create a dynamic look, and its configuration, which enables a refined driving experience, even on long journeys. The GT's pricing is also attractive. For 30,675 euros (recommended retail price in Germany incl. VAT), customers get no less than 264 hp from the high-tech turbo engine with gasoline direct injection. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes less than six seconds. The new two-seater carries its legendary name because it continues the tradition of the first Opel GT (1968 - 1973) and, like the original, competes in one of the most exciting vehicle classes.

The new Opel GT also showcases the brand's passion for dynamic cars, and the conviction that "Opel was never as young as today". This is underlined by niche models with a high fun factor, such as the Astra GTC with panorama windshield, the Tigra TwinTop and Astra TwinTop cabrio-coupés, as well as the high-performance OPC family. They enrich the model portfolio and emotionalize the brand.

The development of the Opel GT is a prime example of transcontinental collaboration within GM. It stems from the decision to expand the concern's portfolio with a compact, rear-wheel drive, sporty vehicle architecture that can be implemented globally. The first step towards realizing this idea was the Solstice concept car in 2002, followed a year later by the Vauxhall VX Lightning concept, which was conceived at the GM Advanced Design Studio in Coventry, England. Strongly inspired by the VX, the Opel GT has been adapted to the current Opel design language at the GM Design Studio in Detroit and the GM Europe Design Studios in Rüsselsheim under the direction of Bryan Nesbitt. The Opel roadster will be built at the Wilmington/Delaware plant in the USA, where its highly successful American GM sister models, the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky, are also produced.

The new GT's story is reminiscent of that of its classic predecessor. In 1968, the original Opel GT set an automotive manufacturing precedent in Europe when it became the first car to go into production after being debuted to the public as a concept study. The legendary American sports car, the Corvette, made the same start in 1953 in the USA. The new Opel GT shares some engineering characteristics with the current Corvette, such as part of the architecture.

Crisp, dynamic look with strong face

Sharp lines coupled with taut surfaces give the new Opel GT a crisp, dynamic look. Its strong face is dominated by the fender's accentuated sweep, the bold chrome crossbar with integrated Opel logo, the elongated hood with brand-typical center crease, chrome-bordered vents and bold 3-D headlamps in clear glass look drawn deep into the side panels. The GT's especially sporty characteristics include the long air vents in the hood, the grooving in the front fenders with their dynamic, Opel-typical horizontal contours − like on the Antara −, the double-pipe exhaust system and the twin air scoops behind the head restraints, which are reminiscent of designs from roadster and motor sport history. 18-inch aluminum wheels in new five-spoke design fill out the wheelarches, and emphasize the roadster character, as does the fabric roof, which completely disappears beneath a cover for open-top driving fun.

Chrome-ringed instruments in the cockpit clearly display all important information, while black piano lacquer and chrome finishes accentuate the high-tech nuance of the surface structures. These all combine with optional leather seats with visible stitching to highlight the sporty ambience. The short gear stick adds significantly to the driving fun: directly connected straight to the roadster's five-speed transmission, its short gear travel enables quick gear shifts from the roadster-typical seating position.

High-tech turbo engine with direct injection and variable camshaft phasing

The new Opel GT does not just look quick, it is quick! Its longitudinally front-installed 264 hp engine with turbocharging and gasoline direct injection accelerates the roadster to 100 km/h from a standing start in just 5.7 seconds, and up to a top speed of around 230 km/h. "When it comes to high-performance roadsters, there is no better balance between price, driving enjoyment and fun," says Alain Visser, Executive Director Sales and Marketing, Opel. There's no question about it: no other Opel has ever produced 132 hp output per liter. The new Opel GT's engine not only complements the car's dynamic look perfectly, it also far outperforms today's other roadsters and most two-seat sports cars.

High-tech features such as gasoline direct injection, twin-scroll turbocharger with intercooler, double camshaft phasing and twin counter-rotating balance shafts provide the basis for the 1998 cm3, four-cylinder engine's impressive performance data. Maximum output of 194 kW/264 hp at 5300 rpm and high torque plateau of 353 Nm between 2500 and 5000 rpm ensure plenty of power in all situations. The GT requires an average of 9.2 liters of super unleaded gasoline per 100 kilometers. Jointly developed by GM Powertrain engineers on both sides of the Atlantic, the all-aluminum ECOTEC unit is based on the 2.2-liter direct injection unit available in the Vectra model range since 2004, and on the 2.0-liter turbo induction unit, which debuted in the Vectra GTS in spring 2003.

Chassis with classic sporty configuration

For the Opel GT, engineers designed a classic, sporty configuration based on a rigid chassis, wide track (front/rear: 1543/1561 mm) and long wheelbase of 2415 mm: all four wheels are suspended from twin A-arms made from forged aluminum, the center of gravity is low, and the weight distribution of 51:49 percent (front/rear) is well balanced.
A manual five-speed transmission with sporty, short gear travel and limited slip differential provide propulsion power. A torque beam between the transmission and rear axle suppresses reactions to acceleration/deceleration effects.

While disk brakes on all wheels, ABS, Traction Control (TC) and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) monitor safety, the driver can control the level of ESP and use of TC himself. Both systems are fully active after ignition, with the setup providing driving fun but also keeping the vehicle stable within the physical limitations. At the touch of the ESP button in the instrument panel, the Traction Control (TC) is switched off, but ESP remains active and intervenes as soon as the yaw angle exceeds certain thresholds. Two short presses change the ESP's calibration to a sportier mode and keep the Traction Control (TC) deactivated. Pushing and holding the ESP again for around ten seconds until the "ESP Off" symbol illuminates, completely deactivates ESP and TC. A short press of the button in any mode returns the two systems to their normal states, which also occurs automatically with each new engine start. A display and control light in the instrument panel keeps the driver informed about the current status of both systems.

Stiff vehicle structure with center tunnel and side members

The typical roadster vehicle architecture was designed from the beginning to meet the special demands of an open-top, two-seat sports car without compromise. The vehicle structure, which consists of hydroformed side members and a supporting center tunnel made from drawn sheet steel, provides a solid basis for the car's precise handling and passive safety. The hydroforming forging technique, in which components are manufactured from steel with the help of high water pressure, is already employed in automobile construction for chassis components in the Opel Vectra and Astra.

Only the legendary American Corvette sports car is also based on hydroformed side members. But the Opel GT also breaks new ground in another regard: the GT model family belongs to the first car line produced in significant numbers to have numerous exterior parts made using a procedure that is relatively time-consuming, but provides designers with greater creative freedom. The hood is one example: thanks to unconventional hydraulic technology − known as super forming − the long hood section with its front hinges was optimally integrated into the roadster's silhouette without a gap between the hood and fender.

Ferrari Enzo Details, Price and Review

The Ferrari Enzo, named after the Ferrari's owner, is a high performance sports car which is well noted for its styling features. Initially, the Ferrari Enzo cost $670,000 and only 399 units were ever produced, but due to its high demand and limited supply, the price of the Ferari Enzo increased every time someone crashes and it is currently estimated at over $1,000,000.

The body of the Ferarri Enzo is made of carbon fiber, as a result, the car is of less weight. The car features aerodynamic subsystems for better safety and performance. It is also equipped with active suspension for comfort riding in the sports mode.

The Ferrarri Enzo features a V12 engine with four valves per cylinder. The engine displacement is about 4700 cc and it delivers an output power of 660 bhp and 485 lb-ft torque. The Ferrari Enzo reaches the speed of 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and the top speed is about 217 mph. The Ferrari Enzo features 6-speed Semi-Automatic transmission and the gear shifts can be performed easily and smoothly even at higher loads.
The wheels are wrapped with Bridgestone tires and it features carbon ceramic discs with six piston calipers. The car also features Anti Braking System and power steering.
The exteriors feature the stylish body structure, headlights and tail lights. The interiors are mostly designed of carbon fiber and it features the air conditioning system, navigation system and the optional launch control.

Porsche 911 Produced the Most Powerful

Porsche 911 Turbo Car Picture

Porsche have released their most powerful 911 to date and they are calling it the 911 gt2 rs. Its is powered by a 3.6 liter boxer engine which features two turbochargers, it accelerates from 0-100 in 3.4 seconds and boasts a top-speed of 330km/h and laps the famous German racetrack Nürburgring, in just 7 minutes and 18 seconds.

This sports car produces 620hp, thats 90 more horses than its predecessor and it also consumes 5% less fuel.

The new 911 GT2 RS stands out clearly from the other 911 models through the use of carbon-fiber- components with a matt-black surface finish, wider wheels, new light-alloy wheels with central locking and “GT2 RS” model designations on the doors and rear lid.

The interior of the 911 GT2 RS features lightweight bucket seats made of carbon-fiber and reinforced plastic. as are lightweight door panels with fabric straps instead of traditional door handles. The basic interior color is black with red elements, such as the seat center sections, the roof lining and segments of the steering wheel rim. The gearshift and handbrake lever are also finished in red Alcantara.

This car will be limited to just 500 units worldwide and will be available in the U.S. from October 2010. The price for such a great car, a hefty $245.000.

2010 Citroen DS3, Survolt, Revolte and C4 WRC at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

Blue Citroen DS3 GT Car Picture

The full line-up of Citroen is ready for the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The event includes three UK premieres – the mighty 200hp DS3 Racing and two concept cars, the astonishing Survolt electric supercar and Revolte.

Citroen DS3 is powered by 1.6 litre THP engine delivering 200hp. It features integrated carbon-trimmed components and specialist motorsports equipment. The car is developed by Citroen Racing – the WRC team. DS3 will be in limited edition of just 1000 units and launched in the end of 2010.

Another car, which makes its UK debut is all-electric Survolt supercar concept. The car features performance, cutting-edge technology and luxury, all combined in nice exterior and interior. Survolt shows a bold and radical vision for the future of ecologically sensitive, high-performance cars.

At the Goodwood FoS-TECH pavilion will be exhibited the astonishing Revolte concept. The vehicle will take a part in the special low-emissions hill climb.

Citroen C4 WRC will make its appearance on the show stand. This car is a legend of motorsport history. The car have been driven by the six-time World Rally Champion, Sebastien Loeb. At its official debut in the 2007 Monte-Carlo Rally, the two C4 WRCs finished 1-2. Since its introduction, the C4 WRC car has helped Citroen secure the 2008 and 2009 WRC Manufacturers’ titles – with high expectations of a third consecutive victory in the 2010 season.

Citroen Revolte Concept Details and Review

Citroen Revolte Car Picture

This is the Citroen Revolte concept car - unveiled at last year's Frankfurt motor show - in hitherto unseen detail.

Following an exclusive tour of the Citroen Revolt by Citroen's concept design boss Carlo Bonzanigo, autocar.co.uk's Hilton Holloway explains: "The Mini-sized Revolte concept is the first sign that Citroen might be ready to exploit retro design as well as re-exploring the essence of 'Frenchness' in a way that might appeal right across Europe."

The Revolte is 3.8m long and is based on the same platform as the C3 and DS3, but it has non-existent overhangs and a wide track. What is most obvious are the clear references to the 2CV, through the curving shutline of the rear door, the hooped front wings and the wide, flat elevation of the rear end.

Faced with entering a new decade as the producer of an odd mix of perfectly practical superminis and people-carriers and dull hatches, Citroen clearly needs to nail a convincing new product philosophy. True, there's the DS3, but its ads make a point of it not lapsing into retro design. So what's the point of the ultra-retro Revolt concept?

"The Revolte is a small urban luxury car. The main idea, perhaps, was to express luxury in a different way," says Bonzanigo. "I see Citroen as the most Parisian of the three French automotive brands. Paris is the centre of the fashion world, so colour and trim were particularly important on this project. We didn't want to just use leather, chrome and wood, so we've used crystal."

Does this mean it's a feminine car, aimed at women? Bonzanigo only says "women like men's cars but probably not the other way round. If we went to mass production, the final car could not just be for women or just for men. But making this a very feminine car is okay for a concept."

Bonzanigo also highlights the cabin's two zones. "In the front there are hard carbonfibre race-style seats, which are combined with a cocoon-like rear cabin. The cockpit is more cold and the driver's seat like a foreign object in the context of the rest of the interior."

So is the Revolte the new 2CV or not?

"Of course it has 2CV influence," says Bozanigo. "We can now shamelessly speak about the future and our history in one breath. Citroen is ready for the next step. But this is not retro design. It contains quotations from the past. The 2CV was spartan and essential; the Revolte is rich."

Holloway concludes by admitting his confusion with the concept. "Whether it will go into production, and how it fits in with the DS3, Bozanigo won't reveal. But Citroen needs to follow in the steps of Peugeot and really get a grip on a product philosophy that successfully ties these frustrating loose ends together"

McLaren MP4 12C XP Details, Specs, and Review

McLaren MP4 12C XP Car Picture

McLaren Automotive launches the first in a series of broadcast-quality short videos, which present a rare insight into a performance car testing program from the development team behind the new McLaren MP4-12C.

As a brand new car company, McLaren Automotive has a unique and engaging story to tell prior to its first model going on sale in Spring 2011. Meanwhile, 2009’s intense testing and development program is clearly demonstrating the 12C’s potential and McLaren Automotive is presenting rare company footage and insight that reveals its plans, processes and challenges.

In a short film entitled ‘Inside McLaren: developing the MP4-12C’, viewers take the first steps to understanding how McLaren Automotive will fulfil its ambition to launch the MP4-12C as a genuine challenger to the world’s best high performance sports cars. Highlights include:

An introduction to the McLaren Technology Center (MTC) and the MP4-12C test program by McLaren Automotive Technical Director, Dick Glover.

Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin on how the 12C performs in extreme test conditions.

An overview by senior engineers of the integrated approach to development on roads and tracks around the world and, virtually, back at MTC 12C development (XP) prototypes on road and track in England and Germany, and extreme hot weather testing in Bahrain.

The challenging and comprehensive development programme has taken in some of the world’s most famous race circuits and most inhospitable driving environments; from the dry and cold, ice and snow of the Arctic, to the hot and humid, sand-soaked air of the Middle-East.

Combined with cutting-edge simulation programmes, Formula 1 techniques, personnel and processes, and thousands of miles of ‘real world’ on-road driving on the UK’s notoriously poor tarmac surfaces, the tight-knit testing team has taken giant strides through 2009 in the 12C’s development. The result is ‘pure’ McLaren: a revolutionary high performance sports car that features unique engineering solutions to deliver new standards in comfort, driving dynamics, economy and performance in the ‘core’* sports car market.

*’Core’ market according to McLaren Automotive are performance sports cars priced between £125,000 and £175,000

Dick Glover, Technical Director at McLaren Automotive is responsible for the 50-strong Testing and Development team and the eight development (XP) cars that have featured in the 2009 programme: “I am really proud of what the team has achieved this year,” he said.

“Having to develop a brand new range of cars from scratch to the standards expected of McLaren, featuring ground-breaking new structures and powertrain is the ultimate challenge and one we are relishing. Sure, we have challenges – that is why we go to these places that absolutely push the cars to their limits and beyond – but now we know just what the 12C is capable of, we are able to push on into 2010 and deliver cars of which McLaren will be rightly proud.”

The 2009 testing programme has focused heavily on two of the most famous tracks in the world – the notorious Nordschleife Nurburgring and the circuit seen by millions on-screen, the BBC Top Gear test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome. Both tracks push cars to their limits. But the success of the programme will also rest on McLaren’s technological innovation and experience.

The results of a testing session’s road and track performance are rapidly assessed within MTC. Simulation and rapid engineering practices – two core aspects of a successful Formula 1 team – are then employed to re-calibrate the XP test cars in-situ ready for the following day, or night’s, development targets.

Chris Goodwin, professional racing driver and Chief Test Driver at McLaren Automotive, summed up the self-imposed pressures on the development team: “McLaren has always set itself the highest standards. We are the most successful ever motor racing team, we designed and built one of the world’s most iconic sports cars in the world in the McLaren F1, and pioneered carbon fibre development on race and road cars.

“We took those standards into the development programme for the MP4-12C in order to launch a new high performance sports car comparable with past achievements and offering new levels of performance for the future. For us, these targets were simply starting points and that attitude requires the most thorough development possible. We believe that our global testing is delivering incredible strides for the 12C.”

Other highlights:

Simon Andrew (Vehicle Development Engineer) sends back detailed daily reports from all test sessions to McLaren Automotive personnel in a wide range of functions, not just other members of his team. This ensures that the full range of the company’s engineers, designers and management are able to contribute their experience.

Rob Tyers is one of many team members introduced from the McLaren Racing division, bringing their experience of rapid decision-making in a highly competitive environment to bear on a traditionally slower-paced industry. No other car company in the world offers this combination and experience of motor racing and road-car development personnel under one roof.

McLaren Automotive has developed a unique programme inspired by the rapid development requirements of Formula 1. This brings together the whole development team at one venue over a period of up to two weeks. Huge strides are gained during these intense testing periods as all car systems are stretched to their limits in combination and as a whole, rather than part by part in sequence.