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  • Video: Valentino Balboni discusses Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2

    Video: Valentino Balboni discusses Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 July 31st, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, July 31st, 2009 Nelson Ireson 3 Comments

    Video: Valentino Balboni discusses Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 The RWD Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni was just officially revealed a month ago, and now the company has released a video documenting Balboni's involvement with and influence on the car's design process, and how it reflects his 40 years of test-driving experience.

    At just shy of five minutes long, the video doesn't go into tremendous depth but with cut scenes of the car in serious sideways action and Valentino Balboni himself explaining the car, it adds a level of authenticity and perspective that might otherwise be lacking in the two-wheel drive Gallardo's image.

    But enough talk. Watch it for yourself, and... The RWD Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni was just officially revealed a month ago, and now the company has released a video documenting Balboni's involvement with and influence on the car's design process, and how it reflects his 40 years of test-driving experience. At just shy of five minutes long, the video doesn't go into tremendous depth but with cut scenes of the car in serious sideways action and Valentino Balboni himself explaining the car, it adds a level of authenticity and perspective that might otherwise be lacking in the two-wheel drive Gallardo's image. But enough talk. Watch it for yourself, and enjoy.Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Read More

  • Preview: Mercedes Benz SLS AMG ‘Gullwing’

    Preview: Mercedes Benz SLS AMG ‘Gullwing’ July 22nd, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 22nd, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 12 Comments

    Preview: Mercedes Benz SLS AMG ‘Gullwing’ The successor to the Mercedes Benz SL Gullwing (and replacement for the SLR) has been spotted in prototype form in and around Germany’s Nurburgring test circuit for several months now, but what only a select few knew is that the car is being developed completely in-house by Mercedes’ official tuner, AMG. Thus, the brand new model will be called the SLS AMG when it hits showrooms in the first half of next year.

    In the lead up to its final unveiling, planned for September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, Mercedes has released a ton of info on the car, including several images of actual prototypes and technical drawings. As the... The successor to the Mercedes Benz SL Gullwing (and replacement for the SLR) has been spotted in prototype form in and around Germany’s Nurburgring test circuit for several months now, but what only a select few knew is that the car is being developed completely in-house by Mercedes’ official tuner, AMG. Thus, the brand new model will be called the SLS AMG when it hits showrooms in the first half of next year. In the lead up to its final unveiling, planned for September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, Mercedes has released a ton of info on the car, including several images of actual prototypes and technical drawings. As the successor to the legendary SL Gullwing from the 1950s, the new SLS AMG will also feature gullwing doors but picks up a new aluminum spaceframe to provide an almost perfect front-to-rear weight distribution of 48-to-52%. Powering the SLS will be a revised version of AMG’s now-familiar 6.2L V8 mated to an all-new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission mounted on the rear axle. Peak output will stand at 571hp (420kW) and 479lb-ft (650Nm) of torque. Changes to the engine include a new magnesium intake with eight separate velocity stacks, two electronically controlled throttle plates, a high-flow exhaust and a new dry-sump lubrication system. The engine will be located up front but will be mounted behind the front axle for better weight distribution. The SLS’s final kerb weight will be around 1,620kg, and with the V8 engine it should be able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed in excess of 315km/h. As for the new dual-clutch gearbox, the unit was developed by AMG and boasts fast gear changes with no loss of tractive force. The driver has a choice of four different driving modes, ranging from comfortable to extremely sporty, as well as a ‘RACESTART’ function. The suspension set-up is equally advanced, with double wishbones and hub carriers made of lightweight forged aluminum. Stopping power comes from carbon-ceramic discs, and these are mounted within 19in light-alloy wheels. The car’s dimensions have also been revealed, measuring in at 4.65m in length, 1.95m across and just 1.25m in height. The wheelbase stretches just 2.7m. Previous renderings give us a clue as to what the new car could look like, showing a vented bonnet and a new headlight design not seen on any previous Mercedes models. The price of the SLS is expected to be roughly $300,000 with production numbers likely to fall between 3,000 and 5,000 units per year. This should see it compete nicely with cars like the Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari F430.2011 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG 'Gullwing' preview2011 Mercedes Benz SLS official spy photos2011 Mercedes Benz SLS ‘Gullwing’ revealing spy shots Read More

  • More details on Mercedes’ all-electric SLS gullwing

    More details on Mercedes’ all-electric SLS gullwing July 13th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 13th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    More details on Mercedes’ all-electric SLS gullwing Not only is the horsepower war not over - contrary to AMG's own declaration last year - the latest reports say it has moved into a whole new range of armaments: electric vehicles. The latest development is a possible all-electric powertrain for the 2011 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG, which is expected to hit the market sometime in 2015.

    According to Auto Motor und Sport, Mercedes Benz will unveil a concept version of the electric supercar in 2015 and start production that same year. The car’s electric powertrain, dubbed ‘eDrive’, will feature four in-wheel electric motors, which together will produce a total 526hp (392kW) and... Not only is the horsepower war not over - contrary to AMG's own declaration last year - the latest reports say it has moved into a whole new range of armaments: electric vehicles. The latest development is a possible all-electric powertrain for the 2011 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG, which is expected to hit the market sometime in 2015. According to Auto Motor und Sport, Mercedes Benz will unveil a concept version of the electric supercar in 2015 and start production that same year. The car’s electric powertrain, dubbed ‘eDrive’, will feature four in-wheel electric motors, which together will produce a total 526hp (392kW) and 880Nm of torque. This will be enough to accelerate the car from 0-100km/h in less than four seconds and allow it to comfortably reach a governed top speed of 200km/h. Replacing the SLS AMG’s fuel tanks will be an array of air-conditioner cooled 324 lithium-ion battery cells that should provide a driving range of between 150 and 180km. The combination of four in-wheel motors will also allow for AWD handling as well as individual braking using brake-energy regenerative technology.2011 Mercedes Benz SLS official spy photos2011 Mercedes Benz SLS ‘Gullwing’ revealing spy shots2011 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG 'Gullwing' interior shots Read More

  • Lamborghini officially unveils RWD Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni

    Lamborghini officially unveils RWD Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni June 30th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, June 30th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 3 Comments

    Lamborghini officially unveils RWD Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni Modern supercars have pushed the envelope of performance so far that they require all sorts of technology to keep the average driver from instantly destroying themselves and the car. Hence all-wheel drive to deliver the power, self-shifting transmissions and, of course, traction and stability control. But to the hardcore driver, all of that stuff just gets in the way. Today, Lamborghini has unveiled a special-edition Gallardo that cuts through to deliver a purer experience - the Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni.

    Named after Lamborghini's famed test driver, who has helped shape the brand's cars and performance standard for four decades,... Modern supercars have pushed the envelope of performance so far that they require all sorts of technology to keep the average driver from instantly destroying themselves and the car. Hence all-wheel drive to deliver the power, self-shifting transmissions and, of course, traction and stability control. But to the hardcore driver, all of that stuff just gets in the way. Today, Lamborghini has unveiled a special-edition Gallardo that cuts through to deliver a purer experience - the Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni. Named after Lamborghini's famed test driver, who has helped shape the brand's cars and performance standard for four decades, the LP550-2 is a RWD-only Gallardo sporting a lightly de-tuned 550hp version of the 5.2L V10 found in the recently launched Gallardo LP560-4 and LP560-4 Spyder. The transition to RWD was not simply a question of moving the transmission to the rear axle, however - the vehicle had to be adjusted and tuned in every element of its driving dynamics. This includes springs, dampers, stabilizers and even the tires. The aerodynamics were also adjusted to take account of the change to the power flow, which explains the re-designed front end. Furthermore, though an e-Gear transmission is available, the driver's Lambo also gets a gated manual, helping to cut weight to meet the two-wheel-driver's 66lb (30kg) weight reduction goal. To help keep the rear end planted when controlled oversteer isn't desired, a re-worked stability control system can maximize for safety or allow greater slip angles than standard when switched to CORSA mode. A 45% limited-slip rear diff also helps send power evenly across the two rear tires. Zero to 62mph (100km/h) dashes will take just 3.9 seconds, top speed checks in at a cool 199mph (320km/h), and a with a dry weight of just 3,035lb (1,380kg), the LP550-2 is set to take its place as a top performer despite its 'lack' of AWD. The Balboni branding also includes a special exterior and interior treatment, with a center stripe reminiscent of sports cars of the 1970s. The Special Edition is available in eight colors, from Bianco Monocerus through to Verde Ithaca, or Arancio Borealis to Nero Noctis. The Scorpius wheels retain their dark grey finish, while the brake calipers come in black, orange or yellow, depending on the exterior paint finish. The basic color of the full leather upholstery is black. Both seats, however, feature the color strip in white. The center console is completely upholstered in Polar white leather to create a powerful accent. A badge below the left side window bears the signature of Valentino Balboni and the production number of the car. Only about 250 units of the $219,800 LP550-2 are to be built, though, so if this is the sort of thing that sets your blood flowing, you'd better get in contact with Sant'Agata soon.Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Read More

  • Spy shots: RWD Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2

    Spy shots: RWD Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 June 29th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, June 29th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    Spy shots: RWD Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Modern supercars have pushed the envelope of performance so far that they require all sorts of technology to keep the average driver from instantly destroying themselves and the car. Hence all-wheel drive to deliver the power, self-shifting transmissions and, of course, traction and stability control. But to the hardcore driver, all of that stuff just gets in the way.

    Enter the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2. Though it's still completely unofficial, photos of a car purporting to bear that model name surfaced yesterday and now we have the first spy shots of an actual prototype testing at the Nurburgring. The car they depict is thought to be a... Modern supercars have pushed the envelope of performance so far that they require all sorts of technology to keep the average driver from instantly destroying themselves and the car. Hence all-wheel drive to deliver the power, self-shifting transmissions and, of course, traction and stability control. But to the hardcore driver, all of that stuff just gets in the way. Enter the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2. Though it's still completely unofficial, photos of a car purporting to bear that model name surfaced yesterday and now we have the first spy shots of an actual prototype testing at the Nurburgring. The car they depict is thought to be a RWD-only Gallardo sporting a lightly de-tuned 550hp version of the 5.2L V10 found in the recently launched Gallardo LP560-4 and LP560-4 Spyder. Differentiating the RWD version are a new set of bumpers as well as a unique rear diffuser that’s designed to offer more grip. Furthermore, instead of an e-Gear transmission, the driver's Lambo gets a gated manual, helping to cut weight to meet the two-wheel-driver's 66lb (30kg) weight reduction goal. Only about 250 units of the LP550-2 are expected to be built, though, so if this is the sort of thing that sets your blood flowing, you'd better get in contact with Sant'Agata soon.Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 spy shots Read More

  • Ford Mustang’s glass roof option reappears for 2010, joined by GT Convertible

    Ford Mustang’s glass roof option reappears for 2010, joined by GT Convertible June 17th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, June 17th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 2 Comments

    Ford Mustang’s glass roof option reappears for 2010, joined by GT Convertible Just in time for summer, Ford has added its panoramic glass roof option to its restyled 2010 Mustang Coupe alongside the convertible version of the V8-powered Mustang GT, both of which are now on sale in showrooms across the country.

    The glass roof is made of tinted privacy glass and features a built-in manual roller blind. This tint makes the glass roof option ideal for those who love the sun but want to cut back on sunscreen use, as 90% of the sun’s harmful rays are filtered out.

    The glass roof's ability to filter the rays also reduces heat load in the cabin so that occupants remain comfortable. Furthermore, the reflective glass... Just in time for summer, Ford has added its panoramic glass roof option to its restyled 2010 Mustang Coupe alongside the convertible version of the V8-powered Mustang GT, both of which are now on sale in showrooms across the country. The glass roof is made of tinted privacy glass and features a built-in manual roller blind. This tint makes the glass roof option ideal for those who love the sun but want to cut back on sunscreen use, as 90% of the sun’s harmful rays are filtered out. The glass roof's ability to filter the rays also reduces heat load in the cabin so that occupants remain comfortable. Furthermore, the reflective glass also reduces energy used by the vehicle's air conditioner system while protecting the interior fabric from fading and deteriorating. Finally, to help improve acoustics and Mustang’s interior quietness the glass also features a layer of vinyl that reduces noise, vibration and harshness. Since its introduction in 2008, the glass roof option – which is available as a $1,995 option on both the V6 model and the GT – has accounted for 10% of all Mustang sales. The convertible, on the other hand, accounts for 25% of Mustang sales, and sell most strongly in California, Florida, Texas and Georgia. Other Blue Oval vehicles that feature the glass roof option include the 2010 Lincoln MKS and 2009 Ford Flex, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. As for the GT Convertible, the car is based on the standard Mustang GT Coupe powered by a 4.6L V8 engine with 315hp and 325lb-ft of torque and matched to a five-speed automatic. For full details on the 2010 Mustang range, click here.2010 Ford Mustang Read More

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