Motor Authority - blog Tag: Upgrades

Back at March’s Geneva Motor Show Ferrari gave the world a preview of its latest ‘Laboratorio Technologico’ 599XX experimental car, but apart from a single live image few visual details of the car were revealed. Today, we have a gallery of live images, showcasing every minor aspect of the car in high-resolution detail.

The oddly named 599XX is described as a technological laboratory aimed at a select group of clients. It incorporates the most advanced technologies resulting from Ferrari’s road-going and F1 research, with many elements appearing for the first time. Similar to previous Enzo-based FXX model, Ferrari... Back at March’s Geneva Motor Show Ferrari gave the world a preview of its latest ‘Laboratorio Technologico’ 599XX experimental car, but apart from a single live image few visual details of the car were revealed. Today, we have a gallery of live images, showcasing every minor aspect of the car in high-resolution detail. The oddly named 599XX is described as a technological laboratory aimed at a select group of clients. It incorporates the most advanced technologies resulting from Ferrari’s road-going and F1 research, with many elements appearing for the first time. Similar to previous Enzo-based FXX model, Ferrari will be organising a programme of dedicated track events for the 599XX in 2010 and 2011. While based on the 599 GTB Fiorano with the same transaxle layout and engine type, this prototype is an extreme track car. Ferrari’s engineers have carried out extensive work on the engine’s combustion chambers and inlet and exhaust tracts. These modifications helped achieve the target power output of 700hp (522kW) at 9,000 rpm. Particular attention was also paid to cutting the weight of the engine unit components. This was achieved both by optimizing forms – as in the new crankshaft – and adopting exclusive materials, as in the carbon-fiber used for the intake plenums. A new gearbox shift strategy also cuts overall gearchange times to just 60ms. The 599XX’s aerodynamics was honed in numerous wind tunnel test sessions with the result that the car now boasts 280kg of downforce at 200km/h (630kg at 300km/h). The front underside of the body is completely faired-in and the vents that channel hot air from the engine bay have been moved to the bonnet. Winglets have been added to the rear buttresses to increase downforce, while synthetic jets have also been incorporated into the rear of the car to control and smooth the air flow and to reduce drag. Ferrari’s engineers have also used F1-derived “doughnuts” which partly cover the brake discs and wheel rim. These have the dual function of improving both aerodynamics and brake cooling. Conceived exclusively for track but not official competition use, and thus unrestricted by racing regulations, the car incorporates the very best of Ferrari technology. The multitude of aerodynamic, electronic control and handling innovations used together for the first time on a single car make this model a genuine technological laboratory. The solutions adopted for the 599XX – many of which will remain exclusive to it - enhance its levels of performance and can be summed up in one highly relevant statistic: a Fiorano lap time of just 1 minute and 17 seconds.2009 Ferrari 599XX conceptLive shots of Ferrari’s ‘Laboratorio Technologico’ 599XX experimental car Read More

Though the California convertible has grabbed almost all the attention paid to Ferrari in the media recently, the 599 GTB is still just as formidable and attractive as it was the day it hit the streets. For some extremists, however, even a car as superb as the 599 isn’t completely up to scratch.

Common criticisms of the 599 is that the car leans too heavily into corners when pushed to the limits, which in turn reduces turn in and leads to slower lap times. Ferrari engineers have analysed the problem and as they have done with the 575 and 612 before it, the 599 can now be ordered with a new track focused handling package. Called the... Though the California convertible has grabbed almost all the attention paid to Ferrari in the media recently, the 599 GTB is still just as formidable and attractive as it was the day it hit the streets. For some extremists, however, even a car as superb as the 599 isn’t completely up to scratch. Common criticisms of the 599 is that the car leans too heavily into corners when pushed to the limits, which in turn reduces turn in and leads to slower lap times. Ferrari engineers have analysed the problem and as they have done with the 575 and 612 before it, the 599 can now be ordered with a new track focused handling package. Called the Handling Grand Turismo Evoluzione (HGTE), the new upgrade was first revealed at March’s Geneva Motor Show. The HGTE package is designed to deliver even sportier, more dynamic driving. The technical modifications introduced include a modified set-up with stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as new calibration settings for the magnetorheological shock absorbers when the manettino is at its sportier settings. The ride height has been lowered, which in turn lowers the car’s centre of gravity. The package also includes specifically optimised tires featuring a compound that offers even better grip. Furthermore, the car’s electronics have also evolved to ensure even more prompt response to driver commands. The F1 gearbox’s shifts are now even faster in high-performance settings, while a new engine software strategy has improved accelerator response. The end result is a 0-100km/h time of just 3.7 seconds and a new lap time for Ferrari’s famed Fiorano test track of 1m 26.5s – only 1.5s slower than the lighter and stiffer F430 Scuderia street-legal race car. From a styling point of view, the HGTE package includes some distinctively sporty exterior and interior features with carbon-fiber widely used throughout the bodywork. The 20in split-rim wheels are new, and are available with a special diamond-cut matte silver finish. The rear diffuser is finished in matte black to underscore the car’s new set-up and highlight the chromed tail pipes. The cabin is sportier, too, thanks to a mix of full-grain leather, black Alcantara and carbon-fiber trim. Embroidered in contrasting stitching on the headrest are a Prancing Horse and the words “Handling GTE”. Below is a list of Fiorano lap times for some important Ferraris: F2008 F1 car - 59.1s F430 Scuderia - 1m 23.9s Enzo – 1m 24.9s 599 HGTE – 1m 26.5s F50 – 1m 27s F430 – 1m 27s F40 – 1m 29.6s Ferrari in the UK has also just announced the HGTE pack will be available as an aftermarket option for £17,213 (US$28,000) or £19,703 (US$33,000). The more expensive pack comes with handling improvements, better exhaust, more performance, and aesthetic touches, while the less expensive one misses out on the performance benefits. A full run-down of the benefits are listed below. 1) Handling, includes: * Lower suspension (10mm) * New magnetorheologically controlled suspension calibration for the Manettino SPORT and RACE configurations * More rigid suspension springs (front + 17%, rear + 15%) * More rigid rear anti-roll bars (diameter increased to 25mm) * HGTE specific tyres with improved compound (8% more grip) * 3-piece modular rims with reduced weight (forged spokes) and special new design 2) Performance (only available for post-2008 cars, from engine no. 122779), includes: * New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes * Enhanced F1 gearshift actuation, with response times reduced to 85ms * New accelerator logic with modified mapping for improved throttle response N.B. The Performance kit cannot be installed on cars with manual gearboxes. 3) Exhaust, includes: * New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes The Exhaust kit is designed for: * vehicles that cannot receive the software updates listed in the Performance kit since the engine was produced before assembly number 122779 (pre-2008) * all cars with manual gearboxes * clients who are only interested in modifying the styling and sound of their own cars N.B. The Exhaust kit is included in the Performance kit, for cars post-2008. 4) Aesthetic, includes: * New design front grille with a special chromatic treatment * Burnished finish to Prancing Horse symbols on the front grill and rear boot lid2009 Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE package Read More

Earlier today we told you how Nissan is now offering to upgrade original-spec GT-Rs with a host of better parts including suspension upgrades and engine mounts. Now Nissan's racing and tuning arm, Nismo, has decided to release upgraded engine and transmission management software, but in a novel manner.

They're renting it. Yep, for ¥294,000 ($3,090) you get ECU and TCM modules for 24 months, but after that time, you'll have to either return the computer units or pay an additional ¥31,500 ($330) per year. It's a standalone package that can be added to any GT-R, including the SpecV (pictured).

But for that price you'll get better low end... Earlier today we told you how Nissan is now offering to upgrade original-spec GT-Rs with a host of better parts including suspension upgrades and engine mounts. Now Nissan's racing and tuning arm, Nismo, has decided to release upgraded engine and transmission management software, but in a novel manner. They're renting it. Yep, for ¥294,000 ($3,090) you get ECU and TCM modules for 24 months, but after that time, you'll have to either return the computer units or pay an additional ¥31,500 ($330) per year. It's a standalone package that can be added to any GT-R, including the SpecV (pictured). But for that price you'll get better low end torque, higher max boost pressure and better low-end boost response, plus quicker downshifts and the speed limiter raised to 199mph (320km/h). Still, we have to question the choice of the rental model - though there's every possibility it's to get around some bizarre Japanese law - even if it does come at a relatively affordable price, given the GT-R's overall expense. But, oddities aside, combining this latest electronics upgrade kit with Nismo's previous upgrade offerings or even the standard Nissan upgrades announced earlier today ought to provide enough pep and reinvigoration to make those early-adopter GT-R fans feel almost like they have a new car. Via: GT-R Blog2010 Nissan GT-R SpecV Live shots Read More

Though the California convertible has grabbed almost all the attention paid to Ferrari in the media recently, the 599 GTB is still just as formidable and attractive as it was the day it hit the streets. However, never one to rest on their laurels, the men and women in Maranello have plans to make it even more desirable at the Geneva Motor Show.

As it has done with the 575 and 612 before it, Ferrari has developed a new track focused handling package for the car. Called the Handling Grand Turismo Evoluzione (HGTE), the new upgrade will help add some spice to the 599 as it draws toward the end of its product cycle.

The HGTE package is... Though the California convertible has grabbed almost all the attention paid to Ferrari in the media recently, the 599 GTB is still just as formidable and attractive as it was the day it hit the streets. However, never one to rest on their laurels, the men and women in Maranello have plans to make it even more desirable at the Geneva Motor Show. As it has done with the 575 and 612 before it, Ferrari has developed a new track focused handling package for the car. Called the Handling Grand Turismo Evoluzione (HGTE), the new upgrade will help add some spice to the 599 as it draws toward the end of its product cycle. The HGTE package is designed to deliver even sportier, more dynamic driving. The technical modifications introduced includes a modified set-up with stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as new calibration settings for the magnetorheological shock absorbers when the manettino is at its sportier settings. The ride height has been lowered, which in turn lowers the car’s centre of gravity. The package also includes specifically optimised tires featuring a compound that offers even better grip. The car’s electronics have also evolved to ensure even more prompt response to driver commands. The F1 gearbox’s shifts are now even faster in high-performance settings, while a new engine software strategy has improved accelerator response. From a styling point of view, the package includes some distinctively sporty exterior and interior features with carbon-fiber widely used throughout the bodywork. The 20in split-rim wheels are new with a special diamond-cut and matte silver finish. The rear diffuser is finished in matte black to underscore the car’s new set-up and highlight the chromed tail pipes. The cabin is sportier too thanks to a mix of full-grain leather, black Alcantara and carbon-fiber trim. Embroidered in contrasting stitching on the headrest are a Prancing Horse and the words “Handling GTE”. Also on show in Geneva is a preview of the ‘Laboratorio Technologico’ 599XX experimental car. The oddly named show car is described as a technological laboratory aimed at a select group of clients. It will incorporate the most advanced technologies resulting from Ferrari’s road-going and F1 research, with many elements appearing for the first time. Similar to previous FXX model, Ferrari will be organising a programme of dedicated track events for the 599XX in 2010 and 2011. While based on the 599 GTB Fiorano with the same transaxle layout and engine type, this prototype is an extreme track car. Ferrari’s engineers have carried out extensive work on the engine’s combustion chambers and inlet and exhaust tracts. These modifications helped achieve the target power output of 700hp (522kW) at 9,000 rpm. Particular attention was also paid to cutting the weight of the engine unit components. This was achieved both by optimising forms – as in the new crankshaft – and adopting exclusive materials, as in the carbon-fiber used for the intake plenums. A new gearbox shift strategy cuts overall gearchange times to just 60ms. The 599XX’s aerodynamics were honed in numerous wind tunnel test sessions with the result that the car now boasts 280kg of downforce at 200 km/h (630kg at 300 km/h). The front underside of the body is completely faired-in and the vents that channel hot air from the engine bay have been moved to the bonnet. Winglets have been added to the rear buttresses to increase downforce, while synthetic jets have also been incorporated into the rear of the car to control and smooth the air flow and to reduce drag. Ferrari’s engineers have also used F1-derived “doughnuts” which partly cover the brake discs and wheel rim. These have the dual function of improving both aerodynamics and brake cooling. Conceived exclusively for track but not official competition use, and thus unrestricted by racing regulations, the car incorporates the very best of Ferrari technology. The multitude of aerodynamic, electronic control and handling innovations used together for the first time on a single car make this model a genuine technological laboratory. The solutions adopted for the 599XX – many of which will remain exclusive to it - enhance its levels of performance and can be summed up in one highly relevant statistic: a Fiorano lap time of just 1 minute and 17 seconds.2009 Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE package2009 Ferrari 599XX concept Read More

One of the harder things about designing a new car is making it sufficiently futuristic that it's actually current when it finally makes it to market. Then the struggle becomes keeping it fresh and relevant - in terms of not just design, but capability and features. Chevrolet thinks it has a winner in the Volt because of its ability to update almost on-the-fly rather than having to wait for major refreshes.

This quick-update ability offers a huge advantage in terms of keeping the Volt up-to-date and improving upon the car as it ages, but it could also be a two-edged sword. By updating the cars frequently, General Motors runs the risk of... One of the harder things about designing a new car is making it sufficiently futuristic that it's actually current when it finally makes it to market. Then the struggle becomes keeping it fresh and relevant - in terms of not just design, but capability and features. Chevrolet thinks it has a winner in the Volt because of its ability to update almost on-the-fly rather than having to wait for major refreshes. This quick-update ability offers a huge advantage in terms of keeping the Volt up-to-date and improving upon the car as it ages, but it could also be a two-edged sword. By updating the cars frequently, General Motors runs the risk of making relatively new cars obsolete. Nonetheless, GM is excited about this upgrade potential. "This is almost like getting software updates into your car," said Frank Weber, GM's global line executive in charge of the Volt. "This is not a mechanical world. So, even within a vehicle lifecycle you will see updates that are very significant." The Volt is slated to hit the streets next year, and no formal time frame for the second-gen Volt has even been discussed, but due to the modular design of the vehicle, the team is already working on cutting the size and cost of the Volt's battery pack. This size reduction would be focused on keeping the Volt's electric-only range at about 40mi (64km) however. "My goal is not to go from 40 to 60 miles in the next generation vehicles," said Weber. By shrinking the drivetrain and battery elements the team could open up the Volt's powertrain for application in cars that it currently wouldn't fit into. Already GM is working on applying the Volt architecture to a range of other vehicles in its lineup, starting with a very similar car for Europe called the Opel Ampera.2011 Chevrolet Volt Production model Read More

Factory-upgraded versions of typically sedate sedans and hatchbacks have become de rigeur for most major carmakers. Mitsubishi's have been largely hit-or-miss, but the company's next trio of factory specials promise to be on target.

The much-lauded Lancer Evolution X gets FQ400 treatment, pushing output to 400hp (298kW) and taking its demeanor further into the hardcore. Unfortunately, like other FQ variants, the model isn't slated for U.S. sale. Pricing is expected to nose up against the £50,000 mark when it hits UK streets around April.

The Lancer Sportback is also due for a Ralliart variant, already confirmed for the U.S., as is the GTS... Factory-upgraded versions of typically sedate sedans and hatchbacks have become de rigeur for most major carmakers. Mitsubishi's have been largely hit-or-miss, but the company's next trio of factory specials promise to be on target. The much-lauded Lancer Evolution X gets FQ400 treatment, pushing output to 400hp (298kW) and taking its demeanor further into the hardcore. Unfortunately, like other FQ variants, the model isn't slated for U.S. sale. Pricing is expected to nose up against the £50,000 mark when it hits UK streets around April. The Lancer Sportback is also due for a Ralliart variant, already confirmed for the U.S., as is the GTS version, which shares specs with the GTS sedan. The new Ralliart is expected to get Evo IX running gear, reports evo, making the car a notable upgrade over the bland last-generation Ralliart. The foreign-market Colt small hatch has already been upgraded with a Ralliart variant, but a new TWR Walkinshaw edition is set to raise the bar even further, its 1.5L four-cylinder remaining at the same 147hp (110kW) of the Ralliart model, but an upgraded suspension and lower ride height are expected. Other details will have to wait until the official release.Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X GSR and RSMitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart 20092009 Mitsubishi Colt officially revealed Read More