New MINI JCW Coupe Racer to Debut at 24h of Nurburgring

Well, that was quick. Just three days after unveiling the MINI Coupe, the firm’s first-ever two-seater coupe model, and even though its flagship version won’t be available to the public before autumn, the company presented the MINI John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance (yes, that’s quite a mouthful, so we’ll just call it JCW) racer.

And, what’s more, its public debut will be in one of the most demanding endurance races of the world, the Nürburgring 24 hours at the legendary Nordschleife, the place which Jackie Stewart has famously christened “the Green Hell”.

The MINI JCW Endurance is powered by a tuned version of the standard 4-cylinder, 1.6-litre engine that features a twin-scroll turbocharger as well as direct injection.

Power is up to 250 hp, which results in a top speed in excess of 240 km (150 mph), while maximum torque -with the overboost function- reaches 330 Nm (33,6 kgm).

If there’s one thing, other than styling, that the MINI is famous for is its go-kart feeling behind the wheel. Of course, the British firm’s engineers have enhanced it by adding stiffened and adjustable dampers as well as the (obligatory) roll cage, racing seat, 6-point seatbelts and HANS system.

According to MINI the front spoiler, the rear diffuser and the adjustable rear wing of the JCW package generate increased downforce, while the Coupe’s more raked windscreen, compared to the 3-door version, reduces drag.

Last, but not least, and unusually for a racer, the MINI JCW Coupe Endurance features electronic stability control (DSC: Dynamic Control System), which is specially tuned for the track, and the Race ABS from the MINI Challenge. 

source: carscoop.blogspot.com

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2012 Corvette Z06 Smashes Previous Model’s ‘Ring Time by 20 Seconds [with Video]

As promised, GM released the Nürburgring lap time of its modestly tweaked for the 2012 model year, Corvette Z06. The most important change for the 2012 model is the available competition-orientated Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires, which helped the Z06 turn around the ‘Ring in just 7:22.68.

The lap time is 20 seconds faster than the previous-best Z06 lap time, recorded in 2005, and just 3 seconds behind the 638-horsepower 2012 ZR1, a video of which you can see in our previous posting here.

However, GM noted that in 2005, the Z06 was timed from a standing start instead of the rolling start technique used on the latest Z06 and ZR1 models.

The 505HP Corvette Z06 that was tested at the Nürburgring was fitted with the Z07 chassis package that includes the new optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, Performance Traction Management and Magnetic Selective Ride Control, plus an array of carbon fiber components such as the hood, front splitter and rockers, and aerodynamic improvements. 

source: carscoop.blogspot.com

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BMW Launches Lighter and More Powerful New M3 CRT Special, Limited to 67 Units

This is BMW’s new hardcore M3 sedan, the CRT, which stands for Carbon Racing Technology. To be produced in a limited run, the M3 CRT was unveiled during a pre-race BMW M event ahead of this weekend’s Nürburgring 24-hour race.

The special edition model combines the body style of the M3 sedan with technology from the M3 GTS coupe, topped off with the use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) to further reduce the car’s weight.

BMW said the M3 CRT represents the worldwide debut of a new production process for carbon-fibre reinforced plastic components in the automotive industry, adding that we will see the same materials on the upcoming i3 EV hatchback and i8 hybrid sports coupe, due to enter volume production in 2013.

In the M3 CRT, CFRP is used to make both the rear spoiler and front airdam, as well as the bonnet, the bucket seats for the driver and front passenger. Along with the use of a sports titanium exhaust system and other lightweight materials, BMW M engineers have managed to shave 45 kg or 99.2 pounds from the regular M3 saloon bringing the total weight down to 1,580kg or 3,483 lbs.

Interestingly, BMW said that if you take into account the equipment on board the weight saving is more like 70 kg or 154.3 pounds.

Under the carbon-fiber bonnet of the CRT lies the M3 GTS’s upgraded 4.4-liter V8 that pumps out 450-horses at 8,300 rpm and peak torque of 440 Nm (324.5 lb-ft) on tap at 3,750 rpm.

Transferring the V8 lump’s power to the rear wheels is a 7-speed M doubleclutch transmission with Drivelogic. BMW says the CRT can go from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in just 4.4 seconds with the electronic capping its top speed at 290 km/h (180mph).

Other features include a modified rear suspension, the addition of six-piston, fixed-calliper high-performance brakes, a specially tuned DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system and new 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in performance tires size 245/35 R 19 up front and 265/35 R 19 at the rear.

The M3 CRT is offered in an exclusive Frozen Polar Silver metallic exterior paint shade in combination with Melbourne Red metallic applications and a special treatment for the kidney grille.

Inside, apart from the two-tone sports seats, the M3 special features bespoke door sill strips, door panels and trim strips in aluminium grain structure, while the steering wheel is covered in Alcantara.

BMW will build only 67 examples of the M3 CRT worldwide.

BMW M3 CRT SPECIFICATIONS:

Construction / Cosmetics

• M3 "CRT" = Carbon Racing Technologies
• Limited production - 67 units
• Priced in Germany at EUR 130,000 - incl. VAT
• Debuts new production process for CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) components
• Hood and bucket seats made from cellular carbon honeycomb
• Hood has strength of conventional steel hood, but at 1/4 of its weight. 50% weight saving over M3 aluminum hood.
• Frozen Polar Silver metallic exterior paint
• Melbourne Red metallic applications and special treatment for the BMW kidney grille
• Exclusive door sill strips, door panels and trim strips in aluminium grain structure
• Special Sakhir Orange and Black dual colored covers for the front and individual rear seats
• Alcantara-covered M steering wheel

Powertrain / Performance

• 450hp @ 8,300 RPM
• 324lb-ft torque @ 3,750 RPM
• 180mph / 290kmh top speed
• 4,360 cc displacement
• 0-100km/h (0-62mph) - 4.4 seconds
• Sports exhaust system with extremely lightweight titanium muffler
• Bedplate crankcase construction in special aluminum-silicon alloy
• Individual throttle butterflies
• Knock control system with ion current technology
• Dynamically-optimized wet sump oil supply

Body

• 3,483 pounds / 1,580 kilograms = [100lb (45kg)] lighter than standard sedan / [154lb (70kg)] lighter when equipment on board taken into account
• Proportion of car's weight over rear axle raised to 48.4%
• 7.74 lb-per-hp weight-to-power ratio
• 3.5 kg-per-hp weight-to-power ratio

Wheels/Suspension

• 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design
• 245/35 R 19 front tires and 265/35 R 19 rear tires
• Front and rear axle enhanced by rigid rear axle subframe
• Coilover suspension with individually adjustable dampers
• 6-piston fixed calipers with low-weight compound construction
• 378x32 mm front brake rotors / 380x28 mm rear rear rotors
• Stahflex brake lines

Tech

• Sound-proofing configured specially for low-weight construction
• Two individual rear seats
• M DCT w/ Drivelogic
• Navigation System Professional
• BMW Individual High End audio system
• Alarm system with PDC sensors

Source: BMW via M3Post

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Bentley Launches Mulliner Styling Pack for Continental GT

Bentley’s new Continental GT is, without question, a coupe with imposing road presence. But the British firm wishes to offer its customers the opportunity to make their cars even more unique by launching a range of styling options named Mulliner Styling Specification Classic Pack.

This styling package consists of a front splitter, strakes integrated in the front intake grilles, side extension blades and a rear diffuser, all made from glossy black carbon-fibre.

If you think these are not enough, Bentley also offers more options such as a carbon-fibre rear spoiler and mirror covers, as well as dark mesh front wing vents and black 21-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels.

According to Bentley’s head of exterior design, Raul Pires, the Mulliner Styling Specification Classic Pack “with its sharper lines and darker, lower appearance underlines the iconic form of Bentley’s new GT, underscores its extrovert, flamboyant nature and delivers a more personalized, sportive interpretation of a luxurious and refined GT”.

The Classic Pack is already available to order, while the optional features will be available from the following autumn. 

source: carscoop.blogspot.com

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What a Tease…Honda Announces All-New 2012 CR-V on its U.S. Website

Honda is trying to build some suspense around its forthcoming, brand-new 2012 CR-V crossover by making an announcement on its U.S. market website. All we get for now is a picture of a tunnel and a press blurb that doesn’t really say much other than that Honda will be revealing the successor to the current CR-V bit by bit in the next few months.

If you don’t feel like visiting Honda’s site, here’s what it says:

“With a new design—both inside and out, new features and new possibilities, the 2012 CR-V will set a new standard for the class. As a top-selling crossover for over five years, expectations for the 2012 CR-V are high and we're confident they will not only be met, but exceeded. Much more will be revealed over the next several months so be sure to sign up on this page to receive updates.”

The next iteration of the CR-V is expected to feature an uprated four-cylinder engine with a little more power and improved fuel efficiency over the current 2.4-liter lump, while the European version of the crossover will also be offered with a diesel unit. We’ve also heard rumors about the availability of a third-row of seats, but this has not been confirmed by Honda officials.

More to come in the next few weeks.

Source: Honda via Indianautosblog

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