When initial rumors about the next Lamborghini Gallardo, or Cabrera as it is supposed to be named, surfaced online, it was reported to carry a turbocharged engine with an output of about 600 HP. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In a recent interview, Lamborghini boss, Stephan Winkelmann, stated that it was unlikely that the company would turn to turbocharging this decade, but that it may happen at some point.
"For this decade, I don’t see it happening in the super sport car business – although I would also caution against saying it could never happen. The future can take its own path when fuel regulations are involved. All I will say is that any development along those lines must be consistent with the DNA of Lamborghini."
On that same token, Audi - who shares the Gallardo platform with the R8 sports car - has stated that a turbocharged engine option might appear by the end of the decade. Will Lamborghini allow Audi to throw the first punch when their car wouldn’t exist without the Gallardo platform? Guess we’ll find out when the Cabrera makes its world debut in two years.
Japanese automaker Nissan is introducing a new, state-of-the-art technology that promises "self-healing" capabilities. We’d love to tell you that this is some kind of joke, but the truth is, it’s not.
In all seriousness, Nissan is unveiling a cell phone accessory that features their new Scratch Shield paint technology. According to Nissan, the Scratch Shield paint technology promises to heal small scratches within an hour for less-serious instances, and up to a week’s time in more serious occurrences.
The technology was developed by Nissan in collaboration with University of Tokyo and Advanced Softmaterials Inc. This material is expected to be used in a number of future Nissan and Infiniti models, but will make its debut as an protective accessory for the iPhone 4 and 4S models.
The case is made out of ABS plastic, a material that’s stronger and tougher than any other kind of plastic and, when combined with their new Scratch Shield technology, promises to be a revolutionary new safety accessory to protect our beloved iPhones.
We’ve seen some pretty crazy things being invented the past couple of years, but a cell phone case that heals itself?
Five Axis was the first tuning company to come out with an upgrade package for the new generation Lexus GS, specifically the GS 350 F-Sport, but now Toyota Racing Developments (TRD) is getting in on the action with a full list of accessories for the GS. The package can be applied to both the GS 350 and GS 450h models, but buyers beware, it’s going to get expensive. For example, just a new set of wheels will run the customer $6,574.
Aside from the pricey wheels, TRD is offering a pretty impressive aero kit that includes a front under-spoiler, side skirts, a trunk spoiler, and a rear diffuser. Customers can also opt for a quad-exhaust sports muffler and a new set of 19" forged aluminum wheels that are lighter than the standard and help improve rigidity, contributing to the high dynamic performance and elegant comfort of the GS.
In addition to these features, the Lexus GS’ ride was superbly balanced with a new sport suspension that helps change the damping force of the spring and damper stiffness stabilizer from a revised rate.
Following the spy shots revealed yesterday of the upcoming Porsche 911 Turbo playing in the snow is a fantastic bit of news about what it will be carrying under that luscious hood. Turns out, the 911 Turbo will be powered by a 3.8 liter, horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, but not equipped with a twin-turbo system as one would expect. Instead, Porsche is following in BMW’s footsteps by offering a tri-turbo system.
This system is currently in the final phase of development and, according to the first details, will help raise the engine’s output from the current 495 HP to somewhere in the region of 525 HP — or the same as that of the current 911 Turbo S. It will include the usual twin turbochargers found in the current engine, but will get a smaller unit mounted close to the engine to boost low-end response. This system will also improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions.
Once this tri-turbo system is complete, not only will it fit in with the 911 Turbo, but will also get dropped in the next-generation 911 GT2 and GT2 RS.
When it comes to high performance sedans, AMG is one of the performance arms that churns out the best cars. One of their best creations is the Mercedes C63 AMG - a sedan powered by a 6.3-liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 451 HP and sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
Vivid Racing, however, has found a solution to make this sedan even better, without having to make any changes to the engine. The tuner is offering an Agency Power Valvetronic exhaust system combined with Toyo tires, HRE Wheels, Vorsteiner aero, and H&R coilovers to spice it up even further. The highlight of the program is the special exhaust system that can be switched between quiet and race modes, as well as between the intensity of the engine’s sound, all at the touch of a button on the remote.
