Top Speed

KTM 990 Super Duke R

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 21:00:00 GMT

Have you ever pictured what the perfect bike is like? You know, the kind of uncompromising riding machine that, in its purest form, just speaks to how perfect engineering could give birth to something so beautiful?

Open your eyes and you’re looking at the ultra-sporty KTM 990 Super Duke R.

With its muscle-flexing V2 and perfectly controllable power, the 990 Super Duke R has been regarded as the ultimate scourge of the superbike. The bike’s performance capabilities means serious business. After all, when you have a 999cc water-cooled V-engine that packs a powerful punch to the tune of 123 horsepower, you’re controlling a bike that can just wallop anything it sets its eyes on. The 990 Super Duke R’s engine also comes with state-of-the-art four-valve cylinder heads, each with flow-optimized ducts, two overhead camshafts, and an electronic Keihin engine management system that regulates the modern fuel injection system on the 990 Super Duke R, focusing on maximum power, efficient, and spontaneous responsiveness.

As far as handling characteristics are concerned, the 990 Super Duke R’s orange, powder-coated tubular space frame that’s made from chrome-molybdenum steel with a bolted-on, light alloy subframe is as strong and sturdy as any in the market. On top of that, it provides a steeper steering head angle in the "R" setup than the Super Duke and therefore slightly less trail for even greater maneuverability. The sports bike also has an upside-down telescopic fork with TiAlN-coated sliding surfaces and a directly connected shock absorber from WP Suspension with a TiAlN-coated piston rod that allows optimum individual adjustment of the chassis to suit load, riding style, and track.

From front to rear and top to bottom, the 990 Super Duke R possesses the kind of all-world capabilities that makes it a true sports bike in every sense of the word.

Find out more about the KTM 990 Super Duke R after the jump.

KTM 990 Super Duke R originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 9 February 2012 21:00 EST.

KTM 1190 RC8 R

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 19:00:00 GMT

The baddest bike in the KTM line-up certainly needs no introduction. Not when KTM designers pulled out all the stops to ensure that it keeps its menacing reputation in the industry.

That’s what the 1190 RC8 R is all about. The bike comes loaded with one of the most powerful V2 engines of our times and one of the best chassis in the world. And the best part: the bike is completely street-legal.

The RC8 R not only offers extraordinarily relaxed ergonomics for all its supreme sportiness, but it also comes with more setting options than any other series production super bike, including the footrests, each with two positional variants, the foot levers with variable lever operating angle and lever length, the seats, hand levers, and a two-height adjustable handlebar.

Mechanically speaking, the 1190 RC8 R boasts of an insanely powerful V2 twin-engine that produces a mighty output of 173 horsepower. The KTM engine impresses with an extremely broad rev range and spontaneous throttle response, while supplying supreme ride quality. If you’re looking for reasons as to why the RC8 R has such an impressive engine, look no further than the state-of-the-art cylinder heads with twin plug ignition, flow-optimized ducts and cam follower drive, each with two overhead camshafts for four valves, as well as the electronic Keihin engine management system with twin throttle valves that regulate the modern electronic fuel injection system on the RC8 R. This features focuses on maximum power with predictable engine characteristics and spontaneous responsiveness with controllable throttle response.

Handling is also an important part of the RC8 R package, thanks to an intricately made light alloy swing arm that contributes in providing outstanding traction of the RC8 R. The position of the swingarm can be adjusted by means of an eccentric on the lever linkage, allowing for minimized compression and preventing squatting anytime the bike accelerates out of corners.

Find out more about the KRM 1190 RC8 R after the jump.

KTM 1190 RC8 R originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 9 February 2012 19:00 EST.

Get it while it's hot: First Lamborghini Aventador Spyder may already be on sale

Simona@topspeed.com(Simona) — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 18:00:00 GMT

The Lamborghini Aventador Spyder won’t be unveiled until the Geneva Motor Show opens its doors in March, but the supercar seems to already be available on Mobile.de. This site lists the price of the supercar at 340,000 euro, or about $450,000 at the current exchange rates, which is about 15,000 euro (about $20,000 at the current rates) over the supercar’s standard price. The best part is that the announcement also came with a picture of the car, marking what may be the first image of the upcoming Spyder model.

This may just be the best opportunity to snag the supercar ahead of anyone else, if you have the money to spend of course. A customer’s chances of picking up the drop top version may be a little better than getting the standard coupe model, considering the Aventador Coupe already has a waiting list of two years, but this window of opportunity may be fast-closing. If the Coupe sold out that quickly, chances are the Spyder version will sell out even faster.

gallery: 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

Get it while it's hot: First Lamborghini Aventador Spyder may already be on sale originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 9 February 2012 18:00 EST.

BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe

Simona@topspeed.com(Simona) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 06:11:00 GMT

The most awaited BMW of the time its finally out! As a response to models like Mercedes CLS-Class or Porsche Panamera BMW has launched today the 6-Series Gran Coupe - a production version of the Gran Coupe concept unveiled at the beginning of 2010. On the US market the new 6-Series Gran Coupe will firstly be offered in a 640i version, but a 650i and a 650i xDrive version will join the line-up later in the summer of 2012.

The new Gran Coupe will be immediately recognized as a 6-Series, but it adds a unique combination of top-class sporting dynamics, stunning design and luxurious touring comfort. However, compared with a standard 6-Series coupe the new Gran Coupe version is being built on a 4.5 inch longer wheelsbase and its distinctive profile is dominated by its four-door, elegantly stretched roof line.

The 640i - the first to be offered on the US market - is powered by a TwinPower turbo 6-cylinder engine with an output of 315 HP at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 330 lbs-ft delivered between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. The model will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds and will hit a top speed of 155 mph.

Updated 12/12/2011: After making its official debut during the week-end, BMW is now offering an online configurator for the new 6-Series Gran Coupe. This will give you the chance to play a bit with the car’s exterior colors, list of wheels, interior colors, but also to add the options from the M-Sport package. Enjoy!

Hit the jump to read more about the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe.

BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe originally appeared on topspeed.com on Sunday, 11 December 2011 06:11 EST.

KTM 1190 RC8 R Track

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMT

There’s a reason why the KTM 1190 RC8 R Track is being built in strictly limited numbers for those who want to use their machine exclusively for the racetrack.

Built to be "ready to race" by the KTM Racing Division and packed with all the goodies from the KTM PowerParts range that make the potential for race success even greater, the 1190 RC8 R Track is equipped with everything that has made KTM super bikes so successful then, now, and in the future.

The forged piston structure on the RC8 R Track, borrowed from Formula 1, results in a high piston loading capacity, despite the extremely short and lightweight design. This allows the reciprocating weight to be minimized and the responsiveness and free-revving nature of the engine maximized. It also has a racing seat, a multiple-adjustment racing footrest system, and handlebars that can be mounted at two heights and two angles, with subframes mounted at two heights.

The RC8 R Track is the embodiment of a sports bike that packs plenty of punch, courtesy of its 1190cc V-Twin engine that produces a very tasty 177 horsepower. Considered the measure stick of all things for ultra-sporty twins, the RC8 R Track offers maximum performance, predictable characteristics, and high reliability. The KTM engine impresses with an extremely broad rev range and spontaneous throttle response, while supplying supreme ride quality. It also carries an Akrapovic titanium EVO 4 exhaust system that produces optimum torque levels and power progression, to go with weight savings of almost six kilograms. The main reasons for the outstanding performance of the RC8 R Track’s V-twin with 75° cylinder angle are the ultra-modern cylinder heads with flow-optimized ducts and cam follower drive, each with two overhead camshafts for four valves.

Find out more about the KTM 1190 RC8 R Track after the jump.

KTM 1190 RC8 R Track originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 9 February 2012 17:00 EST.

Toyota GT86 RC Spec

Simona@topspeed.com(Simona) — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMT

The new Toyota GT 86 is now officially on sale on the Japanese market and Japan was lucky enough to get a bare bones model that most likely won’t be available on any other market. It’s called the GT 86 RC Spec and will be offered as an entry level model, stripped of many of its features to save weight and cost. That decrease in cost will be passed on to Toyota’s customers as well; the RC Spec is cheaper than any other GT 86 version offered, priced at $25,800 at the current exchange rates. This is about $5,500 cheaper than the next model in the line-up.

So what do we mean by bare bones? The RC Spec will be void of the usual perks like air conditioning and cup holders, as well as the underfloor, intake manifold cover, and boot lamp. The fascia cover and plastic covering for the steering wheel and gear shifter were also stripped. The exterior also gets minimized with unpainted front and rear bumpers, exterior mirrors, and door handles, and the 17" alloy wheels were replaced with 16" steel wheels. As a result, the GT 86 RC Spec is about 132 lbs lighter and consumes less fuel than the standard GT 86.

The Toyota GT 86 RC Spec is powered by the same 200 HP 2.0 liter, naturally-aspirated petrol engine found in the standard model, but only a six-speed manual transmission will be available to partner with it. The limited slip differential also gets tossed out to save weight.

The Toyota GT 86 RC Spec will be joined on the Japanese market by G Spec, GT Spec, and GT Limited versions.

gallery: 2012 Toyota GT 86

Toyota GT86 RC Spec originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 9 February 2012 16:00 EST.

Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon

Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby), Alexander@topspeed.com(Alexander) — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT

The run-up leading to the 2012 Geneva Motor Show is becoming fast and feverish and now, Chevrolet is joining the party with preparations for the unveiling of the Chevrolet Cruze Wagon.

They’ve just offered the first look at the vehicle, although it’s not much of a look considering that it’s one image of the rear end of the car. Nonetheless, it does give us a good idea of the extended wheelbase of the Cruze Wagon, as well as the accompanying new rear styling of the vehicle.

Not much has gone in the way of details, but the wagon variant does follow in the footsteps of the sedan and hatchback versions, which have become popular sellers since the model was launched a few years ago.

As far as aesthetics go, the Cruze Wagon measures 4,675 mm (184.1 inches) in length, with a total storage space of 500 liters (146.5 cubic feet) to the window line and nearly 1,500 liters (424.5 cubic feet) up to the roof top with the rear seats folded down. In terms of design, the Cruze Wagon has a remodeled front fascia, modified head-lamp interiors and fog lamps, new wheel styles, and as with most wagons go, there’s also the presence of roof racks. For the interior, Cruze models get refinements to the center console and a greater choice of seat finishes, as well as keyless entry and MyLink, a brand-new Chevrolet infotainment system. MyLink connects with your smartphone to display personal playlists, photo galleries, phone books, videos, and other stored media and data to a seven-inch diagonal high-resolution full-color touch-screen.

The Chevrolet Cruze Wagon, as with all of the Cruze variants, will be powered by a range of engines, including the current 1.6L and 1.8L gasoline engines, a new 1.4L turbo gasoline, a new 1.7L diesel, and an improved 2.0L diesel engine.

All the official numbers, as well as the full details surrounding the Cruze Wagon will be divulged at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, so stay tuned!

gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 9 February 2012 15:00 EST.

KTM 125 Duke

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT

KTM’s line-up of Duke bikes has become a staple for a lot of consumers. In particular, for young and up-and-coming riders, the 125 Duke comes chalk full of unique features.

Even if it’s classified as a bike for young people, the 125 Duke has everything that distinguishes a genuine KTM: from the high-quality chassis components to the multi-function cockpit that keeps you up to date with fuel consumption and remaining range. The bike sports a two-piece seat that provides surprising long-distance comfort, perfect support, and first-class ergonomics for rider and pillion. At 810 mm, the seat height is low enough for a secure standing position, but also high enough for sports-oriented use and a genuine big-bike feeling.

The 125 Duke also offers maximum riding fun, thanks to thoroughbred motorcycle technology. The refined four-stroke single cylinder with fuel injection and six-gear transmission provides adequate propulsion while the featherweight chassis with high-quality components and first-class brakes guarantee dynamic cornering fun.

As for the former, the 125 Duke is powered by a state-of-the-art, 125cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine with twin overhead camshafts, four valves and electronic fuel injection, producing a peak output of 15 horsepower.

As for the latter, that’s been taken care of by a lightweight tubular space frame that’s been built in the mold of KTM’s outstanding design. The bike also has a high-quality upside-down fork from WP Suspension that has the same 43 mm outer tube diameter as the RC8 R.

Every which way you look at it, upstart riders will be enamored with the 125 Duke. Then again, we already knew that.

Find out more about the KTM 125 Duke after the jump.

KTM 125 Duke originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 9 February 2012 15:00 EST.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT

A few months ago, Aston Martin introduced the V12 Zagato Concept to the world, a supercar that was born from the creative minds of Aston Martin and Italian coachbuilder, Zagato. The overwhelming popularity of the concept prompted the folks over at Aston to expedite the release of the production car and lo and behold, the production car was supposed to make an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

But what we saw at Frankfurt appeared to be the same one we saw at Pebble Beach and Villa d’Este, albeit with a new trunk lid as opposed to the huge spoiler we saw before.

Official details behind the production version have yet to be released, but we don’t expect it to be any different from the concept, including the 6.0-liter V12 engine mated to a six-speed automated manual transmission and the output of 510 horsepower and 420 lb/ft of torque.

What we do know is that Aston Martin has revealed the price for the limited-run supercar and it’s going to take you back £330,000, which is about $538,300 based on current exchange rates. Only 150 models will be built so if you’re in the market for one, better start saving up and preparing for a speedy reservation.

The ’production version’ of the V12 Zagato was one of the highlights of Aston Martin’s booth at Frankfurt, where it was joined by the pair of V12 Zagato race car variants that participated at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring - ’Zig’ and ’Zag’ - as well as the One-77 supercar and the newly released Virage and Vantage S.

UPDATE 02/09/12: Aston Martin has released new official images of the production version V12 Zagato supercar. Enjoy!

gallery: 2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato Concept

gallery: 2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato Racer

Aston Martin V12 Zagato originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 9 February 2012 14:00 EST.

KTM 525 XC

Sulthoni@topspeed.com(Sulthoni), Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Time and again, ATVs are built with a number of features to serve a variety of purposes, not the least of which is a versatility that allows it to be used on both public and off-road trails. The Enduro-Quad KTM 525 XC is a fully-fledged sports machine that has set new standards in the cross-country scene, and in the process has become one of the most popular ATVs in the market today.

With extremely powerful performance and perfect handling, the 525 XC is an offroad powerhouse on four wheels that is unrivaled in its class, bursting with energy, and very lightweight. A big reason why the 525 XC is a notch above every other ATV is its homologation for use on public roads, which not a lot of ATVs can boast of. Aside from lights and mirrors, the corresponding equipment includes a comfortable seat and a 13.4 liter long-range fuel tank to reduce the frequency of breaks when out on tour.

On top of that, the ATV also carries a powerful, liquid-cooled four-stroke, single-cylinder engine that features an extremely wide usable rev range, with a close-ratio, five-speed transmission, hydraulic clutch, and a proven 34 mm Keihin carburetor. The 525 XC’s small lightweight electric starter activates the four-stroke single cylinder reliably and quickly, lessening the longstanding delays that other ATVs might experience.

One other unique detail about the 525 XC is a chassis that can be set for various types of use and different types of course. Camber and caster on the front axle are just as variable as the track on the rear. The shock absorbers have adjustable compression and rebound damping, as well as spring preload, which makes for an all-around versatile endure ATV that just speaks to the prospective owners everywhere.

Find out more about the KTM 525 XC after the jump.

KTM 525 XC originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 9 February 2012 13:00 EST.