As we announced a few days ago, a group of scientists from Stanford University have created a robotic Audi TTS to race at Pikes Peak. Today Audi has revealed the official details on the car.

We are talking about a 2009 Audi TTS, powered by a 2.0L Turbocharged I4 DOHC engine that delivers 265 hp, and can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4,9 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph.

The car is controlled via two independent systems: the initial controller development is being done on an XPC target using Matlab and Simulink which are the standard research tools from Stanford’s DDL. The final vehicle controls are being run on ruggedized custom built solutions running a Core2Duo CPU and Solaris operating system that is being developed in collaboration with Sun Microsystems.

Full details in the press release after the jump.

Audi Pikes Peak TTS originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 9 November 2009 07:21 EST.

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If looks were deceiving, then the newly-released ‘candy orange’-clad BMW M3 GTS is a car that is far more powerful than what those eyesore colors indicate. As the latest tricked-out version of the M3 Coupe, the GTS – thanks to a 4.4-litre V8 engine that produces as much as 450 horsepower – is a beast on wheels.

And if you’re one to find truth in that assertion, we invite you to check out these two videos that BMW released of the M3 GTS showing off its muscle on a race track.

Video: BMW M3 GTS out on track originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 9 November 2009 07:00 EST.

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In 1991 Ferrari replaced the Testarossa with the 512 TR. In the title 5 represented the number of liters and the 12 for the number of cylinders, whilst the "TR" was an abbreviation of Testarossa (Testa Rossa). The model was produced between 1991 and 1994, when the F512M model replaced it, during which time 2261 examples were produced.

The 512 TR came with subtle exterior changes to improve aerodynamics. The alterations included a one-piece nose with rounded front grille, flush mounted lights and ducts, and a new undertray. At the rear a small kamm tail smoothed airflow.

Internally there were changes to the seats, steering wheel design and trim details. Mechanically there were numerous changes to the engine and gearbox, which boosted power, and provided a more satisfying and positive to use gearbox. Not visually apparent was that the engine and transmission assembly location in the chassis had been dropped by 30mm, to lower the center of gravity, and thus improve the already high standard of roadholding.

Ferrari 512 TR originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 9 November 2009 01:08 EST.

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This week in brief originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 November 2009 20:00 EST.

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Hofele has revealed a wide-body kit for the Volkswagen Touareg. The new kit can be adapted for any Touareg model, except the R50.

The kit includes: front bumper, four additional lights - 2x LED day driving light and 2x fog lamps, rear apron with integrated tailpipes, tailpipe adapters, rear roof spoiler, rear door panel, bonnet / hood scoop "Power Dome", "Royster" wide body that includes side skirts and wheel arch extensions for front & rear axle and wheel spacers "Wide-Body Royster".

The wheel spacers "Royster" are made for the use of the extension kit in combination with wheels in the size 9Jx20" and 10Jx22".

Full details in the press release after the jump.

Hofele Royster GT 460 wide body kit originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 November 2009 18:00 EST.

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It seems that the latest fun in Los Angeles is chasing cars with helicopter. A Lamborghini Gallardo and a Gallardo Spyder are being chased on the Pacific Coast highway. Why? Because they were bad guys!

Video: Helicopter chasing Lamborghini originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 November 2009 17:00 EST.

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It seems that Shaquille O’Neal has inspired these two daring stuntman to get their own act together and because they wanted things to turn out for the best, they used a very low motorcycle instead of a massive Cadillac. Unfortunately, the guy supposed to jump did it too late and although he survived, I have a hunch he won’t end up with any grandkids to tale the tale too.

Guy compromises family jewels in bike stunt originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 November 2009 16:11 EST.

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Hummer announced today details on the 2010 H3 and H3T models. And there are some very "environmental-friendly" details. Both models will get E85 capability and new colors for the 2010 model year. The prices on the other hand remain the same as for the 2009 models.

All 2010 Alpha series’ models will be powered by a 5.3L V8 Flex Fuel engine rated at 300 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. Is not much of a green car, but according to James Taylor, Hummer CEO: "This is just the first step in HUMMER’s evolution to offer responsible, yet highly capable all-terrain vehicles. Future models will be lighter, more efficient and will continue to offer the best blend of off-road capability and on-road performance."

Besides the new engine, the 2010 models will be offered with three new premium colors: Red Rock Metallic, Silver Stone Metallic, and Canyon Metallic.

Press release after the jump.

Hummer H3 and H3T originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 November 2009 16:00 EST.

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When revealing the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor R, Ford announced that for the 2011 model year the company will offer the FR Raptor XT. But until then Ford presented a concept version of the car at SEMA Show.

The production version will be powered by a 500-hp (est.) 6.2-liter naturally aspirated engine mated to a Six-speed automatic transmission. There will only be 50 units built, ad each will be priced at $99,950.

Ford FR Raptor XT Concept at SEMA originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 November 2009 15:00 EST.

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This Suzuki Burgman 125 scooter is clearly having a bad day as the owner left it parked on the sidewalk and then workers came to pour concrete all over the place. It seems that the thing is now an integrated part of the Via del Porto Fluviale in Rome.

Hmm, last time I checked, Japanese scooters weren’t an ingredient of Roman concrete.

Suzuki Burgman 125 + fresh concrete = bad mix originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 November 2009 14:28 EST.

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