We can’t think of anything more appropriate than a German tuner turning a few wrenches on one of Germany’s most powerful people movers. As they comes from the factory, the X5 M and X6 M models roar like muscle cars, so when G-Power gets done with them you can only image what the end product is like. However the high performance specialists focused on more then just upping the fastback sport activity vehicle’s output, that is why they started off with one of their wide body Typhoon body kits to get the ball rolling.
The first thing that G-Power modified was the 4.4 Liter Biturbo’s engine electronics that not only removes the factory set 155 MPH top speed limiter, but also increases the motor sport inspired SAV all the way up to 600 HP and 516 lb-ft of torque. This allows the G-Powered X5 and X6 M to sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.5 seconds and reach a terminal velocity of 186 MPH. Aside from the ultra aggressive front bumper from the Typhoon kit, the exterior is dressed up with a carbon fiber front spoiler with integrated oversized air inlets, lower hanging side skirts and of course a set of G-Power Silverstone Editionaluminum alloys measuring 23 inches in diameter.
Press release after the jump.
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In 1962, at the Paris Motor Show, Ferrari unveiled the final model in the 250 GT series. Called 250 GT Berlinetta lusso, the new model has been produced between 1962 and 1964 with 350 units being produced. The car replaced the 250 GT Coupe, were designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti in Modena. Actor Steve McQueen is one of the famous car’s owners.
The 250 GT Berlinetta lusso was built on the short wheelbase of the earlier 250 GTs, but with a revised chassis and the engine moved slightly further forward providing additional interior room for the occupants.
A hit already among the 250 models, the single overhead camshaft, 60° V12 was once again used. For the 250 GT Berlinetta lusso the engine had a bore and stroke of 73mm x 58.8mm and delivered 250bhp at 7500rpm with a compression of 9.2:1. The engine was coupled with a 4-speed + reverse all-synchromesh gearbox, with final drive through a propeller shaft to the rigid rear axle, for which two alternative ratios were available.
The 0 to 60 mph sprint was made in less than 7 seconds, while top speed went up to 150 mph.
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The German automaker Mercedes Benz has just revealed the new B-Class F-Cell, the company’s first full size production ready fuel cell powered EV to hit the road, with deliveries scheduled to begin in Europe and the U.S. next spring. The B-Class F-Cell is propelled by an electric motor that is on par with a conventional 2.0 Liter internal combustion engine. The electrically charged bundle of wound wires and magnets provides a maximum output of 136 HP and 214 lb-ft of torque fed juice by a powerful trio of high voltage lithium ion battery packs.
The electric motor is combined with three 700-bar hydrogen storage tanks that is used to run the fuel cell. Each tank holds just under 4 kilograms of the liquid hydrogen fuel and can cover a range of up to 400 kilometers with the tanks topped off, now this is more than twice as far as the previous A-Class F‑Cell from Mercedes. The best part is, unlike a pure BEV that can take all night to fully charge, the F-Cell’s tanks can be filled in less than three minutes at any standard refueling station so that you can get back on your way.
Press release after the jump.
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Fresh off of an excellent season in the Dutch GT4 series Donkervoort Racing has announced that they plan to bring the D8 GT racing car to its very first endurance race run twice around the clock next January when they compete in the 2010 24 Hours of Dubai. The tube frame race car complete with carbon fiber bodywork has already proven itself in competition and is expected to do quite well at the event.
However, in order to ensure that the D8 doesn’t run itself out of the competition, Donkervoort Racing has revised the brake and fuel systems for the endurance race. Meanwhile the race car will become a bit more competitive thanks to a new rear diffuser that will provide a little more downforce for the lightweight racer. The Donkervoort Racing team has high hopes for he upcoming 24 Hour race in Dubai on January 14, 15 and 16 at the out of this world Dubai Autodrome. As a special treat for their fans, the sports car builder is extending an invitation to all owners and dealers so that they may join them at the event, however they haven’t forgotten about the folks who make things possible back at the factory in Lelystad, so they have also arranged for a very special television viewing for the hometown audience.
Press release after the jump.
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Until 1960 Ferrari never had a 2+2 model. They have only received special orderes on models like 195’s, 212’s, 340’s and 342’s. At the Le Mans 24 Hours in June 1960 Ferrari presented the 250 GT 2+2 (known as the GTE), their first real four-seater. The company built 957 units between 1960 and 1963.
The car might be believed to be designed especially for Enzo Ferrari’s father, who according to him "loved the 2+2 … this was his personal car. My father was normally driving himself, but he always had a driver with him, and a little dog. So for him, a two-seat car wasn’t enough."
Designed by Pininfarina, the 250 GTE was based on the 250 GT Coupe, compared to that were 300 mm longer, 60 mm wider and, perhaps most surprisingly, over 50 mm lower and only 80 kilos heavier. The body had an airy cabin section with slim screen pillars, which provided a light and quite roomy leather trimmed interior for the occupants. However, the front seats had to be forward on their runners to provide reasonable rear seat leg room, thus endorsing its 2+2 status rather than claiming to be a full four-seater car, although the rear seats were well upholstered and the occupants had a central arm rest and even an ashtray.
Continued after the jump.
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