After being teased for quite some time now, the Rimac Concept One has finally made its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Concept One is not only the proof that "supercar" and "electric" can be used in the same sentence, but it also previews a limited edition model that will arrive in 2013 in a quantity of only 88 units.
Mind blowing as it is to comprehend, Rimac is promising an output that’s unheard of for an electric sports car. Concept One uses a unique powertrain which is divided into four sub-systems, each consisting of one motor, inverter and reduction gearbox. With a total output of 1,088 HP and 2,802 lb/ft of torque, the Concept One will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in only 2.8 seconds and comes with an electronically limited top speed of 189 mph.
The Concept One is the work of some of the most famous designers around the world. The carbon-fiber body is designed by Adriano Mudri, while the interior is designed by a team of former Pininfarina employees, led by Mr. Goran Popović.
UPDATE 04/20/12: The Rimac Concept One has been on display at the 2012 Top Marques Monaco, which was the perfect opportunity for the company to unveil new images of the supercar. Check them out in the picture gallery!
UPDATE 05/07/12: Rimac has unveiled a cool teaser video for their Concept One supercar that will be produced in a limited run of only 88 units. Watch the video and see if this car is really worth the €740,000 ($980,000 at the current rates) price tag associated with it.
Hit the jump to read more on the Rimac Concept One.
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After a very long wait, Ford has finally unveiled the production version of the dramatic new Focus ST at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and they’ve also announced that, next to the standard five-door model, Europeans will also be getting a station wagon version. The Focus ST is Ford’s first truly global performance car and Ford promises it will combine power with fuel efficiency and an impressive handling characteristic.
For the new model, Ford has tuned the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine with a redesigned intake and a new exhaust system with a unique engine calibration for a total output of 250 HP. The engine was combined with a 6-speed manual transmission which has also been specially revised for the ST.
Ford has also announced that many of the design elements seen in the Focus ST will also be used in all the future ST models. These elements include the aggressively enhanced front and rear bumpers and the addition of a rear spoiler and sideskirts, plus a unique signature color.
UPDATE 05/01/2012: All hatchback performance enthusiasts are monitoring the upcoming release of the new Ford Focus ST salivating like a pack of dogs surrounding a meaty T-bone steak. There is good reason for this excitement, as this 2.0-liter turbocharged Focus pumps out a stout 247 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, which is an astonishing 45 percent more horsepower and 83 percent more torque than the final model year of the Focus SVT (2004).
Well, the Ford Focus ST ordering books are now open and prices have been revealed. Let’s start with the base model Focus ST, which it is set at $23,700. The Ford Focus ST2 (group 201A) has a base MSRP of $26,205 minus a $120 discount and the ST3 (group 202A) has a base MSRP of $28,540 minus a $405 discount. Granted, this is all barring dealerships doing the ultimate screw-the-customer move and slapping a “Market-Based Markup” on the sticker price. Hit the jump for more pricing details!
Hit the jump to read more about the Ford Focus ST.
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The Wiesmann Roadster has had a good run, that much we can be sure of, but just like Atari and SpongeBites, all good things must come to an end. So 18 years after we first saw the Roadster MF3], the German sportscar is being prepared for its swan song with a collection of special edition models that Wiesmann is building in collaboration with luxury brand, Sieger.
To commemorate its 18-year run that began in 1993, the German automaker will be rolling out 18 unique models of the MF3, with each model carrying their own special color schemes, to go with fancy-pants nicknames that include Panther, Ivory, Swiss Blue, and Mountain Mobile. One of the special edition models was on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show, giving the attending crowd the first look at the last set of MF3 Roadsters to carry the Wiesmann badge.
The MF3 Roadster Final Edition is powered by a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine that develops 338 horsepower - an increase of 13 horsepower from the standard model - and 269 lb/ft of torque. The car is mated to a number of gearbox options, including a five- or six-speed manual as well as an optional six-speed SMG transmission. All told, the MF3 Roadster Final Edition can clock in a 0-62 mph time of 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 158 mph.
UPDATE 03/07/2012: Weismann’s Final Edition MF3 Roadster, specifically the Scuba Mobil version, made its way over to the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in all of its psychedelic glory! Check out the images of this colorful ride in the picture gallery!
The Audi RS5 is headed to the US market, that much we already know, but in order to prepare it for its trip, Audi has decided to give it a little refresher. The 2012 Audi RS5 will be headed to our side of the pond with a few exterior modifications and an updated interior, but power will still come from the sports coupe’s V8 engine.
The facelift isn’t all that surprising considering the RS5’s slower brethren - the Audi A5 - received its own little modifications for the 2012 model year.
The facelifted RS5 has received several new, sharp accents to clean up its look, although at first glance, these changes may not be so obvious. The two that stand out the most are the new single-frame grille with beveled upper corners and standard xenon plus headlights with a more modern shape, framed by narrow strips of LED daytime running lights. Inside the RS5, Audi has dropped in race-style front seats.
The bells and whistles of the exterior and interior just about cover the minor facelift provided for the RS5. In terms of power, the sports coupe will be enjoying the fruits of the standard 4.2 liter V8 engine’s labor, delivering a total of 450 HP at 8,250 rpm and a peak torque of 317.15 lb-ft available between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph will be made in 4.6 seconds, while top speed can be increased to 174 mph, upon request.
UPDATE 03/15/2012: Audi has unveiled a very cool video for their latest RS5 coupe which will go on sale soon. In this 10 minute video, you will be able to watch the car from every angle and see it in action. Hit the jump for the video.
UPDATE 04/06/2012: The new Audi RS5 has been presented on the New York Auto Show floor and that gave us the opportunity to shot a few pictures for you. Check the picture gallery to find them.
Hit the jump to read more about the Audi RS5.
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Okay, so this isn’t exactly the most surprising news of the day, but it sure ranks up there with the coolest. Audi is said to be launching a Spyder version for the R8 GT at the Frankfurt Motor Show this Fall. As with the coupe version, the Spyder will be limited to 333 units and should be priced at about $20,000 higher than the coupe, which is sold for about $196,800 in the U.S. The similarities will even extend to the number of units available in the U.S. We last heard that we were getting 90 units of the GT Coupe and we expect the same number for the Spyder version.
Under the hood, Audi will place the same 5.2 liter V10 engine that delivers a total of 560 HP and 398 lbs-ft of torque. The Spyder version will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and will be capable of a top speed of 196.97 mph. Thanks to body parts made in carbon fiber the R8 GT Spyder is 187 lbs lighter and in the same time delivers performance numbers that makes it the top-of-the-line version of the high-performance sports car.
UPDATE 11/16/11: The Audi R8 GT Spyder made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The lightweight, drop-top German supercar will be available in North America beginning next year and will be limited to just 90 units in the region. Audi is planning on building 333 units of the R8 GT Spyder so 90 models in North America is a pretty sizable chunk of the whole inventory. Interested parties should be on their toes so they can be part of the 90 people that can score the German supercar when it becomes available.
UPDATE 02/02/12: Audi of American has announced that the R8 Spyder will be priced at $210,000 plus a $1,200 delivery fee for the US market. Only 50 units will be offered on our side of the pond.
UPDATE 04/06/12: One of the only 50 R8 GT Spyder units to arrive on the US market has been presented on the NY floor and we have some pictures of it for you. Check the pictures gammery to find them.
More details on the Audi R8 GT Spyder after the jump.
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Ladies and gentlemen, the wait is over! After months of speculation, Lotus has finally unveiled the new Exige S. This "ultimate lightweight high performance sportscar" comes bearing a new look inside and out, as well as a brand new engine that adds over 100 HP to the car’s output.
The look of the 2012 Lotus Exige S still claims it as an Exige, but the add-ons provided smooth out the sports car’s look, while still adding a certain degree of aggression to the design. The Exige S now carries a new front splitter that reveals a cleaner line across the front of the car and a smaller rear spoiler, both of which still improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics.
As for power, the Exige S is now working with a mid-mounted, transverse 3.5 liter DOHC V6 VVI-i engine that delivers a total of 345 HP, a far cry from the previously used 257 HP 1.8L Toyota supercharged I4. The reason for this massive upgrade is clear when the car’s weight gets introduced into the equation. The previous model claimed 2,077 lbs, while the new Exige S plumps up at 2,380 lbs. Once the added weight gets brought in, the Exige S’ 0-60 mph time is still better, coming in at 3.8 seconds (from a previous time of 4.0 seconds) and its top speed hikes up to 170 mph (up from a previous 145 mph).
Lotus will also be offering a Lotus DPM (Dynamic Performance Management) switch that allows the driver to switch between three driving modes: Touring, Sport, and DPM off. An optional Race Pack also gets thrown in to add a fourth driving mode (Race) to the mix, for the ultimate Lotus Exige S experience.
UPDATE 12/08/11: After having to yank the Exige and Elise from the US market due to airbag restrictions, Lotus is throwing the US market a bone by bringing the new Exige S over to our side of the pond as a track-only car. This race version will feature a full roll cage, racing seats and harness, and an electrical cut-off switch, in addition to all of the features found on the road car. Pricing will start between $85,000–$90,000. (duPont Registry)
UPDATE 01/06/12: Lotus has unveiled a new video of the new Exige S with Lotus Renault F1 test driver Bruno Senna behind the wheel. In the video, Senna looks to be rather impressed with the sports car, but then again, who wouldn’t be?
Hit the jump to read more about the new Lotus Exige S.
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Shortly after the release of the 2012 Mercedes SLK-Class, members of the automotive community began wondering what the AMG versions would be carrying under their bonnets. After a few months of teasing and spying, Mercedes has finally released the details surrounding the 2012 Mercedes SLK55 AMG leading up to its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.
With all the details and information we received about the car, it seems that most of them will come with the version we’ll see in Frankfurt, including changes like an improved hood/nose shape with a new front spoiler, a new air dam with larger intake inlets, and rectangular quad-tipped tailpipes. The Mercedes will also get its usual array of large and shiny forged alloy wheels, big brakes, AMG badging, and color options.
The 2012 Mercedes SLK55 AMG is powered by a new 5.5-liter V8 engine that will deliver 422 horsepower with a peak torque of 398 lbs/ft. This engine will be mated to a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic with AMG SpeedShift technology.
UPDATE 12/29/2011: Mercedes has unveiled yet another new video of their latest SLK 55 AMG in action. Enjoy!
More details on the 2012 Mercedes SLK55 AMG after the jump.
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Hiding behind the shadow of the bigger and better 2012 Lotus Exige S at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show is Lotus’ brand new Exige R-GT. This new racer marks the brand’s return to the rally world, 30 years after their World Rally Championship victory in the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus. The Exige R-GT will participate in the newly formed FIA GT category of the FIA Rally Championship on asphalt in Monte Carlo, Tour de Corse, and San Remo.
The new Exige R-GT shares the new Exige S model’s mid-mounted, transverse 3.5 liter DOHC V6 VVI-i engine, but power has been brought down to 300 HP because of the 34mm air restrictor required for racing. The Exige R-GT will also have to pack on ballast weight to meet FIA requirements of 1200 kg (2645 lbs).
"With the new R-GT rules in rally, it’s a very interesting time for us to return to the sport. Naturally our approach this time around will be different to when we won the championship with Talbot three decades ago but I think our philosophy is definitely the same, we want to compete and ultimately we want to win. Our new rally car, the Exige R-GT is a dream come true for those who are passionate about GT racing – this will be their car," said Group Lotus’ Director of Motorsport Claudio Berro.
UPDATE 12/28/2011: After its official debut in Frankfurt, the Exige R-GT headed to the Dallara’s headquarters in Varano Melegari, Palma on December 22, 2011 for its first track test under the watchful eye of Group Lotus Director of Motorsport, Claudio Berro, and technicians from the team. According to Lotus, the results were delightful and the team will continue to test the car until the 2012 FIA World Rally Championship season where the Exige will contend in the FIA GT category on asphalt at events in Monte Carlo, Tour de Corse, and San Remo. We have also added new images from the testing days. Enjoy!
The Evora GTE Concept’s engine is still a bit warm from its 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance debut, and Lotus is already revving up the production version for the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Evora GTE road car was originally designed as a special limited edition for the Asian market, but Group Lotus has decided to expand its production to meet demand and reach further markets.
The Evora GTE is powered by a race-tuned 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers a total of 444 HP, making it the most powerful Lotus road car ever built. It also delivers a comfortable and refined element to its high performance driving characteristics.
Commenting on the Evora GTE road car, Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar said: "The response to this model in China has been so incredible, within days we had sold out with 114 orders. In response we decided that the only logical step from a business perspective was to increase production and widen our reach.
"What is unique about this car, is not just that it’s a serious race car – it’s a serious car. People get so excited when they see and especially hear it for the first time. It’s a very special car and will appeal to a very special type of driver – and they won’t be disappointed!"
UPDATE 09/13/2011: The new special edition Evora GTE has finally been unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show today. The new model comes with carbon fiber front and rear bumpers, a carbon fiber rear wing, and carbon fiber doors. This measure, next to the lightweight Recaro carbon fiber seats, help to reduce the total weight by 231 lbs.
UPDATE 12/19/2011: Lotus has dropped new images of the special edition Evora GTE - and we have to admit it looks great in yellow. See all of the images in our picture gallery!
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