It seems like the Gone in 60 Seconds Shelby GT500 Eleanor is one of the most popular pages on our site, so here a a few more top class wallpapers for you to download to your pc or mac.

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During the 2009 SEMA show, Classic Recreations founder Jason Engel announced plans to work with Shelby American on the first series of officially licensed 1967 Shelby Mustang continuation cars. One year later at SEMA 2010, Engel brought not one but two G.T.500CR customer cars to the show after invitations from Ford Motor Company and Cobra Electronics to display vehicles in the company’s respective booths. The car from the Ford display was also called out as an “Ultimate Street Car” when Optima batteries asked Engel to participate in the annual Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI) track shootout and television show at Spring Mountain Raceway in Pahrump, Nevada, the Saturday after SEMA.

“Having two customer cars in major booths at the SEMA Show was really a coming out party for the G.T.500CR,” Engel said. “We are in full production and have shipped Shelbys all over the world, but having vehicles in the Ford and Cobra booths, then being chosen to take part in the OUSCI was a great thrill for us. Everyone knows we can build a beautiful car – this was our chance to show that we also build a fast car with the performance and reliability of a modern supercar. I think we proved that at Spring Mountain Raceway and we were truly honored that the crew at Optima chose us out of thousands of vehicles on display at SEMA.”

Both G.T.500CR Shelbys on display at SEMA were 545 horsepower Performance Models, one finished in classic wimbledon white and guards blue, the other featuring a two-tone gloss and matte black paintjob.  Both cars are powered by fuel injected, naturally aspirated, hand-built 427 cubic inch engines. Other features include a Tremec overdrive transmission, modern coil-over suspension with rack-and-pinion steering, modern vented disc brakes, a custom handcrafted interior featuring Carroll Shelby signature seats, custom gauges, brushed aluminum trim, and five-point harnesses. Each car is built by highly trained craftsman in the heart of America and require well over 1,000 hours of manual labor.

The stealth car was a key part of the Cobra Electronic booth display, where it was constantly surrounded by admirers and photographers.  The white car was part of the Ford Heritage Display directly across from the Ford drift exhibition next to the Monster Energy stage, where modern Mustangs demonstrated Ford performance in a cloud of tire smoke.

Saturday after the close of the SEMA Show, the white Shelby competed at the OUSCI in four competitions: autocross, road course, speed stop and engineering. As one of only three Fords in a field of 60 top-tier supercars, the G.T.500CR stood out and made an impression. When the tire smoke cleared, the Shelby finished in the top 20 on the road course.

“The G.T.500CR is meant to be driven,” says Engel. “Although the overall look is vintage Shelby, essentially this is modern sports car technology wrapped in vintage Shelby GT500 sheet metal. We had a blast watching the car do what it was built to do. Classic Recreations offers additional options on all our builds and next year we’re bringing out one of our supercharged, 780 hp “Venom” models with four-link rear suspension and we’ll really show them what we can do.”

The entire Optima event, from the pre-SEMA builds to the awards ceremony, was shot for a national TV show, which will air in early 2011 on a national cable network. For full event results, more information on the OUSCI results, TV show, participants, official rules and more, visit http://www.optimainvitational.com/
Source: Classic Recreations

Two of the wildest and rarest 2010 Dodge Challenger models will soon be available to Dodge fans and collectors to commemorate 40 years of Dodge Challenger performance; the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and Challenger SRT8® Furious Fuchsia editions. With its Furious Fuchsia Pearl Coat exterior paint and all-new Pearl White leather performance seats, these limited-edition Dodge Challenger models deliver the best of modern American muscle-car characteristics—unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful HEMI® V-8 engines and technology—now in one of the most significant hues.

“Commemorating four decades of Challenger performance, the new R/T Classic and SRT8 Furious Fuchsia editions modernize one of the most memorable hues from 1970 to create a modern muscle-car that exudes more performance, passion and even more nostalgia,” said Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Car Brand and Senior Vice President—Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC. “As an ode to our Dodge fans, these highly collectible models feature all-new Pearl White leather performance seats with Furious Fuchsia accents to deliver a customized, yet contemporary look to the heritage-inspired interior. Sum it all up, and Dodge is delivering a muscle-car tribute that no other manufacturer can even match.”

The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Furious Fuchsia Pearl Coat is $35,140, while the high-performance SRT8 model is $45,150 (both prices include $725 destination). Both Furious Fuchsia editions will be available for order at Dodge dealerships nationwide in March.

2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Furious Fuchsia

Based on the powerful 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T, the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Furious Fuchsia edition features dual throwback A-line body-side R/T stripes in Matte Black or Bright White. Completing the look are “Challenger” fender badges in classic script, large 20-inch polished-aluminum heritage wheels with all-season performance tires, classic egg-crate grille with heritage “R/T” badge, body-color rear spoiler, functional hood scoop and bright racing style fuel-filler door.

On the interior, the trapezoidal theme of the
door-panel and gauge cluster, dark headliner and slanted shifter console are inspired by the original Dodge Challenger. Inspiration from the past continues with exclusive Pearl White performance seats accented with Dark Slate Gray and Furious Fuchsia French-seamed stitching as a factory-installed option. Monotone Dark Slate Gray leather performance seats and center console armrest with Furious Fuchsia accent stitching are standard.

When paired with the Tremec six-speed manual transmission, the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Furious Fuchsia edition includes the performance-minded Track Pak with precision-shift “pistol-grip” shifter, anti-spin 3.92 differential and a performance-tuned dual exhaust with two low-restriction bottle resonators for maximum “throatiness.” And when it’s time to deliver, the Furious Fuchsia R/T Classic can accelerate from 0–60 mph in less than six seconds with its powerful 376 horsepower (280 kW) and 410 lb.-ft. of torque (556 N•m) 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine.

2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Furious Fuchsia

If the tire-smoking Furious Fuchsia R/T Classic is not exciting enough, the 400 ultra-exclusive 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 versions delivers even more punch with a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine—with engine block lacquered in original HEMI Orange paint—producing 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m) of torque, performance-tuned ride and handling, benchmark braking and race-inspired interior with unique SRT-designed appointments.

The limited-production Dodge Challenger SRT8 in Furious Fuchsia is based on the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and features several standard equipment upgrades, including all-new Pearl White leather SRT performance seats with Furious Fuchsia accented stripe, unique 20-inch SRT forged-aluminum wheels with Satin Black accents, serialized dash plaque indicating the limited production series of 400 and retro-inspired chromed quad-exhaust tips.

Production of the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 Furious Fuchsia Editions Production of the all-new 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 in limited-production Furious Fuchsia Pearl Coat will start in May 2010 at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. These special-edition coupes will be built on the same assembly line as the award-winning and quality-proven Dodge Charger and Dodge Charger SRT8 sedans.

About the 2010 Dodge Challenger

The 2010 Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics—unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines and technology—to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations. The Dodge Challenger is produced on the company’s proven rear-wheel-drive platform to accommodates five passengers with best-in-class rear head and leg room, along with best-in-class cargo space equal to the Dodge Charger.

With three models of head-turning styling, two legendary HEMI V-8 engine choices, up to 25 highway miles per gallon (mpg), more than 25 safety and security features and modern amenities, including Media Center 730N with voice-activated Uconnect™ Navigation system and real-time traffic available, it’s no surprise Dodge Challenger was awarded J.D. Power and Associates “Most Appealing Midsize Sporty Car” in its 2009 APEAL Study. Source: Dodge

Preeminent international auction house, RM Auctions, concluded its 2009 auction season on a high note in London last night, posting £10.9 million in total sales with a strong 87% of all lots sold at the third-annual ‘Automobiles of London’ event.

Held in association with Sotheby’s, the single-day auction presented some 84 motor cars, consigned from 11 countries around the world, and 40 lots of automobilia, attracting strong international interest from bidders in the room, on the phone and over the internet.

A 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Team Car ‘VMF 64′with Le Mans and Mille Miglia provenance, offered for the first time in 52 years, set a new auction world record for an Aston Martin DB2, achieving £550,000, whilst 13 lots exceeded their original high estimates. Most notably, an original 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet surpassed its pre-sale high estimate of £60,000 to achieve the remarkable sum of £308,000.

“This sale wraps up another fantastic year for RM globally,” said Max Girardo, Managing Director, RM Europe.

“We’re proud of our reputation for consistently achieving record prices and offering the finest motor cars available to the market, and today’s results were certainly no exception. With an 87% sell-through rate and numerous lots exceeding their estimates, it’s fair to say that the collector car market is still remarkably strong,” added Girardo.

The top sale of the evening was a 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, the only right-hand drive example built, achieving £616,000, followed closely by a 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Coupe selling for £522,500.

The event also presented a fine selection of memorabilia and coachbuilt motor cars from the private collection of Mr. Edgar Schermerhorn. Headlined by a 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Stelvio for £440,000, the collection achieved a total £1.5 million.

RM Auctions will kick off 2010 with its return to the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa for the 11th annual ‘Automobiles of Arizona’ event on 21st – 22nd January, including an exclusive, British-flavored evening auction. RM Auctions’ next European event, the recently-announced ‘Sporting Classics of Monaco’, will take place 1st May 2010 at the Grimaldi Forum.

Official results from the ‘Automobiles of London’event will be posted online at www.rmauctions.com.

Porsche has refined the DNA of the 911 to what must be the most supreme standard of class and style in the 911 Sport Classic available to a strictly limited number of very special 911 enthusiasts. Creating this unique model, Porsche is bringing back the tradition of exclusive small series built in very small numbers. The 911 Sport Classic will be presented at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and is limited in production to just 250 cars.

This very special 911 from Porsche Exclusive has been developed over a project period of about three years, with lots of love for detail, catering especially for the most demanding group of genuine aficionados. Porsche Exclusive is Porsche’s Specialist Department for the most outstanding customised versions of Porsche cars going beyond even the highest standard of the Company’s regular production models.

The unique character of this very special 911 comes out at very first sight in the newly developed double-dome roof. A further highlight of this sports car based on the rear-wheel-drive Carrera S is the wider rear body up by 44 millimetres or 1.73″ and the wider track on the rear axle. The striking SportDesign front apron with its unique spoiler lip and the rear spoiler fixed in position like the legendary ducktail on the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 round off the unmistakable look of the 911 Sport Classic. Power comes from Porsche’s 3.8-litre with Direct Fuel Injection, increased in this case, also through the introduction of a newly developed resonance intake manifold with six vacuum-controlled switching flaps, by 23 bhp to 408 horsepower for even more outstanding performance.

The 911 Sport Classic comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes ideally reflecting the sporting character of this exclusive 911, PASM sports suspension lowering the entire car by 20 mm or 0.79″, as well as the mechanical rear axle differential and custom-made 19-inch wheels with their rim star painted black all come together to offer a perfect match for the character of this most exclusive car.

The very special, highly sophisticated interior of the 911 Sport Classic bears powerful testimony to one of the core competences of Porsche Exclusive and is characterised by new materials never used before even by Porsche. One example is woven leather made up of smooth leather strips and woven yarn featured on the seat centrepieces of the newly designed adaptive sports seats complete with light-grey piping and on the door panels.

The dashboard including a wide range of inserts and add-on components is finished in Espresso Nature natural leather, providing a distinctive contrast to the exclusive body paint in Sport Classic Grey.

Marking the introduction of this special limited edition model, Porsche Design Driver´s Selection is likewise introducing a range of new andThe 911 Sport Classic – Exclusive for 250 Fans of the 911.

Marking the introduction of this special limited edition model, Porsche Design Driver´s Selection is likewise introducing a range of new and very special products at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The limited edition AluFrame Trolley as well as a polo-shirt, a cap and a personalised lanyard take up the colour concept of the 911 Sport Classic, and in good time for the introduction of the new car a top-quality 1:43 model will also be available.

Sales of the Porsche 911 Sport Classic are starting in January 2010. The Euro base price of the car without value-added tax and national specifications is Euro 169,300.

The retail price and market launch date vary by region or country. Please contact the Porsche PR Manager of your country in order to receive country-specific information. very special products at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The limited edition AluFrame Trolley as well as a polo-shirt, a cap and a personalised lanyard take up the colour concept of the 911 Sport Classic, and in good time for the introduction of the new car a top-quality 1:43 model will also be available.

Sales of the Porsche 911 Sport Classic are starting in January 2010.
Source: Porsche

The UK’s oldest car marque has announced that it is building its new AC MkVI in Germany. The AC MkVI will be launched at the Top Marques car show in Monaco on April 16.

The AC MkVI, a faithful recreation of the ultimate sports car icon – the AC Cobra, is now being produced in Germany for worldwide sales. AC has entered into a long term strategic alliance with Gullwing GmbH in Heyda, Germany. The AC MkVI is being produced in a modern facility and AC is extremely proud of the quality of the finished product which is due to the skills of the craftsmen at the Heyda facility.

AC’s Chairman Alan Lubinsky summarised the main specification of the new AC MkVI:

• “The car has fully triangulated, jig welded roundtube spaceframe chassis, with racecar derived suspension, suitably adapted to be road compliant.
• 4-pot Porsche brake calipers with vented discs, 332 mm front-298 mm rear.
• Differential with variable powerlock.
• Corvette V-8 engine, 6.2 Litre, 437 bhp for the GT and 647 bhp for GTS version, both compliant to current emission laws.
• Handmade aluminium-hybrid bodies, handmade to last forever, with increased, air conditioned cabin size for taller drivers.
• Finest German carpets and leather hides, craftsman made to create a luxurious and comfortable interior”.

“AC is one of the most admired and respected marques in the world,” stated Juergen Mohr, CEO of Gullwing GmbH. “Their sports cars ignited a passion that still burns inside enthusiasts today. For over a century, the company has built cars with superb engineering, old world craftsmanship and classic designs. We feel extremely honoured that we can now be part of the future of the brand.”

Alan Lubinsky added:
“There are two major new features on the AC MkVI. We are especially excited about the new aluminium-hybrid body construction on the AC MkVI. This provides the AC MkVI with a traditional aluminium bodyshell, reinforced with a strong composite structure. Gullwing GmbH is currently the only company in the world using this technology which has been developed in house.In addition to this, the AC MkVI will have as standard equipment a light weight gullwing hardtop, with coupled to the standard air conditioning, will provide drivers with total all weather motoring.

The AC MkVI is an open-top sports car based on the design of the Le Mans winning AC Cobra with many of the original car’s characteristics while incorporating modern technology. The cars are not imitations – they are new generation of AC Cobra incorporating relevant advanced technology.

“Every year approximately 1,500 copies of the cars AC built in the 1960s are sold in America,” says Alan Lubinsky. “Why would anyone buy a replica when they can own an authentic AC roadster that is lighter and better and has been engineered and built to such demanding standards?”

Weighing only about 1,025 kg, the lightweight AC MkVI GTS sports car can hit 100 kph in approximately 3.3 seconds.

“The AC MkVI is wickedly addictive,” says Gullwing’s Juergen Mohr. “One drive in this scorchingly fast sports car creates an adrenalin rush that will last a lifetime. The AC MkVI offers heritage, performance and timeless styling that stirs the soul.”

The AC chassis has been at the heart of some of the most legendary cars in history. Texan Carroll Shelby imported a number of rolling chassis from AC in the 1960s to build the legendary “Cobras” that dominated international sports car racing. The Shelby American team inserted a performance tuned Ford V8 and gearbox into a chassis and body supplied by AC for the North American market. Since then AC has manufactured a car that has been imitated by numerous companies.

AC expects to appoint a distribution network in Europe in the coming months to sell and maintain the AC MkVI.
source: AC Cars Press

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Like its mythical namesake that rose from the ashes to a new life, the Trans Am of yesteryear has been born again… the Phoenix Trans Am. If it is true that good things come to those who wait, then we have surely been rewarded for our patience.

Trans Am Depot is pleased to announce our partnership with designer Kevin Morgan in turning a three-year dream into reality. We, like many of you, have lusted over Kevin’s retro interpretation of the ’77 – ’78 Trans Am based on the 2010 Camaro platform. We began early last year discussing the idea of how we might work together to bring this vision to life.

Phoenix T/A Currently, we are completing a one-off Kevin Morgan “Trans Am” Concept, which we intend to unveil at the 2009 Trans Am Nationals. The concept will be followed by the first production conversion later this year. It will vary from the concept car but will be an exact version of the conversion kits we will hope to be offering this fall. We are working closely with a Detroit auto design firm to bring this kit to market. We will be offering everything from the body conversion only to the limited Phoenix Edition. The kits will be available as an installed conversion only. Order details, pricing and delivery information will be coming soon. If you are interested in having a conversion performed on your Camaro or purchasing a turn-key conversion from Trans Am Depot, please fill out the customer form below.

The Phoenix conversion will include:

Exterior

1′ – 1.5′ Lowering Kit w/sway bar handling upgrade
Wheels & Tires
Front: 20×9.5×120 CB-66.9 Gold or Silver Machined Face Snowflake Wheels. PIRELLI PZERO 275/45ZR20
Rear: 20×11.5×120 CB-66.9 Gold or Silver Machined Face Snowflake Wheels. PIRELLI PZERO 305/35ZR20
Hood
Shaker Scoop
Fender

]]> http://www.sportscarzone.com/camaro-phoenix-trans-am-conversion-kit-gets-green-light/feed/ 0 http://www.sportscarzone.com/bmw-roadsters-over-the-last-75-years-picture-gallery/ http://www.sportscarzone.com/bmw-roadsters-over-the-last-75-years-picture-gallery/#comments Sun, 31 May 2009 21:01:15 +0000 Rudi http://www.sportscarzone.com/?p=4113

The style has changed, but not the content:

All-New 2010 BMW Z4 Roadster

“Many German motorists see motoring not just as a comfortable and fast means of transport, but also as a sporting activity. These are people who, once they see an aerodynamic car body with a long and sleek engine compartment, as well as a speedometer extending all the way to 150 km/h, feel that strong yearning for wide open roads simply perfect for driving fast, for Alpine passes just begging to be conquered, and for competitors so easy to overtake.”

It was precisely with these words that BMW announced the Company’s first self-engineered roadster in 1934. And indeed, this concept with its six-cylinder power unit was destined to shape the future of the brand, extending all the way to the current BMW Z4.

The starting point for this development came at the Berlin Motor Show in May 1934. Here, together with the BMW 315 Saloon, BMW for the first time presented the prototype of a Sports Roadster with exceptionally attractive lines. Right behind the long and sleek engine compartment there were two sports seats tailored to the driver and front passenger protected by the low, raked windscreen and an emergency roof.

The rear end tapered out in an elegant sweep to the back of the car, adding a particular aerodynamic touch with excellent streamlining.

The radiator grille on this two-seater was inclined much further to the rear than on the Saloon, with mighty, sweeping front wheel arches extending on beneath the doors into the rear wheel arches. To reduce air drag to a minimum, the rear wheels were fully covered, while the body of the car itself rested on an electrically welded steel-pipe double frame with three crosswise box elements.

Front suspension was made up of the upper track spring, wishbones further down and hydraulic lever-type dampers. The rear wheels, in turn, were mounted on a live axle incorporating semi-elliptic springs and hydraulic lever-type dampers.

Small but hot: six-cylinder power unit displacing 1.2 litres.

BMW 328 Roadster

Both the saloon and the sports car were powered by the same outstanding engine: a 1.5-litre straight-six developed out of the 1.2-litre originally featured in the former BMW 303. The crankcase and cylinder block of this outstanding engine were made of one single piece, the engine featured one camshaft beneath the block, with tappets operating the vertical hanging valves aligned in series via rocker arms. The intake and exhaust pipes, finally, were on the same side.

A feature quite unusual today is the different distances between the individual cylinders, with the second and third and, respectively, the fourth and fifth cylinders being further apart, the space in between being used for the crankshaft and camshaft bearings. The crankshaft without any counterweights therefore ran in four bearings, just like the camshaft.

This was however not the reason for this particular design and configuration, which was rather attributable to the assembly process at the time, with the crankshaft being completely pre-assembled together with the connecting rods and pistons. And since the pistons, as a result, had to be inserted from beneath, the main bearings for the crankshaft had to remain outside of the cylinders, not extending into their contour lines. As a result, the main bearings had to be accommodated between cylinders spaced out at a large distance.

While this power unit delivered maximum output of 34 hp on the saloon with its two carburettors, maximum output of the six-cylinder in the BMW 315/1 sports model was 40 hp. And the standard of efficiency offered was quite exceptional, BMW’s engineers proudly stating that “this beautiful and fast sports car consumes only 10-2 litres of fuel on 100 km, with oil consumption between 0.1 and 0.2 kg. So in terms of running costs, it is no more expensive than a small car far lower down in the market”.

With the public simply falling in love with the BMW 315/1, BMW decided to build the car in a small series – also because the Company wanted to make a more powerful entry into the prestigious world of motorsport. Starting in summer 1934, therefore, the very attractive BMW 315/1 was retailed at a substantial 5,200.- reichsmarks. The production model differed from the prototype primarily through the modified arrangement of the headlights and side ventilation grids taking the place of the bent openings originally featured on the first model.

Outstanding success in motorsport.

BMW 315/1 Roadster

Reaching a top speed of 120 km/h or 75 mph, the BMW 315/1 Roadster was one of the really serious contenders in the sports car market at its time. Indeed, BMW’s story of success on the race track quickly took on even greater significance with this new model, the BMW 315/1 achieving its first significant success in the International 1934 Alpine Rally.

The starter grid for this rally in Nice was made up of 127 truly outstanding cars looking at daily race sections of 500-600 kilometres to be covered at a minimum speed. On the fourth day there was an additional speed test at Stilfser Joch.

After covering precisely 2,867 kilometres or 1,778 miles, 96 of the 127 cars which had originally entered the race reached the finish line in Munich – 66 thereof without having lost one point. The five cars entered by the BMW Works Team were the only cars in their class to complete the International Alpine Trophy without one single penalty point, the BMW 315/1 Team Richard Brenner/Albert Kandl/Ernst v. Delius finishing first in their category.

Only 230 units of the BMW 315/1 were completed by mid-1935, many of them going to private drivers. One of them was Ralph Roese, a BMW works driver for many years, who built himself a BMW 315/1 Special. This was a complete re-build of the 315/1, the highly modified engine ultimately developing no less than 136 hp in a brand-new race car body weighing just 380 kg or 838 lb.

Given qualities of this kind, it is no surprise that this racing car finished first in its very first race at Nürburgring in 1936, a staggering 17 kilometres ahead of the competition. Understandably, this special model remained a great success over the years until finally winning the German Road Racing Championship in 1939.

Achieving this kind of success, both the drivers and the Company soon started looking for more: a car in the prestigious category up to two litres. And so it is no surprise that another, even more powerful version of the BMW Roadster – the 319/1 – entered the market in late 1934. Identical in its looks to the BMW 315/1 with the exception of the air vent on the engine compartment, the BMW 319/1 was powered by a 1.9-litre tuned to 55 hp and benefiting both from larger displacement and three larger downdraught carburettors.

Obviously, an engine like this was easily able to cope with a two-seater weighing just 780 kg, accelerating the roadster in standard trim to a top speed of approximately 135 km/h or 84 mph. At the same time this was of course a truly exclusive car due to its retail price of 5,800 reichsmarks. Production from 1934-1936 therefore amounted to just 178 units, with the BMW 319/1 again bringing home outstanding success in motorsport.

The climax of the pre-war era: the BMW 328 Roadster.

BMW 328 Roadster

In the mid-30s, production roadsters and competition cars were still very similar in technical terms – and motorsport was still the ideal place to prove the performance and reliability of a production car. But to keep up with the competition, BMW soon had to build cars with more power and muscle. So BMW’s engineers looked for ways and means to significantly increase engine output without increasing engine size. And they found the solution – the M328, the engine powering the legendary BMW 328 sports car in 1936.

Right from the start in its debut at Nürburgring on 14 June 1936, BMW’s new roadster literally pulverised even the most powerful supercharged competitors. This outstanding success was attributable to the well-balanced combination of superior engine power and cutting-edge suspension technology characteristic of BMW roadsters to this day: 80 hp in the regular version and low weight of just 830 kg or 1,830 lb gave this elegant roadster superior performance still impressive today.

With the BMW 328 Roadster initially being restricted to motorsport as of mid-1936, production of the series model started in spring 1937. And so this high-performance sports car was driven not only by BMW’s works drivers, but also by private customers since, over and above racing, it was very well suited for everyday use. And with its top speed of 155 km/h or 96 mph, this was indeed one of the fastest cars on the road back then.

But again, the BMW 328 Roadster remained a very rare bird, with only 464 units of this classic roadster being built up to 1940.

Comfort and elegance for all times: the BMW 507.

BMW 507 Roadster

While the 328 paved the way for BMW’s sporting activities, the Company’s next two-seater sports car set new standards in design and elegance as of the mid-50s: the BMW 507.

When making its debut in New York in 1955 the 507 left both journalists and the public absolutely spellbound. The long and sleek engine compartment, the cockpit perfectly tailored to the driver and passenger, the short and muscular rear end, stretched side lines and gently sweeping curves gave the car absolutely beautiful, timeless design.

At the same time the 507 came with a brand-new, but nevertheless clear and impressive BMW face: The double kidney grille was now vertical instead of horizontal, sweeping elegantly between the headlights across the entire front end of the car. And the 507 also had a lot to offer within the engine compartment, boasting an aluminium V8 acknowledged to this day as the first light-alloy V8 in the world built in series production.

Finished in brilliant red, the sales brochure proudly presenting BMW’s new eight-cylinder sports car promised truly outstanding performance: 150 hp from 3.2 litres and top speed of 220 km/h or 136 mph. And as an option BMW somewhat later also offered an upgraded version, delivering approximately 165 hp maximum output.

This truly exclusive car went to exactly 251 proud owners between 1956 and 1959. And not all of them wanted to enjoy this beauty merely as a café cruiser, racing driver and the “King of Hill-Climbing” Hans Stuck using a modified 507 in mountain races in Europe and winning a number of events in his eight-cylinder roadster.

A spearhead in technology built for the road: the BMW Z1.

BMW Z1 Roadster

With the roadster coming under increasing criticism in the ’60s and ’70s in terms of both safety and comfort, it took 29 years before the next roadster bearing the white-and-blue logo entered the market. This was the BMW Z1 launched – ahead of its time in technical terms – in 1988.

The body of the Z1 was a steel monocoque made of pressed and welded metal panels and with its plastic floor bonded into place. The entire outer skin was made up of plastic elements and panels likewise bolted on to the car, with the doors retracting on request into the high side-sills even while driving.

The 170-horsepower 2.5-litre straight-six power unit and most of the car’s axle components came from the 3 Series. With the engine being fi tted behind the front axle, the BMW Z1 was a front mid-engined car, to use the technical term.

Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h came in less than eight seconds and the car’s top speed was 225 km/h or 140 mph.

Through its extremely harmonious combination of materials and technologies, the BMW Z1, weighing just 1,250 kg or 2,756 lb, was a truly dynamic roadster still thrilling today in terms of stiffness, its low centre of gravity, and stability in bends. The first units of the car built largely by hand were delivered to customers as of January 1989, the base price of DM 80,000.- ensuring lasting exclusivity. Production of the BMW Z1 finally ended in June 1991, after a production run of exactly 8,000 units.

Sheer driving pleasure in large numbers: the BMW Z3.

BMW Z3

The BMW Z1 was the breakthrough. More and more enthusiasts now showed growing interest in an open BMW two-seater – and in response BMW launched a roadster in 1995 built in large numbers for customers the world over. Very soon this compact performer became the epitome of BMW’s classic virtues, offering well-balanced technology within a truly attractive body and with a clear focus on driving pleasure.

The BMW Z3 entered the market with a choice of two engines. Featuring a 1.8-litre four-cylinder two-valve power unit developing maximum output of 115 hp, the “regular” model accelerated to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and reached a top speed of 194 km/h or 120 mph. The other option was a four-valve 1.9-litre four-cylinder delivering maximum output of 140 hp for acceleration to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 205 km/h or 127 mph.

With the Z3 proving to be a huge success, BMW was able in the course of time to offer a whole range of different engines meeting all kinds of different demands. Ultimately, therefore, the portfolio extended from the original 1.8-litre four-cylinder all the way to the 3.2-litre six-cylinder high-performance power unit carried over from the BMW M3, delivering up to 325 hp in the M Roadster and giving BMW’s compact sports car truly outstanding performance on the road.

A fascinating milestone in automotive technology: the BMW Z8.

BMW Z8

Entering the new millennium, BMW proudly presented a very special new model: the BMW Z8. With its sleek proportions, classic lines and soft folding roof, the Z8 was truly one of the most outstanding cars of its time through its looks alone. Measuring 4.40 metres or 173.2″ in length, 1.83 metres or 72.0″ in width, and 1.31 metres or 51.6″ in height, this was indeed a modern interpretation of the former BMW 507.

Like its classic role model, BMW’s new roadster offered the very best technology available at the time in automobile production. Within the outer skin bolted on to the car, a monocoque aluminium frame, that is spaceframe technology, provided the load-bearing structure and gave the driver and passenger an extremely direct feeling of the road and the driving experience.

Within its engine compartment the BMW Z8 featured a high-performance five-litre V8 sports engine delivering no less than 400 hp. Combined with a manual six-speed gearbox, this supreme engine enabled the driver to enjoy the utmost in performance at all times and under all conditions. Indeed, this superiority translated into equally clear facts and figures, the ambitious driver being able to lap the 20-km Nord-schleife of Nürburgring in the Z8 in a remarkable 8:15 minutes.

An unmistakable athlete to this day: the BMW Z4.

BMW Z4 Roadster: 1st Generation

The latest member of the BMW roadster family is the BMW Z4 presented for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in September 2002. From the start, this open two-seater not only marked a further highlight in BMW design language, but also set new standards in its class. The exciting design of the car was determined by the highly attractive interplay of convex and concave surfaces, hard edges and smooth, sweeping curves.

Available from the start with a choice of two high-torque straight-six power units, the Z4 – either in the guise of the 231-hp Z4 3.0i or as the 192-hp Z4 2.5i – guaranteed roadster motoring at its best.

The outstanding agility of the BMW Z4 is ensured by the car’s wide track, an
extremely low centre of gravity, optimum 50:50 axle load distribution, and the very precise electric power steering. Fading-free high-performance brakes, runflat tyres featured as standard, and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC III) with an add-on traction mode finally, guaranteed supreme driving safety under all conditions.

Style and performance: the new BMW Z4.

All-New 2010 BMW Z4 Roadster

The modern interpretation of the classic roadster launched in spring 2009, the new BMW Z4, combines more power with more style than ever before. Indeed, this is the only car in its segment to combine classic roadster proportions with the seating position moved far back close to the rear axle, rear-wheel drive and a fully automatic retractable hardtop.

The new BMW Z4 offers all the driving pleasure of a BMW roadster in particularly refined style. Driving with the roof down, this outstanding two-seater provides a refreshing experience of the sun shining in and the wind rushing by, with the hardtop closed it ensures the same level of all-round comfort as a sporting coupé in the premium segment. So through its wide range of diverse qualities alone, the new BMW Z4 is indeed the re-birth of the roadster.

Here again, it is certainly appropriate to quote the “BMW Blätter”, the original BMW Leaflets in their description of the BMW 315/1 back in 1934: “In a nutshell you can describe BMW’s new sports car as the fast, beautiful and reliable car bound to give the ambitious sports driver one exhilarating experience after the other, at the same time combining all the advantages of an economical touring car.”
Source: BMW AG

]]> http://www.sportscarzone.com/bmw-roadsters-over-the-last-75-years-picture-gallery/feed/ 1 http://www.sportscarzone.com/mini-cooper-jcw-world-championship-50/ http://www.sportscarzone.com/mini-cooper-jcw-world-championship-50/#comments Thu, 28 May 2009 20:35:43 +0000 Rudi http://www.sportscarzone.com/?p=4045

In the mid-1960s the classic Mini’s profile on the world stage was boosted by a trio of giant-killing Monte Carlo Rally wins. It was the sports car tuning expertise of the legendary John Cooper that set Mini on its course in motorsport.

50 years on, MINI will launch the most exquisitely finished, highly specified and desirable model to ever bear the Cooper name; the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50.

Finished in John Cooper’s signature color – Connaught Green – the flagship model is based on the Hatch version of the current MINI John Cooper Works. The 1.6-litre, 211 hp turbocharged John Cooper Works-tuned engine sits beneath a body featuring numerous specification upgrades, both inside and out.

Signatures appear on the right bonnet stripe as well as on a plaque on the dash facia. The signature in fact belongs to John Michael Cooper, the son of John Cooper. Mike had the idea for the edition to celebrate his father’s Formula 1 World Championship victory in 1959. In that year his father’s racing team won both the F1 constructors championship and driver’s championship with Jack Brabham at the wheel. These victories were repeated again in 1960.

The car’s 17” CHALLENGE cross-spoke alloy wheels are finished in Jet Black, giving the car a menacing and dynamic appearance. The standard Xenon headlamps are encased in black internal reflectors, enhancing the car’s presence. Lightweight and eye-catching Carbon parts are found in the shape of the bonnet scoop, tailgate trim, rear apron, mirror caps and interior dash.

The car will be produced in a limited run of 250 models, solely for distribution in Europe. Every car will display its unique production number, ranging from 001-250. This can be found next to the indicator lens on every MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 model. Black Leather Lounge seats are edged in red piping, which is a combination unique to this edition. Nearly every option available to buyers of the existing MINI John Cooper Works Hatch is fitted as standard on the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50. The on-the-road price is expected to reflect the car’s highly impressive specification and its array of unique features. Desirable standard equipment includes a Harmon Kardon Hi-Fi system, DAB radio, Full Bluetooth with USB audio, MINI Navigation system, Park Distance Control, Heated Front Seats and a Multi-function Steering Wheel.

The exciting MINI 50 Camden and MINI 50 Mayfair editions unveiled at MINI United 2009 will be on sale in Great Britain from September 2009. UK MINI dealers are ready to take orders now. Pricing and an on-sale date for the MINI John Cooper Works World Championship 50 edition will be announced in the near future.

Source: Mini Cooper

]]> http://www.sportscarzone.com/mini-cooper-jcw-world-championship-50/feed/ 0 http://www.sportscarzone.com/wheelsandmores-fab-shelby-gt500-eleanor/ http://www.sportscarzone.com/wheelsandmores-fab-shelby-gt500-eleanor/#comments Fri, 01 May 2009 20:01:11 +0000 Rudi http://www.sportscarzone.com/?p=3095

The Shelby GT500 Eleanor is one of the few cars that do not require tuning. The good news is that the German tuner left the outside stock standard and the only change here is represented by the new 20 inch Pirelli wheels.

On the inside the list is somewhat long and includes a new set of pedals, new instruments board, aluminum inserts, leather and Alcantara. This new version of the muscle car now comes with beefed up suspension and really fits the role of a young sports star.

The secret of Germans is simple: take classical Mustang S-Code Fastback the sample of 1967, fit on it bodi-whale Shelby GT 500 and complete 5,7-litre V8 manufactures Ford. Capacity of the power unit makes only 350 h.p. that, however, is small in comparison with official car from founders of a film which can brag 770 h.p.

Price Mustang Shelby GT500 Eleanor from Wheelsandmore is not known yet.

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