The Falcon F7 is a new, all-American, supercar, which had its global debut last week at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. Its developers have recently revealed all its specifications and announced its price tag: $200,000 USD. The Falcon F7 is built upon an aluminum monocoque chassis, which has been after hundreds of hours spent on the track. The supercar features a carbon fiber body. Its structural tunnel, floor pan and firewall are also made of carbon. The Falcon F7 is powered by a 7.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, which is good for 620 hp. Taking into account that the Falcon F7 weighs
2,785 lbs. (~1,260 kg), we get a pretty decent power-to-weight ratio. So far, the 0-62 mph acceleration time and the Falcon F7′s top speed have not been announced.

Don’t think that the Falcon F7 is yet another stripped down racing machine. It comes with all the luxuries you would expect from an everyday vehicle. The equipment list of the Falcon F7 includes GPS navigation, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, air conditioning and a premium audio system.

Check out the Falcon F7 video above.

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 debuted at the Chicago Auto Show. It is the highest-performing Camaro and the most technically advanced car ever developed in its class. The new ZL1 continues the momentum of Camaro, propelling it into an entirely new realm of leading-edge performance technology. It is planned to launch at the beginning of 2012.

Motivated by a supercharged V-8 engine producing an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW), the Camaro ZL1 will be the fastest Camaro ever offered by Chevrolet. And more than just power, the ZL1 features technologically advanced and highly developed chassis and suspension systems that help it deliver balanced, track-ready handling and braking power to complement its high engine output. Rigorous development of the ZL1 is ongoing, and official estimates of the car’s capabilities will be released later in 2011, as testing nears completion.

“Camaro ZL1 is about high-tech performance and design, and is a type of car no one has ever brought to this segment previously,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “It’s the most technically advanced Camaro ever, so we’ve chosen a name from the most elite and exclusive Camaro in history.”

The ZL1 name is derived from the all-aluminum racing engine of the same name, which was developed in the late 1960s and installed into a handful of regular-production 1969 Camaros. Only 69 were built with the engine, but they’ve achieved mythical status among enthusiasts, as they represented the pinnacle in Camaro performance – until now. The 2012 ZL1 model is designed to be a major leap forward for the Camaro, bringing a new level of performance capability to the segment.

The central goal of the car’s development was creating something new – a Camaro intended to reach optimal lap times on top road-racing circuits and excellent driving dynamics on the street. To achieve that goal, engineers evolved many of the existing Camaro’s systems, as well as incorporated new technologies such as electric power steering and Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension system.

Camaro ZL1′s design communicates and supports its performance mission. Rather than using decorative elements, ZL1 is visually differentiated from other current Camaro models with elements vital to the car’s elevated capabilities.

“Everything about the ZL1′s design is directly related to its technology and serious performance, especially aerodynamics,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design. “Our designers’ goal was to execute that function-oriented design with beautifully sculpted forms, creating an imposing, powerful persona. Function becomes the aesthetic. The intent is a car that delivers on the attitude it projects.”

Major elements of the ZL1′s design are a new front fascia and hood with air extractors, designed in tandem to create aerodynamic downforce to aid handling. The car’s hood includes a signature center section constructed of carbon fiber and rendered in satin black finish. New rocker panels, wide tires, 20-inch wheels and exhaust tips portray the car’s handling and power. The ZL1 badge appears on the grille, hood and the brake calipers, all key areas portraying the technology within.

Aston Martin has officially confirmed production of the V12 Zagato concept as a road going version.

Only 150 units will be built with prices starting at £330,000 (excl. local taxes). The V12 Zagato will be hand assembled at Aston Martin’s global headquarters at Gaydon with first deliveries expected in the second half of 2012. Orders are now being taken on a strict first come, first serve basis.

As a testament to Aston Martin’s capabilities, design work on the V12 Zagato began in mid-2010 with initial engineering following in January 2011. Months later, the V12 Zagato captured the award for Design in the Concepts and Prototypes class at the Villa D’ Este Concours, then a week later proved its durability by finishing the Nürburgring 24 Hour race.

The two events provided Aston Martin great opportunities for feedback on the vehicle, from which they received “overwhelmingly encouraging interest from customers to confirm production of the V12 Zagato.”

The V12 Zagato uses a bonded aluminium and carbon fiber chassis powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS) and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque.
Source: Aston Martin via: Worldcarfans

Mugen is not a name that one would be shocked to hear announced over the Goodwood Festival of Speed PA system. The Honda CR-Z, however, is a car that festival goers would be surprised to see idling ahead of its run up the hill. Upon closer inspection, though, you would see a bunch of aero bits, hear a racy exhaust thump and see the Mugen badge on the rear end. The Mugen CR-Z that we showed off earlier was not the only tuned hybrid two-seater at Goodwood. In fact, it wasn’t the only CR-Z that Mugen brought along. Like a lonely Skywalker… there is another.

The Honda CR-Z Mugen RR Concept also showed its aggressive face at the Festival of Speed. The RR Concept goes a step further into the race-ready arena than the Mugen CR-Z. The exterior aero bits are more focused for track use, but there is no word on the performance figures created by what’s under the hood. Mugen says this vehicle is being used as a study to help define future performance models. Take a look at it from both angles in our gallery below.
Source: Autoblog

With the partnership between Bugatti and the Königliche Porzellan-Manufatur Berlin (KPM), the renowned manufacturer emphasizes the ability in creating pieces of automotive art.

The “L’Or Blanc” celebrates its world premiere with an exclusive unveiling ceremony on June 30, 2011 at the KPM workshops in Berlin. This unique version of a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport is the world’s first motor car to wear the finest porcelain on its body, as well as in its cabin. It captivates with an abstract exterior design.

“At first, it seems to be an unusual idea to use porcelain in a car, especially in the world’s fastest convertible,” comments Dr. Stefan Brungs, Director of Sales and Marketing at Bugatti Automobiles. “But this is what Bugatti stands for: the realization of exceptional ideas whilst striving for the utmost in quality and aesthetics. This allows us to continue Ettore Bugatti’s heritage, who himself loved to experiment with new materials.”

“The impulse for that partnership came from Rembrandt Bugatti’s renowned elephant,” tells Jörg Woltmann, owner of the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin (KPM) and car aficionado. “At the beginning, we wanted to integrate the sculpture in our product range, then we thought about the potential for a comprehensive service and finally the synthesis of ideas led us to this outstanding Grand Sport.” Woltmann is enthusiastic about the “L’Or Blanc”. “A number of superlatives are associated with porcelain from the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin: one says it has the most beautiful shapes and decors, it has the hardest weight and the whitest tone. Now, it is also the fastest porcelain.”

The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport “L’Or Blanc” presented in Berlin, is a one-of-a-kind creation. Nevertheless, the partnership is supposed to be continued, and Bugatti’s designers received a lot of inspiration from porcelain painting offering a variety of new opportunities for the design. The price of the Bugatti L’Or Blanc amounts to 1.65 m EUR.
Source: Bugatti

e-Wolf has released preliminary specifications for the Alpha-2 (previously known as the E-2).

Set to be launched in 2012, the futuristic sports car will have two electric motors with a combined peak output of 381 PS (280 kW / 375 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. This will enable the Alpha-2 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, hit a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph) and travel up to 300 km (186 miles) on a single charge.

Pricing is expected to start at €245.000 ($350,750) and pre-orders will be accepted shortly.
Source: e-Wolf via Worldcarfans

The official Prancing Horse web site, Ferrari.com, has revealed the first photographs of the new FF, the company’s most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first ever four-wheel drive car.

The FF – an acronym for Ferrari Four (four seats and four-wheel drive) – ushers in an entirely new GT sports car concept. A decisive break with the past, the new car represents not so much an evolution as a true revolution.

This new V12 melds to an unprecedented level an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience.

Designed by Pininfarina, the shape and proportions perfectly interpret the FF’s harmonious blend of sporting DNA and extraordinary usability.

The FF features the company’s first ever four-wheel drive system. Ferrari’s exclusive, patented 4RM (four-wheel drive) weighs 50 per cent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system, maintaining perfect weight distribution (53 per cent over the rear axle). Completely integrated with the car’s electronic dynamic control systems, the four-wheel drive technology delivers record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions via continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution to all four wheels. The FF is also equipped with the latest magnetorheological damping system (SCM3), as well as the most recent development in carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo.

Exceptional performance levels come courtesy of the new 6,262 cc direct injection engine which develops 660 CV at 8,000 rpm. In tandem with its transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox, stunning acceleration figures (0-100 km/h in 3.7 sec.) are guaranteed. The new model’s class-leading weight-to-power ratio of 2.7 kg/CV, along with its ideal weight distribution, ensures exceptionally responsive handling. The result is that owners will be able to enjoy the FF’s prowess over a wide range of uses: city driving, on low grip or snow-covered surfaces and on the track. Performance aside, Maranello’s latest model also offers standards of passenger space, comfort, in-car spec and equipment previously unheard of in such a high-performance car. It can comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage, thanks to the best cabin space and boot capacity (450 litres extendable to 800) figures in its category, including four-door cars.

A vast array of personalisation options and accessories has been developed for the FF. These include six model-specific exterior colours and sumptuous interior trim incorporating specially selected and treated aniline leather.

The FF, which will make its official debut in occasion of the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, is presented today with the first three photos from a dedicated shoot by Giovanni Gastel.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Type 65-degree V12
Overall displacement 6,262 cc
Maximum power 660 CV @ 8,000 rpm
Maximum torque 683 Nm @ 6,000 rpm

Dimensions and weight
Length 4907 mm
Width 1953 mm
Height 1379 mm
Dry weight* 1790 kg
Weight distribution 47% front, 53% rear
Weight/power ratio 2.7 kg/CV

Performance
Maximum speed 335 km/h
0-100 km/h 3.7 sec

Fuel consumption and emissions (ECE+EUDC)
Fuel consumption** 15,4 l/100 km
Emissions** 360 g/km

Ford Motor Company is putting racing on the map at the 2010 Los Angeles International Auto Show with the debut of the Focus race car concept, demonstrating future potential for the all-new 2012 Ford Focus to compete in road and touring car championships with teams around the world.

The Focus race car concept is a dramatic example of Ford’s global approach to product development and builds on the company’s comprehensive approach to leveraging its global product platforms.

This race car concept, powered by the sophisticated 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost I-4 engine, is the first to benefit from a collaborative effort between Ford and race teams around the world that have already built and raced successful Focus race cars. The Focus race car concept has been based around rules governing circuit racing in the United States and beyond.

“This teamwork has resulted in a global racing platform using a common Focus body and a safety cage built to FIA regulations – a competitive platform that can be tailored for regional competition, based on different rules,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development. “By leveraging our collective experience and Ford technology worldwide, this approach parallels our global dedication to the Focus production car and specifically its exciting performance derivative, the new Focus ST, to deliver a competitive race car that can be campaigned around the world.”

Using the all-new Focus as its base, the Focus race car concept features AST performance coil-over adjustable dampers, Ford Racing upgraded sway bars with adjustable end links and front brakes with 320-millimeter two-piece rotors and race pads. The Anthracite 18-inch wheels and Hoosier race tires put the finishing touches on the exterior.

In addition to the FIA Super 2000 regulations roll cage, interior components include a Recaro® racing seat, AIM MXL Pista data system and AIM SmartyCam. Ford Racing fire suppression system and Ford Racing six-point safety harness round out the modifications that bring the car from street-spec to race-ready.

“There has been tremendous interest from the racing world in the new Focus, and it’s the perfect fit for a global touring car,” said Capito. “Even more, by working with professional private race teams, we’re ensuring Focus has the support it needs to compete and win around the world.”

Benefits will stretch beyond the track
Professional private race teams are partnering with Ford to develop common technical specifications for the race car, which will conform to FIA Super 2000 regulations with potential to adopt to other regulations.

The teams are being brought together by Ford to harness their strengths and define roles for the development of the race car. Ford will also support the race teams by providing data, advanced engineering tools, state-of-the-art testing facilities and production parts, resulting in teams racing more competitive cars that are developed with greater efficiency.

“Ford’s commitment to using motorsports to influence high-performance vehicles will be highly evident, as the development of the Focus touring car will also provide valuable input as we develop the upcoming Focus ST production car,” said Capito. “It’s very similar to how the Mustang team was able to apply learnings from the Ford Racing Boss 302R to the 2012 Mustang Boss 302.”

The first race appearance for the Focus is targeted for the 2011 British Touring Car Championship. Globally, the race car has the potential to run in many national and regional championships, such as the China Touring Car Championship and 24-hour endurance races like the classic Nürburgring in Germany.

New global Focus has it all
The new Focus is the result of a global product development program bringing together Ford’s best engineers and technology from around the world. The new Focus will be sold in 122 markets worldwide and manufactured in Ford plants in Asia, Europe and North America.

All Focus models sold in North America will be powered by Ford’s most advanced naturally aspirated engine ever: a new, 2.0-liter gasoline engine equipped with direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing – two important fuel-saving technologies. A six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission will be offered.

A Focus ST version also will be available, boasting exhilarating performance and an addictive sound. Ford’s first global high-performance model, scheduled for 2012 launch and developed by Ford’s global performance vehicles team, will deliver a 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine, lowered chassis, high-performance brakes and unique suspension tuning. The standard transmission for Focus ST is a six-speed manual, optimized with sporting ratios matched to the performance characteristics of the engine.

Ford’s North American engineering team is targeting fuel economy of 40 mpg highway for the most efficient Focus model, equipped with an automatic transmission. The new Focus will also offer North American consumers a full suite of Ford technology – including Ford SYNC®, MyFord TouchTM, in-car Wi-Fi capability, active park assist and rear view camera.

Opel’s Vice President of Design Mark Adams gave his team the briefing: “show me the most emotional side of Opel’s new design language, ‘sculptural artistry meets German precision’.” What they created, the GTC Paris concept car, will be shown for the first time at the Mondial de l’Automobile 2010 (October 2 – 17).

Coming close on the heels of the new generation Astra Sports Tourer, which will also debut at the Paris motor show, the GTC Paris is the next bold step of a newly shaped Opel line-up.

Inspiration for the concept was partly derived from a quote from Richard Bach’s famous novel, Jonathan Livingston Seagull “…and the speed was pure beauty.” This phrase is embodied throughout the character of the car with dynamic sweeping lines, beautiful sculptural surfaces, and a wide muscular stance. This three-door compact is bold yet pure and is very iconic in presence. The GTC Paris is conceived to be the obtainable dream car delivering German engineered precision and innovation, matched with eye-popping design.

“We wanted to express the most emotional side of the Opel brand and we believe this vehicle creates an appropriate visual impact to reinforce our dynamic sporty character,” Adams said.

Distinctly a new Opel – with an emotional tribute to performance

At 4.46 meters, the GTC Paris is the ideal size for a compact, sporty car, but it still offers room for five passengers. Most iconic cars have been drawn from the side. Many can be sketched with two or three sharp lines. So, too, with Opel’s new concept car: In profile, the designers have maximized tension by limiting the amount of lines in the GTC Paris.  Similar to tendons in a sprinter, these lines create tension and provide a sculpted shape. They serve as the foundation to which the highlights and surfacing react and press to the wheels in a very athletic fashion.

The Opel signature blade is introduced in the same direction as first seen in the Insignia – a fine, tense crease along the rocker panel. A second line shoots from the door handle to the rear, emphasizing the vehicle’s dramatic stance by spreading the surfaces to a fine undercut and a broad shoulder. The third line following the silhouette of the roof is finished in finely brushed aluminum that accentuates the window graphic, guiding the eye to the sharply distinct integrated spoiler.

The front is clean yet full of character and features Opel’s typical centerline crease. It is further accented by intense, very slim eagle-eye shaped headlamps acting as parenthesis between the refined chrome emblem bar and the dramatic low trapezoidal grill which hints at its sporty character. Signature LED daytime running lights are outlined with finely crafted chrome inserts that can stand as a piece of sculpture by themselves.

The wide stance is accentuated in the rear, where the proportion of the vehicle is most imposing. This is further enhanced with the LED taillights showcasing a long, stretched “wing” nighttime graphic.

Innovative technology enhances performance

The best of Opel’s compact car technology is brought to its sportiest level on the GTC Paris. The chassis has a special design with an extra-wide stance. It features a compound crank with an Opel-exclusive Watt’s link in the rear, a new, updated execution of the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide suspension and a front electronic limited slip differential.  The GTC Paris is planted to the ground with dynamic 21-inch wheels.

The powertrain in the GTC Paris is a four-cylinder, 2.0 liter Turbo with direct injection, packing maximum horsepower and torque. It is fitted with Start/Stop technology, proving that drivers can combine high performance with maximum fuel efficiency in urban driving conditions.  The transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox.

Following interviews with two anonymous sources, Bloomberg News is reporting that the Porsche 918 Spyder will be the automaker’s most expensive vehicle.  The company plans to sell the car at €500,000, a price €47,000 higher than the Porsche Carrera GT, produced from 2003 to 2006.

Despite the high cost, more than 2,000 people have begun talks to purchase the two-seater.  The automaker said they would not greenlight the car unless 1,000 customers put a deposit down on the car.  In its history, less than 1,500 units of the Carrera GT were ever sold.

The hybrid 918 Spyder is capable of a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 3.2 seconds.  It uses a 500-horsepower V8 engine combined with an electric motor to hit 199 mph (320 km/h).  Porsche claims that the 918 Spyder uses about three liters of fuel per 100 km, producing up to 70 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

A formal decision on the car’s production is expected later this year.

Source: bloomberg via: Worldcarfans