McLaren MP4-12C Diabolically Tricked Out to 666-Horses

With McLaren's newest creation gradually making its way to most markets around the world, the tuning industry is stepping up its efforts to satisfy the needs of power-thirsty buyers. After Hennessey, German tuning firm Wheelasandmore has also presented a new package for the McLaren MP4-12C, which includes both styling and performance products.
In factory guise, the MP4-12C's mid-mounted 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine is rated at 600PS (592HP) and 600Nm (442.5 lb-ft). A reprogrammed ECU along with a custom sports exhaust system push those numbers to 666-horsepower and 640Nm (472 lb-ft) respectively.
Wheelsandmore noted that it's currently working on a more aggressive tune with modified turbochargers and intercooler upgrades that will lift output to around 800-ponies.
For now, the company's tune also includes an electronic hydraulic suspension system that lowers the ride height by another 25mm and is said to improve handling and steering.
The package is complemented by a new set of lightweight forged alloy wheels finished in black with an orange rim (20-inches with 245/30 Continental Sport Contact 5P tires up front and 21-inches shod in 325/25 rubber at the back), with matching color racing stripes.

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New Owner Plans to Resurrect Studebaker with a Hybrid Twist in the 21st Century

Even though you may know the name and perhaps even seen one of its models, chances are that you were either too young to remember or not even born yet when the Studebaker Automobile Company closed shop in 1966. Fast forward to today and the company may have a second chance in life - hopefully with better designs than the official CGIs you see here... According to a report from FoxNews, Ric Reed, who bought the rights to the Studebaker brand in 2001, has revealed new plans to resurrect the famous nameplate.
Reed, who runs the Denver, Colorado-based Big Kahuna apparel company, told the news site that he wants to revive Studebaker's classic monikers such as the Lark, President and Hawk for the new model series, adding, however, that the cars themselves will be 21st-century hybrids.
"As the entrepreneur at the helm of Studebaker Motor Company, it is my earnest goal to create vehicles that are in some way reminiscent of classic Studebakers, or in other words, definitively Studebaker, yet brought into the 21st Century, and again to see Studebaker Motor Company the American Icon it once was," says Reed on the company's website.
"It is also my dream to develop or reopen factories, employ Americans in those manufacturing and assembly plants, which shall be on American soil. I desire to make vehicles that not only compete, but have a significant cutting edge in a highly competitive world market," he adds.
Reed said he wants to employ hybrid technology because he thinks that electric cars still have a long way to go. He intends to use the Hydristor, a device invented by Tom Kasner for a sports car that John DeLorean wanted to make before his demise. The Hydristor is a hydraulic transistor, which Kasmer claims, is akin to a highly efficient CVT gearbox.
Before rolling out his brand-new models, Reed says he may cooperate with another, yet unnamed company, to build a US$70,000 limited run of a retro-themed modern iteration of the Chump pickup truck in order to raise some cash and mainly attract investors.

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The Formula 1 Pre-Season Testing Paradox

A tenth of a second is an eternity in Formula 1. In qualifying runs, it can mean the difference between the pole position and third place or even worse at the starting grid. During a pit stop, it can make or break your entire race. Moreover, if you multiply that tenth by 50 times or more, i.e. the number of laps in a Grand Prix, it is the difference between spraying the champagne on the podium and heading to the pits with your head down in disappointment.
That valuable split-second is what hundreds of people strive for months each year. Shortly after the new season starts, the designers back at the factory start working on next year’s car.

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Mazda Releases UK Pricing and Specifications on New CX-5

Following its launch in several markets around the world, the new Mazda CX-5 is now available for pre-order in Britain with first deliveries to take place this spring. The compact crossover model, which is Mazda's first production model embody its SKYACTIV technology, will be offered with a choice of three engines including a 2.0-liter petrol producing 165PS (163bhp), and a 2.2-liter turbo diesel with either 150PS (148bhp) or 175PS (173bhp).
The CX-5 is also available with a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions, front- or all-wheel drive and four equipment levels (SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav).
Prices for 2.0-litre petrol versions start from £21,395 (OTR) for the CX-5 SE-L and rise to £23,995 for the CX-5 Sport NAV.
The 2.2-litre 150PS models begin at £22,995 for the SE-L and £24,295 for the SE-L Auto, to £25,595 for the Sport Nav and £24,695 for the entry-level AWD model. Finally, pricing for 2.2-litre 175PS diesel versions start at £27,195 for the CX-5 AWD Sport.
According to Mazda, depending on the model, the CX-5 return will a combined fuel consumption figure of 61.4 to 47.0mpg UK (4.6lt/100km to 6.0lt/100km) with CO2 emissions ranging from 119 to 144g/km.
The base SE-L models will come equipped as standard with 17-inch alloys, front fog lights, dual‑zone climate control air-conditioning, Smart City Brake Support and privacy glass, plus front and rear parking sensors.
The Sport grade models add 19-inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with Active Front Lighting System, full leather trim, heated front seats, powered driver’s seat and a reversing camera.

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All-New Sports Car for 2015, But it's Not for U.S.

Buying a car company, especially a small one is not that hard, provided you have the cash of course. Building new models from the ground up is a much more demanding endeavor.
In the case of Caterham, which has been relying solely on the Seven (the 1994 "21" was essentially a rebodied and stiffer Seven), it's a task that’s practically been undertaken for the first time.
Launching Caterham Technology and Innovation, a standalone engineering company responsible for developing new models, was proof that new owner Tony Fernandes was serious about expanding Caterham’s range.
Ansar Ali, Caterham’s CEO, revealed to CAR magazine that his company is currently engineering a brand-new sports car that will be a clean-sheet design.
“We’re starting from scratch in terms of platform technology and powertrain”, said Ali. “We’re not trying to take the Seven and make it slightly bigger, slightly higher and slightly wider”. No chances of a new 21, then.
Despite not sharing anything with the Seven, which will not be discontinued, the new Caterham will retain the open-wheel car’s core characteristics.
“Caterhams are designed for the driver”, explained Ali. “They are light, very engaging, and what I would call affordable pricing. They are a real experience to drive –which is what the Seven is all about- and there’s a lot of drama, which we want to be replicated in any future product.”
The new model will go on sale in 2015 and be available in three variants: a coupe, a convertible, plus a third one which Ali wouldn’t disclose. There will also be a racing version. The Seven is powered by Ford engines which may supply units for the new car as well, although Ali did not rule out other suppliers.
Caterham’s new sports car will be available in the brand’s two core markets, Europe and Japan, as well as China, raising the carmaker’s annual production from 500 to 2,500 units.
Americans will miss out on the new Caterham. Despite launching a one-make race series with the SP/300R in 2013, the U.S. does not feature on the company’s plans for launching new models.

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