And that is why the designers from Prior Design gladly accepted the challenge and, during a month-long process in which they paid great attention to detail, they developed a tailor-made body kit for the powerful model from Ingolstadt. For the front with the huge cooling openings, there is a discreet spoiler with a middle fin and two additional flat openings. The completely newly manufactured car hood is visibly more powerful due to the power dome and additional carbon inlets. Thanks to a new set of curved side skirts, the lateral silhouette appears distinctly more athletic than the serial version. As a real highlight, the C-pillar is painted in the vehicle’s colour, giving a decidedly more harmonic overall visual appearance. Prior Design developed a new bumper with a revised carbon fibre diffuser for the rear section of the car that ensures better air exhaustion and, thus, higher contact pressure.

What is more, for the elegant cockpit, the tuners from Kamp-Lintfort made additional trim parts from carbon fibre, such as the complete centre console, including the breathtaking control panel and the handbrake handle. Further carbon fibre applications can be found in the engine compartment where red carbon fibre covers provide a colourful contrast. In addition to the aerodynamic modifications, Prior Design also added a dynamic wheel-set, at the front 9.0 x 20’’ 235/30/20 and at the back 11.5 x 20’’ 305/25/20.

The complete aerodynamics package will be produced individually for every customer and every vehicle. Additional customer requirements will also be gladly taken into account.

You can find all further information as well as further prices and delivery information at: www.prior-design.de

Mustand GT Shelby

As usual the engineers at GeigerCars.de from Munich operated on the open V8 heart of the American muscle car and in the process left no stone unturned. For more pressure they donated a 3.3 litre compressor to the 5.4 litre aluminium engine block which with its 1.6 bar supercharging pressure provides real fire in the forged crank drive. Larger throttle valves, a modified injection system, a 100 millimetre air flow meter and machined cylinder heads also guarantee that the inner organs are fine tuned. Additional coolers for charge air, coolant and engine oil ensure that the eight cylinder can always work at the perfect temperature range despite massively increased power.
Thanks to the massive changes the Geiger Mustang Shelby GT now generates a legendary 810 PS at 6,700 rpm, whereas the maximum engine torque of 945 Nm at approx. 4,300 rpm pulls on the increased differentials. Of course with so much engine torque the transmission also had to be reinforced and in the same step its 5th and 6th gears were shortened. A 3 disc carbon clutch produces smooth power transmission. A special manifold with racing catalytic converters and customised sport exhaust guarantee that exhaust gases are disposed of properly according to type.

High end chassis engineering

So that so much power can also be transformed in acceleration, GeigerCars.de fitted the Shelby with a special racing chassis as well as a Panhard rod made from chrome-moly steel including polyurethane bushes on the ends to balance the axial offset and new reinforced and adjustable trailing arms for improved rear axle directional stability. For the all-important contact to the asphalt surface four classic OZ alloy wheels in 8.5 and 10×20 inch guarantee adequate grip thanks to Michelin high performance tyres in 245/35ZR20 and 285/30ZR20. The upright Cobra is slowed down using 6 piston high performance brakes on the front axle with 380 millimetre large drilled or optionally slotted brake discs.

Perhaps this Mustang Shelby version would also put the fear of God into the US racing legend Carroll Shelby!
Technical data

Engine: 5.4 litre eight cylinder V with modular compressor, Ford GT aluminium engine block, machined cylinder heads, modified injection system, larger throttle valves, sport air filter, 100 mm air flow meter, cold air box, aluminium rocker arm, forged crank drive, 3 disc carbon clutch, reinforced transmission with shortened 5th and 6th gears, increased differential, engine oil cooler, 3.3 l compressor with 1.6 bar supercharging pressure

Many Lotus dealers around the world have already received their demonstrators and Lotus has, so far, received orders for the next 5 months of production. Demand for Lotus’ award winning Evora has meant that 150 extra new manufacturing staff have been recruited to support assembly operations in Norfolk, UK, a very positive sign at a time when the global motor industry faces huge challenges. Full production is expected to reach the maximum rate by the end of November 2009.

Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars (left) hands over the keys of the first customer Lotus Evora to Mr Matthew Melling at the Lotus Headquarters in Norfolk, UK.

Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars Limited said, “It is quite an emotional time to deliver the first Lotus Evora to Mr. Melling. The whole team has worked incredibly hard to design, engineer and produce such a stunning and high performing sportscar and it is a great feeling to hand over the keys to the first customer today. The Evora has won many awards around the world already so we are not surprised that there is high demand for the car and I am sure that each customer who receives their car will be delighted with their purchase.”

Matthew Melling, a customer of Stratton Motor Company, in Norfolk said, “I was determined to be the first in the world to get my hands on an Evora so with Stratton Motor Company’s help, I laid down my deposit within seconds of the order books being opened last year. I have read all the press reviews of the Evora and am so excited about getting behind the wheel – what a great start to September!”

The Type 124 (pronounced One Twenty Four) Endurance Racecar is the next step in the evolution of the Evora. The car will make its 24 hour racing debut at the ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours which provides a great test for the Evora’s performance, efficiency and durability under tough and demanding endurance race conditions.

At the heart of the Lotus Evora are fundamental racecar elements: mid-engine layout, high-tech and super-stiff extruded and bonded aluminium chassis and very strong lightweight forged aluminium wishbones. All these elements mean that it is a natural evolution from the road going Lotus Evora to a competitive endurance racecar.

From the outset the design team had intentions to take the Evora racing and the chassis was designed with this in mind. Endurance races are the perfect events to showcase the efficiency, handling and durability characteristics that have been fundamental to the concept of the Evora.

124 Lotus Racecar

The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar has a race-tuned version of the mid-mounted Toyota V6 engine, with power increased to over 400 ps (depending on race regulations). Vehicle mass is expected to be reduced by up to 200 kg, bringing the weight of the racecar to less than 1200 kg (depending on race regulations).

Further changes for the Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar include a six speed sequential paddle shift racing gearbox, full FIA specification roll cage, FIA-compliant 120 litre ATL fuel system, FIA fire extinguisher system, competition carbon fibre rear wing, diffuser and front splitter.

The racecar is fitted with AP Racing 6 piston callipers front and rear, with a race-tuned Bosch ABS system, 4-way adjustable dampers and adjustable anti-roll bars. The racecar runs on 18” rims shod with Pirelli racing slicks and the wheels widths have been increased over the roadcar to 9 ½ J on the front and 11 J on the rear.

The aerodynamically efficient Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar body design, made from lightweight composite and carbon fibre panels, remains predominantly unchanged from the road car, with the only modifications being to the lower sections of the front and rear clamshells and the side sills.

Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars Limited, said, “Motorsport has been in our blood ever since our founder, Colin Chapman, built the first Lotus back in 1948. We are proud of our motorsport history, which includes victories in Formula One, Le Mans, saloon car, rally car and sportscar racing around the world; more recently, we won the British GT3 Championship in 2006 with the Lotus Exige. The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar is from the same unique stable and we expect it to be a competitive racecar when we enter various endurance races next year.”

Roger Becker, Vehicle Engineering Director for Group Lotus Plc said, “Every Lotus car is designed to be at home on the race track as well as the road, and the Evora is no different. Designed primarily as an everyday road car, the Evora’s lightweight and stiff structure, its aerodynamics and performance means that it is perfectly suited to taming race tracks around the world, and we are looking forward to seeing the new Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar line up on the grid for the 2010 season.”

The racecar is expected to compete in a number of endurance races in 2010/ 2011 forming part of a factory-supported race program. The races that are targeted are: The 2010 ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours (Nürburgring Nordschleife, Germany) in May 2010, Merdeka Millennium 12 Hours (Sepang, Malaysia) in August 2010, BritCar 24 Hours (Silverstone, UK) in October 2010 and the Dubai 24 Hours (Dubai Autodrome, UAE) January 2011.

Day 1 of the Rally Italia Sardinia took crews south of the rally’s base to the Budduso region for a loop of three which featured a bit of all the different conditions competitors face this weekend, ranging from rough to much faster surfaces. The hot, dry weather meant that the first day was always going to be difficult for the first driver on the road who faced the task of sweeping a clean line in the sandy top-coating which covered the hard-packed gravel base underneath.

Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena had no alternative than to push as hard as possible, but the Frenchman was in a positive frame of mind on his return to Olbia for service after SS3: “The conditions were very slippery and we had to be especially careful when braking. We’re only 15 seconds down on Latvala, which is less than I had feared.”

Despite posting the quickest time on Loelle 1 (SS2), Dani Sordo was more than a minute behind the leader at this point: “We incurred a 30-second penalty before the start of SS1 following a problem with a turbo sensor. The first two stages went well for us, but we dropped a little time on SS3 when I couldn’t avoid hitting a stone which was in our direct path. The impact ripped off the hose from the remote front-right damper reservoir which lost all its fluid.” The mechanics profited from the 30-minute lunchtime service halt to change the engine subframe and suspension wishbone, too, and Dani restarted with a further 30-second time penalty.

Sébastien Loeb continued to push during the afternoon and claimed the best time on SS5 before choosing to lift on the day’s final test: “I realised I wouldn’t be able to hold off Hirvonen running first on the road. Even pushing as hard as I was, I wasn’t able to pull out a gap. After a lot of hard thought, we decided to leave Latvala with a forty or so second lead so that he would choose to stay in front. At the same time, Mikko got his sums wrong and he too will start ahead of us tomorrow. It’s a gamble being 43 seconds down on Latvala this evening. We will see on Sunday whether we did the right thing…”

Dani had a more straightforward run this afternoon: “The mechanics put my C4 back in perfect shape at the lunchtime service halt, and that meant I was able to push hard and post some good times this afternoon. Being overnight eighth means I will have a good start order tomorrow. I will continue to drive as quickly as I can because I believe fourth place is an achievable target.”

The Porsche 997 RSRentered by the Frikadelli Racing Teamwill be prepared and run by the sameexperienced, successful crew of 2008.
Interwetten.com Driver Kenneth Heyer will be paired with drivers Klaus Abbelen, Sabine Schmitz and Dr. Edgar Althoff in the 450 hp Porsche.

Interwetten.com Driver Kenneth Heyer:”The 24 Hours of the”Gruene Hölle” is a endless long time.You will only have success here if you are concentrated and use your head.The equipment you are in is very important, with the Porsche we have a very proven racing car.

• Over 200 Racing cars participate
• More than 200 000 spectators will be present
• 16 hours of live TV coverage
• 24 hours of live streaming and all Information at: http://adac.24h-rennen.de

Heyer Jr.has just arrived back fromthe second FIA GT event in Adria (I), where he just missed his first pointswith 9th position in his Ferrari F430 GT.
Kenneth: “Of course I am not happy with the result, however, the lap times I ran in my stint, were very competitive.Our luck is that theFIA GT racing Season is still long!Now, I havefull concentration for the 24h of Nürburgring. I am excited to work again with the Frikadelli Team. Firstly, of course, tofinish is important, but with the Porsche, this strong driver pairing, I am hoping for a topresult”.

WABCO’s new EcoSmart clutch compressor optimally disengages a truck or bus compressor from the engine when the vehicle’s air system reaches full pressure. This innovation is WABCO’s latest in a series of breakthrough technologies that enable significant gains in fuel efficiency while benefiting the environment through reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

WABCO’s new EcoSmart system is designed to reduce total cost of vehicle ownership annually by as much as $1,250 through fuel savings alone. In addition, it will reduce wear on the compressor and prolong its life. It also contributes to cleaner air and less impact on the environment because it can reduce CO2 emission by as much as 5,000 pounds per vehicle on an annual basis.

“Our new EcoSmart system is a breakthrough technology that helps original equipment manufacturers around the world to make their vehicles greener, cleaner and more fuel efficient. Smartly designed and creatively engineered, our new EcoSmart system is an outstanding example of WABCO’s unique ability to innovate commercial vehicle technologies that enhance fuel savings and contribute to clean air solutions,” said Nikhil Varty, WABCO Vice President, Compression and Braking. “By equipping our customers’ new vehicles with WABCO’s EcoSmart system, WABCO takes another step forward as the leading-edge supplier of breakthrough solutions for commercial vehicle manufacturers.”

More Informations at www.wabco-auto.com

• Compact 288-volt battery with high power density
• Sophisticated management system computes the most fuel-efficient operating mode in real time, 160 times a second with up to 50 million computing operations
• Consumption-optimised Atkinson V6 petrol engine developing 205 kW (279 hp)
• Classic benefits of the M-Class such as economy of space, high active and passive safety, ride comfort or the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system are fully retained

In the search for the optimum hybrid system for the premium motor car, the engineers were already sure of one thing right from the concept phase: a Mercedes-Benz SUV with a hybrid drive would have to share the same typical brand attributes as any other Mercedes vehicle. Essential elements such as the greatest possible active and passive safety, optimum ride comfort and ease of operation, uncompromising reliability over a long period and high-quality workmanship with select materials would have to be on a par with a comparable, conventionally powered standard-production vehicle. And all combined with the greatest possible efficiency. At the same time, the drive system should be testimony to the company’s innovative strength and cutting-edge technology. These objectives demanded a complete development cycle – the kind of process any new model family developed from scratch would undergo. Until the Mercedes-Benz ML 450 HYBRID reached series-production maturity, the engineers and technicians clocked up a total of four million kilometres, taking 
in some of the world’s most extreme climatic conditions to prove the system’s reliability, be it in the sub-zero Arctic circle, the searing heat of arid desert regions or in the sweltering, humid temperatures of the tropics. The work was supplemented by an extensive test-rig programme and detailed simulations as part of the “Digital Prototype”. An important aim during development was to optimally match the various subsystems within the powertrain. System matching enables the various drive modes to be easily used while the customer is driving.

The two-mode hybrid technology in the ML 450 HYBRID, whose drive architecture supports purely electric operation and purely combustion engine operation or any combination of the two, takes its lead from the fundamental work undertaken by the “Global Hybrid Cooperation”. This group brought together research and development work undertaken by the companies Daimler AG, BMW Group, General Motors and Chrysler.

Superior technology: two-mode hybrid for the most efficient drive system

Thanks to two-mode hybrid technology the ML 450 HYBRID boasts tangible benefits: its performance figures are on a par with a conventional eight-cylinder SUV with permanent all-wheel drive while fuel consumption and emissions have been reduced by up to 60%. The vehicle designed specifically for the US market delivers ‘city’ fuel consumption of 21 mpg and ‘highway’ consumption of 24 mpg, making it the most efficient vehicle in its segment. With its SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) classification, the SUV meets the most stringent emissions standard for vehicles with a combustion engine currently applicable in the US. At the same time, the ML 450 HYBRID with a system output of 250 kW (340 hp) and a combined torque of 517 newton metres guarantees a superlative driving experience combined with an enhanced level of ride comfort. The driver can concentrate fully on the traffic and enjoy the ML 450 HYBRID driving experience without having to select additional functions as the drive management system is fully automatic. The functionality of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system is also fully retained.

At the heart of the two-mode hybrid drive is the transmission unit with two compact electric motors, three planetary gear sets and four clutches. This configuration enables the power to be split into an electrical and a mechanical path. Conventional one-mode hybrid systems tend not to have mechanical ratios. As such, this kind of system transfers the bulk of the power via the electrical path with high electrical output and hence lower efficiency. It works efficiently principally at lower loads and speeds. If power also needs to be transferred at higher loads and speeds, an accordingly larger electric motor would be required. Having to power and find space for this engine would only be possible at the expense of efficiency. In response to increasing engine loads and higher speeds, two-mode technology, by contrast, variably shifts the power transfer from the electrical path to the mechanical drive path. As a result, the system is much more efficient in all situations, both in inner-city stop-and-go traffic as well as on fast motorway journeys, while also enabling smaller electric motors to be used. The efficiency boost – both in urban traffic as well as on motorway journeys – is therefore where “two-mode” technology gets its name from.

The four clutches are used to distribute the driving force generated by the electric motor and combustion engine via four fixed ratios and two electric variable ratios to all four wheels on the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system, depending on the driving situation. Various strategies ensure the best possible fuel consumption and performance, depending on the traffic situation or the driver’s requirements:

• When moving off or at low speed up to the second fixed gear, the 
ML 450 HYBRID operates in ECVT 1 mode (Electric Continuously Variable Transmission), delivering a very comfortable, smooth ride.
• At higher speed from the second fixed ratio, ECVT 2 mode is used. Depending on the optimum operation point, a combined or continuously variable mode is selected.
• In the first and third fixed gear both electric motors work synchronously, providing either additional energy for acceleration (boost) or storing the braking and coasting energy (recuperation).
• In the second and fourth fixed gear, one electric motor is switched off to improve efficiency. The second electric motor is used for the booster function and recuperation.

The two compact electric motors boast a high power density and are fully integrated into the transmission housing. The limited installation space means the two electric motors have to be configured differently. The first electric motor – positioned nearer to the combustion engine – develops 62 kW (85 hp) and 235 newton metres of torque and has been designed with power output and minimal losses firmly in mind. The electric motor placed at the end of the transmission develops 60 kW (82 hp) and 260 newton metres and is thus the ideal solution for moving off solely under electric power and providing the booster function.

Compact 288-volt battery with high power density

The electrical energy in the ML 450 HYBRID is stored in a compact, liquid-cooled high-voltage nickel-metal hydride battery. Battery data at a glance:

Type
Liquid-cooled high-voltage nickel-metal hydride battery
Mounting location
Vehicle rear
Weight (kg)
83
Modules / cells (quantity)
24 / 240
Electrical output (kW)
45
Capacity (kWh)
2.4
Voltage (V)
288

A battery management function monitors and controls the various charge flows during electric motoring, boost or recuperation to ensure a stable charge state. The entire high-voltage onboard network complies with the most stringent safety standards.

MINI is supporting the Life Ball for the ninth year in succession in 2009. The 17th Life Ball – taking place on 16 May 2009 – marks the beginning of a four-year cycle, the elements water, earth, air and fire representing both metaphorically and in their artistic embodiment the fundamental symbols of life. Europe’s biggest AIDS charity event offers MINI an outstanding platform on which to underline its socio-political commitment.

The Life Ball MINI will be offered in a prize draw for the first time in 2009.
Becoming the owner of the new Life Ball MINI has never been easier for all MINI, Life Ball and Katy Perry fans. A ticket costs 10 euros and can be purchased at all Life Ball events, from all BMW and MINI dealers in Austria, directly from the Life Ball, from the official distributor of Austria’s “class lottery” Prokopp and, of course, over the Internet. Go to www.mini.at for detailed information on the various sources. All the proceeds from the draw will go to the Life Ball and projects fighting HIV/AIDS.

The “Life Ball MINI 2009 designed by The Blonds for Katy Perry”.
MINI handed American creative double-act The Blonds the latest addition to the MINI family – a new MINI Convertible – to serve as the canvas for their inspiration. The brains behind The Blonds are Puerto Rican Phillipe and US designer David Blond. The Life Ball MINI 2009 is dedicated to their friend Katy Perry. The singer has been in the music business since 2001 and achieved her international breakthrough in May 2008 with the worldwide hit “I Kissed a Girl”. Its success was then surpassed by the follow-up single “Hot N Cold”. Katy will escort “her” MINI down the Blue Carpet at the Life Ball.

The Blonds specialise in stand-out couture oozing sex appeal and glamour. Their outfits are striking, richly decorated and complemented by knock-out accessories: sparkling, dazzling, dramatic. Stars such as Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Shakira, Madonna, Britney Spears and Dita von Teese have all worn creations by The Blonds at big occasions.

“MINI is a long-standing Life Ball Partner with an exceptionally fine understanding of how to incorporate creativity into the fulfilment of a partnership,” said Life Ball organiser Gery Keszler. “Year after year, the Life Ball MINIs created by the designers of the Life Ball Fashion Shows provide stunning evidence of this. The Life Ball MINI 2009 will be a special edition reflecting a life in the limelight; after all, international pop star Katy Perry and New York’s The Blonds – the designers of this year’s Life Ball Fashion Show – are responsible for the Life Ball MINI. The signature features of the pop princess and the cutting-edge designers are sex appeal and maximum glamour, set off by striking, richly decorated, knock-out accessories. I wish the future owner lots of fun with the Life Ball MINI.”

Motoren Technik Mayer (MTM) now shows what the individualisation programme offers. Following customer requirements, the automobile manufacturer from the Upper Bavarian town Wettstetten has modified the Audi R8 to such an extent that a unique sports machine has been created and there is no second car like that.

The most striking novelty of the middle-engine super sports car with the aluminium body is the garish green paint. “Porsche 2D8“ is the exact name of this brash colour which became famous on the Porsche GT3. With this work, MTM confirms its love for details. As apart from the large-scale paint of the aluminium body, the internationally successful car refiner also painted areas in the engine compartment and has left further accents all over the car. Therefore, not only the colouring is unique, but also the manufacture.

On all four black brake callipers and on the black fuel cap, there is a green “R8” nameplate. The ultra-light MTM Bimoto light alloy wheels measuring 9×20 and 11×20 inches in glossy black, show the green nameplate “MTM forged” on one spoke per wheel and therefore refer to the high-quality forged technology of the rim. In the interior, the exciting car colour repeats at the seams of the suede MTM steering wheel and the “Quattro” nameplate on the glove department flap. Also, the “R8” logo on the gear-shift shines in green.

But the striking colour does not reduce MTM´s own stylishness. Therefore, Motoren Technik Mayer sticks to the characteristic two-colour paint which is typical for the Audi R8. Behind the doors an area measuring 12 inches and painted in glossy black renders a contrast and gives the car a distinctive R8-appearance.

MTM-Compressor confers the V8-engine with 560 hp
And MTM would not be MTM when they settled with a new paint. Therefore, they also offer a significant performance enhancement. The especially developed compressor technology which made MTM famous all over the world, propels the performance of the V8-engine with 4.2 litres cubic capacity from 420 hp (313 kW) by a third up to breathtaking 560 hp (418 kW). Also the maximum torque increases by 34 percent from 430 to 580 Newton metres. MTM also offers this enormous power improvement for the Audi R8 with the V10-engine. By exchanging the motor electronics, the performance of the latter then increases from 520 hp (388 kW) to 560 hp (418 kW) as well.

The right sound is rendered by the new exhaust system with valve control which leads into four black ceramic-coated end pipes. Re-engineered side-blades which direct the airflow from behind the doors right into the middle engine provide the necessary air supply.
In order to transfer the newly gained power on the road, an extensive aerodynamics package renders the necessary downthrust. At the front, the splitter made of carbon fibre which is painted green on the top and matt black on the bottom thrusts the automobile on the tarmac. The side skirts and the rear diffuser, both also entirely made of green varnished carbon fibre hold the rear axle of this 4WD automobile on the road. Therefore, the MTM R8 achieves top speeds on the race track. In order to avoid hitting the ground on road bumps or garage exits, MTM added its Lift-up-System. This optionally elevates the front- or rear axle by 40 millimetres and enables the driver to master all everyday chicanes.

With the Audi R8 makeover, the world-wide renowned automobile manufacturer confirms that there are no limits to individual cars from MTM. This leads to exclusive automobiles in the highest production quality, precisely designed according to the wishes of the customer.