Sunday, November 29, 2009

Geiger Ford GT, 790hp and loud paint


Geiger is a German tuner that has a fascination with American muscle cars. They also seemingly have a fascination with extremely bright paint hues and body modifications.

This particular Ford GT possesses those traits, as you can certainly bet that it's future owners will not pass down any road unnoticed.

Their latest version of the GT also has impressive power to back up all of that flaunting, with it's 5.4L V8 pumping out 790hp and 637 lb-ft of torque. Most of the power boost can be credited to the motor's huge 4.0L supercharger that replaces the stock 2.3L.

Geiger claims a 0-100 km/h jaunt takes only 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 223 mph. Check out the press release below for all the details.

PRESS RELEASE:

Red is supposed to be the standard colour of warning. US car specialists GeigerCars.de from Munich have turned this established wisdom on its head, presenting their hottest shot with eye-catching bright green paintwork. The Ford GT "Geiger HP 790" is the third star after the Dodge Challenger SRT-8 (569 HP) and the Corvette Z06 Bi-Turbo (890 HP).

Karl Geiger's latest creation lives up to its name: the super sports car's 5.4 litre V8 engine can reach a terrific 790 horsepower, an impressive 240 HP more than its series equivalent. The source of this explosion of power? Above all the replacement of the series-produced 2.3 litre with a more powerful 4.0 litre compressor which blasts the combustion chamber at over 1.25 bars. Larger throttle valves and a sports filter were also installed to supply the eight cylinders with even more fresh air. The engine and gear cooling systems had of course also to be adjusted to the new design as well as engine electrics.

Geiger HP 790 shoots to 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds, breaks the 200km/h mark 6 seconds later and reaches 300 kilometres an hour in only 22.8 seconds - all this to bloodcurdling roars from the two 110-millimetre sports exhaust tail pipes - an in house development. Thrust and air resistance don't balance until you hit 360km/h. The supercharged V8 reaches maximum power at 6320 rpm and its maximum torque - 863 Newton metres - at just 4600 revolutions.

No question that a ride like this is not for the beginner, but experienced drivers will find the specially developed coilover suspension a great asset. Its hydraulic shock absorbers have adjustable pressure and rebound damping which can be set to suit drivers' needs and preferences - and of course the terrain.

Low and wide: the classic Ford sports car proportions are taken even further with 60-millimetere lowering. The wheel housing can't high superb matt black alloy wheels outlined in the car colour, mounted in 9x20 inches at the front and an impressive 11x21 at the rear. 245/35R20 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres on the front axle ensure precise transmission of wheel commands whilst the drive axle 325/30R21 tyres constantly fight for grip and traction - if only so they don't disappear in a cloud of blue smoke.


Saturday, November 28, 2009

Loma Performance Corvette C6 Blackforce One


Loma Performance believes that it's Blackforce One Corvette is "clearly reminiscent" of the President's famous air ride. Regardless of whether you believe that or not, this 'vette is pretty unique.

Since even factory Corvettes have big power (see: ZR1), you know that aftermarket tuners have to go big. And go big Loma did, as this particular car sports twin turbos. All that boost bring power up to 783hp and 666 lb-ft of torque.

The sprint to 62mph takes a mere 3.4 seconds, and top speed is 205mph. The suspension, brakes, and remainder of the drivetrain is upgraded to handle all that power.

The body of the Blackforce One is then wrapped in a widebody kit and painted in one of three matte finishes. Only 25 examples will be produced. Check out the full details in the press release below.

PRESS RELEASE

LOMA-Performance - Corvette "C6.BlackforceOne"

The name of this vehicle is a show in itself: C6.BlackforceOne. It is clearly reminiscent of the legendary Boeing Air Force One of the United States president - doubtless no accident by tuner LOMA-Performance. Yet when the C6.BlackforceOne available in Stealth matt black, Eurofighter matt grey and White Storm matt white (other colours on request) comes thundering round the corner, it is soon clear that it more than deserves its name - and has far more to offer than just an exciting label...

No less than two metres from outside wheel to outside wheel, the C6.BlackforceOne is based on the "normal" Corvette (original width: 179cm) and not on a Z06 or ZR1 model. This means around ten centimetres more on each side and creates a real masculine feel. LOMA-Performance makes no effort to disguise the source of the additional width - indeed clearly and stylishly displays the carbon fibre wheel arch extensions and carbon fibre side skirts available with or without visible screws: the ultimate racing look. LOMA has installed a carbon fibre front lip and rear diffuser with integrated LED reverse light alongside the extensions, also in carbon fibre. The optional LOMA-Performance rear spoiler with a carbon fibre finish is easy to fit and detach. Circular daytime running lights are an eye-catching feature of the headlights. The front lip, rear diffuser and daytime running lights are incidentally available for all C6 Corvettes, including the Z06 and ZR1.

794 PS with bi-turbo charging

The bi-turbo engine conversion is, however, exclusive to the C6.BlackforceOne and raises an incredible 794 PS from the V8 engine. 675 PS still reach the rear axle after transfer via a LOMA-Performance carbon fibre sports clutch, highly durable carbon fibre drive shafts and an overhauled gear unit; skilled hands are certainly needed at the wheel of the high-speed Corvette. It should hit 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds to furious roars from the LOMA Cup Sport Superlight exhaust unit and reach 330km/h. "Only" 330km/h? Yes, that's right, because LOMA believes in good acceleration in all situations rather final speed as a status-symbol, and has adjusted the C6.BlackforceOne accordingly.
A propos adjustment: coilover suspension is fitted beneath the body to allow separate adjustment of pressure and rebound damping. Even the stabilisers are adjustable. An extra 8 centimetres' tread at the front and all of 14 centimetres at the rear ensure the C6 really hugs the road.
The impression of sheer unlimited curve speed is of course also down to the Michelin Sport Cup high performance tyres in the dimensions 275/30R19 and 335/25R20 mounted on 10 x 19 and 12 x 20-inch shining black OZ Racing Ultraleggera HLT alloy wheels.

Racing technology for the road

LOMA-Performance can install a carbon fibre/ceramic brake unit from Mov'it for brutal deceleration to match the brutal acceleration. This is an impressive 15.5 kilograms lighter on the front axle and 10 kilograms lighter on the rear axle than, say, ZO6 brakes.
In the interior, too, the team headed by Managing Director Mario Radosavljevic have been hard at work creating a great ambience with both technical and luxury features. The door panels, for example, are finished in carbon fibre and sections of the cockpit are covered with Alcantara. C6.BlackforceOne customers can choose from 300 different types of leather. The sports steering wheel - 34 centimetres in diameter with Alcantara - is smoothed off on the underside; the refitted seats with shoulder rests are only half as thick as their series equivalents. Special foam ensures these ultimate sports seats are still comfortable and great for long journeys.
All electrical functions have been retained as has full airbag functionality.

Limited Edition

C6.BlackforceOne production is strictly limited to 25 vehicles. All are numbered and come with a full guarantee. LOMA provides an additional 12-month guarantee for the spectacular engine tuning. The prices for a complete vehicle start at 190,000 euros.

Those who want to experience the monster live will find it at the Essen Motor Show from 28 November to 6 December (Hall 6, Stand 215).


Video: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR sets track record at Laguna Seca


The Dodge Viper was never what many would consider a track car, at least until the ACR showed up. Built as a lighter alternative to a regular SRT10 with ten times the downforce (thanks to a huge wing), the ACR has been setting records ever since.

The 2010 ACR is even more serious than the 2009. With a faster top speed of 202 mph, revised gear ratios that take it to that speed 14 seconds quicker than it's predecessor.

The latest record to fall was the single lap record at Laguna Seca when this particular ACR ran it in with a time of 1:33.944, beating the previous record by more than a second. You can see two videos below, one an in car video to capture all the action.



Friday, November 27, 2009

Fesler-Moss shows off it's duo of tuned Camaros


A new partnership between Chris Fesler's custom car shop and Jon Moss, the former director of General Motors' specialty vehicles division was formed this past summer. Back then, we had nothing but renderings to show you. Now Fesler-Moss has released a bevy of details surrounding it's lineup of tuned Camaros.

The two models they will be offering are the Competition Package and the Limited Edition Package. The Competition package runs $50,000 over the cost of the donor car and includes carbon fiber interior and exterior pieces along with a supercharger and upgraded brakes.

The Limited Edition Package ups the ante with more carbon fiber bits, color matched leather, sound system, and drops the factory LS3 motor for an LS9. Only 60 of this ultimate Fesler-Moss will be built with a price tag of $150,000.

PRESS RELEASE:

The world has waited for upwards of three years, and now the 2010 Camaro is a reality. Combined retro styling and advanced technology this car is enough to redline the interest of any gear head right off the showroom floor. Touted as a "heritage-inspired sports car for the 21st Century" the 2010 Camaro.

Anyone with a passion for high performance automobiles, however, could foresee that hardcore muscle car enthusiasts would want even more. Being such enthusiasts themselves, Jon Moss who is the former director of GM's specialty vehicles division and Chris Fesler of Fesler Built, a high end hot rod builder and parts manufacturer, teamed up so that they could take the 2010 Camaro to the next level.

Limited Edition Package! - $150,000

The ultimate Fesler-Moss offering is limited to 60 units per year and a must for any serious collector. This one is loaded, they pulled out all the stops, but there are still two exclusive features worth mentioning twice.... Each Limited Edition Package will feature an individual serial number from 1-60 and be personally signed by both Chris Fesler and Jon Moss! On top of that, each will include adjustable coil over suspension, front and rear sway bars, 6-piston Fesler branded race brake upgrade, GM LS-9 supercharged engine, Fesler branded stainless steel bi-modal exhaust system, color-matched engine block, 6-speed manual transmission, billet, carbon fiber or black reverse lights, stainless steel hood struts, stainless steel trunk struts, carbon fiber interior accents, color matched leather seating, suede headliner, carbon fiber pillar gauge kit, heat and sound barrier, a custom sound system plus Fesler-Moss badging.

In addition to the aforementioned upgrades, the Limited Edition Package features a host of exclusive features including 22-inch Fesler-Moss wheels and tires, custom color paint scheme with painted racing stripes, Corvette-style door handles, Fesler billet grille with hideaway headlights, Billet RS taillights, carbon fiber Fesler-Moss body kit, 2-day training course at the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving and, as mentioned, each vehicle will be designated an individual serial numbered (1 - 60) and personally signed by both Chris Fesler and Jon Moss!

Package price without car, $110,000.

Competition Package - $90,000

Aptly named, the Competition Package provides all the performance, handling and style the hardcore muscle car enthusiast could desire. Features include 30-way adjustable coil over suspension; billet, carbon fiber or black OE replacement taillights; billet, carbon fiber or black OE replacement taillights; billet, carbon fiber or black OE replacement taillights; billet, carbon fiber or black driving light bezels; billet, carbon fiber or black reverse light bezels; stainless steel hood struts; stainless steel trunk struts; carbon fiber grille; carbon fiber body kit; painted racing stripes; carbon fiber interior accents; carbon fiber gauge pod; heat and sound barrier; sound system upgrade; upgraded, deep cycle battery; supercharger; high performance air cleaner; 6-piston Fesler branded brake upgrade; 22-inch Fesler branded wheels and tires; car cover plus and alarm/remote start system.

Package price without car, $50,000.

Competition Package Options

Carbon fiber cowl induction hood; carbon fiber trunk lid; carbon fiber spoiler; custom paint; custom leather seating; sueded headliner; short throw shifter; custom sound system; engine swap (LS7 or LS9); dynotune, exhaust system; extreme Fesler branded, 6-piston brake system upgrade; sway bars; Bondurant driving course


Thursday, November 26, 2009

Holden based 2010 RWD Chevy SS coming to US?


We keep hearing from several sources that there will indeed be a big rear wheel drive (or right wheel drive as we like to call it) Chevy sedan coming, based on the Australian Holden. Specifically, a high-performance version of General Motors' Zeta platform that underpins the Pontiac G8 will live on as a Chevy SS model, either badged as a Caprice or an Impala. After all, Bob Lutz himself said that the Pontiac G8 platform was "Kinda too good to waste."

The following was spotted on a Pontiac G8 forum:

"My dealer had sent off pictures to GM of the cable portion of the front seats belts rubbing against the plastic on the side of the front seats. In an email sent back to the dealer, GM says that they have no plans to solve what has already been built but going forward a correction is planned. The email continues: ...a fix is planned for MY11.5 Chevy Police Program and MY12 Chevy SS. The fix will involve a protective sleeve that covers the buckle and section of the buckle stem that rubs on the plastic trim."



Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Rossignolo buys De Tomaso, new models in 2011


It appears that the legendary De Tomaso brand is rising from the dead once again. A wealthy Italian industrialist named Gian Mario Rossingnolo has already purchased a Pininfarina factory in which to build the new De Tomaso.

The real question is, what are they going to build? And the answer is, 8,000 aluminum bodied cars per year. Rossingnolo is planning on building a coupe, luxury sedan, and SUV. They are planning on making an appearance with new models at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011. Now if can only see a supercharged Ford V8 powering the rear wheels of one...



Tuesday, November 24, 2009

LeMans Camaro rendering


Ever since the muscle car movement was revitalized with the retro style Mustang making it's debut, only to be joined by the Camaro and Challenger, speculation runs wild concerning what types of racing counterparts we will see in the future.

A man by the name of Bo Zolland at Viztech has rendered what he thinks a LeMans Camaro would look like, and we must say that the car lends itself nicely to this look.

While this is obviously no guarantee that such a car would ever be produced, it's nice to think about what could be.