Fast Fun Cars

McMurtry Spéirling

2026-01-27T11:25:07.244-08:00

The McMurtry Spéirling is a tiny British all-electric hypercar that’s famous for doing something wild: it can drive upside down. Thanks to its “downforce-on-demand” fan system, it generates about 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) of instant downforce, even at a standstill, literally sucking itself to the road. Power comes from a 1,000 hp (746 kW) dual-motor setup, helping it rocket to 60 mph (97 km/h) in roughly 1.4 seconds. It’s already smashed records at Goodwood and Laguna Seca, and a limited customer version called the Spéirling PURE is planned for delivery in 2026.

This car has some serious aero:

Downforce-on-Demand™ fan system:

Brembo carbon-ceramic 6 piston brake system for some serious stopping power:

McMurtry Spéirling PURE (the production version arriving in 2026) specs

0-60 mph in <1.55 seconds
190 mph top speed
High-downforce aero (fan-assisted)
1,000 horsepower
Instant peak electric torque
60 kWh Molicel battery / Twin electric motors
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) with torque vectoring
Bespoke Electronic Traction Control
Adjustable Downforce-on-Demand™ fan modes
Single-speed direct-drive e-transmission
Fully automatic with adjustable regen braking
Brembo carbon-ceramic 390mm disc brakes
6-piston monoblock calipers
Active ride-height suspension system
18" forged-alloy wheels
Bespoke performance slick or treaded tires
Generates 4,400 lbs of downforce (even at 0 mph)
Total weight <2,200 lbs
Near 50/50 weight distribution
~25 minutes of track-pace range
Starting price (UK) ~£895,000

Watch Top Gear's Stig set a new record

Setting a new record at Goodwood Hill

Want to see it go upside down?

2005 Pagani Zonda F

2013-01-13T16:08:00.002-08:00

Specifications:
0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): 3.6 seconds
Top speed: 214 mph (345 km/h)
Weight distribution: 46/54 (front/rear)
Downforce: 595/727 lbs (front/rear) @ 186 mph
Lateral g's: 1.4
Power: 602 hp @ 6150 rpm (443 kW)
Torque: 560 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm (760 Nm)
Engine: naturally aspirated Mercedes Benz 7.3L AMG V12 DOHC 48-valve with Pagani intake, exhaust, and management systems
Transmission: 6-speed manual with twin plate clutch, RWD with self-locking differential
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 2, 255/35x19 front, 335/30x20 rear
Brakes: carbon-ceramic ventilated Brembo discs, 6-pot front and 4-pot rear calipers, hydraulic power assist, ABS
Suspension (front/rear): aluminum alloy A-arms with pull-rod springs, Ohlins adjustable dampers, anti-roll bars
Body: carbon fiber
Dimensions: 174.6 x 80.9 x 44.9 in (LxWxH), 107.5 in wheelbase, dry weight 2711 lbs
Built in: Italy
Production: limited to 25
Price: ~$741,000 (USD)

2009 Volvo C30 Polestar

2012-09-11T00:37:00.000-07:00

Specifications:
0-60 mph: 4.2 sec
0-100 mph: 10.8 sec
1/4 mile (0-1320 ft): 12.8 sec @ 110.9 mph
Top speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Power: 405 bhp @ 6000 rpm (380 bhp on 91 octane)
Torque: 376 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (510 Nm)
Engine: Volvo 2.5L turbocharged DOHC 20-valve inline-5, larger intercooler, KK&K (Kuehnle, Kopp & Kausch) 26 turbo, modified pistons connecting rods and inlet camshaft
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: Haldex AWD, Quaife mechanical differential brake front and rear
Chassis: Öhlins shocks and springs, quick ratio steering rack with 2.25 ratio
Rims: BBS Forged 19x8.75"
Tires: Pirelli P Zero 235/35 ZR 19
Brakes: Brembo 380mm discs with six piston calipers up front, Brembo 330mm discs with four piston calipers in the rear
Braking 60-0 mph: 117 ft
Braking 80-0 mph: 198 ft
Skidpad: 0.99 g
Slalom: 72.5 mph
Curb weight: 3430 lbs
Aerodynamics: derived from STCC touring race car
Interior: racing seats with four point harness

Visit the official website www.polestar.se

2006 Prodrive P2

2011-12-20T17:58:00.000-08:00

Prodrive P2 is one of those rare sports cars that bring the latest in rally innovation to the street. Inspired by WRC, P2's platform is loosely based on Subaru R1 car and both engine and transmission are Prodrive in-house modified units from Subaru Impreza WRX STi. Throw in light weight composite body and WRC inspired Anti-Lag System and Active Torque Dynamics and you end up with a car that is capable of going around the corners pretty darn quickly. 60 mph comes in a brisk 3.8 seconds while the top speed maxes out at 174 mph - not bad for a 2 liter 4 cylinder engine!

Specifications:
0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
Power: 345 bhp (257 kW; 350 PS)
Torque: 424 lb-ft (575 Nm)
Top speed: 174 mph (280 km/h)
Power-to-weight ratio: ~ 350 bhp per ton
Engine: Boxer flat-four 2.0 L 16 valve DOHC
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: four-wheel drive
Weight: 2,425 lbs (1,100 kg)
Manufactured by: Prodrive in England
Production year: 2006 (concept)
Price: ~ US $62,648 (£40,000)

2012 Lexus LFA

2011-12-09T22:56:00.000-08:00

Specifications:
0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds
Coefficient of drag: 0.31 Cd (wing retracted)
Top speed: 202 mph (electronically limited)
Horsepower: 553 hp @ 8,700 RPM
Torque: 354 lbs-ft @ 7,000 RPM
Max RPM: 9,000
Engine: handcrafted naturally aspirated 4.8L aluminum 72° V10, four cams, ten individual throttle bodies
Compression: 12.0:1
Transmission: 6-speed automated sequential with paddle shifters
Body: carbon fiber reinforced polymer and aluminum unibody
Wheels: 20x9.5-in front and 20x11.5 rear, forged aluminum alloy BBS wheels
Tires: 265/35R20 front and 305/30R20 rear, summer tires
Brakes: manufactured by Brembo, 15.4-in front and 14.2-in rear drilled and ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 6-piston front and 4-piston rear aluminum monoblock calipers, with ABS, EBD, and Brake Assist
Fuel economy: 11/16/12 (city/highway/combined)
Fuel tank capacity: 19.3 galons
Emissions: LEV2
Made in: Japan
Production: limited to 500 units
Price: starts at $375,000 (US)

Brembo ventilated cross-drilled carbon ceramic brakes

2010 Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series

2011-11-08T23:46:00.000-08:00

SPECIFICATIONS
0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): 3.8 seconds
Top speed: 200 mph (320 km/h) electronically limited
Power: 661 hp (670 PS, 493 kW) @ 5400 RPM
Torque: 740 ft·lbf (1,000 N·m) @ 2200-4200 RPM electronically limited
Max RPM: 6000
Engine: 6 L (5,980 cubic cm, 365 cubic in) V12 BiTurbo (M275 AMG)
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Transmission: AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 5-speed automatic
Wheels: AMG light-alloy wheels, 19x9.5 front, 20x11.5 rear
Tires: Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tires, 265/35R19 front, 325/30R20 rear
Brakes: 6-piston front calipers with 390x36mm discs, 4-piston rear calipers with 360x26mm discs; composite, internally ventilated and cross-drilled front and rear
Production: limited to only 350
Price: $300,000 (US)

Koenigsegg CCX

2011-10-18T23:09:00.000-07:00

SPECIFICATIONS
Coefficient of drag: 0.32 Cd
0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): 3.2 seconds
0-124 mph (0-200 km/h): 9.8 seconds
0-124-0 mph (0-200-0 km/h): 14 seconds
0-186-0 mph (0-300-0 km/h): 29.2 seconds
Top speed: 245+ mph (395+ km/h)
Braking distance 62-0 mph (100-0 km/h): 105 ft (32 m)
Lateral g-forces: 1.3 G
Power: 806 bhp @ 7000 rpm
Torque: 693 ft/lb (920 Nm) @ 5500 rpm
Weight-to-power ratio: 3.5 lb/hp (1.59 kg/hp)
Engine: Koenigsegg aluminium 4.7L V8 DOHC with dry sump lubrication system and oil spray piston cooling, 8.2:1 compression
Forced induction: twin Rotrex centrifugal superchargers with response system, max boost pressure 20 psi (1.4 bar)
Transmission: transversal 6-speed with torque sensing limited slip differential and dual clutch plates (optional paddle-shifters)
Suspension: double wishbone, two-way adjustable VPS gas-hydraulic shock absorbers, electronically adjustable ride height
Brakes: 8-piston light alloy Brembo monoblock calipers front, 6-piston light alloy AP Racing calipers rear, ventilated ceramic discs 380 mm front and 362 mm rear
Wheels: 19” x 9.5” front, 20” x 12.5” rear
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 2, 255/35-19 front, 335/30-20 rear
Ground clearance: 3.94” (100 mm)
Length: 169” (4293 mm)
Width: 78.6” (1996 mm)
Height: 44.1” (1120 mm)
Dry weight: 2821 lbs (1280 kg)
Weight distribution: 45% front, 55% rear
Fuel capacity: 18.5 US gallons (70 L)
Fuel consumption: 18 mpg (13 l/100km) highway, 14 mpg (17 l/100km) combined
Aerodynamics: 220 lbs (100 kg) of downforce at 155 mph (250 km/h), flat bottom chassis, Venturi tunnels at the rear
Safety features: dual airbags, F1-style traction control for optimal performance with 5 different handling modes, power assisted carbon ceramic brakes with ABS, TPMS, power steering, carbon fibre chassis with aluminum honeycomb and integrated fuel tanks, generates considerable downforce at highway speeds
Warranty: 2 year

2008 Gumpert Apollo

2011-10-15T00:37:00.000-07:00

Specifications
0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): 3.0 seconds
0-124 mph (0-200 km/h): 8.9 seconds
Top speed: 224 mph (360 km/h)
Horsepower: 650 hp (478 kW) @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 626.9 lb-ft (850 Nm) @ 4,000 rpm [604.8 lb-ft @ 2,700 rpm]
Maximum RPM: 7,200
Engine: 4.2L Audi aluminum V8 twin-turbo intercooled with dry sump lubrication
Stroke: 3.66" (93 mm)
Bore: 3.32" (84.5 mm)
Compression ratio: 9.3
Transmission: 6-speed sequential synchronized and oil cooled with Torsen lock differential and custom gear ratios
Clutch: twin-plate 7.87" diameter
Front tire: 255/35ZR19
Rear tire: 345/35ZR19
Front wheels: 10J x 19 cast aluminum
Rear wheels: 13J x 19 cast aluminum
Curb weight: 2,645 lbs (1,200 kg)
Wheel base: 106.3" (2,700 mm)
Length: 175.6" (4,460 mm)
Width: 78.6" (1,998 mm)
Height: 43.8" (1,114 mm)
Price: $550,000+

2008 Audi R8

2011-10-12T20:11:00.000-07:00

Specifications
Coefficient of drag: 0.36
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
1/4 mile: 12.8 seconds
Top speed: 187 mph
Power: 420 hp @ 7,800 rpm
Torque: 317 ft-lbs (430 Nm) @ 4,500 - 6,000 rpm
Engine: 4.2L V8 FSI DOHC with dry sump lubrication
Transmission: 6-speed manual (optional R-tronic automatic gearbox)
Weight distribution: 44/56 (front/rear)
Curb weight: 3,450 lb (1,565 kg)
Wheelbase: 104.3 in (2,650 mm)
Length: 174.4 in (4,431 mm)
Width: 75.0 in (1,904 mm)
Height: 49.2 in (1,249 mm)
Price: $109,000 manual ($118,000 R-tronic)

Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4

2011-10-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

Specifications
0-60 mph: 2.5 seconds
0-100 mph: 5.1 seconds
1/4 mile: 10.2 seconds @ 142.9 mph
Maximum speed: 253 mph (407 km/h)
Engine: 8.0L W16(two Audi V8s) with quad-turbo, 64 valves, 4 overhead camshafts
Displacement: 7993 cc
Horsepower: 1001 hp
Maximum RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 923 lb-ft between 2200-5500 RPM
Coefficient of drag: 0.41 (0.36 after lowering to the ground)
Transmission: 7-speed sequential dual-clutch direct-shift gearbox(DSG), computer controlled automatic or paddle shifted in under 150 ms (built by Ricardo, England)
Drivetrain: permanent 4WD (with Haldex Traction system)
Airbrake: above 120 mph rear wing generates 0.68 G of deceleration in 0.4 seconds
Brakes: SGL Carbon cross-drilled radially-vented carbon-fibre reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC) composite discs, AP Racing lightweight aluminium alloy monoblock brake calipers, 8 pot front and 6 pot rear with titanium pistons (1.3 G's of stopping power)
Tires: Michelin PAX run-flat
Fuel tank capacity: 25 gallons (94.6 L)
MPG: 8 city / 13 highway
Wheelbase: 106.7 in (271 cm)
Length: 174.2 in (442 cm)
Width: 77.9 in (198 cm)
Height: 47 in (119 cm)
Curb weight: 4162 lbs (1888 kg)
Cooling: 10 radiators (3 air-to-liquid intercoolers, 3 engine, 1 AC, 1 transmission oil, 1 differential oil, 1 engine oil)
Production: limited, 300 sold
Assembled in: Molsheim, Alsace, France
Official website: www.bugatti.com
Base price: $1,700,000

Porsche Carrera GT

2011-09-29T23:33:00.000-07:00

Specifications:
0-60: 3.9 seconds
Engine: 5.7L DOHC V10 5,733cc 40 valves
Power: 612 hp (450 kW) @ 8,000 rpm
Torque: 435 ft-lbs (590 Nm) @ 5750 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drive type: rear-wheel drive
Tires: 265/35ZR19(front), 335/30ZR20(rear)
Length: 181.6"
Width: 75.6"
Wheelbase: 107.5"
Curb weight: 3043 lbs
Fuel tank size: 24.3 gallons
Fuel type: premium unleaded
Chassis: carbon fiber monocoque, CF under-tray and air diffuser, removable roof, auto-extendable rear spoiler
Safety features: TPMS, HID headlights, high-pressure headlight washers

Annual fuel cost for different engine technologies

2011-09-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

Looks like electric cars are still in the lead as far as the annual fuel cost figures go. As a matter of fact the next best thing, plug-in hybrid, will set you back almost 2 times the annual fuel cost of the electric car. No wonder the oil industry killed the electric car. Luckily the newcomer Tesla is generating ripples across the car industry with its fast, fun and nearly as practical electric cars. Unfortunately this is still a new and expensive technology and is outside of most people's budgets. But times will change...

I would bet that one day, in a not so distant future, electric cars will become the dominant mode of transportation. And most of this electricity will come from solar charging stations and car rooftop mounted solar panels.

[Images courtesy of Tesla Motors and Toyota]

2004 Ferrari Enzo F60

2011-09-20T23:52:00.000-07:00

Named after the founder, Enzo Ferrari, the F60 is a modernized replacement to the legendary Ferrari F50 and is perhaps one of the most iconic Ferraris ever built. It incorporates all of Ferrari's race proven expertise and extensive knowledge of the Formula One technology. With its carbon-fiber body, carbon ceramic composite brakes, active aerodynamics, and F1 inspired blink-of-an-eye sequential paddle-shifted transmission the Enzo to the car industry is like a Space Shuttle to the space industry - one of the most advanced, radical and extreme cars ever built. With a limited production run of only 400 cars ever built Ferrari got to pick who could have one and who could not.

Specifications:
0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 3.14 seconds
0-100 mph (0-160 km/h): 6.6 seconds
¼ mile (400 m): 11.0 seconds at 136 mph (219 km/h)
Nürburgring Circuit Lap Time: 7:25.21
Top Speed: 220 mph (350 km/h)
Horsepower: 660 bhp (485 kW) @ 7,800 RPM
Torque: 485 lb-ft (657 N·m) @ 5,500 RPM
Engine: 6.0 L V12 (5988 cc) naturally aspirated, DOHC, VVT, aluminum block and heads
Redline: 8,000 RPM
Downforce: 1,709 lb (775 kg) at 186 mph (300 km/h), rear wing is computer actuated
Transmission: 6-speed semi-automatic F1-style electrohydraulic gearbox, sequential paddle shifted, 150 ms shift time, clutchless design
Tires: Bridgestone Potenza Scuderia RE050A
Wheels: 19-inch (483 mm)
Brakes: 15-inch (381 mm) carbon ceramic Brembo with 6 pot calipers
Chassis Layout: mid-engine, 2-seater
Weight Distribution: 43.9/56.1 (front/rear)
Wheelbase: 104.3 inches (2,650 mm)
Length: 185.1 inches (4,702 mm)
Width: 80.1 inches (2,035 mm)
Height: 45.2 inches (1,147 mm)
Weight: 3,010 lb (1,365 kg)
Gas Mileage (US): 12 mpg (20 L/100 km) city, 18 mpg (13 L/100 km) highway
Safety Features: active aerodynamics, traction control
Production: limited, only 400 produced
Base Price: $659,330 (US)

2011 Ariel Atom 3

2011-09-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

Ariel Atom may not look like your ordinary supercar but do not let the looks deceive you. It is extremely light weight and delivers between 200-300 horsepower all the while providing handling characteristics that can rival some of the best exotic cars at a fraction of the cost. If top end speed is not important to you than Atom represents one of the quickest and most affordable supercars that feel perfectly at home on the track.

Specifications (US spec):
Engine: 2009 2.0L Honda K20 4-cylinder (drive by wire) with dry sump lubrication
Displacement: 1998cc
Maximum Power:
200 horsepower with base trim
245 horsepower with tuning
300 horsepower with tuning plus supercharger
Maximum Torque: 200 foot-pounds
Transmission: 6-speed Close-Ratio Syncromesh
0-60 mph: 2.8 seconds
0-100-0 mph: under 11 seconds
Maximum Speed: 135 mph
Weight: 1,350 lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (lbs/bhp):
7.0 lbs/bhp with base trim
5.6 lbs/bhp with tuning
4.6 lbs/bhp with tuning plus supercharger
Length: 3,410mm (134 inches)
Height: 1,195mm (47 inches)
Width: 1,798mm (70.5 inches)
Track: 1,600mm (63 inches)
Wheelbase: 2,345mm (92.3 inches)
Fuel Economy: 33 miles per gallon
Suspension tuned by: Lotus
Manufactured by: Ariel Motor Company in Somerset, England
Assembled in: USA by TMI AutoTech (US spec)
Base Price: $49,980 (US dollars)

Check out this informative and fun review of the original Ariel Atom courtesy of Top Gear:

It is always fun to see Jeremy Clarkson in pain as he always has something funny to say about it:

Ariel Atom destroys Jeremy Clarkson's face

[Visit official website @ ArielAtom.com]

2012 Nissan Skyline R35 GTR

2011-09-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

There aren't many cars that can keep up with a GTR; definitely none in this price range. I tend to think of the GTR as a 'poor man's lamborghini', but it is so much more! It is reliable like Japanese clock-work. It is comfortable and civilized enough to serve as a daily driver and you can actually drive it to work and to get groceries. But the best part is that it performs and handles like nothing else out there. Take my word for it, if you have never driven a GTR you are missing out. Between all of the exotic materials (aluminum, carbon fiber, magnesium, and other composites) and PlayStation-like gadgets and electronics GTR is one amazing machine! It is very easy to drive fast and it makes even the worst driver look good. It is stunningly amazing...

Enjoy one of the best Nissan R35 GTR videos from Top Gear and watch Jeremy Clarkson injure his neck from vicious lateral G forces...

With the help of Stig, their team racing driver, Nissan GTR goes quicker around the Top Gear track than Lamborghini LP640 and Carrera GT while lagging slightly behind Ariel Atom and Ferrari Enzo. Those are some very impressive numbers for a car that costs a mere $90k US dollars!

Nissan GTR posts impressive time around the Top Gear track

GTR specs:
- 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds
- 196 mph top speed
- 0.26 coefficient of drag (one of the lowest for a production car)
- 530 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
- 448 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
- Hand-crafted 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged 24-valve V6 engine (VR38DETT)
- ATTESA E-TS All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system with torque distribution; up to 100% rear; up to 50% front
- Electronic Traction Control System (TCS)
- Advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with three driver-selectable modes (Normal, R-Mode, Off)
- Hand-crafted dual clutch 6-speed transmission with three driver-selectable modes (Normal, R-Mode, Save)
- Fully automatic shifting or full sequential manual control via steering column-mounted magnesium paddle shifters
- Brembo 4-wheel disc brakes, 15.4" front and 15.0" rear two-piece floating-rotors with diamond-pattern internal ventilation
- Super-rigid 6-piston front/4-piston rear monoblock calipers with racecar-inspired 3-point radial mounting
- Bilstein DampTronic suspension system with three driver-selectable modes (Normal, R-Mode, Comfort)
- Super-lightweight forged-alloy RAYS wheels: 20" x 9.5" front and 20" x 10.5" rear
- Dunlop SP Sport high-performance nitrogen-filled run-flat tires: 255/40ZRF20 front and 285/35ZRF20 rear
- Generates negative lift (downforce) at speed
- Total weight is 3829 lbs
- Weight distribution of 53/47 (front/rear)
- City/Highway miles per gallon: 16/23
- Premium package price (US): $89,950

How hard can it be to drive a Formula 1 car?

2011-09-16T13:57:00.000-07:00

...apparently VERY VERY HARD indeed!!! How could such a capable driver be struggling so much with an F1 car? Watch the clip below to find out. Check out Richard Hammond of Top Gear as he attempts to drive F1 Renault R25 at Silverstone:

2005 F1 Renault R25 specifications:
Engine: RS25 naturally aspirated 3.0 L 72° V10 DOHC
Brakes: Hitco carbon discs and pads, AP Racing calipers
Gearbox: paddle shifted 6-speed sequential
Drive: RWD
Weight: 1333.8 lbs (605 kg)
Produced in: France
Production year: 2005

Ken Block's Gymkhana Practice

2011-09-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

Crawford Performance tuned 2006 Subaru WRX STi 530whp

Ken Block burning some serious rubber during Gymkhana practice in his awesome 530hp STi. In case you are wondering what Gymkhana is here is the definition:

gym·kha·na [jim-kah-nuh] - Also called autocross, a competition in which sports cars are timed as they travel on a closed, twisting course that requires much maneuvering.

Ken Block's TRAX equipped STi

2011-09-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

Amazingly this TRAX system turned Ken Block's STi into a tank! It can now go where no other car has gone before. Don't believe me? Check out this comparison between tires and tracks:

2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STi R205

2011-09-11T00:26:00.000-07:00

Specifications:
Engine: 4 cylinder turbocharged boxer DOHC
Displacement: 1994 cc / 121.68 in³
Compression: 8.4:1
Power: 315.1 bhp (235 kw) @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 317.9 ft lbs (431 nm) @ 4000 rpm
Redline: 6,750 RPM
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Driving wheels: 4WD
Tires: Bridgestone Potenza RE070
Front brakes: discs with Brembo 6-piston calipers
Rear brakes: discs with Brembo 4-piston calipers
Length: 4415 mm / 173.8 in
Width: 1795 mm / 70.7 in
Height: 1465 mm / 57.7 in
Built in: Japan

2011 Subaru Impreza STI Cosworth CS400

2011-09-10T01:29:00.000-07:00

Specifications:
0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): 3.7 seconds
Top speed: 155 mph (250 km/h) electronically limited
Max power: 395 hp (400 PS, 295 kW) @ 5,750 rpm
Max torque: 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) @ 3,950 rpm
Engine: aluminum 2.5 L 4-cylinder turbocharged boxer, horizontally-opposed flat-four with DOHC, 16 valve
Bore and stroke: 99.5 x 79.0 mm
Compression ratio: 8.2:1
Transmission: six-speed manual
Drivetrain: full-time AWD with driver adjustable center differential and viscous coupling, Vehicle Dynamic Control, rear and front limited-slip differentials, intelligent Si-Drive
Front brakes: 355 x 32 mm ventilated discs with 6-pot callipers
Rear brakes: 316 x 20 mm vented discs with single-pot callipers
ABS: four-channel anti-lock system with Electronic Brake Distribution
Wheels: alloy 18 x 8.5 inch
Tires: 245/40 R18 directional
Suspension: Eibach coil springs, gas-filled Bilstein shock absorbers, MacPherson struts, anti-roll bars
Steering: electric power-assist, rack and pinion, 2.5 turns lock-to-lock, 11.0 m turning circle
Overall length: 4,415 mm
Overall width: 1,795 mm
Overall height: 1,475 mm
Wheelbase: 2,625 mm
Front track: 1,530 mm
Rear track: 1,540 mm
Ground clearance: 140 mm
Fuel tank: 16 gallons (60 L)
Curb weight: 1,505 kg
Gross weight: 1,980 kg
Available in: UK
Price: US $80,467 (£49,995)

2009 Ascari A10

2011-09-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

Finally a proper supercar! Lightweight yet powerful and handles like a dream. Check out the video below in which Top Gear reviews Ascari A10.

Specifications:
0-60 mph (0–97 km/h): 2.8 sec
0-100 mph (0–160 km/h): 5.8 sec
1/4 Mile (400m): 10.8 sec @ 138 mph (222 km/h)
Top Speed: 215 mph (346 km/h)
Engine: 4,941 cc (302 cu in) 5.0 L BMW V8 S62 naturally aspirated with dry sump lubrication
Power: 625 bhp (466 kW; 634 PS) @ 7500rpm
Torque: 413 lb·ft (560 N·m) @ 5500rpm
Transmission: 6-speed sequential manual
Wheels driven: RWD with viscous slip differential
Curb weight: 1,280 kg (2,822 lb)
Wheelbase: 2,636 mm (103.8 in)
Length: 4,300 mm (169.3 in)
Width: 1,852 mm (72.9 in)
Height: 1,138 mm (44.8 in)
Front tires: 235/35 x 19
Rear tires: 305/30 x 19
Front brakes: cross-drilled vented discs with AP Racing 6-piston calipers
Rear brakes: cross-drilled vented discs with AP Racing 4-piston calipers
Chassis material: carbon fibre
Assembled in: Banbury, England
Production: limited to 50 hand-assembled units
Manufactured by: Ascari Cars
Price: US$650,000 (£350,000)

Lexus concept car from the movie Minority Report

2011-09-08T22:35:00.000-07:00

Lexus concept from Minority Report

Interesting looking concept. Looks like a rear engine design with a boot up front. Overall looks sleek and aerodynamically sound except for the partially missing rear fender bit. I can't imagine air flowing very well around that rear fender as is. I think that fully wrapping sleek fender would do much better in the back. Also the rear tires are way too narrow for those oversized bulging fenders. Fix those things and we can have us a proper racer.

What is the point of having those huge wide body fenders when they wrap around those dinky tires? Here is another interesting bit - check out the windshield wiper on the right side. I don't think I have seen this kind of wiper design before. It appears that its a single wiper that slides across the windshield on two opposing rails...wonder how well that works.

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi hatchback wind tunnel computer simulation

2011-09-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

We have been looking for a good image of the new STi hatch inside the wind tunnel for quite some time now but without much success. According to discussions in various Subaru forums the STi was never tested in a wind tunnel but was instead designed solely around wind tunnel computer simulations. This is about the only half decent computer generated image that we were able to scour on the web. Enjoy!