German Car Zone

Ferrari Patenting New Door Design

modena_360stradale — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:39:25 GMT

REPORT: Ferrari working on radical new door opening

As if scissor doors, gullwings, butterflies and those crazy Koenigsegg pivoters weren't enough to separate exotics from lesser cars, Ferrari is said to be working on another new door design that is both radical and practical. Go figure.

Autocar came across a patent filing showing a few diagrams depicting this unique door setup. What sets it apart is the fact that the new Ferrari door includes part of the front fender and hinges upward like the butterfly door from a LeMans racer. Apparently the opening is large enough and shaped in such a way that "occupants can place their foot directly behind the front wheel."

According to the patent application, that will make ingress and egress much easier for passengers in low-slung supercars, though the new door design is said to work just as well on front engined cars as it does for vehicles with their engines mounted aft or amidships. Even better, this design and its unique hinges are reported to be "easy and cost-effective to make," which should make it easier for the Dodge Chargers of SEMA circa 2012 to get in on the fun too.

We're still seeing an issue with the A-pillar and windscreen, but it looks interesting. We'll be sure to keep an eye out for any photos of these funky doors, but for now we're stuck wondering how hard it was for Ferrari engineers to use the supplied British sports car diagram in order to submit their application form.

Source: REPORT: Ferrari working on radical new door opening; Autoblog

9ff Speed9 Based on Porsche 997 Turbo Revealed

Bartek Sikorski — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:32:14 GMT

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German tuner 9ff is set to present their second independent complete vehicle at the Essen Motor Show next weekend. Based on the potent 997 Turbo, the 9ff Speed9 pays homage to the Porsche 356/ 1500S Speedster of 1955 and features a number of modifications that give it more power and handling prowess.
9ff is a bit shy with the details, but for the body the windshield has been shortened and the rear hump that houses the folding roof has been replaced with a flat hard cover for that speedster "level vehicle silhouette" look.
The bi turbo engine pushes out 478kW (650hp) and 890Nm at 2,850rpm. Engineers used a sports air filter, upgraded the ECU, installed a 9ff sports exhaust system including a new sports catalytic converter to achieve these results. It is driven by a Tiptronic gearbox with integrated paddles.

More: worldcarfans.

EVO: Ecoty 2009 [spoiler]

dr Dunkel — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:32:40 GMT

It is here (or rather, has been for a while now), the results of this years second most important Car of the Year award. It is the 2009 Ecoty!

The contenders were:

Ford Focus RS
Mazda MX-5 2.0i Sport
VW Scirocco R
Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup
Jaguar XFR
Artega GT
Lotus Evora
Aston Martin V12 Vantage
Ferrari California
Lamborghini Gallardo Balboni
Lamborghini Murci�lago LP670-4 SV
Noble M600
Porsche 977.2 GT3

The five finalists were:
Lotus Evora
Porsche 997.2 GT3
Noble M600
Lamborghini Murci�lago LP670-4 SV
Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup

The winner was:
Lotus Evora

'The Lotus Evora is our Car of the Year. It's not flawless, but it's a magical thing across the ground'

As usual, the winner was pitted against last years winner, the Nissan GTR.

'It isn't the straight-line speed that blows your socks off. It's the way it absolutely slingshots you out of a corner'

The last sentiment of that battle is quite telling:

If this contest were a film it would be
Lotus Neo versus Nissan Megatron (or maybe Mechagodzilla). Either way, to me the GT-R feels just a little like a sci-fi dinosaur, albeit a fabulous one. The Evora, on the other hand, is a taste of a future where we won't need massive complication, massive weight and humungous horsepower to get our driving thrills. And that's absolutely fine by me.

This is a great 50 page read, everyone that has the chance to, pick up a copy!

Range-topping Lamborghini Urus rumored anew

HighestOfHigh — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:26:26 GMT

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So you like the Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV, but you're struggling to justify the price. After all, it may be just as fast as the Revent�n, but it only costs a third of that range-topping bull. You like that it's the latest limited-edition hypercar from Sant'Agata Bolognese, but will everyone think you're slumming by not getting the most expensive bull in the barn? Come to think of it, maybe you can hold out for the Revent�n Roadster, which should easily surpass the coupe as the ne plus ultra in the Lambo lineup. Of course, you could just stick with your ordinary LP640-4 or LP650-4 Roadster a little longer and wait for the Murcielago replacement in a year or two.

When that so-called Jota finally debuts, it will bring with it a new carbon fiber chassis and an equally new direct-injected 6.0-liter V12 thought to be good for at least 700 horsepower. Yeah, that's probably the way to go. After all, the economy isn't exactly the best right now and plunking down $1.5M for a new car might make others unnecessarily envious. Haters. Of course, if you wait too long, you might find yourself debating waiting a little longer still for the Jota-besting halo car from Lamborghini, the rumored Urus.

CARS UK is quoting "a source close to Lamborghini" when they talk about this new halo vehicle, which is expected to take on all comers, especially that "FX70" Enzo-replacement coming out of Maranello. Using a modified Jota chassis, the Urus will go on an even stricter diet to make it a featherweight lighter heavyweight. It will drop the few bits of aluminum that are expected to be used on the Jota and go all carbon fiber. That, active aerodynamics, and a nearly 800 horsepower version of the Jota V12 in its engine bay should allow the Urus to challenge even the Bugatti Veyron with a sub-3-second 0-60mph time. The real question becomes -- Can you wait until 2012 for the Urus or will you buckle a year earlier and pop for the Jota in 2011? You know what, just get both.

- Range-topping Lamborghini Urus rumored anew — Autoblog

V�TH Giant with 585hp - Based on Mercedes ML 63 AMG

Bartek Sikorski — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:51:38 GMT

Press Release

Giant with 585 HP - by V�TH Automobiltechnik
One of the most powerful ML 63 AMG comes from V�TH Automobiltechnik. This fast vehicle with up to 300 km/h is being built on the ML 63 AMG base in H�sbach. The heart of this high-performance SUV is V�TH 6.3 liters 585 HP engine with sensational 690 Nm.
In order to give the powerful engine its desired serviceability many engine parts have been substituted. The engine has enlarged countersunk channels leading to the cylinder head. Moreover, big intake and exhaust valves as well as a sports camshaft and fitting valve springs have been installed. Furthermore, individual fine tuning of engine electronics was carried out and an exhaust manifold, two high-grade steel catalyst converters and a sport air filter were installed. Special forged pistons guarantee stability at high engine rpm. Engine tuning costs 17.850,00 Euro plus 1.785,00 Euro for the installation.
Acceleration values also benefit from this exemplary power characteristic: for only 4.5 seconds a heavy SUV like a sports car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h. At 300 km/h the giant is decelerated by air resistance.
Certainly this enormous available capability also imposes extreme requirements on aerodynamics, chassis and breaking system. The uplift on the rear axle can be reduced by a rear spoiler (405,00 Euro) mounted/glued over the tailgate.
The 3-spoke 22-inch light alloy rims combined with high performance 265/35 ZR 22 or 305/30 ZR 22 Dunlop tyres and wheel arches contribute to driving dynamics and exclusive design. The price per wheel set is 8.568,00 Euros. Thus, there is enough space left for the V�TH high performance breaking system (4.641,00 Euros) with 8-piston fix calipers and 380 mm (15") break discs - be sure to find here flexible steel tubes and racing break fluids.
Adjustable sport suspension (1.952,00 Euros) based on Airmatic (-40mm/-1�") not only ensures ML lowering, but also guarantees road holding capacity of a sports car.
Fog lights behind the front bumper grill for 583,00 Euros complete the masterpiece!

Anything New on the 998

rurella — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:31:21 GMT

It has been a while since I have read or seen any news on the 998?

Any news out there?

Porsche family auctioning off watch collection

HighestOfHigh — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:29:54 GMT

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Times are tough for the Porsche family. Amidst the merger with Volkswagen, their company just suffered a $6.6 billion loss. But we didn't think things were this bad for the descendants of Ferdinand Porsche until Bonhams announced they would be liquidating that family's watch collection to the highest bidder.

Okay, we're exaggerating just a bit. The Porsche family stands to make a lot of money out of the Volkswagen merger, and the collection is being auctioned off for charity. And while we have no idea what charity that is, we have to assume it's not the Porsche family themselves.

As it turns out, the family's interests extend beyond the automobile. Not only does their Porsche Design Group have its own range of watches, but some fourteen years ago they bought Eterna, one of the largest independent watchmakers in Switzerland. Eterna fabricates Porsche Design watches as well as their own brand, and several of the rarest examples will be included along with others among the 49 watches crossing the auction block on December 2 in London.

Among those pieces Bonhams is highlight are included a rare 18kt gold Porsche Design prototype and an Eterna presented to family scion Ferdinand Oliver Porsche on his 40th birthday, along with rare timepieces from Rolex and Omega as well as Panerai (which makes watches for arch-rival Ferrari), Jaeger LeCoultre (which partners with Aston Martin) and Breitling (in league with Bentley). Follow the jump for further details, and check out the images in the gallery below.

PRESS RELEASE:

Forty-Nine Porsche Family Watches Line up on Grid for Charity Sale at Bonhams

http://www.bonhams.com/watches

Bonhams is delighted to announce that they will be selling watches from the Private Collection of the Porsche Family in New Bond Street on the 2nd December with all proceeds donated to charity.

Paul Maudsley, Director of the Watch Department at Bonhams, says: "Included in the 49 lots are watches by Eterna, Porsche Design, Rolex, Panerai, Eberhard, Jaeger LeCoultre, Breitling, Chronoswiss and Omega to name a few. Of considerable note are prototypes and unique examples of Eterna and Porsche Design watches made especially for the family including unique KonTiki and Cambridge chronographs and a fine 18ct gold chronograph made especially by Eterna and presented to Dr. Ferdinand Oliver Porsche for his 40th birthday.

The watches come from the private collection of Prof. F. A. Porsche and his sons. Eterna has belonged to the Porsche Family since 1996 and is one of the world's last existing independent watch making companies. During recent years Eterna has once again made headlines with its innovative technical achievements. As a Porsche Design Partner, Eterna is also responsible for the Porsche Design watch collection including the groundbreaking development of the Porsche Design Indicator and the Worldtimer.

Also included in the collection is a very rare Rolex Explorer with Ivory Dial, a selection of Panerai watches and an original Jaeger LeCoultre Polaris from 1960.

Four of the top watches in this remarkable Porsche family collection are lots 140, 147, 148 and 184.

Lot 140 is a Porsche Design. A fine and very rare 18ct gold automatic prototype split second chronograph wristwatch with Certificate of Origin and black Porsche design leather box Dashboard PGR-Gold Rattrapante, Ref:6613.69 prototype, Case No 169.437, Made in 2006 25-jewel ETA Calibre 7750 AR2 movement, self winding mechanical design with ball-bearing-mounted rotor, black dial with white Arabic numerals, subsidiary dials for running seconds, 30 minute and 12 hour recording, hands filled with white luminous, large red second hand, black tachymeter tension ring with white printing (basis 1000), 18ct gold case with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, transparent sapphire glass back, fitted Porsche Design leather strap with gold Porsche design buckle, case, dial signed, 42mm. Estimate �3,000 - 5,000.

Lot 147 is an Eterna and was specially made and given to Dr. Ferdinand Oliver Porsche by Eterna to celebrate his 40th Birthday. A fine and unique 18ct gold perpetual calendar chronometer chronograph wristwatch with moon phases with transparent case back dedicated 'Oliver Porsche zum 40.Geburtstag-Eterna SA', with Certificate of Origin, papers and wooden box Model 1948, Ref:8515.69.41, Case No 001, Movement No 210605, Made in 1998 25-jewel ETA Calibre 7751 chronometer self winding movement with ball-bearing-mounted rotor signed Eterna-Matic, rhodium plated, decorated by hand, blue steel screws, black dial with gold indices, dial graduated with 1/5th second intervals, subsidiary dials for running seconds, 30 minute and 12 hour recording, 24 hour hand, pointed gold hands with luminous inserts, month and day window at 12, Moon phase at 6, chronograph with centre seconds hand, date display with centre hand, satin finished rose gold case, leather strap with gold Eterna deployant clasp, case-back marked No.001-Eterna-1949-8515.69.41, transparent centre sapphire case back marked 'Oliver Porsche zum 40. Geburtstag-Eterna SA' case, dial crown and movement signed, 39mm. Estimate �4,000-6,000.

Lot 148 is a Jaeger LeCoultre. A fine and rare stainless steel automatic wristwatch with alarm Polaris, circa 1960 Jewelled automatic movement with alarm, black dial with Arabic numerals and indexes, outer dot minute divisions with 5-minute/ seconds markers and Arabic quarters, aperture for the date, luminous steel baton hands, polished and brushed case with, chamfered bezel, fitted leather military style strap with stainless steel buckle, case dial and movement signed 42mm. Estimate �5,000 - 7,000.

Lot 184 is an IWC. A fine stainless steel automatic split second chronograph calendar wristwatch together with fitted presentation box and papers Doppelchronograph, Ref:3713, Case No.2951014, Sold February 1st 2008. Jewelled automatic movement, matt black dial with Arabic numerals, outer 5 minute divisions, subsidiary dials for running seconds, 30 minute and 12 hour recording, luminous hands, apertures for day and date, brushed and polished case with screw on back, split-seconds button at 10 o'clock, twin pushers flanking the crown, fitted makers leather strap and buckle, together with wooden presentation box, outer card, cloth, instruction and guarantee papers, case, dial and movement signed, 40mm. Estimate �3,000 - 5,000.

- Porsche family auctioning off watch collection — Autoblog

MTM Audi TT RS packs up to 424 horsepower, 185 mph top speed

Bartek Sikorski — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:12:56 GMT

PRESS RELEASE:

It is still being good for best lap timing: the MTM Ur-Quattro S1, with its 5 cylinders engine, has once again shown this summer that it gets around the Hockenheimring almost as fast as the Porsche Armada. 25 years younger as the legendary S1 and directly from the same development department, the tuning specialist presents the MTM TT-RS with the rebirth of the 5 cylinders engine as perfect motorization for drivers who like their car being suitable for racing. After the MTM power therapy, the sport car from Audi gets a power of 424 BHP and 560 Nm of torque and shows itself with a new aerodynamic which is based on the Ur-Quattro.

The secret: love for details and understanding of the new engine from Audi. In addition to the adjustment of the engine control unit, MTM has also worked on the exhaust system: new middle- and end- pipes with throttle valves. Moreover, an additional pre-pipe with metal catalyser can be built in. The result: a high-revving engine, lots of torque in every range of performance and an impressive sound thanks to MTM exhaust system technology with throttle valve. A compact sports car which will be good for best lap times and this not only on the small track of Hockenheim.

The MTM TT-RS can be ordered in 3 different stages of power enhancement. Besides the maximal stage of 424 BHP with 84 BHP more as the 340 from the series car, MTM also offer 2 stages with 404 and 408 BHP and 550 Nm. MTM sports rims with the original BIMOTO design in 19 and 20", as well as suitable spacers in 20 mm and 30 mm are available.

BMW 1-Series Hybrid Spied for First Time

Bartek Sikorski — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:44:26 GMT

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Spy photographers have snapped a silver example of a BMW 1-Series Hybrid doing the rounds near Munich. The car may look quite ordinary but a peek on the rear side window and bumper reveals stickers with the words "Hybrid Test Vehicle". It will join other new BMW hybrids like the 7 Series ActiveHybrid and the X6 ActiveHybrid.
Lexus plans to enter the compact premium hatch segment with a hybrid-only range. BMW is clearly planning a counter-offensive, depending on who brings their car to market first.

More: worldcarfans