2011 Toyota FT 86 II Review

The new Toyota FT-86 II Concept makes its world debut at the Geneva motor show, giving the clearest indication yet as to the final design of Toyota's next sports car. It marks a return to the passion for driving that has inspired great Toyota cars of the past, starting with the legendary 2000 GT in the 1960s. 

With its long, low bonnet, high wings and rear-set cabin, the Toyota FT-86 II pays homage to Toyota's sports car history and is an entirely driver-oriented concept. It was created at Toyota's European design studio ED2, where its styling was dubbed `functional beauty': its bold, sweeping form has been generated purely according to the constraints of function and aerodynamics. 

The low, highly aerodynamic bodyshell is stretched tight over the engineering hard points, with the muscular bodywork rendered as compact as possible. The concept measures 4,235mm long, 1,795mm wide and 1,270mm high, with a long, 2,570mm wheelbase. Rather than using a heavy, large displacement powertrain to secure performance, the FT86 II returns to Toyota's sporting roots by combining a free-revving boxer petrol engine with a compact and lightweight six-speed manual transmission and a low center of gravity to achieve the best possible power to weight ratio. 

Both the powertrain and the driving position have been set as low and as far back as possible to optimize balance for maximum poise, high-speed stability and agility. With a front-engine/rear-wheel drive configuration, this gives the car lively, accessible performance that is easy to harness and enjoy. 

The Toyota FT-86 II Concept is the latest stage in the development of a new, compact rear-wheel drive sports car that is being jointly developed by Toyota and Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru). The new model will be launched in Europe in 2012. 

2011 Anderson Lamborghini Gallardo White Review

As might be expected, the company ANDERSON headquartered in Dusseldorf is unlikely taboo that you could not throw overboard. This company is well-known for its bold solutions for top flight vehicles of different origin exceeding the declared specifications. So this Lamborghini Gallardo White Edition is a further proof of the inexhaustible creativity of this team from the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia.


Performance kit takes the horsepower from 560 to 600 hp. This is done with series of modifications that include the use of software optimization and the addition of a modified air filter and a sport exhaust system with additional Rennkats. The tuning package includes a remote-controlled valve adjusting system that lets driver opt from three different levels of noise and also reduces approximately 22 kg in weight. A special sport suspension module combined with a precise undercarriage significantly changes the driving dynamics. Three-piece, shiny black rims - each with a white painted deep dish - in dimensions of 9x20 inch with 245/30-20 tires in front and 12.5 x 20 inch with 325/25-20 rear provide adequate adherence with the asphalt surface.

Externally visible modifications include carbon trim, widening aero kit consisting of front apron, side skirts, rear bumper diffuser and a rear spoiler. And window and tail light tinting should be mentioned also. The look is completed by LED lights on the sides of the vehicle and contrasting red-painted calipers. 

The interior features exclusive white carbon details. There are the vents, the hand brake lever, the shift paddles, the dashboard, the steering wheel, door handle inlays, the shift lever and the border of the internal light in the roof lining. The seats of the White Racing Edition are finished in black Alcantara and black and white leather; the edges of seats are entirely in white; doors and seats have diamond-shaped stitching.

2011 Vauxhall VXR8 Review

Magnetic Ride Control & Launch Control complement 431PS V8 powertrain Vauxhall's storming VXR8 model is back with a vengeance, packing heavily revised front- and rear-end styling, a new cabin and a raft of new technology to enhance its appeal to drivers in search of one of the last, great rear-drive V8 super-saloons.

Priced at £49,500 (inc. 20 per cent VAT) and available to order later this month, the 2011 Vauxhall VXR8 is now based on HSV's E3 GTS model, just launched in Australia, the previous VXR8 representing the old version of the lower-spec ClubSport R8. That means it still undercuts full-size super saloons like the Audi RS6, Jaguar XFR and Mercedes E63 AMG by between £13k and £29k, and even performance saloons from the class below, such as the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG. 

A new, `Shockwave' grille, LED daytime running lights and sleek new wing-vents mark the new car out from the front, while the rear features a new `Superflow' rear spoiler, LED tail lamps and twin exhaust tips that mimic the shape of the front grille. As you can see from these first official press shots of our Hazard Yellow car, the 2011 Vauxhall VXR8 will never blend into the scenery! 

As before, the 2011 Vauxhall VXR8's race-bred chassis uses MacPherson struts/progressive rate coil springs at the front and a multi-link independent set-up at the rear. But for the first time on a VXR8, Vauxhall has employed Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), a suspension system which adapts up to 1000 times a seconds to road conditions and driver inputs. Based on technology used in GM's current Corvette ZR1 supercar, MRC works by sending an electric current through damper units filled with `soft' magnetic particles. These particles harden as the input reaches its maximum value, providing drivers with exceptional levels of ride, handling and stopping power. 

Complementing the 2011 Vauxhall VXR8's MRC is Launch Control, which is engaged when drivers select the ESC's (Electronic Stability Control) Competition Mode. The system dictates the level of torque delivered to the rear wheels for maximum acceleration, according to surface conditions. All the driver has to do is floor the throttle and let the car do the rest. Extensive testing has proved that LC results in acceleration runs no more than 0.1 second apart. 

Of course, no VXR8 would be complete without a large-capacity V8, and this latest version doesn't disappoint. The fourth generation 6.2-litre LS3 unit produces 431PS and a massive 550Nm of torque, enough to propel the VXR8 from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and on to a governed top speed of 155mph. As before, drive is delivered to the rear axle via either a six-speed manual or auto transmission, working through a mechanical limited slip differential. 

Inside, the 2011 Vauxhall VXR8 has undergone a transformation. Full leather trim is now standard, and front occupants are cocooned in special HSV Performance Seats with eight-way adjustability. A new instrument cluster and surround, centre stack and switchgear provide a cleaner and more integrated look, while standard equipment also includes Aux-in/USB inputs, iPod support and Bluetooth with phone book display and touch-screen dialling. 

But for drivers who want to engage with their VXR8 like never before, Vauxhall has introduced EDI, or Enhanced Driver Interface. EDI connects with the on-board computer to constantly stream real-time vehicle dynamics and performance to the car's main 5-inch monitor. At the touch of the screen, drivers can access a variety of data such as vehicle G-forces, power and torque and lap times - even the degree to which their VXR8 is drifting. Completing the clever package is the ability for drivers to download data, such as track day performance, and analyse it using the MOTEC i2 software provided. 

Befitting its exclusivity, the VXR8 is now available through just six highly specialist VXR dealers in the UK, though a total of 34 VXR outlets will be authorised to maintain the model.

Proton Satria Neo by Cusco

Pretty soon, MEM won’t be the only company around doing up Proton Satria Neos as rally cars as today Proton announced that Japanese auto parts company CUSCO will be buying standard road-going Satria Neo bodyshells to engineer and homologate according to FIA Group N regulation competition use.


CUSCO is famous for their aftermarket suspension systems and other parts such as LSDs and chasiss reinforcements and naturally they’ve also been involved in motorsports including rallying. Being a Japanese company naturally the rally cars that they’ve dabbled with so far are cars like the Impreza and the Lancer Evolution.

With the Satria Neo, CUSCO is essentially Proton’s customer – they buy the bodyshells, equip them with CUSCO-developed race components, and then sell the completed Group N rally-going Neos to customers who will compete in Junior Rally Championships in Japan and Asia Pacific. The world has now accept and appreciate our local product.So,

what about us,Malaysian?

2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4-Door

If you able to bring to mind on our previous post regarding the world premiere of the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4 Door Sedan in New York Auto Show back in April. Now, Subaru Japan revealed the new models in Japan and confirmed to be set on sales begin June 2010.

There is no details release for those JDM-spec Impreza WRX STI Sedan but I speculate this car get the similar engine as the hatchback model which having the same 2.0 Litre Turbocharged Boxer Engine. Besides the WRX STI 4 Door Sedan, Subaru also introduce the Impreza XV Crossover in Japan which revealed during Geneva Motor Show back in March. Overall in my opinion, the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan has improved its manifestation much better than pre-facelift model.

2010 AC Schnitzer Mini Cooper Police Review

 

Two strong partners for the future: the Electric MINI and AC Schnitzer MINI Tuning Specialist supports the initiative: "TUNE IT! SAFE!" by the VDAT by kitting out the emission-free concept car

The TUNE IT! SAFE! initiative by the Verband Deutscher Automobil Tuner e.V. (VDAT) impressively shows the future of tuning with its sixth campaign vehicle - an electric MINI in Police Look. Every year since 2004, a special concept car has been presented which meets both the high demands of tuning fans and maximum safety standards. 

The campaign, supported by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development, shows that the yearning for individualisation can continue to be met in the future.

AC Schnitzer, more than almost any other tuning specialist for the MINI brand, stands for individuality and safety. Consequently, the Aachen-based company has largely taken responsibility for the MINI and provided a uniquely spectacular campaign vehicle. The MINI E in Police Look was presented for the first time at the Essen Motor Show 2010 and has since appeared as a symbolic vehicle at numerous shows and tuning events.

The BMW Group is the first manufacturer to apply the latest state of lithium ion technology in a totally electric powered vehicle. So the MINI E lives up to its name - "minimalism" - in terms of drive technology too, thanks to a totally emission-free vehicle. New drive systems have been equipped with complex elements, so the use of safe and reliable products is particularly important here. But there's no lack of sporting performance either, thanks to the tuning package from AC Schnitzer. The racing suspension takes the MINI perfectly through corners, and the front andrear skirts and bonnet vents both optimise road holding and enhance the styling of the concept car. The "Police Look" is provided by the latest signalling system from Hella on the roof, and the blue paintwork by AC Schnitzer in conjunction with special stickering from Foliatec.

The Hankook tyres have been given an extra touch by the specialists at AC Schnitzer: in combination with the AC Schnitzer alloy wheels "MI 2" (7.5J x 18"), they transfer the 204 electric HP of the MINI safely to the road.

To enjoy unrestricted driving comfort while being prepared for every situation: this ambition is achieved by the high performance brake system from AC Schnitzer with 4-pot fixed calipers onthe front axle. The slotted, internally vented brake discs respond promptly and with precision. At the same time, the high performance brake system is characterised by excellent deceleration values after sustained use, in extreme heat and in the pouring rain. The generously dimensioned discs at 328 x 28 millimetres energetically scrub off the speed with a stable pressure point even after the twentieth downhill hairpin.

AC Schnitzer also shows that safe driving can be combined with individual styling in its design of the interior equipment. The interior is decorated with a pedal set, foot rest and handbrake handle of aluminium. Here, as in all other areas, extracts from AC Schnitzer's wide product range are demonstrated. All the AC Schnitzer accessories are available immediately with TUV certification,even though the MINI E is not yet available commercially but is well on the way to series production. This almost goes without saying for specialists who have long since made the safe future of tuning their corporate objective.


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