Indigen Armor Unveils Extreme Off-Road Defense Vehicle

INDIAN LAND, SC - (May 4, 2010) - After nearly 7 years of relative obscurely manufacturing purpose-built armored vehicles for U.S. Special Operations groups, Defense Venture Group, through its subsidiary, Indigen Armor, has designed, engineered and manufactured a Non-Standard Tactical Truck (NSTT) for commercial release. Check out the video of company executives that sat in the vehicle while it was shot at with an AK-47 assault rifle. If it is good enough for our troops to ride in then it is good enough for the guys who made it to prove that it works.

The NSTT is an armored, 4-door, 4-wheel drive, turbo diesel pick-up truck. This truck is purpose-built, literally built from the ground up. The NSTT was designed to afford soldiers greater mobility in urban, desert, woodland, jungle, mountainous, and arctic terrain. The chassis, suspension, power train and armored occupant safety cell were engineered specifically to carry large payloads across rough landscape in denied areas.

The NSTT offers scalable armor packages to meet multiple threat levels. Its 6.0 turbo diesel engine runs on JP8 and other military diesel fuels. Internally transportable in an MH-47 helicopter, the NSTT can accommodate a variety of low-profile or overt tactical body styles. This allows the end user to change the vehicle's profile.

An ideal, lightweight alternative to heavy legacy vehicles, the NSTT comfortably accommodates four operators with their combat gear, communications equipment, and C4ISR technology. It is perfect for special operations, defense, paramilitary and security organizations that require a reliable and robust off-road capability in high threat environments.

Detroit Debuts: Three New CT&T Cars

CT&T is a Korean company that makes tiny electric cars. You may have read about them on Autoblog Green. And if you did read about about CT&T's current products, you will know that we don't think very much of them. The truth, or a close approximation of it? They strike us as all-weather golf carts.


However, three new CT&T cars just got themselves debuted here at the Detroit Auto Show and we gotta be honest, we're mostly smitten with what we're seeing. First up is the C Squared – though the name might actually be "C Square" – we'll let you know. Anywho, the C Squared is a "creative electric sport [sic] car" that comes with a folding hard top as well as the ability to hit 95 mph. Sure, the nose is rather tragic looking but the back end's pretty good. Our biggest gripe? The $50,000 asking price.


Multi Amphibious Vehicle FTW! Now you're talking our language. Seriously, can you think of anything wrong with a six-wheeled, four-passenger electric amphibious car that goes 40 mph on land and 95 mph on the water? Neither can we! Now, some of you party-pooper types might be shaking your heads and saying "95 mph on the water? No frackin' way!" But rather than face reality we'll just stick to what we get accused of – regurgitating press releases. Says 95 mph in black and white. Also, check out how excellent this is, "...letting you enjoy all-around activities in resorts, fields, etc."


Next up is the E-Zone Plus... and, uh, yeah. It has three-doors, will eventually have five-doors, and as the press release says, "headlights." No, really. That's what it says. Moving on.
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DC Designs: Tata Nano at Auto Expo

How could Chhabari possibly inflate the price of the Nano by some $218,000? According to reports coming out New Delhi, DC plans to completely overhaul the budget runabout, replacing all the body panels, brakes, suspension and interior components, along with fitting 20-inch wheels and replacing the 33 horsepower, 624cc engine with a 1.6-liter mill that's able to propel the five-seat hatch to a maximum speed of 124 mph. We figure we could do all of that on a LeMons budget, so either something got lost in translation or we'll have what he's having.


DC Designs came out swinging at this week's Auto Expo 2010, and in addition to revealing its Imperator and Ying Yang concepts, the Mumbai-based firm's namesake – Dilip Chhabaria – revealed plans to produce a bespoke Tata Nano that's set to cost... wait for it... 10 million rupee. That's $220,000.


Chhabari told the AFP that he expects, "...people from Bollywood to be interested in this project, but I think generally it will be people who have a passion for cars." DC plans to sell between two and five modified Nanos each year and expects to not only market his creation in India, but also export his $200k hatch to outside markets. Hey Dilip, stop hogging the hookah.


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Hemmings Find of the Day: Porsche 356 Prototype hits the market

The Porsche 356 holds a special place amongst the ranks of historic automobiles. As one of the first vehicles to wear the Porsche badge after World War II, this car has direct ties to the model that would forever define the German maker of fine sportscars. That, of course, is the iconic 911.


Collectors, take note: one of two early 356 prototypes is now up for sale, located in New York. We wonder, would that make this a 355? No, probably not. Looking over pictures of the car, it's clear to see the shape that would eventually turn into the classic 356 as well as the expected air-cooled powerplant sitting aft of the cockpit and driving the rear wheels.


Notable features that didn't make it to the production car include the front grille that directs cooling air to the rear-mounted engine and the head lamps that are sunk into the bodywork on either side. No price is listed on this particular sale, but we certainly wouldn't expect it to be sold without a large sum of money changing hands.


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Video: Rossion Q1 American Supercar Arrives in Ferrari Land

The American-built Rossion Q1 supercar arrived on the Italian scene for a promotional video shoot meant to showcase the vehicle's abilities and announce European distribution by Hybrid UKGARAGE of Bergamo. Racing around the Italian coast, the car looks just as capable at tackling the roads of Ferrari's home country.


The engine is mated to a Getrag six-speed manual transmission. The Q1 also uses a Quaife limited-slip rear differential. Differences between the Q1 and the M400 abound; exterior styling on the two cars is quite different, and the Q1 did away with the gigantic rear spoiler. The Q1 focuses on further interior refinement.


Assembled by 1g Racing and Rossion Automotive the Q1 is based on the Noble M400 model. Rossion Automotive acquired production rights from Noble Automotive in 2007. Using a 450-horsepower 3.5-liter biturbo V6 the car sprints from a standstill to 60mph in just 3.1 seconds, reaching 100mph in 7.7 seconds. The mid-mounted Ford engine produces up to 390 ft-lb of torque, and gets the car to the quarter-mile marker in 11.3 seconds at 123mph. Top speed is listed at 189mph.


In the end, the Rossion Q1 is somewhat less splashy than its predecessor, which is not bad at all. ..




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Ford Racing Unveils the Next Generation of Racing Mustang in the New Boss 302R

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 28, 2009 – Forty years after its namesake became a road racing legend, the BOSS is back on track for 2010 with a new 5.0-liter V-8 engine.

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Parnelli Jones' 1970 Trans-Am championship in a Mustang BOSS 302 prepared by Bud Moore Engineering, Ford Racing is introducing the BOSS 302R, a factory-built race car ready for track days and road racing in a number of Grand-Am, SCCA and NASA classes.

"To keep pace with consumer demand, the Ford team has built modern versions of the most iconic performance Mustangs over the years," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. "From Shelbys to Bullitt, Mach and Cobra Jet, it is now time for BOSS to join the list of America's most coveted Mustangs. The original BOSS 302 was a championship-winning legend and the new Mustang BOSS 302R will carry on the tradition. The Mustang was born to race from the start, and this new Mustang is bred to win."


The Mustang BOSS 302R is a serialized off-road-only vehicle ready to race. Each base model will come with a 5.0-liter four-valve engine and a six-speed manual transmission with a roll cage, race seats, safety harness, data acquisition and race dampers/springs, and a Brembo brake and tire package, starting at an MSRP of $79,000.

And, with a special Grand-Am Homologation Package (M-FR500-BOSS R1), it will also be ready to compete in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series (formerly known as KONI Challenge), starting with the season-opening race in Daytona on Jan. 29, 2010. As of today, five BOSS 302R race cars will be delivered to customers ready to race in Daytona. MSRP of the BOSS 302R1 is $129,000.

The Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge-ready Mustang BOSS 302R will feature a sealed high-output race engine with an upgraded cooling system, a close-ratio six-speed transmission with integral shifter, a seam-welded body, race suspension/KONI dampers and ABS brake tuning, race performance exhaust and a high-speed balance one-piece driveshaft.

The BOSS 302R follows in the very successful footsteps of its most recent road racing predecessor – the Mustang FR500C from Ford Racing. In 2005, when the Mustang FR500C debuted at Daytona, the first car was delivered on Wednesday of that week and won the KONI Challenge race on Friday.


In five years of competition since then, the Mustang FR500C has won three Triple Crown championships of driver, team and manufacturer's titles in KONI competition including back-to-back (2008 and 2009). The FR500C has also seen success in FIA GT4 competition winning the 2007 and 2008 driver's championships.

"We expect the BOSS 302R to continue the successful tradition of winning with factory-built production-based race cars from Ford Racing," said Allison. "The FR500C and FR500S road racing Mustangs, and the Mustang FR500CJ (Cobra Jet) for drag racing have proven to be great cars for our customers, helping teams win races and championships. We believe that the BOSS 302R will provide that same sort of competitive product for our customers with the tradition you can only get from Ford Racing."

Each Ford Racing factory-built production-based turnkey race car has won its competition debut.

"Racing has long served as a technical proving grounds for production engines," said Allison. "What's good enough for the streets is now good enough for the racetrack. The 5.0-liter block and architecture in the Mustang BOSS 302R is the same as the 2011 Mustang GT."

"We have a great team on the BOSS 302R project," said Andy Slankard, Ford Racing engineering supervisor and the lead engineer on the BOSS 302R project. "Between our partners at AutoAlliance International, where the Mustang is built, Team Mustang, Multimatic and the entire Ford Racing team, we have once again proven to be a leader in turnkey production-based race cars."

Available through Ford dealers, a total of 50 BOSS 302R Mustangs will be built by Ford Racing. Delivery is anticipated in the third quarter of 2010.
via:autoblog

Barris-built 1972 Lincoln Bugazzi has interior like a dictator's bathroom

We're beginning to think that George Barris' movie cars were more restrained than his customer cars -- and that Dolemite had the man on speed dial. Barris built the car you see above: a Bugazzi (boo-GOT-zee), which started out as a 1972 Lincoln Mark IV and was turned into "an American version of a Rolls-Royce."


That means it's been slathered in thirty coats of pearl lacquer and trimmed with 24-carat gold-leaf, hand-applied pinstripes. Up front are two lanterns where the headlights would normally go. Inside, you'll find gold, suede upholstery, Persian rugs, Italian doorhandles mounted on Italian marble slabs, a television, and a back seat wet bar. That could explain why the car cost $10,000 more than a Rolls. Or not.


There were but 12 built, and not only were they bought by celebrities and the owner of the Mustang Ranch, but Motor Trend named it Car of the Month in July, 1973. We don't know what number this car is, nor do we know how many have survived, but we do know you can take it home from Daniel Schmitt & Company for $99,000. Back in October, this car passed under the gavel at an RM Auction in October for a mere $19,800. We know that Barris had set out to make an American Rolls-Royce here, and we understand Schmitt & Co are looking to turn a profit here. But $99K? Guys -- it's not a real Rolls.


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Revealed: the new Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta one-off

The first shake-down has been held at Fiorano of a very special one-off, the P540 Superfast Aperta, built for an American client. The car, the second in a new Special Projects programme created by Ferrari to meet requests from the most discerning clients and collectors to create truly unique models, is based on the 599 GTB Fiorano and was inspired by a Carrozzeria Fantuzzi-designed Ferrari built specifically for the 1968 Fellini film, Toby Dammit, itself inspired by one of the tales of Edgar Allan Poe.
The P540 Superfast Aperta's proud new owner, Edward Walson, son of John Walson, the inventor of cable TV, approached Ferrari in 2008 to produce a modern reinterpretation of the gold-coloured car in the film. "I had always dreamed of designing sports cars," Walson explains, "and when I saw this film the decision came of its own accord: one day I would have 'my' Ferrari."
In accordance with the Special Project's approach to producing such individual one-offs, the P540 Superfast Aperta respects all existing international safety and homologation requirements and is thus road legal. The car was designed by Pininfarina and built in Maranello, and the client was directly involved in each stage of its development. As the 599 GTB Fiorano donor car is a coupé, considerable effort went into strengthening the chassis by using finite element analysis in development and the increase in weight was kept down to just 20 kg by employing carbon-fibre extensively. From the initial sketches to the final, road-legal car took just 14 months.
As the client took delivery of the car at Fiorano his excitement was understandable: "This is the most special Christmas present of my life."


Technical specifications

• Length 4731 mm

• Width 1954 mm

• Height 1300 mm

• Wheelbase 2750 mm

• Front track 1690 mm

• Rear track 1620 mm

• Engine

• 65° V12

• Displacement 5999 cc

• Maximum power 456 kW (620 CV) at 7600 rpm

• Maximum torque 608 Nm (62 kgm) at 5600 rpm

• Transmission

• F1 6-speed gearbox

• Tyres

• Front 245/35 20"

• Rear 305/35 20"

• Fuel consumption

• Combined cycle 17.9 l/100 km

• CO2 emissions

• Combined cycle 415 g/km

Curiosity

This special car's colour was inspired by the film "Toby Dammit", one of the three episodes of the film "Histoires Extraordinaires" made in 1968 based on stories by Edgar Allan Poe.
"Toby Dammit", the third of the three episodes, directed by Federico Fellini, with Terence Stamp Salvo Randone and Milena Vukotic, based on the story "Never Bet The Devil Your Head".
The other two episodes, "Metzengerstein" and "William Wilson", were directed by Roger Vadim and Louis Malle.
via:autoblog

Donkervoort D8 GT will race its first 24 hour-race in Dubai

Donkervoort Racing ready to race in the 24 Hours of Dubai with special 24-Hours edition of the D8 GT

Lelystad, 8 December 2009 – After obtaining the vice-championship in the FIA GT4 European Cup and the guest race in the Dutch GT4, Donkervoort Racing will participate in the 24 Hours of Dubai in January of 2010. This will be the very first 24-hour race for the Donkervoort D8 GT, which was introduced in 2007 and has been racing since 2008. With the brand new and specially developed 24-hour edition of the D8 GT, famous Dutch race car driver Peter Kox and European GT4 driver Nico Pronk (CH), Stéphane Wintenberger (F) and Denis Donkervoort (NL) will race in this challenging long-distance race on January 14, 15 and 16 at the ultra-modern Dubai Autodrome.


New developments
All developments and experiences gained during the FIA GT4 European Cup are incorporated into the brand new Donkervoort D8GT(4) 2010. The brake- as well as the fuel system have, among others, been adjusted. However, the adapted hybrid chassis/body with carbon fiber sandwich panels combined with the existing tubular frame construction maybe is the most noteworthy adjustment. Furthermore, the aerodynamics underneath the car were further improved for extra down force. It has resulted in a new rear-diffuser, which has influenced the entire look of the rear of the car at the same time. All in all, these technical innovations have attributed to high expectations for the Donkervoort Racing team for the upcoming 24-hour race in Dubai.


Donkervoort Events
Naturally, Donkervoort Events will also use this special occasion to offer its customers a variety of additional attractive possibilities during and directly after this 24-hour event.

This exciting race-event offers a unique opportunity for Donkervoort-drivers as well as Donkervoort Events customers. Solely as a Donkervoort-supporter or combined with other business objectives, these guests will cheer on the Donkervoort race team and get an exclusive 'inside' look during the race with among others a Meet & Greet with Peter Kox, listening along with the on-board radio contact during the race and access to the Donkervoort VIP Lounge.


But the stay-at-homes are not forgotten either. For in the months of February, March and April the Donkervoort 24 Hour Experience will be offered in the factory in Lelystad (in a limited number). Accompanied by Dutch TV-presenter Bert van den Dool, groups as well as companies will be provided an exclusive look behind the scenes of Donkervoort during the races. Through film-, photo- and on-board footage, but also through live-interviews with one of the race drivers and the head of engineering of Donkervoort Racing, guests will get a unique on the excitement, atmosphere and experiences during the 24 Hours of Dubai 2010.


Source:Donkervoort

WHALE PENIS ON WHEELS RETURNS. IT'S BULLETPROOF

NOT INSIDE – BUT OUTSIDE.

Thanks Pamela Anderson all world whales now can be sure about their penises. Nobody will cut them to make car seats.

Regarding that Whales make an ocean summit were they make a decision to make WHALE-THANKS-GIVING-CAR.

And they order to make this car to DARTZ – team which shocked whales with seats idea.

Of course this is just joke, but after SAVE the WALES wave DARTZ make a decision to make own SAVE the WALES show car.


This car was made from the same kevlar fiber we use for our car bulletproofing – so we can tell that whale on hood is also bulletproof.

Our guys work two weeks around the clock to make this show car, we stopped some works with our RED DIAMOND (which is already booked) as we are funny people – and sometimes stop to make serious things, making some funny things instead. We are not serious professionals in fish world – all we know that caviar is good with Vodka – but we think this hood whale is a copy of Blue Wale – which have biggest penis on planet Earth.


We will be happy to present this car to Pam Am – she can use it.... like she want's :-) .

But more we dreaming to make a photosession with our Luxury Tank and Pam, under motto

I'D RATHER DRIVE NAKED THAN ON WHALE PENIS :-) )))).......

We can make this session at Top Marques Monaco 2010 or Cannes Festival 2010 were we also are planning to present this car – and of course present Pam WHALEWATCH car after photosession!

- Leonard F. Yankelovich
via:autoblog

RENAULT LAUNCHES ENTRY-LEVEL RALLY TWINGO

Renaultsport Technologies is expanding its range of rally cars with the introduction of Twingo Renaultsport R2 and Twingo Renaultsport R1. Designed for drivers looking for a modern, affordable and reliable rally car, these two next generation products make up the entry-level of a comprehensive range of competition cars that also includes the Clio Renaultsport R3 Access and Maxi.

In addition to its success in world's top motorsport events, Renaulsport's history also belongs to the models that have enabled entire generations of drivers to pursue their passion for the sport. In the same spirit as cars such as the R8 Gordini, the 5 GT Turbo and the group N Clio Renaultsport Williams, the Twingo Renaultsport R2 becomes the latest affordable sports model aimed at aspiring professional drivers.


Twingo Renaultsport R2

Like the Twingo Renaultsport 133 road car, the competition version offers day-to-day driveability and first-class performance. The responsive, balanced chassis features the same characteristics as the production model and has been prepared specially to offer excellent reliability and enhanced performance levels whilst keeping servicing costs competitive. In addition to strengthening certain components, Twingo Renaultsport R2 is fitted with bump- and rebound-adjustable shock absorbers, allowing it to be set up for differing conditions and driving styles.

The specifically-prepared 4-cylinder 1.6-litre16V engine develops 160hp (118kW) at 7,250rpm - an extra 27hp compared to the production engine. Combined with a five-speed 'dog' sequential gearbox and steering column mounted shift lever, the engine generates a maximum torque of 160Nm at 5,500rpm, giving it a wide power band.

From the design phase and right through testing, Renault Sport Technologies has taken the needs of amateur drivers into account. Making use of its extensive expertise in designing rallying cars, the technical team developed an accessible, easy-to-drive and attractively priced car, both to buy and run.

Twingo Renaultsport R2 already has a little brother: an R1 version has also been awarded FIA homologation. This model allows a much wider audience access to rallying at a greatly reduced cost.

Renaultsport Technologies is the first manufacturer to offer a complete range of Group R cars, from Twingo Renaultsport R1 to Clio Renaultsport R3 Maxi.

Twingo Renaultsport R2 comes in the form of a motorsport kit featuring all the required parts (except for tyres). Customers who buy the kit will be able to purchase a Twingo Renaultsport 133 at a special price. This solution allows customers to obtain a complete, fully-registered production car into which the kit is built.

Kits go on sale in early April, 2010, at the price of 27,990€ excluding tax.


Design and interior

The rally version of the Twingo Renaultsport 133 accentuates the production model's naturally sporting looks. The only different exterior design feature on the competition version is the optional roof-mounted air intake. The car's compact proportions and sharp styling, which in large part comes from the inclusion of a wide air intake grille in the front bumper, sculpted side sills and extended front and rear wheel arches, builds on the already distinctive looks of the road car, the perfect platform for the R2 version.

Twingo Renaultsport R2's interior clearly shows Renaultsport's drive to improve efficiency. Twingo Renaultsport R2 has the same dashboard and central console as on the road car, but comes with two Sabelt Renaultsport seats and harnesses. An LED instrumental panel displays all the necessary information, both during the special stages for the driver and at the service area for the technical team. A data acquisition system is also available as an option.

On the right of the steering wheel, the gearshift lever for the sequential dog box is within easy reach, as is the optional hydraulic handbrake lever. All electric controls are located on a 'power box', placed to the side of the co-driver seat.


Suspension and brakes

In designing a car that is simple to drive, reliable and effective on all surfaces, from the smoothest tarmac to the roughest dirt roads, Renault Sport Technologies opted for tried and tested technological solutions and reused many production parts.

The front suspension uses McPherson technology, with aluminium lower arms and a standard anti-roll bar. Optionally, the rubber bushes can be replaced with spherical joints, for greater driving precision. Twingo Renaultsport R2 comes with hydraulic power-assisted steering, ensuring it can meet the specific demands of rallying, regardless of the length and surface of the special stages.

Also derived from the production model, the rear suspension is a programmed deflection torsion beam. Optionally, it can be reinforced at strategic points.

Equipped with the latest in bump- and rebound-adjustable twin-tube shock absorbers, Twingo Renaultsport R2 has a broad range of settings, so being adjustable for every driving style.

Fitted with standard callipers and discs, the braking system also comes with specific motorsport brake pads. At the front, Twingo Renaultsport has 280mm-diameter ventilated discs and 240mm solid discs at the rear. The one-piece aluminium wheel rims are available in 6.5x16" (tarmac) and 6x15" (gravel) sizes and can be fitted with 195/50 R 16 (tarmac) or 195/65 R 15 (gravel) tyres.

The optional gravel kit comprises the four specific springs, the ball joints for the front axle, the reinforced rear axle and protective elements. These technical decisions help to keep the cost of buying and servicing the car under control. In looking to design a car that is simple to drive, reliable and effective on all surfaces, from the smoothest tarmac to the roughest dirt roads, Renault Sport Technologies opted for tried and tested technological solutions and reused many production parts.

Engine and gear box

Twingo Renaultsport R2 features the normally-aspirated 1,598cc 16-valve K4M RS engine developed by Renault Sport Technologies, ensuring the car is effective, reliable and fun-to-drive. The main changes concern the pistons, camshaft, flywheel, exhaust system and the addition of a specific air box. This special preparation gives the engine an extra 27hp compared with the production model, reaching a mighty 160hp (118kW) of power at 7,250rpm. Maximum torque (160Nm) is reached at 5,500rpm.

A specific motorsport ECU manages engine (power supply and ignition) and gearbox operations. It operates in conjunction with a special electrical wiring loom and may be combined with an optional data logging. Twingo Renaultsport R2's engine has been designed to cover 2,500 kilometres of special stages between each service.

The five-speed sequential gearbox comes with a ZF limited slip differential. Gearshift is managed via a lever positioned adjacent to the steering wheel, which is combined with an engine cut-out switch. This means the driver can use full-throttle flat shifts while changing up through the gears. The clutch is a hydraulically-controlled single disc. Like the gearbox, it can be used for both gravel and tarmac rallying. Three final drive settings are available to suit the specific characteristics of each event.

Safety on road and track

Safety is a priority for Renaultsport Technologies. Twingo Renaultsport R2's structure has been reinforced and strengthened to increase passive and active safety levels. The original body shell has been reinforced and now comes with a welded-in roll cage which complies with the latest specifications set out in Group R regulations and approved by the FIA after a crash test. The roll cage is made of more than 40 metres of steel tubing and contributes to the strength of the survival cell. Twingo Renaultsport R2's interior is fitted with the latest equipment, including Sabelt seats and six-point safety harness compatible with the HANS restraint system. As an option, it is possible to select the seats with head restraint as used on Clio Renaultsport R3. The inner door trims have been removed to allow a protective panel made from composite materials to be installed. The car has an electrically-controlled automatic fire extinguisher system and a battery master switch.

Twingo Renaultsport R1

At the outset, motor racing was all about drivers taking on each other in their own cars. Renault Sport Technologies aims to return to the origins of racing, with Twingo Renaultsport R1.

Renault Sport Technologies is the first manufacturer to obtain homologation for a car in this entry-level motorsport category. This basic version can take part in all regional, national and international rallies at a greatly reduced cost. Twingo Renaultsport R1 is a production car fitted with some essential safety equipment. It gives drivers with very limited budgets the opportunity to get involved.

Starting with the Twingo Renaultsport 133 road car, the R1 version is fitted with the same welded roll cage as the R2, but it also has two additional protective tubes and is bolted to the body shell to easy assembly. The engine and gearbox are identical to the production model. An ECU setting giving torque at lower engine speeds will be homologated to improve mid-range performance. Provided FIA regulations are complied with, it is possible to convert Twingo Renaultsport R1 to Twingo Renaultsport R2 specification.

Support

Renault Sport Technologies provides high-quality technical support for all its range of racing products. Every year, its engineers attend over 100 national and international rallies (Junior World Rally Championship, IRC, ERC, etc.)

A spare parts facility, as well as manufacturers' engineers and technicians, will be present at the various national trophies that will be run throughout Europe - in France, Italy, Switzerland and a few other countries - to support drivers who have chosen the Twingo Renaultsport R2. Ongoing support, including a help hotline, ensures that all customers remain in direct contact with Renault Sport Technologies' engineers, either by telephone or email.

This support service means that drivers and teams can benefit from Renault Sport Technologies' expertise as soon as they receive the kit and be supervised during the build of the car. Feedback provided in this way also allows Renault Sport Technologies to gather, analyse and relay any useful information to all its customers. An extranet site is available to Renaultsport customers, where they can download technical and sales documentation, technical updates, assembly instructions, and setup sheets.

	Twingo Renaultsport R2	Twingo Renaultsport R1
Body	Steeel monocoque with welded-in roll cage	Steeel monocoque with welded roll cage bolted into bodyshell
Engine
Type	K4MRS	K4MRS
Size/valves	1598cc/16 valve	1598cc/16 valve
Bore x stroke	79.5 x 80.5mm	79.5 x 80.5mm
Ignition	Magnetti Marelli	Production specification
Power	160hp (118 kW) @ 7000rpm	133hp (98kW) @ 6750rpm
Torque	180Nm @ 5550rpm	160Nm @ 4400rpm
Maximum rpm	7500rpm	7000rpm
Transmission
Type	Front wheel drive	Front wheel drive
Gearbox	5 speed sequential	5 speed
Gearshift	Steering column mounted	Floor mounted
Differential	ZF limited slip differential	Open
Clutch	Hydraulically-controlled single disc	Production
Suspension
Front	McPherson strut Two-way adjustable shock absorbers, adjustable camber settings	McPherson strut
Rear	Programmed deflection torsion beam Two-way adjustable shock absorbers	Programmed deflection torsion beam
Brakes	280mm ventilated front discs 240mm solid rear discs Specific pad compound	280mm ventilated front discs 240mm solid rear discs
Wheels	Tarmac: alloy 6.5" x 16" Gravel: alloy 6.5" x 15"	Alloy 6.5" x 15"
Tyres	Tarmac: BF Goodrich 195/50 R 16 Gravel: 195/65 R 15	BF Goodrich 195/50 R 15
Length	3607mm	3607mm
Track front/rear	1465mm/1445mm	1460mm/1430mm
Fuel capacity	40 litres	40 litres
Kerb weight	Ballasted to 1030kg	Ballasted to 1030kg
Kit Price	27,990 Euros excluding VAT	To be confirmed
Base road car price	10,990 Euros excluding VAT

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Brimstone Quadracycle is a DeathwishMobile with a Bullet

Ostensibly a mash-up between a four-wheeled quad, a motorcycle and a drag car, what we have here is the closest thing you can get to a V8 engine strapped to a Power Wheels. Seriously, this is like a real-life childhood fantasy wrought in metal... almost brings a tear to the eye, doesn't it? It's absolutely insane. And yes, off course we'd gladly take it for a spin.


Brimstone is reportedly willing to build you one with as much as 750 horsepower from a 455 cubic inch aluminum Dart V8. Performance figures? How 'bout zero to sixty in 2.8 seconds? Or, better yet, zero to 120 in six seconds flat. It's even fuel efficient, returning up to 30 mpg, and it can be equipped with a hitch to tow a small boat. They're taking orders now, but you'll have to claim a spot behind us.


Power-to-weight ratio – that metric might be the most meaningful performance measurement to consider when judging exactly what piece of machinery you should or shouldn't strap yourself into/onto. If you're the type that wants to leave this world with a giant smile on your face and bugs in your teeth, allow us to introduce you to the Brimstone Quadracycle.


via:autoblog

Renaultsport Releases new Formula 2.0 car

Faster, more modern, cheaper

The development phase for New Formula Renault 2.0 is drawing to a close with more than 6,000km driven over seventeen days of testing on nine European circuits. This new single seater, developed and manufactured by Renault Sport Technologies is faster, while being a reliable as ever and with basic running costs 10% lower than its predecessor.

The replacement for the world's best selling single-seater is truly ready for the track. New Formula Renault 2.0 has proved its reliability and its capability in a rigorous Research and Development programme. First impressions, New Formula Renault 2.0 is more competitive and its handling is closer to cars from higher formulas. As with its predecessor, New Formula Renault 2.0 is the ideal car for training the F1 drivers of tomorrow, such as Kimi Raïkkonen, Felipe Massa, Lewis Hamilton, Haikki Kovalainen, Robert Kubica, Romain Grosjean or Jaime Alguersuari, all of whom have passed through the ranks of Formula Renault 2.0.


The operating costs for New Formula Renault 2.0 are 10% lower than the current version. At 57,000€ (ex-VAT*), this car benefits from the most up-to-the-minute technical developments, including a seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox. A single set of ratios is selected for each season and the semi-automatic gearbox allow, among other things, to avoid overspeed. Even the design of the car has been optimized thanks to Renault Sport Technologies' competition experience, in order to reduce the number of parts , which allows significant economies of scale. Furthermore, assembly will take place at the Alpine plant with an optimized process. Each car will be inspected and prepared for racing prior to delivery.

New Formula Renault 2.0 has been conceived to be as economical as possible. With this in mind, significant work has gone into the development of the tyres. A set is now able to drive more than 200km. As a result the allocation of tyres goes from 33 sets to 29 in 2010. As for the brakes, the efficiency has been optimized in order to enhance their longevity. A set of disks now has a service-life of 1,500km and a set of pads, 600km. As a result the driving costs have fallen by 15% with the advent of the new version.



Finally, the costs for the engine, as fitted to Clio Renault Sport MkII, which develops 205bhp, are close to those of the current version, with a major service recommended every 5,500km.

Safety is also key to New Formula Renault 2.0. Thanks to in depth work and several safety tests, New Formula Renault 2.0 is the first single-seater to be homologated to FIA F3 2001 standards. Driver safety is significantly enhanced, making New Formula Renault 2.0 a benchmark.

New Formula Renault 2.0 remains true to its philosophy. This car, which takes to the track in 2010 for the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and in all national championships, is aimed at young drivers who are just discovering the workings of a real race car. The handling of the new car will allow them to understand more easily than ever how it feels to drive a Formula Renault 3.5. The training programme, unique of its type, which Renault Sport Technologies has put in place, also reaches new heights with New Formula Renault 2.0.

*Price subject to entry in an official Renault Sport Championship.


FIRST UK TEST FOR NEW FORMULA RENAULT 2.0 RACE CAR

Northamptonshire's Rockingham Motor Speedway provided the setting for the first UK test of the new Formula Renault 2.0 race car.

Former Formula Renault UK Champion Duncan Tappy, who took a total of 10 victories during his 2007 winning season, was tasked with piloting the new 2.0-litre car which makes its competitive debut at the start of the 2010 Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship.

Tappy completed a handful of laps around the 1.94-mile International circuit before returning to the pits to pass on his feedback to watching teams and drivers.



The new car replaces the current Tatuus-built model and features a new chassis, seven-speed sequential gearbox, and a 2.0-litre, 16v normally-aspirated F4R832 engine. The car is currently being built at the Renaultsport factory in Dieppe, France, with the first deliveries expected before the end of the year.

Commenting after the test Tappy said: "I last tested the outgoing car in 2008 which meant I had something fresh to compare the new car too. My first impressions are that it is a much more together, more stable car which I believe drivers will find more enjoyable and ultimately more rewarding to drive.

"The car lends itself to more of an F3 driving style and at high speeds you can really feel the aerodynamics working. The paddle-shift gearbox is also very easy to use with smooth changes both up and down. Overall I have to say it's a better all-round package."
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