2008 Subaru Tribeca New Styling Review

The new 2008 Tribeca was developed with an enormous amount of input from consumers in the luxury SUV segment who were very clear about the features they want at this level of pricing and prestige. With powerful new styling, a new, larger displacement 3.6-litre H6 engine, and improved performance and fuel efficiency, the new 2008 Subaru Tribeca delivers a unique balance of style, safety and functionality in a progressive SUV form.

The Power of a Striking New Design
The exterior design of the new Tribeca is both streamlined and powerful, with a new, wider and taller grille, new front fenders and new hood design. The grille is now integrated into the front bumper, featuring a new chrome spread-wing design, with the Subaru star cluster badge as the focal point.

A raised hood line, deeper front valance and new headlamps visually widen and heighten the Tribeca, establishing greater road presence with a more SUV-like appearance. The new grille flows into a powerful silhouette, enhanced by new rear three-quarter windows. The rear quarter windows and the addition of new larger side-view mirrors improve side and rear vision as well as increasing visibility for third row passengers. The side profile also features powerful fender and wheel forms that enhance the Tribeca’s signature rising character line. All-new rear styling includes a new rear valance below the tailgate and new, wider tail lamps.

The second row seat features a tilt-and-slide control on both the driver and passenger side and an assist spring that reduces the effort needed to slide the second row seat. Also, molded assist grab handles on the lower C-pillar to ease step in to the third row.

The sophisticated twin cockpit design features a flowing, sculpted dash and centre console design. Aluminum-look trim highlights the sculpted shapes of the dashboard. Electroluminescent dials and subtle ambient interior lighting provide a sophisticated touch, illuminating the front and rear footwells, the centre console and cup-holders. The centre console is dominated by an information centre that groups the readouts for the audio system, clock, fuel economy and outside temperature. A seven-inch touch screen information centre is standard. The easy-to-use audio and climate control system controls are located just below the screen.

Comfort for Five or Seven Passengers
The Tribeca is available as a 7 passenger model with standard 50/50 split fold-down third-row seat with integrated headrests and carpeted back surface. For added passenger comfort it features an auxiliary rear cabin air conditioner with fan speed control in the second row.
the rollover test.)

Occupant Safety a Top Priority
The new 2008 Tribeca was designed to achieve the highest ratings in the auto industry. The previous generation B9 Tribeca achieved top honours in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests with 5 stars in both the frontal and side-impact crash tests for both the driver and passenger seating positions. These results are in addition to the 4 star rating in the NHTSA tests for rollover resistance. (No SUV to date has earned 5-stars in the rollover test.)

The Subaru Tribeca features a Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame Structure, occupant-sensing, dual-stage driver and passenger airbags, seat-mounted side impact air bags, and standard curtain side air bags (front and second rows). A Roll Sensor system that detects a potential vehicle rollover and deploys the standard side curtain airbags is also standard. In addition, the Tribeca features Brake Assist on its standard ABS brake system, Vehicle Dynamics Control and four-wheel traction control. Brake Assist analyzes the force and stroke on the brake pedal and increases hydraulic boost to provide enhanced emergency braking, also activating the ABS system early if needed

2008 SUBARU TRIBECA DEBUTS NEW 6-CYLINDER 3.6-LITRE H6
ENGINE

For the 2008 model year, Subaru has equipped the new Tribeca with an all-new 6-cylinder 3.6-litre SUBARU BOXER engine that delivers more power, more torque, improved fuel economy and emissions performance – all on regular petrol.

The larger engine displacement increases engine torque to 247 lb.-ft. at 4,400 rpm, and horsepower to 256 at 6,000 rpm, providing improved low-end torque without sacrificing high-rpm power. The new engine package, which adds displacement without adding overall size, not only maintains excellent emissions levels but delivers improved fuel efficiency in real world driving situations.

The new Tribeca is very powerful, and Subaru has also improved the driving feel by carefully tuning every element of the powertrain that connects with the driver, from the transmission to the power steering. The result is an increased sense of controlled performance that drivers demand in a premium SUV.

In addition to generating more overall power, the engine also increases available torque in the low- to mid-range engine speed, which improves fuel efficiency as well as performance.

To achieve these goals without affecting engine packaging, a unique shortened con rod was created to allow for a new and larger displacement engine without increasing the physical dimensions of the power unit; keeping the deck height of the engine the same, the Tribeca is also able to maintain its excellent low centre of gravity.

Improved cooling efficiency – needed to achieve the use of regular fuel – was achieved through a new common rail cooling system that individually cools each cylinder with water separation chambers rather than allowing water to flow from cylinder to cylinder. This allows for increased engine efficiency and standardized timing for all cylinders.

The new 3.6-litre engine features Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust valves (the 3.0-litre engine had AVCS on the intake side only).

Redesigned exhaust, cooling and power steering systems are carefully matched to the new engine’s output and torque curve, to further enhance Subaru’s signature balanced handling, and improvements to the drivetrain layout, sprocket dies and cam chain pitch mean the new engine is also quieter.

The new 3.6-litre engine is connected to a 5-speed automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT that features an all-new torque lock-up converter and a new transmission control unit. The result is faster gearshifts with less lag time and smoother, more linear acceleration.

New shift logic also improves performance in hilly terrain. The new shift control system uses the car speed and accelerator opening to determine available driving power while simultaneously calculating the optimum gear position for the road gradient. This not only results in fewer unnecessary gear shifts when climbing or descending grades, but also results in a further improvement to fuel economy.

The transmission drives through the Subaru Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Enhancing the AWD system are standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and four-wheel traction control system (TCS).

2008 Nissan Enjoys Design Awards Review

Listen carefully and you might just hear the groaning of trophy cabinets back at Nissan HQ – that’s because the company has just picked up another three industry awards proving that when it comes to designing products oozing with customer desirability, Nissan knows how to hit the right spot.

Qashqai, the innovative compact crossover, added to its tally of seven honours so far by grabbing Best Medium Family Car in the What Diesel Car Of The Year awards, beating off stiff competition from Ford’s Focus and Hyundai’s i30. And the same judging panel, which included a number of respected independent journalists among its ranks, chose the Navara, up against rivals such as the Mitsubishi L200 and Toyota Hilux, for the Best Pickup accolade.

“Nissan shook up the sector with the Qashqai, proving that family transport need not be boring transport,” explains What Diesel magazine editor Ian Robertson, “while the Navara manages to perfectly balance the fine line between dependable workhorse and stylishness.”

That’s a view endorsed by Professional Van & Light Truck magazine which also voted Navara Best Pickup at its traditional Commercial Vehicle Show awards dinner.

“It’s a very competitive sector of the market and any pickup these days needs to be a compromise between a working truck and a leisure vehicle,” said PV< editor John Fife. “As a good, comfortable all-rounder, the Navara achieves that blend better than the competition. Its ride quality and passenger comfort are very good, yet it can still carry over a tonne in the back. We also very much like the 171 PS diesel engine and its effortless towing ability.”

The awards reflect burgeoning sales of both Nissan models. Qashqai has been a huge success with over 25,000 units sold since launching in the UK just over a year ago, while in the Pickup market, the Navara continues to be the number one best seller, continuing its strong performance of 2007 in what is a very competitive marketplace.

The British-built Qashqai’s strong, distinctive design sits between a traditional hatchback style and a more robust elevated SUV shape and appeals to customers looking for something different. That’s backed up by genuine driving enjoyment, great practicality and the option of four-wheel drive for those who want its added security. Qashqai’s desirability will be strengthened still further when it is joined by Qashqai+2, a new seven-seat version, in October.

Offering great versatility, the Navara King Cab and Double Cab models bridge the gap between SUV-like comfort and the functional attributes of an authentic pickup. Its tried and tested four-wheel drive system and practical load area have made it as much a favourite with the farming and construction industries as with those who use it solely for their leisure pursuits.

Previous Qashqai awards:
Fleet News – Best Small Family Car
BBC Top Gear – Best SUV
What Diesel Car? Best SUV
4×4 and MPV Driver – Ken Livingstone award for urban 4×4
Scottish Diesel Car of the Year
Evecars.com – Best Family

The Navara has also accumulated its own fair share of silverware, including What Van? Best Pickup; 4×4 magazine Pickup of the Year and Commercial Motor Testers’ Choice Best Pickup and 4×4 in 2006; and in 2007, 4×4 magazine made it their Lifestyle Pickup of the Year.

2008 Mazda 3 Targa Tasmania Review

Mazda drivers Rick Bates and Alister McRae maintained their first and second positions, respectively, in the 2WD Showroom Competition, and managed to take a number of more fancied scalps in the overall standings.

Bates amassed a 69 second penalty time over the day’s nine competitive stages, leaving twin-brother Neal Bates in a highly-modified Toyota TRD Aurion and a bunch of Lancer Evos, Porsches and Subaru WRXs in his wake.

In Modern outright standings, Bates finished the day in 24th, equal with the brand-new Nissan GTR of Targa regular Tony Alford.

“First and second in Showroom, we are pretty happy with that,” said Bates. “It’s always challenging to slide behind the wheel of a rally car that you haven’t driven for a year. That said the Mazda3 MPS is so forgiving and so easy to drive on the limit.

“Today was a great start to the event and gives us a solid platform to build on during the next four days.”

Rick’s team mate Alister McRae, who finished the day with a penalty time of 78 seconds in 27th outright, used today’s stages as an opportunity to get to know the abilities of his Mazda3 MPS rally car.

“Today went well, really well,” said McRae. “This is a new event for me so I am just trying to work out the car, how it works and how to preserve tyres for the five days. I must say I am extremely happy with how we are placed.”

Multiple Australian Rally Champion Simon Evans is also contesting the 2WD Showroom Competition in a Toyota TRD Aurion and sits third, 43 seconds adrift of McRae.

Day two of Targa is made up of 402km, including eight competitive stages over 72km. The field starts and finishes in Launceston and visits the east coast town of St Helens.

Visit www.mazda.com.au/targa to read the latest news, watch video highlights and hear the driver’s reports.

At the time of publishing outright results were classed as preliminary and may be subject to change.

2009 Honda FCX Clarity Named 2008 Indy Japan Review

Honda has announced that the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle will serve as the official car of the 2008 Indy Japan event (2008 IRL IndyCar Series 3rd race: Bridgestone Indy Japan 300 Mile) to be held at Twin Ring Motegi in Tochigi, Japan, April 17-19.

Since 2007, all IRL IndyCar series racers run on low environmental impact 100% ethanol fuel. Scheduled for release in the U.S. in the summer and in Japan in the autumn of this year, the FCX Clarity runs on hydrogen and emits no CO2 or other environmentally harmful emissions in operation, making it an ideal vehicle for the event. The fuel cell vehicle emits only water and is regarded as the ultimate environmentally responsible vehicle.

The FCX Clarity is powered by the highly compact, efficient and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack. Boasting a low-slung, dynamic and sophisticated appearance made possible by the innovative layout of the fuel cell power plant, the FCX Clarity offers superior design and driving performance as well as environmental responsibility.

Among other duties, the FCX Clarity official car will act as a pace car at the start, leading the 18 race cars participating in the Indy Japan event, and will be on display inside the Twin Ring Motegi paddock.

2008 BMW Hydrogen 7 Advancement Review

BMW has announced its latest milestone in its pursuit of the hydrogen future, the BMW Hydrogen 7 mono-fuel, featuring an internal combustion engine in the BMW Hydrogen 7 mono-fuel that produces near zero emissions while, at the same time, combusting ambient air pollutants. Based on the BMW Hydrogen 7 bi-fuel version (gasoline and hydrogen), the new mono-fuel vehicle’s internal combustion engine is optimized to run solely on hydrogen and shares the performance, comfort, and safety qualities of every production BMW 7 Series. One of the BMW Hydrogen 7 mono-fuel vehicles is featured in the BMW Booth at the 2008 SAE World Congress being held this week in Detroit.

The BMW Hydrogen 7 mono-fuel is equipped with a 6.0-liter internal combustion engine (ICE) which has been engineered to run exclusively on hydrogen. This vehicle achieves near zero emissions, excellent engine performance, reduced fuel consumption and greater range compared to the bi-fuel Hydrogen 7. Since the consumed hydrogen has no carbon, the engine itself would produce no CO2, hydrocarbons, or other pollutants; however, the existing pollutants in the surrounding air are consumed by the engine, plus minute amounts of lubricating oil. The result is virtually undetectable exhaust emissions. New procedures for exhaust gas measurement and analysis, therefore, had to be developed together with experts at the Argonne National Laboratory, the only test laboratory in the USA capable of measuring such minute emissions.

“The mono-fuel Hydrogen 7 is the result of more than 25 years of hydrogen development by BMW,” noted Tom Baloga, Vice-President of Engineering for BMW in the U.S. “It demonstrates BMW’s support for a hydrogen infrastructure by producing an internal combustion engine that produces truly near-zero emissions while simultaneously cleaning the air of certain pollutants.”

In BMW’s view, hydrogen is the most logical energy carrier of the future for three reasons. First, it has no carbon and therefore hydrogen combustion generates no CO2, HCs and other pollutants. Second, it can be produced using renewable, clean technologies like solar, wind, geothermal, and bio-processes. Lastly,it can be produced in stable areas of the globe as necessary for energy security. Although today’s hydrogen is mainly derived from natural gas, hydrogen can and will be “green” from renewable and clean sources in the future. Unlike batteries, which will likely also play an important role in future transportation, hydrogen vehicles can be refueled rather quickly for long trips, don’t require powerlines across the landscape, and hydrogen can be generated and stored 24/7 when wind is greatest or demand for electricity is low.

The BMW Hydrogen 7 mono-fuel is a demonstration production vehicle, not a prototype. It was created to showcase the clean energy potential and feasibility of a dedicated hydrogen ICE. In addition, the BMW Hydrogen 7 mono-fuel delivers additional experience in the everyday use of hydrogen beyond what has already been learned with the nearly 100 bi-fuel Hydrogen 7 Sedans that have been used in a consumer test drive program since November 2006.

The Hydrogen 7’s mono-fuel ICE exemplifies BMW’s commitment to clean energy while maintaining the excellent performance BMW owners have come to expect. In fact, the tailpipe emissions are so infinitesimal, they pushed the limits of current emission testing technology.

Independent authorities, including Argonne, have confirmed the excellent results. Argonne conducted emission tests on BMW Hydrogen 7 mono-fuel vehicles in early March 2008 and helped develop new sophisticated procedures necessary to detect the almost undetectable.

“The BMW Hydrogen 7’s emissions were only a fraction of SULEV level, making it one of the lowest emitting combustion engine vehicles that have been manufactured,” said Dr. Thomas Wallner, lead engineer in Argonne’s hydrogen vehicle testing activities. “Moreover, the car’s engine actively cleans the air. Argonne’s testing shows that the Hydrogen 7’s engine actually shows emissions levels that, for certain components, such as Non Methane Organic Gases (NMOG’s) and Carbon Monoxides (CO’s), are cleaner than the ambient air that comes into the car’s engine.” This means that a hydrogen-powered ICE is not only incredibly clean by itself, but it actually removes certain air polluting gases from natural and man-made sources.

BMW and Argonne will hold a joint press conference about the ground-breaking results at the SAE Congress in Detroit at the BMW booth beginning at 1:30 pm (EST) on Monday, April 14th. Christoph Huss, Vice-President-Development Abroad, Type Approval and Traffic Management; Tom Baloga, Vice-President – Engineering US; and Wolfgang Thiel, Manager of Emissions Testing Equipment, will represent BMW at the press conference. Wallner and Don Hillebrand, Director of the Center for Transportation Research, will represent Argonne.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Mitsubishi Motors is introducing the 2008 Lancer Evolution, the newest and most sophisticated version of the legendary high-performance model series that began 16 years ago. While remaining true to the core values that have made the Lancer Evolution synonymous with thrilling performance, the next-generation model offers all-around capability and user technology that distinguish the world’s best performance models.

The strikingly styled 2008 Lancer Evolution showcases new performance and handling technology, including an all-new 291-bhp 2.0-liter turbocharged/intercooled engine and the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system. S-AWC offers an extraordinary level of control at each wheel, going well beyond the capabilities of other all-wheel drive systems.

Two Lancer Evolution models will be offered in the U.S. market for 2008: the GSR with a new 5-speed manual transmission and the Lancer Evolution MR with a new 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST), a new-generation automated manual transmission. The MR model is also equipped exclusively with Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs, two-piece brake rotors for better heat dissipation, BBS forged-alloy wheels, HID headlamps and additional interior features. Significantly, the newest Lancer Evolution will have less differentiation from market to market than the previous generations.

Design Evolution

The 2008 Lancer Evolution design makes a maximum performance statement, blending concept car themes and sound aerodynamic principles while conveying the brand’s rally heritage. A shark-nosed front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines highlight the basic new-generation Lancer design. Building on those themes, the 2008 Lancer Evolution looks the part of the street-wise sports machine with its a unique front end, aggressively sloping hood with integral air scoop and engine heat outlets, boxed fenders, and 18-inch alloy wheels with Brembo brakes.

Inside, the Lancer Evolution presents a “class up” approach and shows a new international flair. Available user technology, including high-end Rockford Fosgate® audio and navigation systems, reflects the tastes of a broadening customer base.

All-new 2.0-liter Turbo Engine

The 2008 Lancer Evolution’s 4B11 engine is an intercooled-turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder. Beyond that description, it differs greatly from the legendary 4G63 it replaces. The 4B11 is built with a reinforced cast-aluminum cylinder block versus the cast-iron block used in the 4G63, and aluminum is also used for the cylinder head and cover and the timing chain case.

The new 4B11 T/C produces more power than its predecessor: 291 bhp at 6,500 rpm (vs. 286 bhp at 6,500 rpm) and 300 lb-ft of peak torque at 4,400 rpm (vs. 289 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm). The 4B11 T/C provides a broader torque curve, as well. A revised turbocharger yields up to 20-percent quicker response at lower engine speeds versus the 2006 engine’s turbocharger.

New TC-SST Automated Manual Transmission

Exclusive to the Evolution MR model for 2008, the 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) is an automated manual transmission capable of executing lightning-quick upshifts with no drop-off in engine power. The TC-SST features both a console-mounted shifter and magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters and offers manual and fully automatic modes.

Essentially, the TC-SST is a manual transmission that can select two gears at a time: one gear is engaged by one of the two wet multi-plate clutches, and the other is pre-selected, awaiting to be engaged by the second clutch. The gear change is made – either manually or automatically depending on mode selected – when the electro-hydraulically operated clutches are “swapped,” which occurs simultaneously, with no perceptible lag time.

Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC)

In the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) is not simply the name of a new all-wheel drive system. Rather, S-AWC regulates drive torque at each wheel by controlling a network of dynamic handling technologies, including: Active Center Differential (ACD) 4-wheel drive, Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential, Active Stability Control (ASC), and Sports ABS brakes. Integration of ASC is new for all markets and also provides a significant advance in both dynamic capability and safety.

2009 Porsche Panamera

The Supervisory Board and the Board of Management of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, gave their approval today for the development and production of another Porsche model line. To be called Panamera, the new car will be a premium-class sports coupe with four seats, four doors, and a choice of front-mounted engines driving the rear wheels.

Scheduled to enter the market in 2009, the Panamera will be the fourth model line from the Stuttgart carmaker following the 911, the Boxster and the Cayenne. The new car’s name is derived from the legendary Carrera Panamericana long-distance race.

Production of the Panamera is to be in Leipzig, where Porsche already builds the Cayenne SUV and the Carrera GT supercar. The final decision will require further detailed talks between the Board of Management of Porsche AG and the Management of Porsche Leipzig GmbH with representatives of the employees. Porsche’s total investment in the new model line, including development, will be more than 1 billion euros (approx. $1,200,000) and will come entirely from the company’s own funds. Expected sales are at least 20,000 units a year.

“The Panamera is a perfect fit for Porsche,” said Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking, the President and CEO of Porsche AG. “It has all the typical DNA characteristic of a genuine sports car. In terms of performance, design, and driving dynamics, it meets Porsche’s high standards in every respect. Through this sports coupe we are making our customers a highly attractive offer in the top performance segment.”

Porsche will develop and build the Panamera using the company’s own resources. “We will be developing a separate platform for our fourth model line at our Weissach R&D center,” said Wiedeking. “There are no plans for a joint venture with another car maker, but to ensure the profitability of this new model line we will cooperate more closely than so far with selected system suppliers.”

Production of the Panamera in Leipzig would potentially create some 600 new jobs there. In the course of the project, approximately 400 more new jobs will be created at Porsche’s original plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, where the engines for the fourth model line will be built, and at the Weissach Development Center.

Like the 911, the Boxster and the Cayenne, the Panamera will bear the “Made in Germany” stamp of quality. Domestic share of the Panamera’s overall assembled value will be approximately 70 percent.

2008 Audi Abt R8

Design milestones of sports car construction do not only come from Sant’ Agata Bolognese or Maranello but also from Kempten. Because there, in the picturesque Allgäu region, Abt Sportsline, the greatest tuner for vehicles from the Volkswagen group, is based. With the new Abt R8, the term “improvement” is set one level higher as this car combines technical competence and brilliant design from Abt and results in an automobile masterwork. Not more and not less. The Abt R8 is a fantastic super sports car, playing in the same league as Lamborghini Gallardo or Ferrari F430.

No doubt, even the basis model of the R8 is something special – and therefore a real challenge, emphasizes Hans-Jürgen Abt. “The fluently dynamic form of the car is unique, it looks like having a lot of power, even when standing still,” admits the managing director and therewith he raises the bar for his engineers and designers. As it is usual for Abt, the result is quite respectable and can be driven with fascination. The light and sporty high-tech material Carbon well visibly shapes the rear skirt, the side blades and the side skirts. The exciting body kit of the two-seater was developed by the motor sports professionals from Kempten who also optimized the car in reducing weight and in distributing mass evenly. That optical features do not obviate technical sophistications but, on the contrary, lead to perfection clearly show the contours of the Abt R8. Front skirt, side skirts, and rear skirt form a unit in which the rear wing, the side blades and also the exhaust system are harmonically integrated. A special highlight is the front skirt partially made of sight carbon. It is a component of the equipment version “Extravagant”. The customer is able to provide his Abt R8 with attachment parts, at his own option with elements of sight carbon. A two tone structure is also possible by request. Another alternative ist the equipment version “Exclusive”, which offers the customer the possibility to beautify his R8 with an Abt body kit made of high-quality GRP (glass fibre reinforced plastic). Also the new BR wheel from Abt with its bi-colour paint perfectly fits the car. The front axis presents it in the size 9×20 inch, the rear axis in 11×20 inch. Thus the R8 appears much more dynamical. With Abt suspension springs and car lowering the team from Kempten improves the road holding even more as Christian Abt and his specialists exactly adjusted the suspension. With the Abt sports brake system (380 millimeters diameter), the fast super sports car from the Allgäu sets standards also in matters of delay.

The new Abt R8 is a car which makes hearts beat faster. It perfectly brings the magic of speed onto the road even when standing still.

2008 Ferrari FXX Evolution

The innovative FXX program, based on the eponymous prototype car and launched by Ferrari in June 2005, is being extended to 2008/2009. The FXX, which is the most advanced GT ever created at Maranello, has been updated with an evolution package aimed at further improving its handling and performance. The package was developed as a result of Ferrari’s collaboration with its Client Test Drivers and with the invaluable support of Michael Schumacher. The FXXs equipped with this package will also sport a new livery in addition to new rear wing profiles.

The FXX is not homologated for road use and there are no plans to compete with it either. In fact, the FXX prototype is designed exclusively for track driving as part of a specific R&D program agreed with a selected group of just over 20 clients involving 14 group test sessions and 14 private ones in the last two years. Thanks to readings taken over the 10,200 miles of tests carried out in 2006 and the 11,500 miles covered in 2007, the modifications made to the car have focused on honing its aerodynamics, running gear and electronics. Seven-times Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher also joined the ranks of the client test drivers and gave the program the benefit of his vast experience on several occasions.

Maranello’s engineers studied the wealth of information gained to develop a kit which will cut the FXX’s Fiorano lap time to under 1′16” (previously it was 1′18”). The FXX’s 6262 cc V12 engine can now punch out a massive 860 bhp at 9500 rpm. Gearshifting takes just 60 ms, a drop of 20 ms on the previous time, and the gear ratios have been adapted to make use of the extra 1000 rpm now delivered by the engine.

The car’s new traction control system, developed in close collaboration with the GES Racing Division engineers, gives the driver a choice of no less than nine different settings (plus the off position) which are selected using a switch on the central tunnel. This means that the driver really can modify the car’s behavior on the track from corner to corner, just as the Formula 1 drivers do to maximize performance and reduce tire wear. The FXX’s traction control is also now less invasive and more flexible, adapting more efficiently to the individual driving style of each driver – a requirement pinpointed when this very extreme car was being driven on the track by non-professional drivers.

The FXX’s special 19″ Bridgestone tires now last longer too thanks to a new car setup and new front suspension geometry, while the Brembo brakes, which boast large Composite Ceramic Material (CCM) discs, are more efficient with the result that the brake pads last twice as long. Thanks to the drivers’ feedback the Ferrari engineers have also developed new aerodynamic solutions aimed at increasing downforce over the rear axle. The FXX now sports a new rear diffuser, nolder and rear flaps which have combined to increase aerodynamic efficiency by 25% overall. The active front spoiler control system settings have been adjusted to take these modifications into account too. New telemetry monitoring of the steering angle and brake pump pressure will further boost the interaction between Client test drivers and the company’s engineers also. From next year onwards, it will be possible for drivers to have two extra video cameras mounted on their car in addition the existing rear-facing one. This will, of course, give the drivers excellent rear visibility without having to impinge in any way on the car’s aerodynamics.

The FXX evolution package includes participation in a series of track events that Ferrari is organizing at international circuits for 2008/2009. Six events are planned for each year (two in North America, two in Europe and two in Asia). In addition to these, the FXXs will also be participating, as per tradition, in the prestigious end-of-season Ferrari World Finals.

As happened in 2006/2007, the cars will be backed up at each event by a 15-member official team made up of engineers, electronics experts and mechanics capable of providing complete assistance to clients. Needless to say, the latter will still be able to organize their own private individual track sessions in their car as well.

2008 IMSA Lamborghini Murcielago GT

Brakes & Tires
Front 380.001 mm | 15 in.
Rear 340.001 mm | 13.4 in.
Tires Front Front : Pirelli Pzero 245/35ZR 18
Tires Rear Rear : 335/30 ZR 18
Engine
Displacement cu in (cc) 6.50 L | 396.6 cu in. | 6500.3 cc.
Engine 6.5 liter V12
Horsepower 631 hp @ 8000 rpm
HP/Liter 98.5 hp per liter
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM 487 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Weight 1665 kg | 3671.3 lbs
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.4 seconds (stock)
Top Speed mph (km/h) 330 km/h | 205.1 mph

World exclusive: The brand new imsa technical and aerodynamic-enhancement program for the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

Imsa, the world-acclaimed, German High-Tech Engineering specialist, exclusively presents, after successfully introducing the stunning imsa GTV Supercar based on all versions of the Lamborghini Gallardo, its new technology and design-enhancement program for Lamborghini’s current top-of-the-range supercar, the Murcielago LP640.

Special emphasis must be laid on the technology- and design-package made from Autoklav moulded carbon fibre. Technology which is normally only being used in Formula 1 and other Top-motorsports Series. Imsa’s main target was, for all owners of the Lamborghini top-of-the-range-model, to offer an exclusive product line, transforming the Murcielago both technically and optically into a unique work of art, with the aim of significantly enhancing the exclusivity of Lamborghini’s Top-model.

The strikingly aggressive and aerodynamically highly effective front apron (spoiler) perfectly aligned to the wheel arches (widened 35mm on each side), directly becomes apparent. On the upper side of the wheel arches, imsa CFK air ducts have been integrated, resulting in a significant reduction of the drag effect caused by non-aerodynamic airflow at higher and highest velocity. The imsa side-skirts on the underside guarantee the optimum airflow to the imsa diffuser, which has been developed for an aerodynamically perfect interaction with the imsa rear spoiler. Imsa herewith achieved to considerably lower the downforce at higher and highest speeds. The benefits for the driver are a significant enhancement of driving stability, safety and enjoyment.

All parts of the imsa-aerodynamic-enhancement program are either available in carbon-onsight or can be painted in any colour of choice. The imsa aerodynamic-enhancement-program is available from November 2007 on and will soon be available for the “standard” Murcielago as well. The imsa technical enhancement program also includes – exactly as for the imsa GTV Supercar based on the Lamborghini Gallardo – exclusive imsa multi-part sports wheels with central locking system, various sports chassis with individual settings, and, last but not least, various imsa engine modifications and own engines. At imsa, each customer is fully involved in the creation of his personal, unique imsa-Megacar handcrafted according to highest German standards of quality and precision. Additionally, personalised tailor-made interiors inclusive of various multi-media applications are also being fitted on special request.