2012 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

Price €161,750, Engine 3.8 liter boxer-6, Aspiration natural, HP 450 hp,

HP/Liter 118.4 hp per liter

Most successful race car now suitable for wider range of motorsport
It is the most successful race car on earth: The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. With over 2,200 units sold, it is the undisputed number one amongst customer racing teams all over the world. Now, the new 911 GT3 Cup features a 100-litre FT3 safety fuel tank, which is filled via an opening in the front bonnet. Compared to its predecessor, the vehicle is now suitable for an even wider range of endurance racing. Moreover, the new fuel tank contributes to a further improvement of the high safety standards.
The 2012-spec Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is based on the lightweight 911 GT3 RS (997) street sports car. The power unit is largely identical to the production engine of the 911 GT3 RS with the same output of 450 bhp and the same maximum engine speed of 8,500 rpm. A race exhaust system with a controlled catalytic converter keeps emissions to a minimum.
The flared wheel arches at the front axle accommodate light alloy rims measuring 9.5Jx18 with 25/64-18 Michelin race tyres. The light alloy rims at the rear measure 12Jx18 with 30/68-18 tyres. Depending on the type of racing, the new 911 GT3 Cup features different rim specifications. The blade-type anti-roll bars at the front and rear are adjustable in seven positions allowing an extremely precise set-up for each race track. Exclusive to the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup which runs as support to Formula 1 is the PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake. This is also available for Porsche’s road models. Compared to the composite cast brakes in the Carrera Cups and the GT3 Cup Challenges, PCCB reduces the weight of the car by around 20 kilograms.
The cockpit of the new 911 GT3 Cup caters for the needs of the driver. The controls for the info display are positioned on the steering wheel which houses six switches. As in the production car, the reach and height of the steering wheel can be adjusted.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will be delivered to teams around the world from September and will be run in this specification for the 2012 and 2013 race seasons in selected one-make cup series. The price is 161,750 Euro plus value-added tax of the respective countries.
Currently, the 911 GT3 Cup competes in 19 Porsche brand trophy series worldwide. Moreover, it is run in various GT race series and at long distance events. The 911 GT3 Cup is the basis model of Porsche’s racing vehicle range. Additionally, Porsche Motorsport offers the 911 GT3 R for championships complying with GT3 regulations and the 911 GT3 RSR built according to GT2 rules.

2011 AC Schnitzer BMW 550i ACS5 Sport S Saloon Concept

Engine V8, Aspiration twin turbochargers, HP 540 hp, 0-62 mph 4.5 seconds, Top Speed 199 mph

Superb, powerful and individual: the AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S Saloon reveals new and unusual aspects of driving pleasure

With the new BMW 5-series saloon and the new BMW 5-series Touring, in 2011 two new 5-series models have been awarded the prestigious iF Award for outstanding product design. Equally prizeworthy is the AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S Saloon based on the BMW 5-series saloon, which celebrates its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show from 3rd to 13th March.
With this concept vehicle, the Aachen-based tuning specialist AC Schnitzer is demonstrating new and unusual aspects of driving pleasure. With a performance upgrade from 407 to 540 HP, the AC Schnitzer engineers are pushing the boundaries of the possible - for greater dynamics and efficiency. The driving performance is at thoroughbred sportscar level: the sprint from 0 - 100 kph takes just 4.5 seconds, and the top speed is around 320 kph. A glance under the bonnet with the AC Schnitzer engine and engine bay styling shows just who is responsible for the revolutionary refinement. The AC Schnitzer limited slip differential with up to 75% effect ensures that the tremendous power reaches the point where it is needed.The AC Schnitzer twin sports rear silencer with chromed "Sports Trim“ tail pipe trims left and right combines exciting appearance and sound.
What does the sophisticated driver expect from perfect brakes? Perfect braking of course! With the AC Schnitzer high performance brake system with 8-piston fixed calipers left and right, and an 8-piece kit of brake pads and caliper holders for the front axle, all expectations of optimum deceleration and maximum stability are amply fulfilled. And the driving dynamics leave nothing to be desired. The AC Schnitzer racing suspension guides the saloon perfectly through the corners.
The AC Schnitzer tuning specialists will be focussing on the reactions to the new aerodynamic components for the body of the 5-series saloon. As well as the familiar AC Schnitzer front spoiler and chromed front grille, a new carbon front spoiler centre part gives the ACS5 Sport S Saloon an even more striking aspect. The carbon air ducts for the brakes left and right ensure adequate ventilation for the high performance brake system, and the new AC Schnitzer carbon side skirts clearly enhance the side view of the concept vehicle. The engine bay is ventilated by the bonnet vents from the current AC Schnitzer range. Together with further accessories already available, such as the AC Schnitzer rear roof spoiler, the rear spoiler and the rear skirt extension, new elements such as the AC Schnitzer sports wings left and right with Chromline Set and the carbon rear diffusor contribute to the great appearance. The AC Schnitzer loading sill protection film and the BiColor film trim harmoniously complete the sporting elegance of the body conversion. Possible and probable reactions to such a well-equipped vehicle are envious glances, which the proud driver seated behind the AC Schnitzer sports airbag steering wheel with painted spokes can enjoy in the new AC Schnitzer sports mirror.
The AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S saloon appears at the Geneva Motor Show with full leather trim in BiColor, painted interior trim strips and racing bucket seats with AC Schnitzer logo, which form part of the overall concept for the interior. The AC Schnitzer range already contains the
AC Schnitzer "Black Line“ aluminium cover for the i-Drive system controller, the aluminium foot rests and pedal set, velours boot mat and foot mats.

For the BMW 5-series saloon, AC Schnitzer also provides an unusual range of custom wheel/tyre combinations in both 20 and 21 inch diameter. The largest variants are the racing forged rim in BiColor and the new forged alloy wheel in BiColor in sizes 9Jx21“ front and 10Jx21“. Alternatives are the AC Schnitzer Type IV BiColor wheel and Type V BiColor forged alloy rim.

The AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S Saloon - an extraordinary concept vehicle which embodies the state of the art of technical achievement in more than just power. The AC Schnitzer definition of "Performance" will certainly inspire BMW tuning fans throughout the world.

All-new Chrysler 300 SRT8 2012

Engine 6.4 liter V8, Aspiration natural, HP 470 hp, HP/Liter 73.4 hp per liter, 0-60 mph high 4-second range, Torque 470 lb-ft, 1/4 mile high 12 second range, Top Speed 175 mph

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8® Offers the Ultimate Combination Of World-Class Luxury and Performance
• All-new Chrysler 300 SRT8® with its 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 offers ultimate combination of world-class luxury and performance in Chrysler’s most powerful, best-handling sedan ever
• Fuel Saver Technology with all-new active valve exhaust system improves fuel efficiency by an estimated 25 percent on the highway
• New, exclusive SRT heated steering wheel features mounted paddle shifters for hands on the wheel shifting both on road and at the race track
• New, two-mode adaptive damping suspension allows for selectable suspension tuning and also automatically adapts to road and driver inputs for optimal vehicle control
• 19-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system with innovative GreenEdge® technology is available with 900 watts of power
• Newly formed SRT brand led by President and CEO Ralph Gilles will continue to build benchmark high-performance vehicles for the Chrysler Group
July 15, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The success of the modern Chrysler 300 launched in 2005 can be attributed to its broad appeal. People of all ages, incomes and lifestyles were attracted to the sedan’s dramatic styling, power and performance.
As the king of the E-segment lineup, the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8® adds high-performance hardware to the elegant proportions and head turning design to provide the ultimate combination of world-class luxury, power and handling. With 470 horsepower (351 kW) and 470 (637 N•m) lb.-ft. of torque, the 300 SRT8 is targeted at customers that seek heart pounding, adrenaline filled excitement, but don’t want to sacrifice comfort and innovative features to get it.
“The Chrysler 300 SRT8 is the no compromises king of the hill in the 300 model lineup in 2012, featuring the ultimate combination of world-class luxury and performance in our most powerful, best-handling Chrysler brand sedan ever,” said Olivier Francois, President and CEO — Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for Marketing, Chrysler Group LLC. “Engineered and built for those customers who live for the sport of being first, the 300 SRT8 brings a much larger power band across the rpm range, along with intelligent performance attributes and safety and creature comforts for customers who are passionate about performance driving.”
2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8
The Street and Racing Technology (SRT) performance engineering team builds upon the all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 sedan already executed for a world-class luxury experience, to deliver Chrysler’s most powerful and best handling model ever.

Performance numbers include 0-60 mph acceleration in the high 4-second range; quarter mile in high 12-second range; 0-100-0 mph in less than 16 seconds, top speed of 175 mph and stopping power from 60-0 mph in 120 feet.

The return of the 300 SRT8 to the Chrysler lineup in 2012 evokes a strong comparison to the original high-performance production car of its time – the 1955 Chrysler 300. Known for simple, strong lines, excellent engineering, high levels of luxury and outstanding performance with the first modern American V-8 engine to produce 300 horsepower, the first Chrysler 300 (C-300) was styled by Virgil Exner, who radically redesigned the entire Chrysler line and created what they called "The Forward Look" in 1955. Without much chrome on the sides, his designs were simple, but strong. Exner is credited with creating the illusion of fast, forward movement.
The Chrysler C-300 won on both the road course and the “flying mile” at Daytona in 1955. In 1956, the Chrysler 300B model won both events again. In fact, the Chrysler 300s dominated NASCAR competition in 1955 and 1956, taking the overall championship in both years. A legendary and luxurious performance car was born. The “letter cars” quickly became the most desirable of the Chrysler lineup and became known as the “Beautiful Brutes.”

Infiniti FX35 (2012)

  

CARBARN | Infiniti FX35 (2012) | The Infiniti FX is Among the sportiest crossovers and style-focused, and while it can still turn heads, three years after its last major redesign, it's time for a refresh. This year, Infiniti carefully nipped and tucked, subtly tweaking the FX's grille and front fascia while adding a limited-edition Called the FX35, uh, Limited Edition. The 2012 FX's new grille marks the Biggest change, morphing from the 2011 car's elegantly simple opening into a more aggressive, pinched form cribbed from Infiniti's Etherea concept (which in turn borrowed its grille design from the Essence concept).

he lower front fascia gets more visual oomph courtesy of thin bands of chrome outlining the fog-light nacelles. Unfortunately, the FX's chrome fender vents survived the refresh. The 2012 FX35 is still powered by a 303-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and available with rear-or all-wheel drive, while the FX50 carries over its 390-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 and standard all- wheel-drive.

Infiniti did not outline any specific equipment for the 2012 FX shuffling, but buyers can still spec with FXS Their Premium, Deluxe, Touring, Technology, and Sport packages. Every Will FX come standard with Infiniti's Personal Assistant, a phone-based 24-hour concierge service, the which owners can call to get directions, emergency assistance, restaurant suggestions, and the like. 

Paired with the Iridium Blue paint that's exclusive to the Limited Edition, the muted trim and wheels look great.The FX35 costs $ 850 more, the which means $ 44.345 for a 2012 rear-drivers and $ 45.795 for an AWD model. The 2012 FX50 jumps by $ 1,750, to $ 60.245. The 2012 Infiniti FX hits dealerships in early October.
 

 

 

Lexus GS 350 (2013 )

 

  

CARBARN  | Lexus GS 350 (2013 ) | The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is a much-needed step in a new direction for Lexus.  Lexus claims a 0-60 mph time of around 5.7 seconds, the which is just as fast as the current-generation GS. The electronically limited top speed gets a slight bump up to 142 mph, from 140 mph. Two other GS models Will be unveiled by the time the 350 hits dealer showrooms in early 2012 - a Hybrid, and an F-Sport.  The F-Sport Will feature the same engine as the regular GS 350 but with 19-inch wheels, sticky tires, bigger brakes, variable-rate steering, and an adaptive suspension.

Lexus officials indicated the V-8 models Will be dropped from the lineup, with the hybrid serving as its de facto replacement. Yoshihiko Kanamori's chief engineer says the 2013 GS 450h hybrid outperform the current will of the gene V-8-powered GS 460. Since Lexus did not Spend its whole development budget on engines for the GS, it Had plenty of money to invest in making the new car more fun to drive. Key to the fun quotient are the GS 'four selectable driving modes, two of the which have sportiness in mind. In Addition to Standard mode, the GS has an ECO mode that, Lexus says, "revises the throttle mapping, seat heating, and climate control systems for better fuel economy." As an added bonus, in ECO mode the GS 'gauge lighting changes to a cool blue.

SPORT S SPORT S + builds upon by firming up the suspension, tightening up the steering, and remapping the stability control system to allow more aggressive driving. Both SPORT SPORTS S + and S-meter feature lighting in a Fierce-looking red. The 2013 GS looks much more aggressive than the previous model. The rear bumper and underbody were the resource persons designed to help the GS slice through the water while remaining firmly Planted to the road. Perhaps the GS 350's most prominent exterior features are the twin blade-like chrome strips That flank the trapezoidal grille. Like in the rest of the car, Lexus says aerodynamics play a key role here, as the grille is designed to Improve the flow of water around the car.

Inside, Lexus mixes up the GS 350's interior a bit. Lexus said it changed the driver's seating position so That the driver has "Increased comfort, better forward visibility, and overall command of the road." And while the exterior dimensions of the GS are virtually the same, Lexus Increased Both cabin and trunk space. The new GS features added head, leg-and knee room, as well as more foot space, compared with the old GS. Trunk space is Increased by 25 percent, with a Wider and deeper trunk opening. There's also a high-resolution 8-inch display centrally located in the instrument panel. The GS incorporates tech favorites like Pandora, iHeartRadio, Facebook, Yelp, and Open Table, Among others.

Lexus also loaded up the GS with safety technology, including a system That uses the car's radar cruise control to warn the driver about objects on the road, and an infrared camera to detect if the driver has noticed an object or not. If no further action is taken, the GS will from the start braking 2 seconds before impact, Lexus says, to help to lessen the severity of the collision. Lexus Will also offer night vision, a head-up display, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and Lane Keep Assist. Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda Will be taking over the helm at the Lexus, and played a big part in the GS project, proudly telling us, "This car is amazing to drive." We hope so, as the GS represents an Important Crossroads for the brand.

  

Daihatsu Sirion (2012)

  

CARBARN | Daihatsu Sirion (2012) | As one of the best-selling car in the neighbor country, Malaysia, the latest version of the Myvi launch was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

PT Astra Daihatsu Motor (ADM) meniagakan Myvi in Indonesia with the name of the Daihatsu Sirion. ADM city car imported from Malaysia Perodua's partner, Toyota Motor Corp For still the same width (1665 mm) but has a shorter length of 60 mm and a height lower 5 mm.

Behind the front bonnet DVVT installed capacity of 1.3 liter engine that can generate power 90 hp at 6,000 rpm and torque of 117 hp at 4,400 rpm. This engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and 4-speed automatic. Myvi or Sirion tag of 2012 in Malaysia started 45-56 thousand ringgit or USD 128-159 million.

Lotus Esprit (2012)

  

CARBARN | Lotus Esprit (2012) | The Esprit nameplate will return to an all-new Lotus vehicle that will be based on a wider, longer version of the Evora’s architecture.

Taking clear styling cues from both the Evora and the the Elise/Exige, the new Esprit brings plenty of exotic flair to the premium sports car segment. Its steeply raked windscreen and sharp, aggressive nose leave little doubt as to the Esprit’s racy intentions.  The upcoming Esprit, like the last iteration of its predecessor, is slated to use a mid-mounted V-8 engine.

Meanwhile, the Elise, Exige, and Evora would continue to be sold alongside the Esprit the Evora will even get a convertible variant that is slated to make its debut slightly ahead of its bigger brother.

Honda CR-V (2012)

  

CARBARN | Honda CR-V (2012) | World debuts for new concept and production models typically happen at premier auto shows, like the North American International Auto Show, the Tokyo Motor Show or even the IAA (more commonly known as the Frankfurt Auto Show).

Honda isn’t like most automakers, so it chose the Orange County International Auto Show for the world debut of its 2012 Honda CR-V Concept.  That makes the success of the fourth-generation Honda CR-V critical to Honda’s sales in the United States, so Honda needed to walk a fine line between too many design changes and not enough changes. The styling of the concept would seem to indicate that Honda’s designers hit their mark.

The 2012 Honda CR-V Concept is more dramatically styled than CR-Vs of the past, yet still tasteful in its design. Signature styling traits, like the faux front skid plat and vertical tail lights, remain, and the muscular rocker panels give the CR-V something of a sporty look. What other changes, compared to the current CRV, does Honda have in store?

Nissan Quest (2012)

  

CARBARN  | Nissan Quest (2012) | In giant, full-line car companies, the product planners inevitably share one part among all the vehicles: the electronic key fob. Wha…? A VW Jetta?  It's ironic that the Nissan Quest minivan's smart fob looks just like the one that ignites the rather more awesome GT-R super sports car. The GT-R's key should be shaped like a Klingon batliff or the half-closed eyes of a contented concubine. The Quest key should be shaped like, I don't know, a pair of roomy pants.

If you're driving the Quest, you've chosen the path of car seats and slobbery binkies and school plays that seem to go on until 3 a.m. For you, provocative films subtitled from the original Mandarin have been replaced by "Yo Gabba Gabba." Minivans need to be awesome, plus 10%. Is the new Nissan Quest? While Honda and Toyota have attempted some compensatory sleekifying of their minivans the Honda Odyssey's Z-shaped sill line makes it the Aladdin Sane of kid movers Nissan has made its minivan challengingly, um, not sleek. The Quest's blockiness is exaggerated by the wraparound tinted glass in the rear, which disguises the roof pillars with the same visual trick used in the Nissan Cube. 

The Quest is the latest kooky design from Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, Juke, Cube, etc and I have to tell you, I'm starting to get it. The cleaving away of Nissan design, the sheer otherness of these products is beginning to constitute a brand equity. Under the hood is Nissan's corporate 3.5-liter V6 (VQ35DE is the code name, trainspotters), a 24-valve unit outputting 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. This direct-injection engine drives a continuously variable transmission turning the front wheels. Typically in CVT-equipped vehicles the powertrain simpers and drones annoyingly as the vehicle accelerates, but there seems to be enough structure and soundproofing in the Quest to mute that.

This is a large vehicle 200.8 inches in length and 206 cubic feet of interior space, with the twin moon roofs. The Quest sounds damped, substantial, with a satisfying isolation from the road. The dash design echoes Nissan's current layouts, with the softly curved shapes in molded plastics and wood-like trim pouring into the center stack, where the gearshift lives. On the dash top is the rotary controller for vehicle and display functions and if equipped the navigation system. I was a little disappointed our $40,140 test car, in SL trim, didn't have Nissan's exemplary navigation system as standard equipment.

Out test car included the $2,100 ceiling-mounted DVD system (11-inch LCD screen), mounted between the moon roofs. Very nice Powered side doors and rear hatch come with the SL package, as do loads of cupholders. The biggest knock against the Quest and remember, this comes from a minivan Jedi knight is that the seating isn't all that versatile. This is a seven-passenger vehicle (rows configured 2/2/3), whereas the Honda has a clever three-seat midrow with a removable center unit, thus making an eight-seater (ditto the Toyota Sienna). Also, the Nissan's third-row seats fold down but don't fold under the load floor as do the Honda's or the Chrysler Town & Country's. And the Nissan midrow seats cannot be removed, only folded flat.

Jeep Wrangler (2012)

 

  

CARBARN  | Jeep Wrangler (2012) | The iconic shape remains seven-slot grille, round headlights, short wheelbase, soft or hard top but Jeep has made huge improvements to the off-roader for 2012. Jeep invited us to drive the 2012 Wrangler on the Rubicon, one of the hardest 4x4 trails around, used almost exclusively by modified vehicles. Part one happened for the 2011 model year, when the JK (the current generation's code name) received a new interior, plus, on the Sahara, a body-color hard top and fender flares. For 2012, the body-color hard top and fender flares are optional on the Rubicon, too.

Inside, welcome 2011 revisions include the use of higher-quality materials; the redesigned center stack; an all-new instrument panel; and strategically applied sound insulation that makes this the quietest Wrangler ever. Some creature comforts never seen here before seat heaters, power heated mirrors, and redundant steering wheel controls make this the most refined Wrangler cabin ever. For part two: Prior to the 2012 model year, Jeep knew the Wrangler would get the Pentastar engine, even if the company didn't make an official announcement. The pairing makes perfect sense: more horsepower, more torque, and better fuel economy.

We started out on-road, driving to the Loon Lake trailhead from Squaw Valley, in the Sierra Nevadas. The route included elevation changes and sudden large openings in traffic that gave us opportunities to test out the Pentastar's acceleration. While this combination would've highlighted the weaknesses of the previous engine (universally considered a dog), the 3.6-liter V-6 shone. Also, the engine sounds much more upscale than the coarse 3.8-liter, and the exhaust note is throatier. Jeep estimates that the new engine reduces 0-60 times by 2-3 seconds with either transmission, and when we took a Wrangler Sport manual to the track, we confirmed this estimate. The new Jeep hit 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, while all of the 3.8-liter Wranglers took between 9.8 and 10.2 seconds.

When we reached the Rubicon trailhead, we swapped the Unlimited Sahara we'd been driving and got into a Wrangler Rubicon. The trail takes you past breathtakingly beautiful vistas overlooking crystal-clear lakes.  The new Wrangler stays true to the model's roots, but now it's a lot more fun to drive on-road.