2010 Ford Focus RS Le Mans Classic Editions – five different identities [video]

Ford has just unveiled five different one-off versions of the Ford Focus RS Le Mans Classic special edition. The new special edition are meant to celebrate the French classic that takes place this year between July 9th and 11th. The number 5 was not chosen by chance. Each of the five Ford Focus RS Le Mans special model will celebrate one of the cars that brought the Blue Oval a victory in the 24 Hours classic race.

The list of five special Focus RS models will include: a black with silver stripes edition that pays tribute to a Ford Mk II, which was victorious in 1966; a red model with white stripes that is recalling the Mk IV which won in 1967; a white model with a thin blue center stripe surrounded by a red border that pays tribute to the beautiful Ford Mk IIB, entered by Ford France in the 1967 Le Mans 24-hours; a two-tone sky blue and orange edition reference to the modern GT40s which dominated Le Mans in 1968 and 1969 and a two-tone white and blue model representing the livery of the Capri RS 2600 which took the Touring category in 1972.

Each car includes four Recaro seats wrapped in stitched leather and quilted Alcantara, in contrasting colors meant to match the exteriors.  This is replicated at the gearshift, hand brake, and center arm rest.  Front seats also get the advantage of leather seat belts.

The five cars will be seen in action at the 2010 Le Mans Classic in July, and will be joined on the track by the recently released limited-edition Ford Focus RS500, whose exclusive matt black finish will be an equally eye-catching addition to the palette of colors which have fired the imaginations of countless fans of Ford and the greatest endurance race in the world.




Press Release

FORD FOCUS RS LE MANS CLASSIC: A COLLECTION OF 5 UNIQUE EXAMPLES CREATED TO PAY TRIBUTE TO LEGENDARY FORD LE MANS RACERS

Saint-Germain-en-Laye, 21 June 2010 - Ecurie Ford France, one of the partners of the popular Le Mans Classic event which takes place between July 9th and 11th, has prepared a collection of just five Focus RS cars in unique colour schemes, each paying tribute to the Ford cars which made 'blue oval' history at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Each of the five Focus RS Le Mans Classic vehicles will be finished in the colours of one of the Ford cars which made 24 Hours history for Ford. During the event itself, they will even carry the race number of the cars to which they're paying tribute:

• Black with silver stripes: a reference to the Ford Mk II, which was victorious in 1966.
• Red with white stripes: recalling the Mk IV which won in 1967.
• White with a thin blue centre stripe surrounded by a red border: echoing the decoration of the beautiful Ford Mk IIB, entered by Ford France in the 1967 Le Mans 24-hours.
• Two-tone sky blue and orange: A modern take on the GT40s which dominated Le Mans in 1968 and 1969.
• Two-tone white and blue: representing the livery of the Capri RS 2600 which took the Touring category in 1972.

All five exclusive Focus RS vehicles also have customised interiors. The Recaro seats are upholstered in leather and diamond-quilted alcantara, front and back, with stitching that matches the bodywork. The gearshift gaiter, hand brake handle and central arm-rest are upholstered in real leather, and a leather safety belt guide has been added to the front seats.

Each of the five cars will carry a personalised numbered plaque on the dashboard confirming its exclusivity as part of the collection.

The five cars will be seen in action at the 2010 Le Mans Classic in July, and will be driven on a number of laps of the full track at the start of a number of the different 'grid' races reserved for cars of a particular era, with Ford-invited special guests and VIPs at the wheel.

The Focus RS Le Mans Classic units will be joined on the track by the limited edition Ford Focus RS500, whose futuristic matt black livery will be an equally eye-catching addition to the palette of colours which have fired the imaginations of countless fans of Ford and the greatest endurance race in the world.

Only Five For Sale
Once the fifth Le Mans Classic event is over, these five unique Focus RS Le Mans Classic vehicles will be put up for sale, and will be offered with exclusive accessories. Fitted with either RS(1) or RS Technology(2) packs, they will be supplied with a Le Mans Classic watch - a 3-dial automatic chronograph with large date display and sapphire background of which only 600 are to be produced.

The 5 cars to which the Ford Focus RS Le Mans Classic is paying tribute:

The Ford Mk II (victorious in 1966): on the 18th of June 1966, Henry Ford II himself gave the starting signal for the 24th Le Mans 24 Hours. He let loose a pack of fifty-five vehicles led out by two of the eight Mk IIs entered by the manufacturer plus six GT40s, including one belonging to Ford France which was driven by Guy Ligier and the American Bob Grossman. The duel with Ferrari was at its peak for this "race of the century". Unbeaten since 1960, the Italian marque was the queen of Le Mans. However, this time it was the Americans who dominated, pulling off a spectacular triple! For the first time ever, the 200km/h average speed barrier was broken at Le Mans.

The Ford Mk IV (winner in 1967): Wanting revenge, Ferrari sent its formidable 330 P4s to challenge the Mk IVs in a face-to-face battle without mercy. However, it was all in vain. The unstoppable red, white-trimmed Mk IV, piloted by Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt, wiped the floor with Lodovico Scarfiotti and Mike Parkes' P4. Unforgettable new pages in the history of motor sport were being written before everyone's eyes. The epic tale of the Mk IIs and Mk IVs concluded with the spectacular distance (5,232.9 km) and average speed (218 km/h!) records set by Ford that year.

The Ford GT40 (victorious in 1968 and 1969): Even though Ford as a manufacturer was not directly involved, John Wyer's JWA team benefitted from Gulf Oil sponsorship and the blessing of Ford Dearborn. For their first outing in 1968, the GT40s faced some keen and challenging competition from Porsche and Alfa Romeo. Driven by Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi, the GT40 clearly dominated the field ahead of a Porsche 907 and three Alfa Romeo 33/2s. This third consecutive Ford victory was the first for a genuine GT40.

In 1969, competition was as intense and varied as ever: Porsche was in attendance with its 908s and its new 917s, Matra introduced its 630/650s and Ferrari was back again with its 312 Ps. Nevertheless, once again the GT40 beat them all, sweeping the boards at the end of an epic duel. Jacky Ickx raced across the finish line leaving the German Hans Hermann 120 metres behind and red faced at the wheel of his Porsche. The GT40 drove away with Ford's fourth consecutive victory at Le Mans!

Capri RS 2600 (1st in the Special Touring category in 1972): Tenth overall, the Capri RS 2600, driven by Gerry Birrel and Claude Bourgoignie, dominated its category during the 1972 Le Mans 24 Hours. Manufactured between 1969 and 1986, the Ford Capri enjoyed a great sporting career and was one of the great leaders of the European Touring Car Championships and the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. It also shone in the Production Cars Championship of France and the famous British Touring Car Championship. Many Formula 1 drivers distinguished themselves at the wheel of a Capri, including Jochen Mass, Hans Stuck and the Tyrrell Racing duo of Jackie Stewart and François Cevert during the 6 Hours of Paul Ricard Circuit organised in 1972. The rally version of the Capri also appeared in the colours of Ecurie Ford France with internationally renowned drivers such as Jean-François Piot, Guy Chasseuil, Jean Vinatier and Jean-Claude Gamet at the wheel.

Ford Mk II Ecurie Ford France (1967): Jo Schlesser teamed up with his friend Guy Ligier on only one occasion at Le Mans. That was in 1967, in a magnificent white Ford Mk II powered by a seven litre V8 engine. An early track exit crushed their hopes in the 13th hour. However, driving the same car, they won the last ever 12 Hours of Reims, the other former great French endurance race. Jo Schlesser, a driver with an incredibly eclectic talent, was killed during the 1968 French Grand Prix. He was one of Ecurie Ford France's most emblematic drivers, racing on track circuits, in rallies and in a famous hill climbing race of the time, the Mont-Ventoux.

(1) RS pack: Recaro front and rear seats, parking assist, heat-reflective, heated windshield, keyless entry and starting system.
(2) RS Technology pack: DVD navigation system with touchscreen and reversing camera, 8-speaker CD-MP3 player, bluetooth-2 kit, volume-sensing perimeter alarm and tyre-pressure monitoring system.

Special Edition Lotus Elise SC RGB and Exige S RGB [Video]

Lotus is launching two special-edition cars in honor of vehicle engineering director Roger Becker, who retired from Lotus in January. Becker joined Lotus in 1966 and helped develop every new Lotus since, including the Esprit, Elan, and Evora.

The Elise SC RGB (for Roger G. Becker) features ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels, sport and touring packages, air conditioning, monochrome Lotus badges, an individually numbered plaque, and Roger Becker's signature on B-pillar. It is powered by a 217 hp (220 PS / 162 kW) supercharged 1.8-liter engine, which allows the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds).

The Elise SC RGB Special Edition is powered by a supercharged 1.8 liter engine that develops a total of 217 hp and rockets the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The Lotus Exige S RGB Special Edition gets a supercharged and intercooled 1.8 liter engine with 257 HP and a sprint time of 4 seconds.

Body colours available for the Lotus Elise SC RGB and the Lotus Exige S RGB are Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow and Carbon Grey and each exemplar will also feature a numbered plaque with Roger Becker's signature.

The cars will go on sale in September, the Elise SC RGB will be priced from £38,550 (€43,655) while the Exige S RGB starts at £41,950 (€50,042).




Press Release

Roger Becker, former Director of Vehicle Engineering for Lotus is celebrated with a series of special edition versions of the final run of European specification 1.8 litre Elise and Exige sportscars.

In celebration of his now legendary input over the years, Roger Becker (RGB) who retired in January following 44 years of service, will have a series of Lotus Elise and Lotus Exige sports cars in bespoke RGB Special Edition specification produced and set for release from September 2010.

The Elise SC and Exige S RGB Special Editions will both be specified to a high level with Sports and Touring packs as standard. The Elise SC RGB Special Edition has a supercharged 217 hp (220 ps) 1.8 litre engine which blesses it with a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds (0-100kmh in 4.6 seconds). The Lotus Exige S RGB Special Edition uses the range topping 257 (260 ps) supercharged and intercooled 1.8 litre engine which endows it with a 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds and a phenomenal aerodynamic downforce figure of 92.5 lbs (42 kg) at 100 mph (160 kmh).

Roger Becker said, "I am honoured that Lotus has named these two special editions after me, especially as it allows me to offer the customer my favourite specifications. The past 44 years have been an incredible journey and I'm looking forward to watching Lotus progress in the future, I have no doubt that the company will continue to go from strength to strength."

Both the Elise SC and the Exige S RGB Special Editions are available in four colours, Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow & Carbon Grey and each one is identified by a numbered interior plaque, Roger Becker's signature on the side of the bodywork and special monochrome Lotus nose badge.

At the end of 2010, production of the European versions of the Elise R and SC and the Exige S and Cup 260, which use the 1.8 litre 2ZZ VVTL-i engines supplied by Toyota, will finish due to changes in legislation and the introduction of "Euro 5" Type Approval which does not apply to these cars. Production of the Elise R and SC and the Exige S and Cup 260 will, however, continue for all other markets.

Andreas Prillmann, Chief Commercial Officer for Lotus Cars said, "I would like to thank Roger for his dedication to Lotus It's fitting that an exclusive number of the last of the 1.8 litre Elises and Exiges for Europe are dedicated to Roger, who has been instrumental in the development of so many Lotus cars over the years, in particularly the Evora, the Exige and the recent versions of the Elise. Not only has his extensive knowledge and learning been passed on to our team of talented and skilled engineers, but also his passion for the Lotus brand and heritage has helped Lotus grow into the world class organisation that it is today."

The new, super efficient 2011 Model Year Lotus Elise, introduced to the market earlier this year, will continue for all markets where it is sold including Europe.

The Lotus Elise SC RGB Special Edition in more detail:

• 217 hp (220 ps) supercharged 1.8 litre engine
• Lotus ultra lightweight forged alloy wheels
• Sport pack
• Touring pack
• Four paint colours - Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow & Carbon Grey
• Roger Becker signature on rear of the car
• Roger Becker numbered plaque
• Monochrome Lotus badges
• Air conditioning
• Recommended Retail Price:
  • UK: £38,550 (including VAT)
  • Euro Zone: € 43,655 (excluding regional taxes)
  • Switzerland: CHF 71,435 (excluding taxes)

Official European Combined Cycle = 8.5 litres / 100 km (33.2 mpg)
Official European Extra Urban Cycle = 6.4 litres/100 km (44.1 mpg)
Official European Urban Cycle = 11.8 litre/100 km (23.9 mpg)
199 g/km of CO2

The Lotus Exige S RGB Special Edition in more detail:

• Standard Features
• 257 hp (260 ps) Supercharged 2ZZ 1.8 engine
• Lotus ultra lightweight forged alloy wheels
• Performance pack
• Sport pack
• Touring pack
• Four paint colours - Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow & Carbon Grey
• Roger Becker signature on rear of car
• Roger Becker numbered plaque
• Monochrome Lotus badges
• Structural shear panel which gives increases lateral stiffness to the rear subframe by 30%
• Air conditioning
• Recommended Retail Price:
  • UK: £41,950 (including VAT)
  • Euro Zone: € 50,042 (excluding regional taxes)
  • Switzerland: CHF 81,887 (excluding taxes)

Official European Combined Cycle = 8.5 litres / 100 km (33.2 mpg)
Official European Extra Urban Cycle = 6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg)
Official European Urban Cycle = 11.9 litre/100 km (23.7 mpg)
199 g/km of CO2

Press release announcing Roger Becker’s retiremen:

Roger Becker Lotus' Director of Vehicle Engineering is retiring from Group Lotus after a long career of 44 years.

Roger, 64, joined Lotus in 1966, working on the Elan assembly line at Cheshunt, but his natural driving and engineering skills came to the attention of Lotus founder Colin Chapman and Roger was quickly moved to the vehicle development team where he worked directly with Mike Kimberley (former Lotus CEO) on the Lotus Europa Twin Cam - his first Lotus car development project.

During his career at Lotus, Roger has been responsible for the development of every Lotus car, including the legendary Esprit, Excel, Elan, Elise, Exige and the new critically acclaimed Lotus Evora. Roger has helped to maintain the philosophies laid down by Colin Chapman and has ensured that the essence and purity of Lotus is instilled in all new Lotus cars. He also has imparted his chassis engineering knowledge and development skills to many of the world's major automotive manufacturers in support of Lotus' consultancy engineering business.

On his retirement, Roger Becker said, "I have had a dream career at Lotus, with the honour of not only working directly for Colin Chapman but also working with some of the finest people in the motor industry. With the Lotus Evora successfully entering the market with unprecedented global adulation, and at 64 years of age, I feel now is the natural time to retire. The Evora has given me my finest hour at Lotus and I leave knowing it will be the foundation of all our next generation cars. The product engineering team will build on this to develop many more award-winning products and I wish them every success for what promises to be a very exciting future for Lotus cars and the Lotus brand."

Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus plc said, "On behalf of all the staff at Lotus, I would like to thank Roger for his contribution to Lotus over 44 years and we wish him well in his retirement."

Video:Seat Leon Cupra R Launched in the U.K.

The Spanish brand has announced today the Seat Leon Cupra R UK price and the fact that the first cars will hit British shores in a few weeks.

The production of the Seat Leon is sending only 500 copies to the U.K. of its hot new Leon Cupra R. The price is $37,350 and the first cars arrive "within weeks," according to the manufacturer.

Standard equipment includes XDS, ESP stability control, TCS traction control and EBA emergency braking assistance, a sporty twin central exit exhaust pipes within a customised rear diffuser, extended rear spoiler, ‘R’ badging and gloss black highlighting inside and out.

The 2010 Seat Leon Cupra R extracts 265 PS and 350 Nm of torque from a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine, which translates into a top speed of 155 mph, needing 6.2 seconds when accelerating from 0 to 62 mph.

At the same time, the car gets 34.9 mpg, while spewing out only 190 grams of CO2 per kilometer.  Other features include XDS, a system that retools the anti-lock brakes to mimic a limited slip differential.  Stability control, traction control, and emergency brake assistance is also included.




Press Release

SEAT's scorching Leon Cupra R is here!

Just weeks after SEAT launched its most economical Leon to date in the shape of the latest Ecomotive the stylish Spanish brand is teeing up the showroom debut of its most potent Leon yet: the awesome Cupra R.

While the green-themed new Ecomotive with its road tax-busting CO2 rating of just 99g/km is all about economy and environmental responsibility the 265 PS Cupra R is, undeniably, aimed at ultra-hot hatch enthusiasts with high octane fuel coursing through their veins.

Storming into UK showrooms now, and due to face the glare of the nation's motoring media at a launch event in the next few days, the latest Leon is nothing less than the most powerful SEAT yet offered for sale in the brand's 25-year UK history.

That 265 PS power peak is the product of a tuned 2.0-litre, four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine - revised by the engineers at SEAT's state-of-the-art Technical Centre in Martorell to make it more potent, even, than the current Leon Cupra which is good for a still impressive 240 PS from its 2.0-litre powerplant.

The 16V petrol engine features a new, high-pressure fuel pump injector to satisfy the greater performance demands and allow it to meet strict EU5 emissions standards while revisions to the electronic engine management system, plus increased maximum turbo pressure (1.9 bar at max output and 2.2 bar at max torque, versus 1.8 bar for the 240 PS 2.0-litre TSI in Leon Cupra) complete the powerplant changes beneath the SEAT's svelte ‘clamshell' bonnet.

The torque generated by the new Cupra R's refined and willing engine is, arguably, even more impressive than its power peak. No less than 350 Nm is on offer at just 2,500 rpm - that's a full 50 Nm more than the already muscular Leon Cupra.

Naturally, the challenge of harnessing all this urge in a front-wheel drive set-up has been comprehensively met by SEAT's engineers who have applied a host of effective yet unobtrusive aids to the task.

XDS - SEAT's clever electronic system which uses enhanced ABS functionality to mimic the operation of a traditional limited slip differential - ESP stability control, TCS traction control and EBA emergency braking assistance are among the new car's standard-fit kit and work together to help keep things on the straight and narrow.

The result? Near-supercar levels of acceleration and performance. The benchmark 0-62 mph dash is dispatched in only 6.2 seconds while, where legal, Leon Cupra R drivers can thence press onward to a top speed of 155 mph. Impressive stuff.

As impressive, perhaps, is the new Leon's frugality. Combined economy of 34.9 mpg and CO2 limited to just 190 g/km make the newcomer among the ‘greenest' ultra-hot hatches around. Not green enough to qualify for the brand's Ecomotive badge, of course, but markedly more environmentally responsible than a number of rivals which have CO2 emissions of 220 g/km and above.

The Cupra R's standard six-speed manual gearbox has not escaped the development engineers' attention either: modifications include a shorter ‘throw' (down by six millimetres) to help the driver achieve even faster changes.

As stylish as it is swift, the latest Leon has undergone a number of bespoke styling modifications, inside and out, to elevate its kerbside appeal and deliver the necessary air of exclusivity demanded by what will be an elite hot hatch.

Among the changes are the addition of sporty twin central exit exhaust pipes within a customised rear diffuser, discreet extended high level rear spoiler, subtle ‘R' badging and the careful application of gloss black highlighting inside and out.

The new ebony black front seatbacks even give rear seat occupants a taste of the Cupra R cabin upgrade, while the prominent ‘R' logo incorporated on the seatbacks leaves no one in any doubt about the identity of this super-quick SEAT.

Mighty 19-inch ‘Potenza' wheels, available in traditional silver alloy or contemporary white finish, mark out the ‘R' as something extra special and ensure the car becomes the first SEAT model to use 19-inch wheels on this platform.

UK pricing for the new Leon Cupra R is confirmed at £25,205, production is limited to around 500 in a full year, and the first customer cars are due to be delivered within weeks.

Welcoming the long-awaited arrival of SEAT's most powerful model to date the brand's UK Product Marketing Manager, Andy Medcraft, said: ‘The Leon Cupra R is a special car for us not just because it is the most powerful, fastest and most extreme production model we have yet made.

‘It also clearly illustrates what makes SEAT stand out from the crowd, and is our brand's familiar 'auto emoción' slogan made metal.

'We're anticipating a huge surge of interest around the showroom debut of this exclusive car and I know our dealers nationwide can't wait to welcome it.'

Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell [Video]

Mercedes Benz made an official announcement during the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show to bring a fully-electric version of its SLS AMG supercar. Almost a year after, the company has finally developed a prototype of the proposed model that looks stunning and sounds great in performance according to the recent leak of details on the web.

The Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell, showing a bright yellow exterior paint job in these official images, is ready for its debut. We bet Daimler will unveil the full picture on the Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell in a few days time. Much like the Audi eTron, the Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell is also powered by four electric motors, one for each wheel. The total output of the Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell is rated by the company at 526 hp and 649 lb-ft of torque. What's even more amazing about the new model is that it revs as a bike - up to 12,000 rpm. Too bad electric motors don't make enough noise.

The electric version of its Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS develops 533 HP and 590 lb-ft of torque. The model can accelerate from 0-60 mph in four seconds and is equipped with lithium-ion batteries. The technical details above are valid for the prototype model, the production version is not completed yet. Moreover, the autonomy and the necessary time to load a SLS AMG E-Cell are unraveled elements.


The interior of the car has also been modified, as it has been adapted to the needs of an electric vehicle. The instrument cluster now features charge status & estimated range displays, while the center console features a ten-inch touch screen display that offers information about the electric power.

External changes include the addition of an extendable front apron and splitter, a wider grille, revised air intakes in the hood, LED headlamps, plus a luminescent yellow paint scheme with matte-black accents.

Other changes – apart from the fitting of the electric motors and the bank of lithium polymer batteries housed in the centre tunnel and a box behind the cockpit – include an extendable front splitter which works with a reshaped rear diffuser to up the available rear downforce beyond the standard SLS, thanks in no small part to the lack of an exhaust system. Inside, the SLS E-Cell gets a 10″ touch screen in the centre console which displays the flow of power from the four electric motors as well as the usual infotainment stuff.

GM Backtracks On Plan To Nix Chevy Nickname [Video]

General Motors Co. on Thursday backed off a "poorly worded" internal memo that asked employees to refer to the brand only as "Chevrolet" -- not its long-standing nickname -- in an effort to create consistency.

In the original memo, employees were discouraged from using the "Chevy" nickname for the Chevrolet brand. GM later issued a statement to clarify the intention of the memo, saying that it was only meant to help establish Chevrolet as a global brand and that employees needed to be more focused in their communications in referencing the brand.

General Motors said " 'Chevy' will continue to reflect the enthusiasm of customers and fans."
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The internal memo was part of an effort to develop a consistent brand name as it establishes a significant global presence.

In a video also issued by GM to correct itself, Alan S. Batey, vice president for Chevrolet sales and service, said, "Chevy is our nickname. It comes from selling vehicles here in the U.S. for 100 years. We love it when people call us Chevy." Batey was one of the two GM officials who signed the original memo.

On Facebook, brand pages include Chevy Camaro, Chevy Silverado and Team Chevy.

General Motors also stated that they were reconsidering resurrecting the talifin. A sudden resurgence of the love for the 1959 Chevrolet is rumored to be the reason.





Press Release

Statement on the use of Chevrolet and Chevy

"Chevy" will continue to reflect the enthusiasm of customers and fans

2010-06-10 DETROIT -- Today's emotional debate over a poorly worded memo on our use of the Chevrolet brand is a good reminder of how passionately people feel about Chevrolet. It is a passion we share and one we do not take for granted.

We love Chevy. In no way are we discouraging customers or fans from using the name. We deeply appreciate the emotional connections that millions of people have for Chevrolet and its products.

In global markets, we are establishing a significant presence for Chevrolet, and need to move toward a consistent brand name for advertising and marketing purposes. The memo in question was one step in that process.

We hope people around the world will continue to fall in love with Chevrolets and smile when they call their favorite car, truck or crossover "Chevy."

2011 Subaru WRX STI at Nurburgring [Video]

Subaru today announced that the Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan has become the fastest WRX STI Ever. It recorded a Nurburgring time of 7’55’’00, the fastest lap time ever in a Subaru.The production car goes on sale this summer.

Some of the upgrades received by the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI sedan include an improved chassis and suspension, and as Makinen commented, the car is controllable and precise even on tricky corners.

The test 2011 Subaru STI Sedan has the same turbo brake calipers, flexible tower bar and front lip spoiler as the R205 model from Japan. The car also has the same Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires and aluminum hood as the 2011 Subaru STI spec C car.

The 2011 Subaru WRX STI is powered by a 305-hp turbocharged/intercooled 4-cylinder Boxer engine and 6-speed manual transmission. It comes with a lowered ride height and new pillow-ball, higher-rate springs for both front and rear suspensions, and spring rates increased by 15.6 percent in front and 53 percent in the rear.




Press Release

Subaru Releases Test Footage of Advanced Subaru WRX STI Research and Development from Nurburgring, Germany

CHERRY HILL, N.J., June 8 - Subaru today released footage covering advanced research and development carried out at the Nurburgring's racetrack in Germany, using a 2011MY Subaru WRX STI 4-door (sedan) test vehicle. Subaru has been using the famous Nordschleife course since 1992 for advanced R&D as well as tests of the WRX and WRX STI models. The video uploaded on the Subaru Global Site www.subaru-global.com features this year's development work. It is presented as a highlight of Subaru's persistent effort to stretch vehicle performance to unprecedented levels.

The concept of the 2011MY WRX STI is "The Fastest WRX STI Ever." At Subaru, the phrase "Fastest" refers to more than just top speed or maximum engine output. It implies driving with confidence. The WRX STI can be taken to its "fastest ever" performance by providing the driver with total driving control with confidence. Major upgrades to the 2011MY WRX STI focused on the chassis and suspension set-up, and tests at the Nurburgring demonstrated the supreme overall dynamics and linear behavior of the new STI. Tommi Makinen, the legendary four-time World Rally Champion, piloted the test vehicle for the development. He commented, "The car was controllable with precise and faithful handling even on tricky corners. I could easily predict the car's behavior. That is exactly what Subaru is offering, confidence. As a result, the 2011MY WRX STI test vehicle recorded 7'55''00, Subaru's fastest lap time ever, which is 4 seconds faster than the previous fastest time recorded in 2004."

The 2011MY WRX STI 4-door will go on sale world-wide this summer. Upgrades to the 4-door version will be carried over to the 5-door model.

Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 is the Ultimate Experience for Racing Games [Video]

Thrustmaster has just released its newest gaming accessory, The Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition will make you feel like you really are racing in a luxury racing car. The Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition features resembles is a cockpit ensemble that includes a built-in wheel and pedal set that will work on PS3 and a PC.

The wireless system is compatible with the PlayStation 3 and PC (Xbox fans are left stranded by the side of the road), but if you thought the actual Scuderia was expensive, the 23-pound Thrustmaster setup will set you back $250.

For starters, the whole setup is wireless. Plug the 2.4 GHz receiver into the USB port of a PC or PS3, and you'll be driving in no time. No pesky cables to trip over or wear out. We're also assuming it sends the standard peripheral signals Windows and PS3 games understand, which would make it compatible with any well-developed racing game. Aside from brake and accelerator pedals, the paddle shifters and buttons built into the steering wheel provide a pretty comprehensive control suite.






Press Release:

Thrustmaster Unleashes Real Racing Power with Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition

Thrustmaster has created the ultimate cockpit that puts you in the driver's seat of your favorite racing games

New York, NY - (May 26, 2010) - Thrustmaster, the innovative PC and console accessory brand, unveils its newest gaming accessory release: a pre-equipped, streamlined, Ferrari-licensed cockpit, that's foldable and ready to be set up anywhere. The Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition is a cockpit ensemble featuring a built-in wheel and pedal set, for PlayStation® 3 and PC. It lets users experience the thrills of racing under conditions very close to those on real race tracks – without having to leave their living room. This compact, practical and efficient racing cockpit will be available in June 2010 for the SRP $249.99.

Wireless Cockpit Ensemble - The cockpit ensemble is wireless, featuring a range of more than 10 meters and 50 hours of battery life: it's got everything you need for great performance, whether in quick runs around the track, or endurance racing.

Optimal Stability - With a wide, solid base and a total weight of 23lbs., stability is optimal. The cockpit's construction is completely solid, thanks to its rigid metal structure, perfect for maintaining your racing lines, even through quick turns.

Adjustable Cockpit - The cockpit is fully adjustable, for an infinite number of possible positions according to the user's size (adult/child) and seating type (sofa/chair). It also features a mechanism which locks in place once the position has been selected. Foldable, with a detachable wheel and carrying handle, the cockpit takes up minimum space for easy storage when the race is over.

Absolute Precision Technology - This new racing release also provides absolute precision, thanks to the H.E.A.R.T HallEffect Accurate Technology™ system (12-bit precision, with 4096 values on the wheel's axis): it will give you the edge you need to take up the pole position.

Streamlined Design - The Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition has a streamlined design with smooth and harmonious lines, and features the metallic colors of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia's "musetto".

Programmable Wheel Replica of Ferrari 430 Scuderia - The wheel, 11" in diameter, is a replica of that found on the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, down to the smallest details – from the 5-position Manettino dial which lets users configure their car directly in the race, to the sequential gearshift levers crafted of metal, and rubber-textured grip. The wheel is 100% programmable and features an internal memory.

Magnetic Resistance Pedals - The metal pedals, inspired by those in the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, are built directly into the cockpit, and provide a long range of travel, for even greater realism. The brake pedal even features magnetic resistance for enhanced performance.

2011 Citroen C4 【Video】

Citroen unveiled today the first details on the new generation C4 that will make its world debut at the Paris Auto Show.

With its sculpted lines and high quality finish, New C4 cuts a distinctive profile, striking an impression of strength, stability and balanced proportions. Defined and flowing surfaces, such as the purposeful front end and rear spoiler, hint at the model’s optimised aerodynamics. The tasteful addition of chrome detailing combines with the dynamic headlight styling and sculpted alloy wheels to give the new model a premium presence.

The 2011 Citroen C4 is 4.33 meters in long, 1.79 meters wide and 1.49 meters, features a stylish exterior and interior and uses high-quality materials in combination with the latest technologies.

Inside the cabin, Citroen has added a new steering wheel, more chrome, and an improved center stack. There will be a high-tech instrument cluster, an eTouch system which monitors fuel consumption and driving habits, massaging front seats and a blind spot monitoring system.

Under the hood, we can expect the usual turbocharged petrols and HDi diesels. More importantly, Citroen will launch a C4 Hybrid with a 1.6-liter e-HDi diesel engine. While details are limited, the hybrid will feature regenerative braking, an engine stop/start system, and low-rolling resistance tires. Emissions are expected to be 109 g/km, but those numbers could fall to 99 g/km in more eco-friendly variants.

The company announces the 2011 Citroen C4 will be eqquiped with the new micro-hybrid e-HDi powertrains that feature the Stop & Start system and emit around 109g/km of CO2.

The 2011 Citroen C4 price has not been announced yet, but the company says it will premiere it at the Paris Motor Show in September. The new model will be launched early next year.








Press Release

THE NEW CITROËN C4: FIRST DETAILS REVEALED

Citroën has released first details of the brand new C4. Designed to exceed the highest expectations, the New Citroën C4 boasts a real positive energy - with exceptional levels of quality, style, interior space and occupant comfort, as well as responsive handling and impressive environmental credentials.

As with the New C5 in 2008 and New C3 earlier this year, the New Citroën C4 once again demonstrates the expertise of the brand in creating stylish and innovative vehicles with relevant technological advances.

With its sculpted lines and high quality finish, New C4 cuts a distinctive profile, striking an impression of strength, stability and balanced proportions. Defined and flowing surfaces, such as the purposeful front end and rear spoiler, hint at the model’s optimised aerodynamics. The tasteful addition of chrome detailing combines with the dynamic headlight styling and sculpted alloy wheels to give the new model a premium presence.

Promising precise control and accomplished handling, New C4’s driver focused cabin environment combines with impressive acoustic comfort and soundproofing to deliver a true impression of on-road confidence.

New C4 features compact exterior dimensions and generous internal volumes that make it spacious and thoroughly versatile. At just 4.33m long, 1.79m wide and 1.49m high, New C4 is just 5cm longer, 2cm wider and 3cm taller than the current model. The 408-litre boot is the biggest in its class, with practical square dimensions and a lower sill that makes loading even easier.

In addition to optimised accessibility and practicality, the New C4 offers a genuine feeling of well-being on-board
- with spacious, comfortable seating and impressive occupant headroom. Personal comfort in the New C4 can be tailored to suit individual requirements with users able to adjust the colour of the driver’s instrument display, select their own ‘polyphonic’ sound alerts, finely adjust the intensity of the air-conditioning and even immerse themselves in the rich surround-sound of the new audio system. Some models even come with a new massage function on the front seats.