Power to the People: BBR-Cosworth Supercharge Mazda MX-5 to 235HP

Owners of the latest generation MX-5 / Miata seeking more oomph from Mazda's best seller will be happy to know that BBR has joined forces with Cosworth Engineering to develop a supercharged conversion package for the 2.0-liter version. The BBR-Cosworth collaboration for the Mk3 2.0-litre MX-5 focuses around a fourth-generation Eaton MP62 supercharger mated to a Cosworth designed cast integral inlet manifold, which is said to be optimized for both performance and fuel economy - although we'd take the latter with a grain of salt. 


In stock form, the MX-5's 2.0-liter naturally aspirated powerplant delivers 158-horsepower. After the implementation of the supercharger and Cosworth's inlet manifold, output is lifted to a dyno proven 235 bhp at 7130 rpm, with a healthy 190 lb.ft of torque available at 5260 rpm. That's an increase of 77 bhp and 51 lb.ft over the standard model. 

The company said the fitted price for the BBR-Cosworth Mazda MX-5 Mk3 supercharger upgrade kit is set in Britain at £4,995 (approx. US$7,750). BBR added that it will also be supplying BBR-Cosworth kits for DIY fitting, complete with all options and full installation instructions, but the tuning house has not yet released pricing.

BBR–Cosworth Mazda MX-5 MK3 supercharger specification

• Cosworth Inlet manifold housing
• Eaton 4th generation MP62 Supercharger
• Intercooler (Air to water)
• High flow calibrated injectors
• High flow air box, with high flow air filter
• Competition high grade hoses and fixings throughout
• BBR Auxiliary Interceptor 2010 engine control unit (ECU) with 3-D mapping and MAP sensor
• BBR-Cosworth identification badges

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Mazda car model MX-5

VIDEO: Bang, Bang, Bang it's the 2012 Hyundai Azera Sedan

Having wow'd us with teaser renderings at first followed shortly after by official real-life photographs, Hyundai continues to build hype around its all-new-2012 Azera before the full reveal by giving the car a promotional role in a South Korean TV drama called "The Fugitive Plan B".
While official information around the new Azera, which will be sold as the Grandeur in its home market, remains scarce, one of our South Korean readers, Jinhwan H. claims that word around local news sites is that the car will be offered locally with a choice of three engines. These include the Sonata's 2.4-liter GDI with 200hp and 184.4lb-ft torque, a 3.0-liter V6 GDI delivering 263hp and 225.7lb-ft torque plus a 3.0-liter LPI running on Liquefied Petroleum Gas with 230hp, 204.7lb-ft torque.


For the North American version there is talk about the 2012 Azera being offered with the 263HP 3.0-liter GDI V6 and a 3.3-liter GDI V6 producing 286HP and 254.6lb-ft torque, with power in both cases being transferred to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
We'll update the story as soon as Hyundai releases official intel.

Thanks to Jinhwan.H for the tip!

_______________________________VIDEOS_______________________________

Fiat and Chrysler Announce Plans to Build New Cars and SUVs for Alfa Romeo and Jeep at Mirafiori Plant

The Fiat Group has revealed plans to create a new joint venture with its North American partner Chrysler LLC at its historic Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy. Under the new plan, Fiat will bring a U.S. platform to Turin for production of larger segment passenger cars and SUVs for the Jeep and Alfa Romeo brands.

"These will be flagship models for Jeep and Alfa Romeo, the most international brands of the two Groups with significant development potential globally," said Fiat in a statement.

More than half of the vehicles to be produced at Fiat's Mirafiori plant would be for international markets outside the European Union and especially for North America. Although Fiat did not get into any specific details on the future models, the automaker said that they are expected to come to market in the third and fourth quarters of 2012.

"Bringing this new platform to Mirafiori will result in potential production of up to more than 1,000 vehicles per day or some 250,000-280,000 vehicles per year, resulting in full utilization of the current workforce and opening the way for potential new jobs," said Fiat.


The Italian automaker added that the total investment will be more than €1 billion, divided between Fiat and Chrysler in proportion to volumes produced for each brand.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity for Italian industry to produce cars of quality and prestige. Mirafiori has all the elements necessary to achieve a leap of quality and become a world class plant, producing cars for Europe, North America and other markets around the world," Fiat said in a statement released to the press.

Cute Lee Chae Eun also at Seoul Motor Show Preview.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

girl seoul motor show

Ford Mustang Wallpapers

Ford Mustang Sport Car

Ford Mustang Picture

Ford Mustang Interior

Ford Mustang View Front

Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang Wallpaper

2009 Ford Mustang Black Edition

Ford Mustang Wallpapers

Ford Mustang Sport Car

Ford Mustang Picture

Ford Mustang Interior

Ford Mustang View Front

Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang Wallpaper

Jeep Renegade Concept

jeep car

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeep Renegade Concept

A B-segment Jeep® concept vehicle, the Renegade is a sporty, "minimized" two-seater ideally suited for the all-weather fun of dune-surfing or rock-crawling.

"With an electric motor powering each axle, the Jeep Renegade concept is designed for a 'hang on and have fun experience,'" said Tony Shamenkov, Jeep Renegade concept principal exterior designer.

Constructed of environmentally responsible materials, sustainability is a key theme of the Jeep Renegade concept.Renegade is targeted at customers in the "Stylish Green" segment of the marketplace - those who are extremely environmentally oriented, appreciate high-tech and innovation, and enjoy performance combined with style in keeping with their "green" attitude.

Jeep Renegade Concept Technology

The advanced propulsion system in the Jeep Renegade concept starts with a 40-mile lithium-ion battery pack. A range extender - in Renegade's case, a small-displacement (1.5-liter, 3-cylinder) BLUETEC diesel engine - allows for journeys beyond 40 miles. In fact, the Jeep Renegade concept boasts a 400-mile range.

Renegade's BLUETEC diesel engine generates an additional 115 horsepower when needed, while greatly reducing exhaust emissions when compared to standard gasoline engines. Renegade is capable of achieving an equivalent petroleum fuel economy of 110 miles per gallon, which is four-to-five times greater than an equivalent gasoline-only vehicle.

The all-new Jeep Renegade concept's lightweight aluminium architecture and regen-braking system help to improve overall efficiency, while dual electric 200 kilowatt (268 horsepower) motors propel a very capable 4x4 system - complete with low range and locking differentials -- worthy of carrying the Jeep name.

Jeep Renegade Concept Exterior

The Jeep Renegade concept's "one-with-nature" personality is emphasized by its large, flaring wheel openings, oversized wheels and tyres, and cut-down speedster windshield -- all of which combine to deliver on the Renegade's promise of cross-country fun and agility.

Among the unique exterior details are "deconstructed" rubber-clad headlamps and tail lamps, as well as just-for-fun elongated triangular openings in each of the two sculpted doors.

While the Renegade features a roll bar, it has no top. Instead, the cargo deck just behind the cockpit can be fitted with a variety of "lids." Options include a plain lid, or lids configured to accommodate the gear of a particular outdoor day-trip activity, such as mountain biking or kayaking. Or it can come "as built" -- with formations designed to accommodate two matching water scooters with open storage underneath. Fluid-fill caps, a plug-in port and a first-aid kit are also included.

Jeep Renegade Concept Interior

Sustainability - a ratio between the energy needed to build and ship the vehicle as compared with the impact these processes have on the environment - is a key focus of the Jeep Renegade concept's interior design.

Materials used in constructing the Jeep Renegade concept were deliberately selected to be environmentally responsible, both in manufacture and end-of-vehicle-life recyclability.

Innovative construction includes one-piece moulded soy-based foam seats and doors, a one-piece co-moulded instrument panel with a urethane skin, a co-moulded aluminium/silicone steering wheel, a one-piece moulded chassis created without using environmentally-harmful resins, and a one-piece moulded interior compartment "tub." This environmental care in designing the Renegade's interior is aligned with Jeep's "harmony with nature" philosophy.

"The Jeep Renegade concept's interior — actually the entire vehicle — is designed to minimise the number of parts necessary for assembly and function," said Scott Anderson, principal interior designer of the Renegade concept. "We designed the Renegade with an eye toward simplification of systems, both in parts and processes."

The HVAC system, for example, is not coolant-based, while the colour, grain and gloss of the interior parts are moulded in one piece. Even the no-gloss exterior colour of the Renegade's lightweight composite body is moulded in to avoid the use of solvents present in automotive paints.

The dual-cockpit instrument panel is symmetrically balanced for easy "plug and play" left-hand drive and right-hand drive applications. There is no conventional wiring. Instead, the instrument panel features wireless electronics in sealed, self-contained units, removable by the customer. The panel is built about an exposed cross-car beam containing an integrated power strip, and on the passenger side, yaw, pitch and roll indicators (also built into the fluid-fill gauges). The instrument panel itself is hollow, allowing ample open storage below the beam. Separately-configured impact-absorbing vinyl-wrapped knee-blockers "float" beneath the cross-car beam.

The thin multi-plane acrylic instrument cluster mounts to the steering column, while the similar but separate centre control screen mounts on a swivel base -- providing easy access to both occupants.

Located at the intersection of the steering wheel's T-shaped spokes, the circular LED screen rotates, allowing the driver to select the drive mode, while a flattened rim provides roomier thigh clearance. A driver air bag is concealed beneath the screen. Red or green translucent shift buttons allow Park, Reverse or Drive selections.

The Jeep Renegade concept's sporty doors incorporate unique canvas-pull remote "handles," while the rush of the moving landscape visible through the door's elongated openings enhance the feeling of carefree, open-air mobility.

The Renegade's contoured, figure-form seats -- covered in scuba-like waterproof materials that are both soft-touch and flexible -- feature in-seat belts and unusual, hollow, lightweight upside-down "U-shaped" headrests. The seats feature a urethane skin with soy-based foam co-moulded with a composite substructure. The integral seatbelts, along with slender accent strips on the seats and instrument panel, repeat the Palm Metallic exterior colour.

A "thermal unit" in the centre console plugs into the electrical battery pack, permitting food to be either heated or cooled.

"Inspired by the simplicity and functionality of scuba diving gear, we wanted the interior of the Jeep Renegade concept to be weather-tight and durable," Anderson said.

The Renegade's wireless interior is designed to be hosed down. It features a drain in the floor, while the formations built into the floor mat are designed to channel water to the opening. Hollow-section billet-formed pedals float above the tub floor.

Fun, functional and fabricated from recyclable materials, the Jeep Renegade concept offers agile, capable performance without sacrificing the environment its drivers seek to explore. Keeping with Jeep owners' desire to use their vehicles as an extension of their active lives, they Jeep Renegade concept promotes enjoyment of the good things of the earth while taking care of its future.

Jeep Renegade Concept Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle Type: Range-extended Electric Vehicle (40-mile all-electric range with diesel range extender), Two-passenger, open-air

Weight and Dimensions

Weight/GVWR: 3150 lbs./3600 lbs.

Length: 153.0 inches/3885mm

Width at H-point: 62.9 inches/1598mm

Height: 56.3 inches/1431mm

Wheelbase: 101.6 inches/2580mm

Front overhang: 25.0 inches/634mm

Rear overhang: 26.4 inhces/671mm

Track front/rear: 62.2 inches/1580mm

Approach angle: 44.0 degrees

Departure angle: 52.0 degrees

Breakover angle: 32.0 degrees

Turn circle: 35 feet/10.7m

Maximum width: 71.4 inches/1814mm

Powertrain and Suspension

Layout: Four wheel drive with low range and locking differentials

Motor: Dual electric

Power: 200 kW (268 hp) x 2

Regenerative braking

Battery: 16 kWh Li-ion battery pack

Range extender: 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder diesel

Fuel volume: 10 gallons

Suspension

Front - SLA

Rear - Multi-link

Wheels and Tyres

Tyre size front/rear: 235/65R20x7.5 inches 32.1 inches/814mm

Tyre manufacturer: BF Goodrich

Colour Scheme

Exterior: Palm Metallic

Interior: Black

Key Performance Attributes

0-60 mph: 8.5 seconds

Standing ¼ mile: 13.6 seconds

Top speed: 90 mph

All-electric range: 40 miles

Total range: 400 miles

Fuel economy: 110 mpg (combined, est.)

Honda Reveals the CR-Z MUGEN

honda

For once, the hype and the rumors surrounding a car or project proved to be is as cool as it sounded, as Honda has revealed the first pics of the MUGEN version of the CR-Z hybrid. Unfortunately, the project is ongoing, so we can’t tell you to much about it, but the first tests have shown a lot of promise, especially from the performance point of view… as well as fuel consumption. We would have gotten away with perfection, were it not for those tree-hugging kids and their dog.
Early tests with a prototype car based on a standard CR-Z and a mid-tune engine have resulted in 0-60mph (0-98 km/h) times around that of the Civic Type R, thanks in part to the magic of supercharging. That’s all that Honda said, so we had to digg deeper to find out that translates to an acceleration in the mid six-second range.
MUGEN say they’ve achieved this by adding an extra 15 percent under the bonnet compared to the ‘stage 1’ level of tune. Despite the big wing on the back, the car has also shed some 50 kilograms (110 lbs).
Unfortunately, the performance division has turned into a bit green, so the Honda press release also talks about fuel consumption. Truth be told, we are impressed, but we just can’t bring ourselves to talk about mpg when we see that big wing and the orange paintwork.
“Early fuel consumption tests have also been encouraging,” says Colin Whittamore from MUGEN Euro. “We’ve retained the three driving modes from the standard car and economy ranges from 50+mpg in ‘eco’ mode to mid-30 mpg when tapping into the supercharged power in a special ‘MUGEN’ mode.”
[Source: autoevolution.com]

Hamann Victory II – Winged Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

The German tuning firm, Hamann has just brought out their new version of Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4; the Hamann Victory II. Hamann upgraded its engine performance and used carbon fiber to replace some of its body parts. One of its awesome upgrades is its doors; Hamann Victory II replaces the regular doors on the Gallardo LP560-4 with wing doors. Hamann also upgraded its body with a kit that includes a new rear diffuser, new wing, side skirts, front fenders and front apron. In addition to the upgrades Hamann also includes 20-inch Edition Race rims wrapped up in 235/30ZR20 tires up front and 325/25ZR20′s in the back, and a carbon layer to the hood.
Its appearance will surely catch your attention but Hamann Victory II is not only about the looks, it has been tuned up from 552 hp to 580 hp with a maximum torque of 575 N-m, attaining the speed of 204 miles per hour.

hamann victory car

Press Release:
HAMANN already presented the super sports car Victory based on the first Lamborghini Gallardo. With the latest Gallardo LP560-4, now also the new HAMANN Victory II is introduced. The car body becomes broader and the engine performance as well as the amount of carbon parts is significantly increased.
And what is the most essential part of a Lamborghini? Right, it is the wing doors. And nobody really knows why the Gallardo is not equipped with them straight away. HAMANN offers these for the Victory II. In addition, they offer an entire refinement of the original body design which starts with a new front apron in Race-design with a centre carbon part. With new fenders in the front and fender extensions in the back, the Victory II renders an even more remarkable appearance. Also, the extended side skirts and the air inlet on the roof – available in carbon as well – confirm this impression. The back of the car is enhanced by a diffuser and a newly designed rear wing which pushes the car onto the road at high speeds. HAMANN offers the rear wing either in fibre glass or the ultra light and persistent carbon. On top of that, a carbon layer can be applied to the bonnet.
HAMANN equips the Victory II with 20 inch Edition Race rims with a special varnish in order to emphasize the new dynamic look. At the same time, the reduced unsprung masses improve the handling and the acceleration and braking response. The recommended wheel/tyre combination is 9.5Jx20 inches with 235/30ZR20 tyres at the front and 13Jx20 rims with 325/25ZR20 tyres at the back.
By adjusting the engine electronics, HAMANN squeezes additional performance out of this Italian stallion, increasing its power to 427 kW/580 hp with a maximum torque of 575 Newton metres. Therefore, the HAMANN Victory II reaches an impressive 328 km/h top speed.
The impressive V10-Sound turns even more remarkable by applying an end muffler to the serial end pipes.
The interior of the HAMANN Victory II is enhanced by a 14-part carbon set which includes decorative blends, the steering wheel and the door openers. The HAMANN-sports seats with the carbon back render a perfect seating position. If desired, the HAMANN upholstery department can offer anything to make the customers’ hearts beat faster. Personalised floor mats or entire leather equipment, everything is handmade by master craftsmen. Individually designed for you and fitted to your car by experts.
For more information about the extensive HAMANN tuning programme, please visit the web site www.HAMANN-MOTORSPORT.com