Cobra Technology Nissan GT-R

Cobra Technology has released some pictures and info on it's tuned Nissan GT-R, the Cobra N+ Tuning Concept. Here's what you need to know: When equipped with the Stage One package, output rises to 550 hp while torque grows to 500 lb-ft. So equipped, Cobra says its GT-R will run to 62 mph in under 3.5 seconds and max out at 199 mph. If that isn't enough, a planned race performance version is expected to pump out 620 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.



To get those numbers, Cobra reprograms the ECU, ups the boost pressure by 0.15 bar and modifies the air intake. A new free-flowing stainless-steel exhaust system is also in the works and the upgrades aren't just restricted to the engine bay. Cobra has worked its magic on the suspension, wheels and brakes. Three-piece, 21-inch, lightweight rollers make room for eight-piston brake calipers and 15.9-inch discs up front, and the coil-over suspension features adjustable ride height and damper rates.



The interior gets two options: luxurious Alcantara and leather, or racing-spec carbon fiber seats and a roll cage. Exterior changes include a front fascia claimed to reduce lift and improve cooling, new rocker panels, and a reworked rump with an integrated diffuser and a larger wing.



The Cobra N+ tuning program will be available when the Nissan GT-R reaches the European market in the spring of 2009. Check the press release below for more juicy details.



PRESS RELEASE



The COBRA N+ Tuning Concept for the New Nissan GT-R



Rarely has a new car attracted this much attention a full year before its official market launch. The Nissan GT-R reaches for the stars on the wings of a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine with 485 hp / 356.9 kW and permanent four-wheel drive. The development of an extensive tuning program at COBRA N+, the division of Cobra Technology amp; Lifestyle (Alleestrasse 15-19, D-33818 Leopoldshohe, Germany, phone +49 / (0) 52 02 / 99 92 60, fax +49 / (0) 52 02 / 99 92 50, Internet www.cobra-sor.com) that exclusively deals with the customization and tuning of Nissan automobiles, is running at full steam.



Power can only be substituted with more power. The COBRA N+ engineers are already hard at work developing engine tuning for the turbocharged engine. The first tuning stage is projected to deliver 550 hp / 404.8 kW, with an increase in torque to 680 Nm. To achieve this goal the engine electronics are reprogrammed, boost pressure is increased by 0.15 bar and the air intake is modified with sport air filters. Also under development is a free-flow COBRA N+ stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts.



Thus powered the Nissan GT-R from COBRA N+ will sprint to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of some 320 km/h. Plans exist for a COBRA N+ RACE PERFORMANCE engine version with 620 hp / 456.3 kW and a peak torque of approximately 800 Nm.



COBRA N+ also adds further sporty character to suspension, wheels and brakes of the new top-of-the-line model from the Japanese carmaker. Three-piece, extremely lightweight 21-inch COBRA N+ light-alloy wheels are slated to fill out the space beneath the wheel arches perfectly. They'll also create the necessary space for COBRA N+ eight-piston brake calipers and 405-mm brake discs on the front axle. A COBRA N+ coil-over suspension gives the sports car even better handling. It features a multitude of selectable settings for ride height and damper rates.



The COBRA N+ tuning concept for the GT-R also includes a sporty designer suit. The front of the two-door car receives added character with a new COBRA N+ front apron with large air dams. The aerodynamic-enhancement part also reduces lift on the front axle and improves cooling-air supply of radiators and front brakes. COBRA N+ rocker panels ensure optimal air flow between front and rear wheel arches. The rear is upgraded with a new COBRA N+ rear apron with integrated diffuser, and a larger COBRA N+ rear airfoil. The COBRA N+ Speed and Stripes decal kit accentuates the striking lines of the sportscar.



For customizing the interior COBRA N+ offers two different options. Nissan GT-R owners can choose from a luxurious COBRA N+ interior with specially sewn upholstery for seats and doors, made from a high-quality combination of leather and Alcantara, and a COBRA N+ racing cockpit with ultra-light carbon-fiber racing seats, six-point seatbelts and roll cage.



The COBRA N+ tuning program for the Nissan GT-R will be available for the car's European market launch in the spring of 2009.

Innotech Chevrolet Corvette

Independent Czech manufacturer Innotech first came on the automotive scene in 2000 with the Mysterro, a supercar with a carbon fiber and Kevlar body and a Corvette V8. The company initially planned a run of 25 cars, but only one was produced.



Now Innotech is back on the scene with a new styling package for the C6 Corvette with additional upgrade options for the interior, brakes, wheels, suspension, and engine.



The design has a heavy Italian influence as evident primarily by the front end design. A speedster will follow, along with Z06 and ZR1 options. The package is a nice alternative for those looking to distance themselves from the typical Corvette crowd.



[Source: Innotech]





PRESS RELEASE:



INNOTECH's Corvette lineup, starting in January 2009 with modified C6 Corvette coupe and convertible (based on 2005-2009 models), is for sports car enthusiasts seeking exotic body styling combined with great performance. INNOTECH Corvettes offer the best mix of unique styling, exiting performance and great value for money.



Styling: Compared to a stock C6 Corvette Coupe or Convertible, INNOTECH´s approach results in a more distinctive looking, sporting, and elegant body design, evoking an Italian lineage. INNOTECH Corvette features a new front and rear fascia which set it appart from competition. Combined with new INNOTECH rear window side louvres, the styling of the car stands out of the crowd. There is a choice of stock or louvered hood, with other distinctive body parts coming in 2009. A wide body kit will also be available for C6 Coupe and Convertible. All new INNOTECH body parts are made in fiberglass or carbon fibre.



Corvette interior upgrades include fine Italian or English leather and optional carbon fibre seats with leather upholstery.



INNOTECH Corvette styling packages can be combined with various performance upgrades (from mild to wild).



Brakes: BAER or Brembo 14´´(355mm) or 15´´(380mm) ventilated, drilled and slotted rotors, 4 or 6 piston calipers.



Wheels: forged aluminum 9x19´´ front and 12x20´´rear, HRE or Forgeline (also with optional center lock hub), offered in several wheel designs. Dymag carbon-magnesium wheels option.



Exhaust systems: modified headers, mufflers and tips for better flow, sound and appearance.



Engines and transmissions: Corvette engines : LS2 (6.0L) or LS3 (6.2L), performance modified to 500 hp – 560 hp if naturally aspirated, or 600 hp – 1000 hp supercharged or twin-turbocharged. The engines are mated with Corvette 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.



Performance: INNOTECH Corvette C6 Coupe (e.g. naturally aspirated 560 hp LS3 engine) with approx. 1400 kg curb weight has one of the best power/weight ratios available. Supercharged and turbocharged versions give extreme, but streetable supercar performance.



Several distinctive INNOTECH Corvette Packages and Limited Editions, both performance and luxury oriented, will be offered to discriminating buyers in 2009.



During 2009 we will create an exiting INNOTECH C6 Speedster, as well as customized INNOTECH C6 Z06 and ZR1 versions (the above mentioned INNOTECH rear fascia and rear window side louvres already fit Z06 and ZR1 models). – With five distinctive bodies for the sixth generation Corvette, combined with many performance upgrades, INNOTECH will offer more attractive Corvette choices than anyone. Although INNOTECH company is based in the Czech Republic, INNOTECH cars will be assembled in the USA. Modified Corvette parts as well as complete cars will be delivered worldwide, while USA is supposed to become a key market for INNOTECH Corvettes.



CONSTRUCT company, the largest Czech manufacturer of vehicle anti-theft systems, has been technological partner of INNOTECH Corvette project.



For more info please visit INNOTECH Corvette new web site www.innotechcorvettes.com which is currently under construction and will be launched around New Year.

Steve Saleen announces 2010 Signature Series Mustangs

It seems like yesterday when the 2010 Ford Mustang finally made it's official debut, and the hype has been non stop. Tuners have expectedly jumped on the wagon to develop parts and special edition versions of the Mustang. With the economy as flat as it is, a series of new pony cars this year and next will hopefully help to revive the aftermarket.



Steve Saleen has announced the first special edition of the new car, called the Signature Series 460 Mustangs. Each will features a supercharged version of the 4.6 liter V8, starting out at 475 horsepower and going all the way up to 650. The mechanicals of the new Mustang are largely carryover from the previous model, which is good news for enthusiasts as a full market of parts is already available.



Aerodynamic enhancements for the SMS Mustang will be penned by noted designer Phil Frank, and the cars will also feature upgrades for the drivetrain, suspension, tires, wheels and more upscale interior. Check the press release below for more details.



[Source: SMS Supercars]



PRESS RELEASE:



Dec 14, 2008 - Orange County, California. Steve Saleen announced today that he and his new company SMS (Steve's initials) will design, engineer, certify and manufacture an all-new family of ultra-high performance Mustangs. Steve's 25 year legacy with the Mustang will continue into the next quarter century with the launch of his 2010 Signature Series SMS 460 Mustangs.



The introduction of the SMS 460 Mustangs keeps Steve Saleen in the saddle with the model that made him famous as a manufacturer of high performance sports cars. Since leaving his former company, Saleen, Inc., Steve has entered exciting new territory with SMS. The first products to wear the new badge - the SMS 570 Challenger and SMS 570X Challenger, will begin shipping in late January.



"After 25 years of rich Mustang heritage, I am excited to begin work on the 2010 model" explains Steve. "Ford has hit the spot with the excellent new Mustang package and has provided me with an outstanding starting point. "The SMS 460 Mustangs will be truly world class performance vehicles and they will be available though the entire Ford dealer network!"



Hinting at the character of his latest creation, Steve says, "We are carrying over a host of performance features and innovations from my SMS Twenty Fifth Anniversary model, which is a stunning performer and an aesthetic beauty!"



The fully-certified and street-legal SMS 460 Mustangs are based on the exciting 2010 Mustang GT platform and will feature an SMS Supercharged 4.6L engine with power ratings from 475 to over 650 horsepower! Both models will feature extensive design refinements and performance innovations, including the patented SMS Red Butterfly Induction™ hood and a full compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components. Look for all-new and upgraded drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.



"The 2010 Mustang already has an exciting and sculptural exterior, as well as new, up-scale interior," notes Phil Frank, SMS Chief Creative Officer. "The SMS 460 Mustangs will evolve our design DNA in a more aggressive and aerodynamic direction."



Each of these limited edition vehicles will be hand signed by Steve Saleen as part of the SMS Signature Series product line, complete with unique badges and graphics. Annual production volume will be restricted, adding to the exclusivity of ownership. Contracts are issued on a first-come first-served basis and deposits are now being accepted for early production numbers scheduled for build in the second quarter of 2009.



Interested customers can contact SMS Supercars directly by calling (714) 400-2121 or by logging onto to www.smssupercars.com.

Tesla Roadster runs an "electric" 12.7 second quarter mile

Now that the Tesla Roadster has been released with version 1.5 of it's drivetrain, it was time to run her down the ol' quarter mile. The electric sports car responded with an impressive 12.7 second time slip.



The first powertrain that was installed in the electric car used a two-speed transmission, while the latest v1.5 needs just one speed for seamless power delivery from zero to the car's top speed. That should make the Roadster an excellent bracket car, especially considering it was able to put down such impressive numbers with a novice racer behind the wheel who posted a relatively poor .764 reaction time. Its terminal velocity was nearly 105 miles per hour.

KTM X-Bow - Coming to a highway near you!

Famed Austrian motorcycle builder KTM recently unveiled its first-ever passenger car, the 1650-lb, 240-hp X-Bow, and unlike most low-volume vehicles that are scary-fast and a bit dangerous, reports suggest this one will actually be street-legal in America.



Deliveries of the X-Bow are already being made in Europe and Asia. Up until now, KTM stated that the car would only be approved in the U.S. for use on racetracks. As Hubert Trunkenpolz, managing director of sales and marketing, now says, "We will do whatever is possible to bring the car to the U.S. -- that, I promise." Originally intended to be produced at a rate of 500 vehicles per year, the motorcycle builder has already gotten more than 600 requests for X-Bows from the U.S. alone.



The X-Bow is essentially unchanged from the car that is currently racing in the GT4 European Cup. The mid-engine sports car features Audi's 2.0L, TFSI turbo four-cylinder coupled to a six-speed manual transmission making 240 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque between 2000 and 5000 rpm. When combined with a VW-sourced limited-slip differential, this powertrain rockets the little roadster from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.9 sec.



KTM is currently looking to partner with VW/Audi for assistance in clearing any legals hurdles that may get in the way of introducing the car to U.S. roads. However, Trunkenpolz believes the company will do what is necessary to make this happen, saying, "At the end of the day we want to see this car on the streets in America." Given its many unusual features -- among other things it lacks a full windshield, instrument panel, heating system, and doors -- buyers will most likely be required to take a class to help them understand the X-Bow's dynamics and handling, but after that they should be free to hop in the car and take to the streets.



So line up thrill seekers. For those of you who think the Lotus Elise is too soft or offers too many creature comforts, you car will soon arrive.