2010 Sbarro Autobau Sports Cars Concept

Swiss performance car and replica builder Sbarro introduced another new concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show this year. Powered by a 500-horsepower 12-cylinder engine from Ferrari, the Sbarro Autobau is certain to tear up the pavement.

2010 Sbarro Autobau

Whether you love it or hate it, the Autobau is the only car of its kind at Geneva. While we mention the three-pointed front end, a la Speed Racer, it has also been compared with the Cylon Raider from Battlestar Galactica and the Pink Panther-mobile.

Designed by Frank Sbarro, the one-off concept is just wrong from every conceivable angle. The recessed front end looks like something out of a horror film, complete with what appear to the naked eye as limb-shearing saw blades. The flat windshield. The flaring nostrils. The up-swinging cockpit entry. Wrong, wrong and wronger.

The only thing right about the concept is the 550 hp Ferrari V12 engine fitted in back. But even that waste of a good engine should be construed as indisputably wrong.

Wow, we thought we’d seen some weird, head-jerking concepts and sports cars in Geneva already, but this one takes the pie–probably the entire bakery. The car was built as a piece of hate-art an homage to Swiss racing legend Fredy Lienhard.

Some of us were just barely mastering our Big Wheels back in the 1970s, but we imagine most of the concepts at those Salon de Geneves all looked hairy and wild. You know what we're talking about. Star Trek meets George Barris design language, lower than your waist, nonsensical ingress/egress mechanisms, $5 afterthought interiors and colors pulled from the center of only the finest quaalude trips. Kinda like SEMA cars actually, but with European sensibility and sophistication.

Meet the Sbarro Autobau, a concept car we know almost nothing about but really enjoy looking at. Yes, it's totally non-conventional (hey, it's a Sbarro), and according to the Francais-only marketing material the Autobao is a tribute to Swiss racing stud Fredy Lienhard. It's also (supposedly) packin' 12-cylinders, 500 horses and weighs about 3,200 pounds.

Sbarro designed the 1,500-kilogram car in the memory of his friend, Fredy Lienhard. The Swiss driver of car races has competed since the 1970s. He has had outstanding victories at the 24 Hours of Zolder in 1997 and 24 Hours of Daytona in 2002.

5:32 AM | 0 comments | Read More

2010 Hamann Sports Cars BMW Z4 Roadster

Hamann has released the all new BMW Z4 Roadster enhancing it with the tuner’s comprehensive program of some cosmetic and performance upgrades. With exciting bodywork styling, striking rim designs and powerful performance improvements, Hamann promises a broad palette of customization options for the roadster fans.

2010 Hamann Sports Cars BMW Z4 Roadster

Just in time for the start of the cabrio season, Hamann Motorsport is introducing a comprehensive programme for accessories and modification of the current BMW Z4 Roadster, known internally as the E89. The broad palette of customisation options for the roadster with the fold-away hardtop includes exciting bodywork styling, striking rim designs and powerful performance improvements.

The Hamann aerodynamics programme is characterised by top-quality workmanship on body components with impressive design and optimised airflow over the vehicle silhouette: The specialists have replaced the series production front spoiler on the front axle with an in-house development that features two integrated LED day lamps. Striking side skirts between the front and the rear impress with a convincing design concept, and lend the Z4 an even lower and longer appearance. The lift force on the rear axle is reduced by a Hamann technical development that sees a shapely spoiler mounted on the tailgate. A new rear apron completes an impressive overall appearance and makes space for the four tailpipes responsible for the throaty sound of the Hamann sports car exhaust system.

The Hamann engine specialists have developed a powerful performance improvement for the BMW Z4 sDrive35i engine, which also lifts the 250 km/h limitation. The optimisation of the series production control device has resulted in performance figures of 360 hp / 265 kW at 5230 rpm (standard is 306 hp / 225 kW at 2500 rpm). The maximum torque simultaneously increases to an impressive 540 Nm, which is available in the engine speed range of 1300 to 5000 rpm (standard is 400 Nm at 1300 - 5000). This modification results in a top speed of 285 km/h.

One of the technical highlights in the comprehensive range of wheels is the three-part Hamann light alloy wheel known as the Edition Race "Matt Black". The 20" forged wheel combines sportiness with elegance. The matt black, polished spoked rims and the titanium screw joints accentuate the wheel dynamics, while the highly polished rim flange makes for a sophisticated impression.

Hamann is offering the wheel/tyre combination of 8,5Jx20 inch including 235/30ZR20 front tyres with 10,0Jx20 rims plus 295/25ZR20 back tyres from 7,640 Euro. Extra focus is on the new aluminium wheels with special chassis springs that allow the centre of mass on both the front and back axles of the Z4 Roadster to be lowered by 30 millimetres. Handling of the sports car is simultaneously enhanced.

For the interior, Hamann Motorsport has come up with subtle internal applications. The aluminium gear knob and the set of foot mats with the silver stitched Hamann logo provide a sporty look. On request, hand-made complete leather fittings in line with the exclusive demands of every BMW Z4 Roadster driver can also be supplied.

4:59 AM | 0 comments | Read More

2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition

Citroen plans to unveil a limited edition of the Citroen DS3 next month at the Geneva Motor Show. The Citroen DS3 Racing is a suped up version of the company's luxe supermini. While only 1000 units will be built, Citroen Australia General Manager, Miles Williams said that local availability for the special DS3 Racing will be announced when the regular DS3 launches in August.

2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition

“The Citroen DS3 Racing represents an outstanding concentration of behind-the-wheel thrills with an artful blend of performance and efficiency. The DS3 Racing provides a clear indication of what we can expect when the DS3 arrives in Australia in August.” Mr Williams said.

2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition

Developed by Citroën Racing - the winning team behind five WRC manufacturer's titles and six driver's titles for Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena - Citroën DS3 Racing is a special edition with a 100% sporting pedigree. Planned for the second half of 2010, the exclusive Citroën DS3 Racing will be limited to just 1000 production units.

2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition

As such, the car's output has been bumped up by 30% to 200 PS (147 kW / 197 hp) using the turbocharged 1.6-liter THP engine. Torque is improved by 15% to 275 Nm (203 lb-ft). These changes were achieved by remapping the engine control unit, adjusting the turbo, and adjusting powertrain components.

2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition

Meanwhile, stiffer suspension springs and new shock absorbers are also installed. The car has been lowered by 15mm, while both the front and rear track were widened by 30mm. Along with the new tires wrapped around the 18-inch wheels, the changes "all dramatically change the driving dynamics," according to a press release.

2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition

To handle the extra power, the company installed four-piston caliper brakes up front and ventillated discs in back. Carbon-fiber touches are used on the new air diffuser, front bumper, lower body, and wing extensions. Chrome is also used at certain points, like the door handles and exhaust, with orange tint on the calipers, grille, roof, side mirror caps, and wheels. Inside, designers added carbon trim and orange inserts. Purposeful sport seats were also installed.

A Citroën DS3 Racing signature on the rear tailgate and an individually numbered identification plate fixed to the roof-lining further confirm the model's exclusivity.

2010 Citroen DS3 Racing Car Limited Edition

At 3.94-meters long, the grey and orange car will be shown in Geneva with checkered flaq and DS3 Racing graphics. Based on the existing DSport powered by the THP 150, production Citroën DS3 Racing editions will be finished in a special workshop and fitted with a parts kit developed according to Citroën Racing specifications. Only 1000 units of the Citroen DS3 Racing will be produced. The car will be released in the second half of 2010.

6:15 AM | 0 comments | Read More

2010 Bufori Geneva Luxury Sports Saloon

Bufori is one of those odd little manufacturers which has somehow managed to survive and prosper in an environment littered with the carcasses of bankrupt, stillborn or struggling small volume car makers.

2010 Bufori Geneva

Quite how it's managed this feat is a mystery. Although the main advantages it has over the competition is a unique sense of old-world style which is difficult to find from other makers, and the fact it's one of the few low volume car producers to be located in the far east - Malaysia to be exact (also home of Lotus' parent company Proton).

2010 Bufori Geneva

Today, BUFORI Motor Car Company (M) Sdn Bhd has unveiled, its most eagerly awaited model at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show. The car was officially presented by BUFORI Motor Car Company’s Founders at a press conference during the prestigious Swiss Motor Show. At the same occasion, the Luxury Saloon, which was previously code name Bufori MKVI, was officially named “Bufori Geneva”.

2010 Bufori Geneva

Bufori Motor Company presented at the Geneva Motor Show its most awaited model, the Bufori Geneva. The model was officially launched by the founders themselves Bufori, Anthony Khouri, George and Gerry Khouri Khouri at a press conference during the Geneva Motor Show. In the Motor Show, the company unveiled the name, formerly known as Bufori MKVI.

2010 Bufori Geneva

"We decided to name the new model Bufori as the city where he was released, as this marks a historic event for the company. Let me also pay tribute to the 80 year history of the Motor Show."

2010 Bufori Geneva

Made of Hybrid Carbon Fibre and Kevlar which is infused with Vinylester resin, the BUFORI Geneva features classic design elements with long running boards, integrated bi-xenon headlamps, and LED rear lights. The Bufori Geneva is powered by a thoroughbred 6.1-litre V8 engine, producing an impressive 430hp and 586Nm of torque.

2010 Bufori Geneva

The acceleration from 0-100 kph is under 6 seconds with a top speed of more than 260kph (estimated figures). Besides, an optional supercharger that increases the performance of the engine to 560hp and 690Nm of torque is also available.

2010 Bufori Geneva

The interior design team of the company has endeavored to create a relaxing environment, combining traditional and modern materials such as leather and wood. The center console is completely customized to the needs of most demanding owners. Some of these features include a set of tea with boiling water and a sink, coffee maker or even an ice box. An integrated thermal box and mini bar and champagne glasses, a security safe for valuables or a cigar humidor.

2010 Bufori Geneva

To provide a more comfortable and safer handling, the model will have ABS, electronic brake force, brake assistance, traction control, steering angle control and cruise control.

2010 Bufori Geneva

You will have a thermal cameras in the bumpers. When activated, you can recognize pedestrians and objects up to 300 feet away and displays them on screen. Bufori Geneva production is scheduled to begin in June 2010 with the first units shipped before year end.

4:54 AM | 0 comments | Read More

2010 BF-performance Lamborghini Gallardo GT600 Sports Car

In the Swiss city Zug, perfection has a different meaning than in the Italian town Sant’Agata Bolognese. While Lamborghini is satisfied with the Gallardo LP560-4, the Swiss have higher demands – at least the engineers at BF-performance.

2010 BF-performance Lamborghini Gallardo GT600

For them, the Gallardo is too innocent and neither dynamic nor individual enough. Therefore, they turn both the Coupé and also the Spyder into the GT600 which has a stronger performance, more self-confidence and looks more aggressive.

2010 BF-performance Lamborghini Gallardo GT600

Swiss tuning firm BF-performance, based in the wonderfully named city of Zug, have developed a comprehensive modification package for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. And in the process they've also renamed it the GT600.

2010 BF-performance Lamborghini Gallardo GT600

Not content with just making some pretty bits to stick onto the Gallardo LP560-4, the engineers at BF-performance also developed a number of performance enhancements and modification options for the drivetrain. Most significant is the option for a RWD only configuration - just like on the Gallardo LP550-2 Balboni edition. In total the other modifications have also rendered a weight reduction of 43 kgs (95 lbs) which further improves performance.

2010 BF-performance Lamborghini Gallardo GT600

The new body panels, marked out by the fact they're finished in clearcoated carbon fiber, are all situated around the bottom of the car. The BF-perfomance GT600 gets a new front bumper - which is similar in style to the original car's, wider race-inspired sideskirts, and a rather obvious fixed rear spoiler. The rear wing, which provides a significant improvement in downforce over the rear axle, is actually quite fetching and it suits the lines of the car very well indeed.

2010 BF-performance Lamborghini Gallardo GT600

The wing doors render a significant amount of individuality, but are strictly limited to Lamborghini models with twelve-cylinder engines. Due to the refinement by BF-performance, also the GT600 with a V10 engine can be equipped with doors which are so typical for Lamborghini.

2010 BF-performance Lamborghini Gallardo GT600

And of course the engineers also focused on the engine performance. BF-performance has confirmed the performance of the new automobile in an impressive race. On the Sachsenring round course, the GT600 even managed to beat the stronger Lamborghini Murciélago LP640-4 SV by an impressive lead of 0.6 seconds.

2010 BF-performance Lamborghini Gallardo GT600

The interior also follows this dynamic maxim. Apart from the sports bucket seats, BF-performance also offers five-point belts, a roll-over cage and a carbon-ceramic braking system with which the GT600 meets the highest racing standards. BF-performance visually adjusts the interior to the increased dynamics. The manufactory uses carbon on the steering wheel, door handles, ventilation grids and even at the switch casings. The customer can even opt for carbon in his favourite colour.

BF-performance offers the entire car with all components either as the sporty Coupé GT600 or also as the Roadster GT600 Spyder.

2010 BF-performance Lamborghini Gallardo GT600

The entire automobile confirms the perfection and passion for detail applied by BF-performance. The Lamborghini specialist has already gained experience with the predecessor model and now brings its art of engineering into perfection with the GT 600. Also Lamborghini’s design development confirms the talents of BF-performance, as the Swiss specialist is always one step ahead of the Italian manufacturer.

6:00 AM | 0 comments | Read More

2010 Porsche Sports Car 911 Tequipment

Porsche Tequipment has announced four new items for the 2010 Porsche Sport Car Classic 911. The new 2010 Porsche 911 Tequipment list includes sport classic wheels, a PDK steering wheel with gearshift paddles, an Aerokit Cup and a sport design front body panel. The new 2010 Porsche 911 Tequipment wheels come in 11.5 J x 19 ET 50 and are priced at Euro 5,569.20 including VAT. For the cars with tire pressure control the price is 5,866.70 EUR.

Porsche Sports Car 911 Tequipment

The 2010 Porsche 911 Tequipment three-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles is priced from Euro 940.10 and can be fitted to all versions of the 911, Boxster, Cayman, and Panamera. The 2010 Porsche 911 Tequipment Aerokit Cup is available for the coupe and is priced at Euro 4,522.00.

The Porsche 911 (pronounced as Nine Eleven, German: Neunelfer) is a 2-door sports coupe made by Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany. It has a distinctive design, rear engined and with independent rear suspension, an evolution of the swing axle on the Porsche 356.

Porsche Sports Cars Press Release:

Four new retrofit highlights from Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, are dedicated entirely to the spirit of sporting performance. Particularly the 19-inch Sport Classic wheels in the unmistakable look of Porsche’s legendary Fuchs rims developed especially for the 911 Sport Car Classic built in a production run of just 250 units are an outstanding example of Porsche’s history and a striking design feature of the 911 Carrera.

Re-interpreted in individual style, the wheels in five-spoke design with the rim star painted black, the wheel hump in gloss-lathed finish, and the Porsche logo in colour on the wheel hub, are a genuine eye-catcher. Introduced by Porsche for the first time in 1966, these unique wheels are now making an outstanding come-back. The new wheels measure 8.5 J x 19 ET 55 and come together with tyres in 235/35 ZR 19 (front) and, respectively, 305/30 ZR 19 (rear) on all current all-wheel-drive models of the 911 Carrera and Targa as well as the 911 Turbo at an all-in price per set of Euro 5,569.20 including VAT (cars with tyre pressure control Euro 5,866.70).

Another particularly sporting feature is the three-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles for the PDK transmission already well known from the new 911 Turbo. Starting immediately, this unique leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles behind the right and left steering wheel spokes carried over from motorsport is available at a price of Euro 940.10 including VAT also for individual retrofitting on all versions of the 911, Boxster, Cayman, and Panamera with PDK and, starting in August 2010, on the new Cayenne with Tiptronic S.

The high-quality shift paddles are naturally made of metal. Through their stretched sickle shape, the gearshift paddles allow the driver to shift gears manually with perfect ease, from a wide range of individual holding positions on the steering wheel. The driver shifts up on the right and down on the left.

The newly developed Aerokit Cup available on all versions of the 911 Carrera Coupé shows a close and direct link to the fastest brand trophy in the world, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. At the front of the car the most outstanding feature is the new apron with its striking trim bars in the centre air intake and the characteristic spoiler lip. At the rear the unique rear lid with the wing fitted in position takes up the highly successful design of the former model. It almost goes without saying that all components have been optimised in Porsche’s wind tunnel to improve both driving behaviour and aerodynamics.

Already available on new cars at a price of Euro 4,968.25 including VAT, the Aerokit Cup may now also be retrofitted on current models of the 911. In this case the price from Porsche Tequipment is Euro 4,522.00 including VAT, plus fitting and paintwork.

While so far the Aerokit with its particularly sporting look was not available to drivers of the 911 Cabriolet and Targa (997), the new, striking Sport Design front apron now closes this gap, with the spoiler lip matched aerodynamically to the regular rear spoiler. Naturally, the new front panel also fits on all other versions of the 911 Carrera and 911 Targa in the 997 model series. Finished in the same colour as the car itself, the front apron in Sport Design blends harmoniously with the overall contours and silhouette of the 911.

The Aerokit retails on new cars at a price of Euro 2,368.10 including VAT and is available from Porsche Exclusive. It may also be retrofitted individually by Porsche Tequipment at a price of Euro 2,159.85 including VAT, plus the cost of fitting and paintwork.

6:21 AM | 0 comments | Read More