Zerotohundred.com

Your Dosage of Motorsport Adrenalin: Pikes Peak Rally - A Race To The Clouds

keshy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:15:52 +0000

Pikes Peak is one of those legendary rally stages that everyone looks forward to but is yet one of the most dangerous. It’s happening again later this month and in anticipation of that, we bring to you this 1990 film entitled “Climb Dance” featuring rally legend Ari Vatanen piloting a unrecognisable Peugeot 405 T16 up the famous hill climb. The stage is known for its massive drop-offs and this video just highlights that point. Watch the video to find out for yourself how big your set of kahunas have to be to actually race up this hill.

Source: YouTube via SpeedHunters

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Formula DRIFT Singapore ProAM Series 2009 Happening This Weekend - Teams Inspected & Ready To Go

keshy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:08:40 +0000

The Formula DRIFT Singapore ProAm Series 2009 is happening this weekend in Singapore and Goodyear is once again sponsoring the event following a successful sponsorhip of the inaugural Formula DRIFT last year. The event is the pinacle of drift competitions in the region and will see the coming together of great drifters from different countries. As part of the highly anticipated event, cars competing in it are required to pass the Advance Tech Inpsection.

Conducted at the Goodyear Malaysia headquarters two weeks ago, the Inspection involves a 20-minute thorough examination of the Malaysian teams’ vehicles - an important procedure meant to ensure all participating cars meet the stringent technical and safety requirements specified by Formula DRIFT Holdings LLC.

Trained and certified Formula DRIFT inspectors Ricky Lin and Benjamin Khoo conducted checks to make sure that the cars were furnished with the required safety equipment such as, roll cages, window restraints and mounting hardware, along with appropriate bodywork, engine, chassis and suspension, among others.

The Advance Tech Inspection is especially crucial as vehicles that do not pass this process will be unable to participate in the Formula DRIFT Singapore PanAm Series 2009 held at the Changi Exhibiton Centre in Singapore this weekend.

This also marks the second time that Singapore will be hosting a Formula DRIFT event. Last year’s Formula DRIFT Singapore saw a sell-out crowd of 11,000 spectators with 38 professional drivers from around the world. This time round, the Formula DRIFT Singapore ProAm Series 2009 will instead feature a combination of both professional and amatuer drifters. A total of 36 drivers from around the region will once again be judged based on their style and execution in manoeuvering the course.

Taking place this Saturday and Sunday at the Changi Exhition Centre in Singapore, it definately is not an event to be missed. Tickets are available and if you’re in Singapore or need a reason to go down to Singapore, then this is it. All of us from Zerotohundred will be there, watch for our coverage on this unique event.

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Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 vs F/A-18 Hornet Fighter Jet

keshy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:54:02 +0000

The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is one car that is very capable of eating anything in its path, “it loves fried Ferrari for breakfast, it lunches on smoked Lamborghini, dinner? baked Porsche, it’s even known to snack on Nissan GTR’s”. It’s so capable that American magazine MotorTrend decided that one of the only credible contender against the ZR1 would be an F/A-18 Hornet from the Blue Angel squad.

While one vehicle puts out 638hp and is able to hit the 100mark in 3.3seconds, the other flier is capable of Mach 1.8 and packs 32,000 pounds of thrust!! It might not sound fair, something like Cristiano Ronaldo vs Bugatti Veyron, but the race is simple, the first to the 1.6km mark wins.

The video also showcases what the plane is capable of pulling off and the G’s that a pilot has to endure when pulling off stunts. Imagine 7 G’s. It’s a great video, but if you just want to watch the race, then skip to about eight minutes. And by the way, if you’re American, this is the most patriotic American automotive video, it doesn’t get any more patriotic than this.Source: AutoBlog

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Official: Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni

keshy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:35:52 +0000

The newest bull in the pen’s officially named after the most legendary test driver to ever tame a rambunctious Italian beast. Meet the 550 HP, RWD Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni, a bull with a Mohawk.

As the leaked images of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 turn official, Lamborghini, in a thankful and generous nod to its long-time test driver, has named the rear-wheel-drive, 550 horsepower car after Valentino Balboni. For those of you unaware of the name; shame on you. For those that do; you know the importance.

The LP550-2 will be built in a 250 unit limited production run and will undercut the all-wheel-drive LP560-4s base price at US$219,800. Although the all-wheel-drive system on the standard LP560-4 is fairly rear biased, the removal of the front differential and drive system has lightened the exotic to 1380kg or 30kg’s lighter than the LP560-4.

The suspension has been tweaked, the e-gear system re-calibrated (a standard manual is also available), the 45-percent limited slip rear differential was redeveloped and the ESP was re-tuned to allow for, as Lamborghini puts it, “greater drift angles.” Sounds like a bit of fun’s to be had especially when a sprint to 100 kmh arrives in 3.9 seconds with a maximum speed coming in at 320kmh. Not too shabby for a “budget option” Lamborghini.

Source: The Auto Insider via Jalopnik

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Maddest of All Mad Porsche’s - 858bhp 997 Sportec Has 214.5bhp At Each Wheel !!

keshy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:22:28 +0000

Swiss automotive tuner SPORTEC, famed for its ultra high performance SPR1 range of 997 based supercars, is adding another mad Porsche to its range of mad Porsche’s, the T80. Conceived, designed and constructed in Switzerland by SPORTEC’s technical team, the new version of the SPR1 offers unrivalled supercar performance and exclusivity.

The T80 builds upon the performance of the SPR1 range by increasing the power of its bi-turbo, 3.6-litre, 24-valve, flat six T80M engine to a staggering 858 bhp, which, when combined with the benefits of permanent four wheel drive, creates a benchmark blend of poise and performance.

This means that each of the SPR1 T80’s four wheels channels 214.5 bhp to the tarmac, akin to having a VW Golf GTi powering each tyre, yet the SPR1’s bi-turbo engine remains fully Euro IV emissions compliant.

The SPORTEC SPR1 T80 enjoys supercar performance, taking a mere 3.0 seconds to hit 100kmh with 300kmh appearing in just 18.9 seconds. A top speed of more than 380kmh has been recorded at Nardo, Italy.

Technically, the SPORTEC SPR1 T80 boasts highlights including titanium connecting rods, a flat carbon fibre under floor, active suspension and F1 style ceramic brake discs.

The use of composite (carbon / Kevlar) body panels, forged alloy wheels, an integrated safety cage and ceramic brake discs allows the SPR1 to be lighter, safer and more dynamic than other cars in its class.

SPORTEC SPR1 T80 TECHNICAL OVERVIEW

1.0 Engine SPR1 T80
Engine type: 3.6-litre 6-cylinder boxer (858 bhp)
Engine code: T80.1

1.1 Technology
Forged light alloy block and cylinder heads, forged steel crankshaft, four valve cylinder heads with hydraulic tappets, nimonic exhaust valves, variable valve timing, F1 style titanium connecting rods, forged alloy pistons, dry sump lubrication system, six coil high tension system, selective cylinder knock control, OBD2 control for engine management monitoring

Special features
Hand crafted exhaust system with dual metal 200 CPSI catalyst and bypass valve, Euro IV emissions approved, MFC G4.0 multifunction control unit with: twin injector control, MAP sensor, multi map closed loop boost control, exhaust bypass control, load dependent dump valve control, twin throttle control, power dependent fuel pump control

Equal flow intake manifold, twin throttle body, SPORTEC hybrid turbochargers, high efficiency intercooler system with carbon fibre air ducts, carbon fibre flow optimised air intake system

Options
Traction/launch control, motorsport exhaust system (not road legal)

1.2 Drive train
Technology
Six speed, manual transmission, permanent four wheel drive, 60% limited slip differential, gearbox oil cooler

Special features
Driveability optimised SPORTEC high performance clutch rated to 1200NM of torque

Options
Customised gear ratios, motorsport limited slip differential

1.3 Suspension
Technology
Weight optimised seven spoke forged alloy SPR1 design, available polished or painted as per customer’s choice, front axle: 9J x 20 inch (11.9 kilos) with 255/30R20 tyres, rear axle: 12.5 x 20 inch (12.5 kilos) with 345/25/ZR20 tyres, electric power steering, front axle with McPherson struts, uniball top mounts, light alloy links, multilink rear suspension with uniball top mounts, front and rear anti roll bars (rear adjustable,) adjustable ride height, active suspension

Special features
Electronic adjustable shock absorbers

1.4 Brake system
Technology
Front: Six piston fixed calliper, 380 x 34mm cross drilled and ventilated ceramic discs
Rear: Four piston fixed calliper, 322 x 28mm, cross drilled and ventilated ceramic discs
ABS

1.5 Body
Technology
Zinc coated galvanised steel bodyshell with integrated safety cell, carbon / Kevlar composite body panels, flat underfloor, adjustable rear spoiler

Special features
Increased torsional stiffness and weight reduction via bonded carbon / Kevlar composite body panels and safety cell, nano painting of customer’s choice of colour, air flow optimised engine and intercooler ducting

Options
Door bars and removable rear cross brace in safety roll cage, sunroof

1.6 Electric system
Standard
Power windows, remote central locking, heated rear window, bi-xenon headlights, fog lights

Option
GPS car locator

1.7 Interior
Sport seats, complete leather/alcantara interior, stainless steel scuff plates, automatic air conditioning

Special features
Customer’s choice of leather / alcantara colours

Options
Multifunction steering wheel, navigation system, car hi fi system, air conditioning, fully customised interior (leather / wood / carbon seats and trim,) sill scuff plates with customer’s choice of logo

1.8 Package options and individual equipment
Clubsport package
Carbon fibre doors and bonnet, light weight interior with carbon door covers, adjustable carbon fibre rear wing, adjustable front lip spoiler, traction / launch control, active suspension, multifunction steering wheel, carbon fibre flat underfloor, six point safety belts, door bars and removable rear cross brace in safety roll cage, sports brake pads, optimised brake cooling, modified spring and damper settings, uprated rear axle links

Highspeed package
Active suspension, carbon fibre flat underfloor, flow optimised wheelarch liners, load controlled intercooler water spray, electric adjustable rear spoiler and special aerofoil, flow optimised wing mirrors, modified spring and damper settings

Further options
Motorsport exhaust system (track use only,) GPS car locator, satellite navigation system, car hi-fi, air conditioning, fully customised interior (leather / wood / carbon seats and trim,) sunroof, personalised scuff plates, global maintenance package, mobility warranty

2.0 SPORTEC SPR1 T80 Technical Data
Engine type: Six cylinder boxer engine
Displacement: 3600cc
Bore/stroke: 100 x 76.4mm
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Power output: 858bhp @ 8200rpm
Torque output: 642lb.ft @ 4800rpm
Engine management: Bosch ME 7.8 SPORTEC MFC G4.0
Fuel quality: 98 RON unleaded
Idle speed: 820rpm
Max engine speed:
1st gear: 8700rpm
2nd-5th gear: 8500rpm
6th gear: 8200rpm
Emissions standard: Euro IV

Transmission
Six-speed manual, four wheel drive
Gear ratios:
1st: 3.82
2nd: 2.05
3rd: 1.41
4th: 1.12
5th: 0.92
6th: 0.75
Reverse gear: 2.86
Final drive ratio: 3.44
Speed at 1000rpm in 6th gear: 30.76mph
Clutch disc diameter: 240mm

Chassis
Front axle Light alloy links with McPherson struts, uniball top mounts
Rear axle Multi link suspension, uniball top mounts
Steering: Electric power steering
Steering ratio: 1:16.9
Steering from lock to lock:2.98
Brakes
Front: 8 piston light alloy calliper
Rear: 4 piston light alloy calliper
Brake discs
Front: Cross drilled and ventilated ceramic 380 x 34mm discs
Rear: Cross drilled and ventilated ceramic 322 x 28mm discs
Wheels
Front: 9J x 20 inch 30mm offset
Rear: 12.5J x 20 inch 40mm offset
Tyres
Front: 255/30 R20 92Y XL
Rear: 345/25 R20 100Y

Weights
Kerb weight (DIN)*: 1345 KG
Front / rear weight distribution:40/60
*Depending on equipment

Dimensions
Length: 4467mm
Width: 1878mm
Height: 1275mm
Wheelbase: 2350mm
Track
front:1550mm
rear: 1564mm
Fuel capacity: 64 litres

Performance
Maximum speed: Over 236mph (380kmh)
Acceleration:

0-100kmh (62 mph): 3.0 seconds
0-200kmh (124mph): 8.6 seconds
0-300kmh (186mph) : 18.9 seconds
Power to weight ratio: 637 bhp per ton
Bhp per litre: 238

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BMW 3-Series GT Hatchback Approved For Production

keshy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:56:29 +0000

According to a recent report, BMW has approved production of the 3-Series Gran Turismo. Destined to go into production in 2011, the 3-Series GT will offer the same odd styling and hatchback versatility of its bigger brother, the 5-Series GT.

In an interview with Edmunds, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said, “We haven’t cancelled the crossover of the 3 Series, as it is considered a volume builder with which we can earn good money.”

Set to be priced somewhere between the standard 3-Series and 5-Series, the 3-Series GT will take on the rival luxury wagons and small SUVs. Ironically, the 3-Series GT could also steal sales from BMW’s more traditional 3-Series wagon and upcoming X1 crossover.

Power will come from the 3-Series’ extensive lineup of engines but, thankfully, no M3 version appears to be planned. As we have previously reported, the 3-Series GT could also be offered with a hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive.

A concept or production version could appear at the Frankfurt Motor Show, so stay tuned for details.

by Michael Gauthier of WorldCarFans

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GTbyCitroen Gets Greenlight For Limited Production

keshy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:22:04 +0000

The Citroen GT created waves like never before when it was revealed as the ultimate Citroen created with the unique collaboration between the French firm and the creators of the Gran Turismo video game. It was never meant for production, in fact the only one ever created was to be used as a show car and to be used to digitize the final version which gamers would be able to play on PS3. But Citroen has confirmed that the car will make production - but only six of them.

Reported to cost 1.1million POUNDS - there’s still no news on what will power this mythical beast but according to rumours, an American V8 sourced from either General Motors or Ford will be providing in excess of 500 horses through a sequential gearbox. To keep with the exoticness and appeal of the GT, the car will be constructed entirely of carbon-fiber, and an ultra exotic interior will be the final touch. Well it has to be, if you were to pay 1.1million British pounds - you would be well within your lines to expect every type of leather to adorn the interior. Expect to see a production version at the upcoming Frankfurt show in September.

Source: AutoBlog

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Nissan GTR Sets Guiness World Record As Fastest Production Four-Seater

keshy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:39:51 +0000

The Nissan GTR is a great car, there’s no doubt about it already. All that Nurburgring laptimes, constant hype, the technological advancement, etc etc. But I’m sick of it. I’m sick of looking at it, I’m sick of reading about it, I’m sick of hearing about it. I know it’s a great car, I know it’s a fast car, I know it’ll kick the crap out of much more expensive cars, I just know already. It’s like being forced to smoke eight cigarettes when all you’re craving for is one. But that’s a personal opinion.

I’m sure there are a lot among you who have 50 posters of the GTR on your walls and worship the technology in the car, well this is for you. Nissans European arm announced that the GTR has made its way into the Italian edition of the “Guinness Book of World Records” as the fastest four-seater production car with a sprint time of 3.5 seconds. It’s another achievement for the Playstation generation “supercar”. Rejoice.

Source: CarScoop

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Top Gear Hangs With The Final Murcie: The LP670-4 SV - Then Abuses It

keshy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:21:03 +0000

The Lamborghini Murcielago is about to phased off. Together with the Murcielago, the V12 engine is also about the be phased off. Why? Well that’s probably because it shares its genes with the Miura which goes all the way back to a time where most of us were hardly even tiny swimmers yet. Well, not that long, it was only 1966. But anyway, the Murcielago is going off with a bang in the form of the AWD LP670-4 SV. A stripped off, carbon-fibered beast that reigns above mere supercars and chills with the hypercars. And of course, as always, Top Gear has their way with it. Lamborghini fans, this is for you.

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BMW Introduces 7-Series xDrive and M Sport Models

keshy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:54:21 +0000

All-Wheel-Drive BMWs are quite rare here in Malaysia but AWD Beemers go all the way back to the 80s when the AWD 3-Series was first introduced. Several years later, an AWD variant of the 5-series arrived on the scene but that was it. Now, more than just “several” years later, BMW has announced that its range topping 2010 7-Series sedan will finally get the AWD “xDrive” treatment.

Designed with a rear torque bias to maintain rear-wheel drive handling characteristics, the xDrive will be available on the turbocharged eight-cylinder models initially, BMW has not announced any plans to implement the system to the V12-powered 760Li flagship model. The standard model will be dubbed the “750i xDrive” while the long-wheelbase model will be called the “750Li xDrive”.

BMW also announced the introduction of the “M Sports Package” for all 7-Series models. The package will include lift-reducing aerodynamic cladding, shadowline trim, Active Roll Stabilization (RWD only), anthracite headliner, and 19-inch wheels. BMW will also be offering speacial Carbon Black Metallic exterior paint and 20-inch wheels for the new 2010 7-Series M Sport models. For more information, check out the official BMW press release below.

Source: WorldCarFans