2012 Audi A1 GrandTurismo

Blue and white are the colors of the Audi A1 SAMURAI BLUE, accentuated by the red of the Japanese flag. The 18-inch wheels with their exclusive polygonal design are likewise painted red. The interior equipment is black, with contrasting stitching in blue and corresponding colorful accents for the air vent nozzles, inlays, center console and floor mats. With its powerful 1.4 TFSI engine and 90 kW (122 hp), the A1 SAMURAI BLUE has strong acceleration and high speed, while the sports suspension with 225 millimeter wide, 18-inch wheels give the car the agility of a top league soccer star.

Audi plans to sell the SAMURAI BLUE as a one-off model and donate a part of the profit for a charity. An Audi A1 Limited Edition is also planned to sell in 2012, with its design based on the SAMURAI BLUE.

READ MORE - 2012 Audi A1 GrandTurismo

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR GrandTurismo

Powering the new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR is a particularly efficient six-cylinder boxer engine with a four-litre capacity. With a mandatory air-restrictor, it generates 460 hp (338 kW) and drives the 310 millimetre wide rear wheels. The diameter of the front wheels has increased by 30 mm to now measure 680 millimetres. The Porsche sequential six-speed gearbox is operated via paddle shifts on the steering wheel.

The new 911 GT3 RSR can be raced at the Le Mans 24 Hours, the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Le Mans Series, the American Le Mans Series as well as the International GT Open and in other series and races.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR will be delivered to customer squads around the world from January 2012. The selling price is 498,000 Euro plus value added tax of the respective countries.

READ MORE - 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR GrandTurismo

2011 Ford Fiesta ST Concept

The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show provides an important preview of what could be the next performance vehicle in the Ford Performance Vehicles product pipeline – the Ford Fiesta ST Concept. Muscular and sporty, the Ford Fiesta ST Concept is inspired by the Ford Fiesta WRC. It features a dynamic sports chassis and a high-performance powertrain with a 1.6-liter Ford EcoBoost® engine, yet is capable of delivering impressive fuel economy.

Target performance levels for the Ford Fiesta ST Concept are 177 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque, enough to propel it from 0-60 mph in less than seven seconds. A top speed exceeding 136 mph is targeted.

The advanced design of the turbocharged, four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine – connected to a six-speed manual transmission – means the Ford Fiesta ST Concept is forecast to deliver CO2 emissions of less than 140 g/km.

READ MORE - 2011 Ford Fiesta ST Concept

2011 Gemballa Mistrale Porsche Panamera 970

The GEMBALLA MISTRALE based on the Porsche Panamera (970) Design, cutting edge technology and the finest materials are the most important ingredients in the transformation of these fine cars into something really unique. The GEMBALLA TORNADO and the GEMBALLA MISTRALE undergo a near-complete reconstruction of their outer bodyshells, with the majority of the steel panels replaced by light and strong carbon-fibre equivalents made to GEMBALLA’s unique designs.

The big wheel arches are filled with GEMBALLA’S 22-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. Forged rather than cast, these wheels are stronger than the original 20-inch OE equivalents, but are around the same weight. The new high performance brake system was developed in collaboration with Brembo, exclusively for the MISTRALE and TORNADO. Massive 411mm cross-drilled, vented discs with six-piston monoblock calipers in front are partnered by 380mm cross-drilled, vented discs with four-piston fixed calipers at the rear. The first stage of power upgrade for the twin-turbo V8 engine provides 580hp for the Cayenne/TORNADO, and 610hp for the Panamera/MISTRALE. The latter conversion is accompanied by a healthy 850Nm of torque. Really power hungry customers can opt for Stage 2, which gives both cars 700hp, and around 1,000Nm of torque. This significant output is achieved through the use of larger turbochargers, a modified intake system, high efficiency intercoolers, sports exhaust, free-flow catalytic converters and bespoke ECU remapping.

READ MORE - 2011 Gemballa Mistrale Porsche Panamera 970

2012 BMW 640d Coupe

The BMW 640d Coupé is fitted as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Auto Start-Stop and active air flaps behind the kidney grille. Such engineering expertise is the reason why the model offers rapid performance but can still achieve 51.4mpg on the combined cycle and record CO2 emissions of 145g/km.

As with all BMWs, the new 6-Series Coupé comes with a raft of BMW EfficientDynamics measures to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. In addition to the features highlighted on the 640i Coupé and 640d Coupé, all models have technology such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering (EPS), the need-based operation of ancillary components and intelligent lightweight construction to ensure maximum efficiency as standard.

Standard for the 640d Coupé are 18-inch light alloy wheels. All derivatives feature Dakota leather upholstery, eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, electric seat adjustment with memory, BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation system, Xenon headlights, LED front fog lights and front and rear Park Distance Control to name but a few of the standard specification highlights.

The BMW 6-Series Coupé is now available in M Sport specification. The M Sport package adds the M aerodynamic bodystyling package, 19-inch M light alloy wheels, dark chrome exhaust tailpipes, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and black brake callipers. Inside Anthracite headlining, Aluminium Hexagon trim, Sport seats and M Sport multi-function leather rimmed steering wheel are fitted.

At the same time as M Sport and the 640d derivative come to the UK for the Coupé, the 6-Series Convertible can now also be specified with M Sport.

2012 BMW 640d SE Coupe priced at £62,080 and BMW 640d Coupé M Sport priced at £66,745

READ MORE - 2012 BMW 640d Coupe

2011 Gemballa Tornado Porsche Cayenne 958

The TORNADO’s overall width is increased to 2.05m. The steel structure of the tailgate is mated to a new carbon-fibre skin, which re-contours it and covers the recesses and holes provided for the inner half of the factory tail light assemblies. The new, stacked round rear light design completely changes the look of the Cayenne’s rear, reinforcing the four individual round exhaust outlets, a long-standing GEMBALLA design motif. If the angels are in the details, a close inspection of the GEMBALLA badge on the new tailgate reveals lettering cut out with incredible precision. Here, the same ultra high-pressure water jet cutting process used in the electronics industry to slice through heat sensitive circuit boards, is used to cut the GEMBALLA name out of a piece of carbon-fibre. The brushed stainless steel panel below provides the silver colouring.

The new front styling delivers significant autobahn overtaking presence with the large grille, flanked by two smaller ones providing copious amounts of ram air for the two stages of uprated, twin-turbocharged engine. Brake cooling ducts sit beside the fog lights, and the vertical LED daytime running lights also help to give the GEMBALLA Tornado that all-important instant recognition factor. The complete carbon-fibre door assemblies are designed as direct replacements for the steel factory units, and incorporate the factory steel side impact protection bars, central locking and electric window mechanisms. The recessed surfaces, in matt finished visible carbon, give the sides of the TORNADO a heavily sculpted look, inspired by the GEMBALLA AVALANCHE GTR. The same matt black visible carbon finish is used on the new tail panel and rear corners. Because of the structural architecture of the rear quarter panels, the wider rear wheel arches are grafted to the car by the more normal method of cutting the metal, and bonding and blending in the wider carbon-fibre arches.

The enlarged wheel arches are filled by huge wheels, 10.0J x 22-inch with 295/35 ZR22 tyres on the front axle, and 12.0J x 22-inch with 335/30 ZR22 tyres at the rear. Despite their greater size, these forged, ultra-light and strong monoblock alloys are no heavier than the standard 20-inch wheels. And thanks to their narrow-spoke design, they appear to be even larger in diameter than they actually are. The uprated braking system is made by Brembo, GEMBALLA’s partner for brake component development. Massive 420 mm vented discs with six-pot callipers are used at the front, with 405 mm vented discs and four-pot callipers at the rear. All four discs are cross-drilled and slotted, and made exclusively for GEMBALLA in these sizes. GEMBALLA already offers a Stage One Cayenne Turbo engine conversion with 580 hp. The TORNADO will be equipped with Stage Two, which is nearing its final development stage. The goal for the engineers was well defined, a 35-40% power increase, which equates to between 675 and 700 hp. The projected torque increase of 30%, or close to 1,000 Nm, requires the relevant drivetrain components to be uprated as well. As with all GEMBALLA cars, the interior will be equally special, and the engineers and trim specialists are developing a completely new design for the TORNADO’s cabin. This will be characterised by both elegance and functionality. The GEMBALLA TORNADO celebrates the 30th year of the GEMBALLA brand in 2011.

Only 30 numbered GEMBALLA TORNADO cars will be built, making this a very special and exclusive model. An accompanying microsite is now online at: http://tornado.gemballa.com

READ MORE - 2011 Gemballa Tornado Porsche Cayenne 958

2011 Kahn Design Porsche Panamera Styling Package

Afzal Kahn Design’s latest dalliance with the Porsche Panamera results in an awe-inspiring styling package which ensures the car looks much lower, longer and wider than the standard vehicle.

Designed to emphasise the Panamera’s stance by focusing on the innovative RS-600 wheels, every external adaptation serves to entice greater performance, taking the vehicle to a whole new dimension.The Panamera’s silky styling package consists of a 10 piece wide-arch kit, rear roof spoiler, front and rear air dams, integrated front LED’s with vents, designed to reflect current sportier Porsches, while maintaining technical Kahn detailing. Another unique feature of this model is the amazing interior which has been upgraded to a magnificent level, with A. Kahn Design’s customary blend of leather, carbon and wood proving to be a real sensation!

READ MORE - 2011 Kahn Design Porsche Panamera Styling Package

2012 Renault Megane RS Trophy

With maximum power of 265hp (up 15hp), peak torque of 360Nm (+20Nm) available across a particularly broad rev-band (3,000 to 5,000rpm), a power-to-weight ratio of 5.09kg/hp and specific power of 132.5hp/litre, the Renault Megane RS Trophy boasts an exceptional performance package. Maximum turbo pressure has been uprated to 2.5 bar (up 0.2 bar), while the air intake design has been revised to take the higher pressure and higher running temperatures into account.

Performance has been enhanced in the process, and the result is a 0-to-100kph time of just 6.0s (down 0.1s), a top speed of 254kph (up 4kph) and the 1,000km standing start in 25.4s (down 0.3s). In addition to the finely-tuned set-up of the Cup chassis and the standard limited slip differential, a new tyre fitment contributes to the car’s exceptional road-holding on dry roads, especially through tighter turns, as well as in the wet. The design of the Formula 1-inspired Bridgestone Potenza RE050A’s asymmetric, directional tread pattern and the form of its tread blocks provide outstanding grip, stability and acoustic comfort, whatever the conditions. Last but not least, Renault Mégane RS Trophy’s fuel-efficiency has been carefully optimised to return combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 8.2 litres/100km, equivalent to 190g of CO2/km, which represents a saving of 0.2 litres/100km and 5g/km over Renault Mégane RS at the time of the latter’s launch.

Inside, the Recaro bucket seats (fabric or leather, depending on market) add to the cabin’s unmistakably sporty feel, as does the central display which shows the data provided by the R.S. Monitor. This innovative onboard data-logging system records performance and displays a range of mechanical parameters in real-time, a feature which owners will especially appreciate during track days, an exercise to which the Renault Mégane RS Trophy lends itself particularly well.

Order books open on June 20, 2011, and the Renault Megane RS Trophy will be marketed in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Prices in France will start from €35,500.

READ MORE - 2012 Renault Megane RS Trophy