Audi, What Big Eyes You Have: New R18 is a Diesel Racer with Lots of LEDs

Audi has unleashed its latest LMP1 racer, the R18. After winning the Le Mans 24 Hours nine times since 1999 with the R8, R10 TDI and R15 TDI, the Ingolstadt-based automaker aims for the top spot with a closed coupe again.
“In the future, aerodynamic efficiency will be even more important at Le Mans than it was in the past”, says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “A closed car has clear advantages in this respect. Our computer simulations have been confirmed in the wind tunnel and during initial track tests”.

Unlike its predecessor, which had a 5.5-liter V10 diesel engine, the new model uses a much smaller, 3.7-liter V6 TDI, mated to a modified six-speed transmission.
The R18 features a one-piece carbon fiber monocoque, which saves weight and increases stiffness. Audi says that the chassis and aerodynamics were developed with a lot of know-how borrowed from the previous R models.
The headlights are the most eye-catching parts of the R18. Boasting “optimized” LED technology, they incorporate Audi light designers’ personal touch: daytime running lights shaped like a “1”. According to the press release, this was intended to inspire associations with the brand’s historic logo.
The Audi R18 was given the green light in mid 2009, while engine testing began in summer 2010. The first track test took place at the end of November, with Allan McNish at the wheel.
The Ingolstadt-based maker plans to enter three cars in next year’s Le Mans, run by Audi Sport Team Joest.

By Csaba Daradics

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Ford Unwraps Mustang Boss 302S Turn-Key Ready Racecar

With the introduction of the Mustang Boss 302S, Ford wants to offer enthusiasts an affordable way to road race. Based on the street legal Boss 302, the new racer is Ford’s third competition car to be sold through Ford Racing dealers, after the Mustang FR500S and FR500 CJ “Cobra Jet”.

“Ford Racing is excited to add an additional turn-key ready to race car to our stable, which includes the highly successful FR500C, FR500S, BOSS 302R and Cobra Jet”, said Mark Wilson, Engineering Manager Ford Racing. “The enthusiasts who purchase the Boss 302S will be competitive in both the World Challenge GTS and the NASA American Iron Series. We look forward to adding their names to the Boss 302's racing history”.
Developed by Ford Racing engineers, the 302S boasts a 440 hp 5.0-liter V8, coupled to a six-speed transmission of the standard car. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a T2 Torsen differential, while the suspension was beefed up with two-way adjustable coil-over dampers and Ford Racing anti-roll bars. 4-piston Brembo brakes provide stopping power.
As any self-respecting racecar, the Boss 302S comes with a complete aero kit, including a heat extracting fiberglass bonnet, adjustable front splitter and huge carbon fiber rear wing. Every car will come with a graphics package mimicking the original 1969 Boss 302.
The cabin was stripped of any components deemed unnecessary and fitted with a roll cage, race seat with 6-point belt, quick release steering wheel and AIM data acquisition system with GPS.
Built at Ford’s Flat Rock plant in Michigan, the racing-flavored 302S will be available in the second quarter of 2011. MSRP has been set at $79,000.

By Csaba Daradics

Ford Mustang Boss 302S specs
Engine
5.0L BossR engine
Engine oil cooler
FR serialized intake badge
Boss 302 fuel system
Upgraded cooling system

Driveline
5L Boss 6 speed transmission with stock Boss 302 clutch/flywheel
Torsen Diff
3.73 gears
FR1 Muffler

Chassis
Front: coil over struts
Front lower control arms with extended ball joint and delrin bushing kit
FR adjustable front swaybar
Caster/Camber plates
Rear: coil over shocksTubular lower control arms with spherical bearings
FR Swaybar
EPAS with unique Ford Racing calibration
FIA Spec 6 point roll cage

Electrical
Lightened FR wiring harness
AMB Transponder
Switch plate – Start/ignition, aux switches

Interior
AIM data aquisition system with GPS
Recaro HANS Pro Racer seat
Fire system with 2 nozzles
Quick release racing steering wheel
Window net
Safety system triangle nets
6 point racing harness
Master cut off switch

Exterior
FR front splitter
Rear adjustable CF wing
Unique fiberglass hood with air extractors
Hood pins
18X9.5″ wheels
Boss 302S graphics package
F/R tow hooks

Brakes
Brembo race 4 piston front brake system
2 piece 14″ front rotors
2 piece 12″ rear rotors
PFC racing pads
Brake duct kit
Stainless steel brake lines
FR brake booster assembly
Unique FR ABS calibration

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Mitsubishi Sketches New Low Cost Global Small Car

A new small car will soon join the ranks of Mitsubish's passenger car lineup. Teased in these renderings for the first time, the "global small" vehicle will be produced in a new factory currently being built in Thailand and will go on sale at the end of next year.


The subcompact hatch will make use of a new platform and will be offered with 1.0-1.2-liter engines. Mitsubishi said that the "global small" will be positioned as an entry-level model in MMC's model lineup, and plans are to export the vehicle from Thailand to markets worldwide, though the Japanese automaker did not get into any details about country-specific availability.
The production version of the low-cost city car will most likely be revealed at the upcoming Geneva Salon in March 2011.

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2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe with 335HP: Official Details and 80 Photos

After much anticipation, the new BMW 1-Series M Coupe was finally revealed to the world today. As you can see for yourselves in the photo gallery after the jump, the Bavarian maker tries its best to convince us about the similarities between the original 1988 M3 E30 and its most recent creation to wear the coveted M badge, but we'll that on the side for now.


Starting with the name, the reason why BMW went for the somewhat awkward sounding 1-Series M Coupe moniker, is to avoid any confusions with the legendary M1. The smallest and most economically priced model of the M family is based on the 135i Coupe.

However, it is 0.2 inches (5mm) longer, 2.1 inches (53mm) wider, 0.5 inches (13mm) taller than its 135i sibling, while it tips the scales at 1,495kg DIN (3,296 lbs), meaning it weighs 35kg (77 lbs,) less. BMW says the weight distribution is almost perfect at (51.7/48.3).

Under the bonnet, we find the Z4 35iS' 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six, which produces 335-horsepower at 5,900 rpm, with the redline set at 7,000 rpm. There's also 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque available from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm, while an overboost function briefly increases this by another 37 lb-ft (50 Nm) to 369 lb-ft.

At launch, the 1-Series M Coupe will be offered exclusively with a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels through a variable M differential lock. BMW claims the sports car will complete the sprint from a standstill to 60 mph [96km/h] in just 4.7 seconds (0-100 kmh in 4.9 seconds), and the standing quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 155 mph (250 kmh).
Moving on to the chassis upgrades, the baby M model features new aluminum suspension parts sourced from the M3 as well as a more powerful braking system with internally-vented, cross-drilled cast iron discs measuring 14.2 inches (360mm) in diameter at the front and 13.8 inches (350mm) in the rear. The rack-and-pinion steering is fitted with the hydraulic power steering system called Servotronic, which regulates boost in relation to road speed. 

As with other M cars, the new 1 Series model features the steering wheel-mounted M Drive button that adjusts the throttle response program for the sportiest driving.

The 1 Series M Coupe rides on M-specific, light-alloy cross-spoke wheels from the M3 Competition Package and limited-production M3 GTS. The alloy wheels measure 19 x 9 inches with 245/35/R19 low-profile tires at the front and 19 x 10 inches with 265/35/R19 tires at the rear, and are finished in silver.
On the outside, the M car boasts a new bodykit with new bumpers and spoilers, side skirts, unique mirrors, plus the traditional quad-exhaust tail pipes, heavily blistered wheel arches and LED tail lights. There are three exterior paint finishes to choose from including, Alpine White non-metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic and the Valencia Orange Metallic, which is available exclusively for this model. 

Inside, we find the typical upgrades for an M model such as the unique trim, sports steering wheel and seats, heaps of leather and alcantara decorated with orange contrast stitching, and a revamped instrument panel.
BMW said the 2011 1 Series M Coupe will be available in limited quantities starting from Spring of 2011, adding that final pricing, packages, and options will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

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