2011 Audi R8 800 HP by PPI

2011 Audi R8 800 HP by PPI

2011 Audi R8 800 HP by PPI

2011 Audi R8 800 HP by PPI

It was only last year that PPI Razor unveiled the GTR-10, an update package based on the Audi R8 V10 version. Their package increased the total output of the Audi to an impressive 600 HP, but that accomplishment didn’t seem to be enough for the German tuner. They have now moved on to squeeze 800 HP from the R8 and not from its V10, but rather from the V8 version. Now that’s an upgrade!

In order to achieve such a monstrous update, PPI adapted the engine to get a better compression ratio and a stronger resistance of the first and second gear. That, plus an adjustment of the ECU and two R48 Bi-Centrifugal Superchargers with magnetic coupling, the V8 engine’s output has been increased from 420 HP to 801 HP with a peak torque raised to 634 lbs-ft. The air intake system has also been altered to include a special sport air filter in a Carbon Fiber air box for optimal air flow.

Getting double the amount of power out of the smaller V8 engine has undoubtedly boosted the sports car’s performance numbers. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is now made in 2.9 seconds, while top speed goes up to a super car mark of 217 mph. The beautiful sounds coming out of the engine can be heard through the PPI Dual Inlet Sport Exhaust specifically designed and optimized to work with the supercharging system in the R8.

The package also includes numerous aerodynamic updates that can be added to match up the exterior with the heart-thumping metal found under the hood. What’s not available as of yet is the price for this insane package, but we can’t imagine these modifications will come cheap.

2011 Audi R8 800 HP by PPI

2011 Audi R8 800 HP by PPI

2011 Audi R8 800 HP by PPI

2011 Audi R8 800 HP by PPI

2011 Audi R8 800 HP by PPI

2011 Audi R8 800 HP by PPI

2011 Audi R8 800 HP by PPI

2011 Audi R8 800 HP by PPI

It was only last year that PPI Razor unveiled the GTR-10, an update package based on the Audi R8 V10 version. Their package increased the total output of the Audi to an impressive 600 HP, but that accomplishment didn’t seem to be enough for the German tuner. They have now moved on to squeeze 800 HP from the R8 and not from its V10, but rather from the V8 version. Now that’s an upgrade!

In order to achieve such a monstrous update, PPI adapted the engine to get a better compression ratio and a stronger resistance of the first and second gear. That, plus an adjustment of the ECU and two R48 Bi-Centrifugal Superchargers with magnetic coupling, the V8 engine’s output has been increased from 420 HP to 801 HP with a peak torque raised to 634 lbs-ft. The air intake system has also been altered to include a special sport air filter in a Carbon Fiber air box for optimal air flow.

Getting double the amount of power out of the smaller V8 engine has undoubtedly boosted the sports car’s performance numbers. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is now made in 2.9 seconds, while top speed goes up to a super car mark of 217 mph. The beautiful sounds coming out of the engine can be heard through the PPI Dual Inlet Sport Exhaust specifically designed and optimized to work with the supercharging system in the R8.

The package also includes numerous aerodynamic updates that can be added to match up the exterior with the heart-thumping metal found under the hood. What’s not available as of yet is the price for this insane package, but we can’t imagine these modifications will come cheap.

2011 Audi R8 800 HP by PPI

2011 Audi R8 800 HP by PPI

2011 Audi R8 800 HP by PPI

2011 Audi R8 800 HP by PPI

Finalists for 2011 Miss Tuning Award now up for vote

Finalists for 2011 Miss Tuning Award now up for vote

Finalists for 2011 Miss

Finalists for 2011 Miss

Here’s something you can do while on your lunch break at work. You might have noticed how at auto shows, there seems to be an overabundant number of scantily-clad women in high heels next to the cars that are being unveiled. That, dear friends, is no accident.

There’s a better level of enjoyment and satisfaction going around these cars while talking to these beautiful models. What would happen if a major auto show is devoid of the beautiful presence of these women? It definitely wouldn’t be as exciting, that much we know.

So now that the finalists for the 2011 Miss Tuning Award have been announced, it’s time for us to give back to these 20 fine young ladies by casting our votes on who we think deserves the title of 2011 Miss Tuning. After the round of 20 young ladies, the top 10 vote-getters will proceed to the finals at this year’s Tuning World Bodensee from May 5-8, 2011 where the winner will officially be crowned as the face of the tuning world for 2011.

Finalists for 2011 Miss

Finalists for 2011 Miss Tuning Award now up for vote

Finalists for 2011 Miss Tuning Award now up for vote

Finalists for 2011 Miss

Finalists for 2011 Miss

Here’s something you can do while on your lunch break at work. You might have noticed how at auto shows, there seems to be an overabundant number of scantily-clad women in high heels next to the cars that are being unveiled. That, dear friends, is no accident.

There’s a better level of enjoyment and satisfaction going around these cars while talking to these beautiful models. What would happen if a major auto show is devoid of the beautiful presence of these women? It definitely wouldn’t be as exciting, that much we know.

So now that the finalists for the 2011 Miss Tuning Award have been announced, it’s time for us to give back to these 20 fine young ladies by casting our votes on who we think deserves the title of 2011 Miss Tuning. After the round of 20 young ladies, the top 10 vote-getters will proceed to the finals at this year’s Tuning World Bodensee from May 5-8, 2011 where the winner will officially be crowned as the face of the tuning world for 2011.

Finalists for 2011 Miss

2011 Melkus RS2000 GT and GTS

2011 Melkus RS2000 GT and GTS

2011 Melkus RS2000 GT and GTS

We like the idea of niche automakers releasing limited-run models in the automotive market; it gives the whole entrée of choices some diversity. And it seems that in the past few months, more and more of these small-scale manufacturers have started to step forward to offer consumers an alternative to what we’re most often used to.

Melkus Sportwagen GmbH may not be the most popular carmaker in the world today, but nevertheless, the German brand still knows a thing or two about building a lightweight sports car. At the Top Marques in Monaco, Melkus will be introducing two new versions of the RS2000 sports car: the GT and GTS.

The two models are the latest iterations of the R2000 line, giving its customer base more powerful options to choose from. Both the RS2000 GT and RS2000 GTS will each come with state-of-the-art materials to go with more powerful engines.

Like we said, it’s hard to gauge the interest level on a car like this given its ‘niche’ status in the industry, but considering the way these cars are being presented, both the RS2000 GT and the RS2000 GTS could make strong impressions when they break cover in Monaco in a few days

2011 Melkus RS2000 GT and GTS

2011 Melkus RS2000 GT and GTS

2011 Melkus RS2000 GT and GTS

2011 Melkus RS2000 GT and GTS

2011 Melkus RS2000 GT and GTS

2011 Melkus RS2000 GT and GTS

2011 Melkus RS2000 GT and GTS

We like the idea of niche automakers releasing limited-run models in the automotive market; it gives the whole entrée of choices some diversity. And it seems that in the past few months, more and more of these small-scale manufacturers have started to step forward to offer consumers an alternative to what we’re most often used to.

Melkus Sportwagen GmbH may not be the most popular carmaker in the world today, but nevertheless, the German brand still knows a thing or two about building a lightweight sports car. At the Top Marques in Monaco, Melkus will be introducing two new versions of the RS2000 sports car: the GT and GTS.

The two models are the latest iterations of the R2000 line, giving its customer base more powerful options to choose from. Both the RS2000 GT and RS2000 GTS will each come with state-of-the-art materials to go with more powerful engines.

Like we said, it’s hard to gauge the interest level on a car like this given its ‘niche’ status in the industry, but considering the way these cars are being presented, both the RS2000 GT and the RS2000 GTS could make strong impressions when they break cover in Monaco in a few days

2011 Melkus RS2000 GT and GTS

2011 Melkus RS2000 GT and GTS

2011 Melkus RS2000 GT and GTS

2011 Melkus RS2000 GT and GTS

Ferrari 125

Ferrari 125

Ferrari 125

The Alfa Romeo and Ferrari communities suffered a huge loss earlier this month with the death of Giuseppe Busso. The great engineer passed away on Monday 3rd January, aged 92, in Arese near Milan. Busso was one of the most important engineers in the history of the two Italian marques, and his innovations, influence and genius has been wrought into into the fabric of Alfa Romeo and Ferrari.
Giuseppe Busso was born in Turin in 1913, where he later gained his diploma in industrial engineering. In 1937, after military service, Busso started to work as a calculator at Fiat’s technical aeronautical engine department (Ufficio Tecnico Motori Aviazione / UTMA) before later moving on to the technical experimental locomotive railway office (Ufficio Tecnico Autoveicoli Ferroviari Sperimentali / UTAFS).
At the beginning of January 1939, Busso moved to Alfa Romeo where he immediately started to work in the special projects office (Servizio Studi Speciali) created by the Spanish designer Wilfredo Ricart (who later went on to establish Pegaso in his native homeland). In particular, Busso developed racing car engines and worked directly under Ing. Orazio Satta Pulìga. Here Busso worked as a researcher, developing technical theories with the aide of Satta. His work was lectured at the Turin Polytechnic, which resulted in Busso becoming a protagonist of the establishment.

Ferrari 125

Ferrari 125

The engineer was hired by Enzo Ferrari as his first technical director in 1946. This new job, which Busso started on 10th June, was arranged by the legendary Alfa Romeo engineer Gioachino Colombo. At the time Colombo worked as a consultant for Enzo Ferrari during development of his first car, the Ferrari 125 Sport (the name indicating the individual cubic capacity of each of the 12 cylinders). With the design of this car, Colombo had been aided by Angelo (Lino) Nasi, the former Alfa Romeo industrial vehicle technical director, who designed the Ferrari’s 5-speed gearbox and rigid rear axle.
By November 1945 Colombo had recommenced work at Alfa Romeo, and had recommended to Enzo Ferrari that he should hire Busso in order to oversee development of the new V12 engine. Between December 1945 and January 1946, the 125 Sport project’s technical drawings were delivered to component manufacturers. However, from then on little progress was achieved. Despite this, Enzo Ferrari was certain that his own technical staff were more than capable of developing the engine. But when Ferrari realised that this was not the case, he accepted Colombo’s advice and met Busso on 15th May 1946 to arrange for him to become his new technical director.
Busso’s task at Ferrari was to control development of the 125 Sport project and to design the four-cam, two stage supercharged 1.5-litre V12 Grand Prix car which would first race in September 1949. Busso joined Luigi Bazzi at the Modena factory which was still occupied in producing machine tools in order to generate capital for the new car company known simply as Ferrari, Modena, Italy. Together with his assistant Aurelio Lampredi, who officially started work on 2nd October 1946 (although was already working in the workshop at the end of September), Busso oversaw the development of the 60° V12, 1,497 cc Colombo engine. In Touring form, the engine produced 72 bhp at 5,600 rpm.
The first 125 Sport (chassis 01 C) was ready on the 12th March 1947, and the model debuted in May of that year at the Piacenza racing circuit. Featuring transverse leaf sprung suspension and a 2,489 mm wheelbase, the 125 Sport weighed in at a mere 750 kg. A Ferrari 125 Sport later won the 1947 Mille Miglia with drivers Clemente Biondetti and Giuseppe Navone, and with this the Ferrari legend grew as a manufacturer of Italy’s finest cars. After a disagreement with Orazio Satta, Gioachino Colombo left Alfa Romeo in December 1947. This was most probably due to conflicting part-time activities in designing the Ferrari and the ‘Volpe’ (another car project). This move left a position vacant for Busso, and he restarted work at Alfa Romeo after being approached by Satta in January 1948.

Ferrari 125

Ferrari 125

Ferrari 125

Ferrari 125

Ferrari 125

Ferrari 125

Ferrari 125

The Alfa Romeo and Ferrari communities suffered a huge loss earlier this month with the death of Giuseppe Busso. The great engineer passed away on Monday 3rd January, aged 92, in Arese near Milan. Busso was one of the most important engineers in the history of the two Italian marques, and his innovations, influence and genius has been wrought into into the fabric of Alfa Romeo and Ferrari.
Giuseppe Busso was born in Turin in 1913, where he later gained his diploma in industrial engineering. In 1937, after military service, Busso started to work as a calculator at Fiat’s technical aeronautical engine department (Ufficio Tecnico Motori Aviazione / UTMA) before later moving on to the technical experimental locomotive railway office (Ufficio Tecnico Autoveicoli Ferroviari Sperimentali / UTAFS).
At the beginning of January 1939, Busso moved to Alfa Romeo where he immediately started to work in the special projects office (Servizio Studi Speciali) created by the Spanish designer Wilfredo Ricart (who later went on to establish Pegaso in his native homeland). In particular, Busso developed racing car engines and worked directly under Ing. Orazio Satta Pulìga. Here Busso worked as a researcher, developing technical theories with the aide of Satta. His work was lectured at the Turin Polytechnic, which resulted in Busso becoming a protagonist of the establishment.

Ferrari 125

Ferrari 125

The engineer was hired by Enzo Ferrari as his first technical director in 1946. This new job, which Busso started on 10th June, was arranged by the legendary Alfa Romeo engineer Gioachino Colombo. At the time Colombo worked as a consultant for Enzo Ferrari during development of his first car, the Ferrari 125 Sport (the name indicating the individual cubic capacity of each of the 12 cylinders). With the design of this car, Colombo had been aided by Angelo (Lino) Nasi, the former Alfa Romeo industrial vehicle technical director, who designed the Ferrari’s 5-speed gearbox and rigid rear axle.
By November 1945 Colombo had recommenced work at Alfa Romeo, and had recommended to Enzo Ferrari that he should hire Busso in order to oversee development of the new V12 engine. Between December 1945 and January 1946, the 125 Sport project’s technical drawings were delivered to component manufacturers. However, from then on little progress was achieved. Despite this, Enzo Ferrari was certain that his own technical staff were more than capable of developing the engine. But when Ferrari realised that this was not the case, he accepted Colombo’s advice and met Busso on 15th May 1946 to arrange for him to become his new technical director.
Busso’s task at Ferrari was to control development of the 125 Sport project and to design the four-cam, two stage supercharged 1.5-litre V12 Grand Prix car which would first race in September 1949. Busso joined Luigi Bazzi at the Modena factory which was still occupied in producing machine tools in order to generate capital for the new car company known simply as Ferrari, Modena, Italy. Together with his assistant Aurelio Lampredi, who officially started work on 2nd October 1946 (although was already working in the workshop at the end of September), Busso oversaw the development of the 60° V12, 1,497 cc Colombo engine. In Touring form, the engine produced 72 bhp at 5,600 rpm.
The first 125 Sport (chassis 01 C) was ready on the 12th March 1947, and the model debuted in May of that year at the Piacenza racing circuit. Featuring transverse leaf sprung suspension and a 2,489 mm wheelbase, the 125 Sport weighed in at a mere 750 kg. A Ferrari 125 Sport later won the 1947 Mille Miglia with drivers Clemente Biondetti and Giuseppe Navone, and with this the Ferrari legend grew as a manufacturer of Italy’s finest cars. After a disagreement with Orazio Satta, Gioachino Colombo left Alfa Romeo in December 1947. This was most probably due to conflicting part-time activities in designing the Ferrari and the ‘Volpe’ (another car project). This move left a position vacant for Busso, and he restarted work at Alfa Romeo after being approached by Satta in January 1948.

Ferrari 125

Ferrari 125

Ferrari 125

Ferrari 125

Ferrari 458

Ferrari 458

Ferrari 458

The Scottsdale Auction Week has just wrapped up its activities and has achieved its status as the most successful auction ever, pulling in $14.2 Million in final sales. Among those sales were some oldies, but goodies which brought in more than their fair share of benjamins.
“Scottsdale’s sunshine cast a warm glow over the Valley this week but the real heat emanated from our auction today with a fantastic crowd turnout and more than $14 Million in sales,” said President and founder David Gooding. “Collectors and enthusiasts will not want to miss the excitement tomorrow, when highlights such as our barnfind 1948 Tucker and Fiat 8V Supersonic are presented.”
On a vintage note, several significant and highly-original cars from the 1950s and 60s sold very well, including a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing that sold for $858,000, a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB that sold for $797,500, and an unrestored 1964 Shelby 289 Cobra that sold for $610,500.
But one of the most impressive auctions was a 2006 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione which sold for an impressive $2.09 Million. This model is one of 30 FXX examples of Ferrari’s most advanced production car ever created. It is powered by a 6262 cc V12 engine that delivers 860 hp at 9500 rpm and is capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds, while top speed goes up to an impressive 249 mph.

Ferrari 458

Ferrari 458

Gooding and Company are preparing for an amazing auction event set to take place on Friday, January 21 2011 in Scottsdale. This event will lead to the auctioning off of many supercars belonging to the estate of renowned collector Benny Caiola. Although many supercars will be in attendance and hoping to be sold to a good home, the two most prized pieces will be the 2006 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione and a 2005 Maserati MC 12.
The 2006 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione is one of 30 FXX examples of Ferrari’s most advanced production car ever created. It is powered by a 6262 cc V12 engine that delivers 860 hp at 9500 rpm and is capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds, while top speed goes up to an impressive 249 mph.
The 2005 Maserati MC 12 was purchased direct from the factory and is vehicle number 31 of the 50 built. It is powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 engine that delivers an impressive 624 HP and can exceed 205mph at full throttle, sprinting from 0 to 60mph in just 3.8 seconds.
The two models are expected to be auctioned off for more than $4 million and join a long line of other supercars ready to take the auction plunge. The list of cars includes a 1995 Ferrari F50, a 2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE, a 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4, and a 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster.

Ferrari 458

Ferrari 458

Ferrari 458

Ferrari 458

Ferrari 458

Ferrari 458

Ferrari 458

The Scottsdale Auction Week has just wrapped up its activities and has achieved its status as the most successful auction ever, pulling in $14.2 Million in final sales. Among those sales were some oldies, but goodies which brought in more than their fair share of benjamins.
“Scottsdale’s sunshine cast a warm glow over the Valley this week but the real heat emanated from our auction today with a fantastic crowd turnout and more than $14 Million in sales,” said President and founder David Gooding. “Collectors and enthusiasts will not want to miss the excitement tomorrow, when highlights such as our barnfind 1948 Tucker and Fiat 8V Supersonic are presented.”
On a vintage note, several significant and highly-original cars from the 1950s and 60s sold very well, including a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing that sold for $858,000, a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB that sold for $797,500, and an unrestored 1964 Shelby 289 Cobra that sold for $610,500.
But one of the most impressive auctions was a 2006 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione which sold for an impressive $2.09 Million. This model is one of 30 FXX examples of Ferrari’s most advanced production car ever created. It is powered by a 6262 cc V12 engine that delivers 860 hp at 9500 rpm and is capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds, while top speed goes up to an impressive 249 mph.

Ferrari 458

Ferrari 458

Gooding and Company are preparing for an amazing auction event set to take place on Friday, January 21 2011 in Scottsdale. This event will lead to the auctioning off of many supercars belonging to the estate of renowned collector Benny Caiola. Although many supercars will be in attendance and hoping to be sold to a good home, the two most prized pieces will be the 2006 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione and a 2005 Maserati MC 12.
The 2006 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione is one of 30 FXX examples of Ferrari’s most advanced production car ever created. It is powered by a 6262 cc V12 engine that delivers 860 hp at 9500 rpm and is capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds, while top speed goes up to an impressive 249 mph.
The 2005 Maserati MC 12 was purchased direct from the factory and is vehicle number 31 of the 50 built. It is powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 engine that delivers an impressive 624 HP and can exceed 205mph at full throttle, sprinting from 0 to 60mph in just 3.8 seconds.
The two models are expected to be auctioned off for more than $4 million and join a long line of other supercars ready to take the auction plunge. The list of cars includes a 1995 Ferrari F50, a 2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE, a 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4, and a 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster.

Ferrari 458

Ferrari 458

Ferrari 458

Ferrari 458

2012 ford explorer

2012 ford explorer 

2012 ford explorer

2012 ford explorer

It’s never good to be caught by the paparazzi in the buff. Unless, of course, that was your plan all along in order to get your C-list self some much-needed coverage in the various gossip rags. But we digress. Our intrepid spy photographers managed to snap off a giant series of photos of the hotly anticipated 2012 Ford Explorer completely uncovered, and that is a very, very good thing indeed.

2012 ford explorer

For the first time ever, thanks to an unruly gust of wind, we get to see the first-ever unibody Explorer in all its glory. That looks to include a new take on the familiar in-your-face three-bar grille with newly perforated top and bottom rungs bisected by two thin chrome strips up front.
Note, too, the mildly sculpted flanks that lead to the currently en vogue fastback-like sharply raked C-pillar. A closer look at the fascia reveals not-yet-completed projector headlamps ensconced in clear covers that angle well back into the fenders. Lookin’ good so far, we’d say.
Note, too, the mildly sculpted flanks that lead to the currently en vogue fastback-like sharply raked C-pillar. A closer look at the fascia reveals not-yet-completed projector headlamps ensconced in clear covers that angle well back into the fenders. Lookin’ good so far, we’d say.

2012 ford explorer

2012 ford explorer

Though we don’t quite get a good look at the rear fascia, we do get a clear shot underneath the car from the hind quarters. This is most definitely a front-wheel drive chassis, and though this particular mule isn’t equipped with one, there will surely be an optional rear differential for all-wheel drive duty. See all the shots for yourself in our high-res image gallery below

2012 ford explorer

2012 ford explorer

2012 ford explorer