Porsche 911 GT3 500HP

The new 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is Porsche's ultimate street-legal track racer and a fitting farewell to the current 911 series, codenamed 997, which will soon be replaced by an all-new model set to be unwrapped at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
There’s a lot to like about the new GT3 RS including the fact that it is fitted with the largest engine ever to be mounted on a factory-approved 911; a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six unit that develops 500 horsepower at 8,250 rpm, 50 horses more than the standard GT3 RS. It is also the most powerful 911 naturally aspirated engine with 125 horsepower per liter. The engine carries the crankshaft from the 911 GT3 RSR racing car, while the forged pistons' connecting rods are made from titanium.
The impressive output and peak torque of 460 Nm (339 lb-ft) at 5,750 rpm help the sports car achieve stunning performance, such as the Nürburgring-Nordschleife lap time of 7 minutes 27 seconds, 1.7 seconds faster than the Carrera GT and 6 seconds faster than the GT3 RS. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a six-speed sports transmission with gearing designed for the circuit. Porsche says the car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and to 200 km/h (124 mph) in under 12 seconds.
The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 uses motor racing suspension components and weight-saving materials such as carbon fiber for the bonnet and front wings, plastic for the rear windows, light bucket seats and even weight-optimized carpets. As a result, the car tips the scales at just 1,360 kilograms (2,998 lbs) with a full tank of fuel. The power-to-weight ratio is an amazing 2.72 kg/hp, as very few production cars drop under the threshold of 3 kilograms per horsepower.
On the outside, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is finished in white as standard and comes with optional “RS 4.0” decals. It is also distinguished by the wide track and low stance, a large rear wing with adapted side plates and central twin tailpipes. The front bumper sports lateral air deflection vanes, which make their appearance for the first time on a production Porsche. They increase downforce on the front axle and in combination with the rear wing push the car onto the road with an additional 190 kg (426 lbs) of aerodynamic force at top speed.
The car will launch in Germany in July 2011 with a starting price of €178,596, taxes included. In the U.S., the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 will cost $185,000 (excluding destination charges) and will go on sale in late 2011. Production will be limited to just 600 units worldwide.

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2011 Holden VE Series II SS V8 Ute

2011 is a very special year for two Australian motoring icons. For one, it’s the 50th anniversary of Queensland’s first permanent, purpose-built raceway: Lakeside Park. It’s also marks the 60th anniversary of Holden’s FX Utility, a vehicle widely considered by enthusiasts to be the forefather of the home grown Aussie “ute”. In recognition of these historic occasions, we took a Holden VE Series II SS Ute for a test drive and headed north to attend the first of Lakeside’s three 50th anniversary events. Part one of this feature will cover my impressions of the Ute, whilst part two will take in the event itself. So let’s get cracking.

Overview

The VE Ute is already an attractive vehicle and in SS guise this is complemented with 18-inch alloys, front fog lights and a lowered sports suspension. With its 6.0 L V8 the SS is certainly powerful, but it’s also safe with a maximum 5-star ANCAP rating thanks to its six airbags and electronic stability control.

Our particular car also came with Holden’s Active Fuel Management (AFM) system – essentially cylinder deactivation – and a 6spd automatic transmission.

The VE Ute is based on the same floorplan as the Commodore sedan and, as such, is quite a long vehicle. It’s not noticeable on the open road, but from the outside or when parking it becomes increasingly apparent, especially if you’re used to driving subcompacts. On the plus side, there’s plenty of storage space in the tray area and front leg room is more than ample.

Inside 

From the front seats forward, the SS Ute is all sedan. The pews are supportive without being restrictive and even a big bloke like me had no trouble getting in and out. The steering wheel is big and meaty and, in SS guise, leather-wrapped to boot. The centre console is logically laid out with Holden’s multifunction touch screen iQ system at the top and the climate controls at the bottom. The SS comes with dual-zone climate control and everything about the system is intuitive and easy to use.

The driver’s seat is partly electrically adjustable (straight up and down and tilt), though still requires you to manually slide it forward and adjust the backrest. It’s okay, though personally I’d have preferred an all-or nothing approach. The interior is made of high quality materials and is very well put together and there’s the usual package of trip computer, cruise control and steering wheel controls – all pretty standard in this day and age.

You also get Bluetooth and iPod integration, which is nice. I don’t have too much to say about the iQ system except it requires you to punch the onscreen prompts rather than tap them, which can be frustrating at times. It can also be somewhat distracting on the move, though you can configure it to lock out certain functions. Overall, I was fairly impressed at how simple and intuitive it can be.

One thing I found disappointing was the sound system, which is very tinny and not at all fitting with the SS’s character. In a car that can cost upwards of AU$45,000, I had expected a bit more in this department.

The rear tray area is quite expansive by Australian standards and there’s more than enough room for fishing rods, surfboards, camping equipment or whatever else you’d care to put in there. It also has a nice rugged, non-stick surface not unlike a Teflon frying pan that I thought was very good.

Concluding Remarks

The Holden VE Series II SS Ute is a highly capable, comfortable cruiser. Though lacking in some areas – the sound system and seat controls, for instance – it is well equipped and pleasant on the road. And at AU$52,161 in 6sp automatic SS guise, its good value for money to boot. With the exception of Ford’s XR8 Falcon – which we are yet to test – the SS Ute has no other real competitors on the Australian market and as such remains highly desired among both tradespeople and enthusiasts alike.

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Ford Focus Race Car Concept 2011

Whoever believed that the new Ford Focus was just a boring sedan for everyday use was wrong. And Ford has proof of that statement in the form of the new Focus race car arriving today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This new concept demonstrates the car’s potential in road and touring car championships with teams around the world, at least that is what Ford is saying. We don’t know if we buy that statement just yet.

The concept car is powered by a 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost I-4 engine and features performance coil-over adjustable dampers, Ford Racing upgraded sway bars with adjustable end links, front brakes with 320-millimeter two-piece rotors, and race pads. The concept sits on Anthracite 18-inch wheels and Hoosier race tires.

The interior also got the racing treatment with an FIA Super 2000 regulations roll cage, Recaro racing seats, an AIM MXL Pista data system, and an AIM Smarty Cam. Added safety features include a Ford Racing fire suppression system and Ford Racing six-point safety harness.

We’re still not entirely convinced that the Focus race car will make Ford proud out on the track, but this is just a concept as of yet and should serve as a decent base for the production model. Ford is production will be ready by 2012, leaving them plenty of time to build on a good thing.

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Ford Flex Titanium 2011

The Ford Flex is known for its unique styling and its ability to allow someone to stand out in the crowd. At least, that’s what Ford’s research has shown on the full-size crossover. Now, it seems that Ford is using that research to develop a new version of the vehicle to top its 2011 Flex line-up. Move over SE, SEL, and Limited, there’s a new chief in town and its the new Flex Titanium. The Titanium is based on the Limited series and will be offered in three versions: a 3.5L V6 Duratec FWD priced at $40,340; 3.5L V6 Duratec AWD $42,190 and 3.5L EcoBoost V6 AWD priced at $45,185.

The Titanium version will be offered in four exterior colors: Red Candy, White Platinum, Tuxedo Black, and Ingot Silver combined with a new Tuxedo Black two-tone roof. The key features on the exterior are the blacked-out additions. These include the beltline moldings, fog lamp bezels and side-view mirror skull caps. The liftgate appliqué is now black chrome as well. The beautiful and striking exterior is finished off with 20-inch 10-spoke wheels.

The Ford Flex Titanium is also distinguished by charcoal black leather-trimmed seats with gray Alcantara suede inserts, circle check appliqués on instrument panel and doors, painted alloy metallic finish on center stack and door panels, a perforated leather steering wheel and illuminated scuff plates.

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