New Popular Cars

Seat UK Expands Availability of FR Trim, Introduces New FR+ and Upgrades Cupra R in the Leon's Range

Banking on the success of the Leon FR that, last year, was responsible for one in four Leon sales in Britain, Seat introduced a new FR+ derivative, while also extending the FR badge to a broader engine range.

The Leon FR hatch is now available with a 1.4-liter TSI petrol developing 125-horses and linked to a manual transmission only, or a 2.0-liter TDI diesel with 140-horsepower and the choice of either a manual gearbox or a DSG dual clutch automatic transmission.

 Honda Recalls 2.3 Million Vehicles Over an Auto Transmission Problem

Honda has issued a worldwide recall for 2.26 million vehicles, 1.5 million of which were sold in the US. The recall concerns certain 2005-2010MY Accords, 2007-2010MY CR-V SUVs and 2005-2008 Element crossovers, all equipped with four-cylinder engines and an automatic transmission.

It Came from eBay Hell: Camaro Meets Batmobile

 

 

 

Fancying a GM classic with a little more, ahem, pizazz than your run-of-the-mill F-Body Chevrolet Camaro? Welcome to the wonderful world of eBay and the DreamRyder (that's how the owner spells the name of the car).

The DreamRyder is the creation of one Bill Logan who used a V8-powered 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible as a base. Logan says he spent 13 years to complete all the customizations, which include a fiberglass body said to be inspired by a number of animals such as the bat ray and the eagle.

 

Renault Samsung Motors Rolls Out Flagship SM7, Releases New Photos

 

 

 

The South Korean unit of Renault has come out with full details on its new SM7 flagship sedan a week before the car officially goes on sale in the country.

The French carmaker, which bought a 70% stake in Samsung Motors back in 2000 to spearhead the brand's expansion efforts in the developing Asian region, said the SM7 will have a "radical effect on the big saloon car market".

Jean’s Back: 2012 Delahaye USA Bella Figura Type 57S Enters Production

It may have taken three years but at last Delahaye USA’s Bella Figura Type 57S is available for purchase. The Long Valley, NJ based specialist vehicle manufacturer has taken its design inspiration from Jean Bugatti’s legendary Type 57S coupe of the 1930s and ‘40s and modified it to fit a stretched and widened platform.

Using cutting edge materials such as carbon fibre and polished aluminium, Delahaye USA’s describes their new offering as, “much more than a replica”.

With air conditioning, power brakes and steering, electric windows and a choice of engine and transmission options, this certainly appears true.

Ferrari 599 GTB Handling GTE Sport Kit Now Available as Aftermarket Package

Leaving no stone unturned in order to make a buck or two, Ferrari is now offering its recently launched Handling GTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) sport package for the 599 GTB Fiorano also as a genuine aftermarket kit to existing owners of the V12 supercar. Depending on the customer's specific requirements and the age of vehicle, buyers can choose between two available packages.

According to Ferrari UK, the first HGTE pack is for pre-2008 599 GTB Fiorano cars and costs £17,213 ($28,300 US or €21,000). It consists of handling modifications, an exhaust system and a styling upgrades.

The second package, which is for post-2008 models equipped with the F1 transmission, is priced at £19,703 ($32,400 or €23,000) and comes with an additional performance kit. Mind you none of the above prices include VAT.

HGTE PACKAGE SPECS

1) Handling, includes:

• Lower suspension (10mm)
  
• New magnetorheologically controlled suspension calibration for the Manettino SPORT and RACE configurations
  
• More rigid suspension springs (front + 17%, rear + 15%)
  
• More rigid rear anti-roll bars (diameter increased to 25mm)
  
• HGTE specific tyres with improved compound (8% more grip)
  
• 3-piece modular rims with reduced weight (forged spokes) and special new design
  

2) Performance (only available for post-2008 cars, from engine no. 122779), includes:

• New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes
  
• Enhanced F1 gearshift actuation, with response times reduced to 85ms
  
• New accelerator logic with modified mapping for improved throttle response
  

N.B. The Performance kit cannot be installed on cars with manual gearboxes.

3) Exhaust, includes:

• New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes
  

The Exhaust kit is designed for:

• vehicles that cannot receive the software updates listed in the Performance kit since the engine was produced before assembly number 122779 (pre-2008)
  
• all cars with manual gearboxes
  
• clients who are only interested in modifying the styling and sound of their own cars
  

N.B. The Exhaust kit is included in the Performance kit, for cars post-2008.

4) Aesthetic, includes:

• New design front grille with a special chromatic treatment
  
• Burnished finish to Prancing Horse symbols on the front grill and rear boot lid
  

Automotive Car Design Wallpapers: Ferrari 599 GTO

Post by: Automotive

Maranello, www.ferrari.com is now available on the first photo and information about the new 599 GTO, extreme V12 Berlinetta developed for a brief orientation on specific performance. The 599 GTO, in fact, the fastest ever road car company. This is an exclusive special limited edition, in true Ferrari tradition, is an entirely new concept, although inspired by a production car. Actually based on the 599XX 599 GTO, the car advanced experimental songs, and can be considered almost road-going version.

GTO 599 599 are provided only for clients who are looking for maximum expression of high-performance driving. 599 GTO directly benefit from the transfer of technology from racing and set the record at Fiorano lap time in 1'24 ".

Fiorano lap time to provide only one indication of the potential of this car. Just as significant are the technical specifications - 670 hp in a 1495kg car is a ratio of weight-for-the power of only 2.23 kg / hp, and ensure the 0-100 km / h acceleration time of just 3.35 "and a top speed of more than 335 km / h

Fundamental to the performance of GTO is an innovative approach to developing the chassis, for the first time on a production car, saw the integration between the handling of the set-up according to the level of response which is close to the limit and very sophisticated electronic controls. The result is nearly complete lack of understeer and chassis really communicative.

Like Ferrari's policy, any new features Ferrari's new solutions for road cars. So the 599 GTO is equipped with the latest, second generation carbon-ceramic brakes are lighter and offer better performance, new aerodynamic innovations, such as wheel donuts that increase aerodynamic efficiency and to improve brake cooling, and Supersport tire developed by Michelin, including a wider front tire for greater roadholding. Driver interface is also new to the implementation of the Virtual Race Engineer (VRE) that provides drivers with immediate information on the performance.

599 GTO is more aggressive character also appears in a number of elements which recall the style of 599XX and a strong voice from the V12.

The GTO (Gran Turismo Omologata) moniker direct calls to mind both the Ferrari that has entered the collective imagination as a symbol of performance. After the 1962 250 GTO, which swept the board in GT racing category in 1960 and is now a very valuable collector's car, came by its iconic 1984 GTO, which basically created a whole genre of modern supercars.

Special web including photos, videos and interviews on a new car, while an exclusive preview to a small number of clients Ferrari will be held on 14 April at the Military Academy in Modena. The public debut of the 599 GTO would likely be in the Beijing International Motor Show in late April.

599 GTO TECHNICAL CONTENTS

Engine and gearbox

GTO 599 engine is derived directly from the unit 599XX execution, but the modifications required for the road-going homologation. Thus, in accordance with the Euro 5 and LEV 2 standards. The 5999 cc 65-degree V12 engine blows out 670 CV at 8250 rpm with maximum torque of 620 Nm at 6500 rpm and there's a rush, smooth constant power all the way to redline with no loss of flexibility even at low and medium revs. This result is obtained by working on-fluid dynamics and components to reduce internal friction and by adopting, inter alia, a redesigned crankshaft 599XX. The car also has a racing-type intake system with a new intake manifold with a geometry diffuser-type and short inlet channel is designed to increase the supply of power at high revs and reduce losses. To maximize the volumetric efficiency per cylinder, Connections between the two plenums in front to compensate the volume variation. This is how the engineers managed to achieve maximum performance at high engine speeds. Engine noise in the car carefully controlled to balance the intake with the exhaust sound, which is equipped with a manifold 6-to-1-derived 599XX.

599 GTO of the same features, lower 60 ms time shift and the possibility to make some downshifts as in the 599XX.

VEHICLE DYNAMICS

One of the most significant innovation of the 599 GTO is a high correlation between the chassis set-up, which is close to the limits of handling, and input from the electronic control was developed to improve the overall performance level.

Because of the very early state of development of two cars', Maranello engineers work to ensure that these two areas of the car will be smooth so that push to limit the integrated response. The result is, of course, the involvement of superlatives and drive a lap faster. Apart from the new pool and bar rear anti-roll stiffness, the car is also equipped with magnetorheological suspension system of the second generation control (SCM2). suspension work closely with the VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) and the latest generation of traction control-F1-Trac. This makes the car very responsive to driver input - thanks in part to the application of very direct steering ratio - but also very stable under braking, sharper on turn-in, which is more appropriate in faster cornering and out of the corner.

WEIGHT REDUCTION

599 GTO inherited most of the construction work - by using the same principles as used in F1 - that went into making cars 599XX such extreme performance. Losing weight is an important goal and the result is the extensive use of composites and components manufactured with technology that is more similar to racing specifications. Areas involved include bodywork and in the greenhouse (with thin gauge aluminum and glass thinner), brakes, transmissions and exhaust systems. The result was 1495 kg dry weight and ratio of weight-for-the power of only 2.23 kg / hp, a significant figure that underscores the potential for GTO's performance.

Aerodynamics

599 GTO aerodynamics which has benefited significantly from the experience in F1 and Ferrari engineer with 599XX which allows downforce will be greatly increased without impacting on the drag. Thank you for the solution to be transferred from the car lane road-going version, GTO that produce as much as 144 kg of downforce at 200 km / h. All Cars sharpening, including front, side, the flat underbody and cooling flows. In the second instance, GTO can count increase and ducting to a disc brake pads, and the adoption of a donut wheels - disc position outside the disc brakes which ensure that the hot air out wheelarch remain as close as possible to the car body to reduce drag.

Working on the car's nose was designed to reduce the width of wake generated by the front and thus reduces the drag. Lower front spoiler also has a separate wing that increases downforce on the front of the car and improve airflow to radiator oil cooler. On the sides there is a new threshold leading design more clearly that increases the efficiency of the center of the underbody. The underbody itself combine parts, new lower front with the front diffusers front wheels to optimize downforce, and the double curve of a new rear diffuser.

WHEEL RIM AND Tire

Here's the size difference between the front and rear tires have been changed. The GTO front tire is now 285/30 on 9.5 channels''with 315/35 in 11.5''in the rear channels. 599 GTO has 20''rims. Roll stiffness is greater at the rear to minimize understeer. This solution ensures increased lateral grip and turn a quick login

Brake

The CCM2 new braking system is lighter and even more consistent in high performance situations. Consistent coefficient of friction means that the ABS former can be calibrated to a particularly high level of achievement, further reducing cycle time, thanks to enhanced deceleration and stopping distance is shorter. In fact, it offers 100 599 GTO is very good for 0 km / h braking distance of just 32.5 meters. Like their role in improving the aerodynamics, wheel of a Formula 1 derived from the donut also improve braking efficiency by optimizing the cooling of the brakes.

CAR-DRIVER INTERFACE

Car-driver interface is designed to maximize the performance of the car and driver to the layout of the main command that ensures absolute efficiency and minimum disruption. The manettino Racing also places a strong emphasis on sporty driving track-specific settings by offering drivers a full choice of parameters associated with electronic controls. ICE's position on the 599 GTB Fiorano has been replaced by CT-Off (traction control off). GTO is also equipped with a bespoke, another F1 paddle-carbon fiber to be used more easily in high speed driving. Besides GTO also features a Virtual Race Engineer, a system that monitors the status of the car driver's visibility and provide direct vehicle performance.

GTO 599 technical specifications

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Length: 4710 mm (185.4 in)

Width: 1962 mm (77.2 in)

Height: 1326 mm (52.2 in)

Wheelbase: 2750 mm (108.3 in)

Front track: 1701 mm (67.0 in)

Rear track: 1618 mm (63.7 in)

* Dry Weight: 1495 kg (3296 pounds)

* Kerb weight: 1605 kg (3538 pounds)

Weight distribution: 47% front - 53% rear

Fuel tank capacity: 105 liters (27.7 U.S. gal/23.1 UK / gal)

Boot Volume: 320 liters (11.3 cu ft)

ENGINE

Type: V12 - 65 °

Bore & stroke: 92 x 75.2 mm (3.62 x 2.96 in)

Unitary displacement: 499.9 cc (30.51 cu in)

Total displacement: 5999 cc (366.08 cu in)

Compression ratio: 11.2:1

Maximum power: 500 kW (670 CV) at 8250 rpm

Maximum torque: 620 Nm (457 pounds / ft) at 6500 rpm

Gearbox

F1 + 6-speed reverse

SUSPENSION

Control SCM2 - Supension Magnetorheological

Tire

Front: 285/30 ZR20''

Rear: 315/35 ZR20''

CARBON-CERAMIC brake

Front: 398 x 38 mm (15.7 x 1.5 in)

Rear: 360 x 32 mm (14.2 x 1.3 ins)

ELECTRONIC CONTROLS

CST with F1-Trac: traction and stability control

TPTMS: Tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system

PERFORMANCE

Maximum speed: more than 335 km / h (over 208 mph)

0-100 km / h (0-62 mph): 3.35 sec

FUEL CONSUMPTION

Combined cycle (ECE) *: 17.5 l/100 km

CO2 emissions

Combined Cycle (ECE) *: 411 g / km

* European Version

source: Ferrari Press

New Car Design Lexus RX450h 2011

Post by: 

Lexus RX450h has been completely redesigned for 2010, and Lexus has introduced minor changes to the year 2011. Over the years, Lexus has been setting the standard for the crossover segment, Lexus decided that messing with success is not the way to go.

The new RX is grown in almost all its dimensions than previous generations, but the end result is a better looking vehicle overall. While the previous generation RX looked bubble, the new RX has sharp bends and its maximum and then give an attractive appearance.

The new RX headlights, taillights and grille are much more aerodynamic and a spoiler mounted on the roof gives it a sporty look. Lexus identifies with hybrid formations Logos blue-trimmed, tinted headlights, tail lights and our test vehicle also came with 19-inch wheels. We think Lexus has done a great job in refining the exterior of the 2011 RX450h and it's really a vehicle other than looking over the competition.

Lexus 450h shares the inside with his brother, non-hybrid, the only difference is the display that shows information about hybrid. Like any other Lexus, the interior quality is first rate and the RX is loaded with high-tech options such as heads-up display, CD changer, navigation with Bluetooth audio and XM Satellite Radio. The best thing about the RX is the Remote Controller that really puts the Touch iDrive and similar systems to shame. We played with the controller and were amazed to see how simple life can be.

RX 450h is powered by 3.5 liter V6 is carried over from last year's model with the combined production of 295 horses. The Atkinson cycle V6 with the help of electric motors hour increases fuel economy by about 10% over the previous generation RX. Lexus engineers have mounted a DC 288V Ni-MH battery under the rear seats that receives power from two or three engines, depending on FWD or AWD configurations.

Overall, we believe that Lexus has really learned this segment of the crossover and now with a hybrid variant are a force to reckon with. It 's true that there is someone available for Highlander Hybrid does not want to spend more than $ 51K, but Lexus has a cult following. In this day and age we all pay for the brand and Lexus RX450h is no different. So if you have a small family and are cautious green then RX450h is a perfect purchase. It is a crossover of performance, but anyone in the market for a hybrid is well aware of this fact. We really think that Lexus RX450h is for someone who cares about energy efficiency, yet still want luxury - Lexus RX450h is exactly that!

source: Lexus Press

Automotive Design Wallpapers Dodge Charger 2011

Post by: Automotive

With its iconic status, contemporary fastback four-door coupe proportions, world-class performance, craftsmanship and refinement, and state-of-the-art connectivity options, the all-new 2011 Dodge Charger, the Dodge brand's flagship proud premium deliver world E-class sedan segment precision at an incredible value.

The efficient and aerodynamic exterior of the 2011 Dodge Charger is spiritually inspired by the iconic second-generation Charger of the late 1960s, with a design that is certainly an emotional chord in Dodge performance enthusiasts of all generations to strike.

With its sinister "ready to fall the way" face, the all-new Dodge Charger, set the world best E-segment sedan competitors from its new split cross "signature grille. She carved all new body is a conscious nod to her heritage and deep muscle-car roots. The Charger's profile is a modern relationship, a result of countless hours in the wind tunnel from its lower hood line, faster windshield and radically raked back headlights to its tightening wheel openings, lower sill and race-car-like flat body under the Dodge Charger effortlessly cut thought the air with his attitude intact. The aluminum hood features dual "scallops" that brings a sculptured, performance look to the front, and large body-side scallops provide a striking wavy A line across the door. Running front to back the iconic horizontal "coke bottle" or "double diamond" body side styling with a sharp silhouette accented with muscular front and rear fenders and give the Dodge Charger is one of the most distinct profiles on the road. The definition of the fastback's wide stance is a whole new signature taillamp design in 164 LEDs illuminating his signature "racetrack" picture form and give the new Charger its unmistakable character of blocks away.

Dodge Charger (2011)

Dodge Charger, the 2011's interior cabin is designed for a hobbyist office. The new design feature premium materials throughout. Transfer the final frame "world-class feel of the road, the all-new Dodge Charger, a new thick-edged three-spoke Dodge steering wheel for improved performance feel and grip. Made in the world-class materials, Dodge Charger's passengers are surrounded by comfort, craftsmanship and style, thanks to premium soft-touch materials and four available clear interior color combinations. The all-new Dodge Charger, the 2011 state-of-the-art Uconnect ® Touch integrates world-class infotainment and convenience technologies to keep passengers connected, comfortable and safe. segment leader Garmin ® navigation, to the dual-zone climate control and the ability to fuel prices to cope with the integration of the available SIRIUS Travel Link, Uconnect Touch delivers an excellent experience for Dodge Charger's driver and passengers.

Maximising its unibody's world-class structural stiffness, Dodge Charger, engineers were able to tune the cab for a good quality (rather than sound level) of isolate engine, road and wind noise. In addition, Dodge Charger's unibody package material and structural design enhancements, including dual-panel acoustic windshield and front door are glass, body-cavity still foam, including coil roll-framed doors with three seals and acoustic wheel-well liners absorb road noise and quiet cabin. Combined, these design enhancements take the all-new Dodge Charger's interior sound quality of the best in the E-segment.

As the Dodge brand's flagship, the chassis of the all-new 2011 Charger design, develop and refine a level of quality, capability and refinement that rivals the best European, Asian and North American E-segment sedans deliver. With its new second-generation E-segment rear-wheel (RWD) architecture, Dodge Charger features world-class suspension-voting re-design technology for an agile, balanced chassis that the Charger's legend built one of the best drive sedan in the world.

Designed to perform at the best E-sport segment sedans, the all-new 2011 Dodge Charger SE and Charger Rallye feature of the new 3.6-liter engine for Pentastar world-class levels of strength, refinement, technology and fuel efficiency. For maximum power, efficiency and best-in-class power, the new Dodge Charger R / T lineup features the legendary 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 ™ engine with four-cylinder FuelSaver Technology.

The all-new 2011 Dodge Charger R / T with all-wheel-drive (AWD) has a re-thinking attitude and 19-inch wheels to make it more attractive than ever before. The AWD has the Charger's character and deepened its performance envelope in the most treacherous conditions. The Dodge Charger AWD has a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front and brake system fuel consumption by 5 percent improvement. No other major car manufacturer offers the combination of these two independent technologies. Dodge Charger's innovative AWD system seamlessly transitions between RWD and AWD with no driver intervention. When all-wheel drive is not needed, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy while still providing outstanding performance and handling inherent in rear-wheel drive vehicles.

The all-new Dodge Charger features 2011 more than 65 safety and security features, including standard keyless Enter N-Go and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with segment-exclusive Ready Alert braking and Rainy Day Brake Support safety features overall vehicle better handling and performance both on and off the track. Safety and security features available for the first time on the Dodge Charger includes adaptive cruise control (ACC) with forward collision warning (FCW), Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM) with the rear cross path (RCP) detection and Parkview ™ rear back-up camera with grid lines, all designed to make the driver more confidence, while behind the wheel needs.

Building on the Brampton Assembly Plant in Kerala, Ont. (Canada), the 2011 Dodge Charger arrives in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Source: Dodge Press

German Tuner Thinks Louis Vuitton-esque MINI JCW with up to 252HP Looks Kewl

We're no luxury handbag experts, but the first thought that comes to mind upon seeing CoverEFX's MINI John Cooper Works [JCW] tuning proposal is a....Louis Vuitton bag on wheels. For obvious reasons, the monogram canvas is different than the one found on the products of the famous French design house, but its styling as well as the colors and the leathery texture of the special foil wrap all point to an inspiration that come from Louis Vuitton.

The new look is complemented by a set of matching matte black and matte gold metallic 17-inch OZ LM alloy wheels surrounded by Toyo R888 205/40 R17 84W tires.

In the performance department, CoverEFX says it offers two stages of tune for the 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbo engine. The first adds an ECU upgrade along with a 2.5-inch exhaust system with Milltek downpipe, sports catalyst and extra large sports air filter to lift output from 211HP and 280Nm to 236HP and 350Nm. The second stage includes a more aggressive software tune pushing output to 252HP and a maximum torque of 382 Nm.

A short shift kit for the gearbox and a stainless steel KW Variant 3 suspension round off the performance upgrades.

SsangYong Believes Actyon Sports is Popular Enough to Spawn a Successor, Concept Model Coming to Geneva

SsangYong, the ailing South Korean automaker that will soon pass into the control of India's Mahindra & Mahindra, will present a new concept model of its Actyon Sports at the Geneva Motor Show in early March. To be precise, SsangYong said in a statement that it will show "a stylish new concept of its popular Actyon Sports" called the SUT 1. You can see a selection of pictures of the current "popular" Actyon Sports as well as its precursor, the unforgettable Musso SUT after the jump.

The SUT 1 previews a production model that will go on sale across Europe and other markets from early 2012. As with both of its predecessors, the concept study is a hybrid of an SUV and a pickup truck - something like Subaru's Baja. The Geneva Show concept model is said to be similar in size to the current Actyon Sports measuring 4,985mm long, 1,910mm wide, 1,755mm high, and with a 3,060mm wheelbase.

It is powered by a new Euro 5 compliant 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine delivering 155-horses and a maximum torque of 360 Nm or 266 lb-ft. The production model will offer buyers the choice of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission in either 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive configurations.

Peugeot Releases First Details on New 908 Le Mans Racer with V8 Turbo Diesel

At a special event held in Paris, French automaker Peugeot released the first details on its new 908 endurance racecar, with which it will participate at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC). Codenamed 90X, the competition model features an all-new 550HP 3.7-liter V8 diesel engine that replaces the 2010 908 HDi FAP's 5.5-liter V12 oil-burner and complies with the new regulations introduced for 2011, including the demand for a “shark fin engine cover”.

The 908 moniker was retained to emphasize Peugeot’s past successes in endurance racing, but also to create a link to the brand’s road cars.

“We have chosen 908 as the name of the new car in order to build on the wave of success with which it is associated,” said Peugeot’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Xavier Peugeot. “At the same time, the new car fits perfectly with the brands new modern image. It mirrors the modernity that is clearly visible in the new 508 and the recently announced new 308. At Peugeot, we have always sought to associate our commitment to motor sport with the real world and with our model range. The name 908 consequently stood out as the obvious choice.”

The development of the race car started in 2009, immediately after Peugeot’s one-two finish at Le Mans. Engineers used the experience accumulated with the 908 HDi FAP, but, ultimately, the 908 is new from ground up.

“The regulations have evolved a great deal but we didn’t start with a clean sheet of paper,” Bruno Famin, Peugeot Sport’s Technical Director, said. “The experience we have gained over the past four years helped to steer the decision-making process and our technical choices, although the only component which has been carried over at the end of the day is the windscreen wiper!”

A lot is expected from the 908, as Peugeot wants to defend the ILMC title it won last year and also wants to challenge Audi’s R18 for the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans crown.

For more information, check out the brief technical overview given by Bruno Famin, available below.

By Csaba Daradics

908 Overview

A closed-cockpit car: “we knew from previous testing work that there is little significant difference between open and closed cockpit cars in terms of their aerodynamic performance. At the same time, despite the added constraints they bring when working on them at races, closed-cockpit cars provide additional safety for the drivers. We therefore decided to stay with the same solution.”

Engine: “We have also made full use of our experience with the 908 HDi FAP’s V12 diesel engine. We decided to opt for a turbocharged V8 diesel engine for the 908 but, with characteristics which are very similar to those of the V12. The angle of the “vee” is 90 degrees (compared with 100 degrees in the case of the V12) to improve the engine balance. The cubic capacity is 3.7 litres and the new V8 HDi FAP engine produces a peak power of 550 bhp. We ran the engine for the first time on the dyno on January 25, 2010.”

Four identical wheels: “Today’s LMP cars have a shortcoming with regards to ultimate grip of the front wheels. The logical way to cure this was to increase the size of the contact patch between the tires and the track, which entailed running bigger front wheels, within the limits specified by the regulations. This aspect of the car’s development was carried out in close collaboration with our partner Michelin.”

Aerodynamics: “Given the big reduction in engine power resulting from the 2011 regulations (a reduction of approximately 150 bhp), we had to take a fresh look at the trade-off between aerodynamics, drag and down force. The latter has been significantly reduced in order to maintain a reasonably high top speed.”

The new car made its track made its track debut on 27th July 2010. “This was the deadline we set ourselves, although we knew we would almost certainly run into teething trouble given that this was an all-new car. We did indeed have problems but we succeeded in resolving them one by one as we got more and more kilometres on the clock. One of the very positive points we found was that the car’s handling lived up to our expectations straight out of the box. Between the car’s track debut in 2010 and the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours, we will have completed twelve tests in all, at a number of different circuits,” concludes Bruno Famin.