Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Jaguar XF by Loder1899
Loder1899 has made its name (fine) tuning Ford Group vehicles, and even though Jaguar is now under Tata control Max and Julia Loder are still happy to oblige Jaguar fans with their tuning kits. This time the German tuning house took receipt of the new sedan and worked their magic.Loder1899 started with a body kit consisting of a new front spoiler, boot spoiler and rear diffuser accentuating the sporty character of the Jaguar XF. Loder1899 also lowered the XF by 35 mm giving it both a faster appeal as well as a lower center of gravity. The look is finished with 20 or 21 inch wheels, pictured are 21 inch silver 'Hollow Spoke' wheels.
But the tuning does not stop with just aesthetics, Loder1899 also bumps up power output thanks to a new motor management system. The 2.7 liter TDV6 engine now produced 249 hp instead of the factory spec 207 hp, torque is increased to maximum 522 Nm at 3,850 rpm from 435 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
The whole kit costs about Euro 8,000 in Germany excluding taxes, assembly and painting.
Ford Mustang 2008
Ford Mustang charges into 2008 as the one and only pony car on the streets, and looks to stretch its segment leadership with new features for that personalized look and feel that Mustang enthusiasts love. Mustang remains one of the greatest automotive sales success stories of all time. Nearly one out of every two sports cars sold in America is a Mustang, and Mustang remains one of the hottest-selling cars in America. It’s also America’s best-selling convertible.
The 2008 Mustang intends to hold on to that sales leadership with new available features that will add personal appeal, including High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, 18-inch wheels on the V-6 coupe, and an interior ambient lighting system.
Three new colors enhance Mustang’s bold, American style while safety improves with the addition of standard side air bags.
Two new Shelby Mustangs are available for 2008 – the 2008 Mustang Shelby GT and Shelby GT500KR. The 2008 Mustang Shelby GT offers consumers a new Vista Blue exterior color with silver stripe, and the choice of two body styles, coupe or convertible. Under the hood, the Shelby GT’s 4.6-liter V-8 engine is modified with Ford Racing Performance Parts and generates 319 horsepower. Coil springs drop the overall ride height by an inch-and-a-half and stiffer dampers and a front swaybar further enhance cornering feel and body control.
To mark the 40th Anniversary of the original “King of the Road” Mustang, 2008 sees the return of the Shelby GT500KR. Hailed as the most powerful production Ford Mustang ever produced, the 2008 Shelby GT500KR features an estimated 540-horsepower 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack, 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, short-throw shifter, and unique suspension tuning. Available in spring 2008, the exterior design draws inspiration from the classic Shelby KR Mustangs and features unique carbon composite hood, Shelby-designed 18-inch wheels, and special 40th Anniversary badging and unique striping.
Also new for 2008 is a limited-edition Warriors in Pink Mustang – designed exclusively in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Produced in celebration of Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s 25th Anniversary, the vehicle features unique pink exterior and interior design accents. Sales from the Warriors in Pink edition will help raise funds for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Highlights include:
- Pink ribbon and Pony fender badge.
- Pink ‘Mustang’ rocker tape stripe.
- Charcoal leather seats and Charcoal floor mats with Pink contrast stitching.
- Leather-wrapped aluminum spoke steering wheel with Pink contrast stitching.
- Unique Pony grille with chrome bezel and fog lamps.
Design and Equipment
Mustang epitomizes pure American muscle. The signature long hood and short rear deck capitalize on more than 40 years of Mustang heritage, as do classic design cues that have defined Mustangs since the 1960s: C-scoops in the sides, three-element taillamps, and a galloping horse badge in the center of the grille.
The Mustang’s menacing shark-like nose imparts an attitude not seen since the 1967 model, while jeweled, round headlamps in trapezoidal housings are part of its modern architecture. The car’s aggressive rake gives the design visual motion, while the short overhangs and up to 18-inch wheels and tires anchor the design visually and physically to the road.
Mustang continues to offer unique packages for 2008.
The Pony Package, available on the V-6 model, first launched in 2006. It features a GT-handling package that includes a larger front stabilizer bar, the addition of a rear stabilizer bar and
P235/55ZR17 tires on painted cast-aluminum wheels. Also included are bright, machined rims and unique tri-bar Pony center caps. Further touches include fog lights, Pony front fender badges, lower door tape stripe, carpeted front floor mats with special brushed chrome “Mustang” logos and a rear spoiler.
The Mustang GT California Special is available on GT Premium models and includes 18-inch wheels, side scoops, unique tape stripes, rolled bright exhaust tips, black leather trimmed seats with unique “Cal Special” contrasting Dove or Parchment leather inserts, a larger air intake, a chin spoiler (1.5 inches lower than GT), and unique front and rear fascias.
An appearance package is available for the Mustang GT featuring rolled exhaust tips, an engine cover with a Pony emblem and a hood scoop.
The California Special and GT appearance packages can be ordered separately or combined to give Mustang enthusiasts one of the most expressive Mustang GTs ever offered.
Customizable interior to fit any mood
Inside, Mustang’s industry-first MyColor™ color-configurable instrument panel offers the ultimate in personalization. Mustang owners can mix and match lighting at the touch of a button to create more than 125 color backgrounds to suit their personalities, moods, outfits or whims.
For 2008, Ford also lets Mustang owners color outside the lines with an available interior ambient lighting package. This unique feature offers the option of illuminating the front and rear footwells and front cupholders with any one of seven colors. The driver or front passenger can choose from red, orange, blue, indigo, violet, green and yellow.
Additional modern interior touches mix with Mustang history and heritage. Chrome-ringed air vents are aligned vertically across the dash, precisely in line with the gauges, and the steering wheel has three spokes with a center hub marked by the horse and tricolor bars logo, echoing the design of the 1967 Mustang.
Numerous standard features include an auxiliary audio input jack, one-touch up-down power windows, power mirrors, keyless entry and power locks, a heated rear window, interval wipers, air conditioning, speed control and a CD player. Available interior options include SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, heated front seats, voice-activated navigation and a Shaker 1000 premium audio system.
Power and Performance
Muscular engines infuse Mustang with tire-smoking performance. The 4.6-liter aluminum V-8 has three valve heads and cranks out 300 horsepower. That’s more than 50 percent more power than the small-block, 289-cubic-inch V-8 found in the classic 1964.5 model.
The standard engine – a 60-degree, 4.0-liter, single-overhead-cam V-6 – produces 210 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque.
Both engines are paired with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an available 5-speed automatic, which provides a unique combination of off-the-line jump and good highway fuel economy.
At the front suspension, MacPherson struts with reverse “L” lower control arms deliver comfort. The three-link rear suspension has a lightweight, tubular Panhard rod that provides precise control of the rear axle. This technology stabilizes the rear axle as the wheels move, particularly during hard cornering.
The standard four-wheel disc brakes have the biggest rotors and stiffest calipers ever fitted to a mainstream Mustang. Twin-piston aluminum calipers clamp down on 12.4-inch ventilated front brake discs on GT models. In the rear, the brake rotors are 11.8 inches in diameter.
A four-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS) with traction control is standard on GT models and available on V-6 models. It uses electronic sensors to constantly monitor road conditions and feed the information to a dedicated control computer that’s capable of determining within milliseconds whether the vehicle is on dry pavement or negotiating a slippery surface. When traction control isn’t desired, drivers can deactivate the system with a button on the instrument panel.
Safety and Security
The 2008 Mustang adds standard side air bags to an already comprehensive safety package. Along with the addition of seat-mounted thorax side air bags, safety features also include dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners, seat weight sensing system for the passenger seat and crash severity sensing.
An optional active anti-theft package offers customers an added level of security. It includes a sensing module to guard against tow-away thefts, an interior motion sensor to detect smash-and-grab break-ins, a separate alarm sounder — in addition to the vehicle horn — to thwart thieves trying to disable the horn, and a high-capacity, 60-ampere-hour battery that sounds the alarm longer.
Major Features and Options
V-6 Deluxe: Auxiliary audio input jack; One-touch up-down power windows; Power mirrors and door locks; Keyless entry; air conditioning; AM/FM audio system with single CD; Tilt steering wheel; Speed control; Rear window defroster; Stainless steel exhaust; 16-inch wheels; Four-wheel power disc brakes; Cloth bucket seats with 50/50 split-fold rear on coupe models; Seat-mounted side air bags; LATCH; Personal Safety System®; SecuriLock®; and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
V-6 Premium adds: 16-inch, painted bright machined-aluminum wheels with chrome spinner; Shaker 500 audio system with six-disc CD changer and MP3 capability; Six-way power-adjustable driver seat.
GT Deluxe adds: 4.6-liter, 3-valve, V-8 engine; ABS with traction control; Stainless steel dual exhaust; Front fog lamps in grille; Complex reflector halogen headlamps with integral turn signals; Rear spoiler; Performance tires with 17-inch, painted cast-aluminum wheels; and AM/FM audio system with single CD.
GT Premium adds: Shaker 500 audio system with six-disc CD player; and Aberdeen leather-trimmed, Embossed sport bucket seats.
Options include: Ambient interior lighting; GT California Special Package; GT Appearance Package; Comfort Group; Shaker 1000 premium audio system; SIRIUS® Satellite Radio; Touch-screen navigation system; V-6 Pony Package; Interior Upgrade Package with satin-aluminum trim or dark aluminum trim and MyColor custom instrument panel; Sport Interior Appearance Package; Premier Trim with Color Accent Package, Sport Exterior Appearance Package; Five-speed automatic transmission; Two styles of 18-inch, cast-aluminum wheels; Active anti-theft system.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
12 Hours Shelby - race report in Portuguese
Luis Carlos Cardoso from Shelby Modelismo in Brazil has sent this race report from a 12 hour race they had in March. Even if you can't read Portuguese the photos are nice of the cars, eh?
***EDIT***
Thanks to Bill for pointing out that Brazilians are Portuguese speaking folk! My mistake.
DK
***EDIT***
Thanks to Bill for pointing out that Brazilians are Portuguese speaking folk! My mistake.
DK
Opel Corsa OPC by Steinmetz
The Opel Corsa OPC is quite a little number with its 192 hp 1.6 turbo engine, but Steinmetz has some more fun adding factors in store for the hot hatch.Starting with the engine, Steinmetz has a midified exhaust system for the Corsa OPC adding 10 hp to total at 202 hp and provides a deeper note to impress bystanders. The German tuning house also installed a new suspension system and lowered the car by 30mm, resulting in a lower center of gravity and less roll tendency.
Besides performance adjustements, Steinmetz has also developed some new visual extras like the new front grille Type II with honeycomb design and two-piece front spoiler. The front and sides are linked through 'designer stripes' in silver or anthracite, topped off with a aluminum filler cap and 16 to 19 inch bi-color wheels.
Press release:
The front spoiler in its 2-piece form, and the wheel and tyre combinations up to 19", are simply made for a high fun factor. And the "little one" delivers fun on every journey, especially with the modified exhaust which not only offers an extra 10 HP but also provides a deeper note. The overall package is completed by a 15 mm lowering, leaving the driver with lingering impressions to make him smile long after, when remembering the drive.
Engine/Silencer: The already powerful engine, developing 141kW/192HP as standard, has been coaxed by the Steinmetz engineers into giving a further 7kW/10HP thanks to the use of the new left/right silencer system. This exhaust is also available for the central silencer arrangement. So the "little" Corsa OPC by Steinmetz, with its hefty 202 HP, is ready for the sprint.
Suspension: The Steinmetz lowering kit brings the Corsa OPC by Steinmetz 30 mm nearer to the tarmac. "A few“ millimetres which reduce the vehicle's roll tendency and lower the centre of gravity. These two elements together give the Corsa OPC by Steinmetz even better road-holding in the limit zone, while retaining the expected level of comfort for everyday use.
Aerodynamics/Interior: Crouching down and apparently smiling from the headlamps, the power of the front is emphasised by Steinmetz front grille Type II in honeycomb design with its vertical double strut and 2-piece front spoiler. Flowing transitions provide a pleasing uniformity. The front and rear sections are linked by the new Steinmetz designer stripes in silver or anthracite, and the aluminium filler cap sets a further accent. The interior is enhanced by the Steinmetz foot mats with stainless steel.
Wheel/tyre combination: Wheel and tyre combinations from 16" to 19" are available for the Corsa OPC by Steinmetz. The ST3 can be fitted in size 8.0J x 19“ and the ST4 in 8.0J x 18“. The ST4 is a bicolor wheel which fascinates observers thanks to its black/silver appearance, where its brilliance is the result of the polished finish. The resulting light interplay gives the desired effect which makes the wheel a true eyecatcher. All components together combine to create an everyday "race car" in which every kilometre driven is a kilometre more fun.
Monday, April 28, 2008
New Boss Bodies Vega
Well, what can you say...how about a Vega?!? Well, you just can't go wrong at $5.00 a body! Well Steve from Boss Bodies has the car for you then at this link.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
New Ranch Design Willys and Nova
New 1/43 resin bodies to show today. A '41 Willys and a '67 Nova. Both available through Ranch Design.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Alpina Returns to Racing with B6 GT3
After a 20 year hiatus, BMW specialist/manufacturer, Alpina, will return to motorsports with an entry into the 2009 FIA GT3 European Championships in addition to a few other prominent endurance races.
Alpina's motorsports history boasts of winning three European Touring Car Championships with such legendary drivers from F1 and Touring Cars as Niki Lauda, Jacky Ickx, Hans Stuck and Dieter Quester. Alpina drivers also won the Nรผrburgring 24 Hours numerous times, as well as the 24 Hours of Spa in 1970.
With Alpina's B6 S model as the basis, the B6 GT3 will step into a starting grid of 45 pure-bred challengers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin to name a few. The B6 GT3 uses the super-charged 4.4 liter V8 engine from the B6 S making 530 HP, 725 Nm.
The prime directive, besides winning, is to raise Alpina's brand recognition as well as increasing exposure to markets new to the Alpina name. However, motorsports will be Alpina's fourth business venture as the B6 GT3 will not only be a factory car but sold to private parties, collectors and race teams as well.
See press release below for available Alpina team positions.
Press release:ALPINA look back on a long and successful history in international motorsport. Well-known F1 and Touring Car drivers such as Niki Lauda, Jacky Ickx, Hans Stuck and Dieter Quester gripped an ALPINA steering wheel on their way to winning three European Touring Car Championships. ALPINA pilots also won the Nรผrburgring 24 Hours numerous times, as well as the 24 Hours of Spa in 1970.
“We think that the BMW 6 Series – especially with the super-charged, torque-laden 4,4 l V8 ALPINA engine from the B6 S (530 HP, 725 Nm) – provides the ideal basis to challenge pure-bred sportscars such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin within the framework of GT3 regulations“, said Andreas Bovensiepen, ALPINA proprietor.
After 20 years out of racing, ALPINA will field a factory team, running the B6 GT3 in the 2009 FIA GT3 European Championship, our race car based on the BMW ALPINA B6 S road car. ALPINA will field its this team in the FIA GT3 European Championship, as well as racing in selected important endurance races.
The idea of going racing with street-based dream cars has proven to be a great success for drivers, spectators and manufacturers alike. With this involvement in racing, ALPINA will be able to raise awareness of the ALPINA brand, especially in markets new to ALPINA. With ten distinguished automotive marques, the GT3 Championship is the Crรจme de la Crรจme, and with starting grids of 45 cars in the European Championship and multiple national championships, quite compelling. ALPINA see a well-thought-out concept at relatively reasonable cost. With his long racing history, Andreas Bovensiepen sees the benefit racing can bring, and has been the initiator of the new GT3 project from the very beginning.
Much like in the 1970s, ALPINA will also sell BMW ALPINA B6 GT3 race cars to private parties, collectors and race teams. This motorsport engagement will be ALPINA’s fourth business venture. It marks another milestone in ALPINA’s strategy of consistent, enduring growth. In addition to the race cars, ALPINA have been manufacturing road-going BMW ALPINA automobiles for over 40 years, and maintain a flourishing business trading in renowned wines from world’s finest growing regions. A new engineering centre, absolutely state-of-the-art in terms of its machinery and capabilities, will soon be completed. This will allow ALPINA to more quickly bring its products to market and to offer its engineering services to third parties.
Alpina Race Team Openings
So that we may build up our race team and successfully develop the race version of the BMW ALPINA B6 GT3, we’re looking for candidates with experience in motorsport. Your commitment and drive for perfection are the basis for future success. We expect a high level of flexibility, including weekends... Interested? Then compete for one of the following positions:
1.Project Manager
2.Automotive Race Engineer – Suspension and Aerodynamic Set-Up- Vehicle engineer: drivetrain and engine bay packaging construction
3.Automotive Engineer – Development, Chassis/Aerodynamic Panels
4.Automotive Engineer – Development, Drivetrain/Engine Bay Packaging
5.Race Mechanic, preferably with Lorry driving Licence
6.Technician, testing equipment and electronics
7.Purchasing/Logistics/Quality Control Specialist
Friday, April 25, 2008
SCX Launches "SCX Worldwide"
Tecnitoys Juguetes SA of Barcelona, Spain launches new website called SCXWorldWide (www.SCXWorldWide.com).
SCXWorldWide is a new online venue for both enthusiasts of scale model racing as well as individuals of all types who are interested in product information and technical support regarding SCX-branded slot car products. This site is meant to be an international site, and while most text is in English, we welcome contributions to the website in other languages, as well as members from around the world.
As SCX´s business worldwide has grown over the past few years, it became obvious that we needed a more direct method of communication with our end customers and members of the various distribution channels. SCXWorldWide is now that medium.
At www.SCXWorldWide.com, visitors may register for free to access most areas of the website, or they may upgrade their membership to the SCX Club for $35 US Dollars and receive an exclusive Club Car (a black Porsche 911 in 2008), as well as regular updates about SCX products and events of interest in the slot car sector.
Retail Dealers may register and make their store information available for visitors, so that people searching for scale model racing products can find sources in their local communities or online. Dealers will also have special access to information that may help their business, including information directly from SCX about product availability in their markets.
In addition to a complete presentation of the SCX portfolio of products, members may participate in discussion threads about topics relevant to slot car racing, access both technical support information and professionals to answer questions, as well as obtain product reviews of SCX products or new releases from the many other manufacturers in the scale model racing industry.
It is SCX´s hope that visitors to the site will have fun while visiting, and that their experience at www.SCXWorldWide.com will enhance their level of entertainment when racing wherever they meet with friends or family to enjoy scale model racing.
Publishers note:
SCX Worldwide is a site I have been helping SCX develop and I'm an administrator on the site.
Cadillac CTS by D3 Research
The self-proclaimed leader in Cadillac Tuning, D3 Research, introduces an exterior styling package for the 2008 Cadillac CTS. With a side order of good ol' American bling bling, D3 focused on creating a look which projects style and performance while integrating into the natural design of the CTS. Starting with the stainless steel wire mesh grilles, front bumper fascia with additional cooling brake ducts, side skirts, rear deck lid spoiler, roof spoiler and rear lower diffuser.Press release:
008 Cadillac CTS – D3 Performance Exterior Package
D3 Cadillac, the leader in Cadillac tuning, introduces the new 2008 Cadillac CTS Performance Exterior Package. The exterior enhancements are not only exquisitely designed styling cues integrated seamlessly, they are functional as well. The front grill has a unique jewel like cut on the stainless steel wire mesh that signifies performance & class. The additional openings in the front allow for a larger surface area to induce adequate cooling for the engine compartment. This is important when you start squeezing more performance out of this engine, as heat is a byproduct of making more power. Not only were the factory brake ducts maintained, but the front fascia also introduces double the cooling by adding an additional brake duct pick ups on each side. Notice the angled lip towards the lower edge of the front fascia. This angled edge has been designed and measured for just the right amount of down force without creating too much drag. The side skirts offer a much more complete look and help transfer the styling from the front of the vehicle to the rear without loosing the theme of the design. The rear deck lid spoiler and rear roof spoiler help introduce down force at high speed while keeping the air stable coming off the backside of the vehicle. The rear lower diffuser helps keep the air uniform while passing the underside of the vehicle. While at speed the air is kept moving uniform rather than curling up behind the vehicle, often promoting rear end lift at high speeds.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Slot MiniAuto No.43
COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
SLOT MINIAUTO 43 - MAYO
La revista Slot MiniAuto del mes de Mayo, dedica su portada al nuevo Ferrari F40 GT E de Fly. Tambiรฉn se destaca en la cubierta, la prueba del nuevo Quad de Power Slot y el Seat 131 Abarth de Scalextric.
Este nรบmero incluye ademรกs las pruebas en pista del nuevo Citroรซn C4 WRC de Ninco, Ford Mustang FR500 C de Superslot, el CD Panhard de Le Mans Miniatures, una toma de contacto del nuevo Audi R8C de Slot.it, asรญ como la preparaciรณn extrema del Pescarolo de Avant Slot.
Se publica en exclusiva, una entrevista con Scalextric donde se desvelan algunos de los secretos del nuevo Mitsubishi Pajero TT Vintage.
Ademรกs, en este nรบmero se incluye gratuitamente, un especial Ferrari de 32 pรกginas.
PRESS RELEASE
SLOT MINIAUTO 43 - MAY
Slot MiniAuto magazine edition of May, dedicate its cover to the new Fly Ferrari F40 GT E. Also highlighted on the cover, the new Power Slot Quad and the Fiat/Seat 131 Abarth of SCX.
This number also includes track test of the new Citroรซn C4 WRC of Ninco, Ford Mustang FR500 C Scalextric, CD Panhard Le Mans Miniatures, and a first track test of the new Audi R8C of Slot.it, as well as an extreme preparation of Avant Slot’s Pescarolo.
It is published exclusively an interview with SCX where they reveal some of the secrets of the new Mitsubishi Pajero Vintage TT.
Moreover, a 32 pages Special Ferrari is included, free of charge, in this number.
COMUNICATO STAMPA
SLOT MINIAUTO 43 - MAGGIO
La edizione di maggio da Slot MiniAuto, dedica la sua copertina a la nuova Ferrari F40 GT E di Fly. Inoltre evidenziato sulla copertina, il nuovo Quad di Power Slot e la Fiat / Seat 131 Abarth di SCX.
Questo numero comprende anche prova in pista della nuova Citroรซn C4 WRC di Ninco, Ford Mustang FR500 C Scalextric, CD Panhard Le Mans Miniatures, e una prima prova di pista della nuova Audi R8C di Slot.it, oltre a una preparazione estrema della Pescarolo di Avant Slot.
Esso รจ pubblicato esclusivamente un colloquio con SCX dove si rivelano alcuni dei segreti della nuova Mitsubishi Pajero TT Vintage.
Inoltre, un Speciali Ferrari di 32 pagine รจ incluso, a titolo gratuito, in questo numero.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Slot Car Art by Bob C. Hardin - a website of note
While I was looking around the internet the other day I found this site, Slot Car Art by Bob C. Hardin. He's got a great selection of funny cartoons (or are they slot-toons) on his site to look at and for sale in various forms. You should check them out!
Bob has graciously allowed me to use a few of his cartoons here.
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