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Toyota GR Supra TRD Revealed with Loads of Carbon Parts

For the Osaka Motor Show 2019, Toyota’s performance department, TRD, have unveiled a series performance parts available for the recently released Toyota Supra. The aerodynamic package adds to what Toyota already offer.

The Toyota Supra TRD adds a new carbon front spoiler with side plates. There is a new carbon side skirt and a piece of carbon trim for the door. At the rear there is a rear bumper trim together with a rear spoiler lip, both in carbon fibre.

Toyota GR Supra TRD

At the wheel end of things, TRD have fitted the Supra with a set of 19 inch alloy wheels.

The aerodynamic kit is described as a Performance Concept at this stage and so it is not entirely clear whether you will be able to buy these performance parts for your Toyota Supra. We are sure that the next few years will see a healthy tuning industry built around the new Japanese sports car.

Of course, the Supra shares its DNA with BMW’s Z4. The engine that sits underneath is not Japanese. The Supra gets a 3.0-litre inline-6 cylinder engine with twin-scroll turbochargers engineered primarily by BMW. Power output is in confirmed at 340 hp and 500Nm of torque. It takes just 4.3 seconds to hit the 100 km/h mark.

The new Toyota Supra has proved popular, not least at auction! Barrett-Jackson recently sold the very first model for a scarcely believable $2.1 million. The proceeds of that sale will go to American Heart Association(AHA) and the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF).

February 11, 2019 / Comments Off

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Chinese Company Builds Hypercar Replicas: Veneno, LaFerrari, MC12

Recently, we stumbled across photos of replicas being produced on Instagram. Whilst the origin of the photos is unclear, some suggest China, others are adamant that the pictures were taken in Thailand, what they clearly show is a replica production line.

The photos show a Bugatti Chiron replica together with body shells for the Maserati MC12, LaFerrari, Pagani Zonda and Lamborghini Veneno. The photos also show a finished Lamborghini Veneno Replica apparently in China. Whether the two are connected is also unclear.

Hypercar Replicas

Of course, this isn’t the first high quality Lamborghini Veneno Replica we have seen emerge from China. A few years ago, a blue Veneno Replica was spotted in China. That car hasn’t been pictured since and we don’t seem to have seen any further replica’s.

The replica photographed here is apparently based upon a real Lamborghini Aventador. The creator has simply added a new bodykit to create a convincing replica.

The other photos show a Bugatti Chiron replica’s in production. This version looks less complete with sheet metal used to create the shape over the top of an existing chassis of some description. The MC12 and other replica’s look to be mouldings for either fibreglass or carbon fibre shells.

Do you know anything about these replica’s? If so, we would love to hear from you!

February 8, 2019 / Comments Off

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New Bugatti Chiron Sport “110 ans Bugatti” Celebrates 110th Anniversary

Bugatti have released a special edition version of the Bugatti Chiron named the Bugatti Chiron Sport “110 ans Bugatti”. Commemorating the company’s 110th anniversary, the special edition also pays tribute to the country where Bugatti was born, France.

The Bugatti Chiron Sport “110 ans Bugatti” is a special edition of the Chiron Sport limited to 20 cars. Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. said: “Molsheim in the Alsace region of France is an essential element in Bugatti’s brand history and this is also where we are planning our future.”

Bugatti Chiron Sport “110 ans Bugatti”

The special edition models use the colour scheme of the French tricolour “Le Bleu-Blanc-Rouge”, with its colours of blue, white and red. The theme can be seen across the Chiron from the bodywork right through to the interior.

The body of this Chiron is predominantly blue carbon fibre. Matt Steel Blue paintwork is used at the rear of the car using a complex painting process for a unique finish. The wheels are painted in “Nocturne” matt black and hide French Racing Blue brake callipers.

It is some of the small touches which make this Chiron Sport special though. The diffuser and bumper are finished in glossy Steel Blue Carbon. The matt black exhaust system sits in contrast. The underside of the rear spoiler is painted with the French flag. The 110 ans Bugatti even gets the Sky View roof as standard.

The interior is just as special. The high-quality embroidery applied to the headrest and the seat back feature the French flag in a vertical position. The sports steering wheel comes finished with a matt carbon fibre with a blue leather cover. The surfaces are either soft Deep Blue leather, Alcantara or blue carbon fibre. Finally, each car will get a specially crafted medallion in the central console stowage space, made of solid silver with enamel inserts.

Having taken a look at the photos, you are probably now wondering why the colours of the French flag are shown as a mirror image on the right-hand side of the vehicle. Bugatti explain that this is the arrangement adopted on French official vehicles, where the standard has the colour of liberty (blue) to the fore on both sides.

Pricing for the Bugatti Chiron Sport “110 ans Bugatti” has not been revealed. As for the availability of the 20 examples, Bugatti have not revealed how many have been sold.

February 8, 2019 / Comments Off

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Audi TT RS Coupe and TT RS Roadster Get Facelift

Audi have taken the covers off of the Audi TT RS Coupe and the Audi TT RS Roadster. The two models receive a mild series of aerodynamic tweaks but no boost in performance. The visual tweaks should allow it a few more years of faithful service. The official reveal will likely take place at the Geneva Motor Show 2019 which starts early next month.

The design takes its cues from the facelift Audi TT. The front air vents are redesigned with the vertical stips moving to the inside of the vent with a larger air vent on the outside. The side sill is completely new too, with a gloss black finish. At the rear, a new wheel vent has been added. Finally, the rear spoiler has been redesigned with larger end plates.

Audi TT RS Coupe Facelift

A new set of matrix OLED reversing lights have also been added to the option list. They are said to put on a display when the ignition is turned on. Kyalami Green becomes an RS-specific colour, and two further colours, Turbo Blue and Pulse Orange, join the option list.

The 2.5 litre inline 5 cylinder engine returns for the facelift. The power remains the same, 400 hp and 480 Nm of torque. Performance is also identical with a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.1 mph) sprint occurring in 3.7 seconds. The power is routed through a seven-speed S tronic to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

Facelift Audi TT RS Roadster

Inside, Audi fit the latest RS sport seats with RS logos on the seats, steering wheel, door sill trims, and selector levers. The Audi virtual cockpit gets a special RS display which provides information on tire pressure, torque, and g-forces. A new RS sport leather steering wheel is also on offer.

Order books open for the facelift Audi TT RS Coupe and Audi TT RS Roadster tomorrow with deliveries from the spring of 2019. The price for the Coupé is 67,700 euros. The Roadster starts at 70,500 euros.

February 6, 2019 / Comments Off

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Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition Revealed

Having taken away the Range Rover SV Coupe with one hand, Land Rover have given the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition with the other. Smaller in scale than the SV Coupe, but just as interesting, the Velar will be priced significantly lower, starting at £86,120 OTR in the UK.

The Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition has been developed by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations. This is Land Rover’s bespoke department. At its heart, sits the supercharged 5.0 litre V8. It is the first time this engine has been placed into the Velar. It has 550 hp. As a result, it is capable of a 0-100 km/h blast in 4.5 seconds (0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds) and a top speed of around 274 km/h (170 mph).

Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition

The work carried out on the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is said to be extensive. As a result, the Velar carried uprated brakes and suspension components as well as bespoke settings for everything from the powertrain to the safety systems. There is an upgraded anti-roll bar to reduce body roll and a reworked all wheel drive system to cope with the new power. The new exhaust system sheds 7.1 kg of weight and unleashes a distinctive growl thanks to active elements.

The Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition gets a new front bumper with larger air intakes, a new grille and lower side mouldings, a revised rear bumper, new quad exhaust finishers and a new transmission tunnel undertray. The changes are help the Velar cut through the air more efficiently.

The Range Rover lettering on the bonnet and tailgate get a knurled finish on the metal element. The Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is also the only Velar available in Satin Byron Blue. As standard, all models will get a contrasting Narvik Black roof. If Satin Byron Blue is not your thing, five other exterior colours are on offer: Firenze Red; Santorini Black; Corris Grey; Fuji White and Indus Silver.

Two wheel options are available. The standard 21-inch rims weigh as much as the 20-inch versions offered with the standard Velar. A set of 22-inch rims, which include a unique Silver Sparkle finish, can also be ordered. 395mm front and 396mm diameter rear brake callipers are also on offer.

Inside, twin-stitched, perforated and quilted Windsor leather is unique to the Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition. Four leather colour combinations are on offer with Ebony, Cirrus, Vintage Tan and Pimento leather. 20-way adjustable heated and cooled front seats with memory and massage functions are included as standard with a new sport steering wheel, aluminium gear shift paddles and an optional carbon fibre pack.

Competition? Logically, the Porsche Macan Turbo is about as close as it gets at this size. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 and Jaguar F-Type SVR also look very attractive. Which one would you go for? Does the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition hit the right buttons for you?

February 5, 2019 / Comments Off

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BMW M850i Coupe First Edition Revealed – 400 Units Only

The BMW M850i Coupe has hit the market. As is customary with most models these days, it gets a ‘First Edition’. The limited edition BMW M850i Coupe First Edition will be available to 400 BMW customers. It comes packed with unique design features and a glut of options.

The starting point for the First Edition is a newly developed BMW Individual special paint finish Frozen Barcelona Blue. It is combined with a BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line which includes the BMW kidney grille frame and slats, the air breathers and tailpipe trims finished in black.

20-inch M light alloy wheels are also finished in Jet Black. The option list is also extended to include an M Carbon roof and an M Carbon exterior package.

On the inside, BMW Individual full leather Merino trim is available in a unique colour combination, Ivory White and Night Blue. Extras include an M leather-covered steering wheel as well as the BMW Individual Alcantara roof liner, each finished in Night Blue. Interior trim strips are finished in Black Piano and bear the lettering “First Edition 1/400”.

The BMW M850i gets a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 530 hp and 750Nm of torque. The power is driven through all four wheels resulting in a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.7 seconds. The BMW M8 is set to arrive very soon, until it does, the BMW M850i is the most powerful 8 Series you can buy!

February 5, 2019 / Comments Off

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G-Power BMW M850i Revealed with 670hp

More BMW 8 Series are making their way onto the hands of customers. As this happens, we expect some interesting tuning projects to emerge. G Power are one of the first to present their project. Based on the current range topping BMW M850i, this particular 8 Series possesses some significant performance credentials.

G Power have applied their ECU tune to the Coupe. It’s 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 gains 140 hp and 140 Nm of torque for total figures in the range of 670 hp and 890 Nm of torque. The power is realised through a 2,481 euro ECU package together with a set of 4,155 euro downpipes. A top speed of 320 km/h is quoted with the limiters removed together with a 100 km/h sprint time of 3.1 seconds.

G-Power BMW M850i

While there are no cosmetic enhancements on offer, it is simply too early for this, G Power have fitted a set of their HURRICANE RR forged rims. The double spoke design is available in sizes 9×21” and 10.5×21”. The most expensive part of the package, G Power charge 7,521 euros for the wheel and tyre set.

There is more the come from the BMW 8 Series over the next month. We expect that the Geneva Motor Show 2019 will see more tuning projects released. Companies like Hamann and Alpina will almost certainly release competing packages.

January 28, 2019 / Comments Off

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Bugatti to Reveal New Models in 2019, Denies SUV Rumors

Bugatti chief executive Stephan Winkelmann recently took steps to curb rumours of that the company are working on a Bugatti SUV. He said that “an SUV would not do justice to the brand or its history”.

Winkelmann was speaking at Bugatti’s 110th anniversary celebrations. Despite the denial of the SUV rumours, Winkelmann did confirm that the company would release “further models” this year with a “few surprises”. Winkelmann also confirmed a celebratory tour to commemorate Bugatti’s founder, Ettore Bugatti.

Speculation is now rife for what the company might release at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show 2019. Bugatti had previously rule out a roadster version of the Chiron, however, thoughts on this may have changed since the question was first raised in 2016.

While the roadster remains the prime candidate, it is possible that Bugatti might choose to release a SuperSport version the Chiron. Given the relatively recent release of the Bugatti Divo and the lack of deliveries to date, we feel this is unlikely to happen this year.

It is possible that Bugatti could instead open up the books on special edition models. We saw plenty of those for the Bugatti Veyron. Cars like the Pur Sang and the Les Légendes de Bugatti.

All 40 Bugatti Divo special editions are sold out with Bugatti’s order books filled until the end of 2021. 76 Chirons were delivered to customers last year and Bugatti are expecting to deliver more this year.

January 26, 2019 / Comments Off

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Goodwood 2019 Theme: Speed Kings – Motorsport’s Record Breakers

Goodwood have announced the theme to this year’s Festival of Speed. The event normally carries a loose theme, focusing some of the entrant vehicles and displays. This year it will be “Speed Kings – Motorsport’s Record Breakers”. The theme has a thinly veiled goal too.

The Festival of Speed has established itself as the biggest U.K. car event and a destination for the release of the biggest performance cars. In recent years we have seen the release of new Aston Martin’s, Mercedes-Benz and BMW’s. This year we expect just as much excitement!

The theme this year has the 20th anniversary of the hill climb record in mind. If you’ve been to the event before you will have seen Nick Heidfeld’s fantastic 41.6 second run at the wheel of a McLaren MP4/13. The Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak car came very close to toppling that time last year, yet the McLaren remains the fastest. By setting such a theme, Goodwood have made their intentions clear.

Away from the hill, Goodwood have announced that there will be changes to some of the attractions at the event this year. Details will be released over the coming months in the run up to the event.

January 24, 2019 / Comments Off

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Aston Martin DBS Superleggera TAG Heuer Edition Revealed

Aston Martin have announced a collaboration with watch manufacturer Tag Heuer to offer a bespoke Aston Martin DBS Superleggera. The result is a murdered out DBS, limited to a collection of just 50 cars. Each example will receive Monaco Black Exterior paint and plenty of carbon fibre elements.

The two luxury brands have collaborated for the first time on a car; the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera. Tag Heuer and Aston Martin were the two title sponsors of the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Tag Heuer pulled out for the upcoming season, and after Red Bull made the move from Renault to Honda power, yet the two companies appear to be closer than ever.

Customers of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera TAG Heuer Edition will get a 715 hp, 5.2 litre twin-turbocharger V12 GT car with performance enough to hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and a 211 mph top speed. They will also get a special Tag Heuer watch likely based upon the Carrera Heuer 01 Aston Martin Special Edition series.

Inside the special edition DBS, customers will find black leather and alcantara alongside forged carbon inserts and a contrasting red stitch. Naturally, the interior (as well as the front fender) is also plastered with Tag Heuer logos to ensure that you know the provenance of what you are driving!

DBS Superleggera TAG Heuer Edition – A unique collaboration between Aston Martin and @TAGHeuer with a total build run of just 50 cars. #DBSSuperleggera #DontCrackUnderPressure pic.twitter.com/aGwCsxpxpE

— Aston Martin (@astonmartin) January 20, 2019

There is no official word on pricing or availability at this time. We would suggest that you check with your local Aston Martin dealership for this information.

January 23, 2019 / Comments Off

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BMW South Africa Take on Historic Restoration Project

These days the 5 Series is most likely to be associated with the morning commute. Three decades ago, in the mid-1907’s though, it was a competent Touring car. It’s status was such that BMW even produced a South Africa only, road homologised version in the form of the BMW 530 Motorsport Limited Edition.

The BMW 530 Motorsport Limited Edition was produced on the southern tip of Africa as part of a limited production run. BMW were keen to compete in the flagship Modified Production Series in South Africa. Starting in 1976, BMW South Africa ran a car in the Series, achieving fifteen wins from 15 consecutive starts and 3 championship titles in three consecutive years. BMW eventually retired the 530 MLE in 1985 as the most successful racing BMW 5 Series in history.

BMW 530 Motorsport Limited Edition Restoration

In order to compete in the series, it was necessary for BMW to homologate the 530 MLE. 110 units of the Type 1 530 MLE were produced in 1976, with a further 117 versions of the Type 2 530 MLE built on the production line at the BMW Group Plant, Rosslyn in 1977. Very few of these cars are still on the road.

BMW South Africa recently announced that it has purchased number 100 of these cars, previously owned by race driver and the racing 530 MLE’s team manager Peter Kaye-Eddie. The car is matching numbers, however, it is in need of some TLC. BMW will share the restoration of this rare and iconic piece of 5 Series history with us through social media using the hashtag #BMW530MLE.

The car is quite special in its own right. It has a 3.0 litre straight six which originally produced around 197 bhp together with 277 Nm of torque, a 208 km/h top speed and a 0 – 100 km/h sprint time of 9.3 seconds. In the context of modern performance, this might not seem a huge amount of pace, in the mid-1970’s it would have been class leading! The BMW 530 Motorsport Limited Edition also featured weight-reduction measures that included bodywork and pedals drilled by hand, manual windows with no air conditioning, and Mahle wheels.

Of course, away from the racing heritage, the BMW 530 MLE plays an important part in the development of the M Division. It was the first car developed by BMW Motorsport for road use, predating the BMW M1 and the E28 BMW M5. There were no known examples of the 530 MLE until BMW South Africa sourced this (well used…) example.

The restoration of this BMW 530 MLE will be carried out by a team led by Luis Malhou of Custom Restorations.

January 22, 2019 / Comments Off

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Porsche Exclusive Reveals First Project on New 992 Carrera

Porsche have reminded us, via social media, that the order book on custom 992 Carrera’s opens immediately.

The German sports car manufacturer sent a Facebook message to its followers showing a rendering based on the 992 Carrera. The car was designed by the company’s special projects department, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. It features a carbon lightweight roof with seatbelts in Lizard Green and additional Porsche crests on the headrests.

Porsche Exclusive 992 Carrera 4S 911

It is a light reminder that these days, anything is possible as regards spec on any of Porsche’s models. In the past, Porsche have run the 500 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive models through the same department, we also saw a huge variety of paint to sample models which have had input from Porsche Exclusive in the past.

This particular project is based on the new Porsche 992 Carrera 4S which gets Porsche’s 3.0 litre, twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing 450 hp and 530 Nm of torque. We are due to drive this model in the coming week so will soon be able to share with you our experience.

January 22, 2019 / Comments Off

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Lexus at the Detroit Motor Show 2019

Lexus probably have the busiest display at the Detroit Motor Show 2019. North America is a big market for the Japanese manufacturer, and it tells. Two world premieres are on offer. The first is a convertible concept version of the Lexus LC; the Lexus LC Convertible Concept. The second is the long-awaited Lexus RC F Track Edition. It sits alongside the facelift Lexus RC. Both get a raft of mid-life updates to keep them fresh!

Lexus LC Convertible

The convertible is only a concept for now. Long, low and lean, the LC Convertible concept retains the proportions of the LC coupe. Tailored seats and a superb Japanese, minimalist interior only add to the desire with crisp white leather trim and yellow accent stitching. There is no word on which powertrain it gets but imagine it with a 5.0 litre V8 and Lexus have knocked it out of the park.

Lexus RC F Track Edition

The RC gets an increase in power to go with a weight reduction. Launch control is on offer together with some visual updates to the headlight and taillight profile. The track pack adds plenty of carbon fibre to the package, shedding 80 kg’s and adding 26 kg of downforce. The 5.0 litre V8 remains identical to the facelift version of the RC F!

For full details on the Lexus LC Convertible Concept, check out our earlier article. Do the same for the Lexus RC Facelift and Track Edition!

January 17, 2019 / Comments Off

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10 Unique Porsches of WhatsApp Founder Jan Koum

Jan Koum founded popular messaging app WhatsApp alongside Brian Acton in 2009. The company was sold to Facebook in February 2014 for the staggering sum of $19.3 billion, earning Koum a payday in the region of $7.5 billion. What do you do with such vast wealth? Invest in classic cars of course!

Koum has accumulated a huge number of vehicles. He is known to have a collection of Ferrari’s and Porsche’s. Ferrari Magazine once profiled him, revealing his Ferrari F12tdf and Ferrari 458 Speciale. It seems Koum is making space in the Porsche section of his garage as he seeks to offload 10 unique Porsches at the Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island auction which takes place in Florida on 8 March 2019.

So what are we looking at?

1. 1992 Porsche 964 Carrera RS

Part of a trio of Carrera RS models, the 964 Carrera RS is one of 1910 lightweight Carrera RS produced. This one is powered by an M64/03 air-cooled, dry-sump horizontally opposed SOHC six-cylinder engine producing 260 hp. It did away with the 964’s electrically assisted steering and was fitted with a manual race. Air conditioning, power-adjustable seats, cruise control, an entertainment system, and sound deadening and insulation were also dispensed with to save weight.

2. 1993 Porsche 964 Carrera RS 3.8

The 1993 model, finished in Speed Yellow, is even rarer, just 55 were built, 12 in this colour. The cars served as the homologation base for the 3.8 RSR for international competition. It is expected to sell for in excess of $1 million.

3. 1995 Porsche 993 Carrera RS

The third Speed Yellow model was the final air cooled Carrera RS model. Featuring the same 3.8 litre six cylinder engine as the 1993, it had 300 bhp. Around 1,000 of these were built.

4. 2008 Porsche 997 GT3 RS 3.6

One of just 53 North American cars in RS Green, this one has travelled 12,000 miles.

5. 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Another highly valued RS car. It is the second version of the GT3 RS for the 997 platform.

6. 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

One of 600 built, 158 went to the North American market. It is claimed that this is the only one fitted with the combination of carbon ceramic brakes, red and black interior and adaptive sport seats. It has just 150 miles on the clock.

7. 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Another ultra-exclusive modern Porsche. Just 500 were built and this one has rare carbon fibre fenders.

8. 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder

Moving to the more modern machinery. This Porsche 918 Spyder has just 20 miles on the clock. Finished in Liquid Metal Chrome Blue, it has the Weissach package. Our perfect combination.

9. 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4

This Signal Yellow GT4 has carbon ceramic brakes, carbon fibre bucket seats and comes with a lightweight battery and radio delete option.

10. 2016 Porsche 911 R

One of 991 examples built, this one has delivery miles and delivery packaging from the factory. It has never been used.

January 15, 2019 / Comments Off

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Byton M-Byte Revealed with Massive 48-inch Display

Byton have unveiled a production-ready cockpit for its first production SUV, the M-Byte. The Byton headline feature is the ultra-wide 48-inch “Shared Experience” display which dominates the driver’s view out of the windscreen. It is quite unique!

The Byton M-Byte is expected to debut in full-production specification at an event in June this year. Deliveries are expected to begin at the end of the year with a 2020 time frame for US and European deliveries. Until then, Byton have been drip feeding information, the release of the production-ready interior at CES this year is the biggest so far!

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If the 48-inch display is not enough for you, Byton have engineered a second 7-inch multi-touch display in the center of the steering wheel. A third, eight-inch multi touch “Byton Touchpad” display is fitted to the center console. Further screens will be added in the back seats for the entertainment of passengers. Byton have announced plans to have passenger and driver operate the systems by gesture or voice command.

While none of the above technology appears particularly groundbreaking, it’s the scale that is most shocking. That 48 inch screen is huge, the photos suggest that it could prove to be a giant distraction to the driver. The steering wheel mounted display also raises questions. It sits above the airbag and likely requires significant engineering to ensure it doesn’t impede its operation.

That said, the screens are apparently deemed necessary for the Byton Life service, which connects apps and smart devices. There are plans for facial recognition technology.

There is a car underneath too. Details of the production version are not yet known. The cheapest model should feature a 71-kwh battery and a range of 249 miles. A 95-kwh battery version will also be made available with 470 hp and 524 lb-ft of torque.

January 8, 2019 / Comments Off

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£150,000 Will Buy You a Road-Legal Brabham BT62

The ultimate in money moves for any car collector is to buy a hypercar that can only be used on the race track. The LaFerrari FXX K, the McLaren P1 GTR, the Aston Martin Vulcan, these are the cars that billionaires own!

Brabham Automotive’s market launch of the Brabham BT62 confirmed that the car it intends to sell to customers will be limited to track use only. As it cost north of £1 million, the Brabham BT62 joins this group of illustrious hypercars. But what if you don’t have regular access to a racetrack? Brabham have you covered.

Road-Legal Brabham BT62

For an additional £150,000, Brabham will make your BT62 road-legal. The road-legal Brabham BT62 conversion will be carried out by Brabham Automotive. For now, the road-legal conversion is limited to the UK market. Brabham have confirmed that they are working on a version for the Australian market and will cater to individual requests where possible.

So what could you be driving on the roads? The BT62 was announced as a no-limits, trackday tool. The finished product should prove to be exhilarating on the road considering it has a 5.4 litre V8 engine which produces 710 hp and 667 Nm of torque.

Much work has gone into weight reduction. As a result, the Brabham BT62 weighs just 972 kg. The road-legal Brabham BT62 will be heavier as the process requires installation of items the BT62 does not have as standard. Aerodynamics should also excite. Downforce totals 1,200 kg thanks to that massive rear wing.

The conversion process will necessitate raising the ride height with a front and rear axle lift kit, increasing the steering lock range, adding air conditioning, fitting door locks and immobilisers and installing additional upholstery in the interior. The car will then be assessed by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) through their IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) test.

The first road-legal Brabham BT62’s are expected to be ready for Summer 2019.

January 7, 2019 / Comments Off

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Lamborghini Huracan EVO – Facelift Huracán Officially Unveiled

Soon after releasing teaser images, Lamborghini have released official details on the Lamborghini Huracan EVO. Departing with Lamborghini’s usual naming conventions, the facelift Huracan offers a little more of everything. Aerodynamics, technology and performance!

The Lamborghini Huracan EVO uses the same 5.2 litre, naturally aspirated V10 engine as the outgoing model. The specifications suggest that it has been lifted out of the Lamborghini Huracan Performante. It makes use of 640 hp and 600 Nm of torque. As a result, the EVO sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds. 200 km/h is dispatched in 9.0 seconds. Weight is 1,422 kg. In contrast, the Performante weights 40 kg less. The gearbox remains the same, as a result you have the same choice of Lamborghini’s traditional driving modes; Strada, Sport and Corsa.

Lamborghini Huracan EVO – Lamborghini Huracan Facelift

The Lamborghini Huracan EVO has Lamborghini’s rear-wheel steering and torque vectoring system. New to the EVO is a system called Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI). The LDVI controls key aspects of the car’s performance, using intelligent algorithms. The Lamborghini Piattaforma Inerziale (LPI) system of accelerators and gyroscopes helps refine the operation of the dynamic systems and Lamborghini’s Dynamic Steering is also updated. As a result, the Huracan Evo should handle the race track with ease.

It is in the area of aerodynamics that Lamborghini have pitched this update though. The car receives a new front bumper and new side air intakes. The rear is all-new too, the twin exhaust pipes are lifted from the Performante. The integrated tail spoiler also adds some downforce.

Inside, Lamborghini install a new 8.4 inch touchscreen in the centre console. It gets gesture control and the ability to control most of the key functions of the car including the seats, climate and multimedia. As an option, Lamborghini will integrate a dual camera telemetry system.

The new Lamborghini Huracan EVO gets an Arancio Xanto, four-layer colour. A 20 inch set of Aesir rims are also unique to the EVO. New trim levels are on offer together with increased options for Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program.

Customers will be able to take delivery in Spring of this year. The price? In the UK, £165,256, in the US $261,274 and in China, 3,298,100 RMB.

January 7, 2019 / Comments Off

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Koenigsegg Plans For Recession, Reveals More Details on Ragnarök

Swedish news outlet Dagens Industri recently conducted an interview with Christian von Koenigsegg which reveals some extra details on the upcoming replacement for the Koenigsegg Agera replacement. Koenigsegg talks extensively on plans to safeguard the company against volatile market conditions too. Plainly this is an issue of concern for many manufacturers these days.

In the interview, Koenigsegg confirms that Ragnarök is the working name for the Agera replacement but that a new name will be revealed closer to the Geneva Motor Show 2019 in March. The Ragnarök will be displayed as a display version which we take to mean that it will not run.

Full Carbon Koenigsegg Regera

Koenigsegg will produce the Ragnarök in very limited numbers. Just 125 examples are planned for the production run with 72 sold out. The production run will begin in 2021, once development of the new model have completed.

The Agera RS used Koenigsegg’s own engine. We suspect that the replacement will use a variation of that same engine with the possibility that it gets a hybrid drivetrain or Koenigsegg’s innovative gearbox, although the Swedish article references a nine-speed gearbox that Koenigsegg have been working on.

On the prospect of a recession, Koenigsegg points out that during the 2008 recession, while its US sales took a dive, they were more than made up by a move into the Chinese market. Koenigsegg revealed that it has deposits for 2-3 years of production.

For the full details on the Koenigsegg Ragnarök, or whatever its name will eventually be, we will need to wait until the Geneva Motor Show 2019 in March!

January 7, 2019 / Comments Off

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Ferrari Owner Gets Revozport Bodykit for his LaFerrari

Revozport have released a rendering which shows a LaFerrari project which has been commissioned by one of its customers. As far as we are aware (and you are welcome to correct us on this if you know different), this is the first tuned LaFerrari project. Unfortunately, there is little detail on the scope of the project beyond these renderings.

The Revozport LaFerrari Revoluzione looks to have received a comprehensive set of upgrades. The renders reveal a new front splitter. It is difficult to tell from the photos, however, we suspect that the modifications are reversible. New side skirts have also been installed.

Moving to the back of the car, the biggest difference is the rear wing. A mixture of different surfaces give higher levels of downforce. The rear is complemented by a new engine cover, finished in carbon fibre, it hides the rear glass window. The rear diffuser has also gained a set of side blades and a diffuser insert.

 Revozport claim that the vehicle will be built as a one-off for a Middle Eastern customer. The concept is very much inspired by the Ferrari FXX K Evo. It’s not clear if the 6.3 litre V12 power plant that underpins the LaFerrari has received any work. Knowing Revozport, we feel that this is unlikely.

January 7, 2019 / Comments Off

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Bertone to Reveal Full Electric Supercar with 800hp

The legendary design houses are really getting behind EV. With Pininfarina working on their own EV projects, Bertone appears to be making a comeback with its work on an electronic supercar startup. The Dianchè BSS GT Cube carries the Bertone name, however, following the liquidation of the original Bertone company, the tie up is nothing more than a licensing agreement.

Dianchè’s parent company, Flymove, secured a license to use the name from the company who purchased the rights to the Bertone brand, AKKA Technologies. The design can only be said to be inspired by the work of the legendary design house then.

The name BBS refers to Dianchè’s unique selling point, the Battery Swap System. The idea is that instead of waiting for the batteries to charge, you simply swap them out for a fully charged set. Dianchè anticipate that this will take just 3 minutes with a network of battery stations.

For the BBS GT Cube, Dianchè are claiming a 2.2 second 100 km/h sprint time and 217 mph top speed. Power comes from a 300kW motor which generates 600kW (804 bhp) through all four wheels.

Dianchè are also working on the Bertone BSS GT One sports car and City Car BSS Cube. The One will be the first to market, carrying two 150kWh motors and a top speed of 186 mph. Dianchè are currently projecting deliveries of the sports car will begin in 2020 with development throughout this year.

January 2, 2019 / Comments Off

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