Nearly half a decade ago, Porsche-specialist tuner launched its 911 Turbo-based Rt 12, which was based on the 997 Porsche 911. The Rt12 managed to blitz even the massively fast Mercedes-Mclaren SLR '722' special edition in a sprint from 0-300km/h, making it one of the fastest production cars in the world. Now, Ruf has decided its time for a refresh. Dubbed as Ruf Rt12 S, this high performance sports car connects high end performance with complete road capability. Under the hood, power comes from the refined biturbo boxer engine producing 685 hp and a maximal torque of 880 Nm. That’s 35 hp more than the standard Ruf Rt12.
For the exterior, a number of aerodynamic modifications have been made. The exterior is differentiated with the distinctive front and rear fascias, widened rear fenders that house air ducts, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, LED lighting, Ruf CTR 3 mirrors, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Other upgrades include carbon ceramic brakes, a hydraulically-adjustable suspension system, a variety of custom seats, a new steering wheel and more. A new roll cage is also present to help improve handling. The Ruf Rt12 S can optionally be delivered with rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. However, the car is not cheap, price is set at close to €255,000 (approximately $362,570).
Unveiled at February’s Chicago Auto Show, the V-6 powered TSX is added to the automaker’s updated 2010 lineup. Positioned at luxury sports sedan, the 2010 Acura TSX V6 offers more comforts, convenience and safety. It does so with expanded luxury and electronic features, a wider stance for more agile performance and advanced safety systems. Powered by Acura’s familiar 3.5L V6 from its TL and RL siblings, the new TSX delivers 280hp (209kW). Mated to a specially-geared Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, the TSX V-6 generates substantially improved performance for drivers who prefer the more interesting route over the quickest route. In addition, the V-6 TSX also receives exclusive suspension tuning (the front suspension receives firmer springs and revised calibration for the dual-mode suspension dampers), brake system upgrades, and unique five-spoke 18in aluminum wheels shod with Michelin Pilot all-season tires.
"With strong V-6 power, the 2010 TSX can go toe-to-toe with the top sports sedans in its class," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "Matched with new 18-inch wheels and revised suspension, the TSX V-6 is proof positive that a smart vehicle choice doesn't have to be a boring vehicle choice."
At the same time, the V6 TSX meets California's CARB LEV II ULEV emissions certification and delivers an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 18/27mpg.
Like all Acura models, the new TSX features as standard a power moonroof, automatic climate control, a premium seven-speaker sound system with XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth hands-free and USB and auxiliary ports. Optional goodies include Acura’s Technology Package, which adds satellite navigation, a reversing camera, and a premium sound system.
Incidentally, the 2.4L four-cylinder version remains on sale. Producing 201hp and 172lb-ft of torque, the four-cylinder engine comes standard with a 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic.
Acura has released details of the redesigned 2010 RDX. The new RDX is more luxurious with performance and styling upgrades. As for the appearance, the new RDX gets a new face with reshaped fog lamps and air intakes along with its bottle-opener grille, which has also been applied to the TSX, TL and RL sedans. Headlights and taillights are revised. New alloy wheels are fitted and the rear bumper sports new trim too. Standard wheels are 18" x 7.5" aluminium-alloys running on P235/55 R18 tyres. The vehicle measures 4.635m in length, 1.870m and stands 1.655m tall. It also has a minimum ground clearance of 15.87cm.
Acura offers two-wheel drive option of 2010 Acura RDX facelift, front-wheel drive model and Super-Handling AWD version. The FWD model becomes the baseline model and sells at a base price of $32,520 --$2,000 less than the AWD version. At the same time, the FWD version could boost fuel economy over the AWD model, which has been the only version available since the compact SUV was launched for 2008. The EPA city/highway fuel economy rating for the two-wheel drive model comes in 19/24mpg, while the AWD model comes in at 17/22mpg.
Powers comes from 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates some 177kW (240hp) and torque of 260 lb-ft at 4500 rpm. Mated to the engine is a 5-speed automatic transmission with paddles for semi-automatic changes. Safety systems fitted include ABS brakes with EBD and Brake Assist.
More updates inside include automatic dual-zone, humidity control and air filtration, USB connectivity and stereo Bluetooth audio; ambient lighting; and a navigation system update with rearview camera updates and real-time traffic.
Last year, Ford sold off the one-off Ford Mustang AV8R for $500,000 at the annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Gathering of Eagles festival. The money went to EAA's Young Eagles charity, a program that gives those under 17 the chance to fly in a general aviation craft.
This year, Ford builds another one-off custom Mustang call ‘AV-X10 Dearborn Doll’ for the event. People who want to bid on the Ford Mustang AV-X10 can do so between July 27 and August 2 at the 2009 EAA Air Venture Oshkosh fly-in convention. The AV-X10 "Dearborn Doll" Mustang utilizes the 2010 Mustang GT with Glassroof option as the platform base with performance modifications coming from Ford Racing, including a 550hp (410kW) supercharger kit, a high-flow FR500S exhaust system, a short throw shifter, a new handling package featuring dampers, lowering springs and an anti-roll bar. The car rides one inch lower than a stock Mustang GT, and uses a 550 hp 4.6-liter 24-valve aluminum engine, which is the 10-millionth powerplant built at Ford’s Romeo facility.
As for the exterior, it’s influenced by the World War II-era P-51 Mustang aircraft. The car is painted in Satin Silver, added a yellow nose and rear wing, and changed the wheels to Shelby's 19-inch model meant for the GT500. The wheels were painted in liquid silver with yellow propeller tips. One of the coolest features is that the Glass roof is even treated to an abstract translucent star and bars scheme for added effect.
Continuing with an Air Force look, the engineers added a Bader leather interior with a worn look, diamond-tucked seat and door inserts, and a unique instrument cluster.
"Ford Motor Company has been a committed partner of EAA throughout the years and especially during AirVenture, where Ford's support has brought value to those who make ‘Oshkosh' the pinnacle of their aviation year," said EAA chair Tom Poberezny in a press release. "The generous creation of such specialty vehicles allows EAA to provide support to its valuable programs and dedicated members inspiring young people and building the future of flight."
Mere days ago, we have introduced the highly anticipated 2010 SMS 460 Ford Mustang from Steve Saleen and its new company SMS Supercars. Now, another Mustang bearing the Saleen name - the Saleen Performance Vehicles 435S Mustang is here. However, just as we said previously, the 2010 SMS 460 Ford Mustang is the only Mustang officially authorized to bear Steve Saleen's name. Steve Saleen had nothing to do with the Saleen 435S. In fact, the Saleen Performance Vehicles, owned by Michigan-based MJ Acquisitions, is in a lawsuit filed by Steve Saleen over the use of the Saleen name.
Power comes from the 4.6-liter, 3-valve SOHC V8 engine fitted with a Saleen Series VI supercharger, paired up with a 5-speed manual transmission. The car will be capable to produce a vigorous 435hp (324kW) and 425lb-ft (575Nm) of torque.
Thanks to the Saleen Racecraft suspension kit, the car rides 1.5 inches lower than a Mustang GT. The suspension package includes springs, a stiffer front stabilizer bar, and nitrogen-pressurized shock absorbers tuned exclusively for the 435S.
The exterior of the car has also been fitted with Saleen badging and chevrons, as well as a set of custom 18in, 5-spoke alloy wheels(19- and 20-inch wheels are available).
“All in all, we believe the 435S is the right car at the right time,” said Mike Shields, CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles. “It’s a terrific performance value that we’re proud to offer. And this is just the first of many great Saleen vehicles we’ll be launching in the future.”
We have reported Mercedes-Benz was expanding the 2010 E-Class range with two economical four-cylinder models: the E200 CDI turbodiesel and E200 CGI petrol model. However, this is just part of plan. Mercedes-Benz has now announced that there will be 58 BlueEfficiency models on the market by the end of the year (there are 49 vehicles in the image above), including the already reported two models. What’s BlueEfficiency car? In general, it depicts cars that combine a range of efficiency-enhancing design features and materials that cause a car to be 23% more efficient than a regular vehicle. Just like the new E-Class, combines the latest in engine technology and the world’s best cd value in its class with targeted vehicle optimization measures, including lightweight design and intelligent energy management.
Steve Saleen and its new company SMS Supercars have revealed the 2010 SMS 460 Ford Mustang at the “Mustangs Northwest Roundup” in Seattle. Based on the 2010 460 Ford Mustang, the 2010 SMS 460 Ford Mustang is the only Mustang officially authorized to bear Steve Saleen's name, to use the benefit of the dedication, history, and success he has cultured for over 30 years. Steve Saleen, President and CEO of SMS Supercars: "The SMS 460 Mustang embodies everything I stand for. It reflects my unrivalled tenure in the Mustang business, my passion and love for the Mustang brand."
The lineup has two models: the SMS 460 and SMS 460X. Both are fitted with custom supercharged V8s. The SMS 460 Mustang gets a 4.6 liter V8 engine producing 470 hp and 427 ft-lb of torque, while the SMS 460X Mustang with an enlarged 5.0 liter V8 engine reaches 655 hp and 600 ft-lb.
Transmission options are a 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual on the 460 or a 6-speed SMST manual on the top of the line 460X. Performance for both cars is striking. The 460 Mustang is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 60mph in the low 4-second range, while the 460X manages the same in closer to 4.
However, power is useless without control. So the handling, road holding and braking improvements on the 2010 SMS 460 Mustangs will not be missed. Both the cars will feature Steve's signature Watt's linkage suspension with all-new geometry. New SMS 15" six piston front and 13" four piston rear brakes deliver impressive stopping power to match the jaw-dropping acceleration.
The SMS 460 Mustangs also feature a host of external visual and technical modifications, including: the re-worked front and rear fascia treatment, SMS Red Butterfly Air Induction Hood TM, front and side splitters, rear fascia and diffuser with high down-force rear wing. The performance theme continues inside with Alcantara and leather trim on the seats, dash and center console.
Up till now, the SMS 460 Mustang is in final testing stages and the market launch is planned for later this year. According to an ordering guide on the SMS Supercars website, the MSRP for the SMS 460 starts at $64,990, with the SMS 460X starting at $85,961. Convertible versions of both cars are planned, with pricing set at $5000 more.
The R8 is a proven worldwide success story for Audi. Lately, Audi has announced U.S. pricing for the highly anticipated 2010 Audi R8 V10 sports car will start at $146,000 for the manual-equipped version, while the R tronic models bumps the price to $155,100. The 2010 Audi R8 V10 gets a 5.2-liter FSI V10 engine which produces 525 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. This will be enough to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 196 mph.
The R8 V10 receives unique exterior features as standard equipment, including: innovative full-LED headlights, 19-inch Y-design forged aluminum alloy wheels with summer performance tires, modified sideblades with larger air intakes, and a revised grille with additional chrome accents. Other unique updates include new rocker panels, dual oval exhaust tips, a larger rear diffuser, and plenty of V10 badging.
Inside, the car comes nicely equipped with a navigation system, a 465-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system, SIRIUS satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and heated sport seats.
The first two R8 V10 models have already been delivered, the first one was sold at $500,000, and the second also sold for $350,000. The combined $850,000 went to charity.
In addition, the standard R8 4.2 FSI quattro starts from $114,200 with a manual transmission, while the R tronic version is a bit more expensive - $123,000.
Lately, Chevy launched an exclusive appearance package - the new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition at the Comic-Con festival in San Diego. The TRANSFORMERS kit features black stripes on yellow layout - like the Bumblebee Camaro from the movies - and also includes an AUTOBOT logo on both door panels, wheel caps and center console. Transformers logos on the side sill plates and embedded into the black rally stripes complete the look. Other design touches include a Rally Yellow exterior, branded sill plates.
According to Samantha Lomow, Global Brand Leader for Transformers at Hasbro, "Hasbro is thrilled to team up with Chevrolet and excited to see the Camaro Transformers Special Edition come to market for our fans to enjoy. The yellow Camaro with the black stripes has become so iconic and closely associated with the Bumblebee character that this edition was a natural fit for both companies."
The Transformers package is available on all Chevrolet Camaros. Price is from $995, customers can take an order now.
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