Spyshots – Wild Speed

Ferrari Testing New LeMans Racer?

“I quite like the idea of racing at Le Mans in the highest category: who knows, maybe one day we can return and win, say thanks and come home. Maybe we should give it some serious consideration…”

Those are words from Ferrari CEO Luca Di Montezemolo. He has the dreams to compete in the LMP1 and they are coming closer as the first pictures showing a possible Ferrari prototype for Le Mans have emerged.
The pictures follow a recent video of a modified LaFerrari model racing around the Fiorano test track (shown below). Early speculation suggested that car would have been a new turbocharged V6 destined for Formula 1, however, it seems more likely now that it could have been a different powerplant destined for prototype racing at Le Mans. Something within the likes of a supercharged V8 hybrid suitable for racing at the 24 hours of Le Mans.

If Ferrari were to enter the P1 prototype racing class at Le Mans it wouldn’t likely be until the 2016 season, though by then the field would be increasingly competitive. Along with the dominant Audi team, Toyota has been competing for the past several years and both automakers will be joined by Porsche this coming season. Di Montezemolo’s ambitions to race the P1 class at Le Mans don’t come out of the blues. Ferrari’s last win in this class was in 1965 with the Ferrari 250LM.

Ferrari 458 Monte Carlo

Check out the renderings here!

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These are the first photographs of Ferrari testing the new hardcore 458. Due for the International Autoshow Frankfurt in september this year.

The Ferrari 458 is getting the treatment we’ve been waiting for. Going by the project name of Monte Carlo, this lightweight 458 will drive in the tracks of the Ferrari F430 Scuderia, probably at a faster pace. Aggressive looks, aero-upgrades, larger intakes and wider air vents to cool that powerful V8 which will be delivering up to 600 horsepower courtesy of an ECU remap and some engine upgrades.

Via Autogespot

F430 Scuderia vs. 458 Italia

Let’s see how the normal 458 compares to the F430 Scuderia in a straight line. video by M5board.com

McLaren MP4-12C Wearing A Cloth

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They’re obviously ‘hiding’ something. Most likely a minor facelift, or life cycle impulse, as BMW would call it. Since MP4-12C was first introduced in 2009, this wouldn’t be a bad idea.

We can see a new set of LEDS shining through the piece of fabric streched over the front of this McLaren Spider spotted somewhere in Germany. The front bumper and interior are to receive some minor updates as well. And perhaps a little surprise in the back, who knows. We’ll see in Frankfurt at the IAA this september.

That’s pretty much it.Oh, and a couple extra ponies of course. About 640.

A New 5 Series? Already?

Yes, this is a new generation BMW 5 series Touring. Completely new. We didn’t expect to see this so soon. We don’t even know the codename yet. Ok, BMW just released the 5 series LCI, and we know the cars from BMW undergo a full, long and thorough test programme. Where the new gen 7 series (G11) is already on the trail, this is just facing the start of it and won’t see a production version before 2016.

Even though it is packed with camouflage it does show some new design cues. Likely to be sharing some elements with the recent BMW releases and the upcoming BMW 7 series. It will go on a diet with CFRP tech, like the new gen 7series, making it much lighter then the current models.

via Bimmerpost

Production BMW X4 Spyshots

Since BMW revealed the BMW X4 Concept, we’ve seen many ideas of what the production version could possibly look like, but here we have a bunch of spyshots that could just be the production version of the BMW X4.

As with most car manufacturers filling the gaps with new niches, the BMW X4 is the latest addition to the BMW X range. Essentially, it’s just a beefier 4 Series, but then again, smaller compared to the X5 and X6, think of it as the 4 Series and the X6’s lovechild. With the X4 being one-higher than the X3, the next X3 will share some of the X4’s features. From the spyshots, it doesn’t seem the X4 has entirely followed the path of the X4 Concept, maybe it was the X4 Concept’s aggressive bumper style that made it look that bit better, maybe the X4’s M-Pack may be able to solve this, only time can tell.

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The X4 is very unique compared to any other car on the market though,making it a great platform for Mercedes-Benz and Audi to follow.

We can also expect the X4 Concept’s headlight design to appear in the production version as that seems to be the trend of BMW lately. The camouflage on the headlights proves this theory further as it is strategically placed in a straight horizontal line so it looks like the currect X3’s headlight design.

Much like the X3, the X4 will be produced and in Spartanburg and should be with us around early 2014.

New BMW M4 Coupe Spyshots Emerge

New images have emerged of a Silverstone F82 M4 testing on the Nurburgring, wearing M Carbon Ceramic Brakes. It doesn’t reveal any new features, but some technical details have surfaced.

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BIMMERPOST were recently informed by a BMW M official that the engine powering the M4 will boast an 8000 RPM redline.

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WHAT DO WE KNOW?
• Lighter than current M3 (targeting E46 M3 weight
• More powerful than current M3, but around 100 lb-ft more torque
• Faster than current M3
• More efficient than current M3
• Powered by “S55” inline 6 cylinder multi turbo engine
• Nearly 8k RPM redline
• DCT and manual transmission options
• Optional M Carbon Ceramic Brakes
• Rumored Electric Power Steering
• Prototype Tires – Michelin Pilot Super Sport: 255/35/19 (front), 275/35/19 (rear)
• Front styling to feature elements from the M6 and 1M coupe, with Air Curtain technology
• Hood features power bump / dome
• Kidney grilles feature double-slats with M3/M4 badge
• F82 M4 coupe to feature double-bubble sculpted carbon fiber roof , with optional sunroof
• M3 Introduced late 2013 – early 2014
• M3 European Delivery begins June 2014, at earliest
• M4 hits dealers no earlier than late 2014 – early 2015

991 Saga continues: Porsche 991 GT3R Testing

A new Porsche 991, most likely the fattest, but also one of the lightest to be available in somewhere in 2013, is one for the trackday purist, it is the 911 GT3R!
The 991 model range started production last year with the Carrera models, as usual. The Carrera 4(S) models followed just months ago. In the meanwhile Porsche was doing multiple testrides with the coming 991 GT3 that will be making it’s debut somewhere at the end of this year or beginning of 2013. With the arrival of the new GT3 in sight, it is time for Porsche to unleash the stripped out racing version 991 GT3 R on the testtrack.

The previous version of the GT3R, the 997, weights about 1200kg and has a power figure of 500HP. So what can we expect from this new beast? Hard to say, but there’s little doubt it will shed some weight and have some more power then previous models. What we can see from these photo’s are some interesting aeroparts on the fenders and bumpers. Sure most of you would agree, it looks menacing! I’m sure it will be a thrill to race with as well! Enjoy the photo’s.

And, this is Nismo’s 550HP new race car developed in line with FIA GT3 regulations, It will be an interesting battle.

Source: Autoweek

BMW F82 M4 uncovered

For those who always want a sneak-peak of whats in the wrapping papers of their birthday gifts before it’s actually their birthday, here’s just that. Starting with Brenda Priddy’s photo of the F82 M4 standing right outside the BMW M testing center at the Nurburgring. Then, with some computer help, peel off the infamous psycedelic BMW camouflage. Details which can be discerned from this particular prototype, other F82 M4 and F80 M3 mules, as well as some imagination and speculation are all the ingredients for this render.

Some info on the new BMW M4 from Bimmerpost
The F82 M4 coupe is expected to share the same powerplant as the F80 M3 sedan and to recap, here is an updated list of what we know about the F80/F82 so far:

Lighter than current M3
- targeting E46 M3 weight (source)
More powerful than current M3
- approximately same HP, but around 100 lb-ft more torque (in range of 395 lb-ft) (source)
Faster than current M3 (source)
More efficient than current M3 (source)
Powered by an inline 6 cylinder multi-turbo engine (source, source)
Offered with optional or standard manual transmission
Electric Power Steering (completely reworked for precision for M3/M4)
Tires (from prototype) – Michelin Pilot Super Sport: 255/35/19 (front), 275/35/19 (rear)
Front styling to feature elements from the M6 and 1M coupe, with Air Curtain technology (our render)
Hood to feature power/vent bump
M3 Introduced late 2013 – early 2014 (concept debuts earlier)
M4 Introduced no earlier than late 2014

991 Saga: The GT3

With the new 991 coupe and convertible out and about, it’s time for Porsche to get it on with all the new 911 variants. We all know the Carrera’s are just the beginning. One we will see first after the Carrera4/4S models will most likely be the 991 Turbo, which has been spied in both coupe and convertible form. The track oriented 991 GT3 was also caught on the test track a few weeks ago showing a fixed, quite big, Gt3 spoiler on the back that looks much like the one from the 997GT3 mk2.

So what can we see from these new spyshots?

Well, apart from the rear spoiler (now slightly different from the one spotted earlier) and central exhaust, not much. The car in the previous spyshots is wearing a sportier GT3 looking frontbumper whereas this just looks like a taped up Carrera bumper with fake foglights. Also the normal Carrera rear bumper on all the pics are just a part of the camouflage.

But with the quality of these pics being a bit better, the rear decklid is now more visible. This time it’s carrying a different wing on it, most likely a fake one, with fake winglets bolted on. The rear decklid could be the only production part visible on this car as the spoiler looks to emerge nicely from the classic sloping 911 curve on the back. Still resembles the one from the 997 GT3, but with a wink to the 993GT2.

We can also see the wheels are centerlocks. Nice!

Surely the 991 will be more economical whilst offering more performance, expect the 911 (991) to come closer to the 997 GT3 RS power figure of 450hp. Weight will be reduced, possibly by around 40kg. And for the gearbox you ask? The GT3 is a true drivers oriented car, so it would be a shame to ditch the manual tranny for a PDK dual clutch transmission! That’s for sure!

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