Home » Archives for March 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Renault Clio V6 Renault Sport
The Clio has been sold as the Renault Lutecia in Japan. A four-door sedan was developed for certain markets where sedans are traditionally preferred over hatchbacks and was sold under names Renault Clio Symbol, Renault Clio Sedan and Renault Thalia. It is also sold under the Nissan nameplate in some Latin American markets as the Nissan Platina.
The all-new second generation of the Clio was launched in the spring of 1998, with considerably more rounded and bulbous styling than its predecessor. Part of the radical concept of the new Clio were many components made of unusual materials to save in weight and repair costs. For instance, the front fenders were made of plastic and the material of the hood was aluminium in some versions. Originally the engine lineup was similar to before, with 1.2 L, 1.4 L and 1.6 L gasoline engines and a 1.9 L diesel. In early 1999, a sportive 16V version equipped with a new 1.6 L 16-valve engine was introduced, and eventually, all the older gasoline engines were upgraded to more powerful and more economical 16-valve versions.
In 1999, Renault launched the 172 hp Clio RS (short for Renault Sport), named Clio Renault Sport 172, with a 2.0 L 16-valve engine and a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph). But in this form, the car is capable of surprisingly good handling and performance. The top-of-the-range Clio however was the exotic mid-engined, rear-wheel drive Clio V6 Renault Sport, which placed a 166 kW (230 hp) 3.0 L V6 engine sourced from the Renault Laguna behind the front seats, with a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph).
Clio II facelift
A facelift in the spring of 2001 saw the exterior restyled, the interior quality improved and a 1.5 L direct-injection diesel engine added. The Clio 172 was also facelifted and a lightened more focused version was also added to the range, known as the 172 Cup. The 172 later received a further upgrade to 182 bhp, becoming the Renaultsport Clio 182, the Clio 182 Cup, and finally a top-of-the-range ultimate eversion called the Clio 182 Trophy. The Trophy has been heralded as one of the best hot hatches of all time. Only 500 were made for the UK (and a handful for Switzerland). The main difference between the Trophy and the normal 182 and 182 Cup is the race-engineered suspension that affords the Trophy handling unparalled in its market. Renault also produced the Clio v6, which looks like its on steroids compared to the 182, the V6 has a 255bhp 24v 3.0 liter enginer with a 0 - 62.5 speed of 5.8sec and a top speed of 153mph. Renault decided to keep selling the Clio II until 2008; the Clio II is sold alongside with the Clio III; but with a smaller price and known as the Clio Campus. In 2006 this model was facelifted with a restyled front and rear. The number plate moves from boot (or trunk) to bumber.
More pictures and wallpapers of Renault Clio V6
Renault Clio v6
At the time, only 1630 copies were sold in 20 months. His lack of success was due to a behavior and a gearbox unconvincing.
In 2003, a second version corrects many defects of the first draft. Its engine was developed in collaboration with Porsche. With a price of 39 700 €, only 800 copies were sold despite an impressive 3-liter V6 instead of the rear seat. Coupled with a 6 speed box and developing 255 horsepower, against 226 the previous version, the engine of the Renault Sport Clio V6 enables the 0 to 100 km / h in 5.8 seconds.
More wallpapers and pictures of Renault Clio V6
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Jenson Button Victory in GP Melbourne
Ferrari 612 widebody by Imola Racing
The body kit includes a new front spoiler and rear diffuser, as well as widened fenders and a tiny rear spoiler. The two-tone paint uses a contrasting color in the body scallops and is reminiscent of a classic Corvette. The lighter gray is also used on the roof panel. Blackout wheels with ultra-low profile tires complete the tuned look. The Imola Racing 612 Scaglietti also includes an upgraded interior, though we don't know if the powertrain or suspension have been modified at all. Imola's mechanical upgrades have generally been exhaust- and suspension-based, so it's a good guess that this 612 Scaglietti has benefitted from some of the shop's expertise in that regard.
Nissan GT-R COBRA N+ Tuning Concept
COBRA N+ believes power can only be substituted with more power, and therefore during the first tuning stage the brand expects to yield a more meaningful 550 hp / 410kW. Torque will go up to a maximum of 680Nm. At these levels the car will sprint from 0 - 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, with a top velocity of 320km/h. The second stage at some point will see the GT-R producing 620hp / 462kW and peak torque of about 800Nm. Then they will call it RACE PERFORMANCE.
COBRA N+ reckons it will achieve these first stage performance numbers through reprogramming of the electronics, boost pressure of 0.15 bar and modified air intakes fitted with sport air filters.
Other performance enhancing features are 21-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, 8-piston brake calipers, front end lift reduction mechanisms through an aerodynamic part and an integrated diffuser.
Inside the car is layered with carbon fiber bits and pieces, leather/ Alcantara materials and a roll cage. COBRA N+ will offer their modified GT-R as soon as the European market launch happens in 2009.
Porsche 9ff GTT 900 based on Carrera GT
The tuner 9ff thought this might not be enough. Luckily they had got themselves one of the 1,270 units of the Carrera GT sold and modified it to 900hp/ 671kW. A carbon fibre rear wing was fitted, an electronic suspension system that lowers the car, 19-inch magnesium wheels and a ceramic dual-disk clutch were all added.
Performance improvements are evident in that the car's 0 - 100km/h spring time now sits at 3.2 seconds with top speed upped to 390 km/h (242 mph).
You can get this car from 9ff for 452,000 Euros or 635,000 USD.