Auto-Tech HQ

Finally we get the official introduction to an all new Lexus LFA at the Tokyo Motor Show.  Pictures of Lexus LFA have been leaking for a while, but now we can officially see the true colors and the beauty of this monster of a car.  Take a look at the gallery below to get a close look on exactly what the car will look like once it hits the streets.  Here are the official specs:

• 4.8-liter 72-degree V10 putting out 560 hp at 8,700 RPM (that’s 116.5 hp/liter) and 354 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,800 RPM
• Redline: 9,000 RPM
• Titanium valves, connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, dry sump lubrication and a titanium exhaust manifold
• Six-speed sequential gearbox
• Torsen limited slip differential
• 3,263 pounds with a 48/52 front-to-rear weight distribution
• Power-to-weight ratio of 5.8 pounds/hp
• 65 percent of the body is carbon fiber
• 20-inch BBS wheels wrapped in 265/35 ZR20 Bridgestone tires in front and 305/30 ZR20 in the rear.
• 0-62 MPH (100 km/h) in 3.7 seconds
• Top speed of 201.94 MPH
• Production limited to 500 units

The price premium for this car will be $375,000, but I am sure there will not be any problems selling them, due tot he exclusivity of the production run of only 500 units.  We are looking forward to some real road tests soon. 

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Subaru has announced a new version of the WRX STI Carbon that will debut at the Tokyo Auto Show.

There does not seem to be too many changes accept for a carbon fiber roof, five-speed automatic transmission (rumored to be borrowed from the Legacy) and suede seats and dash board.  Now, we like the roof, don’t get us wrong.  No one argues that removing some extra weight and lowering the center of gravity is a bad thing for the STI, but an auto transmission?  I am sure many of you will be questioning what is Subaru thinking?  Well, Subaru says that the five-speed auto is there to offer a pleasure of driving this vehicle to a much wider range of customers.  I can understand the need to sell more cars but what about the purity of what this car is all about?  Looks like Subaru may be heading in the same direction that Mitsubishi Evo X did.  

Nice luxury interior may make sense as an option to those who want it, as well as a carbon fiber roof, which I am sure as a Subaru enthusiast like myself would definitely opt in for.  But if this is the road that Subaru has chosen, I really hope for their sake it is at least a dual clutch sequential transmission and not just your regular auto tranny.  I guess we will have to wait and see the exact specs.  There is still no word weather it will even make it here to US and what the price will be.

PRESS RELEASE:

Maranello 12 May 2009 – Ferrari’s Board of Directors, chaired by Luca di Montezemolo, today analysed the first quarter results for 2009. Despite the current international economic climate, which has hit the automotive sector in particular, Ferrari’s figures were in line with the record levels reached in 2008.

Turnover for the first three months was 441 million euro compared to 455.7 million euro over the same period in 2008. The first quarter closed with a trading profit of 54 million euro compared to last year’s 59 million euro.

These results reflect the introduction of new models, in particular the success of the Ferrari California and the Scuderia Spider 16M, the constant growth in activities linked to the brand (e-commerce, licensing, merchandising and retail) and the company’s continuing efforts to maximise efficiency.

The Board of Directors also examined developments related to recent decisions taken by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile during an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council on 29 April 2009. Although this meeting was originally called only to examine a disciplinary matter, the decisions taken mean that, for the first time ever in Formula 1, the 2010 season will see the introduction of two different sets of regulations based on arbitrary technical rules and economic parameters.

The Board considers that if this is the regulatory framework for Formula 1 in the future, then the reasons underlying Ferrari’s uninterrupted participation in the World Championship over the last 60 years – the only constructor to have taken part ever since its inception in 1950 – would come to a close.

The Board also expressed its disappointment about the methods adopted by the FIA in taking decisions of such a serious nature and its refusal to effectively reach an understanding with constructors and teams. The rules of governance that have contributed to the development of Formula 1 over the last 25 years have been disregarded, as have the binding contractual obligations between Ferrari and the FIA itself regarding the stability of the regulations. The same rules for all teams, stability of regulations, the continuity of the FOTA’s endeavours to methodically and progressively reduce costs, and governance of Formula 1 are the priorities for the future. If these indispensable principles are not respected and if the regulations adopted for 2010 will not change, then Ferrari does not intend to enter its cars in the next Formula 1 World Championship.

Ferrari trusts that its many fans worldwide will understand that this difficult decision is coherent with the Scuderia’s approach to motor sport and to Formula 1 in particular, always seeking to promote its sporting and technical values. The Chairman of the Board of Directors was mandated to evaluate the most suitable ways and methods to protect the company’s interests.

A new concept car Peugeot RD has been introduced to the public at Shanghai Motor Show.

The main innovative operating feature of the Peugeot RD concept car is its ingenious system of articulation that provides irreproachable road holding allied with the ability the easily thread its way through urban traffic.

Equipped with an environmentally friendly electric motor, the driving position in this single-seat concept offers a new feeling of freedom, thanks to its panoramic vision, voice-message driving assistance and a heads-up display system that gives all the information required for travelling in complete safety.

This concept car combines the sensations of a 3-wheeled scooter with the driving pleasure of a saloon car, while retaining all the essential functions of both modes of transport… and while adding a silent environment.

As you would expect, being accessible, solid and extremely simply designed, the Peugeot RD concept car fits perfectly with the complicated mobility constraints you would encounter in a megalopolis of the future.

Carlos Arturo Torres Tovar
Carlos Arturo Torres Tovar is a young, 27 year old Colombian who grew up in the small industrial town of Tunja. Since childhood, he has been working and modelling in clay and is passionate about sculpture. Accordingly, he has drawn, sketched and sculpted a host of objects, especially cars, in all sorts of materials ….

Sourse: Peugeot