Orders Open for the Hulme CanAm Supercar

Hulme Supercars the makers of NZ’s first Supercar the Hulme CanAm have just announced plans for a 20 unit limited production run. To reserve a Hulme CanAm Supercar you need to make a 10,000 GBP and the final Hulme CanAm price is set to 295,000 GBP, without local taxes.

Powered by a 7.0-litre V8 Chevrolet LS7 V8 worth 600 bhp (447 kW / 608 PS) and 600Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque at the rear wheels, the car is said to be capable of sprinting from 0 - 100km/h in under 3.5 seconds. Top speed is over 200 mph (322 km/h). Mated to the engine is a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox. A sequential manual shift option will be available.

Hulme will put the deposits in a trust account that will be returned for any prospective customers that decide to cancel. For those that decide to take delivery, the $700,000+ purchase price includes two business class tickets to Auckland, New Zealand for final fitting of the car and some local driving time. Once the customer is satisfied, the car will get shipped to its final destination.




Press Release

HULME CANAM SUPERCAR OPENS TO ORDERS

A limited run of just 20 New Zealand-designed and built Hulme CanAm supercars ensures extreme rarity value.

The developers of the eagerly-awaited 200+mph Hulme CanAm Supercar, named in honour of New Zealand racing legend and F1 World Champion, Denny Hulme, have announced an attractive proposition for those wishing to purchase an option to order one of an extremely limited production run.

The Auckland based Supercar developer-manufacturer, Hulme Supercars, has launched a package which is designed to guarantee rarity value by offering options to purchase the total production run of just 20 Hulme CanAm supercars, on a first-come, first-served basis.

The only production road car to bear the name of a F1 World Champion,

The Hulme CanAm is an ultra high-performance, mid-engined roadster. Created for both road and track use, the car blends the raw flavour and appeal of a Formula racing car with dramatic design, superb craftsmanship, exceptional performance and a thrilling and achievable driving experience.

An order for the CanAm will be secured by the deposit of £10,000 which, as Jock Freemantle, Hulme Managing Director, explains, is fully-refundable if the option is not converted to an order.

"Deposits will be held in a Trust account", he confirms, "pending a private viewing and driving experience of the car at or before the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed for those who have purchased an option to order. Following that, if anyone does not wish to proceed, the terms on which the deposit is paid will provide a guarantee that their total deposit will be returned immediately."

The 20 customer cars will be coach-built and equipped to customer order, with delivery commencing in the UK in the Autumn of 2011 and into 2012, the 20th anniversary of Denny Hulme's death.

Those who proceed to purchase are promised an experience as unique as the Hulme CanAm itself. Having determined the specification of their car, Hulme customers will enjoy two Air New Zealand Business Premier (Full flat bed) return tickets to Auckland, New Zealand, with one-week luxury accommodation, for their final fitting in the car and further road and circuit driving, before the car is shipped to their chosen destination.

All production cars will be numbered, with a guaranteed certificate of authenticity, and a 1/8 scale exact replica, finished in the same livery and specification, plus a full photographed dossier of the car's build.

For Freemantle, the purchase offer is a significant milestone in the development of the Hulme CanAm:

"The concept car, in coupe form, was first revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2006. Such was the interest that we conducted extensive research to assess demand, culminating in the decision to initially offer an open-top CanAm version, celebrating Hulme's victories of the "Can Am Championship" in 1968 and 1970," he said.

Development of the ultra-sleek F1-inspired CanAm car continued, with a finished prototype extensively tested on both road and track before the decision was made to accept orders.

Designed and hand-built by the Hulme Supercars technology team in New Zealand - including members who were responsible for the nation's America's Cup triumphs - the road-legal "Hulme CanAm" features an ultra-lightweight carbon composite tub and bodywork, and race-orientated chassis, suspension and braking.

To honour Denny's CanAm Championship wins in McLaren CanAm cars powered by Chevrolet V8's, the Hulme CanAm is powered by a 7-litre (427cu.in) Chevrolet LS7 V8 developing 600bhp and 600Nm torque, fed through a close-ratio, six-speed CIMA manual gearbox (Paddles or Sequential shift will be options available). As a consequence of its lightweight construction, the Hulme CanAm weighs in at less than 1,000kg. This combination promises a sub-three and a half second sprint to 100kph, and top speed in excess of 200mph.

Despite its ultra-performance and emphatic race car credentials, the Hulme Supercars' design and development focus has been on driveability, with power delivery and handling dynamics optimised for maximum driving enjoyment on track and on the road.

For Greeta Hulme, the widow of Denny - who passed away in 1992 - the announcement of the Hulme CanAm's production is warmly welcomed: "Jock Freemantle's desire to honour Denny's life with this unique car has been matched by his irrepressible enthusiasm and passion to create it. I am both proud and immensely impressed with what he and the Hulme Supercars team have achieved."

The purchase price of the Hulme CanAm will be fixed at £295,000 (plus local taxes) on receipt of an order, including delivery worldwide.

To purchase one of only 20 options available, e-mail Jock Freemantle at jock.f@hulmesupercars.com or write to Hulme Supercars Limited, P.O.Box97853,ManukauCity2241,Manukau,New Zealand.

The final vehicle specification, customer options included in the sale price, and details of the order and payment terms, will be confirmed before the options are converted to an order. Development specifications are available now from Hulme Supercars by e-mail to jock.f@hulmesupercars.com or from Hulme Supercars Limited, P.O.Box97853,ManukauCity2241,Manukau,New Zealand. and from the website. www.hulmesupercars.com.

Hulme CanAm Standard Specifications

Body & Chassis
Chassis:	Carbon Fibre/Composite construction
Body:	Carbon Fibre/Composite construction
Engine & Transmission
Type:	General Motors LS7 V8
Cylinders:	8
Displacement:	427 cu.in /7,000cc
Stroke:	4.0” /100cm
Power:	450Kw (600 HP)
HP/Litre:	85.7
Torque:	600 Nm at rear wheels
Configuration:	Mid-longitudinal
Transmission:	CIMA 6-speed, transaxle with LSD
Drive Wheels:	RWD
Suspension
Front:	Double Wishbone & Pushrod
	Inboard Coil-over damper & anti-roll bar
Rear:	Double Wishbone & Pushrod.
	Inboard Coil-over damper & anti-roll bar
Braking
Front:	Ventilated discs (362 x 32mm), AP Racing 6-Piston Calipers.
Rear:	Ventilated discs (362 x 32mm), AP Racing 6-Piston Calipers.
Steering
Type:	Progressive power-assisted
Wheels & Tyres
Wheels:	Front: 8.5” x 19” alloy Centre lock
	Rear: 11” x 20” alloy Centre lock
Tyres:	Front: 245 x 40 x 19 Pirelli P.-Zero Rosso
	Rear: 315 x 35 x 20 Pirelli P-Zero Rosso
Dimensions
Length:	4712 mm / 185.5 inch
Width:	1958 mm / 77 inch
Height:	1095 mm / 43 inch
Wheelbase:	2830 mm / 111.42 inch
Front Track:	1665 mm / 65.55 inch
Rear Track:	1605 mm / 63.19 inch
Kerb Weight:	980 Kg / 2160 lbs

Porsche 911 Turbo APS Sportec SP580

Porsche 911 Turbo APS Sportec SP580 has just been released. There are so many tuning packages available for this vehicle that a consumer can pretty much take a name out of a hat and that particular tuning form will have a package for this incredible vehicle.

The Porsche 997 Turbo has designed from APS SPORTEC a new stainless steel sports exhaust system with high flow catalytic converters and two 700mm ‘twin’ tailpipes, the engine output has been increased to an impressive 580 HP at 6500 rpm and 800 Nm of torque at 3500 rpm. The result is a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 197 mph.

The package also includes forged alloy wheels, suspension, and braking upgrades.

The APS Sportec SP580 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo price is set at 9400.00 GBP.




press release

APS of Brackley, UK importer for the Swiss Sportec range of prestigious vehicle enhancements, is delighted to unveil a new, high quality performance upgrade package for the ‘facelifted’ version of the 997 Turbo, as launched in November 2009.

In standard form this model delivers 493 bhp from its 6-cylinder, 3,8liter boxer engine, yet Sportec’s Swiss based engineers have been able to develop an upgrade package that appeals to Porsche owners requiring amore exclusive, individual and exciting driving experience.

The Sportec ‘580’ conversion for the facelift 997 Turbo features a stainless steel sports exhaust system with high flow catalytic converters and two 70mm ‘twin’ tailpipes. Uniquely, the Sportec 997 Turbo sports exhaust system incorporates a pair of ‘sound throttles,’ which enable the owner to define and switch the exhaust note of the car in real time, using a supplied remote controller.

In addition, the standard Porsche air filter is replaced by a Sportechigh flow panel element and finally, the ECU settings for fuelling, ignition and turbo boost parameters are reset by a bespoke Sportec remap. On Sportec’s chassis dyno’ the end result is a significant boost in power and torque – maximum figures climb to 580 bhp @ 6500 rpm, meanwhile peak torque hits 800 Nm (590 lb.ft) at just 3500 rpm.

No performance data has yet been gathered for this conversion, but the 0-100 kmh time is estimated to be 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of approximately 197 mph. Yet there is more to the Sportec 580 package thanoutright power, because Sportec has concentrated on improving the driveability of the 997 Turbo – to that end there is always over 700 Nm (516 lb.ft) of torque available from 2700 – 5500 rpm, which makes this arelaxed, ultra high performance machine.

Suitable for both the six speed manual or PDK variants of the November 2009 onwards Porsche 997 Turbo, the Sportec 580 upgrade packageis available now from sole UK concession APS of Brackley, priced at £9400.00 fitted, including VAT @ 17.5%.

A full range of exclusive Sportec components for the facelift Porsche997 including forged alloy wheels, suspension and braking upgrades, as well as cosmetic enhancements, is also now available. Please contact APSof Brackley or log onto www.apsshop.co.uk

Updates: NOVITEC Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Novitec Rosso has announced new accessories, wheels and an ECU upgrade for the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti has received a tuning kit from Novitec Rosso, with the package targeting both the performance and the aesthetics areas of the Italian Grand Tourer. The Scaglietti’s 5.8 liter V12 powerplant, which originally developed 540 hp at 7,250 rpm and 588 Nm at 5,250 rpm, now delivers 565 hp at 7,290 rpm and 609 Nm of torque at 5,300 rpm.

Starting with the exterior the NOVITEC Ferrari 612 Scaglietti comes with a set of 20/21 inch size wheels wrapped in ultra-high-performance tires, black taillights and 90 mm stainless tailpipes that offers a deeper exhaust note.

It’s value referring to which a “black lamps” ascent is accessible which comes with 4 turn taillights, reflectors and side markers. On the inside, Novitec Rosso will ascent the interior in a bespoke conform for the client. Steering circle customization is accessible from density to color.




Press Release

Arrivederci 612 Scaglietti!

NOVITEC ROSSO Refines the Ferrari 2+2-Seater

2+2-seaters have a long and illustrious tradition at Ferrari. The 612 Scaglietti seamlessly continued this tremendous success story since its debut in the fall of 2003. To make this extraordinary automobile even more exclusive and to add an even higher level of customization NOVITEC ROSSO now offers new accessories such as a custom-tailored tire/wheel combination with diameters of 20 and 21 inches, a power increase to 565 hp / 416 kW, a stainless-steel sport exhaust system, new taillight design and upgrades for the interior.

Wheels make a car and for a Ferrari the best is just good enough. The NOVITEC ROSSO suspension specialists have developed custom versions of the three-piece NF3 alloy wheels for the Italian sports car.

The new wheels feature a striking design with five double spokes and polished outer flanges. Contrary to the 19-inch production wheels, the 612 Scaglietti in NOVITEC ROSSO trim sports a combination of size 9Jx20 wheels in front and size 12.5Jx21 rims on the rear axle.

This measure benefits not only the driving dynamics of the car but also and foremost the coupe's appearance. The staggered wheels further emphasize the wedge-shaped design of the two-door car.

In the P Zero tire technology partner Pirelli offers the perfect ultra-high-performance tires for this tire/wheel combination that makes optimal use of the available space in the wheel wells Tires in size 275/30 ZR 20 on the front axle provide enormous grip during fast cornering and hard braking. Tires in size 355/25 R 21 on the rear axle allow even higher cornering speeds and provide maximum traction.

The exclusive look can be further upgraded with black NOVITEC ROSSO lamps. The complete package comprises the four round taillights, the reflectors and the side markers.

Further cornerstones of the NOVITEC ROSSO program for the 612 Scaglietti are a power increase and an even sportier exhaust note. The inner workings of the V12 engine with a displacement of 5,748 cm³ remain untouched. The power increase to 565 hp / 416 kW at 7,290 rpm is the product of a newly calibrated engine management system and the NOVITEC ROSSO stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system.

The tuning gives the V12 engine an even crisper response and lets it rev up even faster. Simultaneously peak torque grows to 609 Nm at 5,300 rpm. A top speed of more than 325 km/h and a sprint time for 0 - 100 km/h of just 3.9 seconds make the 2+2-seater an even more dominant sports car.

The NOVITEC ROSSO sport exhaust system is an integral part of the power increase and produces a truly delightful exhaust note. The NOVITEC ROSSO exhaust is easily distinguished by its four 90-mm tailpipes cut at an angle.

NOVITEC ROSSO upgrades the four-seat interior according to customers' personal preferences. The ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel comes in any color imaginable. But that's not all: Customers can also freely choose the steering wheel's material as well as the thickness of the rim. The rim is flattened at the bottom for easier entering and exiting of the vehicle.

Every NOVITEC ROSSO interior is characterized by its masterful precision finish and its striking colors. But NOVITEC ROSSO realizes not only Ferrari owners' personal material and color selections, it also custom-tailors the seat to each customer's body measurements. Special requests such as for seats with even more lateral support or a lowered seat position for especially tall drivers round out the interior customization program.

Mercedes-Benz dealers now using iPads to sell cars

Mercedes-Benz Financial announced today it has become the first automotive finance company to give dealers mobile access to its point-of-sale dealer system. The company has decided to make the Apple iPad available to its US dealer network.

Mercedes will implement its Proprietary MB Advantage dealer system which will become available through the Apple iPad interface. They hope this will bring their business extra flexibility, information on the showroom floor.

Moreno said he started using his own iPad on a limited basis to handle leased vehicles, and is now among the dealers in the company's official iPad pilot program. When the customer arrives, Moreno carries his iPad with him outside to do returns on the spot.




Press Release

Mercedes-Benz Financial, which has received more than $5 million in lease and loan payments from customers via their mobile phone devices since becoming the first auto finance company to establish that payment channel late last year, is now taking its mobile strategy to the showroom floor to benefit dealers and customers.

Mercedes-Benz Financial today announced that it is putting the Apple iPad(TM) into the hands of its dealers, becoming the first automotive finance company to give dealers mobile access to its proprietary point-of-sale dealer system called MB Advantage. In doing so, Mercedes-Benz Financial is one of the first companies to adapt the consumer-oriented iPad as a mobile business tool.

MB Advantage on the iPad will give dealership sales personnel instant access to marketing programs for specific models, quicker turn time on the credit application process, and increase speed and efficiency on the return of lease vehicles.

"We see the iPad providing wireless mobility, information and flexibility on the showroom floor," said Andreas Hinrichs, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Financial. "The iPad will provide a competitive advantage to our dealers by increasing their service levels through a more flexible financing process."

Hinrichs said the size and versatility of the iPad makes it compatible to access MB Advantage via the mobile device and to take the dealer system from the finance & leasing office to the showroom floor.

Mercedes-Benz Financial will distribute iPads to 40 selected dealers throughout the United States to test iPad as a business tool. The company will monitor iPad usage and collect feedback from dealers and field sales staff over the summer.

Improvements to MB Advantage on iPad, based on dealer feedback, will be incorporated before potentially making the mobile device available to all Mercedes-Benz dealerships later this year.

"With the exciting, new products coming out from Mercedes-Benz, the iPad with MB Advantage gives us tremendous credibility with our clients," said Bernie Moreno, President of Mercedes-Benz of North Olmsted, Ohio, near Cleveland.

Since launching its iPhone app last October, which allows Mercedes-Benz Financial customers to make payments on their vehicle lease or loan from their iPhone, Mercedes-Benz Financial has had more than 13,000 downloads, approximately 5,000 payments and $3.6 million in payments received.

That launch was followed in March by giving customers who use smart phones the same capability to manage their Mercedes-Benz Financial accounts from their mobile devices. That has resulted in over 15,000 visitors, more than 2,000 payments and $1.5 million received in payments.

BMW 3 Series Travels 1,013 Miles on One Tank of Fuel

BMW has just unveiled a new iteration of the 3-Series, and it is making quite a splash in Europe. It won’t be coming across the pond, but we sure wish that it were.

The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon develops 163 hp between 3,500 rpm to 4,200 rpm and 360 Nm of torque from 1,750 rpm to 3,000rpm. This enables the car to sprint from naught to 62mph in 8.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 137 mph (220 km/h).

UK motoring journalist Tom Ford drove a new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics sedan from the UK to Munich and back, on one tank of diesel fuel. The total distance travelled was 1,630 kilometres (1,013 miles), which means the car delivered 68.9mpg overall and CO2 emissions of only 109g/km. These are the same figures claimed by BMW.

BMW can be proud and owners of the E90 320d who must have known the car was capable of such range. Biggest reason for the good news is that the car achieved figures of 75.9 mpg UK (63.2 mpg US or 3.7lt/100km), and never went below 65 mpg UK (54.1 mpg US or 4.4 lt/100km) for the entire trip. The overall figures for Tom Ford and the BMW 320d come in at an average speed of 59.3mph (95.4km/h) and 68.9mpg UK (57.4 mpg US or 4.1 lt/100km).

It propels the BMW from zero to 62mph (100km/h) in 8.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 137mph or 220km/h while returning a combined fuel consumption of 4.1 lt/100km, equal to 57.4mpg US or 68.9 mpg UK, and a CO2 rating of 109g/km in the EU test cycle.




Photos:carscoop

Press Release

BMW's most fuel-efficient and greenest-ever 3 Series completes record-breaking journey on one tank of fuel

BMW's cleanest and greenest 3 Series ever has just completed a record-breaking journey from the UK to Munich and back - on one tank of fuel.

Filled up at the Channel Tunnel, the new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon made it to Munich, then as far as Lille on the return leg - a staggering total of 1,013 miles on a single tank of fuel - before needing to be refuelled.

To put it in a UK geographic context, the distance achieved would have meant being able to drive from Land's End to John O'Groats, and still having 200 miles range left in the tank.

Just as impressive was that the intrepid driver - motoring journalist and TV presenter Tom Ford - didn't use efficient driving techniques such as coasting, or drive deliberately slowly for the trip, coverage of which appeared in yesterday's Sunday Times newspaper.

Although switching the air con and radio off as a concession to fuel saving, Tom managed a reasonable motorway pace all the way there and back, proving that in the real world, the new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon delivers what it promises on paper - an official combined figure of 68.9mpg and CO2 emissions of only 109g/km.
On the way to Munich, Tom achieved highs of 75.9mpg, and didn't dip below 65mpg for the entire trip. With an average speed of 59.3mph, the car achieved 68.9mpg overall.

He said: "I was prepared for this car to fail in the real world. I was wrong. Although I did try and be careful and drive in a feather-footed manner, I did cruise at a reasonable 65ish mph on the autoroutes and autobahns, so faster than the usual economy run pace.

"Think about it in the context of everyday motoring: comfortably more than 1,000 miles on one tank of diesel means just 12 fills a year for the average motorist - and even driven normally I still think you're looking at 750-800 miles per fill. BMW's EfficientDynamics: it does what it says on the tin."

The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon develops 163hp between 3,500rpm to 4,200rpm and 360Nm of torque from 1,750rpm to 3,000rpm. This equates to a zero to 62mph time of 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 137mph ensuring that while it might be extremely efficient, it still offers sporting performance - a fact not lost on Tom.

He said: "It's difficult to tell the difference between this model and a standard 320d in terms of driving performance which is brilliant. It means that as well as the obvious financial advantages, this special 320d is a car for the environmentally conscious who still want a car that drives superbly."

For drivers choosing the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon, there is no VED to pay for the first year of purchase due to its low CO2 figure and a 13 per cent benefit-in-kind company car tax rating and sporting ability thanks to its 163bhp. For a business buying one, the sub 110g/km emissions mean 100 per cent first year writing down allowances, allowing the model's full first year depreciation against to be offset against Corporation Tax.

The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon comes with the existing suite of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies, including Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and Electric Power Steering for optimum performance. However it also achieves its class-leading emissions with the addition of innovative engine construction, a longer transmission ratio, lowered suspension and the use of specially designed aerodynamic alloy wheels with Michelin EnergySaver tyres.