BAC Mono track car revealed

A British sports car maker by the name Briggs Automotive Company has announced a new lightweight, single-seat road racer that would compete with the likes of Caterham and Airel. Known as the BAC Mono, the car is for “drivers who seek a purist driving experience and for whom design, engineering excellence and performance are of paramount importance.”

The BAC Mono track is a single central-seat featuring an aggressive design. It is constructed from high-strength carbon fiber composite and is powered by a 2.3 liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 280 HP. This engine sprints the car to an impressive top speed of 170 mph.

BAC says the Mono's mid-mounted 280 horsepower inline four-cylinder will send the car to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, hit 170 mph top speed, and do it all for £66,625--about $108,000. That's still pricey--beyond Nissan GT-R territory and into Corvette ZR-1 range--but it's sure to offer lateral acceleration that will make you forget all about 200-mph top speed dreams.

Suspension is a fully-adjustable pushrod suspension with damping elements made by SACHS Racing. Fitted with 295mm ventilated discs, AP Racing brakes provide stopping power. The Mono sits on 17-inch O.Z. Racing HRT alloy alloy wheels wrapped in Kumho tires.

The MONO is priced at £79,950 (€91,998 / $128,513), including taxes in the U.K.




Press Release

BAC MONO - AN ENTHRALLING NEW SINGLE-SEAT PERFORMANCE CAR DESIGNED AND BUILT BY ENTHUSIASTS FOR ENTHUSIASTS

Enthusiasts the world over dream of designing and building their own car. What set the Cheshire-born brothers Neill and Ian Briggs apart from most, is that they had the automotive qualifications and experience to do just that, and put the result into production for others to enjoy - enter the BAC MONO.

MONO (as in monoposto, or single seat) was designed to bring formula race car levels of handling, performance and thrill to the public road, but it's also the perfect trackday tool, racing school car, one-make series racer, etc. At 520 bhp / ton, its power to weight ratio surpasses that of the Bugatti Veyron and it can accelerate to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, 100 mph in 6.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 170 mph. The car is also an object of engineering perfection and desire, courtesy of the Briggs brothers' 15 years experience of the motor industry, during which time they've handled design and engineering consultancy projects for the likes of Ford Motor Company, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, through their company Adaptive Space.

Of British conception, MONO combines the very best of all automotive worlds. Its aerodynamics were optimised using CFD in partnership with Stuttgart University, while its list of suppliers reads like a Who's Who of the international motorsport industry. The vehicle is constructed in carbon fibre with a tubular steel driver safety cell, complete with FIA-compliant roll over protection system - similar in concept to a DTM race car. Power comes from a 280 bhp, normally-aspirated 2.3-litre Cosworth unit mounted longitudinally and mated to an electronically-controlled, paddle-shift, six-speed sequential Hewland transmission with limited-slip differential. The rose-jointed, aero profiled pushrod suspension features adjustable Sachs Racing dampers derived from the heat of competition. The braking is by AP Racing, the bespoke HRT alloy wheels by OZ Racing, the purpose-developed, street-legal track tyres by Kumho, and the vehicle electronics and instrumentation by GEMS.

The driver is secured by a full six-point racing harness by Willans and there is a secure locker in which to store a helmet and the detachable steering wheel when parked. The seat is fixed for safety and optimum weight distribution (48/52 front to rear), and drivers of varying shapes and sizes can be readily accommodated thanks to the fully adjustable pedal box and steering column that can be altered for both height and rake. There is even the option of an F1-style fully-profiled seat.

Said Ian Briggs (BAC stands for Briggs Automotive Company): "MONO is the culmination of a 12-year dream for us - the car we wanted to own but nobody else made." Neill Briggs added: "All cars are built to order on a first-come, first-served basis and our flexible production facility has the capacity to manufacture between 50 and 100 vehicles per year - or more if demand requires. All I can currently say is, the early response has been extremely encouraging."

At £79,950 (including UK taxes), the BAC MONO is not only highly desirable but eminently affordable. For further details, log onto www.bac-mono.com.

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Version 2.0

Porsche has announced that they will be entering an improved version of the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid into the upcoming Nürburgring 24 hour race on June 25, 2011. Priority of the new car’s development was given to the improvement of efficiency through the targeted optimization of hybrid components, which also resulted in a 20 percent weight reduction. Version 2.0 of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid is intended to achieve the same lap times as its predecessor but with even less fuel consumption.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Version 2.0 is powered by a hybrid system that combines a 480 HP 4.0 Liter flat six engine placed in the rear with two electric motors that drive the front wheels. The two motors will add an extra 200 HP (100 hp each) as opposed to the 150 HP offered on the first model. This power is automatically activated through the throttle pedal and can be quickly called upon when zipping around a competitor. Other than situations where the extra power can be used to overtake the competition for a few seconds, the Porsche will rely on the 4.0L engine for its stamina.

The other main difference with the new hybrid system is that the flywheel accumulator and other hybrid system components will be housed in a new carbon fibre safety cell positioned in the passenger-side area of the interior. This means these components, previously exposed to heat, won’t need to be cooled by aerodynamic-hindering large vents in the rear haunches. This means Version 2.0 will more slippery through the air.

Overall, the new 911 GT3 R Hybrid Version 2.0 now weighs 1300kg, a 50kg reduction from the previous car's weight of 1350kg. The interior has also been updated, with the displays and controls moved to the steering wheel. According to Porsche, drivers can operate the rest of the functions via backlit buttons now situated on the centre console.





Press Release

Nürburgring 24 hour race

Porsche lines up with an even more efficient 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Stuttgart. Porsche takes up the Nürburgring 24 hour race on 25 June with a further developed version of the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid. Priority of the development was given to the improvement of efficiency through the targeted optimisation of hybrid components, which also resulted in a 20 percent weight reduction. Version 2.0 of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid is intended to achieve the same lap times as its predecessor but with less fuel consumption.

The general layout of the hybrid was adopted from the 2010 model. A portal axle with two electric motors drives the front wheels and supplements the four-litre, depending on the balance of performance classification approximately 470 hp, six-cylinder boxer engine at the rear. The output of both electric motors has increased from 60 to 75 kilowatts each. For seconds at a time, pilots now have almost an additional 200 hp at their disposal with the 911 GT3 R Hybrid 2.0. Depending on the programming, this power is automatically activated through use of the throttle pedal. Moreover, pilots can manually call up this extra power, for instance when overtaking.

The electric flywheel accumulator, with its rotor spinning up to 40,000 rpm and stor-ing energy mechanically as rotational energy, is now housed with the other hybrid components in a carbon fibre safety cell on the passenger's side.

At first glance, the new GT3 R Hybrid is clearly distinguishable from the 2010 model. Thanks to the optimisation of the hybrid system's high voltage components, the large louvres in front of the rear fenders were no longer necessary. This reduces drag and also lowers fuel consumption. All in all, the weight of the vehicle decreased from 1,350 to 1,300 kilograms.

"We've collected a great deal of information from our races on the Nürburgring, at the ALMS race at Road Atlanta in the USA, as well as from the ILMC race on China's Zhuhai circuit, which was an invaluable help for the further development of our racing laboratory," says Hartmut Kristen, head of Porsche motorsport. "The emphasis of our work was on improving efficiency. That means we want to keep the lap times consis-tent with 2010 but use less energy, hence less fuel. In this way, we support future developments of road-going, sporting hybrid vehicles."

The cockpit of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid has also been completely revised. Most of the displays and controls have moved to the steering wheel. Drivers can operate the rest of the functions via backlit buttons now situated on the centre console. Priority was placed on the ergonomics and the clear layout for pilots - particularly in darkness.

The new 911 GT3 R Hybrid is a perfect example of the ‘Porsche Intelligent Perform-ance' philosophy, a principle found in every Porsche: More power on less fuel, more efficiency and lower CO2 emissions - on the race track and on the road.

Porsche releases new Cajun in detail

The new Porsche Cajun baby SUV will be built alongside the Cayenne and Panamera at the company's factory in Leipzig, Germany.

Since its inauguration in 2002, this plant has been producing the Cayenne. After its first expansion, the four-seater Panamera Gran Turismo has been built there since 2009, which is produced in a model mix with the Cayenne. With the plans for the plant to become a full-fledged production for the Cajun along with body assembly line and paint shop, it is said that it will create about 1000 new jobs at Porsche in Leipzig along with even more opportunities created in Zuffenhausen and Weissach.

The Cajun is expected to be derived from the platform of the Audi Q5. Engines are said to include a pair of 3.0-liter V6s, with the normally aspirated version developing 290 horsepower and the twin-turbo unit making 350 hp.

The new "light and easy to handle" Cajun will be released in late 2012 or early 2013.




Press Release

Porsche builds the new "Cajun" in Leipzig

Stuttgart/Leipzig. The decision about the production site for the fifth model line of the Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has been taken: The new vehicle with the project designation "Cajun" will be manufactured at the Porsche plant in Leipzig. This was decided by the supervisory board. The monitoring body authorised the board of management to finalise plans for the Saxony plant to become a fully-fledged production site for the "Cajun" including body assembly line and paint shop. Within the context of the Cajun production, at least one thousand new jobs are to be created in Leipzig, and additional new jobs at Porsche in Zuffenhausen and Weissach. Subject to approval by the authorities, construction work at the 400 hectare (1.54 square miles) site is scheduled to begin in 2011.

"During the production of the Cayenne and the Panamera, our Leipzig plant has impressively proved that it can produce premium vehicles of highest quality," says Matthias Müller, chairman of the Porsche AG board of management. "The decision in favour of this location is proof of our trust in the skills and qualifications of our Leipzig associates, and at the same time another contribution to the economic advancement of the region."

Uwe Hück, chairman of the group works council, said: "I am happy that I can sit back now. We had tough but fair negotiations. The employees' representatives have always been convinced that it is worthwhile to make the "Cajun" at our Saxony plant. At the end of the day, the high flexibility and productivity of our colleagues, male and female, has convinced the management board and the supervisory board to produce the "Cajun" in Leipzig. We are therefore very happy that the supervisory board authorised the board of management to plan the expansion of the Leipzig plant and turn it into a fully-fledged factory. The production of the Cajun is a very good sign for Leipzig. However, we cannot rest now but have to start talks about a further expansion of the Zuffenhausen plant in order to adapt our parent plant to future growth, too."

Burkhard Jung, mayor of the city of Leipzig, said: "The decision of the Porsche AG proves yet again that Leipzig with its professional city administration is an attractive, cosmopolitan city and, therefore, an international business site with a future."

With the efficient and agile "Cajun", Porsche extends its SUV segment which is in high demand all over the world. In addition to the new generation of the Cayenne which has clearly managed to strengthen its market position as one of the most successful sporty off-road vehicles in the premium segment, the light and easy-to-handle "Cajun" so typical of a Porsche will create further momentum. As an attractive entry-level modeI, it is expected to pave the way for new, even younger customers to enter the world of Porsche, in addition to the Boxster as the market leader among the two-seat mid-engine sports cars.

Since its inauguration in 2002, the highly modern plant in Saxony, Germany, has been producing the Cayenne. After its first expansion, the Gran Turismo Panamera four-seater has been built there since 2009. It is produced in a model mix with the sporty off-road vehicle. Up until today, Porsche has invested around 280 million euro in Leipzig.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class by Inden Design

Inden Design, a German based tuning firm, unveiled their latest package that aims to make the Mercedes-Benz S500 (W221) look more like the S65 AMG.

Along with the S65 AMG front end, Inden Design further modified the front end, side skirts and rear diffuser to reflect their style. Daytime running lights were also installed while the taillights and mirrors were refinished. Accent the entire package with a charcoal-gray matte wrap and you’ve got one clean luxury sedan.

Power has been bumped to 420 hp, in particular thanks to a stainless steel exhaust system with two AMG tailpipes left and right. Due to the increased power, the braking system was converted to 6-piston front calipers and 4-piston rear calipers.

New 20-inch alloy rims fitted with 265/30 front and 275/30 rear tires are available alongside a new braking system with six and four pistons and a ground clearance lowered by 50 mm thanks to the new suspension. Inside, Inden Design fitted the German model with carbon fiber trim, Alcantara and leather.

Inside, the S-Class receives more luxury refinement with the A, B and C Pillars, headliner, dashboard and door panels reupholstered in two-tone leather and black Alcantara. The wood accents have been replaced with black carbon counterparts.




Press Release

FLY EXPRESS - unequal rival by INDEN Design

An icon of good style in the luxury class is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class without any doubts. Unending comfort, last future-oriented technologies, as well as all conceivable safety precautions are inevitable in the car of this category.

The widely known beyond the borders of the Hessian Haiger-Flammersbach noble tuner INDEN Design specializes in the just discussed vehicles, located very near the top category. In this case, Joachim Inden, which is known for so many masterpieces, has undertaken to rebuild the S500 of W221 series from Stuttgart to the facelift version of the S65 AMG. The modifications at the front, the side sills and rear diffuser are associated with the highly visible and distinctive quality of INDEN-Design. Of course, daytime running lights were also installed, and tail lights and mirrors were retouched. The vehicle is completed with the chrome parts, coated with charcoal-gray matte film.

The performance increase up to 420 hp, in particular thanks to a stainless steel exhaust system with two AMG tailpipes left and right, almost inevitably involves lifting of the Vmax limiter. Due to the increased power, the braking system was "converted" to the S600 V12 BiTurbo model with 6-piston front calipers and 4-piston brake calipers. The right set of rims for the perfect vehicle in dimension of 10.5 x 20" with tires in 265/30-20 at the front and 275/30-20 - at the rear axle was fully installed. The standards of agility are set by lowering by 50 millimeters.

As might be expected, the interior was also not spared. The A, B and C pillars, the headliner at the dashboard and door panel are trimmed with two-color leather in combination with black Alcantara. In addition, all former wood pieces were replaced with black carbon parts. The speedometer change to a 360 km/h-scale closes the series of changes inside the vehicle.

As seen in the photos, thanks to INDEN-Design, the Mercedes stomp their hooves impatiently in anticipation of a power struggle with the unequal rival...