2011 Nissan GT-R

 Nissan’s flagship sportscar, the GT-R was recently unveiled in its latest iteration set for 2011. From the exterior new updates are offered to the car’s shape to increase downforce by 10% all while reducing drag. The car’s powerplant enjoys a substantial horsepower increase thanks to increased boost, valve timing adjustments and a re-programmed ECU taking the car’s numbers to 523 hp and 451 lbs-ft torque, bumps of 38 hp and 17 lbs-ft torque. Aside from the regular model GT-R and the V-spec, two new models are added including the Club Track Edition and the Egoist. The Club Track as the name suggests is meant mostly for sporting activities and training while the Egoist features a special quilted leather interior courtesy of Seton Company of Germany as well as other updates in aesthetics.

 

BMW brings Apple's iPad to the back seat in X3

I think we are going to start seeing this more and more in cars as ideas start arising about how to implement the iPad in to vehicles. BMW is showing that it can be relatively easy it do.

Here's a simple development that could pretty much eliminate demand for backseat video screens.

BMW is going to install optional brackets on the rears of the front seats of the next X3 crossover that will allow backseat passengers to read, watch movies or just about anything else on their Apple iPads.

The bracket is adjustable so the iPad can be viewed horizontally in movie mode or vertically in book, magazine and or newspaper mode.

The idea may sound simple, but it's revolutionary: It means that buyers won't have to order expensive backseat video units to keep their kids occupied on long trips. They can simply bring along their own, or their parents', iPad loaded up with their favorite entertainment.

BMW plans to show off the system at the Paris Motor Show next month.

USA Today

Focus ST and More Are in Store for the Paris Motor Show

Usually, the Paris Motor Show goes unnoticed by the majority of Americans. But this year, Ford is giving residents of North America reason to pay attention. Among other newsworthy items, it will be the venue for the first official viewing of the new high-performance Focus ST. It will also be the first time that a range of production-ready Focus body styles will be displayed together, providing full insight into this significant new model before it goes on sale in Europe and North America early in 2011.

The new range-topping Focus – which will feature a unique version of the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost™ engine – will be true to heritage of Ford ST models. It will offer driving enthusiasts a mix of exhilarating performance and handling, accompanied by an addictive sound.

The dramatic new ST will launch in early 2012 and will be revealed on September 30, 2010, at the Ford stand by Alan Mulally, Ford President and CEO, and Stephen Odell, Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO.

Visitors to the Paris Motor Show will immediately notice the car’s highly distinctive sports exterior, which is finished in Tangerine Scream, a dramatic new body color that reflects the exciting and energetic character of the Focus ST.

Ford is also moving forward with its electrification program and will be displaying for the first time the technology destined to drive its C-MAX plug-in hybrid vehicle, that will be produced at the Valencia plant in Spain.

The formal launch of the full production-ready Focus range in Paris signals the introduction of the first truly global product developed under the company’s ONE Ford strategy.

Developed at Ford’s Global Center of Excellence for Small Cars in Germany, for sale in over 120 markets worldwide, the next-generation model is the most important Focus yet. It is created from the new Ford global C segment platform with up to 80 percent parts-commonality globally. This platform will underpin at least ten vehicles around the world, and it will account for approximately two million units of annual production by 2012.

Gymkhana 3 at l'Autodrome

This is the latest installment in the Gymkhana series by Ken Block and DC Shoes. I have to say, this is by far the best, l'Autodrome in France looks like it was built specifically for Block to tear apart. On top of that, the new Ford Fiesta looks insanely fast and controllable. With a car that cheap being able to be tuned and perform like that it makes you wonder if this car is going to start selling like hot cakes?

Ferrari 599XX - Nürburgring record 6:58.16

Yes, ladies and gentleman, it was announced in Beijing that the beastly 599xx has officially broken the 7 minute barrier!

The Ferrari 599XX is the first ever production-derived sports car to break the 7-minute barrier on the classic 20.832 km Nordschleife circuit, lapping in 6 min 58.16 sec.

The 599xx has seen the introduction of a few technological advancements, which will probably be ported over to the other Ferrari models in the future. Amongst them:

1. The wheel doughnuts of F1 derivation which serve two purposes – to reduce turbulence and thus drag, and improve brake cooling.
2. Ferrari’s High-Performance Dynamic Concept, a novel integrated design and chassis set-up that uses sophisticated electronics to govern the mechanical limits of the handling for maximum performance.
3. The Actiflow™ System that increases downforce and/or cuts drag depending on the car’s trim during cornering.