2010 HEICO SPORTIV Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe

Volvo tuner HEICO SPORTIV has unveiled the new tuning program for the new 2010 Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe Facelift. The reprogramming of the original engine control unit generates a maximum power of 92 kW/125 bhp (for the 80 kW/109 bhp model) and maximum torque of 280 Nm (240 Nm). As a result, the Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe does zero to 100 km/h in just 9.2 seconds, beating its series-produced counterpart by 2.1 seconds! A maximum speed of 200 km/h is also attainable, 10 km/h faster than the series version.

The HEICO SPORTIV Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe features a remodeled design elements at the front and rear. The HEICO SPORTIV front spoiler – which replaces the original lower base section of the bumper – consists of fiber-strengthened polyurethane and is fixed using the existing anchorage points. The same applies to the rear valence which mimics the front spoiler’s laterally arranged air vents and has a centrally placed diffuser element. The rear valence serves to accommodate the HEICO SPORTIV four pipe stainless steel exhaust system.

The Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe is available from HEICO SPORTIV with a starting price tag of ca. EUR 29,900; the parts will naturally also be deliverable individually from spring 2010.

Porsche Cayman R

Well we were right about the idea but wrong about the name when we reported on and rendered a "Cayman Clubsport" last week. While it'll officially be known at the Cayman R, this newest model is essentially a Boxster Spyder with a roof that's welded in place rather than one that looks like it could fall off at any second. Allow us to go into the specifics.

Versus a Cayman S, the new Cayman R gains ten horsepower, to 330 total, from its 3.4-liter flat six. Weight, however, is down 121 pounds, to a total of 2855 pounds. That's nearly even with its soft-top twin. As a result, 0-60 times are an even five seconds with a traditional six-speed manual or 4.9 seconds with the seven-speed doppelkupplungsgetriebe. An optional lithium ion battery sheds just a few more pounds but is rather expensive. As an example of the weight savings efforts, the lightweight 19-inch wheels on the car weigh under 90 pounds combined. And the same trimming of useless equipment like the radio and door handles shown on the Spyder is done here as well.

Outside, the Cayman R also gets special touches like a fixed spoiler, black-trimmed headlights and mirrors, and of course the Porsche decals down the sides. The suspension is lowered by 0.79 inches for sharper handling. In the debut photos here, you can also see a special paint color has been devised. We're just surprised to see it still has those heavy fog lights. The car goes on sale in February and will start at $66,300 here in the US. It'll surely be worth each and every penny. We just wonder--since the only thing we journalists could complain about with the Boxster Spyder was the complicated roof, has Porsche just built the perfect sports car?

Wallpapers Porsche Cayman R

Wallpapers Porsche Cayman R

Wallpapers Porsche Cayman R

Wallpapers Porsche Cayman R

Wallpapers Porsche Cayman R

Wallpapers Porsche Cayman R

Wallpapers Porsche Cayman R

Wallpapers Porsche Cayman R

Wallpapers Porsche Cayman R Interiour

Wallpapers Porsche Cayman R Interiour

Bugatti EB 110 GT

In its lifetime, only 95 models of the Bugatti EB 110 GT were ever made. First built in the early 90s, the EB 110 GT is now a treasured vehicle by collectors and aficionados alike. While some models have been sold by a number of famous owners, the EB 110 GT remains a rare bird in a flock of exotics.

The rare supercar is powered by a quad-turbocharged 3.5-liter V12 engine that produces 550 horsepower with a ‘north to 60’ time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 214 mph.

Finding one that’s being sold is hard enough on its own. But finding one that’s being sold and is in tip-top condition with little mileage on its odometer is an entirely different matter. That’s why we were caught by surprise when the last of the 95 EB 110 GTs found its way into the classifieds recently.

Specially built with a custom ordered Formula Black Metallic paint finish and a full tan leather interior with navy accents, this particular EB 100 GT is being sold in California by Canepa Design. Exclusivity and performance capabilities notwithstanding, what makes this EB 110 GT all the more attractive to any prospective buyer is that it remains in factory condition despite its age, having less than 1,000 miles – 939 to be exact – on its odometer.

Other Wallpapers Bugatti EB 110 GT

Wallpapers Bugatti EB 110 GT

Wallpapers Bugatti EB 110 GT

Wallpapers Bugatti EB 110 GT

Wallpapers Bugatti EB 110 GT Engine

Wallpapers Bugatti EB 110 GT Interiour

BMW M3

BMW M3 Review

Throughout its two decades on the U.S. market, the BMW M3 has been a favorite of enthusiasts looking for sports-car performance and handling from a true four-place car. Although content to smoothly burble around while doing daily driver duty, the BMW M3 transforms into a back-road burner when conditions allow and gives its pilot the opportunity to attack corners with precision and rocket out of them with gusto.

Current BMW M3

Based on the present-generation BMW M3 Series, the BMW M3 is offered in only one trim level among the coupe, sedan and hardtop convertible body styles. Each is powered by a 4.0-liter V8, good for 414 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which revs to a thrilling 8,400-rpm redline. A six-speed manual is the standard means of sending power to the rear wheels, and a seven-speed automated-clutch manual gearbox with paddle shifters is optional. BMW M3 also get specific hardware upgrades such as more powerful brakes, stiffer suspension tuning and a specialized limited-slip rear differential.

Like previous BMW M3, the current BMW M3 model comes well-equipped with the latest luxury amenities, which in this case includes xenon headlamps, leather upholstery, heated power sport seats and a 10-speaker audio system. The convertible features a nifty hardtop and sun-reflective leather. Features like 19-inch wheels, heated seats, satellite radio, the iDrive navigation system and BMW M3 Sport personalized performance settings are optional.

While past BMW M3 have been performance stars, the new BMW M3 coupe is quite simply one of the best cars to grace our test track. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in a blistering 4.6 seconds and came to a stop from 60 mph in an extremely short 100 feet. The slalom and skid pad test results were also on par with vastly more expensive supercars, while on-road handling is beyond reproach. Regardless of which body style you choose, expect one of the best performance machines money can buy.

Used BMW M3 Models

The present-generation BMW M3 was introduced for 2008. The following year, BMW upgraded the iDrive system and freshened the M3 sedan's styling slightly.

The previous BMW M3 lasted from 2001-'06 and was available in coupe and convertible body styles. There was a single trim level for both, powered by a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine producing 333 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, while a six-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) was offered as an option starting for the 2002 model year. The latter allows manual-style shifting via paddle shifters next to the steering wheel, and although it was popular, we weren't fans of its herky-jerky performance.

Other Wallpapers BMW M3

Wallpapers BMW M3

Wallpapers BMW M3

Wallpapers BMW M3

Wallpapers BMW M3

Porsche Announces New Limited 911 Carrera Black Editions

The new generation of the Porsche 911 is in the final stages of development, but we still have some time before it dazzles its way to the motorshow catwalks. To keep the momentum rolling until its presentation later this year, Porsche decided to launch yet another limited run version of the current 911 called the Black Edition.

This time, Porsche's new special is based on the entry-level 911 Carrera Coupe and Convertible models boasting a black theme inside and out, and adding numerous extras and features. Production will be limited to just 1,911 examples worldwide with sales to start around April.

Both Black Editions are painted in plain black as standard, with Basalt Black metallic available as an option, while the folding hood of the Cabriolet model is trimmed in black cloth. Other styling highlights include the 19-inch 911 Turbo II forged alloy wheels with a glossy black trim and the black-finished, four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed brake callipers.

Inside, the driver and passenger are first greeted by the black lettering on the stainless steel door entry guards. The cars also get a black leather interior, a SportDesign steering wheel and a numbered plaque on the glove compartment lid, while the decorative fascia strip, gear lever and air vents are all finished in aluminium-look paint. Finally, the rear center console is painted in the exterior color.

Standard features include a 385W BOSE Surround Sound-System with 13 loudspeakers (twelve in the Cabriolet), satellite navigation, ParkAssist, cruise control, automatic dimming anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors, and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

Power for both body styles comes from the standard Carrera 3.6-liter flat-six cylinder engine, producing 345-horses at 6,500 rpm. Coupled with the six-speed gearbox, this output delivers a top speed of 289km/h (180 mph) in both body versions. Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) comes in 4.9 seconds for the Coupe and 5.1 seconds for the Convertible.

Buyers can also opt for Porsche's PDK twin-clutch transmission, in which case, the Coupe accomplishes the sprint in 4.7 seconds and the Cabrio in 4.9 seconds. Those that want to dig further into their pockets can order the optional Sport Chrono Plus package that includes the "Launch Control" function, which shaves 0.2 seconds off the acceleration times of vehicles equipped with PDK.

In the U.S., the MSRP will be $81,300 for the Coupe and $91,300 for the Cabriolet, with Porsche claiming savings of around $6,000 over a similarly equipped 911 Carrera.

In the UK, the 911 Black Edition is priced from £67,270 for the Coupé and £74,958 for the Cabriolet – the same price as the standard 911 Carrera models.

VIDEO: Track Action with the Ferrari F40 LM

The heavy snowfalls paralyzing most of the northern hemisphere are just another reminder that enthusiasts will have to wait a bit until they’ll be able to enjoy their cars on the track again. In the meantime, let us provide some driving “medicine” in the form of a video that shows the Ferrari F40 LM racecar driven by former F1 driver Jacques Lafitte. Don't forget to turn up the volume to properly enjoy the video available after the break.

Kia Takes on Time Travelling with New Super Bowl Commercial for 2011 Optima

This year's Super Bowl is just around the corner and automakers are getting ready to spend millions of dollars to draw the attention of buyers. For a second year in a row, Kia will be present at the event with a full marketing campaign incorporating TV, digital, print and social media as well as in-dealership components, all focusing on the 2011 Optima midsize sedan.

The highlight of the campaign is a new 60-second spot that will air in the first quarter of Super Bowl XLV titled “One Epic Ride”. According to the company, the ad shows people across space and time "from a police officer and an international villain to aliens and an ancient chief" trying to get their hands on the all-new Optima, which "becomes an object of desire even for Poseidon", the Greek god of the sea.

“2010 was a historic year for Kia, including our best-ever U.S. sales and our first Super Bowl commercial, and it was an easy decision to return to the game this year to build on the brand’s momentum with the arrival of the all-new 2011 Optima,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “The first phase of the Optima launch promised that this vehicle is ‘not your average midsize sedan,’ and we knew we had to deliver something big for this year’s Super Bowl to give this eye-catching vehicle the attention it deserves, while at the same time generating fun and genuine interactions with consumers before, during and after the Super Bowl.”

The South Korean automaker said it will extend the campaign by giving away up to five new Optimas through its “One Epic Contest,” a game in which consumers will have to solve a series of puzzles using clues found in pre-Super Bowl and game day advertisements and social media postings.

Infiniti Details European-Spec M35h Hybrid Sedan

Infiniti has released preliminary specs and performance figures for the European market version of its M35h hybrid sedan, due to arrive in dealerships this spring. Boasting an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.26, the Japanese maker’s first hybrid model weighs less than its diesel-powered M30d sibling and returns 6.9 lt/100 km (33.6 US mpg) on the combined cycle. However, customers will have to make do with a smaller boot, measuring just 350 liters.

The hybrid sedan's powertrain comprises a 306HP 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine mated to a dual-clutch transmission and a 68HP (50kW) electric motor. The combined output is 364HP, good enough to accelerate the 1.830 kg (4.035 lbs) luxury sedan from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

In electric-only mode, the M35h is capable of reaching speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph, with Infiniti stating that in real-world testing, the car can be driven in this mode for as much as 50% of the time on mixed routes. To further improve the powertrain’s efficiency, the M35h also comes with regenerative brakes.

To warn pedestrians and the visually impaired while in electric-only mode, the hybrid sedan is fitted with the Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) system, which emits a non-intrusive sound that varies pitch and volume at speeds up to 30 km/h (19 mph).

Infiniti said European-wide pricing will be announced before the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in early March.