Auto For Speed

In a move that would have impressed Harry Houdini, Lotus has made one thousand pounds of vehicle mass seemingly disappear – yet we still know it’s there. We’re high in the mountains above San Diego, challenging corners in the 2010 Lotus Evora, and the larger and more luxurious two-plus-two is emulating the moves of its lightweight race-ready Elise and Exige siblings.

What gives the Evora its supernatural powers? How does the all-new Evora fit into the Lotus lineup? And, most importantly, is this the first Lotus you can park in your garage without having to explain it to the neighbors?

Lotus has become synonymous with lightweight, no-frills sports cars thanks to its ass-kicking Elise roadster and Exige coupe – arguably two of the world’s best driver’s cars. Yet, despite their impressiveness on the track, the Lotus Elise and Exige are about as practical as a gutted Spec Miata when it comes to daily drivers.

Read the rest of this entry »

With an BMW M3 GT2 winning the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, rumors are suggesting BMW will build a limited edition M3 to celebrate the victory.

M3post is reporting a reliable source, known as Scott26, has told them the car will be called the M3 GTS-R. It will be based on the M3 GTS and feature a matte black paint job, a front spoiler, wider rear fenders, and lightweight alloy wheels. More importantly, the GTS-R will use plenty of carbon fiber components. In addition to the standard carbon fiber roof, other components such as the rear spoiler, hood, and deck lid would also get the fiber treatment to keep weight down.

Under the hood, power will likely be provided by a massaged 4.4-liter V8 with at least 450 PS (331 kW / 444 bhp). Mated to a seven-speed M dual clutch transmission (M-DCT), the GTS-R could potentially be equipped with a KERS regenerative braking / boost system from the 2011 BMW M5.

Read the rest of this entry »

This new Porsche 918 Spyder concept is set to form the basis of all future Porsche supercars. Using hybrid power this car can lap race tracks quicker than a Carrera GT supercar yet delivers 94mpg consumption. Top speed for the Porsche 918 Spyder is 198 mph. It is capable of 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds.

The body of the Porsche 918 Spyder concept is made from carbon fibre to save weight. It is powered by petrol-electric hybrid and the electric motors contribute 218 bhp with one each driving the front and rear wheels. There are different engine settings including an electric only one plus seven speed dual clutch gear box and ceramic brakes.

Read the rest of this entry »