Porsche TechArt 911 Turbo GTstreet

With its 2001 TechArt GTstreet, based on the Porsche 911 Turbo of the 996 model series, TechArt created one of the fastest and most powerful street-legal sports cars of its time. The next evolutionary stage of this fascinating concept celebrates its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2007. The new TechArt GTstreet, based on the 911 Turbo of the latest 997 series, starts at $320,000.

Like the predecessor the new GTstreet edition centers on a powerful engine. The 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat engine is modified by the TechArt engine specialists and now develops 630 bhp at 6,800 rpm, up from standard 480 bhp. Peak torque increases to 605 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm.

The TechArt TA 097/T3 engine conversion comprises two special VTG turbochargers, a new air box with sport air filter, high-performance manifolds, intercoolers and a stainless-steel sport exhaust system with high-performance catalysts. The precise optimal interaction of all modifications is ensured by a newly programmed engine management system.

Power is transferred to all four wheels via a modified transmission with TechArt gear-throw shortening.

Thus equipped the TechArt GTstreet delivers performance that firmly places it among the world’s fastest sports cars: 0 – 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds, 126 mph after just 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 214 mph speak volumes.

The body kit for the TechArt GTstreet was created in the wind tunnel, and offers an optimal symbiosis of aerodynamic downforce, minimized drag and striking design.

The front fascia of the GTstreet with retractable carbon-fiber splitter produces downforce on the front axle and provides radiator, oil coolers and brakes with more cooling air, thanks to its large, striking air inlets. The auxiliary headlamp units with daytime running lights and fog lamps improve active safety. They also give the car even more passing clout.

The TechArt GTstreet fender flares on the front axle add 10 mm to the two-door’s width and give it an even more dynamic appearance. But that’s not all: The air outlets behind the front wheel houses optimize brake venting. The larger air ducts in the rear sidewalls provide engine and intercoolers with a larger supply of cooling air. For an optimal transition between front and rear fenders the TechArt designers have developed rocker panels that complement the new contours. TechArt mirror and headlamp moldings provide the finishing touches.

The TechArt roof spoiler extends the roofline and optimizes airflow to the adjustable rear airfoil of the GTstreet.

The TechArt GTstreet rear fascia with integrated carbon-fiber diffuser contributes to the strong downforce generated on the rear axle. It also provides the perfect backdrop for the quad exhaust of the TechArt high-performance exhaust system.

TechArt Automobildesign offers a number of versions of its popular Formula wheel in sizes 8.5Jx20 in front and 12Jx20 on the rear axle. GTstreet buyers can choose from several color combinations and between the one-piece Formula and the multi-piece Formula II designs. The Formula II wheel features an exchangeable wheel lip. For optimal tires TechArt chose ContiSportContact 3 high-performance tires in sizes 245/30 ZR20 and 325/25 ZR20.

The large 20-inch wheels also provide the necessary space for the especially powerful and durable TechArt high-performance brake system. It features six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 390-millimeter discs on the front axle. The rear axle is fitted with 365-millimeter discs and four-piston fixed calipers.

The TechArt GTstreet comes with a TechArt VarioPlus coil-over suspension that is based on the electronically adjustable PASM damping system of the 911 Turbo. This chassis allows individual ride-height lowering by up to 25 millimeters and push-button selection of two different damper settings, “Normal” or “Sport.” However, the dampers are not limited to these presets. Sporty driving automatically results in firmer damper settings in both modes, thus combining excellent ride comfort during normal driving with agile and responsive handling during fast cornering.

The cockpit of the TechArt GTstreet also differs distinctly from the stock 911 Turbo. Among the differences is an exclusive leather interior with color-contrasted stitching and sporty CarboBlack highlights. The coupe is further equipped with an ergonomically shaped TechArt sport steering wheel, aluminum foot pedals, foot rest and shifter, as well as with illuminated door sills sporting the TechArt logo.

Specifications

Engine Type: Twin-Turbo Flat-6 Displacement cu in (cc): 220 (3596) Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 630(463) / 6800 Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 605(820) / 4500 Redline at RPM: 7000 Brakes & Tires Brakes F/R: ABS, vented disc/vented disc Tires F-R: 245/30 ZR20 - 325/25 ZR20 Driveline: All Wheel Drive Exterior Dimensions & Weight Length × Width × Height in: 175.2 × 72.9 × 50.2 Weight lb (kg): n.a. Performance Acceleration 0-62 mph s: 3.2 Top Speed mph (km/h): 214 (345) Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): n.a.

Base Price: 2007 Porsche TechArt 911 Turbo GTstreet - $320,000 / 245,000 €

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2009 Corvette SS / Blue Devil in final stage of tuning

By golly, when Bob Lutz wants to make you feel good, he sure knows how to say all the right things. After hitting the pause button on GM's RWD cars -- a gut punch to GM fans waiting for some high horsepower goodies -- Lutz acknowledged the existence of the Blue Devil Corvette for the first time, and told Car and Driver that along with the Camaro, the Blue Devil has escaped the Reaper and is "in the final stages of tuning."

While saying that the development of the car has been challenging, he delivered a number of heartwarming quotables like "This thing has so much power that we have to explore a dynamic envelope that we've never explored before. . . . We're really into a speed and power realm that General Motors has never been in before. We're way up there with Porsche Carrera GTs and Ferraris."

What does that mean? It means more displacement than the Z06's 7.0L V8, but Lutz wouldn't say how much. It means "comfortably in excess of" 600 hp, but not quite 700, which GM's Head of Powertrain, Tom Stephens, says pehaps might come "in the second year." It means 0-to-60 in less than 3.4 seconds. And it means so much torque, Lutz says, that "we're obviously going to have to restrict it because otherwise you get nothing but wheelspin."

Lutz also wouldn't be cornered on an arrival date or the official name of the car, but rumors are 2009 and SS, Z07, or Stingray, along with a $100,000 price tag. Leave it to Bob to deliver that kind of good news on Friday the 13th.

Civic Type R rises in the East

Adrenaline junkies have been waiting for this one for quite a while — the all new Type R pure sports edition of the Civic. Now the wait's over, in Japan at least.

The super Honda comes equipped with a specially tuned 2.0-litre normally aspirated engine matched to a six-speed manual transmission. A lighter, more rigid body shell, specially tuned suspension, 18-inch tyres and large 17-inch front disc brakes are what you get to boost the performance. Newly developed aerodynamic devices, front bucket seats, a unique instrument panel and other performance accessories contribute to a better drive.

Type R models are specially tuned to take full advantage of the potential of the base model and aim to provide a racing car-like driving feel. First offered on the NSX in 1992, the Type R range was extended to the Civic in 1997.

The exterior employs a one-motion form design with aerodynamic surface treatments and sharp edges. The likes of a large air intake in the front bumper and grille, a rear bumper with built-in rear diffuser, a high-mount rear spoiler, and extended side sill garnishes boost aerodynamics. They help the aggro look too — as do the specifically designed engine hood and front fenders, shiny black chromed front grille bar, headlight sub-reflector, Civic emblem design, and Type R red Honda badging.

Inside, the overall black colour scheme aims to give the interior cockpit a racing car-like appearance. The front bucket seats are specially designed for Type R with separate centre/side construction, high side bolsters and optimised cushion rates help hold the body in place.

The multiplex i-VTEC engine revolution indicator alerts you that engine speed is approaching maximum allowed revolutions. Self-illuminated, lit with red-coloured flashing lights and is strategically located for minimum eye movement in circuit and other high speed driving conditions.

Other performance-oriented features include a small-diameter, genuine leather oval steering wheel, an aluminium ball-type shift knob, a short stroke sports shift linkage, metal sports-type pedals and footrest, and a separate, button-type engine starter.

Under the hood, a higher compression ratio and improved breathing efficiency help the naturally-aspirated K20A 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine output a maximum of 165kW at 8000rpm and a maximum torque of 215Nm at 6100rpm. It's coupled with NSX production methods for smoother port surfacing, improving intake/exhaust airflow.

Drive-By-Wire (DBW) provides for finer tuning of throttle response and power output, while optimum tuning of intake and exhaust manifolds provides for high output at high engine speed while also improving torque characteristics over a broad engine speed range.

The close-ratio six-speed manual transmission matched to the Type R engine features optimised gear ratios for better accelerations at high speeds. New features include a highly rigid aluminium transmission case while the addition of a baffle plate helps mitigate oil starvation at high cornering speeds. And a short stroke shift linkage contributes to a sporty shifting feel.

The rigid Civic body and its layout serves as the basis for an even more rigid, yet lightweight Type R body. Measures to enhance body rigidity while reducing weight have translated into a body that is 50 percent more rigid than in the Integra Type R production model sold between 2001 and 2006.

Specially tuned suspension, high performance 18-inch tyres, a torque-sensitive helical limited slip differential, and large 17-inch disc brakes for improved fade resistance contribute to higher cornering performance and stability. Specially tuned suspension boasts revised spring and damping rates, while thicker stabiliser bars further improve stability — and safety.

A specially-tuned ABS/EBD system plays its part too, as does Honda’s G-Con (G-force Control) technology which creates a body with a crash safety performance that withstands a 55km/h full-frontal collision, a 64km/h front offset collision, a 55km/h side collision, and a 50km/h rear collision.

The vehicle is also designed to help mitigate pedestrian injury in the event of a collision thanks to the use of impact-absorbing structures.

The front seats are equipped with three-point, load-limiting ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts with E-pretensioners, while front-seat occupants are further protected by standard driver/front passenger i-SRS air bags.

Isofix compatible child seat anchoring bars and tether belt anchor plates are standard on the rear seats.