Ahead of the official unveil at the Paris Motor Show on September 30th, Lotus announce the latest evolution of the award winning Evora – the Evora S and Evora IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) option.
Lotus has taken the award winning* Evora and re-created it with a 350 PS 3.5l V6 engine to create the Evora S. Dany Bahar Lotus’ Chief Executive Officer summed it up beautifully when he said: “You don’t realise what you were missing from your driving experience until you get behind the wheel of the Evora S.”

So apart from the obvious power difference, how is the Evora S different to the standard Evora? It’s another question we put to the CEO (given that he’s spent a little time behind the wheel, we thought he’d be best placed to answer questions). This is what he said: “It’s the next level of Evora experience. It communicates with you better, the suspension setting has been fine tuned for added power and control so it responds even more to direction. It’s an instinctual car, the experience is pure.”
“We were proud of the Evora but we’re even prouder of the Evora S, I feel like it does the true Lotus experience justice. The really great thing is that as we move forward the standard Evora should also benefit from some of these developments.”

The Evora S comes with a sport pack as standard featuring a ‘sport’ button which allows the driver to control throttle response and activate the exhaust by-pass valve. The sport button also raises the instantaneous rev limit and changes the dynamic stability control settings resulting in a total experience change. There are cross-drilled brakes for improved cooling. And here’s a heads up for those who buy into the old adage ‘you can tell the men from the boys by the size of their toys’: the external emotion of the Evora S has been improved with a completely new active exhaust which means that at the push of a button the car sounds just as dramatic as it feels.

Commenting on the Evora S, Lotus Chief Commercial Officer Andreas Prillmann said: “The Evora S is a natural progression for us but more than that, it’s a taste of what people can come to expect from the next generation of Lotus cars. It retains core Lotus values such as performance through lightweight but it also gives more than that. It’s the perfect combination of top performance, style and comfort. Form doesn’t sacrifice function in the case of the Evora S.”

So there you have it folks, the next generation of Lotus Evora, the Evora S, set to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show.

But that’s not all. In addition to the Evora S, Lotus also presents the IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) option. This inception of the seven-time-award-winning (who’s counting? We are!) Evora sees an automatic 6-speed gearbox with Lotus developed transmission control with a 3.5 l V6 engine delivering 280 PS assuring a superior automatic driving experience.

The IPS version of the Evora allows the driver to switch between manual paddle shift and automatic drive modes. The driver also has the option of selecting ‘sport’ mode which showcases the Lotus sport driving experience allowing the driver to really feel each gear shift and be in complete control of the transmission.

Commenting on the development Dany Bahar said: “The Evora IPS is set to broaden the appeal of the Evora and reach out to a slightly different market. We hope it will be popular with established automatic locations such as Asia, the Middle East and the US. It’s been a long time since Lotus created an automatic and we’ve spent a great deal of time refining this one to make sure that it perfectly complements the Evora drive experience.”

Evora S Technical Specification

Model Evora S
Engine Mid mounted, transverse 3.5 litre DOHC V6 VVT-I
Emissions see below due to wheel options
Transmission 6 speed manual
Chassis Modular lightweight bonded aluminium structure
Steering Lotus tuned hydraulically-assisted power steering
Suspension Forged aluminium double wishbone suspension
Bilstein high performance gas dampers
Eibach coaxial coil springs
Performance data
Standard wheel option
Fuel consumption – urban 14.5 l/100km
Fuel consumption – extra urban 7.4 l/100km
Fuel consumption – combined 10.0l/100km
CO2 Emissions 235 g/km
19/20” wheel option
Fuel consumption – urban 14.6 I/100km
Fuel consumption – extra urban 7.6 I/100km
Fuel consumption – combined 10.2 I/100km
CO2 Emissions 239 g/km
Max power 350 PS / 257.5 kW @ 7000 rpm
Max torque 400 Nm / 295 lb ft @ 4500 rpm
0-60 mph 4.6s
0-100 km/h 4.8s
Maximum speed 172mph
Vehicle mass (unladen) 1437kg

Evora IPS Option Technical Specification
Engine Mid mounted, transverse 3.5 litre DOHC V6 VVT-I
Emissions 208 g/km
Transmission Electronically controlled 6 speed automatic
Chassis Modular lightweight bonded aluminium structure
Steering Lotus tuned hydraulically-assisted power steering
Suspension Forged aluminium double wishbone suspension
Bilstein high performance gas dampers
Eibach coaxial coil springs
Performance data
Fuel consumption – urban 12.6 l/100km
Fuel consumption – extra urban 6.6 l/100km
Fuel consumption – combined 8.8 l/100km
CO2 Emissions 208 g/km
Max power 280 PS / 206 KW @ 6400rpm
Max torque 350 Nm / 258 lb ft @ 4700rpm
0-60 mph 5.3s
0-100 km/h 5.5s
Maximum speed 155mph
Vehicle mass (unladen) 1436 kg

*Evora Awards

Car Magazine – Performance Car of the Year 2009
“There are executive saloons that don’t ride this well, super cars that don’t turn in so crisply, and surely no car on the planet steers like this. Lotus has managed to transfer everything that we love about the Elise to a bigger, more refined, more grown up platform…It couldn’t really be much better to drive – the Evora is nigh-on perfect. A winner on every conceivable level.”

Top Gear – Sports car of the Year 2009
“Its pretty, quintessentially British, fast and handles like a dream. Evora takes Lotus to a new place in terms of quality but more importantly delivers a sports car rush that puts other marques to shame.”

Evo Magazine – Car of the Year 2009
“It’s a magical thing across the ground, deft like an Elise, with exceptional poise and feel. What was telling for me was that, getting into it after any of the other finalists, it was even better than I remembered: a bit smoother, a bit quicker and even sweeter dynamically, too. It’s a beguiling car. … A quite brilliant car and worthy winner.”

Autocar – Britain’s best Driver’s Car 2009Editor’s Special Award for Excellence, Group Lotus
“The best here. Brilliant on the track. Nimble, delicate and forgiving. Even better on the road.”

iMotor – Most Rated Car of 2008
“It’s [Lotus Evora] ‘rated’ score of 95 per cent is truly impressive and enough to see it beat brilliant machines such as the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 and Nissan GT-R.”

Sport Auto: (Readers Choice)
Best production sports coupe under €100k – 2nd place

Auto Revue:
Sportscar of the Year 2009 – 2nd place

About Lotus

The main operating subsidiary of Group Lotus plc is Lotus Cars Ltd, which has two operating divisions

– Lotus Engineering and Lotus Cars. Lotus Engineering is an internationally recognised automotive engineering consultancy based in Norfolk, UK. Global facilities include those in Michigan (USA), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), China and offices in Germany and Japan, with rapid expansion in new territories such as South East Asia.

Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive and versatile consultancy services to many of the world’s OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, offering a full engineering service from initial concept and project design through development and integration of the complete vehicle to meet all worldwide markets and customers to full production. This includes third party ‘niche vehicle’ engineering and manufacture worldwide.

Lotus Cars builds world class, prestige, high performance sports cars for sale in 37 countries. These include the iconic Lotus Elise, the Exige, the 2-Eleven and Lotus’ latest model, the Lotus Evora. Lotus is a global high-tech company, expanding rapidly and committed to driving forward technology for both Lotus Cars and its Engineering clients, spearheading research into such areas as hybrids, electric vehicles and renewable fuels.

(Source: Lotus Press Release)

Explore the ultimate sports coupe with V-RT series aerodynamic & performance enhancements from Vorsteiner for the 911 Turbo.

Our core focus of the V-RT series is to maximize performance by optimizing the power to weight ratio of the vehicle.

This achievement is made possible by producing our aerodynamic line with state of the art dry carbon fiber vacuum technology. This technology enables Vorsteiner Carbon Fiber products to exhibit higher stiffness and strength compared to other steel and aluminum components while simultaneously reducing weight up to 40%.

V-RT Carbon Fiber Aerodynamics

 A key component to improving acceleration, braking, and power to weight ratio are the wheels and tires you choose for your vehicle. For this reason we have coupled our lightweight carbon fiber aerodynamics with our forged 1-piece monoblock aluminum wheels and high performance Michelin PS2 sport tires.

   

 (Source: Vorsteiner Press Release)

 

A generation ahead: with the CLS, Mercedes-Benz created a new vehicle category in 2003 which for the first time combined the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a saloon. The public were delighted, the competition astounded and a style icon was born: for years the CLS has endured as the only four-door coupé in its class, and since October 2004 it has been the car of choice for around 170,000 buyers worldwide. “Customers all over the world benefited from our bold move to launch a completely new vehicle concept onto the market”, explains a delighted Dr. Joachim Schmidt, member of the board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales & Marketing. “And with its exciting design, the new edition of the CLS also benefits from the fact that we are a whole generation ahead of the competition with our four-door Coupé.”

Celebrating its world premiere at the Paris motor show (2 – 17 October 2010), the new CLS builds on the pioneering role of its predecessor yet at the same time is an entirely new edition. “The new CLS points the way forward for the future perceptible design idiom of Mercedes-Benz”, explains Professor Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz. “At the same time it takes its inspiration from the great tradition of stylish, refined sportiness which has always been a feature of Mercedes coupés.”

Exterior: classic Coupé styling with distinctive front

The proportions remain as spectacular as ever: long bonnet, narrow-look windows with frameless side windows, dynamic roof sweeping back at an angle towards the rear. The four-door coupé from Mercedes-Benz immediately made its mark in 2003 as a new style icon. Now the proportions are the same – and yet everything is different: the second generation of this design trendsetter has adopted a completely new look.

What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated into the bonnet but is formed separately. This highlights the long, sporty bonnet even further. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which underlines the car’s relationship to the other coupés of the brand and also enhances brand identity. The large, elongated dark air inlets with black grilles also add to the vehicle’s athletic appearance.

Design brings high-tech features to life

Another distinguishing feature comes in the form of the full LED headlamps, which are the world’s first to offer all of the regular dynamic light functions using LED technology. This innovation boasts an impressive design – inside they are divided into three arrow-shaped layers from top to bottom: the upper layer contains an LED indicator, beneath which is a striking LED side light offering low beam functions. The side light can also be seen when the dipped beam function is switched on, thereby creating a novel and separate night-time design and distinctive look. The lowest level of the headlamp houses the main beam and nightview functions. A total of 71 LEDs not only provide an unmistakable appearance, but also a significantly enhanced view of the road compared with previous systems.
The typical CLS outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating attribute of the new model. The effect of the dynamic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and areas. The front edge of the structure, above the mudguards, which slopes off towards the rear – known as the dropping line by designers – is not only a novel design feature but also represents a new interpretation of a formal design element harking back to the uniquely rich wealth of forms present in historic Mercedes sports cars.

A distinctive and muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the new CLS. The flared wheel arches resemble the powerful thighs of a feline predator waiting to pounce.

The side view is rounded off with wide wrap-around tail lights featuring LED technology which are arranged in the form of a linking element to the rear of the vehicle. The shape is emphasized by the broad shoulder line, which is clearly visible from behind and supports the flat hardtop. A wide metal insert adds a further visual highlight at the rear.

The interior: design brings quality to life

The interior of the CLS is also distinguished by a timeless design which combines straightforward elegance with innovative details and handcrafted perfection. An eye-catching feature is the wrap-around effect of the cockpit: a high line sweeps from the driver’s door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door. The central display has also been integrated harmoniously into the upper part of the instrument panel. At the same time, the downward sweeping side line on the doors continues the dynamic dropping line of the exterior.

As a design trendsetter, the CLS sets new standards in interiors with its wide variety of individualisation options. Five interior colours, five trim designs and also three qualities of leather are available to choose from. As a result, each CLS is a one-off piece and can be configured individually between warm naturalness and cool modernity.

The CLS also lives up to its role as a design icon thanks to the innovative nature of the materials used. These comprise an exciting mixture of satin and high-gloss finishes used on the metal surfaces. Highlights here also include matt galvanised air vents, for example, which form the ideal framework for a high-gloss-trimmed analogue clock.

Handcrafted perfection is reflected in details such as the stitched seat covers or the so-called sewn covering for the dashboard. For the latter, the individual parts of the leather cover are sewn together by hand in a process which takes several hours, after which they are fitted and upholstered with high-quality foam. Prior to this process, the leather is also heated up to preshrink it, so that it will retain its shape even after extreme exposure to direct sunlight.

The particularly fine, 1.6 millimetre thick semi-aniline PASSION leather which is used meets the highest standards in terms of both look and feel. Protected by only a light pigmentation, the natural pore structure remains intact and the leather has an especially warm and soft feel to it. Since the natural characteristics also remain visible for the most part, the semi-aniline leather requires a very precise manual selection process.

The refined sportiness of the interior of the CLS is further reflected in the generous use of high-quality trim elements. They are located on the instrument panel support of the centre console and on parts of the door linings. Customers can choose between three exclusive types of wood: high-gloss brown burr walnut, high-gloss black ash and satin-finish light-brown poplar. The wood has even been perfectly fitted around difficult contours for a masterful handcrafted finish, and the wood trim has been matched according to grain, as part of an elaborate selection process, to create a harmonised overall impression.

The interior can be given an even more progressive look with the addition of piano lacquer or carbon fibre trim elements. Handcrafted perfection once again plays a prominent role in the production process. Up to seven layers are applied and polished for the piano lacquer trim, for example, until the desired high-gloss finish is achieved.

(Source: Mercedes-Benz Press Release)

Carbon fiber, handling and ultra lightweight! That’s the guiding principle of BRABUS for refining the Mercedes SLS AMG. The exclusive sport program comprises aerodynamic-enhancement components made from carbon fiber, ultra-lightweight forged wheels, an electronically adjustable smooth-ride suspension (Ride Control) suspension, a titanium exhaust system with bypass gate, and BRABUS leather.

 Extremely light yet enormously strong carbon fiber identical to the one used in Formula 1 racing was chosen as the material for the BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement components. The components were developed in the wind tunnel. They give the gullwing car an even more striking appearance while optimizing its aerodynamic properties. All components are available either made from clear-coated carbon fiber for a true racing flair or can be painted to match or contrast with the car’s exterior color.

 The front fascia of the coupe receives a visual upgrade with the BRABUS front spoiler. But that’s not all: The spoiler further reduces lift on the front axle at high speeds which results in even better directional stability. The two BRABUS covers for the upper air inlets in the bumper lend the SLS an even more striking face while optimizing the cooling air supply.

 BRABUS also lends the sides of the SLS a sharper profile. The new air outlets for the front fenders feature a modern design with integrated blue-illuminated BRABUS lettering. The illumination is activated via the keyless-entry remote or by pulling on a door handle.

 BRABUS also adds some more visual pizzazz to the rear appearance of the SLS with the BRABUS rear spoiler and the BRABUS rear fascia element that features custom-tailored cutouts for the four exhaust tips of the BRABUS sport exhaust system.

 Forged wheels that were custom-developed for the SLS are also elementary for the electrifying BRABUS look. By choosing a staggered tire/wheel combination with diameters of 20 inches in front and 21 inches on the rear axle BRABUS further emphasizes the sporty character of the two-door car. The ultra-light BRABUS Monoblock F PLATINUM EDITION cross-spoke wheels are up to twelve percent lighter than the stock wheels of the SLS and are mounted in size 9.5Jx20 in front and in size 11Jx21 on the rear axle. The extremely wide high-performance tires in sizes 275/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 21 are supplied by BRABUS technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.

 Another custom development is the height-adjustable BRABUS smooth-ride suspension (Ride Control). It can lower the ride height of the sports car by up to 40 millimeters (1.6 inches). At the push of a button the driver can choose between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or sportier ride compared to the production suspension.  To complement this suspension BRABUS will soon offer the BRABUS Front Lift system. It raises the front of the car by some 50 millimeters (2 inches) at the push of a button to safely navigate steep parking ramps or other obstacles.

 While engine tuning for the 6.3-liter V8 is still in the final development phase there already is an extremely lightweight BRABUS titanium sport exhaust system with four slanted exhaust tips. The tips have a diameter of 84 millimeters (3.3 inches). This exhaust system weighs 12 kilograms (26 lbs.) or 40 percent less than the production exhaust and adds an extra ten horsepower to the engine’s output. A special feature of this exhaust system is a pneumatically controlled bypass gate that is activated from the cockpit. The normal mode represents a “coming home” sound level that is quieter than the production exhaust. It appeals especially to the neighbors when the SLS returns home late at night. With open bypass gate the eight-cylinder engine sounds even sportier than with the stock exhaust system.

 For the cockpit of the two-seater the BRABUS interior designers have developed exclusive accessories and masterfully crafted custom interiors. The speedometer with 400-km/h scale (250 mph) already hints at the car’s future performance with BRABUS engine tuning. An ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel is also part of the BRABUS customization program as are stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo and matte-anodized pedals.

 The BRABUS upholstery shop creates fully custom interiors for the SLS from top-quality materials. Customers can choose from different types of leather and Alcantara in any desired color and design to suit their individual tastes.

 BRABUS can also fulfill individual requests for the trim on dashboard, center console and door panels. BRABUS manufactures carbon-fiber and wood trim sets in any color and with any desired surface finish.

Mecum Auctions returned to Monterey for a successful second annual auction at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on the Del Monte Golf Course, where the top sale was a rare ex-DeLorenzo 1967 Corvette L88 Roadster – one of only 20 produced and the earliest RPO-ordered L88 known to exist – that sold on the block for $1,250,000. 

With a high-quality inventory of remarkable collector cars, Mecum’s Monterey Auction had total gross sales (excluding buyer’s premium) of $15.4 million.  Combined with post-block sales that continue to occur in The Bid Goes On – Mecum’s program to market vehicles that don’t sell on the auction block – the company estimates final sales for the auction will be close to $20 million.

“While last year’s event was monumental because of our record-breaking $7.25 million sale of the 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe, this year’s event was hugely successful in its own right.  In fact, if you take the Shelby out of the equation, we more than doubled our sales over last year,” said President Dana Mecum.  “As Monterey’s only free, open-to-the-public auction, we have truly carved our own market niche.  With growing brand awareness, Mecum in its sophomore year has established itself as a primary destination on the peninsula and has built a very firm cornerstone upon which to have a long-term event in Monterey.”

As the first auction company to bring live television to the peninsula with its Discovery Communications’ HD Theater show “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More,” the Monterey Auction drew thousands of enthusiasts eager to watch the film crew in action and to bid on the investment-grade vehicles.  Mecum offered more than 400 collector cars at the two-day auction.

In addition to cars, Mecum entered into the vintage wooden boat arena in 2010, selling five world-class vessels at the Monterey Auction – four of which made it into the top 10 sales. 

Mecum’s Monterey Top 10 Sales (all sales reflect hammer prices) were:

1. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Convertible (Lot S125) at $1,250,000
2. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta (Lot S111.1) at $1,250,000
3. 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder (Lot S122) at $1,050,000
4. 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster (Lot S120) at $650,000
5. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette ZR2 Convertible (lot S118) at $440,000
6. 1965 Shelby GT350 Drag Unit (Lot S106) at $350,000
7. 1922 Hacker Gentlemans Race Boat (Lot S130) at $320,000
8. 1940 Chris-Craft Racing Runabout (Lot S127) at $291,500
9. 1965 Riva Aquarama (Lot S128) at $290,000
10. 1929 Hacker Craft Deluxe Runabout (Lot S129) at $225,000

Complete Monterey Auction results are available to Mecum InfoNet members, which is free to join at www.Mecum.com.  Mecum InfoNet members can log in to see car-by-car results by visiting the Results Page.  Next up is the Mecum St. Charles Auction, Sept. 16-19, 2010, at Pheasant Run Resort, which feature 1,000 collector cars up for bid.  Tickets are available at the door for $15. 

The Mecum Auction Company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 23 years, now offering an industry-leading 5,000 collector cars per year.  Consignment, bidder and event information is available online at www.Mecum.com or by calling 815.568.8888.

WheelExperts.com are proud to announce the release of the new Modulare Forged B15, which is the latest design in the B series (Monoblock) lineup.  The wheels are 1-piece forged, made in the USA, and are shown here in the brushed finish installed on a 2008 Corvette Z06 in sizes 20×10 front and 20×13 rear.  This new style is now available for ordering in 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23″ diameters for most passenger car and light truck applications.

A Collector’s Find!  Beautiful 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition in Bianco White over Red Leather with White Piping and Red Carpets with just 1,859 miles (2,995 kilometers!)  This Anniversary Countach has the Rear Wing and the U.S. Front Bumper painted white to match.  If you are looking to acquire an Anniversary Countach for your collection, don’t miss this opportunity!  Fully inspected both mechanically and cosmetically.  Lamborghini Houston is a member of the MotorCars Auto Group which has been a Lamborghini Authorized dealer since 1989.  We offer an extensive range of superb, low mile exotic and luxury automobiles.  Our dealership features a beautiful Corporate Identity showroom, factory certified service center, parts department, and Lamborghini accessories boutique.  Allow us to also help arrange Enclosed Transportation of your new car directly to your home.  Financing is also available.

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT LAMBORGHINI HOUSTON OR VIEW ADDITIONAL INVENTORY

At a time of global conservation with a drive towards improved fuel economy the Morgan Motor Company introduces a new concept for a sporting family, the Morgan EvaGT. The four seater Coupe takes its inspiration from the British sports saloons of the early 1950’s. Among these were the Bristol 400 series and the Frazer Nash BMW 328. After the Second World War rationing forced designers to conserve and make the most of the materials at their disposal.  However the pressure cooker of war had also led to an abundance of innovative engineering ideas. Steel was scarce so lightweight aluminium was used for bodywork. Smooth “in-line” straight six cylinder engines were fitted to give long distance comfort and reliability. Because the engineers had often worked on aircraft development during the war aerodynamics contributed to high but economical cruising speeds.

The Morgan Motor Company is the last survivor of these British sports car manufacturers. Of course the company is lucky enough to have 100 years of continuous success behind it and like Bristol and Frazer Nash; Morgan has a history of successful collaborations with German suppliers BMW, Siemens and Bosch. But Morgan also works with a number of young engineering companies in the United Kingdom and with world class British university research departments.

The new challenge is to make cars that are more efficient than any we have seen so far. The Morgan Motor Company is in a good position to respond to this challenge because the company is small and flexible with a proven track record of fast development cycles. It currently manufactures one of the greenest sports cars in the world, the Morgan Four Four Sport. Morgan achieves this result with the use of the new Ford 1.6 Sigma engine coupled with a light chassis. Morgan currently has a young well qualified technical team working towards a potential 5 engineering PHD’s, who will make full use of research departments at the University of Oxford, Cranfield and Birmingham City to tap into a technical knowledge network to make more efficient cars. This team is helping to develop a high torque electric motor twice as powerful as others of the same weight and size and a powerful lithium phosphate battery with a higher charge density to achieve the most efficient performance for weight so far.

The dynamic team at Morgan has made a commitment from 2010 that they will bring out a new model every two years. The legendary sports car manufacturer will target new niches…..electric sports cars, a fun weekend vehicle and the first of the new cars will be the Morgan EvaGT, a four seater Coupe aimed at young families, with a bit of drama or automotive theatre as we like to call it. This is a revolution for a car company famous for making the same car for 50 years!

The Morgan EvaGT

Brief provisional specification

Chassis:
The Morgan EvaGT makes full use of clever technologies that the Morgan Motor Company has
developed to manufacture a lightweight car. Morgan was one of the first car companies to see
the advantage of a bonded aluminium chassis to give rigidity but also to save weight. The
EvaGT uses a further developed version of the bonded aluminium chassis of the Morgan Aero
SuperSports, a chassis that successfully competes in International GT3 Sports Car Racing.
Compliant with European and US safety approvals.

Bodywork:
Morgan was the first car company in 1995 to see the benefit of superformed aluminium, an aircraft technology, to manufacture smooth accurate body parts. Morgan Design have sculpted a new shape for the Morgan EvaGT that focuses on natural materials and understands their unique technical properties. Using computer technology in design and in manufacture to ensure accuracy, the parts are then hand finished to make sure they feel as good as they look. A perfect “A” class surface, minimal shut lines, hidden wipers, flush door handles and sharp creases deflect air over the surface of the car. The new Morgan EvaGT represents a philosophy of lightweight luxury that embraces authenticity, sustainability and innovation achieving its final result through the process of skilled craftsmanship.

Technical Specification (subject to change)

–BMW 3 litre straight six mono twin turbo with direct petrol injection 306bhp and 400nm torque
– Euro 5 and 6 compliant at 200 gms Co2/km, US FMVSS, CARB and EPA approved.
40 mpg / 7.06 litres/100kms
– 6 speed sport automatic or 6 speed manual gearbox.
– Rear wheel drive with fully independent intelligent suspension
– Aluminium body panels with a laminated internal safety structure.
– Predicted weight of 2755 lbs/1250 kg
– Predicted 0-60 mph 4.5 seconds/ 0-100km/h 4.5 seconds
– Predicted top speed 170mph / 273 km/h

Launch
The first public view of the Morgan EvaGT will be at the 60th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Carmel, California, USA on the 15th August 2010.

The Morgan Motor Company will be taking orders worldwide with a request for a deposit of £5000 from prospective clients for an allocated build slot. The first 100 cars of a limited run are planned to begin production mid 2012 and the “on-road” price will be competitive for a car of this class.

For further information contact EvaGT@morgan-motor.co.uk

Festivals of Speed, the premier luxury lifestyle and automotive event production company in Florida, is returning to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes on Sunday, October 10 with The Fifth Annual Festivals of Speed Orlando presented by Fields Motorsports. The Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children will once again be the beneficiary. The weekend will feature three days of rare and exotic vehicles, fine foods, top shelf spirits, luxury products and services, fashion shows and more. At the many events, attendees will come face to face with vintage and contemporary exotic cars, motorcycles, boats and aircraft.

The Festivals of Speed Orlando will commence on Friday, October 8^th with a Jetport Reception at the Orlando International Airport.  The event will feature a preview of the some of the most noteworthy vehicles to appear over the weekend as well as a display of aircraft and powerboats. The setting is a lavishly decorated aircraft hangar complete with smooth themed food stations, open bar, smooth jazz, fine art, exclusive watch displays, elegant jewelry, luxury products & services as well as live and silent auctions benefitting the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. This event kicks off Festivals of Speed annually and is an unmatched experience for anyone who has never attended. 

A special addition to this year’s weekend is the Festivals of Speed Golf Classic at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes Golf Club to benefit Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children on Saturday, October 9^th.  The course was designed by two-time British Open Champion Greg Norman, and provides golfers with a challenging test of skill and an experience not typically found in Florida.  Joe Sabatini, Founder and President of The Festivals of Speed stated “We are proud to partner with the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes Golf Club this year for the inaugural Festivals of Speed Golf Classic.  This addition to the weekend will add even more entertainment for our long time collectors and guests and deliver a new demographic of affluent attendees in the loyal golf enthusiast. For our Sponsors, the Festivals of Speed is all about networking, so the addition of a golf tournament is a clear fit.”

Saturday evening, the festivities continue on to Primo at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton for the annual Wine Connoisseur’s Dinner. Primo is led by James Beard Foundation award winning Chef Melissa Kelly. The Wine Connoisseur’s Dinner Saturday has become an immensely popular and highly anticipated staple to the Orlando Festivals of Speed weekend.  Primo will be closed to all but guests of the Festivals of Speed who will experience a four course plated meal of the organic contemporary Italian cuisine that Primo is known for. Each plate will be paired with a fine wine by sommeliers from top vineyards and wineries.  After dinner, guests will enjoy complementary cigars and fine cognac on the terrace that overlooks the unique and plush foliage of the beautiful Grande Lakes property. To further enhance the evening, guests will be able to see an exclusive preview of the exotic vehicles as they enter the lawns of the Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott in anticipation of the main event on Sunday. 

 The weekend concludes on Sunday October 10th, with the Motorsports Collection Display of over 250 cars, motorcycles and watercraft. Guests can enjoy The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes property’s splendor and amenities, while eyeing some of the rarest vintage and contemporary vehicle designs. In addition to the world class vehicles on display which will include Bugatti, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, BMW, Mercedes, and more, attendees will encounter fine wines, exciting culinary offerings, robust cigars and smooth jazz in the beautiful landscape, as well as luxury lifestyle displays featuring fine jewelry and timepieces. At the end of the day, the event will conclude with an exciting awards ceremony presenting premier car collectors with coveted trophies designed and produced by Tiffany & Co.  To make the return of this world class weekend even more inviting, Sabatini has announced that the automotive collection he is putting together for the Fifth Annual Festivals of Speed Orlando is going to be the most significant display in Festivals of Speed history. Just one of the notable vehicles he has confirmed is the rare Bugatti Sang Bleu. Bugatti unveiled the Sang Bleu, an exclusive one-off Grand Sport, honoring the marques precious heritage at the Pebble Beach Concours d’elegance last August. To top off all of the anticipation, famed Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni will be in attendance all throughout the weekend. This event gets larger and more exciting every year, and promises to be a weekend that the automotive and luxury enthusiast will not soon forget.

 About Festivals of Speed

Headquartered in Eustis, Florida, Festivals of Speed was founded as the ultimate luxury showcase for discerning enthusiasts with a passion for all forms of transportation. With a series of extremely special events scheduled throughout the year, Festivals of Speed joins the very best in automotive, aircraft, marine and motorcycle transportation with the finest culinary, wine, spirits, and fashion for the ultimate luxury experience. For more information, please visit www.festivalsofspeed.com. 352-385-9450.

Individual high-performance tuning upgrades with the latest technology for exclusive luxury cars are the specialty from German tuning company wheelsandmore.

 For those who think a Maserati isn´t exclusive enough wheelsandmore developed high-end products for the models Quattroporte and Gran Turismo

The Quattroporte gets an ecu upgrade combined with a handmade, stainless steel exhaust system with valve flaps, obtaining enormous 440hp and 490 lb-ft .

The Maserati GranTurismo gets a power increasement in the same way, resulting 447hp and 500 lb-ft of torque.

The performance is further upgraded with the special forged, lightweight wheel model 6Sporz from wheelsandmore.

At the Gran Turismo front axle a 9,0×20“ wheel with Dunlop Sportmaxx GT tyre 265/30/20 and an extreme 12,0×20“ wheel at the rear wearing a 325/30/20 barrel, presenting the coupe much sportier and more exciting.

Because of the more slender body the Quattroporte is coming with „just“255/35 and 305/30/20” Pirelli tires.  

 The exclusive tuning program is completed by a coil over kit with adjustable compression and rebound, called Street Comfort and is made by KW suspensions in Germany.

The kit can also be used at cars with serial skyhook suspension.

 All information about the Maserati and all other tuning programs at www.wheelsandmore.de

(Source: Wheels and More Press Release)