2011 TranStar Racing Dagger GT

It’s time to smile and have fun again! “Extreme” is back! The 2000 hp, 300 mph Dagger GT’s design objectives are to be the best-looking, fastest Supercar in the world. This Supercar is being specially designed, very deliberately and explicitly, to break all world records and to bring back the most popular class of race car: the unlimited class which has been regulated, restricted and compromised into extinction. Join the rebellion as we break every rule there is, and break every world record for production Supercars. We will not quit until we achieve these goals:

– Top horsepower/torque: 2000 hp/2000 ft lbs (given)
– Top Speed: 300 mph, plus
– Quarter mile: 200 mph and < 6.7 seconds
– 0 to 60 mph: < 1.5 seconds
– Lap records at: Nurburgring and Virginia International Raceway

Each Dagger GT will be carefully hand-made by exceptional, enthusiastic craftsmen. Each car will be custom-made to the owner’s preferences and desires. You can order: one of three (3) hard-core racing models; a street-legal comfortable-riding sport model, or a soft-riding, luxurious GT-X model that looks and feels like a million-dollar car, but runs like a bat-out-of-hell. We plan to deliver 5 production Daggers in 2011. Each Dagger will be 49-state street-legal if desired by the buyer.

Strand Craft 122 Includes Supercar

STRAND CRAFT is preparing to launch the extravagant 122 , a high performance streamlined 38 metre Open super yacht, with an amazing Art Deco interior that can be greatly personalized. Interior includes four double and very large staterooms, heads, reception and salon areas and of course comfortable crew cabins. There are 52″ LED TV´s and Bang Olufson sounds systems in all rooms.

The most stunning feature on this yacht is a special handcrafted supercar (Tender) powered by a 880hp twin turbo V12 engine with topspeed 375kmh can be housed in as a tender in the stern garage.

With a total of over 14.000 horsepower this amazing yacht brakes speeds over 50 knots.

(Source: Strand Craft Press Release)

2011 Hennessey Venom GT Photo Gallery and Video

Hennessey Performance is pleased to introduce the first official images of its Venom GT supercar. Based upon the Lotus Elise, the Venom GT combines a high-tech, lightweight British chassis with a powerful American V8.

“This is not the first time that Britain and America have joined forces to produce a weapon of mass propulsion”, said company founder and president, John Hennessey. “Over fifty years ago the American-built P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft was flown into history powered by a British Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. Today the Hennessey Venom GT promises to set a new standard of power to weight ratio in the rarefied air of today’s supercar market.”

SOMETIMES LESS EQUALS MORE
In the case of the Venom GT, less weight means more performance. The Venom GT will have a production curb weight of less than 2,400 lbs (1,071 kilos) aided by its lightweight carbon fiber bodywork and carbon fiber wheels. Stopping power is delivered via Brembo brakes with 6-piston calipers up front and 4-piston calipers in rear clamping down on 15-inch carbon ceramic rotors.

SOMETIMES MORE EQUALS MORE
The Venom GT’s base power plant is the supercharged 6.2 liter LS9 V8 (the same as in the Corvette ZR1) tweaked by Hennessey to 725 bhp. The company will also be offering 1000 bhp and 1200 bhp twin turbo V8 engine variants. The mid-engine V8 will transmit its power to the rear tires via a Ricardo 6-speed gearbox.

POWER WITH CONTROL
Hennessey plans to manage power output by using a programmable traction control system. CFD (computational fluid dynamic) tested bodywork and down force will also help keep the Venom stable at speed. An active aero system with adjustable rear wing will deploy under varying conditions on both the road and racetrack. An adjustable suspension system will allow ride height adjustments according to speed and driving conditions. Finally, power will be put to the ground via massive Michelin PS2 tires.

POWERED BY THE USA, BUILT IN THE UK
Hennessey will be building the power plants at its Texas facility. The engines will then be air freighted to the company’s assembly facility near Silverstone, England where the Venom GT is built and tested. Venom GT buyer will be offered a 1-day driver orientation and instruction program by a Hennessey factory test driver, at a track in the UK or USA prior to delivery.

LIMITED PRODUCTION
The company plans to establish a network of Venom GT dealers and distributors in the Middle East, Europe, Russia, Australia and Asia. Production is limited to just 10 vehicles per year and the company already has orders for 4 Venom GT’s.

About Hennessey Performance
Hennessey Performance has been making fast cars go faster since 1991. It operates from a 30,000 square foot workshop and showroom facility situated on 143 acres near Sealy, Texas (about 45 minutes west of Houston). The company also has a showroom and installation facility located in Lake Forest, California. Hennessey Performance offers a wide variety of dyno proven, track tested parts and upgrades for a variety of modern performance vehicles. Hennessey Performance is also the only tuner in North America that operates its own test track – Lonestar Motorsports Park.

(Source: Hennessey Press Release)

2010 Koenigsegg Agera

Koenigsegg is celebrating 15 year of outstanding performance by unleashing their latest creation – The Agera.

Koenigsegg celebrate 15 years of making dream cars, by unleashing their latest jewel – the Koenigsegg Agera. A new supercar aimed to take the Koenigsegg experience to the next level, both on the road and the track.

Agera, the Swedish verb “to act”, has been chosen as the name for Koenigsegg´s latest super creation, as it symbolizes the Koenigsegg philosophy well. Koenigsegg is always striving forward, seeking challenges beyond limitations. The new supercar Agera is an outcome of that creative process and its functions respond very well to the given name.

When we believe in something, we do it. We act. the car also has to act, when commanded to unleash its performance, forcefully and fawlessly. The development of the Agera has been evolutionary, following the Koenigsegg tradition of continuous improvements, by honing and perfecting the end result, all based on previous experience and innovative mindsets. The focus when developing the Agera was to maximize, driving experience, cornering speed, braking and adaptability, says Christian von Koenigsegg.

A testament to time

The Koenigsegg Agera is a testament to time. The original shape and concept of the Koenigsegg CC, created 15 years ago, is still valid, fresh and highly competitive today. The Agera still stay true to the original philosophy, shape and size of the original CC. At the same time, it looks, feels and performs like something belonging to the future, with all new content.

A Supercar is not better than the tires it use, as it is the only link between the road and the car. Therefore Koenigsegg has a deep and long term collaboration with Michelin, when it comes to tire development. The Agera program will take this collaboration to the next level and is expected to set new standards when it comes to overall performance -wet as well as dry handling.

The Agera is as wide at the front as in the rear of the car. This gives very good balance in corners and minimizes body roll.

The Agera also features the latest in braking technology, incorporating an adjustable ABS system, 392×36 and 380×34 ventilated and drilled ceramic discs, for unparalleled braking performance and zero fade regardless of track or road condition.Thanks to optimized breathing and Twin Turbo, power is now 910 hp, running on regular petrol. Torque is maximum 1100 nm and is reached at 5100 rpm. There is over 1000 nm of torque available from 2680 to 6100 rpm.

The new traction control is the fastest reacting in the industry, with auto adapt functionality for different road conditions and driving styles as well as several manual settings.

Koenigsegg has also developed a new type of interior illumination, which is a worlds first in the car industry – Ghost light. The illumination shines through the billet aluminium buttons and surfaces by way of invisible nanotubes, creating excellent visibility of the symbols, as well as a very clean and stylish appearance, framed by an all-new carbon fibre centre console and tunnel assembly.

Furthermore, the driver can easily select the information he wants displayed in front of him, on the all new multi-info cluster combined with the upgraded infotainment display, ranging from basic functionality, to G force meter, power meters, Sat-nav, music, lap-timer or compasses – to best suit the current driving conditions, be it highway cruising, touring country roads, city navigation or serious track driving. Furthermore the interior features the new Agera stitching and seams, which gives an
beutiful fuidity to the interior.

All in all the Agera is created to maintain Koenigsegg’s position as one of the most engaging and top performing cars on the road, on the track -on the planet. Still, maintaining the largest luggage space in the industry and the novel Koenigsegg doors and detachable/stow able hardtop, that really makes all Koenigsegg cars stand out.

The Agera will be produced in parallel to the Award winning CCX and CCXR models. This gives Koenigsegg the ability to live up to our customers varying wishes and demands. The Agera is on display at the 80th Salon International de l’Auto in Geneva. The pre-production show car will be put through its phases for the coming six month prior to the production car launch of the Agera. Finally, Agera is also short for the Greek word Ageratos, which in ancient Greek means “ageless”.

Performance (petrol version)
Power output: 910 hp at 6850 rpm-redline @ 7250 rpm
Torque: over 1000 nm from 2860 to 6170 rpm
Max Torque: 1100 nm at 5100 rpm
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 3.1 seconds
0-200 km/h 8.9 sec, 0-200-0 km/h 13.7 sec
Top Speed: 390+ km/h (245+ mph) (estimated)
Braking distance: 30.5m (100-0 km/h)
Lateral G-force: 1.6 G
Fuel consumption:
Highway travel: 12,5 l/100km, Combined: l6/100km
Weight-to-power ratio: 1.42 kg/hp
Weight distribution: 45% front, 55% rear

Aerodynamics
Cd. 0,35 Frontal area 1.885 m2
Total Downforce at 250 km/h: 300 kg
Flat underside of chassis. Venturi tunnels at rear of chassis/body.

Chassis
Carbon fibre with aluminium honeycomb and integrated fuel tanks
for optimal weight distribution and safety.
Monocoque torsional rigidity: 58,000 nm/degree.
Weight including tanks: 72 kg.
Front and rear suspension: Double wishbones, two-way adjustable
VPS gas-hydraulic shock absorbers, pushrod operated.
Electronically adjustable ride height.
Front: Cro-Mo subframe, with integrated crash members.
Rear: Semi-stressed engine and gearbox with support struts, for
Needle bearings and o-ringed wishbone bushings optimal rigidity
and no engine inertia movements. Fully machined aircraft aluminum
uprights, with SKF LeMans specification 150mm angle contact ball
bearings.
GKN hollow/gun-drilled driveshafts.
Koenigsegg Z-style progressive and lightweight anti-roll bars front
and rear.

Engine
Koenigsegg aluminum 4,7L V8, 4 valves per cylinder, double
overhead camshafts
Compression: 8.9:1
Sequential, multipoint fuel injection.
Twin turbo superchargers 1.5 bar boost pressure.
Dry sump lubrication.
Carbon fibre intake manifold with optimised intake tracts. Tig-welded
ceramic coated inconell exhaust system manifold with merge collector.
Emission levels: Euro IV
Weight: 173 kg

Transmission
Specially developed transversal Transmission with paddle-shift.
Torque sensitive limited slip differential or optional Electronic
differential Clutch: Dual Plate, Ø 240 mm

Steering
Rack and pinion power assisted steering. 2.7 turns lock-to-lock.
Turning circle: 11 metres. TRW electro-hydraulic power-assisted.

Brakes
Front brakes: Ventilated ceramic discs Ø 392 mm,
36 mm wide. 6-piston calipers. Power-assisted.
Rear brakes: Ventilated ceramic discs Ø 380 mm,
34 mm wide. 6-piston callipers. Power-assisted.

Traction Control
F1-style for optimal performance with 5 different handling modes.

Wheels
Koenigsegg forged Vortex generating aluminium wheels with centre
locking
Front: 19” x 9.5”
Rear: 20” x 12.5”

Tires
Michelin Unidirectional with asymmetric tread pattern
Front: 255/35 – 19” (Y)
Rear: 335/30 – 20” (Y)

Body
Two-door, two seater with removable hardtop stowable under the front hood lid. Body made from pre-impregnated carbon fibre/kevlar and
lightweight sandwich reinforcements. Carbon vents over wheels
Electrical System Solid state digital semi-conductors – no fuses or relays. Can bus operated and fully programmable functionality.

Equipment
Dual Airbags, detachable storable hardtop with glass roof, power windows, rear wing, adjustable pedals and steering column, Agera Stitching,
Adjustable seats in rake and length, carbon ceramic brakes with Sport ABS, hydraulic lifting system, power steering, power brakes, 4-point saftey harness for track use, satnav, MP3 Player, USB connection, climate control, digital warning and info system, G sensor, alarm, tyre monitoring system, silver key, leather carpets, roof stowage, bag, car cover.

Extra Equipment
Fitted luggage, special leather and colour requests, Inconell exhaust system, Completely Clearcoated Carbonfiber body, Electronic differential (E-diff), robotized rear wing, Front winglets, rear parking sensors.

Dimensions
Total length: 4293 mm (169”)
Total width: 1996 mm (78.6”)
Total height: 1120 mm (44.1”)
Ground clearance:
Rear: 100 mm (3.94”) Front: 100 mm (3.94”)
Fuel capacity: 70 litres (18.5 US gallons)
Luggage compartment: 120 litres (31.7 US gallons)
Dry weight: 1290 kg (2832 lbs)
2 Year Warranty. All information correct at time of printing, and subject to change.

(Source: Koenigsegg Press Release)

Another American Supercar, the 2010 Devon GTX

 

The 2010 Devon GTX debuted at the Pebble Beach Concours 10 days ago but has got little coverage on the blog circuit. So here it is……A true American Supercar. Devon Motorworks says they plan to build 36 cars beginning first quarter 2010 with a price tag of $500,000. I hope this car hits the show circuit for the upcoming east coast shows such as the Festivals Of Speed and the Amelia Island Concours. Below is the Devon Motorworks press release and additional photos.

 

August 15, 2009 (Pebble Beach, CA) Conceived by a visionary industrial artist, brought to life by some of the worlds leading automotive engineers and designers, and proven on some of the most demanding race tracks in America, the all-new 2010 Devon GTX stands ready to stake claim as the next great American supercar.

The 2010 Devon GTX was introduced today on the famed judging stand at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The limited edition supercar is the first product from Los Angeles-based industrial design house Devon Motorworks (devonmotorworks.com). It will go on sale in the first quarter of 2010.

We are so proud to utilize the hallowed Concours stand as the venue to premiere the first offering from our studio, said Devon Motorworks founder and CEO Scott Devon. Each year this event serves as a living homage to the great automobiles of our past, many of which served as our inspiration for the Devon GTX. By being mindful of classic design, and blending our own view of modern transportation, its our sincere hope that we will earn a permanent spot in the landscape of automotive history. The Devon GTX is on one hand a race-inspired performance car, offering a 650-horsepower engine and a complimentary transmission and induction/exhaust system that will make it the most powerful naturally aspirated production powertrain system on the market today. On the other hand, the vehicles muscular shape represents a new expression of modern industrial design, blending both classic and futuristic cues to warn of the awesome power that exists within its shape.

We set out to design a vehicle that was quintessentially American, both in its shape and in its performance, Devon said. Standing still, the Devon GTX tells a story of power, handling and beauty. Its classical, yet futuristic design promises an incredible experience. Once under power, the GTX lives up to its promise every heart-pounding second you’re behind the wheel.

The design was led by Devon and noted automotive designer Daniel Paulin. Their approach to the vehicle was to boldly blend power, tactility and aesthetics into one singular form.

The vehicles aircraft-quality carbon fiber body sits atop large lattice-structure center-lock wheels. The interior design reflects the companys progressive design philosophy and features carbon-fiber-reinforced racing seats, dual-grained leather surfacing throughout the cockpit and tasteful chrome appointments. Refinement, quality and uniqueness are conveyed in the cars up and forward articulating doors, distinctive body two-tone wheel surrounds, minimal front/rear overhangs, and dual center rear exit chrome exhaust ports.

Beneath the skin of the Devon GTX is an 8.4-liter (510 cubic inches) V-10 engine that produces 650 horsepower (484.7 kW) at 6100 rpm. The V-10 engine is mated with a track-proven six-speed manual transmission. While the Devon GTX has yet to hit an American road, it has made its mark on two of Americas most demanding road courses. In validation testing earlier this year, the vehicle set production car lap records at both Willow Springs Raceway and Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca.

It was not a specific goal to set track records at that stage of validation, but the car outperformed even our aggressive goals, said Devon Motorworks validation and testing leader Justin Bell, a former 24 Hours of Le Mans champion. We are looking forward to additional testing, where Im certain the GTX will eclipse any time weve set to date.

Devon, Paulin and Bell are just part of an international team of performance and design veterans that make up the Devon Motorworks team.

Former Ford executive engineer Andy Benedict leads the product development team, while manufacturing and assembly is headed by Clive Hawkins, founder of ARIA Group. Aerodynamic testing is supervised by Dr. Joseph Katz of San Diego State University while marketing is led by automotive veteran Jerry Deeney. They are supported by a hand-picked team of experts that will design, engineer, manufacturer and present vehicles on a coach-built basis to a select and discerning customer base. We have assembled an international team of highly qualified experts who have set out on an uncommon task. But with an American can-do attitude, our goal of creating an American supercar has been realized, said Devon.

Devon Motorworks will produce 36 cars per year at its manufacturing facility in southern California. On sale beginning in the first quarter of 2010, the cars will be sold for $500,000. An optional Racing Package will be available for $25,000. The vehicles will be sold and serviced directly through Devon Motorworks. Interested customers are encouraged to visit devonmotorworks.com/about/preorder to learn more about ordering the first Devon GTX.

Each of our customers will have individual needs that we will cater to, Devon said. Our philosophy is to blend their tastes with our exacting standards and in the spirit of bespoke craftsmanship, create a car that is both identifiably a Devon GTX yet singular to our customers specifications. We want to make sure we have a direct relationship with our customers.

Devon Motorworks is an industrial design company based in southern California. All of its design products have a common purpose of providing sculptural power with recognizable beauty. Devon Motorworks design language is classical, yet futuristic, with exquisite shapes in the modern mold. For more information, go to devonmotorworks.com.

Aston Martin One-77, One for the Ages in Carmel Valley

Aston Martin – Customer Courtship in Carmel Valley

 

 Aston Martin could hardly have selected a more picturesque setting for its Pebble Beach weekend customer event than the Bernardus Lodge, an aesthetically rustic yet ultra-luxury resort nestled in the hills of Carmel Valley next to a vineyard.  The manicured grounds of the Bernardus proved to be a perfect backdrop for the 5-star catered brunch that surrounded an unassuming grass-square placement of the superlative One-77, Aston’s new 700 bhp supercar.  Guests dined on smoked salmon and other culinary delights while taking turns carving up the Carmel Valley hills with a stunning assortment of Vantages, DB9s and DBS models.  Aston was particularly keen on getting customers into the new DBS Volante, the convertible version of the $270,000 DBS that invokes the traditional marque open top nomenclature, and will come to market this fall.

 Notwithstanding the enviable opportunity to drive the powerful sportscars on the challenging curvy hill climbs that surround the estate, the star of the event was clearly the One-77, the uber-Aston that has been appropriately greeted with awe since its unveiling at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza at Lake Como, Italy last April.  Though pictures merely suggest a more emphatic interpretation of Aston’s signature design language, in person the One-77 takes on new life, a sensuous and fluid combination of sinewy bulges and well-placed vents that cannot be described as anything less than awesome.  Only 77 examples of the $1.97 million supercar will be produced, ensuring a level of rarity unclaimed by even the most select of exotics.

 Aston’s commitment to customer satisfaction was cemented by the presence of now legendary CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, who casually roamed the event greeting customers and fielding questions.  In a brief interview, Dr. Bez described the One-77’s handmade engineering with words like “beauty, refinement and substance,” and asserted that the car would forever assume a position in the pantheon of Aston’s most collectible models, alongside the DBR1 and the Zagato-bodied cars.  Gently dismissing possible comparisons to competitors such as the Bugatti Veyron, Dr. Bez clarified that while VW’s car was engineered with a performance goal of 1,000 bhp, the One-77 was rather designed and built to be “a piece of art.”  Clarifying that the One-77 would sit atop the model range for decades to come, Dr. Bez commented, “We can’t make something more beautiful.”

 By Michael Daly