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McLaren MP4-12C GT3 takes to the track for testing, tuning, titillation

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, MISC, Racing

mclaren mp4-12c gt3

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 hits the racetrack – Click above to watch video after the jump

McLaren is clearly excited to test the racing version of its MP4-12C supercar. Called the MP4-12C GT3, this track-focused racer is equipped to do battle in the 2011 and 2012 GT3 championship series, and McLaren has just released a slew of videos that show off the car from all angles. This thing is perfectly equipped to make beautiful noises and hug the road like a tween meeting Justin Bieber.

One example of the GT3 will make its debut this year, however, McLaren reports that 20 cars are being prepared for the 2012 season. McLaren is also planning to bring the MP4-12C GT3 to the Goodwood Festival of Speed. In the meantime, you can click past the jump for a handful of videos showing the car in action.

Continue reading McLaren MP4-12C GT3 takes to the track for testing, tuning, titillation

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 takes to the track for testing, tuning, titillation originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 May 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ford Focus ST caught cold-weather testing and track tuning

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Ford

spy photos ford focus st

Spy Shots: Ford Focus ST test mule – Click above for high-res image gallery

We saw the 2012 Ford Focus ST in the flesh at the 2010 Paris Auto Show, but at the time, the hot-hatch unveiled to the waiting press was merely a close-to-the-real-thing concept version. The production Focus ST should be arriving at an auto show in the near future. Apparently it’s not quite ready, however, because our spy photographers managed to capture Ford engineers working over a mule-bodied example, both at the track and in the snow.

It may appear to be a standard Focus from the outside – note the standard front fascia instead of the show car’s more aggressive look – but a closer inspection reveals a few unique touches first seen on the concept. For instance, a centrally mounted exhaust outlet at the rear expels emissions from the 2.0-liter EcoBoost unit lurking under the hood. Speaking of which, power is expected to be up around 250 horsepower, and the engine will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

We hope to see the 2012 Focus ST hitting dealer showrooms by the end of 2011. We also hope to score some seat time before that happens. Until then, we’ll just stare at the spy photos in the gallery below, and dream about the sporty action going on under the suspiciously plain wrapper.

Gallery: Spy Photos: Ford Focus ST

Spy Photos: Ford Focus ST

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Ford Focus ST caught cold-weather testing and track tuning originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GWA Tuning channels the Mercedes-Benz C111 with Ciento Once prototype

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

GWA Tuning Ciento Once

GWA Mercedes-Benz Ciento Once – Click above for high-res image gallery

What’s even better than a supercar? A one-of-a-kind factory prototype. And few drummed up as much excitement back in the 70s as the Mercedes-Benz C111. The experimental showcase demonstrated the epitome of performance technology and aerodynamics, and still stands as one of the most advanced prototypes ever devised in Stuttgart… or anywhere else for that matter. And now it’s back.

GWA Tuning, a Benz tweaker out of San Antonio, has breathed new life into the C111 formula with a recreation called the Ciento Once (Spanish for “one hundred eleven”). The one-off eschews the Wankel engine of the original for the AMG M120 V12 that drives the Pagani Zonda, driving 408 horsepower in this case through a six-speed transmission with the brakes from the S55 AMG and the rolling stock from the SLS. Have a closer look in the gallery below, and do try to keep the drool from puddling on the keyboard.

Gallery: GWA Mercedes-Benz Ciento Once

[Source: GWA Tuning via 0-60]

GWA Tuning channels the Mercedes-Benz C111 with Ciento Once prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Schmidt Revolution Streetworker tuning tricks on the ave with Mini Clubman

Filed under: Aftermarket, Europe, Hatchback, Mini, Design/Style

The Streerworker from Schmidt Revolution

The Streetworker Mini by Schmidt Revoltion – Click above for high-res image gallery

Schmidt Revolution, a wheel manufacturer and tuning company in Germany, has gotten its hands on a Mini Clubman and turned it into… something else. While we kinda dig the matte blue wrap job with contrasting black fenders, we’re not sold on the wheels – or much else. Regardless, this isn’t just a “tune” of the all-go-no-show variety. Output on the Clubman was raised to 200 horsepower and 183 pound-feet of torque through unspecified means. That’s more than a standard Clubman S, but it’s a hair shy of a John Cooper Works-equipped car.

Hop the jump to read more about the air-ride equipped Streetworker and give it a look in the gallery below. Fair warning: The press release was translated from German, so the English is not perfect – but it is amusing.

Gallery: The Streetworker by Schmidt Revolution

The Streetworker by Schmidt Revolution

[Source: Schmidt Revolution]

Continue reading Schmidt Revolution Streetworker tuning tricks on the ave with Mini Clubman

Schmidt Revolution Streetworker tuning tricks on the ave with Mini Clubman originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brabus announces tuning program for Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Brabus Merecedes-Benz SLS AMG – Click above for high-res image gallery

It was only a matter of time before Brabus got around to turning its attention to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The German tuner has given the Silver Arrow’s newest supercar the once over with a smattering of aesthetic additions both inside and out, as well as a few mechanical tweaks. Things get started with a carbon-fiber spoiler up front, as well as new fender vents made of the same light-weight material. A similar treatment crops up on the rear fascia, along with new titanium exhaust tips. Those tips are part of a full system that Brabus claims weighs a full 40 percent less than the stock pipes. Throw in a set of massive forged wheels (20 inches up front, 21 out back) and you’ve got the full package.

Inside, Brabus will be happy to custom tailor the SLS AMG interior to each customer’s taste. A new ergonomic steering wheel comes along with stainless scuff plates with an illuminated Brabus logo, though beyond that it’s up to the buyer to decide on what type and color leather strikes their fancy. How much will all of this kit set you back? Brabus isn’t saying, but you know what they say about if you have to ask. Hit the jump to take a look at the full press blast.

Gallery: Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: Brabus]

Continue reading Brabus announces tuning program for Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Brabus announces tuning program for Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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