The folks over at UK glossy Car have managed to put together a rendering of Audi’s nascent R8 Spider. And while we were somewhat expecting a basic Targa variant of the Four Ring coupe that preserved the coupe’s existing roofline, the rendering suggests that the car will in fact receive a more thorough reworking.
If the image above is correct, buyers can expect a pair of headrest fairing bubbles (with cooling vents) and abbreviated versions of the coupe’s rapidly-becoming-iconic side blades. The aforementioned design element should still be available in contrasting shades.
It’s believed that the Spider will offer the same drivetrain in the current coupe, though occupants of the topless model should be able to hear the 4.2-liter V-8 that much more clearly.
No word yet on pricing, or whether the car will offer enough storage space for the roof panel when stowed।
Honda Promises Civic Mugen Si Sedan For U.S. This Fall
America’s roads are set to get a bit more “JDM” this fall, with the announcement that Honda will market a Mugen version of its popular Civic Si sedan for 2008.
The Civic Mugen Si sedan incorporates a lowered and tightened suspension, lightweight 18-inch alloys (more than ¼ lighter than the standard Si’s 17-inch shoes) wrapped in BFGoodrich g-Force KDW summers, a less-restrictive exhaust, and of course, a full-on aero package that includes the usual “look faster” bits. Inside, the changes are limited to an aluminum Mugen gearshift knob and a special placard on the center console.
For the moment, Honda is being coy on pricing, but it has allowed that the Fiji Blue Pearl limited-edition model (1,000 units for 2008) will cost under $30,000 when it is released
2008 Honda Civic MUGEN Si Sedan Set for Fall रेलेअसे
honda announces details of factory-prepared MUGEN Civic
07/23/2007 - LEXINGTON, Ohio -
07/23/2007 - LEXINGTON, Ohio -
A factory-prepared 2008 Honda Civic MUGEN Si Sedan will debut in mid-October, American Honda Motor Co।, Inc.,
The Civic MUGEN Si Sedan is equipped with a high-performance suspension, forged aluminum wheels, aerodynamic body styling and a sport-tuned exhaust system।
“Honda enthusiasts have long been asking for factory-installed MUGEN performance products similar to what the company offers in Japan,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda। “We’re enthusiasts, too, and the ultra-premium Civic MUGEN Si Sedan offers exclusive style and elevated handling performance with legendary Honda refinement.”
The track-tuned suspension, tested at the Twin Ring Motegi racing circuit in Japan, lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches with aggressive spring and damper tuning for enhanced handling performance while still maintaining a high level of ride comfort. Compared to the conventional Civic Si Sedan, front and rear damping force (both bump and rebound) was increased between 8- and 24-percent. Lightweight 16.98-pound 18×7.5-inch forged aluminum wheels (27 percent lighter than the stock 17×7 alloy wheel) and high-grip BFGoodrich® g-Force KDW 215/40ZR18 summer tires help to create MUGEN’s unique, rewarding and well-balanced handling performance character. The full-vehicle aero-package adds a front spoiler with a sports grille, side spoilers, a rear bumper diffuser and a rear wing.
The sport exhaust system reduces back pressure from the catalytic converter back. The Civic MUGEN Si Sedan will be available exclusively in Fiji Blue Pearl and include front and rear MUGEN emblems. Inside, a MUGEN Limited Edition placard is located on the center console along with a spherical 50 mm MUGEN aluminum shift knob.
The name MUGEN symbolizes Honda performance throughout Asia and around the globe. MUGEN, under license by M-TEC Co., Ltd., of Japan, has been closely associated with Honda for more than three decades in the design and manufacture of racing and premium aftermarket performance products.
The limited-production vehicle (maximum of 1,000 units for the 2008 model year) will have a retail price of less than $30,000 when it goes on sale and include a full factory warranty. A prototype of the Honda Civic MUGEN Si was shown at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in fall 2006.
Civic MUGEN Si Sedan Specs:
Engine Type = i-VTEC DOHC 4-cylinder engine
Displacement = 2।0 liters (1998 cc)
Transmission = 6 Speed MT
Horsepower = 197 @ 7800 rpm
Torque (lb।-ft।) = 139 @ 6100 rpm
Ride Height = 5।3 inches (-0।6 inches from Civic Si Sedan)
Overall Length = 177।8 inches total (+1।1 inches from Civic Si Sedan)
Wheels: Forged GP 18×7।5 (pattern 5H-114।3 +48)
Double Double Your Excitement: The Staggering MTM TT Bimoto
What do you get by packing two turbocharged 1.8-liter inline four engines, twin DSG gearboxes, and Seat Supercopa champ Florian Gruber into an Audi TT? Well if you’re German super-tuners Motoren Technik Mayer, you get just over 244 miles per hour, flat out, in bad weather.
With engines fore and aft sending a healthy 740 horsepower to all four wheels, the fiends at MTM are targeting 400 kph (248.6 mph) for the stonking Audi. The “magic” 400 seems a reasonable goal considering yesterday’s run to 393 kph was made in less than ideal conditions, and was enough to crack top speed honors at Germany’s Papenburg test track. The trial yesterday served as a tune-up for further attempts to hit 400 kph at Italy’s Nardo racetrack, later in the year.
MTM also seems to have some interesting views on the potential of their twin engine masterpiece, claiming “Even 501 HP per four-cylinder are possible, which will be reached by a capacity enlargement to 2 liters, big turboloaders and working on the periphery।”
Toyota Ready To Test Plug-in HV Hybrid
News has emerged that Toyota’s first road-ready plug-in hybrid is set to go through development on Japan’s streets and the testing should continue in North America and Europe later this year. The “Plug-in HV” uses a combination of a gasoline engine and electric motor with a battery power source. Unlike most hybrids on the road today, including the Prius, the Plug-in HV can charge from a wall outlet (thus, plug-in).
The Associated Press story (from the Detroit Free Press) states that Toyota is “the first manufacturer to receive government approval to conduct tests for a plug-in hybrid on Japanese public roads…and will collect information about the tests from eight plug-in vehicles for the government about emissions and fuel efficiency.”
Prius sharing is obvious under the hood। The new Plug-in HV that was shown to the Japanese press had the same nickel metal hydride battery as in the Prius. On pure electric power, the new vehicle had a range of 8 miles with a top speed of 62 miles per hour. Charging time is estimated at 90 minutes at 200 volts. As a “hybrid,” using its gasoline engine, reports state that the car switched to its combustion engine with little disturbance.
Callaway C16 Speedster Set To Debut At Pebble Beach
Reeves Callaway’s eponymous sports car company has released information and images on their newest model, the Callaway C16 Speedster. The sleek open car, set to debut at Pebble Beach in August, is the third in the company’s C16 lineup, which has received a warm welcome from most of the enthusiast press over the past year. This new model is the spiritual ancestor to the 1990 Callaway Speedster and 1998 C12 Speedster and features a unique body with twin wind reflectors and extended headrests. It was designed by Paul Deutschman.
In keeping with other Callaway vehicles, the modifications are not skin deep. The C16 Speedster will feature a supercharged and intercooled small-block V-8, good for 700 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque. Zero-to-sixty times are expected to be in the low threes, with a top speed over 200 mph. Of course, each C16 starts as a Chevrolet Corvette, but the Callaway finished product is a much different animal. Further, customers can spec their vehicle to whatever exterior or interior colors they want.
Want one? You’ll have to pay dearly for it. Starting at $305,000 USD, the C16 Speedster will be available for purchase this Fall. Speedster No.1 of the series will be delivered to its new owner at Pebble Beach. WINDING ROAD will be on hand at the event with more news and information about the car and, with any luck, we’ll give the Speedster a test drive.
