Tag Archives: coupe

This Porsche 959 Prototype Is One of Very Few Surviving Examples In Existence


This Might Look Like A Production Porsche 959 At A Glance, But It Definitely Is Not

This Porsche 959 Prototype Is One of Very Few Surviving Examples In Existence Exterior - image 1018513

This Porsche 959 Prototype Is One of Very Few Surviving Examples In Existence Exterior - image 1018513

I wouldn’t criticize you if you tried to say this was a normal Porsche 959, as the body does look pretty similar to the production car. However, this isn’t the case. In fact, as if being one the few surviving examples of just 12 prototypes built didn’t make this car rare enough, it’s also one of the few that were finished in Ruby Red. The car was apparently designed specifically for electric system testing and hot weather testing on the U.S. West Coast and in Europe.

This Porsche 959 Prototype Is One of Very Few Surviving Examples In Existence Interior - image 1018506

This Porsche 959 Prototype Is One of Very Few Surviving Examples In Existence Interior - image 1018506

Still need proof that this is an authentic prototype, well that proof comes on the inside. Throughout the testing phase, several different interior layouts were installed, including one with different seats. You can find extra and disconnected electric wiring under the passenger seat along with hard mounts for the electronic testing equipment next to the rear seats. The car is also lacking power steering, ride-height control, a passenger-side mirror, alarm, windshield washer, and the fuel filler cap among other things.

Porsche 959 specifications
Engine 2849 cc Bi-turbocharged flat-6
Bore x stroke 95.0 x 67.0 mm
Compression ratio 8.3:1
Horsepower (DIN) 444 HP @ 6,500 RPM
Torque 370 LB-FT @ 5,500 RPM
Fuel delivery elect. port injection
Transmission 6-speed manual
0-60 mph 3.7 seconds
Top Speed 197 mph

This 959 Prototype’s History Is Interesting

This Porsche 959 Prototype Is One of Very Few Surviving Examples In Existence Exterior - image 1018517

This Porsche 959 Prototype Is One of Very Few Surviving Examples In Existence Exterior - image 1018517

How much do you think the asking price is?

Swipe up to learn more about it, see the full gallery, and find a link to the sale listing!

After the Porsche 969 hit the production lines, Porsche destroyed most of the other prototypes that were built alongside this one. This car, however, was imported into the U.S. in the latter half of the 1980s and was displayed like a trophy at the HQ of Vasek Polak – a Porsche importer and dealer. Sometime after that, it was shipped off to Japan for demonstrational activities before being sold to Belgium and later the United Kingdom. The car eventually made it back to its homeland of Germany, where it’s currently on sale. According to the listing, it has just 26,520 km (16,478 miles) on the odometer, but the asking price is a mystery. If you’re interested in owning a very rare care, you’ll have to contract the owner through Mechatronik to find out how much you’ll have to shell out.

Source: Mechatronik

Porsche 911 Sport Classic Caught Testing

Porsche 911 Sport Classic Caught Testing Exterior Spyshots - image 1042616

Porsche 911 Sport Classic Caught Testing Exterior Spyshots - image 1042616

Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Porsche 911 Sport Classic out for a new testing session on the public roads of Germany. As you can see the car is missing most of the camouflage which means the testing sessions are pretty much done, and all that is left is mostly fine tuning.

The prototype follows the design lines of the 911 models, but there will be a few distinctive features. First one is of course that little ducktail at the back – a signature of the Sport Classic models. The 911 Sport Classic will also feature a double bubble roof and the lines of the special hood will match perfectly the lines of the roof.

Porsche 911 Sport Classic Caught Testing Exterior Spyshots - image 1042615

Porsche 911 Sport Classic Caught Testing Exterior Spyshots - image 1042615

The only camouflage we can see on this prototype is some tape around the sides of the ducktail spoiler and in the middle of the rear light arrangement.

As for the engine, rumors suggest the 911 Sport Classic will get the same engine as the 911 GTS: a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six that delivers 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.

Rumors suggest Porsche will only build 2,000 units of the 911 Sport Classic.

Here’s Your First Look At The 2022 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren HDK


His post says: “Ooh what is this for??? I could not possibly say… look out 2022.” Which means of course that the new SLR McLaren will make its world debut sometime next year.

For the moment we have very limited information on the new SLR McLaren, but rumors suggest it will be called HDK – High Downforce Kit. Previous rumors suggested Mercedes will build a total of 12 units, but Khoshbin’s post suggest his car will be a “one-off.” So, it is very possible that all those 12 units will be tailored to each customer’s personal taste.

Here's Your First Look At The 2022 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren HDK - image 1042625

Here's Your First Look At The 2022 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren HDK - image 1042625

The scale model posted by Khoshbin reveals an aggressive look, with a vented hood, a massive rear wing, a large rear diffuser, bulkier side skirts, and a single-exit exhaust pipe on each side. In fact it looks quite a lot with the SLR 722 GT – the car on which rumors suggest it will be based on. If so, expect the SLR HDK to deliver more than 617 horsepower – the power of the SLR 722 GT.

One thing is for sure, all 12 units were spoken for, so there is no hope you could get one.

Source: thesupercarblog

Ex-Ferrari, McLaren, and Maserati Designer Creates the Best GTA V Car Ever Designed


Overview

Ex-Ferrari, McLaren, and Maserati Designer Creates the Best GTA V Car Ever Designed - image 1023655

Ex-Ferrari, McLaren, and Maserati Designer Creates the Best GTA V Car Ever Designed - image 1023655

Frank Stephenson can be credited with designing some of the most iconic cars of modern times

When discussing the design of the automobiles featured in the game, Stephenson stated that most of the cars featured are more often than not, a blend of two popular cars. This is done to avoid Rockstar from being sued.

The Premise for the Design

Ex-Ferrari, McLaren, and Maserati Designer Creates the Best GTA V Car Ever Designed - image 1023660

Ex-Ferrari, McLaren, and Maserati Designer Creates the Best GTA V Car Ever Designed - image 1023660

Next, he sketched out the car from the front 3/4 angle

With his latest creation, Frank took design elements from not two, three, or even four cars. The final design that Stephenson has come up with takes inspiration from six of his most memorable cars, including the likes of the Maserati MC12, Ferrari F430, Ferrari FXX, McLaren P1, Ford Escort Cosworth, and the Mini Cooper.

Ex-Ferrari, McLaren, and Maserati Designer Creates the Best GTA V Car Ever Designed - image 1023656

Ex-Ferrari, McLaren, and Maserati Designer Creates the Best GTA V Car Ever Designed - image 1023656

While most game cars take inspiration from one or two models, Frank much further with Frankenstein, which drew inspiration from six of his most successful designs of all time

As with any of Stephenson’s designs, he began by sketching the vehicle’s side profile on a sheet of paper. He then proceeded to draw the car from the front three-quarter angle. This is where you can really begin to see the car take shape. Stephenson then goes on to sketch the lines of the car from the rear three-quarters. The final bit was to transform these sketches into 3D.

The End Result

Ex-Ferrari, McLaren, and Maserati Designer Creates the Best GTA V Car Ever Designed - image 1023666

Ex-Ferrari, McLaren, and Maserati Designer Creates the Best GTA V Car Ever Designed - image 1023666

Behold, the Frankenstein is finally here

And with that his creation was ready. Stephenson’s car is dubbed “Frankenstein,” and to say that it is eye-catching would be an understatement. It has the same dimensions as the MC12 and a front fascia that is reminiscent of the Trident sports car and the Ferrari F430. The side profile and cockpit shape resemble the McLaren P1 and 12C.

Ex-Ferrari, McLaren, and Maserati Designer Creates the Best GTA V Car Ever Designed - image 1023672

Ex-Ferrari, McLaren, and Maserati Designer Creates the Best GTA V Car Ever Designed - image 1023672

So overall, Frankenstein is a stellar effort by Frank Stephenson. He has made the files of the car available for anyone to download and tinker with. We cant wait to see what people do with it. Swipe Up to Read More

The top view of Frankenstein is especially stunning because it shows off the car’s width, especially around the back. The tail end is equally bold and purposeful with several components being shared with the likes of the FXX, and the Escort Cosworth. They include elements like the exhaust units, the taillights, and those exaggerated wings and spoilers.

Conclusion

Ex-Ferrari, McLaren, and Maserati Designer Creates the Best GTA V Car Ever Designed - image 1023662

Ex-Ferrari, McLaren, and Maserati Designer Creates the Best GTA V Car Ever Designed - image 1023662

Upon numerous requests from purists and fans alike, he has now created a one-off mock-up of a car dubbed the ’Frankenstein’ for GTA V

In the end, Stephenson adds that one of the reasons he stopped designing supercars and hypercars was because not many people actually got to enjoy his creations. But now with Frankenstein, he is actually making the digital files available for the public to download and play around with the design of the car themselves.

Check out Frank’s entire design process of Frankenstein in the video below

Source: Motor1

Porsche Mission R Concept


Overview

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Exterior - image 1014905

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Exterior - image 1014905

Porsche claims that they are indeed the most successful brand in customer motorsport, with 30 one-make cups globally, over 4,400 911-based Cup cars manufactured to date, with 31 years of Carrera Cup racing in Germany. As a result, the folks at Zuffenhausen and Weissach are probably wondering as to what the future of customer racing using pure EV’s looks like.

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Exterior - image 1014907

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Exterior - image 1014907

The German brand clearly isn’t satisfied with Formula E. They are hence already looking ahead with the Mission R, which – on paper – looks like an electric 911 GT3 Cup car.

The Mission R could in fact go on to become the centerpiece of the Porsche single-brand cups in the not-too-distant future. The car embodies everything that makes Porsche what it is; They include attributes like Performance, Design, and in keeping with the times, Sustainability.

Bodywork with a focus on Sustainability

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Exterior - image 1014909

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Exterior - image 1014909

Upon first appearance, the concept resembles the very successful Le Mans 919 racer, although with a far more gracious-looking front and a rather stubby back. The rudiments of the Cayman floor unit are hidden under the shell. The car is 14’ long, which makes it shorter than the 718. A width of 6’6”, on the other hand, is notably more, while its height of 3’11″ is considerably lower than that car. The Mission R incorporates the most recent advances in active aerodynamics, both in the front and in the back, where a massive, two-section movable spoiler resides. The Mission R also features Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) with Drag Reduction System (DRS) on the nose section as well as that giant rear wing.

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Exterior - image 1014902

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Exterior - image 1014902

Through the domed roof, a carbon-fiber superstructure visible from the outside may be viewed.

Instead of fitting a separate roll cage, this construction by itself acts as a supporting and load-bearing structure. Not only is it visually appealing, but it is also lightweight and stable, with room for an emergency exit hatch for the driver.

This robust structure also has a roof, which Porsche refers to as an exoskeleton. On top of that, body panels composed primarily of Natural Fiber Reinforced plastic (NFK) are used. Porsche uses the same material for the front splitter, diffuser, and side skirts.

“Porsche is the brand for people who fulfill their dreams. This is also true in motorsports. We experience our innovative strength on the race track, demonstrate courage in pursuing new avenues and delight car owners with sporting performance,” says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG.

A sporty Bespoke Racing Cockpit

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Interior - image 1014911

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Interior - image 1014911

Porsche uses NFK On the inside, as well. The material is used to make the inside door scales, the rear bulkhead, and the seat, among other things. When it comes to the interior, the driver is the focal point. All controls are easily accessible to the driver.

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Interior - image 1014912

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Interior - image 1014912

The cockpit is influenced by cars used in gaming simulators. A helmet holder is also in place to dry and cool the driver’s helmet using the onboard air conditioning. The car features a steering wheel that incorporates the main information screen and is linked with another unit positioned behind, which complements the first one by showing the image from the rearview cameras. A third screen, to the right of the seat, displays the driver’s biometric information.

“In addition to our involvement in the Formula E World Championship, we are now taking the next big step forward in electric mobility. The concept study is our vision of all-electric customer motorsports. The Mission R embodies everything that makes Porsche strong: performance, design and sustainability.”

The Powertrain

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Exterior - image 1014914

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Exterior - image 1014914

The Mission R features two electric motors. The motors are derived from the Taycan, but they were further improved for motorsport to the point that they are now virtually separate designs. It comes as no surprise that Mission R’s electric drivetrain exceeds 1,000 horsepower. Two motors, one on each axle, that produces 430 horsepower at the front and 644 horsepower at the rear. The race car’s standard continuous power output remains 671 horsepower. (This is nearly the same as the upcoming hybrid LMDh Le Mans car). While in qualifying mode, the two motors produce1085 horsepower. A Four-wheel drive system transfers tractive force to the tarmac.

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Exterior - image 1014917

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Exterior - image 1014917

Porsche has also worked on the weight distribution. The battery pack is situated ahead of the rear axle, as opposed to the Taycan. Porsche refers to this as the e-core arrangement. This layout implies that the Mission R has driving characteristics similar to those of a mid-engine racer. The Mission R’s permanently excited synchronous motors have stators that are directly tempered with oil as a coolant. Speaking of cost savings, the Mission R does away without the Taycan’s two-speed transmission; acceleration from a standstill isn’t very important in customer motorsports. Also, there’s no limit to the power that drives with only one gear. The transmission and pulse inverter on both the front and rear drives are designed identically, saving both parts and money.

Blistering Performance

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Exterior - image 1014916

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Exterior - image 1014916

The Mission R will be able to sprint from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and reach speeds of over 187 mph.

The cells of the 80 kWh battery are also oil-cooled. Unlike in a typical electric motor where the coolant goes through a jacket outside the stator, the oil in direct cooling flows straight along the copper windings. More heat can be dispersed directly at the source as a result of this.

They run at 900 volts, which helps explain why the batteries can be charged from 5% to 80% in under 15 minutes during racing. Charging can be done at a rate of up to 340 kW. Such a short recharge time will enable the Mission R to confront a race weekend with free practice, qualifying, and the race without having to worry about range.

Conclusion

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Exterior - image 1014918

2021 Porsche Mission R Concept Exterior - image 1014918

How exactly will motorsports evolve in the future? And how will interfaces withE-Motorsports change over time?. How plausible is this vision? Well, Porsche thinks they have an idea about where motorsports and the industry is headed.

Without a doubt, Porsche will be ready with an order book at the IAA in Munich and at the Porsche Motorsport desks. The maker has not yet stated when a probable manufacturing model will be available, but our guess would be somewhere between 2025 -2026.

You can watch Porsche reveal the Mission R below:

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior - image 1009103

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior - image 1009103

The Countach drew polarizing opinions as it was missed out on many components that were synonymous with the old model, like the missing rear wing, the massive fender flares, and the pop-up headlights. Despite this, it looks pretty darn cool overall. Not to mention, we did get the flat nose, the wedge shape, the NACA air ducts, and of course, the scissor doors! It also comes with a 6.5-liter, naturally aspirated V-12 hybrid engine that makes 803 horses and 557 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to these specs, the new Countach can sprint to 60 mph from rest in 2.8 seconds and keep going all the way up to 221 mph.

Lamborghini decided to limit the production to 112 examples – homage to the LP-112 prototype – and priced it at $2.6 million a pop. It may be hard to believe, but all the 112 examples are reportedly sold out! Pretty cool, huh?

If you were a Countach fan back in the day, then I’m sure you had its poster on your wall at some point. But, with the advent of technology, we can now make it our wallpaper with the click of a button. So, here are some of the best 2022 Countach images that are worthy enough to become your wallpaper. Let’s savor it, shall we?

2021 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 specifications
Engine 6.5-Liter V12, naturally aspirated
Motor Single Electric, 34 horsepower
Battery Supercapacitor, 48-Volt
Combined Output 803 Horsepower
Combined torque 557 Pound-Feet
Transmission 7-Speed Dry Double Plate Clutch Automated Manual
0 to 60 mph 2.8 Seconds
Top Speed 221 mph

2022 Lamborghini Countach Wallpapers

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior Wallpaper quality - image 1009060

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior Wallpaper quality - image 1009060

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior - image 1009058

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior - image 1009058

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior - image 1009057

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior - image 1009057

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior - image 1009101

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior - image 1009101

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior Wallpaper quality - image 1009053

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior Wallpaper quality - image 1009053

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior Wallpaper quality - image 1009062

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior Wallpaper quality - image 1009062

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior - image 1009066

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior - image 1009066

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior Wallpaper quality - image 1009064

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior Wallpaper quality - image 1009064

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy - image 1009131

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy - image 1009131

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior - image 1009096

These Cool Images Of The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Are Wallpaper-Worthy Exterior - image 1009096

Check out the gallery for more such images!

The 5,000-HP Devel 16 Is Alive And Testing, And Boy Does It Sound Brutal


Overview

The 5,000-HP Devel 16 Is Alive And Testing, And Boy Does It Sound Brutal - image 1006988

The 5,000-HP Devel 16 Is Alive And Testing, And Boy Does It Sound Brutal - image 1006988

Does Devel Sixteen still ring any bells? Well, that’s the nickname of this missile on wheels, which is made by Devel Motors based in Dubai. They claim that it would become the world’s most powerful road-going hypercar.

That might be pushing it, but when it comes to this collection of automotive superlatives, the numbers speak for themselves. The Devel features a 16-cylinder 12.3-liter engine that produces a colossal 5007 horsepower and tops out at a whopping 348 mph. With such outrageous numbers, I guess they have a point.

The Test Run

The 5,000-HP Devel 16 Is Alive And Testing, And Boy Does It Sound Brutal - image 1006989

The 5,000-HP Devel 16 Is Alive And Testing, And Boy Does It Sound Brutal - image 1006989

With a name that aptly describes this beast, the Devel Sixteen has rarely been spotted. But we got lucky as a video has now surfaced online of the hypercar built in Dubai. In the video, the car can be seen with its engine running and wheels rolling. It comes courtesy of one of its creators, Rashid Al-Attar, who put it up on his Instagram channel, while the Devel was undergoing a trial run in Italy.

From the video, it looks like the Devel Sixteen is still a long way from being delivered to a customer. But we aren’t complaining because the video at least gave us a chance to hear that V-16 naturally aspirated engine.

Performance

The 5,000-HP Devel 16 Is Alive And Testing, And Boy Does It Sound Brutal - image 1006991

The 5,000-HP Devel 16 Is Alive And Testing, And Boy Does It Sound Brutal - image 1006991

With a massive 12.3-liter V-16 engine and a claimed output of 5007 horsepower and 3757 pound-feet of torque, the Devel Sixteen is predicted to get from 0 to 60 mph in less than two seconds.

Devel Sixteen specifications
Engine/Powertrain: 12.3-liter quad-turbo V-16 engine
Horsepower: 5,007 horsepower
Torque: 3,757 pound-feet
0 to 60 MPH: 1.8 seconds
Top speed: 348 mph

Obviously, this hypercar still has a lot to prove, but if it lives up to its promises, many current hypercars from the likes of Bugatti, Koenigsegg, or even Rimac will have to work hard to keep up with the Devel. It’s no walk in the park to develop so much power from an engine, even if it has 16 cylinders. The Devel will also have to contend with the increasingly stringent anti-emission regulations which are coming into force.

To Sum it Up

When exactly will we see the Devel Sixteen’s final version? Well that’s the million-dollar question isn’t it: Because, since 2008 (the year that the Devil made its debut), there have been numerous issues, ranging from engine reliability to aerodynamic refinement. Regardless, this video does look promising to the few customers who have ordered it. At least we know for a fact the car is actually underway. Watch this space.

Yamaha OX99-11: The Formula One Powered Supecar Designed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer


It was inspired by Formula One and Group C racing

The Yamaha OX99-11 may have been conceived in 1992, but it all started in 1989 when Yamaha started competing in Formula One as an engine supplier. It’s then that the idea of a money-no-object Yamaha supercar came to be. Moreover, the car needed to be based on actual F1 technology, even though Yamaha was doing poorly in motorsports.

Named after its engine

Yamaha OX99-11: The Formula One Powered Supecar Designed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer - image 1004124

Yamaha OX99-11: The Formula One Powered Supecar Designed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer - image 1004124

In 1991, Yamaha developed a Formula One engine called the OX99. It was a 3.5-liter, 72-degree, 60-valve, V-12 unit capable of around 560 horsepower and well over 10,000 RPM in race trim.

For the road-going Yamaha OX99, the engine developed 400 horsepower (298 kilowatts) at 10,000 RPM and 210 pound-feet (285 Nm). This allowed the 2,535-pound (1,150 kg) V-12 Yamaha to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in just 3.2 seconds and get up to 217 mph (350 km/h). The V-12 engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

Fun fact: some people believed that the V-12 had something in common with the one used in the Bugatti EB110, as it had similar displacement and the same V-12 layout. The difference of course was that while the Yamaha unit was normally aspirated, the one used by Bugatti had a quad-turbo setup. Of course, the two engines didn’t share a single component. Essentially, it was a road car, powered by a Formula One-derived engine, similar to what they did with the Ferrari F50 and, more recently, the Mercedes AMG One. The difference is that Yamaha’s V-12 was much more restricted in its road-going form.

Yamaha wasn’t pleased with the initial design

Yamaha OX99-11: The Formula One Powered Supecar Designed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer - image 1004127

Yamaha OX99-11: The Formula One Powered Supecar Designed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer - image 1004127

Yamaha first approached a German company to design the body. However, the end result was deemed to be too mainstream, as it looked like most other supercars of that era. Yamaha’s subsidiary – Ypsilon Technology – then contracted IAD (International Automotive Design) for the task. The car ended up with an aluminum body, designed by Takuya Yura. The whole car was underpinned by a carbon-fiber chassis. The suspension was double-wishbone all around. The Yamaha OX99-11 featured a staggered set of tires, which were 245/40R17 front and 315/35R17 rear.

It had two tandem seats

Yamaha OX99-11: The Formula One Powered Supecar Designed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer - image 1004134

Yamaha OX99-11: The Formula One Powered Supecar Designed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer - image 1004134

Yes, the Yamaha 0X99-11 was a two-seater, but not in the traditional sense.

Yamaha wanted a two-seater but also wanted something closer to home (they normally make motorcycles), so a second seat was added just behind the driver.

The tandem arrangement was one of the reasons why the Yamaha OX99-11 looked like a hybrid between a Formula One car and a Group C racer. This also allowed the mid-engine Yamaha to retain a central driving position, just like the McLaren F1.

The OX99-11 did not have doors

Yamaha OX99-11: The Formula One Powered Supecar Designed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer - image 1004125

Yamaha OX99-11: The Formula One Powered Supecar Designed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer - image 1004125

At least not in the traditional sense. Because of the tandem seating arrangement, the car featured a canopy. The whole thing was glass, just like in a jet-fighter. To gain access to the interior, you have to open it from the left side.

The final product was rushed

Yamaha OX99-11: The Formula One Powered Supecar Designed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer - image 1004130

Yamaha OX99-11: The Formula One Powered Supecar Designed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer - image 1004130

This was mostly due to disagreements between IAD and Yamaha in regard to the development budget, which happened sometime in late 1991. This resulted in Yamaha transferring the entire project to its subsidiary, Ypsilon Technologies. Yamaha gave them six months to sort things out with the project, otherwise, it would be terminated.

Very few ended up being made

Yamaha OX99-11: The Formula One Powered Supecar Designed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer - image 1004133

Yamaha OX99-11: The Formula One Powered Supecar Designed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer - image 1004133

The Yamaha OX99-11 eventually took final form, in 1992. However, only three units were produced.

In terms of specifications, the cars were completely identical, only differing in the exterior finish. One was bright red, another was black, and the third was dark green. That said, because the project was rushed, even those three were technically functional prototype vehicles. At least two of the three cars are believed to have been bought by collectors and have exchanged hands a couple of times, while one of them could still be in Yamaha’s possession.

Yamaha wanted to put a steep price tag on it

Yamaha OX99-11: The Formula One Powered Supecar Designed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer - image 1004124

Yamaha OX99-11: The Formula One Powered Supecar Designed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer - image 1004124

The Yamaha OX99-11 reportedly had an expected price of around $800,000, which in 2021 equates to over $1.53 million – an enormous amount of money, considering the manufacturer lacks a previous history of making supercars. To put things in perspective, back in those days, the McLaren F1 cost $815,000. Not to mention the much more affordable (in comparison) $350,000 Bugatti EB110 or the $239,000 Lamborghini Diablo – all of which great supercars with heritage.

Moreover, a mid-engine V-12 Yamaha supercar would never have had the same recognition as, let’s say Lamborghini, Bugatti, or McLaren. Strangely enough, it would probably make it today, as many startup manufacturers are giving established ones a run for their money.

In the end, the Yamaha OX99-11 had a bad timing

Yamaha OX99-11: The Formula One Powered Supecar Designed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer - image 1004129

Yamaha OX99-11: The Formula One Powered Supecar Designed by a Motorcycle Manufacturer - image 1004129

The Yamaha OX99-11 was a product of the early 1990s. At that time, Japan’s economy was in a deep recession. Corporate investments dropped by a whopping 22 percent, so people weren’t exactly in a rush to get their hands on an exclusive, six-figure, V-12 supercar, especially from a manufacturer that doesn’t have much experience in making such. The project was delayed until 1994 before Yamaha pulled the plug on it.

That said, the Yamaha OX99-11 would have succeeded in our time, as nowadays, it is much more acceptable for companies to branch out into making exclusive vehicles. Moreover, Yamaha has proven itself by designing capable and great-sounding performance engines for various carmakers. In addition, the OX99-11’s minimalistic, yet uncompromising approach to performance could have spelled big trouble for modern-day supercars. With that being said, the OX99-11 would make much more sense now than it did back then. Sadly, we may never know.

GM Greed: No Assistance To Aftermarket Tuners Trying to Crack Open the C8 Corvette


GM Doesn’t Want You To Tune the C8 Corvette

GM Greed: No Assistance To Aftermarket Tuners Trying to Crack Open the C8 Corvette Drivetrain - image 965795

GM Greed: No Assistance To Aftermarket Tuners Trying to Crack Open the C8 Corvette Drivetrain - image 965795

Back in 2019, before the C8 Corvette was officially launched, we learned that not even Hennessey would be able to tune the C8 Corvette because of its encrypted ECU. Needless to say, the aftermarket world has tried its best to work with GM to get access to the ECU or manage to break through its security, but so far nothing has really worked.

Now we’ve learned that GM isn’t interested in helping aftermarket companies at all, with exception of Callaway, and only then to a minor extent.

This latest news comes via Muscle Cars & Trucks, which had a sit down with the Corvettes Executive Chief Engineer, Tadge Juecther. In short, GM has went overboard in terms of its cybersecurity measures between the Global B electrical architecture and the C8’s ECU. In short, and as MC&T put it, “Engine tuning [the C8] is nearly impossible without running a ton of aftermarket computers in tandem with the factory ECU – otherwise known as a “piggyback”. The process isn’t exactly without serious compromises, either, often involving a rats nest of wires, and major drivability issues.”

GM Greed: No Assistance To Aftermarket Tuners Trying to Crack Open the C8 Corvette Exterior - image 965777

GM Greed: No Assistance To Aftermarket Tuners Trying to Crack Open the C8 Corvette Exterior - image 965777

According to Juecther, “our business model doesn’t really cater to the aftermarket, we have to do all the things internally between Corvette just like any other General Motors product. Our desire is to make the car as hack proof as possible to protect our customers.”

From this point on, it was pretty much Juecther going on and on about protecting customers and preventing hackers from taking over your car. When asked if GM would at least help a select group of tuners with the C8 Corvette, his answer was disheartening at best. “The answer is essentially no. We’re not going to give everybody kiers to the backdoor into our modules to do whatever they want. We think the best will figure it out.”

GM Greed: No Assistance To Aftermarket Tuners Trying to Crack Open the C8 Corvette Exterior - image 965773

GM Greed: No Assistance To Aftermarket Tuners Trying to Crack Open the C8 Corvette Exterior - image 965773

At this point, most of the report sounds like little more than what GM’s legal department has drafted up for Juecther. From the outside, it seems that GM would rather force customers to buy more expensive C8s that will be available down the road or take advantage of any performance upgrades eventually offered through Chevy. Either way, if you own a C8 Corvette, don’t expect any tuners to be able to do much for you anytime in the near future, and you can thank GM for that.

Source: Muscle Cars & Trucks

2021 Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak Is A 750 HP Monster

Bentley’s Continental GT3 Pikes Peak racer is now in final preparations for the world’s most demanding and famous hill climb competition, having completed three dynamic test sessions and renewable fuel engine development.

The most extreme road-going Bentley ever built, the car represents another strand of Bentley’s ambitious and transformational Beyond100 programme, which will see the brand become the world’s leading sustainable luxury mobility company.

For its assault on Pikes Peak on 27 June, the car will run on renewable fuel, initiating a research and development programme that aims to offer renewable fuels to Bentley customers in parallel to Bentley’s electrification programme. This two-strand strategy is set to maximise the pace of Bentley’s progress towards outright carbon neutrality, as part of its Beyond100 journey.

Continental GT3 Pikes Peak – Technical Details

With the start line at 9,300 ft, the course climbs to 14,100 ft – where the air is a third less dense than at sea level. This environment means that the Continental GT3 Pikes Peak features modifications to its aerodynamics package, its chassis and its engine, turning it into the most extreme iteration of a Continental GT – or indeed any Bentley road car – ever.

The engine – based on Bentley’s race-proven version of its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 road car engine – has been thoroughly reworked to generate more than 750 bhp and 1,000 Nm at sea level for testing – and the engine will run even higher power levels for the race itself New pistons and conrods are installed to turn additional boost pressure (over 2.2 bar) into power, having to handle an increased dynamic pressure ratio. The carbon fibre intake manifold is thicker and reinforced versus the standard item, for the same reason. Custom, one-off Inconel exhaust manifolds have been 3D-printed via laser sintering by Akrapovič, and lead to larger turbos paired with external wastegates, venting into very short exhausts and dedicated screamer pipes that exit behind the front wheels.

The engine runs on 98RON Renewable Racing Fuel. The fuel is a dedicated blend of advanced biofuels specifically designed for motorsport, and is a technological stepping stone to sustainably-created eFuel with a greenhouse gas reduction of up to 85 per cent.

The high performance engine places additional demands on the cooling system, and for Pikes Peak the engineering team have developed a secondary cooling system that’s installed at the back of the car. Air scoops replace the rear windows, and channel air through a secondary radiator that exhausts through ducts in the boot lid. The system runs via a dedicated secondary water pump.

The gearbox is Bentley’s standard racing unit, already designed to handle the torque loads involved, but rear driveshaft diameter has been increased to provide additional durability. The gearbox runs a specially-formulated lubricant created specifically for the car by Mobil1, who have also supplied high-performance oil for the engine.

The chassis has been set up and tuned to suit the specific nature of the Pikes Pikes course. Both front and rear axles run significantly reduced camber to the standard Continental GT3 setup, focusing the car on low-speed cornering performance. The softest springs and anti-roll bars from Bentley’s range have been fitted, to allow more movement in the body and so maximise weight transfer for braking. The brakes themselves are water-cooled, to handle the increased loads that an all-out attack on the course will bring.

The aerodynamic modifications sees a 30 per cent increase in overall downforce at sea level, while maintaining the standard car’s aerodynamic front / rear balance – validated during the first track sessions. The biggest rear wing ever fitted to a Bentley dominates the rear of the car, sitting above a highly efficient rear diffuser that surrounds the transaxle gearbox. To maintain the aerodynamic balance front-to-rear, these devices are paired with a comprehensive front-end aerodynamic package comprising a two-plane front splitter flanked by separate dive planes. The majority of these parts were made with carbon nylon filament using rapid prototype, additive manufacturing techniques at the Bentley factory in Crewe.

The car is now resplendent in its race livery, which combines the black-and-gold theme of Roger Clark Motorsport (that runs the car in the UK) with Bentley’s instantly-recognisable Pikes Peak mountain graphic that featured on the Pikes Peak variants of the Bentayga and Continental GT.

An Extraordinary Team for a Triple Crown Attempt

Bentley’s pinnacle Pikes Peak project – its bid for the third and final part of a triple crown – is being run in conjunction with British Continental GT3 customer team Fastr, who have successfully campaigned their Bentley race car in time attack competitions across the country. Technical teams from Bentley and Fastr have worked together with specialists from M-Sport in Cumbria to extract the maximum possible performance from the Continental GT3 package, which will be run in Colorado by the same team.

Two parallel testing programmes have yielded promising results over recent weeks. On arrival in the USA, the Continental GT3 Pikes Peak was immediately put through its paces with two chassis set-up development tests at Willow Springs. High altitude testing then took place in Aspen, Colorado, focusing on engine performance and calibration. Meanwhile, back at the base of M-Sport in Cumbria, a development engine has been running on a high-load test bed, evaluating the performance of the renewable fuel selected by Bentley for the event – with powerful, reliable results.

To break the record, the car will have to complete the nearly 5,000 ft climb, which includes 156 corners, at an average speed of more than 78 mph to cross the finish line in less than nine minutes and 36 seconds. Three-time Pikes Peak champion and former “King of the Mountain’ Rhys Millen (NZ) returns to drive, having captured Bentley’s two existing Pikes Peak records – the Production SUV record attained in 2018 with a Bentayga W12, and the outright Production Car record scored in 2019 with a Continental GT.

The Continental GT3 Pikes Peak continues its final testing and development activities over the next two weeks, ahead of the 99th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on 27 June.