Latest AutoArt releases

Some photos to show of the latest from AutoArt, and a surprise this time with a pair of Norton 1/12 motorcycles...they sure look great!

Volkswagen Passat R GT Concept

The dream of every high-performance tuner is access to the best, most durable, precise components; intelligent and adaptable control systems; and progressive, appealing styling.

It’s the dream of every high-performance tuner to transform that excellence into the extraordinary, to create exhilarating answers to the question, “What if…?”

Volkswagen shares this drive to push the dynamic and aesthetic boundaries of its vehicles. The vast network of engineers and designers within VW’s worldwide reach never need to be urged to challenge conventional wisdom, and this philosophy is reflected not only in the unique character of VW’s production vehicles, it’s also fully displayed in a stunning ultra-high-performance Passat R GT built for SEMA 2005 in combination with HPA Motorsports.

The Passat R GT is not just flights of fancy branding. The badging on this one-off tells a story of advanced platforms enriched with strategic applications of factory and aftermarket expertise.

The Passat R GT was born from a European-spec 2006 Passat 3.2 V6 FSI with DSG transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. A rewarding runner in its own right, the European Passat 3.2’s powerful engine, world-beating transmission and all-wheel grip provide an excellent basis for a SEMA special. The mechanical transformation by HPA resulted in dynamics that launch the Passat R GT into supercar dimensions, and its sleek, entirely modern bodywork was given the muscular look of a highly toned European high-performance sedan by Volkswagen designers.

Modifications begin with a twin-turbo conversion package that features dual exhaust manifolds, each carrying a Garrett GT25R ball-bearing turbocharger. Charge cooling is optimized by twin intercoolers, and the exhaust gases pass through a quad bypass emissions system that retains the stock catalytic converters. It boasts an extraordinary output of 575 horsepower and massive torque to match.

The Passat R GT's track-prepped chassis is suspended by a KW Variant 3-way coil-over racing setup, and the required upgraded braking is supplied by the Brembo-supplied system available on the Phaeton. The Passat R GT rides on the same high-performance Michelin radials as fitted to the Jetta R GT, as well as the forged-aluminum Avus alloy wheels. HPA also modified the DSG gearbox for more revs between each upshift to match the engine’s increased output.

Volkswagen’s California design studio chose gleaming candy white paint to clothe the modified bodywork, consisting of new front and rear bumper fascias and side rocker panels. Contrasting black leather cloaks the interior, offset by touches of white piano lacquer trim, a white Apple iPod module up front and a white Sony PSP in the rear. Of course, befitting a car that can cross Europe in hours, it features VW’s highest-quality sound system and full navigation.

Volkswagen Golf GTI by Abt

It’s THE cult object: Since generations the VW Golf GTI thrills all fans of aggressive, sporty but still affordable cars. At the same time of delivery of the first models in November, as world-wide leading tuner for vehicles of the Volkswagen group, Abt Sportsline presents its version of the timeless original at the Essen Motor Show 04: additional power, greater aggressiveness, even more sportiness.

“Anybody driving a Golf GTI has nothing to explain.” This is an advertisement slogan for the latest baby from Wolfsburg. But this will hardly apply for drivers of the Golf GTI by Abt. When stopping at a motorway service area they will have to provide information to nosy observers about the origin of the super sports car from Kempten. Because already at first glance the origin becomes clear – a complete body kit inclusive front spoiler lip manufactured in carbon fibre, side skirts, rear skirt and a rear muffler with four chrome end pipes make sure of this.

Under the body shell – the bonnet of the exhibition vehicle in Essen is made of carbon fibre – the handwriting of the engineers and designers from Kempten continues: the power of the innately fast 2.0T FSI power unit increases to 230 bhp (147 to 170 kW) after the power cure and inherits snappy propulsion with 229 lb-ft. So that it doesn’t all only run smoothly in forward motion, the Golf GTI by Abt is equipped with an Abt sport brake system.

The Abt sport suspension kit which is not only adjustable in height but also in rebound and pressure makes sure of optimal road holding on Europe’s motor ways. So therefore the Golf GTI by Abt is optimally equipped and prepared for every challenge on the roads. The awarded Abt sport wheels SP1 in the size 8.5 x 19 inch with corresponding tires of partner Dunlop ensure perfect contact between technology and asphalt.

The responsible persons at Abt Sportsline deal with power and sportiness in the same way as they go about setting further discreet optical exclamation marks on their new top sports car: the marked Abt logo is positioned on the steering wheel and on the rear, also the Recaro sport seats and the GTI floor mats in the interior are provided with the three letters.

One detail which is presented in Essen for the first time, for sure will be topic of conversation – not only when meeting on motor ways: Abt Sportsline has developed swing doors for its version of the GTI. A connection to motor sport where the motor sport team from Kempten once again presented itself as one of the most successful German teams in the current season: For the first time the Bavarians clinched the team title in the DTM.

Volkswagen R32 Stage II by HPA Motorsports

HPA Motorsports from Canada offers two street-able packages for the VW R32.

Stage I

The R32 factory engineers have beefed up clutch components, enlarged the exhaust diameters, throttle bodies and the valve train over previous 24v configurations. With this in mind, HPA Motorsports designed Stage 1 system to retain the stock catalytic converters, clutch assembly and exhaust system.

Fully upgradeable, the stage I offers a driving sensation associated with most exotics without the exotics price.

Component list:

• 1 bar (14.5 psi) boost
• 2 Hybrid KKK K04 turbochargers with oversized exhaust housings
• Velocity tuned HGP Exhaust Manifolds
• Twin 52 mm Down pipes
• Compression reducing head plate (8.0:1)
• Hi-Flow HGP cast aluminum Intake Manifold
• Dual Side mount intercoolers
• Proprietary Silicon Boost piping
• Proprietary Hi-Flow formed Silicon and Stainless piping
• Hi flow fuel injectors
• Hi-Flow Mass Airflow sensor
• Hi-Flow secondary fuel pump
• Re-tuned factory ECU
• Proprietary Electronic boost controller

Price: $24,000
Install: $2,500

Stage II

Building on the components used in the Stage I, Stage II grows the performance figures outside the believable realm. Tested on pump gas, Motortrend pealed off a 3.2 seconds 0-60 mph and an 11.4 seconds 1 mile. Being able to launch the R32 at nearly 6000RPM requires HPA Motorsports' special dual ceramic clutch and the motor breaths through a sensational 3.5” exhaust system. HPA Motorsports' Race catalytic converters break down the exhaust gases, while race grade connecting rod bearings ensure the longevity of the bottom end.

Component list (plus all Stage I components):

• 1.3 bar (19 psi) boost
• Upgraded 70 mm Down pipes
• Twin Hi-Flow Race Grade Catalytic converters
• 3.5” (88mm) Exhaust system with Special secondary bypass valve
• Proprietary Race Grade connecting rod Bearings
• Upgraded ECU program
• Upgraded fuel pressure regulator
• Choice of dual ceramic or Super sport clutch and flywheel assembly

Price: $35,900
Install: $3,500

A 600 bhp Stage III version is also available.

Subaru Impreza WRC Concept 2007

Petter Solberg unveiled the new Subaru Impreza WRC concept on the first media day of the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. Scheduled to commence WRC testing towards the end of 2007, the car represents a fundamentally new approach to the Impreza.

Richard Taylor, Subaru World Rally Team managing director, commented: "We are on schedule with development of the 2008 car and the first body shell will be completed within a matter of weeks. We aim to be running the car in the last quarter of this year, and its competitive debut will be decided by the progress of testing and also that of the current car."

Nissan Micra R Concept

Meet the Nissan Micra R, a 150 mph hot hatch that proves the new Micra really is quite unlike anything else on the road.

From bonnet to boot the R is unlike any Nissan Micra ever produced. For a start you won’t be able to lift the lid on its remarkable performance by looking under the bonnet; all you’ll see is a radiator and fuel tank. And you won’t be able to carry anything on the back seats or in the boot because that’s where a 265 bhp fully race-prepared engine sits.

While maintaining the distinct shape and friendly persona of the standard Micra, the R has the squat stance and purposeful poise of a sporting thoroughbred along with performance that matches its looks. There’s a 0-60 mph time of under five seconds and a top speed in excess of 150 mph.

Inside, the stripped racing car-style cockpit features sculpted Sabelt racing seats, five-point safety harnesses and the kind of touches you’d expect in any competition car such as a visible engine Electronic Control Unit, prominent fire extinguisher and hi-tech digital dash display.

But this is no Sunday fun car. It might be strictly a one-off, designed and built with performance driving in mind, but it can be everyday transport too. Chief designer Christopher Reitz added: "It’s very easy to build a £500,000 car if you’re doing everything from scratch. We wanted to do something that was a dream car but that you didn’t have to win the lottery to able to afford. Take the example of the Mini Cooper S in the Sixties. It was a successful competition car but it wasn’t too expensive if you wanted to own one."

Affordable it might be but one thing’s certain: it won’t just be hot-hatch owners who will be drooling with envy; the Micra R will give supercar drivers something to think about too. And Reitz would like to see it in competition as well. "I think it would be great to have a one-make series," he said. "If you provide cars that are all equal as well as safe and fun to drive the skill of the driver starts to become more important than it is in many areas of motorsport."

With the engine now sitting where the rear seats and fuel tank are usually located, RML has used all its experience to make the Micra R into a reliable and viable every day machine. To cool the engine, a radiator from an Almera 2.2 dCi has been slotted beneath the bonnet and cleverly the engineers have used the now redundant exhaust tunnels beneath the body to fit cooling ducts. Integrated with a touring car style aerodynamic ‘splitter’ at the front these ducts ensure that the engine can be fed with more than enough cool air to keep it performing at its peak.

Nissan NISMO 350Z

For the first time ever in the Nissan Z’s 37-year history, a high-performance NISMO 350Z is part of the extensive Z lineup. The new 2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z, which makes its North American debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, features an extensively developed list of unique equipment – including a special body package and improved handling equipment. This new model, the fifth in the 2007 350Z Coupe lineup, is available with a 6-speed manual transmission only. It goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in July 2007.

NISMO, the premier supplier of high-performance aftermarket parts and accessories for Nissan vehicles in the United States since 2003, previously participated in the development of the NISMO Frontier off-road pickup truck, introduced in 2005. The NISMO 350Z is the second Nissan model to be branded with the legendary marque. Like the Frontier model, which is specially equipped for off-road excursions, the 2007 NISMO 350Z is optimized for enthusiast drivers.

"With the combination of the new VQ35HR engine found on all 2007 350Zs and NISMO performance and design enhancements, the NISMO 350Z represents the pinnacle of Nissan performance machines," said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

The most striking visual feature of this special vehicle is the NISMO aerodynamics package, which strongly resembles the Super GT championship winning Zs. Featuring an aggressive front fascia with chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia with underbody diffuser and a rear wing, the NISMO 350Z produces additional aerodynamic downforce to provide enhanced cornering and handling performance.

Special consideration is given during assembly of the NISMO 350Z – structural rigidity is enhanced by additional body welds to the already rigid 350Z body and additional supports have been added front and rear. The NISMO 350Z also utilizes special body dampers mounted in the front radiator core support and in the rear cargo area, which assist in controlling body vibrations.

Additional performance features include a special NISMO-tuned independent multi-link suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers (with 12.8-inch front and 12.7-inch rear rotors) and special NISMO-branded gunmetal gray RAYS super lightweight forged-alloy wheels (18x9-inch front and 19x10-inch rear with 245/40 WR18 front, 265/35 WR19 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires). A special NISMO-branded tuned exhaust adds an even more authoritative tone to the Z’s 306-horsepower V6 engine.

"The combination of aerodynamic enhancements and performance tuning adds up to a Z with enhanced cornering, steering precision and handling," said Bosley. "Every exterior and mechanical improvement made to the NISMO 350Z isn’t just for show, it’s also for performance."

Four exterior colors are available, including Redline Red, Magnetic Black, Silver Alloy and Pikes Peak White.

Inside, NISMO 350Z drivers receive special treatment with unique black cloth seats with red inserts, red stitching throughout the interior and special NISMO white-faced tachometer. All NISMO 350Zs receive a serialized NISMO-etched aluminum plaque mounted on the center console, designating its limited edition status.

The NISMO 350Z includes a full complement of 350Z standard features, including the new VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 306 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 268 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm – with more than 90% of torque available between 2,000 and 7,000 rpm. Engine features include variable exhaust cam timing (eCVTCS), a 7,500 rpm rev limit and a symmetric twin ram air intake system.

The standard 6-speed manual transmission features close-ratio gearing from 1st through 5th gears for high-performance driving and an overdrive 6th speed for highway fuel economy. For performance handling, standard on the NISMO 350Z is a Traction Control System (TCS) and Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

Also standard is electronically-controlled vehicle speed-sensitive dual-orifice rack-and-pinion power steering system, front and rear strut tower bracing, 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), HomeLink Universal Transceiver, cruise control, aluminum pedals, illuminated steering wheel audio controls and auto dimming rearview mirror, power windows, 3-bay gauge cluster, High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon (high and low beam) headlights, LED taillights, Advanced Air Bag System, side and curtain side-impact supplemental air bags and Active Head Restraints.

"The NISMO 350Z is geared towards enthusiasts who want the ultimate 350Z straight from the factory performance experts,” said Bosley. “They also want a Z that makes a statement and is a testament to their love of driving."

AutoArt Ford GT-review

The AutoArt Ford GT's s details are finely reproduced in this 1/32 slot car. The red paint on the car is deep and opaque and the white stripes cover that red base coat well.I saw a real Ford GT at a recent car show I was struck by how well AutoArt has modelled this body. The newer Ford GT is much more square than the old Ford GT40. The wheels are molded nicely but the seams where the halves of the wheels come together has a bit of flash that would be good to sand a bit. But, having said that on the plastic test track the didn't seem to suffer from really much wheel wobble.


The chassis on the car is similar to most of the AutoArt releases with the tab system utilized to get the power from the track to the 26k rated rpm motor. The sidewinder motor sits securely in the chassis and has the usual AutoArt wire loom around it for the lights.

On this car the clips for the axles/bearings were missing. These clips are sort of extra security, if you will, to hold down the bearings but not really needed since the axles are very tightly held in place. The chassis is held in place by two screws at the rear only, the front edge of the chassis is held in place under a small lip which is just under the chin of the car. The arrangement works well and I could see if you wanted to get some chassis rattle you could easily sand the area where the chassis fits into the front of the body and then loosen the screws a bit to get some slight movement.

The 12 tooth pinion and 38 tooth crown gears on this car mesh quite well and are extremely quiet when you're circulating round the track. However the gears could be a little tall for this motor, because they don't seem to provide much braking.

The 94 gram GT raced around my Carrera test track at a speedy 2.5 seconds. The double magnets (one behind the motor and one behind the guide) do still allow a lot of tail-out racing action. The magnets aren't adjustable on this car but still they do provide more than adequate downforce.
It's a supercar not a racer but this AutoArt Ford GT is priced well if you're in the market for a solid magnet racer for yourself or that little racer in your family.

A huge thanks to Lisa at Global Gateway/AutoArt for sending the car for review. It's been a pleasure!

Dave Kennedy
Publisher, Slot Car News

New Carrera COT's are in Cincy

Cincy Slots is showing photos of the new Carrera COT's which have arrived here in the US.

Maserati MC12 XX by Edo Competition

The Maserati MC 12XX by Edo Competition features a 6.3-liter V12 engine with 800 bhp, same as the Ferrari FXX.

Modifications:

• power increase 170 bhp – contains new steel cylinder and piston, bored to 6.3 liters (same as Ferrari FXX ), new camshafts, new titan valve springs, new titan connecting rods, new oil cooling piston pipes, new exhaust manifolds, sport catalytic stainless, sport catalytic converter, sport air filter, air-ram system, fuel cooling system, new clutch, all bearings new, new oil pump, new gaskets, and dyno running with all work
• sport catalytic converter stainless with two level switch controlled sound system, new tail pipes in carbon
• volume of the exhaust per button push adjustable
• ceramic sport break system with 396 mm brake disc front and 360 mm brake disc rear, special brake pads in front and rear
• wheels can be painted in different designs
• tire-air-pressure control system shows pressure and temperature per wheel
• headlamp-cover hand made form makrolon
• design modification outside for example complete different color
• independently adjustable dumping technology – rebound and compression dumping like FIA – GT MC12
• air-in-take from carbon
• 220 lbs reduced weight
• new racing wheels front 10 x 19 with 265/35 ZR19 Michelin, rear 13 x 20 with 335/30 ZR20 Michelin

Buying this kit includes 1 day testing with instructor, mechanics, data-recording, transport and hospitality on a race track.

Lamborghini Gallardo SE by Hamann

The first impression the Lamborghini Hamann Gallardo SE makes clearly indicates that this is hardly a standard model. The Hamann specialists constructed a comprehensive aerodynamics program for this racy sports car. The front is dominated by an innovatively designed front spoiler. The Hamann engineers included the typically powerful and sporty stylistic elements of the tradition-rich company. The impressive appearance is also reinforced by the frontal airscoops, the broad side skirts and the air intake screens located on the sides. No question about it – the Lamborghini Hamann Gallardo SE is a genuine racing car for the street. More than anything else, the rear portion makes this clear. A mighty, three-piece rear wing a'la motorsport doesn’t just assure the appropriate optics, but also increased application force on the rear axle at higher speeds. Almost the same applies for the wide Hamann rear diffuser. It makes the rear appearance of the Gallardo SE unmistakable, and the car virtually sucks itself onto the asphalt.

Thanks to its aerodynamics packet, the Hamann Gallardo SE is optically a thoroughbred racing car for the street. The performance increase also gives this proud bull the necessary power. More than anything else, the successful mixture of power, sportiness and exclusivity make the Lamborghini Hamann Gallardo SE so special.

We haven't received any information about the engine modifications. The only visible modification is to the exhaust system, which should add about 20-30 bhp to original Gallardo SE's 520 bhp.

Lamborghini Murcielago R-GT

On the occasion of the next Motor Show in Frankfurt Lamborghini will show for the first time a race version of its highly acclaimed super sports car, the Lamborghini Murcielago. Named Murcielago R-GT, Lamborghini developed the competition car jointly with race experts Reiter Engineering and mother company Audi’s sports division, Audi Sport.

The new Murcielago R-GT offers Lamborghini clients a highly competitive car to participate in professional motorsport events on an international level.

The House of the raging bull is responding with its newest race model to the rising customer demand to introduce a full blown race car at a reasonable price.

This is Lamborghini’s first step in the field of international motorsport after its engagement in Formula 1 in the late 80’s and early 90’s. The newly founded Lamborghini Customer Sports Programme takes care not only of the sale of the race cars but will also offer trackside assistance.

With the Lamborghini Murcielago R-GT clients can compete in national and international race events such as the European FIA GT Championship or the American LeMans Series in the United States.

Vehicles for customers are available since early 2004.

Ferrari FXX

The FXX is the most advanced GT ever created at Maranello and its mission is to involve Ferrari’s most valued Clients as genuine Prancing Horse Test Drivers in their own right. The wealth of data and experience gathered in the course of this very special programme will be exceptionally important. In fact, the feedback from these highly skilled, non-professional Client Test Drivers will be compared and supplemented with suggestions from Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello and Ferrari’s professional in-house Test Drivers.

Every Client who signs up for the FXX project by purchasing one of the estimated 20 or so cars being built, will actually be joining Team Ferrari, and will have his driving experiences at the wheel of this new car monitored directly by the Prancing Horse’s technicians and specialists.

The FXX has not been homologated for road use and thus will not be a competition model. It will be used exclusively on the track as part of a specific ongoing research and development programme featuring this first ever group of Client Test Drivers.

The FXX is powered by an imposing 6,262 cc V12 engine that can punch out over 800 bhp at 8,500 rpm. Its gearbox is the result of the transfer of F1 strategies, delivering gear change times of under 100 ms. This is almost as fast as the F1 single-seaters, themselves the absolute pinnacle of current technological achievement.

After a careful client order selection process, the first FXXs will be delivered by the end of this year. The initial testing of the definitive car is currently taking place at Fiorano. The FXX and the relative package cost a total of 1,500,000 euro (excluding taxes) (approx. $1,790,000) and applications to join the programme are being evaluated by a special in-house committee.

Ninco Corvette-NC8 Powered!

Harry Wise has a great review of the new Ninco Classic Corvette, which is powered by the new NC8. Check the review out at this link.

Hamilton gives thumbs down to UK

Image copyright 2007 McLaren.com, no reuse for anyreason.

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept

The Camaro convertible concept, wrapped in Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat paint with twin gunmetal gray sport stripes, is based on the original Camaro concept, with only minor changes required to accommodate the convertible body style.

“The best follow-up to last year’s award-winning Camaro concept is a Camaro convertible,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, global design. “The Camaro convertible concept instantly evokes an emotional response – it’s a vehicle that you want to make room for in your garage.”

Chevrolet already has announced production plans for the Camaro, which will go on sale in 2009. A production convertible model will be added later that year.

Genuine Camaro Spirit

Like the Camaro concept vehicle, the Camaro convertible concept blends a dramatic, forward-looking design that is mindful of the brand’s storied heritage. That design includes classic long hood/short deck proportions and a wide, wheels-at-the-corners stance that gives the vehicle the look of hugging corners even when stationary.

The Camaro convertible concept is motivated by a torquey V-8 engine that rightly sends power to the rear wheels via a manual transmission. It also features a four-wheel independent suspension system and four-wheel disc brakes.

The Camaro convertible concept’s Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat color is a contemporary update of the classic hue, which was originally offered in 1969. It is complemented with twin gunmetal gray sport stripes. The modern interpretation of the classic color and its dark accent stripes simultaneously reflect the Camaro’s heritage and deliver a deep, lustrous and thoroughly contemporary appearance.

Inspired Cockpit

Inside, the Camaro convertible features a simple yet purposeful interior that reflects design elements inspired by the muscle car era, including the first-generation Camaro. A new, light-and-dark color scheme enhances the airy feel of the convertible, particularly when the top is lowered.

The seats’ fronts feature platinum-tone leather surrounding suede-like Alcantara inserts, with black, sculpted seatbacks. As with the Camaro coupe concept, the convertible concept features an instrument panel inspired by first-generation Camaros, including an intricate “round-gauges-in-square-holes” design. The gauges have a deep, three-dimensional appearance, with white faces and red pointers.

A “spine” motif runs through the center of the vehicle and on the seatbacks, including a prominent center console that stretches to the rear seat. The spine reinforces the symmetry of the Camaro convertible, as well as its precision.

An Attainable Icon

The original Camaro was introduced to the Baby Boomer generation, a large group of young, individualistic and mobile Americans that drove fundamental changes in the auto industry. The new Camaro concepts draw on their namesakes’ heritage, but also the global, youthful influences of the 21 st century. These influences are seen in the Camaro convertible concept’s bold proportions, tailored wheel-to-body relationship and detailed interior – including the multi-dimensional instruments. It’s a design that resonates with a generation of younger car buyers influenced by highly stylized “tuner” cars and import sports cars.

“Youthful buyers want a car that makes a statement in its design as much as its performance,” said Brian Smith, exterior designer. “The new Camaro concepts bridge heritage with contemporary style, with a design that is simultaneously admired among import-influenced youth and traditional enthusiasts.”