Bugatti 16C Galibier

Bugatti 16c Galibier

The Bugatti 16C Galibier is a luxury 5-door fastback production car soon to go onto the market after Bugatti stops production of the Veyron in 2014-2015 after they sell the last 200 that will ever be made. Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. debuted the 16C Galibier at an invitation-only show held at the Molsheim, France assembly salon on September 12, 2009. The 16C Galibier uses a front-mounted, 8.0 L twin-supercharged W16 engine that delivers power via permanent four-wheel drive. The Galibier will feature a world's-largest engine, similar to the one currently in the Bugatti Veyron.

A production version of the 16C Galibier concept, expected to be named the Royale is scheduled to reach the market in 2014- 2015.

Design

The 16C Galibier features a hood which opens in two parts along a central hinge. The 16C Galibier features the longitudinal rib also seen on the previous EB118 and EB218 concepts that references the longitudinal body seam of the Type 57SC Atlantic. The Gabilier will be most likely one of if not the most luxurious cars in the world, with interior features such as an analog clock which mounts in the dash until you are ready to exit the vehicle when you would then attatch it to the band on your wrist and it then becomes a watch.^[2][3]

Powertrain

The 16C Galibier uses a front-mounted, 8.0 L twin-supercharged W16 engine that delivers power via permanent four-wheel drive. The engine is similar to the quad-turbocharged unit used in the Bugatti Veyron.^[2]

[edit]Production

A production version of the 16C Galibier concept, expected to be named the Royale, was originally scheduled to reach the market in 2013. Bugatti pushed the release date out to 2015 or later to refine the vehicle's design.^[4][5] 

^{Article provided by Wikipedia}

Pagani Huayra - Italian Sports Car

Pagani Huayra - The Italian Beast

Article courtesy of Wikipedia
The Pagani Huayra (pronounced: wai-rah) is an Italian mid-engined sports carproduced by Pagani. Succeeding the company's previous offering, the Zonda, it will cost £849,000^[1] ($1,300,000). It is named after Huayra-tata, which means "God of the winds" in Quechua, the official language of the Inca Empire.^[2][3] The Huayra was named "The Hypercar of the Year 2012" by Top Gear magazine and received a very positive review when tested by Richard Hammond on Top Gear. The Huayra is currently the fastest road-legal and streetworthy car ever to go round the Top Gear Test Track, setting a time of 1 minute 13.8 seconds on street legal, Zonda R-derived Trofeo tires, beating the previous record of 1 minute 15.1 seconds set by the Ariel Atom V8 in January of 2011, becoming the first car to record a lap time below 75 seconds and not be removed from the board.

Performance

The Huayra uses a twin-turbo Mercedes-AMG 60° V-12 engine.^[3] The Huayra's 6.0-litre engine, the M158, produces 730 metric horsepower (720 bhp)(539 kW) and 1,000 N·m (740 lb·ft) of torque. Its top speed is about 231 mph (372 km/h) ^[1] and it has a 0–60 miles per hour (0–97 km/h) time of 3.3 seconds.^[1] Using Pirelli tires, the Pagani Huayra is capable of withstanding 1.66 g of lateral acceleration at speeds of up to 230 mph (370 km/h).^[3][4]

The Pagani Huayra uses a seven-speed sequential gearbox and a single disc clutch.^[3] The choice not to use a dual-clutch in oil bath was because it would lead to an increase in weight of over 70 kg (154 lb), negating the advantage of the ability of such transmissions to change gears faster.^[3] As a result, the entire transmission of the Pagani Huayra weighs 96 kg (210 lb).^[3]

The car is equipped with bespoke Brembo brake calipers, rotors and pads. The calipers are 6-piston in front and 4-piston in the rear. The rotors are drilled carbon ceramic, 380 mm (15.0 in) in diameter and 34 mm (1.3 in) thick.^[5] There are also four independent flaps which can act as air brakes or produce downforce.^[6]

Ener-G-Force by Mercedes-Benz

The SUV everyone will have to have

The Ener-G-Force utilizes a "hydro-tech converter" to convert water into hydrogen for its fuel cell power. Emitting nothing but water vapor out of its exhaust pipes, the SUV has a range of about 500 miles and is nearly unstoppable thanks to its four wheel-hub electric motors that are electronically controlled to precisely handle any terrain. Adding to the Ener-G-Force's capabilities is its Terra-Scan system, highlighted by a 360 degree topography scanner that automatically adjusts its suspension on the roll.

McLaren Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss

View the rare McLaren Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss driven in London

Dream Auto of the Week

Ferrari 599 GTB - Driven and written by Mark Hopkins


I had the pleasure of going to Barcelona, Spain this year to celebrate my birthday. For my birthday present I received the awesome opportunity to drive a Ferrari 599 GTB. From the moment the car arrived I could not wait to get lost in the city. Of course i had to challenge the beast and its 5999cc engine around a few curves and along the shoreline of Mediterranean Sea.

The first thing you notice about the car is the exhaust note. I gather there is no other like it and each gear sings a different tune! I was praying the car would be a manual, however, I settled for the automatic with optional paddle shifters. Oddly enough, I was not disappointed by the touch shift mode. The car still reminds me of a clutch operated vehicle. On the hills there was a slight roll back before acceleration and gear changes still had a clutch feel up and down shifting. As far as super cars go, the suspension was great. I expected a stiffer more rough ride but was pleasantly surprised by the smoothness yet excellent responsiveness and feedback from the car. On the highway the car was content to cruise around 80-100 kilometers, but was right and ready to punch it up when asked.

Everywhere I drove the car turned heads and was photographed, but of course, it's a Ferrari!  If I had the means I would surely buy one! The one downfall is that I have opened up a bag of worms. I will certainly be taking advantage of any opportunity to drive more cars of this caliber.

Mark enjoying his birthday present

From Wikipedia,

The 599 GTB Fiorano (internal code F141) is an Italian gran turismo produced byFerrari. It was the brand's two-seat flagship, replacing the 575 M Maranello in 2006 as a 2007 model, but was replaced for the 2013 model year by the F12 Berlinetta.

Styled by Pininfarina under the direction of Ferrari's Frank Stephenson, the 599 GTB debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006. It is named for its total engine displacement (5999 cc), Gran Turismo Berlinetta nature, and the Fiorano Circuit test track used by Ferrari.

Drive train

The Tipo F140C 6.0 L (5934 cc) V 12 engine produces a maximum 620 PS (456 kW; 612 hp), making it the most powerful series production Ferrari road car of the time. This is one of the few engines whose output exceeds 100 hp per liter of displacement without any sort of forced-induction mechanism such as supercharging or turbocharging. Its 608 N·m (448 ft·lbf) of torque will also be a new record for Ferrari's GT cars. Most of the modifications to the engine were done to allow it to fit in the Fiorano's engine bay (the original Enzo version could be taller as it would not block forward vision due to its mid-mounted position).

Performance

Performance claimed by Ferrari.

• 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds^[3]
• 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 11.0 seconds^[4]
• Top speed: over 330 km/h (205 mph)

Dream Auto of the Week

2013 Porsche Panamera- Platinum Edition

My wife and I had a day off last friday, so we thought, let's go AutoDreaming. She has mentioned this to me often, "I want a Porsche Panamera". So we went to our local Porsche dealer and test drove a shiny new Carbon Grey Metallic Platinum edition.

Our extremely knowledgeable salesperson explained in detail all technical aspects of the vehicle before we actually went for a spin. We were overly impressed with the spacious interior, which also has folding rear bucket sport seats. I sat comfortably in the rear while the ladies were up front explaining the options.

The Panamera Platinum Edition offers standard, 14-way power seats with memory package for driver and passenger. The racing type heated bucket seats hugged me tightly for added safety for my heavy foot and the rear seats also are heater for additional comfort.

The heated steering wheel is equipped with gearshift paddles behind the right and left hand spokes, which I found to be helpful when racing down the freeway.

One feature I found great, was the Navigation module inside the instrument panel. Which allows you not to have to look to middle console for mapping directions.

The Platinum Edition is also equipped with a Bose Surround Sound System with 14 speakers and 585 watts.

Platinum Edition Interior

The exterior is all Porsche. Porsche has a distinctive style with sporty curves and a low stance ready for speed.

Time to drive. My flashback to my younger days started instantly when I stepped on the gas. The rear spoiler activated at 70mph and we were off. I up shifted from the steering wheel with ease.  The handling of this car was extremely satisfying. The P.E. power is transmitted to the rear by the 7-speed Porsche Dopplelkupplung (PDK) which is standard.

With gas prices soaring, Porsche has included a feature that shuts off the engine when stopped at a traffic light and starts it automatically when you let off the brake peddle.

Another feature we found interesting was the Bi-Xenon headlights which included the Porsche Dynamic Light System(PDLS). The dynamic cornering light function swivels the headlights towards the inside of a corner based on the steering angle and road speed. The static cornering lights activate the auxiliary headlights in order to illuminate more of the road in tight cornering.

Overall, we found the 2013 Panamera exciting and extremely functional. A most in any enthusiasts garage.

For more information or to purchase we recommend Vanessa Lee - Product Specialist with Gaudin Motor Company 702-284-7000 or vlee@jplv.net

Overview

Engine		Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)
Engine layout		front engine / rear wheel drive
Cylinders		6
Displacement		3.6 liters (3,605 cc)
Horsepower		300 hp
@ rpm		6,200 rpm
Torque		295 lb.-ft.
Compression ratio		12.5 : 1

Transmission		Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)
Drivetrain		rear wheel drive, with electric and map-controlled multiplate clutch and PTM

Performance		Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)
Top Track Speed		160 mph
0-60 mph		6.0 Sec. (5.8 sec. with Sport Chrono Package Plus)

MSRP
		$ 80,500.00

Auto Dreaming: Fisker Karma – Voted Luxury Car of the Year by UK Top Gear

Auto Dreaming: Fisker Karma – Voted Luxury Car of the Year by UK Top Gear

Dreaming of a Rolls

Dream Auto of the week

I'm dreaming of a Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe. I've always enjoyed convertibles, however this is the ultimate. This vehicle is a dream on wheels. It commands respect and attention with every curve. The interior is sophisticated and elegant. The modern and clean design of the electronics also is an example of extreme attention to detail Rolls Royce continues to exude.

My dream Drophead would be cream on cream with a wood grain drophead cover. The wood grain would resemble that of a Chris Craft boat. To accentuate the interior a matching wood grain would be applied.

My dream drive would be along the coast of California from San Diego to Monterey for a golf outing or a visit to the Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach

Fisker Karma – Voted Luxury Car of the Year by UK Top Gear

Fisker Karma – Voted Luxury Car of the Year by UK Top Gear

Dream Auto of the Week - Pagoda by Mercedes

1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL - Pagoda

I started dreaming of this car as soon as I saw her on a lot in Connecticut. I just happened to be at a car wash with a buddy. I ventured into the dealer and made my offer. After a few hours of haggling with the salesperson, the deal was done. 

I shipped her down to Washington, DC and began enjoying every minute I could. A saturday drive through the mountains or a sunday afternoon brunch. 

This car drives like a dream and turns every head. I remember driving to Georgetown one sunny day, after a few hours of shopping, I returned to find a guy literally on the ground looking under the car with amazement. 

I could go nowhere without having long and interesting conversations with people about their memories of this car.

Now that I live in Las Vegas, my wife and I have more great weather to enjoy outings with each other.

My wife loves to dress for the occasion with matching white rimmed sunglasses and a big hat, resemblance or Jackie O.

W Prescott Lee - 02/01/2013

230 SL (1963–1967)- Article from Wikipedia

The 2,308 cc (2.3 L) M127.II inline-six engine with 150 PS (110 kW; 150 hp) and 196 N·m (145 lb·ft) torque was based on Mercedes-Benz' venerable M180 inline-six with four main bearings and mechanical Bosch multi-port fuel injection. Mercedes-Benz made a number of modifications to boost its power, including increasing displacement from 2,197 cc (2.2 L), and using a completely new cylinder head with a higher compression ratio (9.3 vs. 8.7), enlarged valves and a modified camshaft. A fuel injection pump with six plungers instead of two was fitted, which allowed placing the nozzles in the cylinder head and "shooting" the fuel through the intake manifold and open valves directly into the combustion chambers.^[6] An optional oil-water heat exchanger was also available.Production of the 230 SL commenced in June 1963 and ended on 5 January 1967. Its chassis was based on the W 111 sedan platform, with a reduced wheelbase by 30 cm (11.8 in), recirculating ball steering (with optional power steering), double wishbone front suspensionand an independent single-joint, low-pivot swing rear-axle with transverse compensator spring. The dual-circuit brake system had front disc brakes and power-assisted rear drum brakes.^[5] The 230 SL was offered with a 4-speed manual transmission, or an optional, very responsive fluid coupled (no torque converter) 4-speed automatic transmission, which was popular for US models. From May 1966, the ZFS5-20 5-speed manual transmission was available as an additional option, which was particularly popular in Italy. Of the 19,831 230 SLs produced, less than a quarter were sold in the US.

Mercedes-Benz Chief Engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, who was as competent behind the wheel as any racing driver, demonstrated the capabilities of the 230 SL on the tight three-quarter mile Annemasse Vétraz-Monthoux race track in 1963, where he put up a best lap time of 47.5 seconds vs. 47.3 seconds by Grand Prix driver Mike Parkes on his 3 liter V12 Ferrari 250 GT.^[7]

A brief chronology of the most notable changes made to the 230 SL:^[8]

• 10/1963: First 230 SL with automatic transmission.
• 09/1964: Spare tire well removed, tire mounted horizontally.
• 11/1964: Optional tinted/thermal glass and new soft-top with steel bows (distinguished by missing chrome trim on the outer trailing edge).^[9]
• 04/1964: US models with radio Becker Europa TR instead of Europa TG.
• 08/1965: Some harmonization with new W 108/W 109 sedans, incl. new floor panels, combined brake and clutch fluid reservoir, trunk light and interior changes. US models with hazard lights.
• 03/1966: Mounts for three-point seat belts added.
• 05/1966: Optional ZF 5-speed manual transmission; rare and now very desirable.

• Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
  Also called	Mercedes Pagoda
  Production	1963–1971 48,912 built[1]
  Assembly	Stuttgart Untertürkheim, Germany
  Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz W198 Mercedes-Benz W121 BII
  Successor	Mercedes-Benz R107
  Class	sports car, GT
  Body style	2 door coupé 2-door roadster
  Layout	FR layout
  Platform	Mercedes-Benz W111
  Engine	2,308 cc (2.3 L) M127.II I6 2,496 cc (2.5 L) M129.II I6 2,778 cc (2.8 L) M130 I6
  Transmission	4-speed automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual (ZF S5-20)
  Wheelbase	2,400 mm (94.5 in)
  Length	4,285 mm (168.7 in)
  Width	1,760 mm (69.3 in)
  Height	1,305 mm (51.4 in)
  Curb weight	1,300 kg (2,866 lb)
  Related	Mercedes-Benz W108 Mercedes-Benz W109 Mercedes-Benz W112
  Designer(s)	Paul Bracq Béla Barényi

Auto Dreaming

We started this page to give people an opportunity to share there Auto Dreams. 

When I was a kid, my cousins and I would peer out the windows of our Grandfather's station wagon and point to our Dream cars. The cars we wanted when we would be able to drive or afford them.

My Dream was to have a Chevrolet Camaro Z28. By the time I was sixteen, my mother gave me her 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlas Supreme. I thought I was the man in the neighborhood.

That Cutlas had a Rocket 350 V8 engine. I remember turning the air cleaner over to get more air induction and sound effects when stepping on the gas. Needless to say, I ran past my buddies in a 71' Vette and a 75' fiat racing on the highway.

Those were the good old days, when gas costs were low and I had little to no responsibilities. Just cruising the streets of Washington, DC.

My friends and I always had the cleanest cars wherever we would go, until one day I wrecked the front fender. As a young whippersnapper, I tried fixing the fender with bondo and brown paint from Trak Auto. It served its purpose for a few months until I ran the old girl to death.

Fun times and memories.

W Prescott

Photo byBill Chambles