supercar Archives

Koenigsegg Sets New 0-400-0 km/h World Record! (w/VIDEO)

With summer having receded and the cooler autumn season started, car companies are probably trying to finish off their test runs before it gets too cold. At the Rada military airfield deep in the forests of Sweden, Koenigsegg recently put a Regera to a 0 – 400 – 0 km/h run that took 31.49 seconds and set a new world record.

The time was 1.8 seconds faster than Koenigsegg’s previously unbeaten record, set by the Agera RS in 2017. CEO and founder Christian von Koenigsegg believes that the car can perform even better under the right conditions.

Actually, the conditions were perfect – sunny with almost no wind. The 2,000-metre long track was a disused military airfield at 70 metres above seas level. To have enough runway, a stretch of taxiway was used as the starting area in order to gain an extra length of around 300 metres to make the run long and safe enough.

Koenigsegg Regera — *CEO and founder Christian von Koenigsegg (left) with factory driver Sonny Persson who set the new record.*

More ideal times possible
The total distance used for 0 – 400 – 0 km/h was 2048.46 metres. In better conditions, a total length of under an unbelievable 2000 metres should be fully achievable with the Regera.

However, as the runway has been unused and dormant, the surface was not great for traction. Furthermore, it was not possible to drive in a straight line as some bumps had to be avoided. Low grip level, swerving around bumps and general unevenness therefore took away some milliseconds and better acceleration.

One-of-a-kind Direct Drive transmission
“This was a good opportunity to showcase the true capability of the Regera’s one-of-a-kind Direct Drive transmission. As the Regera only has one gear, we had to make use of it from standstill to the record top speed of 403 km/h limited by rpm,” he said, adding that the car was driven by Koenigsegg factory driver Sonny Persson.

Koenigsegg Regera powertrain — *Regera powertrain*

“Priority has been given to acceleration and drivability between 0 – 400 km/h – no more, no less. At any given time, the Regera can and will accelerate harder in that speed range than any other production car known to us,” von Koenigsegg said.

“What was really impressive was how incredible the Regera brakes – 8.62 seconds from 400 km/h to 0 km/h is just unheard of. It is a testament to the Regera’s balance, suspension, aerodynamics and of course its in-house design and built Koenigsegg brake calipers. The proven numbers now show the greatness of the Regera. Having said that, we know we can improve these already impressive numbers on a track with better conditions,” he said.

The car used for the run was a fully homologated production car with its luxurious fittings and seats still intact. The only modifications were a roll cage and a 4-point harness for driver safety.

“The car reaches its top speed like there is no tomorrow, but then there are no more gears. This actually suits the philosophy behind the Regera, which is ‘whoever gets to 400 km/h first wins.”

Christian von Koenigsegg

Twin turbo V8 with 3 motors
The Regera combines a powerful twin-turbo V8 combustion engine with three electric motors and cutting-edge battery power in a patent-pending powertrain technology called Koenigsegg Direct Drive. This revolutionary technology removes the traditional gearbox, making the Regera lighter, more efficient and more fun to drive than more normal hybrid solutions.

Almost two years ago, Koenigsegg set a new 0 – 400 – 0 km/h record using a production Agera RS in the US state of Nevada. That record was a fantastic 33.29 seconds and this time around, the Regera got to show what it is made of.

REVIEWED: Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T – This Time Your Friends Can Come With You [+Video]

I’ve not slept very well since this drive. I’m still rather perplexed as to how it was possible to create something with so much power and yet dial in so much user-friendliness as well. I’m referring of course to the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T, which Piston.my reviewed recently. Here’s the day we’d not soon forget…

https://www.facebook.com/piston.my/videos/1105343836305123/

The Facts & Figures…

Boasting 448kW (610bhp) and 760Nm from a twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 mated to a 7-Speed F1-DCT gearbox, the GTC4 Lusso T also benefits from 4-wheel steering and an E-Diff. All this culminates to enable the GTC4 Lusso T to accelerate from 0 to 100kmh in less time than it took you to read this sentence; 3.5sec to be exact. Drive modes are of course selectable via the manettino on the super-mega-multi-function-steering-wheel, which also houses the turn-signal buttons, starter button, suspension settings and even the friggin’ wipers.

Pedal to the floor, and with enough road, in 11-seconds from zero it’ll hit 200kmh, and it will see the bright side of 320kmh flat-out before giving up the ghost, while a slew of active safety systems constantly monitor every rotation of the wheel to ensure the intended path of travel remains exactly that. You can find more of the GTC4 Lusso T’s specifications here.

The Indescribables….

So now you need to forget all that techno babble above, because I really do believe that that’s not what the GTC4 Lusso T is all about. Sure it may look, feel and even sound like a super-sports car, and from most of the reviews I’ve read emanating from the USA and Europe, many of my counterparts there seem to think it is, but I don’t. Dare I say it? The GTC4 Lusso T is not really a supercar, it’s a gentleman’s super-cruiser.

Before the pitchforks and lit torches arrive en masse, accompanied by the Tifosi braying for blood though, let me explain. First-off, it’s a Ferrari, so it’s a given that it has – absolutely has – to be fireballs-out-the-flanks type powerful, and don’t get me wrong, it is. It’s just that in the GTC4 Lusso T – and this despite all the aforementioned figures I regurgitated on you three paragraphs up – is exceptionally, and I mean exceptionally, easy to drive.

It came to a point (when I was alone in the car) where I intentionally tried to get it to kill me and it outright refused. Perhaps it was able to cotton-on to my juvenile nefariousness, and decided to show me just who was smarter of the two. It won. As weird as it sounds, I was actually a bit disappointed that the car didn’t try to kill me; my own cars try to ‘suicide’ my ass all the time…

No, the GTC4 LT is actually docile; fast as hell, but docile. One giveaway could very well be the fact that it has two rear seats. Yes, it’s now possible to ferry 3 of your friends around in a Ferrari, and not just 1. However, now that that’s possible, one must take into consideration that those ‘friends’ may very well be – and will likely be – replaced by ‘family’ at some point or other.

That’s a whole new ball-game isn’t it? Rhetorical question. Of course it is. If you’re ferrying your wife in front and your 2 kids at the back, it’s 100% guaranteed that you will not be driving the same way as you would be with friends. Think about it; where’s the fun in a family-drive if half the time you’re going to have to stop to clean puke off the floorboards, seats and the back of your neck? Sorry, I needlessly over-emphasized that. My articles should come with a warning sometimes, graphic imagery ahead…

So, has Ferrari created the world’s first family station-wagon supercar? Okay, okay, shooting-brake. Happy? Tomatoes, tomatoes. Sure everyone knows they made a one-off Ferrari 456GT Wagon for the Sultan of Brunei a while back, so have they made one for the masses now? I use that ‘masses’ term lightly of course, seeing as how the GTC4 Lusso T costs more than most bungalows in really nice neighbourhoods. Well, I think they have.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s still every bit a Ferrari from fore to aft, top to toe, inside and out. It still imparts an extremely rewarding and spirited drive when (WARNING: Graphic Imagery Ahead!) you’re alone and unconcerned about copious amounts of semi-digested sustenance unexpectedly adorning the interior of your car courtesy of passengers. Attack any road, and it’s guaranteed that the GTC4 Lusso T will be able to handle anything you throw its way, with the kind of ease and panache that almost seems to taunt you to push harder. If cars could talk, this one would be saying “Is that all ya got?”…. a lot.

If you really feel the need to know more about the 20-inch alloys, 46:54 F&R weight distribution and CS brake discs that are bigger than most cars’ wheels and tyres combined, feel free to click here. But, come on, does it really matter? I didn’t think so. – Chris Wee.

Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T Photo Gallery…

McLaren Senna is a true drivers’ car

McLaren has unveiled a new supercar that’s part of its Ultimate Series collection. Called the Senna, this particular machine pays homage to former McLaren F1 Driver and legend Aryton Senna, in more than one way. Unlike the usual crop of cars we are used to seeing from the Woking based automaker, this one has minimal tech and luxuries.

It is built with the company’s carbon fibre Monocage III chassis, the very same one that underpins the McLaren 720S, and is said to be the strongest one that it has ever built. The car sports similar looks to the base 720S but comes with heavily modified bodywork, rear wing and diffusers for aerodynamic efficiency.

This rear-wheel-drive McLaren forgoes the practicality and luxuries of other cars in the stable for a race-focused setup and overall weight of just 1,198kg. In fact, it happens to be the lightest production car that the company has produced since the iconic F1. Downforce is magnified through the use of active aerodynamics for the front and rear.

“The McLaren Senna delivers true performance, all the way to the limit of a driver’s ability. With a truly astonishing power-to-weight ratio, this car is about performance that is accessible and attainable, yet at the same time exciting and challenging for the very best drivers in the world – and with an intense, sensory experience to match, “ Andy Palmer, Vehicle Line Director, McLaren Ultimate Series.

Powering the car is a mid-mounted 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 789bhp and 800Nm of torque. Codenamed M840TR, the company’s engineers from the beginning, set out to build a powerplant that provides the intended visceral feel and experience. And it is mated to a dual clutch 7-speed gearbox that has manual and auto mode.

Output from the drivetrain can be altered via the Active Dynamics Panel, that sets the throttle response based on the selected setting of Comfort Sport or Track. The ambiance is is improved by several added features that include a roof mounted snorkel air intake, as well as engine acoustics transferred to the cabin via the mounts and body panels.

McLaren has fitted the car with the RaceActive Chassis Control II (RCC II), a hydraulic suspension setup works with the active aerodynamics and race tuned chassis to create a truly track-focused experience. The automaker says that the car, though road-legal, isn’t meant for regular runs to the supermarket. It’s a razor-sharp track car that can be used on the road, occasionally.

The Sena’s adaptive dampers are connected to each other hydraulically. Each has two valves independently adjustable for compression and rebound. The car’s stiffness is separately controlled via a kinetic roll system, or K-damper. As for braking power, the Senna has the most advanced system fitted to a McLaren road car. It features carbon ceramic discs that offer exceptional performance.

Production of the car is limited to 500 units, which will be hand-assembled at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, Surrey, England from Q3 2018. Like its siblings, all 500 will probably be snapped up in no time at all.

Honda’s original NSX is a cult icon

Honda’s original NSX was an amazing amalgamation of the automaker’s F1 technical know-how and experience in producing well-built machines. It was an evolution of the HP-X Concept car that was designed in collaboration with Pininfarina. It featured cutting-edge tech and styling inspired by the F-16 fighter jet.

The intention of building the car, was to show that the company was well able to challenge status quo, and prove that a supercar can offer mounds of driving enjoyment yet be reliable for everyday use. Conceived in the 1980s, Honda’s plan of building a sports car came to fruition in the early 1990s.

Built from an all-aluminum body, the NSX, which was an acronym for New Sportscar eXperimental, was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre V6 engine. Later iterations featured a slightly larger 3.2-litre variant. It was either mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Granted, it didn’t offer the same visceral feel as a V8 powered Ferrari, but the car more than made up for that with nimble handling characteristics, reliable mechanicals and decent power delivery. That, packaged into a slender and lightweight 1990s body, caused a bit of a stir during its debut.

What helped the car gain its cult status was that F1 legend Aryton Senna, was involved in its development. His input helped shape the NSX’s driving characteristics, which is especially evident when the car is taken to its limits.

A video published by Petrolicious on its Youtube channel, depicts the love affair between Sean Lee and his NSX. Lee was smitten with the car from an early age. At a later stage in his life, he managed to acquire the car and enjoy it to its fullest. Check out the video and let us know what you think of it and whether it deserves to be revered.

New Aston Martin Vantage breaks convention

Aston Martin has finally revealed the newest member of its family, the latest Vantage. This sleek two seater picks up where its predecessor left off, offering a sleek silhouette and a healthy helping of power. Its design however, is a major departure from the automaker’s current design language. At 4465mm, the Vantage is 284mm shorter than the DB11, and is 34mm shorter than a Porsche 911.

The signature front grille receives far more real estate than before, it’s placed lower and has been integrated with the lower lip assembly. Gone are the familiar headlights and in its place, narrower ones that blend with the lines of the front fascia. Most prominent of the lot has to be the large swooping bonnet that looks like it stretches for miles.

From the side however, the shape isn’t that dissimilar from its predecessor, but the lower roof line and angular contours do add to the design’s depth. As far as the rear is concerned, you would be forgiven for mistaking the new Vantage for a Porsche, at first glance. The rear haunches, wedged shaped upper section and elongated LED taillights bear more than a passing resemblance to the 911.

On the inside, there’s a whole new interior, which is a breath of fresh air considering Aston rarely likes change. The car’s switchgear consoles are huddled together under the twin chrome-outlined air vents.The 8-inch LCD screen is responsible for controlling the audio, phone mirroring and navigation. A nice addition is the body-colour matching lower centre console, it and the leather inner door handle housing add to the car’s exclusive feel.

Under the bonnet is a 4.0-litre V8 twin turbo engine that develops close to 510bhp and 685Nm of torque. It’s a Mercedes-AMG unit that has been reworked by Aston Martin engineers to ensure that it delivers the same character and feel of engines that preceded it. Both its induction and exhaust systems have been reworked to produce the same visceral feel of the normally aspirated V8 in its predecessor.

The Merc sourced powerplant is mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission that is rear mounted to help with weight distribution. It has specially developed software that allows for shorter and crispier gear changes as well as the refinement and practicality, which is beyond that of dual clutch gearboxes. As such, the Vantage is able to sprint from 0-100km/h in about 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 314km/h.

Aston Martin’s Chief Technical Officer, Max Szwaj, said, “As an automotive engineer the challenge is always the same: to achieve greater efficiency in every area of the car. With an unashamed sports car such as an all-new Aston Martin Vantage you have another challenge – the relentless pursuit of greater emotion and excitement. Not only have we massively improved the hardware of this new Vantage, we’ve invested it with true heart and soul.”

The suspension features a forged double wishbone arrangement at the front and a multi-link one at the rear. Thanks to adaptive damping, the car is able to understand and compensate for the driving conditions and driver needs through the use of several sensors. Four driver modes, Sport, Sport Plus and Track, alter the powertrain, transmission, suspension and steering systems to deliver the required output.

And for the first time on an Aston Martin, the Vantage is fitted with an electronic differential or E-Diff. Linked with the car’s electronic stability control, it is able to understand the car’s behaviour and shift power to the wheel that needs it most. Unlike conventional Limited Slip Differentials or LSDs, it can react in a matter of milliseconds. This improves the car’s cornering and handling capabilities.

Stopping power comes courtesy of ventilated two-piece 400mm cast-iron discs at the front, with ventilated 360mm discs at the rear, gripped by 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers. They offer decent stopping power for the 20-inch lightweight rims that are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres.

The new Vantage is on sale now in the UK, Germany and the USA. Deliveries are scheduled to begin during the second quarter of 2018. The car comes equipped with the latest tech and is bound to be a top seller.

Aston Martin AMR Pro will have F1 rivaling performance

Aston Martin has announced a new track focused racer called the Valkyrie AMR Pro, which was designed and developed alongside the roadcar of its namesake. But unlike the roadcar, the AMR Pro doesn’t need to comply with the same regulations and requirements. As such, designers were given free reign to create the most efficient model possible.

And the result, is a car that features a more fluidic design, canards protruding from the door sections, lower and wider double decked rear wing and other aerodynamic upgrades. The windshield is made from polycarbonate to save weight and its tyres are smaller than the road car at 18-inches – to fit the required Michelin rubber.

The automaker gutted the car in the name of reducing weight and as such, the car forgoes the heater/de-mister blower and infotainment screens. Even the bodywork has been constructed out of carbon-fibre that’s lighter than the standard Valkyrie. Other such measures include new suspension uprights, carbon-fibre wishbones, molded race seats.

Stopping power comes from F1 inspired race-spec carbon-carbon brakes that is best suited for track use. Powering the car is the same 6.5-litre Cosworth-built V12 engine, but it develops more power and torque. This coupled with extremely aerodynamic bodywork enables the AMR Pro to hit a predicted top speed of 402km/h and possess exceptionally good cornering abilities.

According to the automaker, the car is expected to be such an amazing performance car, that its lap times should be able to rival that of current generation F1 or LMP1 cars. This feat which was once considered impossible for vehicles that weren’t professional race cars, has now been realised by incorporating revolutionary techniques.

The use of ultra lightweight components, removal of unnecessary electrics and luxury items as well as altering the overall silhouette for maximum efficiency have made the AMR Pro far superior to the standard Valkyrie. Like the road car, the AMR Pro’s Rimac Energy Recovery System remains unchanged, but its control systems will be re-programmed.

Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Valkyrie has always been about pushing the limits and redefining the possible. The road car will set new benchmarks for performance, engineering and technology – a hypercar in the truest sense – and with the track-only Valkyrie AMR Pro those limits will be pushed further still.”

The Valkyrie AMR Pro is the culmination of effort from Aston Martin, Red Bull Advanced Technologies and project partner AF Racing. The brainchild of Adrian Newey, only 25 of these cars will be produced in 2020, however, all of them are already spoken for.

McLaren preparing for release of new halo car, expected by ‘early’ 2018

McLaren has announced that it will unveil a new hypercar sometime during the first quarter of 2018. According to the British automaker, the car which remains nameless, will be an addition to its Ultimate Super Series product portfolio under its Track22 Business plan.

It is said to be the most extreme, track-concentrated road car McLaren has ever produced. Having said that, the automaker isn’t muddling its words regarding the purpose of this a vehicle. It has admitted that ‘daily usability will be sacrificed’ to offer the most intensive driving experience on track.

Though completely road legal, McLaren wants you know that, right from the onset, that this isn’t going to be the car of choice for daily commutes. Instead, its going to be a highly precise track-focused race car that can be driven on public roads – if you choose to do so.

McLaren describes the car’s look as ‘brutal’ and will be the ‘purest expression yet of the company’s ‘form follows function’ philosophy’. This could mean that the car will sport some outlandish looks and aero kits that will allow it to reduce drag and increase downforce.

Shortly after the launch of this car, McLaren will be following it up with the reveal of another vehicle that will also be part of the Ultimate Series. Codenamed BP23, the car is supposed to be the world’s first ever Hyper-GT. Both cars will be built in limited numbers and all are already spoken for.

Cars belonging to the Ultimate Series model line are positioned above McLaren’s core Super Series vehicles, which are considered relatively more affordable offerings. Cars like the McLaren P1 and P1 GTR, which are considered supercar royalty, fall under the Ultimate Series product line – the upper echelon of the UK-based automaker’s supercars.

McLaren will reveal further details of its new halo car by the end of this year, which should hopefully include some teaser images and performance specifications.

Kode 57 is an extremely exotic version of an Enzo

Custom coach-built cars are a rarity these days let alone ones that look far more stunning than the vehicles that they are based upon. Pininfarina, a world renowned coach builder and design house has had a hand in producing some of the most stunning Italian cars the world has ever seen.

Ken Okuyama is former head of design and one of Pininfarina’s most accomplished designers of his generation, who can also lay claim to the design work on the Ferrari Enzo and Maserati Quattroporte. He decided to leave the Italian design outfit to set up his own design house bearing his namesake, and develop his own cars.

His latest creation has been featured on Jay Leno’s ‘Jay Leno’s Garage’ Youtube channel where he gives us a complete walkaround to highlight the extensive work that went into his creation. Check out the video for the full scoop on what was done to manufacture this unique exotic.

This latest project from his firm, is an Enzo resembling supercar that marries Italian styling with aerodynamic functionality. The front end and fenders feature similar styling to that seen on open wheel racing cars. It is fitted with a low profile windshield made from polycarbonate and oozes class and performance unlike anything else on the road.

Powered by a Ferrari sourced 6.0-litre V12 engine that produces 600 horsepower, the car known as KODE 57 is a more extreme version of an Italian sports car. Unlike what we are used to seeing from Ferrari, the top of the front mounted V12 engine of the Kode 57, is left bare and devoid of covers or casings.

The rear seems a bit too busy and a major departure from what we are used to seeing from the Italian automaker, which makes Okuyama’s creation all the more unique. Without the need to refer to a ‘design language guide book’, has allowed Okuyama considerable leeway at cherry picking the best design cues of Italian exotics and combining them with his own visions and designs.

The result is an awesome two seat sports car that emits a distinctive Ferrari V12 exhaust note and looks like a cross between a Ferrari Enzo and a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss edition. It’s a stunning masterpiece built for a very special customer of Okuyama’s, who wanted a unique car that still retained the essence of an Italian exotic.

Aston Martin has become title sponsor of Red Bull Racing team

Aston Martin has announced that it is now the title sponsor for the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. Next year, the team will compete in the 2018 championship as Aston Martin Red Bull Racing. The move will allow for better brand presence for Aston Martin, and entice the automaker to become more involved in the sport.

Both companies will have a closer working relationship pertaining to the development of F1 and road car technology. In fact, the ostentatious Aston Martin Valkyrie, which was unveiled in 2016, was a collaborative effort between both parties. Deliveries of the supercar to customers should take place sometime next year, but I digress.

This new F1 partnership will see the creation for 110 new jobs including employees who will be responsible for the future development of sports cars of these companies. Red Bull Racing has admitted that more than 100 of Aston Martin staff will service the new Advanced performance centre in Milton Keynes, the location of its HQ.

Despite Aston Martin admitting that the collaboration will offer the supercar maker better brand awareness and opportunities, that is only the tip of the iceberg. In fact, Aston’s CEO, Andy Palmer has said that, if conditions become favorable to the automaker, it could entertain the possibility of becoming an engine supplier.

Aston Martin will only be willing to consider the idea if the FIA make certain changes that allow for better regulations on the costs and dynamometer hours. It isn’t willing to jump in the game as did Honda, until it feels that it can be reasonably competitive in the sport.

This news comes after Porsche admitted that it is mulling over the idea of becoming an engine supplier for Formula One teams in 2021. Thanks to certain regulation changes in the sport, mainstream automakers are beginning to see the benefits of getting involved in Formula One.

Source: F1.com

LaFerrari Aperta sells for record breaking figure

The rare LaFerrari Aperta that we covered in a previous article has finally gone under the hammer at Rm Sotheby’s auction. The car was auctioned off during the Prancing Horse’s 70th Anniversary celebrations at the Fiorano circuit for a cool 8.3 million euro (RM 41.9 million).

The proceeds from this sale will be donated to Save the Children, which is an international non-profit organisation that work to improve the lives of disadvantaged children in over 120 countries worldwide. The money from the LaFerrari sale will be used particularly to fund educational projects in Asia and Africa.

What makes this Ferrari so unique is that it’s a special extra addition to the initial 209 cars built to date. And unlike the rest of these vehicles, it boasts a one-of-a-kind metallic Rosso livery that is complemented by double metallic Biano Italia racing stripes on its bonnet and rear end.

Though these numbers are common for such auctions, it happens to be a new record figure received by a 21st centrey car. The previous record was held by an exclusive LaFerrari that sold for $7 million (RM 29.4 million) at Daytona, USA in December 2016. It was auctioned off to raise funds for earthquake victims in Central Italy.

That said, the LaFerari Aperta wasn’t the only car that rolled on the auction block in Fiorano, other worthy mentions include a California 250 GT SWB that sold for 7.9 million euro (RM 39.7 million), a 1958 250 GT Cabriolet Series I for 4.7 million euro (RM 23.6 million) and the aluminium-bodied 365 GTB/4, which sold for 1.8 million euro (RM 9.1 million).

It’s good to know that Ferrari and other automakers are doing their part to help raise funds to help those indeed, especially people from impoverished nations or ones that have been affected by natural disasters.