V8 Archives

Toyota Starlet Dengan Enjin Suzuki Hayabusa V8 Yang Menghasilkan 345hp

Peminat automotif dan penggemar perlumbaan sedang menyaksikan transformasi yang menakjubkan apabila jurutera dan pelumba Finland, Mikko Kataja, meningkatkan prestasi Toyota Starletnya dengan enjin Suzuki Hayabusa V8.

Dikenali dengan pengubahsuaian yang mengagumkan dan kemenangan mendaki bukit, bengkel Kataja, VHT Racing, telah menjadi sinonim dengan menolak sempadan kuasa dan kecekapan automotif.

Toyota Starlet, yang sebelum ini dikuasakan oleh enjin Toyota 4AGE, mengalami peningkatan yang luar biasa untuk musim perlumbaan 2023. Kataja beralih kepada enjin Suzuki Hayabusa V8 2.6 liter, khususnya model Gen One oleh Radical Precision Engineering, kerana reka bentuk yang padat, berat yang agak ringan, dan kuasa yang hebat.

Walaupun konfigurasi semasa menghasilkan 345hp pada 10,500rpm, VHT Racing mempunyai rancangan yang lebih besar. Sebuah versi 2.7 liter Hayabusa V8 generasi kedua sedang dalam pembuatan, dilengkapi dengan piston Cosworth yang bertenaga tinggi untuk penyerahan kuasa yang lebih baik. Kedua-dua iterasi akan mengekalkan reka bentuk semula jadi tanpa pam udara.

Dalam peranan sebagai pengurus projek di Bosch Motorsport, Kataja, yang menyelesaikan masalah teknikal untuk pelanggan, telah menyatukan keahlian kejuruteraannya ke dalam dunia perlumbaan.

Memiliki Toyota Starlet selama lebih dari dua dekad, perjalanan Kataja dengan kenderaan itu bermula pada tahun 2000 apabila dia membeli Starlet yang berada dalam bajet untuk projek kereta lumba semasa pengajian kejuruteraannya. Walaupun mengalami cabaran, termasuk kemalangan terbalik, Starlet itu menjadi tesis akhirnya dalam pengajian kejuruteraan mekanikal perlumbaan.

Kini, dengan enjin Suzuki Hayabusa V8, Toyota Starlet Mikko Kataja bersedia untuk menentukan semula standard perlumbaan, dengan anggaran kuasa 440hp di hujung jalan. Gabungan teknologi terkini dan warisan perlumbaan bertujuan menjadikan VHT Racing sebagai daya pendorong utama dalam dunia automotif.

Toyota Starlet with Suzuki Hayabusa V8 Power That Produces 345hp!

Automotive enthusiasts and racing aficionados are witnessing a groundbreaking transformation as Finnish engineer and racer Mikko Kataja elevates the performance of his Toyota Starlet with the potent Suzuki Hayabusa V8 engine.

Known for his impressive modifications and hill climb victories, Kataja’s workshop, VHT Racing, has become synonymous with pushing the boundaries of automotive power and efficiency.

The Toyota Starlet, previously powered by the Toyota 4AGE engine, is undergoing a remarkable upgrade for the 2023 racing season. Kataja turned to the Suzuki Hayabusa V8 2.6-liter engine, specifically the Gen One model by Radical Precision Engineering, for its compact design, relatively lightweight, and formidable power.

While the current configuration produces an impressive 345hp at 10,500rpm, VHT Racing has even grander plans. A second-gen 2.7-litre version of the Hayabusa V8 is in the works, equipped with high-compression Cosworth pistons for enhanced power delivery. Both iterations will maintain a naturally aspirated design.

In his role as a project manager at Bosch Motorsport, Kataja, who troubleshoots technical issues for customers, has seamlessly integrated his engineering expertise into the realm of racing.

Having owned the Toyota Starlet for over two decades, Kataja’s journey with the car began in 2000 when he purchased a budget-friendly Starlet for a rally car project during his engineering studies. Despite setbacks, including a rollover accident, the Starlet became his final thesis in motorsport mechanical engineering studies.

Now, with the Suzuki Hayabusa V8 engine, Kataja’s Toyota Starlet is poised to redefine racing standards, with an estimated 440hp on the horizon. The fusion of cutting-edge technology and a racing legacy is set to make VHT Racing a driving force in the automotive world.

Aston Martin Valhalla: Pengeluaran Terhad dengan 998bhp!

Aston Martin Valhalla yang sangat dinantikan, yang awalnya diperkenalkan sebagai AM-RB 03, dijadualkan untuk memasuki pengeluaran terhad pada 2024 setelah menyelesaikan pembangunannya. Supercar enjin tengah ini telah berubah dari V-6 kepada AMG flat-plane crank 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 yang kuat, dipadankan dengan dua motor elektrik untuk keluaran gabungan 998bhp dan keupayaan penggerak empat roda.

Dengan kelajuan tertinggi 349km/j dan anggaran pecutan 0-100km/j dalam 2.5 saat, Valhalla menjanjikan prestasi yang mendebarkan.

Gambar-gambar terkini prototaip yang sedang diuji di Silverstone memperlihatkan penyesuaian reka bentuk, termasuk pemotongan sisi yang lebih besar untuk penampilan yang lebih agresif.

Bahagian hadapannya mengekalkan reka bentuk yang khas Aston Martin, dan ciri-ciri yang ketara termasuk lampu hadapan yang bersedia untuk pengeluaran, cermin sisi, dan spoiler belakang yang boleh ditarik. Bahagian belakang kereta menunjukkan variasi pemecah angin yang besar seperti konsepnya.

Walaupun interior prototaip ini kelihatan lebih bersifat perlumbaan, model pengeluaran akhir dijangkakan menawarkan kabin yang lebih ringkas, mencapai keseimbangan antara prestasi dan kepraktisan. Terhad kepada hanya 999 unit, Aston Martin Valhalla merupakan tawaran eksklusif yang tinggi prestasinya untuk para peminat.

Aston Martin Valhalla Nears Production with V8 Power

Aston Martin’s highly anticipated Valhalla, initially introduced as the AM-RB 03, is set to enter limited production in 2024 after finalising its development. The mid-engined supercar has transitioned from a V-6 to a powerful AMG flat-plane crank 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, coupled with two electric motors for a combined output of 998bhp and four-wheel drive capabilities.

With a top speed of 349km/h and an estimated 0-100km/h acceleration in 2.5 seconds, the Valhalla promises an exhilarating performance.

Recent photos of a prototype undergoing testing at Silverstone reveal design tweaks, including larger side cutouts for a more aggressive appearance.

The nose retains Aston Martin’s distinctive styling, and notable features include production-ready headlights, side mirrors, and a retractable rear wing. The rear of the car showcases a variant of the concept’s substantial diffuser.

While the interior of the prototype appears race-oriented, the final production model is expected to offer a more refined cabin, striking a balance between performance and practicality. Limited to just 999 units, the Aston Martin Valhalla represents a high-performance, exclusive offering for enthusiasts.

50 Years Of Aston Martin V8

In the early 1970s, Aston Martin was undergoing significant change as Sir David Brown sold it to a Company Developments Ltd. The change of ownership brought with it new optimism for the company’s future, but the engineering and design ethos of the David Brown era was also retained. This enabled the birth of the AM V8 as a successor to the DBS V8.

The DBS V8 had championed the use of Aston Martin’s first V8, which was the first new engine for more than 10 years, so the AM V8 was essentially a styling exercise. In place of the angular nose of the DBS was a more curvaceous, purposeful front end which gave a much more muscular look. Key to that new nose was the arrival of two 7-inch quartz iodine headlamps and a black mesh grille.

The return of a small open ‘power bulge’ on the bonnet; the ‘Coke-bottle’ flanks; and the use of Aston Martin V8 side strake badges completed the exterior styling revisions. That this same William Towns’ shape, in essence, would represent the Aston Martin ‘look’ for almost 2 decades shows the importance of its debut in 1972.

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Jeep will bring back the V8 Wrangler

During the past 10 years, the auto industry has been downsizing engines as a way to reduce consumption, toxic exhaust emissions and also weight. Thanks to turbocharging and direct fuel injection, the engine outputs have actually increased in spite of displacements decreasing.

But while most people are happy with smaller, more fuel-efficient engines, Americans still miss the big ones that have been typical in their vehicles, especially the vee engines. Jeep fans, in particular, have been wishing for a V8 Wrangler in recent years, and their request has been noted. The last time a Jeep was offered with a V8 engine was in 1981 when the CJ had a 5-litre V8.

*1981 Jeep CJ Renegade was the last model with a V8.*

Yes, a V8 is returning
As an indication they may soon get their wish, Jeep has revealed the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. This has a huge 6.4-litre V8 engine that delivers 450 bhp/610 Nm and can go from 0 to 96 km/h in a timed of less than 5 seconds, it is claimed.

“Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts have been asking us for a Wrangler V8, and our new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept proves that we have the ability to make that happen,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America. “From the recently introduced Wrangler EcoDiesel, to our award-winning Jeep Gladiator, and the upcoming Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, Jeep is clearly listening to its customers. We are anxious to gauge their reaction to this new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept, a vehicle that delivers an incredible and unmatched level of fun-to-drive performance and capability, on- and off-road.”

Capability on and off-road
To accommodate the massive 6.4-litre V8 engine and stronger 8-speed transmission, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept has upgraded engine mounts and a modified frame. Suspension upgrades include new aluminium, monotube Fox shocks for improved damping and heat dissipation. A dual-mode exhaust alters the performance sound at the touch of a button.

The Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept boasts even more capability courtesy of third-generation Dana 44 axles, a Selec-Track full-time 2-speed transfer case, Tru-Lok electric front and rear-axle locking differentials. 37-inch mud-terrain tyres wrap around custom 17-inch beadlock wheels that hold tyres to rims under extreme lateral loads, allowing for reduced tyre pressure operation and added traction.

The factory-fitted Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch lift kit from Mopar enables additional suspension articulation for improved approach, breakover and departure angles. There are also Rubicon rock rails, steel bumpers with a Warn winch, and a steel belly pan – all to ensure protection when going over the roughest terrain.

Custom design inside and out
The Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept features Granite Crystal exterior paint adorned with bronze accentuated tow hooks, badging, springs, shocks and wheels, while featuring a heavy-duty raised performance bonnet with an aggressive appearance. Custom half doors and Wrangler’s Sky One-touch powertop, with removable side panels allow for open-air freedom when weather conditions are nice enough.

The vehicle made its appearance just recently and Jeep is doing final real-world testing before launching the production version. It’s not likely to be a long wait as Jeep must be eager to have a new model to prevent Ford’s new Bronco from drawing too many customers.

2020 Jeep Renegade Plug-In Hybrid previewed in Paris

New Ferrari F8 Spider is topless version of F8 Tributo, replaces 488 Spider

On the same weekend that Ferrari scored a F1 victory in its home race after 9 years, the company also unveiled the F8 Spider, the new generation drop-top sportscar powered by the most successful mid-rear-mounted V8 in history. The F8 Spider was designed in parallel with the F8 Tributo berlinetta and features the compact and efficient RHT (Retractable Hard Top). The RHT takes just 14 seconds to deploy or retract and can be closed or opened while the car is on the move up to 45 km/h.

Open-top V8s since 1977
The F8 Spider is the latest addition to an exclusive and prestigious bloodline of open-top V8 cars which began with the 308 GTS in 1977. It is less extreme than the 488 Pista Spider, but sportier than the 488 Spider which it replaces in the range.

Consequently, the F8 Spider sets a new benchmark for the ‘en plein air’ sportscar in terms of usable performance and exceptional handling, providing an incredibly rewarding driving experience. In fact, it is claimed to excel in merging handling dynamics with surprising in-car comfort.

Award-winning engine for 4 consecutive years
The 3902 cc twin-turbo engine is a development of the V8 that won the ‘International Engine of the Year Award’ for four consecutive years (2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019) and that was also selected as the best engine of the last two decades.

The F8 Spider’s greatest achievement is the fact that it unleashes its power instantaneously with zero turbo lag, whilst retaining this V8’s unique and very special ‘soundtrack’. This performance and the car’s disarmingly effortless handling were made possible by integrating a series of innovative, track-derived aero solutions into its design.

The F8 Spider replaces the 488 Spider and improves on all aspects of its specifications. Aside from the fact that its engine delivers an extra 50 ps (now 720 ps, with 770 Nm of torque), the new Ferrari is 20 kgs lighter than its predecessor and 20 kgs more than the more extreme 488 Pista Spider. Significantly more aerodynamically efficient, it features the new 6.1 version of the Side Slip Angle Control system.

Improved performance-enhancing systems
The new car also has a new version of the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE+) which can now be activated in the manettino’s RACE position, a move designed to make performance on the limit easier to reach and control. Adaptive Performance Launch analyses grip as the car accelerates and then uses electronic controls to optimise the torque delivered to suit the road’s grip level, reducing wheel slip to a minimum which, in turn, maximises acceleration.

The rev limiter’s ‘Wall Effect’ strategy is another leap forward in terms of extreme engine performance. Rather than gradually limiting the revs towards the limit, it cuts off right at the 8,000 rpm redline, maximising the amount of power available in power-on dynamic driving situations and consequently improving lap times.

The F8 Spider’s cockpit retains the classic, driver-oriented look typical of Ferrari’s mid-rear-engined berlinettas. A concept that creates a symbiotic relationship between driver and car, with all controls mounted on the new generation steering wheel.

The dash incorporates an aluminium sail panel supporting the central satellite and continuing into the dash itself. Also to create a sense of visual lightness, a sliver of carbonfibre divides the upper and lower parts, streamlining the whole look. This section also incorporates the optional 7-inch touchscreen passenger-side display and the dash is completed by the classic instrument cluster with its central tachometer.

Click here for other news and articles about Ferrari on PISTON.MY

Chevrolet Corvette C7 Aerowagen by Callaway

Ever wondered what a shooting brake Corvette would look like? Well, wonder no more because Callaway, a US based company has done to the C7 Vette. Considered sacrilege by die hard Corvette fans, the car is offically known as the Aerowagen. Despite the extensive work on the car, the styling and fitment wouldn’t look out of place if it did roll off GM’s production floor.

The Callaway name is synonymous with modified performance Vettes since the early 2000s. And this Aerowagen in particular, has received more than just styling adjustments, Callaway gave the car performance tweaks as well. Originally, the Vette’s 6.2-litre V8 produced 650 horsepower in stock form, but Callaway has bumped up the power to 757bhp.

The car was featured on former The Tonight’s Show host Jay Leno’s famous YouTube channel, Jay Leno’s Garage. Jay did his usual walk-around of the car while interviewing owner/producer of the respective car that is on his show. This time around for the Aerowagen, it was Peter Callaway, General Manager of Callaway Cars Inc and his father Reeves Callaway, the founder of the company. And as you will see in his video, and as expected, he takes the car on his signature test drive. Take a look at this clip for the full video:

Like Brabus is to Mercedes-Benz, Shelby is to Ford, Callaway has been been tuning and upgrading Corvettes for a very long time. That said, the company, which was incorporated in the 1970s, initially gained recognition for offering Alfa Romeos and BMWs with a lot more horsepower then when they came from the factory. And despite being supercharger experts today, from the 1970s to 1990s, the company’s bread and butter was turbochargers.

As impressive as the Aerowagen is, this particular type of styling isn’t to everyone’s liking as it’s more of an acquired taste. Ferrari too tried its hand at a shooting brake with the introduction of the GTC4Lusso and despite coming from the Mac daddy of sports car makers, it wasn’t a stellar hit. Only time will tell if the Aerowagen does gain any popularity.

Mercedes-Benz R107 in pristine condition is up for sale

Collectible classic cars are always in demand especially those that have been persevered for decades but look as though they had just rolled off the showroom floor. One such car is a 1989 R107 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL with only 1538km on the odometer. Considering that this particular Merc is close to 30 years old, the mileage says a lot about how often it was actually taken out on the road.

This right-hand drive example of the R107 is said to be one of the last ones ever built and was replaced by the R129 series the very same year. Launched in 1971, the R107 was based on the E-Class W114 sedan but utilized larger and more powerful engines from the S-Class. It is the second longest running model in the company’s history and was a favorite among those who wanted a refined luxury vehicle but with the brute power of a sports car. This particular car has a 5.0-litre V8 that produces 242bhp.

Built at a time when Mercedes-Benz engineers were obsessed with perfection, this over-engineered vehicle features “Tempomat” cruise control, air-conditioning, green-tinted sun-deflecting glass, heated seats and a separate hardtop . Amazingly, it still has its original tool kit, book pack and two hardtop release handles.

The car is currently being put up for sale by London classic car retailer Hexagon and is touted as the best example of the R107 Merc in the world right now. The car is being offered with a price tag of £94,995 (RM521,969) at Hexagon Classics’ showroom in London. The lucky buyer will definitely be getting his money’s worth with this R107.