Car of the Day - Ferrari P4_5

Car of the Day - Ferrari P4/5

Ferrari throughout its history supplied cars and chassis for special “Carrozzeria” treatment. In the early days it was a “relatively” common practice. During the transition to a “modern’ manufacturer, it was not so common, not as well known and far less accessible. In fact the entire practice was really aimed towards one client. The Sultan of Brunei’s brother. Many very special Ferrari’s were build during this period, predominantly by Pininfarina on 456 and TR chassis, usually in batches of less than ten in a selection of colors.

Well publicised domestic problems stopped this lucrative income stream for Pininfarina. Individualisation of Ferraris was for a period only available by the “tuner” route. We are now though in the early stages of a revival with some notable coachbuilt cars coming out of the new “Portfolio” program.

Perhaps the highest profile and most successful design to date is this one, the Enzo based P4/5. The dream of American James Glickenhaus, it is a modern interpretation of the classic Ferrari 330 P3/4, of which Glickenhaus also owns an example. The development of the P4/5 commenced in 2005, before the instigation of the new Ferrari Portfolio Program and the success of the car undoubtably helped Ferrari come to the conclusion the market was ripe for their new service. While this was pre Portfolio, Ferrari obviously liked what Glinkenhaus and Pinifarina were doing and not only supplied technical assistance but also their blessing to use the P4/5 name.

As this was a one-off coachbuilding exercise and the engine and running gear from the Enzo were already extremely capable, nothing was changed mechanically. With regard to the complete redesign of the body though, this was not just a “make it look good” exercise, a complete full scale mock-up was built for use in the Pininfarina wind tunnel. The result of the tuning to the final design was a reduction of drag while matching the Enzo’s downforce.

Adding to the reduction in drag is a 200kg reduction in weight with the P4/5 tipping the scales at 1200kg. The P4/5 would undoubtably be one dynamic performer.

Rod Halligan

Car of the Day - Pagani Zonda Cinque

Car of the Day - Pagani Zonda Cinque

Pagani is the poster child for anyone who dreams of being a small volume car builder. Horacio Pagani's cars are seriously good and he himself obviously has exceptional style and business acummine. In a relatively should period he has established the Zonda at the top echelon of the SuperCar world.

Breaking into the top level is seriously hard, however once there the advantage of a business model based on a very limited production is that your clients are very rich, very loyal and eager to buy the next edition of their object of desire.

The hand made nature of a Zonda means a production run of 5 is feasible. Such is the case for the Cinque. Just five Coupe and five Roadsters were built. The Coupe was released first and obviously demand justified the effort for the re-engineering the Carbon-Titanium chassis to ensure the loss of the roof did not impact the stunning dynamics of the car. In fact the Pagani have managed to achieve this with out adding any weight over the Coupe. You have to wonder how many regular clients bought both. At 1.3 m euro we are talking about a serious investment.

Those that waited for the Roadster get the added pleasure of the exposed aural delights of the AMG developed 678 hp V12, with the convenience of being able to stow the roof in the front luggage compartment - a significant feat given the extreme configuration of the design.

A considerable amount of the development of the Zonda R made its way into the Cinque and the car is no show pony with different drive modes of the sequential robostised gearbox and an adjustable suspension setup tuned for trackdays.

At just 1210 kg and with 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds it just doesn't get much better..

Rod Halligan

Car of the day - Subaru Prodrive Impreza N2010

Car of the Day - Subaru Prodrive Impreza N2010
Shelby presented the 2011 GT350 at the January 2010 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. While in concept form the next limited production GT350 will change little from what was shown.

Celebrating the 45th anniversary of the original 1965 Shelby GT350, the new version honours the 1965-1970 Shelby GT350’s that were one of the most important models in Shelby history.

The new 5.0-liter V8 engine gets a Ford Racing Supercharger and develops 500 hp. The suspension package, which is also sourced from Ford Racing includes new springs, struts, sway bars and adjustable caster/camber plates. Braking power comes from Baer and features 6 piston calipers at front, and 14” EradiSpeed rotors, all four units get cooling ducts. Finishing off the mechanical package is a 6 speed manual gearbox, Borla exhaust system, 19” Cragar wheels and Goodyear tires.

Exterior changes are numerous with a new front fascia, front splitter, functional hood scoop tail light trim, rear deck lid filler, rear fascia with center exhaust exit and of course GT350 badges The GT350 is available in any color so long as it is traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes.

Inside there is a A pillar instrument cluster that carries a fuel pressure, oil pressure and boost gauge, .Interior badging includes the cars Shelby serial number.

The whole package was put together at the Shelby facility in Las Vegas and included in the design and build team were former Hot Wheels and Ford designer Larry Wood.

The Shelby GT350 is a post title program with customers either shipping or delivering their car to Shelby. The preferred method is for a purchaser to order a correctly spec’d ‘stang from their dealer and get Ford to deliver directly for conversion. The price is $33,995, not including the car, which will be just on the top side of 30 k itself.
Rod Halligan

Car of the Day - Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang

Car of the Day - Honda HSV-010 GT
Shelby presented the 2011 GT350 at the January 2010 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. While in concept form the next limited production GT350 will change little from what was shown.

Celebrating the 45th anniversary of the original 1965 Shelby GT350, the new version honours the 1965-1970 Shelby GT350’s that were one of the most important models in Shelby history.

The new 5.0-liter V8 engine gets a Ford Racing Supercharger and develops 500 hp. The suspension package, which is also sourced from Ford Racing includes new springs, struts, sway bars and adjustable caster/camber plates. Braking power comes from Baer and features 6 piston calipers at front, and 14” EradiSpeed rotors, all four units get cooling ducts. Finishing off the mechanical package is a 6 speed manual gearbox, Borla exhaust system, 19” Cragar wheels and Goodyear tires.

Exterior changes are numerous with a new front fascia, front splitter, functional hood scoop tail light trim, rear deck lid filler, rear fascia with center exhaust exit and of course GT350 badges The GT350 is available in any color so long as it is traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes.

Inside there is a A pillar instrument cluster that carries a fuel pressure, oil pressure and boost gauge, .Interior badging includes the cars Shelby serial number.

The whole package was put together at the Shelby facility in Las Vegas and included in the design and build team were former Hot Wheels and Ford designer Larry Wood.

The Shelby GT350 is a post title program with customers either shipping or delivering their car to Shelby. The preferred method is for a purchaser to order a correctly spec’d ‘stang from their dealer and get Ford to deliver directly for conversion. The price is $33,995, not including the car, which will be just on the top side of 30 k itself.
Rod Halligan

Car of the Day - Honda HSV-010 GT

Car of the Day - Honda HSV-010 GT

Honda just don’t seem to be able to do much right of late. Surely to have its old Formula 1 Team go on to win both the World Constructors and Drivers titles the season after selling it must be a huge loss of face for many within the organisation. Hopefully they will be able to re-gain some of their pride, at least in the domestic market, with this years contender for the Japanese Super GT Series. As least mean little stealth fighter looks the part.

The HSV-010 GT (Honda Sport Velocity) is based on the shelved NSX successor which was to get a V10 powerplant. This doesn’t though, so the only thing that makes sense with the name is the GT bit. Instead of the V10 there is a 3.4 litre naturally aspirated 90 degree V8 developing 496 hp and 289 ft-lb of torque

The 1100 kg car should be quick, lets hope it is quick enough to regain some face for Honda with its race enthusiasts.

Rod Halligan

Car of the Day - Pagani Zonda R

Car of the Day - Pagani Zonda R

Pagani is winding up production of the Zonda in September of this year (2010), although Horacio Pagani will apparently continue to produce special one-off orders from any valued customer that has a special need to fulfill for an additional three years. It is one of those special customers we can thank for the existence of the Zonda R. Reportedly an Italian-American owner of three Zonda’s wanted a weekend track car, but not to race. Yeah I don’t get it either - but to quote him, “The thought has been on my mind for quite some time, but I am not interested in racing”.

Anyway, the brief back in 2006 was to build the ultimate track car without the impediments of rules, except for safety and no compromise was allowed. By September the first drawings were produced and support was gained from Mercedes-AMG for the supply of an engine based that in the CLK GTR. From that engine the Zonda R gets the basic architecture including the dry sump. The unit produces 750 hp at 8000 rpm and 710 Nm of torque .

Only 10% of the Zonda F parts are used for the R, which gets unique suspension forged in Avional, a new Pagani six speed transversal sequential gearbox, extended wheelbase carbon fibre monocoque and aeronautical four pump fuel tank. Besides the 47mm extension to the wheelbase, length also increases by 394 mm and the track is 50mm wider. The monocoque also gets a roll cage and completely new front and rear subframes to support the new suspension, produced in avional. Added to the extra stability offered by the longer wheelbase the R gets new aerodynamic bodywork that provides a considerable increase to downforce. There is a longer front bonnet with flaps, enclosed underbody and extended rear overhang with the adjustable rear wing and diffusor

While built for the track, as is the case with all Paginis the car is an engineering work of art and one owner apparently intends to treat his as just that, keeping his in his living room. That particular example will feature a purpose designed sound system to allow the owner to listen to the sound of the R at Le Mans and the Nürburgring. Yeah, again I don’t get - if I could afford it I’d simply take it to the ‘ring and listen to the real thing - while I was driving it. The race style interior is designed for two occupants and gets a Digitek instrumentation set that provides comprehensive telemetry including downforce that the car is generating. The R also gets special magnesium forged rims with central wheel nut which can be changed with the quick pneumatic lifting system.


Rod Halligan

Car of the Day - Ferrari P4 - 350 Can-Am

Car of the Day - Ferrari P4 - 350 Can-Am

Ferrari - At the very upper echelon of desirable, important and collectible race cars stands the Ferrari P4. With a race record that includes victories in the most important international race events and driven by a who's who from the most dangerous and glamourous era of motorsport history the P4 is an iconic racecar.

With just three 330 P4s built, chassis numbers 0856, 0858 and 0860, plus one 330 P3 - 0846, converted to P4 specifications the P4 is a rare and highly sort after addition for any serious collection.

The particular example featured in this Car of the Day went to auction in 2009 at RM Auctions - Ferrari Passione e Leggenda, unfortunately at the time the world was in the deplths of the GFC so the car was passed in at 7.25 million euro, a figure that would undoubtable be surpassed in todays recovering economy.

The P4 gave Enzo Ferrai one of his most prized moments - the 1-2-3 victory at Daytona in 1967 against the unlimited-budget Ford assualt on his dominance. An image of the victory has remained behind his desk since that time. With a second place at Le Mans, 0858 could be considered the second most desireable of the P4s having also played a significant role in Ferrari’s 1967 World Manufacturers Championship for Sportcars win and finishing second in the 1967 Le Mans 24 Hours

Rule changes at the end of the 1967 season made the P4s obsolete for the 1968 season and 0858 became one of two P4s to be modified to compete in the Can-Am Series in America. This was without success however as the 4.4 litre engine could not compete against the no holds barred big block engines of the likes of the McLarens.

This car is also is of particular significance to us here in Australian as it was briefly owned by David McKay’s Scuderia Veloce and raced at Surfers Paradise in 1968. 0858 was also owned by a South African enthusiast and won five races in the Springbok Series. On retirement from racing it was sold and maintained the same ownership for the past 40 years with only rare public outings.

Rod Halligan

Car of the Day - SDR WR3 V-Storm

Car of the Day - SDR WR3 V-Storm

SDR have delivered a trackday car that has been screaming out to be built, an exoskeleton powered by an STi spec Subaru boxer. The union is obvious with the adaptability of the drive layout being ideally suited to a mid engine rear drive layout. With the drive out of the rear of the transmssion disabled the Subaru offers a unique power plant for rear drive track specials. That is not to say the idea of a front mounted Subaru engine in a 4wd Westfield has not crossed my mind.

The WR3 V-Storm offers a number of features that set it apart from car in the burgeoning trackday market. The McLaren F1 esque 3 seat arrangement has obvious appeal to many, including me for a day out with my two kids while my wife is off doing her stuff. SDR are also marketing the WR3s ability to be upgraded and customised with new body panels and complete rear sub-assemblies with different power plants. A very good ploy if the also offer a package without the rear assemblies to create a market for those upgrading to be able to offload their previous engine assembly to.

The 4 cylinder Boxer engine offers the other obvious benefit of a low centre of gravity. Delivering 300bhp to the 700kg package 0-60mph times should be stunning. Built to ISO 9002 standards SDR should have a niche sales hit on their hands. While compared to an Atom it looks like it has been hit with the ugly stick, it would be a whole lot of fun.

Rod Halligan

Car of the Day - Nissan Nismo GT-R GT1

Car of the Day - Nissan Nismo GT-R GT1


Nissan has put forward its challenger for the 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship with the new Nissan Nismo GT-R GT1. While this may look like a GT-R in race trim, Nissan have had to change the whole dna of the car to meet the new regulations. What you see here is a GT-R shell and little else of the ground breaking road car.

Replacing the twin-turbo 3.5 litre V6 is a 5.5 litre V8 which develops 600 bhp and 650 Nm of torque. Rear wheel drive replaces the awd running gear and a 6-speed sequential gearbox is now mounted in unit with the single diff. New regulations restrict changes to the basic unitary shell to try to keep development costs in check, but the aero package gives no doubt to the intent of the car. The front suspension utilises McPherson struts and at the rear are double wishbones. Stopping the GT1 is naturally via carbon ceramic discs.

Nissan ran the car at four rounds of the 2009 season for testing and development purposes, which has not gone smoothly. Fielding the required four cars for 2010 Nissan will work with Sumo Power GT and Swiss Racing Team who will field two cars each to hopefully deliver a competitive car to take on the burgeoning field desirable exotic race cars.

Rod Halligan

Car of the Day - Ford Shelby Cobra Concept

Car of the Day - Ford Shelby Cobra Concept

Ford discovered with the 2004 Shelby Cobra Concept that trying to re-invent an icon can be a tricky thing. From a purely design meets brief perspective the 2004 re-interpretation of the 1960’s bruiser hits all the marks. An overall minimal ism with a complete performance focus is emphasised by fat wheel arches and numerous other elements that reference the original What is doesn’t have though is the classic curvaceous proportions of the original ....... or a V8.

While some would argue that the 6.4 liter all-aluminum V10 engine is a step up in every area over a V8, the simple fact is... it’s a Cobra and only a V8 will do. That being said it is a superb V10 delivering 605 hp and 501 ft lbs of torque, in a car not much longer than and MX-5. The V10 is a world away from the original 427 V8 with double-overhead-cam cylinder heads and direct port fuel injection.

Weighing in at just over 3000 lbs the tiny roofless roadster uses a modified advanced aluminum chassis from the rear-engine Ford GT. Also from the GT comes most of the suspension as well trellis-like cast aluminum suspension supports, the bumper beam, steering, crash management sections and the brackets used to mount the transmission, which itself is also from the GT, but used as a standalone transaxle. So what we have is sort of a GT, 2 ft shorter and with a reduction of 7 inches to the wheelbase ... with a 6.4 litre V10. What’s not to like? ...... apparently quite a bit as reception to the concept was less than luke warn. I however love it. Would I take it over an original 427, no way. Would I take one if it had been built over a replica - abosultely.

Rod Halligan

Car of the Day - Porsche 911 GT3 R

Car of the Day - Porsche 911 GT3 R

Porsche have launched its latest contender for the GT3 title with the 2010 911 GT3 R. The development at Porsche never stops and which is just as well because the GT3 series is going to be filled this coming year with some extremely competitive cars including factory and privately developed Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Audi R8 LM, BMW Z4 and Alpina B6.

The lightweight GT3 R replaces the GT3 Cup and features a 4.0-liter flat-six pumping 480 horsepower (353 kW) to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential dog gearbox. Development focused on better durability and easier handling.

Weighing in at just 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) the same as the superceded model the R gets and additional 200cc to round it up to 4 litres. This gives an additional 30 bhp over the Cup model. Anti-lock brake system (ABS), traction control and an e-gas system with “throttle-blip” function make it a much easier car to drive at race speeds.

A wider track front and rear means new flared wheel arches that add a seriously purposeful look.

Rod Halligan

Car of the Day - Mercedes Benz 300 SLR Coupe

Car of the Day - Mercedes Benz 300 SLR Coupe

Mercedes Benz have built some very special cars throughout their history - in my opinion none are more special than this. In the running for the most beautiful car ever built, the Karl Wilfert designed 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut” has the performance to match its looks.

Essentially the Gullwing Coupe is a re- skinned 300 SLR race car using the same lighweight tube chassis and magnificent straight eight engine. The Grand Prix derived engine features direct fuel injection and a desmodromic valve system that eliminates valve springs. The three litre engine delivers 231 kw at 7400 rpm and even though the Coupe weights an additional 217 kg over the full race Roadster, it is still good for a 175 mph top speed.

Only two coupes were ever built and both have remained in Mercedes ownership all their life. Neither was ever raced, however one was given its legs often as the personal transport of Rudolf Uhlenhaut. His respected position within Mercedes offered him the opportunity to use one as his company car for a number of years. The sight of Uhlenhaut, who was an extremely capable driver blasting down the Autobahn would have been something to see. These days the cars lead a corseted life pampered by Mercedes engineers at the fantastic Mercedes Museum with occasional appearances on the show circuit.


Rod Halligan

Update to 300 SLR COTD

There were a few stupid mistakes in the 300 SLR COTD - now updated

Car of the Day - Mercedes Benz 300 SLR

Car of the Day - Mercedes Benz 300 SLR

Mercedes Benz have with the 300 SLR arguably the most important car in Motor Sport history. Those that are into lists would undoubtably find it at the top of many.

While successful in many races the one that built the legend is the Moss - Jenkinson run of the 1955 Mille Migle in the now iconic "722". (a detailed COTD on 722 is planned fo the future). The 1955 running of the 1600 km race from Brescia to Rome and back took just ten hours, seven minutes and 48 seconds at an average speed of 157.65 km/h, still an amazing feat to this day. Mercedes rightly celebrate this achievement often and honoured Moss last year with the production of the SLR - Stirling Moss.

The brains behind the 300 SLR, and the Silver Arrows for that matter, was the equally legendary but less well known Rudolf Uhlenhaut. Uhlenhaut was both a skilled race driver and brilliant technical director and much of the success of the 300 SLR can be attributed to him. The 300 SLR dominated the 1955 season which unfortunately was was marred by the worst accident in motor sport history. At Le Mans in 1955 81 people were killed when a 300 SLR driven by Pierre Levegh was forced off the track and into spectators. Mercedes immediately withdrew from the race and later International Motor Sport altogether.

The 300 SLR is a technical and engineering masterpiece with its lightweight, high-strength tubular steel frame and stunning aluminium body. The Formula 1 derived straight eight develops 310 hp at 7400 rpm and 317 nM of torque at 5950 rpm. The engine is mounted at a 33 degree angle to lower hood line. In its 2.5 Formula 1 and 3 litre Sports Car configurations the straight eight was subjected to one of the most intensive and grueling testing programs ever, running 10,000 km at race speeds and then 32 hours no stop on a dyno. Wear and longevity were undoubtably helped by the 35 litres oil capacity.

The SLR also featured a unique air-brake system to slow the car from high speed. The driver actuated hydraulic pum operated brake raised and broke air-flow with it's 0.7 square metre flap.

One of the true greats of motor racing even with its career cut short.

Rod Halligan

Car of the Day - Ferrari FXX Evoluzione

Car of the Day - Ferrari FXX Evoluzione

Ferrari extended their successful FXX program for 2008-2009 with the FXX Evo. The 20 plus owners of the original FXX had the opportunity to attend 14 group test sessions and 14 private during 2006 and 2007 recording a total of 35000 test kilometres. Using that data Ferrari engineers where able to develop an upgrade kit that allowed a 2 second improvement in the FXXs ability to lap Fiorano. Down to under 1’16’’ from 1’18’’.

Obviously a 2 second improvement to a lap around Fiorano is no small feat and the upgrade package is quite extensive. Output in creases to 860 hp at 9500 rpm which is up by 1000 rpm. Gearshift times decrease by 20 ms to just 60 ms and the gear ratios revised to better make use of the extra 1000 rpm.

Besides power and its delivery aerodynamics were also a focus and the Evo received new rear wing profiles, rear diffuser, nolder and rear flaps which all offer an increase to aerodynamic efficiency of 25%. To counteract the reduced visibility from the rear wing the upgrade included two extra video cameras to give a total of three acting in place of rear view mirrors..

Also new is the traction control system with nine different settings - plus the off. A revised setup and new front suspension geometry mean the 19’’ Bridgestone tyres now last longer, as do the brake pads which last twice as long.

The data gathering has increased even further with the engineers now receiving telemetry feedback of the steering angle and brake pump pressure. Obviously cars such as the 458 have benefited from all that data pumping through Ferrari’s number crunching computers.

The new FXX Evolution package included participation in a series of track events that Ferrari is organising at international circuits for 2008/2009 including the end-of-season Ferrari World Finals.

Rod Halligan

Car of the Day - Lotus Exige S Type 72

Car of the Day - Lotus Exige S Type 72

Lotus are celebrating their return to Formula One with a special edition Exige. While the company is much different to what it was in its heyday of F1, the style and focus of the cars it produces has been maintained. In some cases even extended without a loss to the overall Lotus philosophy.

If you have a car in your history that dominated a series such as the Type 72 did in F1 you really have no choice but to put out a special edition. I just wish they has taken it a little further and made it even more special. That is not to say the Exige S Type 72 is not a sublime car - all Exige's are. Just a little more engine tweaking would have aligned better with a car celebrating its namesakes 20 wins in the worlds premier motor sport series.

Having names in its history to reference such as Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx, as well as three Formula One Constructors' Championships (1970, 1972 and 1973) and two Drivers' World Championships (the first being won by Jochen Rindt in 1970 and the second by Emerson Fittipaldi in 1972) Lotus is in a prime psoition to take advantage of an increase in public profile that a return to F1 can offer.

The original Type 72 had a distinctive black and gold livery and was one of the earliest successful branding placements in F1. The new special edition Exige references that design and is finsihed with touches by the original sign-writer.

The specifications for the Type 72 special edition remain the same as an Exige with Sport Pack option. Zero to 60 mph comes in at 4.5 seconds and to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, top speed is 145 mph, 233 km/h. Fuel economy and emissions are exceptional, with 6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg) on the Extra Urban Cycle and CO2 emissions of 199 g/km.

Interior wise the 72 edition gets a set of carbon fiber ProBax sport seats in black microfiber with contrast stitching to match the exterior's gold wheels and emblems.

With just 20 available in the UK, and 20 for the rest of Europe plus a limited run for Japan and other selected markets. Each car comes with a special build plate commemorating one of the F1 car's 20 Grand Prix victories. Lotus will undoubtable have little trouble selling the edition out.

Rod Halligan

Car of the Day - Bertone Mantide

Car of the Day - Bertone Mantide

Bertone is without a doubt one of the leading lights of Italian car design. With a history of delivering cutting edge and influential design, Bertone have always pushed the envelop. Such is the case with the Mantide, a modern interpretation and a nod to the sublime “Bat” Series, the design does not sit well with everyone.

The recent history of Bertone has been rocky to say the least. With on again off again sales to various groups an Nuccio’s widow and daughter in very public spats the company has been on the brink a number of times. In its current guise as Stile Bertone, it looks to be getting through the hard times that have beset the whole of the auto industry.

With the Mantide Bertone have a high profile car, and a successful on-line PR campaign, with http://www.insideprojectm.com/ that has gained enormous media coverage for a car with a production run of just ten.

Based on the enormously competent Corvette ZR-1 the love it or hate it design is very efficient. With drag reduced by 25% (Cd 0.298) and a 30% improvement in down force over the ZR-1, the Mantide provides a higher top-speed and greater stability in the upper limits. It also provides a lower fuel consumption, something I am sure the 10 purchases will care a lot about - maybe.

The flat floor and diffuser as well as “flying buttresses” and Kamm tail plus a 100 kg weight reduction result in a new top-speed of 351 kph or 217 mph. Zero to sixty comes in at 3.2 seconds and this car is no show pony with the incorporation of an FIA regulation triangulated roll cage, light-weight carbon fibre racing seats and 4pt racing harness it is one of the ultimate hyper-performance track day cars.

Rod Halligan

Corrected Z4 pdf Link

Note - the link to the pdf for yesterday has been fixed - sorry about that.


http://www.car-of-the-day.com/2010/01/car-of-day-bmw-z4-sdrive35is.html

Car of the Day - Ford Mustang GT 5.0 2011

Car of the Day - 2011 Ford Mustang GT "5.0"

Ford is going from strength to strength with its iconic Mustang. After the critical success of the new styling Ford have now delivered an engine to keep enthusiasts happy. The 5.0 litre returns, just much better than we have ever seen it before - and 20% lighter than the previous 5.0.

The new engine not only delivers an extra 97 hp, now at 412, it also has improved efficiency and economy. Depending on your gear change preference and driving style the new 5.0 can give an additional 2 mpg.

The 32-valve all-alloy V8 gets Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing(Ti-VCT), Much of the 20% weight savings can be attributed to the lightweight composite intake manifold, composite cam covers and hollow camshafts.

With 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque available, plus the red-line climbing from 6,500 to 7,000 rpm, the current 4.9 sceond 0.60 time should be significantly improved.

Transferring that power to the tarmac can be via a new six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. Stopping is provided by 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, however there is also an optional Brembo package. The suspension also gets a work over with an improved rear lower control arm and stiffened rear stabilizer bushings.

Bring on the new Boss 302..

Rod Halligan

Car of the Day - BMW Z4 sDrive35is

Car of the Day - BMW Z4 sDrive35is

BMW has not previously nailed their smaller sports, it’s never been quite right. The Z1 was stupid, the Z3 was downright ugly and the previous Z4 was too Bangled. The new one though is damn good and about to get better. Eleven percent better if it’s more power in you like.

The Z4 sDrive35is gets higher-flow intake twin-turbos for its 3.0-liter inline six and those turbos deliver higher boost pressure. This brings power to 335 hp at 5900 rpm and 332 pound-feet of torque. The engine management system gets an electronically-controlled overboost function to briefly increase torque under full load by another 37 lb-ft. The result is 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

A 7-speed Double-Clutch Transmission (DCT) is standard and features a dual-mass flywheel, configured for the higher levels of power. The DCT can shift gears without interruption of power to the rear tires, and offers a choice of automatic or manual gear selection and launch control.

The Z4 sDrive35is (stupid name) also gets revised electric power steering programming, brake energy regeneration an aero pack and suspension bits and ride-height reduction of 10 millimeters There are also M Sport interior enhancements to the interior.

Rod Halligan

Car of the Day - Superformance Corvette Grand Sport Roadster

Car of the Day - Mazda Furai

Chevrolet attempted to compete with the high profile partnership of Ford Shelby in the mid ‘60’s with a car that on paper should have provided very stiff competition. If was not be however due not to the capability of the car but suspect decisions on the part of GM. The reputation and legend of the Cobra continues to grow while the Grand Sport Corvette is not well known outside of genuine enthusiasts.

With only five original Grand Sports built and to this time no continuation or production replicas to speak of the Grand Sport has not had the profile of the car it was designed to compete against.

That is all about to change with the production of the SuperPerformace Grand Sport, a GM licenced product to be available in 2010. Available in Coupe and Roadster version (the Roadster is the subject of this car of the day), the SuperPerformance GS offers quality to their usual standard and the chance for GM and Corvette enthusiasts to show what might have been competing against the Cobra.

SuperPerformance has down a beautiful job of keeping the GS as close as possible to the original and obtained the blueprints and molds from the original production number 2 car. The chassis itself is a fantastic piece of engineering and construction and with the GM licensing this is a true continuation model.

Power train options are up to the purchaser, but an original race spec 327 with four sidedraft 58mm Webers would be hard to go past. No matter which side of the fence you sit on with regard to replicas and continuation models, at least now we will see Grand Sport V Cobra races as they should have been. I for one am all for watching $100k continuation prep’d cars go head to head rather than a pampered 5 million dollar original.

Rod Halligan

Car of the Day - Mazda Furai

Car of the Day - Mazda Furai

Mazda are currently gearing up to replace the end of life RX8 with a new RX7. Current speculation is around just how much the new rotary sports car will look like the stunning Mazda Furai concept of 2008.

With the critical acclaim and public success of Mazda’s “Nagare” design language (Nagare is Japanese for “flow” - and in Mazda’s case - of water, air, people or things moving in one direction) comes a distinct possibility that Mazda may transfer much of the Furai design (“Sound of wind”) to the new RX-7. Pronunciation is by the way - fu-rye or foo-rye.

Mazda foster their sporting nature with both their product line and marketing by-line of Zoom Zoom. They also obviously take pride in the fact that more Mazda’s are raced in North America than any other brand, as stated in the Furai press release . A great deal of this is obviously due to its world leading everymans sports car; the MX-5 as well as the older RX-7s. While Nissan with the GTR and Lexus with the LF-A have laid claim to the upper end of the Japanese enthusiast sports car market. Mazda have the rest. With competition about to arrive in the RWD sporting coupe market from Subaru and Toyota, Mazda will obviously pull out all guns to ensure they remain the everymans grass roots race car of choice.

Mazda had previously partnered with Swift Engineering on the Mazda-Cosworth-powered single-seater Atlantic Champ Car and re-instigated the partnership with the Furai. Co-designed with Swift at Mazda’s California Design Studio the car was built on a Courage C65 chassis that the company had campaigned in the 2005 ALMS series. It utilised a 450 hp Renesis R20B Triple Rotor engine running on E100 ethanol.

While the Courage carbon-composite tub remains essentially unchanged under the Furai body, the cockpit has been finished to provide an environment suitable for a road car. The passenger seat of the race car was filled with electronics, in the Furai these components were relocated to provide space for two occupants. The greenhouse is wider than the original cockpit to provide head and shoulder room and adequate visibility.

During the design phase Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software was used to tune Nagare design elements to provide a high degree of efficiency. Drag, downforce, lift and overall aesthetics were all key considerations

“One thing we learned from CFD studies is that we don’t need much rear wing to balance the down force created by the front splitter and the Nagare features we’ve sculpted into the body,” observed Mazda’s North American Director of Design; Franz von Holzhausen. “Combustion air is provided by a variation of the Turbo Tongue device that Swift developed for Indy car use a decade ago. It rises slightly higher than the surrounding roof surface to ingest clean air above the boundary layer. Our final design works so well that we applied for a joint patent with Swift. Of course, it helps that it’s a real piece of art, too, and one we had to incorporate into the design.”

Helping in creating that art was California-based Aria Group who made the new composite panels. They worked with Mazda North American Operations’ own in-house fabrication team to mate them to the Courage chassis. The beautiful dark matte finish is accented with red and orange in a nod to the livery worn by Mazda’s 787B which won the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1991, still the only Japanese company to ever win Le Mans.

Rod Halligan

Car of the Day - Shelby 427 Cobra Flip-Top

Car of the Day - 1964 Ford Shelby 427 Cobra Flip-Top Roadster

Ford and Shelby's Cobra is without doubt at the top of many car entusiasts dream list and a lot of serious collectors shopping list. A few of those serious collectors will get the chance to bid of one of the most significant Cobras at the RM Auctions AUtomobiles of Arizona sale on the 21st of January 2010. CSX 2196's history is well documented, it's importance undisputed and it's current value soon to be known.

The "Flip Top' Cobra was developed by Ken Miles, who is well known to all with an interest in the American Sports Car racing scene of the fifties, sixties and seventies. Miles was an Englishman who served as a tank mechanic with the Roayal Army during WW2. He moved to Southern California as MGs Service Manager and quickly became involved in the the sports car racing scene. He dominated the under 1500 cc class for a number of years in a well known MG Special and then went on to race Porsches for John Von Neumann and a Cooper based Porsche powered special that beat his bosses Porsches, much to the annoyance of Porsche. Soon after, he took up residence with the Carroll Shelby as Competition Director.

The 289 Cobra had established its international reputation by the end of 1963, development during the year had progressed the performance of the car a great deal, however the competition wasn't standing still either. The workshop at Shelby was always busy, but at the end of '63 particularly so. Shelby was ruuning in numerous race series as well as concurrently developing several cars including the race and road versions of the Sunbeam Tiger and the Cobra Daytona.

With the constant pace of development when competing with Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin as well as Chevrolet getting into the picture with a new disc brake equiped Corvette. Shelby needed to take the Cobra frther than the 289 would allow. The solution was pretty obvious, especially in America, fit a bigger engine.

Miles had Ted Sutton fit a 427 big block into CSX 2196. After initial testing in early '64 Miles debuted the prototype at Sebring where he crashed it heavily during practice. After an overnight re-build he drove the first two hours of the race with broken ribs then handed over to John Morton who had a less than happy race as well. The car gained a knickname amongst the Shelby mechanics - "The Turd".

After Sebring CSX 2196 returned to the Shelby shop at Venice and was comprehensively rebuilt. Further strengthening was required and the body was replaced by a new and unique three piece aluminium solution where the complete nose and tail hinged. This gave complete access to the mechanics and made it an ideal test bed as the development car for new Ford race engines.

In '64 Miles raced the Flip-KTop in the GT class races against the new Corvette Grand Sports, and Ferrari 250LMs. But attention at Shelby had turned to developing the production 427 Cobra. As the Flip-Top was only eligible for modified classes in competition it languished then sold in late 1965.

From there it went through several owners and a few re-engines. Under Chris Gruys ownership it returned to "original" spec and then entered the collection of Bob Lee.who sold it in 1999 to its present owner. It has since been a regular at West Coast vintage races. In 2007 it was at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

As the development of the 427 Cobra was actually done by Ford, CSX 2196 is the only 427 Cobra fully developed by Shelby and a unique piece of Cobra folklore.

Rod Halligan