First of all, what you’re seeing in the image above is ONE, and I repeat ONE single car!  Makes our previous post on the BMW M3 CSL accident look like foreplay doesn't it?  According to the guy who posted these pics on “RS6”, the driver of this split-up Audi RS6 ABT is his brother-in-law.  We’re talking about one hell of a lucky chap here as he obviously passed through the valley of death and took a wink at the devil to come out of this crash alive with barely a scratch or two!  -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see more pictures of the crash

This is what his brother-in-law quoted: “What you see is what you get, i.e. there was no cutting of the vehicle prior to the pictures being taken.  It is my brother-in-law that you see holding the mobile phone, he honestly doesn't know the speed that he was going at but wasn't near as fast as he has done in the past on that particular part of the road. 

Although the road was completely dry he said that it felt he was on ice and the car just careened into the tree.  He actually called the emergency services and climbed out of the car by himself, he spent only a couple of hours in hospital, apart from a few minor scratches he got a bandage around his little finger, I told him if he's not already religious he should take it up ASAP!  Via: egmcartech & RS6

First of all, what you’re seeing in the image above is ONE, and I repeat ONE single car!  Makes our previous post on the BMW M3 CSL accident look like foreplay doesn't it?  According to the guy who posted these pics on “RS6”, the driver of this split-up Audi RS6 ABT is his brother-in-law.  We’re talking about one hell of a lucky chap here as he obviously passed through the valley of death and took a wink at the devil to come out of this crash alive with barely a scratch or two!  -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see more pictures of the crash

This is what his brother-in-law quoted: “What you see is what you get, i.e. there was no cutting of the vehicle prior to the pictures being taken.  It is my brother-in-law that you see holding the mobile phone, he honestly doesn't know the speed that he was going at but wasn't near as fast as he has done in the past on that particular part of the road. 

Although the road was completely dry he said that it felt he was on ice and the car just careened into the tree.  He actually called the emergency services and climbed out of the car by himself, he spent only a couple of hours in hospital, apart from a few minor scratches he got a bandage around his little finger, I told him if he's not already religious he should take it up ASAP!  Via: egmcartech & RS6

This special edition of Holden’s latest HSV GTS (basically the same model as the HSV Clubsport R8 / Vauxhall VXR8) dressed in a "Hot Wheels" suite was presented at the Melbourne Auto Show.  Not bad but we would’ve liked to see this HSV wearing a different set of "hot wheels", preferably black or dark grey colored rims.  -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press release & one more pic

HSV Teams With Hot WheelsHolden Special Vehicles and Mattel's Hot Wheels have teamed up to bring to life a HSV GTS in exclusive livery, as part of the Melbourne Motor Show.  Between March 3 and 7, the Hot Wheels/HSV GTS will stand proudly on the Hot Wheels stand, in the Concourse Foyer near the Clarendon St entrance, alongside the Hot Wheels Mega Track and fashion displays. 

This special edition of Holden’s latest HSV GTS (basically the same model as the HSV Clubsport R8 / Vauxhall VXR8) dressed in a "Hot Wheels" suite was presented at the Melbourne Auto Show.  Not bad but we would’ve liked to see this HSV wearing a different set of "hot wheels", preferably black or dark grey colored rims.  -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press release & one more pic

HSV Teams With Hot WheelsHolden Special Vehicles and Mattel's Hot Wheels have teamed up to bring to life a HSV GTS in exclusive livery, as part of the Melbourne Motor Show.  Between March 3 and 7, the Hot Wheels/HSV GTS will stand proudly on the Hot Wheels stand, in the Concourse Foyer near the Clarendon St entrance, alongside the Hot Wheels Mega Track and fashion displays. 

Koenigsegg’s going to present two new models next week at the Geneva Show.  Starting off with the homologated GT1 racer, the CCGT, in order to comply with the ACO and FIA GT1 regulations the Swedish supercar maker removed the superchargers from the stock 806Hp 4.7 V8 and bored it out to 5.0-liters.  As for the CCXR.,  looks like the “environmental friendliness” craze hit those Swedish fellas.  The CCXR is equipped with an updated version of the 806Hp 4.7 V8 engine of the CCX that runs on E85 (bio-fuel).  Funny enough, due to the fact that the biofuel has higher octane and cooling characteristics, the power has gone up to 1018 hp at 7200 rpm and the torque to 1060 nm at 6100 rpm!  Via: Jalopnik-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release & more pics

Koenigsegg Press Release

Competition Coupe GT: DOWN TUNED TO 600+ HP in order to comply with race regulationsKoenigsegg has created a new race car - the CCGT, based on the production CC-model range.  The CCGT complies with the ACO and FIA GT1 regulations.  The CCGT engine is based on the Koenigsegg CCX production engine with the superchargers removed but enlarged to 5.0 litre. 

The reliability of the race engine is expected be exceptional as it is based on the proven strength and durability of the signifi cantly more powerful road car engine.  The minimum weight allowed for a GTI race car is 1,100 kg and most manufacturers struggle to meet this target, having to undergo massive weight saving programs. 

Due to the fact the Koenigsegg CC cars are very light and stiff in road confi guration, the racing CCGT weighs in at just under an astounding 1,000 kg.  This gives the possibility to place 100 kg of ballast freely within the car structure, still following the set rules.  This should give Koenigsegg an interesting advantage over the competition. 

The CCGT has very short overhangs, which could be seen as an issue when it comes to generating enough downforce.  However, by further developing the clever and "slippery" design concept of the CC range, Koenigsegg believes they have created a unique package incorporating a surprising amount of down-force combined with a very compact package and optimal weight distribution.  Since the CCGT has a short overall length and low overall height, whilst still maintaining adequate track width and length, it is thereby gifted with superior agility compared to most of the competition, which should be evident in future heated racing combats. 

The Koenigsegg CCGT development team, headed by Dag Bölenius, has done a superb job by refining the CC into the CCGT.  The race engine is being developed in-house in parallel with the production units by Koenigsegg engineers, supported by Anders Hoglund from Cargine engineering and JP Motorsport. 

CCXR: Flower PowerWhen thinking about supercars, one of the last things that spring to mind are their environmental friendliness.  Even though the very low and exclusive production volume of Koenigsegg can hardly be considered to have a measurable impact on the Co2 problem that global society is facing, it is an impressive statement that even a small and extreme company like Koenigsegg can afford to develop environmentally focussed solutions. 

By following conscientious and forward thinking strategies, Koenigsegg has managed to create the Bio Fuel Powered CCXR - environmentally friendly 1200 with even more spectacular performance than the standard CCX. 

These two almost confl icting results are made possible due to the simple fact that the ethanol in biofuel has the positive side effect of cooling the combustion chambers, as well as a higher octane value, well over 100 RON, which gives the high power.  Due to the fact that the biofuel has higher octane and cooling characteristics, the power has gone up to 1018 hp at 7200 rpm and the torque to 1060 nm at 6100 rpm. 

It is natural to expect a substantial gain in power when optimizing the engine for E85(biofuel) instead of Petrol.  Still the actual gain obtained even surprised the enthusiastic engineers at Koenigsegg. 

Following the long term strategy of Koenigsegg, all previous CCXs will have the possibility to be converted by the factory to accept the biofuel option and reap the performance and environmental benefi ts of this wonderful and eco friendly fuel. 

The CCXR Biofuel upgrade has been developed in-house on the factory's engine dyno by the skilled technicians at Koenigsegg, led by Christian Koenigsegg, Marco Garver and Anders Hoglund from the Koenigsegg partner company Cargine Engineering.  Curiously enough the CCXR is the first homologated car currently in production to reach over 1000 BHP. 

Koenigsegg’s going to present two new models next week at the Geneva Show.  Starting off with the homologated GT1 racer, the CCGT, in order to comply with the ACO and FIA GT1 regulations the Swedish supercar maker removed the superchargers from the stock 806Hp 4.7 V8 and bored it out to 5.0-liters.  As for the CCXR.,  looks like the “environmental friendliness” craze hit those Swedish fellas.  The CCXR is equipped with an updated version of the 806Hp 4.7 V8 engine of the CCX that runs on E85 (bio-fuel).  Funny enough, due to the fact that the biofuel has higher octane and cooling characteristics, the power has gone up to 1018 hp at 7200 rpm and the torque to 1060 nm at 6100 rpm!  Via: Jalopnik-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release & more pics

Koenigsegg Press Release

Competition Coupe GT: DOWN TUNED TO 600+ HP in order to comply with race regulationsKoenigsegg has created a new race car - the CCGT, based on the production CC-model range.  The CCGT complies with the ACO and FIA GT1 regulations.  The CCGT engine is based on the Koenigsegg CCX production engine with the superchargers removed but enlarged to 5.0 litre. 

The reliability of the race engine is expected be exceptional as it is based on the proven strength and durability of the signifi cantly more powerful road car engine.  The minimum weight allowed for a GTI race car is 1,100 kg and most manufacturers struggle to meet this target, having to undergo massive weight saving programs. 

Due to the fact the Koenigsegg CC cars are very light and stiff in road confi guration, the racing CCGT weighs in at just under an astounding 1,000 kg.  This gives the possibility to place 100 kg of ballast freely within the car structure, still following the set rules.  This should give Koenigsegg an interesting advantage over the competition. 

The CCGT has very short overhangs, which could be seen as an issue when it comes to generating enough downforce.  However, by further developing the clever and "slippery" design concept of the CC range, Koenigsegg believes they have created a unique package incorporating a surprising amount of down-force combined with a very compact package and optimal weight distribution.  Since the CCGT has a short overall length and low overall height, whilst still maintaining adequate track width and length, it is thereby gifted with superior agility compared to most of the competition, which should be evident in future heated racing combats. 

The Koenigsegg CCGT development team, headed by Dag Bölenius, has done a superb job by refining the CC into the CCGT.  The race engine is being developed in-house in parallel with the production units by Koenigsegg engineers, supported by Anders Hoglund from Cargine engineering and JP Motorsport. 

CCXR: Flower PowerWhen thinking about supercars, one of the last things that spring to mind are their environmental friendliness.  Even though the very low and exclusive production volume of Koenigsegg can hardly be considered to have a measurable impact on the Co2 problem that global society is facing, it is an impressive statement that even a small and extreme company like Koenigsegg can afford to develop environmentally focussed solutions. 

By following conscientious and forward thinking strategies, Koenigsegg has managed to create the Bio Fuel Powered CCXR - environmentally friendly 1200 with even more spectacular performance than the standard CCX. 

These two almost confl icting results are made possible due to the simple fact that the ethanol in biofuel has the positive side effect of cooling the combustion chambers, as well as a higher octane value, well over 100 RON, which gives the high power.  Due to the fact that the biofuel has higher octane and cooling characteristics, the power has gone up to 1018 hp at 7200 rpm and the torque to 1060 nm at 6100 rpm. 

It is natural to expect a substantial gain in power when optimizing the engine for E85(biofuel) instead of Petrol.  Still the actual gain obtained even surprised the enthusiastic engineers at Koenigsegg. 

Following the long term strategy of Koenigsegg, all previous CCXs will have the possibility to be converted by the factory to accept the biofuel option and reap the performance and environmental benefi ts of this wonderful and eco friendly fuel. 

The CCXR Biofuel upgrade has been developed in-house on the factory's engine dyno by the skilled technicians at Koenigsegg, led by Christian Koenigsegg, Marco Garver and Anders Hoglund from the Koenigsegg partner company Cargine Engineering.  Curiously enough the CCXR is the first homologated car currently in production to reach over 1000 BHP. 

I’m more than willing to place a bet with anyone that more people will be carried away with the new Playstation 3 and the Grand Turismo HD concept game than with the new X-Trail at Nissan’s Geneva stand.  We remind you that the Playstation 3 hasn’t gone on sale yet in Europe so this will be a first encounter for most with Sony’s new game console.  As for the Gran Turismo HD, it’ll give us a glimpse of Sony's long awaited next gen racing game.  Players start with one car on the Eiger Nordwand track in the Swiss Alps.  If the track is completed within a restricted time limit, another car is unlocked.  There are nine further cars to unlock in this way.-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release & more pics

Nissan’s stand will be the first stop for video game racing fanatics visiting this year’s Geneva Motor Show.  That’s where they will find Sony’s new PlayStation 3, equipped with Gran Turismo HD Concept, which will be there exclusively available to try. 

Sales of the new, eagerly-awaited games console begin on 23 March across Europe and Nissan’s stand at the Geneva Motor Show will be one of the few places the public can try it out before the console hits the shops.  Nissan expects long queues as there are only three consoles on the stand and security will be increased to ensure that public order is maintained. 

While the gamers are visiting the Nissan stand, they will also be among the first to see a new model that Nissan will unveil for the first time in the world on 6 March 11:15 am.  No details will be released before that time. 

Nissan has featured prominently in all of the Gran Turismo games, allowing on-screen racers of all ages and abilities to compete in dozens of Nissan models from the past, present and even the future, on some of the most challenging circuits in the – real and virtual – world. 

When Gran Turismo 4 was launched two years ago across Europe, one of the stars of the marketing activity was Nissan’s vivid yellow 35th Anniversary 350Z.

To demonstrate that the automotive and console-racing worlds move at equal breakneck speed, the newly updated 350Z will also be on display at the Geneva Motor Show.  Boasting a new generation VQ engine – dubbed VQ 35 HR – power has been increased to 313PS (230kW) at 6800rpm and torque is now 358Nm at 4800rpm, while the maximum engine speed is now 500rpm higher at 7500rpm.  Nearly 80% of the model’s major engine parts are new, resulting in improved acceleration and responsiveness. 

To accommodate the new engine, the front bonnet has been discreetly redesigned and is now reminiscent of the original 240Z, thanks to a slightly raised profile.  Three new exterior colours will also be offered, including Temper Orange, a striking shade which contains a subtle green “flip” that can be seen in soft light and gives the car a surprising tone.  The other two colours are Precision Grey – a new grey – and Night Blue. 

To improve on-road refinement, the 350Z is now equipped with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres, however grip levels remain unaffected.  Visitors to the Nissan stand will also see the 2004 Japanese GT500 Championship winning Nissan 350Z which was campaigned by British driver Richard Lyons and also Satoshi Motoyama. 

Gran Turismo HD is a glimpse of the next stage of the evolution of the world-renowned racing game.  PlayStation 3 takes console gaming to the next level by offering a huge network of downloadable content and on-line gaming capability.  Gran Turismo HD will be downloadable from the PlayStation Store, the console’s download site. 

In Gran Turismo HD players start with one car on the Eiger Nordwand track in the Swiss Alps.  When the track is completed within the time limit, another car is unlocked.  There are nine further cars to unlock in this way.  Furthermore, Gran Turismo HD Concept’s Time Trial will bring into effect the first Gran Turismo online rankings system, allowing players everywhere to see how their performance compares with their peers. 

Paul Wilcox, Vice President, Strategy and Marketing, Nissan Europe said: “We are delighted that the new PlayStation 3 with Gran Turismo HD will be on our stand at the Geneva Motor Show.  Sony’s passion for virtual racing matches our passion for making cars that are great to drive, as epitomised by the newly updated 350Z. “It’s going to be even busier than normal at Geneva for Nissan this year thanks to the world premiere of a key new model for us,” he added. 

I’m more than willing to place a bet with anyone that more people will be carried away with the new Playstation 3 and the Grand Turismo HD concept game than with the new X-Trail at Nissan’s Geneva stand.  We remind you that the Playstation 3 hasn’t gone on sale yet in Europe so this will be a first encounter for most with Sony’s new game console.  As for the Gran Turismo HD, it’ll give us a glimpse of Sony's long awaited next gen racing game.  Players start with one car on the Eiger Nordwand track in the Swiss Alps.  If the track is completed within a restricted time limit, another car is unlocked.  There are nine further cars to unlock in this way.-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release & more pics

Nissan’s stand will be the first stop for video game racing fanatics visiting this year’s Geneva Motor Show.  That’s where they will find Sony’s new PlayStation 3, equipped with Gran Turismo HD Concept, which will be there exclusively available to try. 

Sales of the new, eagerly-awaited games console begin on 23 March across Europe and Nissan’s stand at the Geneva Motor Show will be one of the few places the public can try it out before the console hits the shops.  Nissan expects long queues as there are only three consoles on the stand and security will be increased to ensure that public order is maintained. 

While the gamers are visiting the Nissan stand, they will also be among the first to see a new model that Nissan will unveil for the first time in the world on 6 March 11:15 am.  No details will be released before that time. 

Nissan has featured prominently in all of the Gran Turismo games, allowing on-screen racers of all ages and abilities to compete in dozens of Nissan models from the past, present and even the future, on some of the most challenging circuits in the – real and virtual – world. 

When Gran Turismo 4 was launched two years ago across Europe, one of the stars of the marketing activity was Nissan’s vivid yellow 35th Anniversary 350Z.

To demonstrate that the automotive and console-racing worlds move at equal breakneck speed, the newly updated 350Z will also be on display at the Geneva Motor Show.  Boasting a new generation VQ engine – dubbed VQ 35 HR – power has been increased to 313PS (230kW) at 6800rpm and torque is now 358Nm at 4800rpm, while the maximum engine speed is now 500rpm higher at 7500rpm.  Nearly 80% of the model’s major engine parts are new, resulting in improved acceleration and responsiveness. 

To accommodate the new engine, the front bonnet has been discreetly redesigned and is now reminiscent of the original 240Z, thanks to a slightly raised profile.  Three new exterior colours will also be offered, including Temper Orange, a striking shade which contains a subtle green “flip” that can be seen in soft light and gives the car a surprising tone.  The other two colours are Precision Grey – a new grey – and Night Blue. 

To improve on-road refinement, the 350Z is now equipped with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres, however grip levels remain unaffected.  Visitors to the Nissan stand will also see the 2004 Japanese GT500 Championship winning Nissan 350Z which was campaigned by British driver Richard Lyons and also Satoshi Motoyama. 

Gran Turismo HD is a glimpse of the next stage of the evolution of the world-renowned racing game.  PlayStation 3 takes console gaming to the next level by offering a huge network of downloadable content and on-line gaming capability.  Gran Turismo HD will be downloadable from the PlayStation Store, the console’s download site. 

In Gran Turismo HD players start with one car on the Eiger Nordwand track in the Swiss Alps.  When the track is completed within the time limit, another car is unlocked.  There are nine further cars to unlock in this way.  Furthermore, Gran Turismo HD Concept’s Time Trial will bring into effect the first Gran Turismo online rankings system, allowing players everywhere to see how their performance compares with their peers. 

Paul Wilcox, Vice President, Strategy and Marketing, Nissan Europe said: “We are delighted that the new PlayStation 3 with Gran Turismo HD will be on our stand at the Geneva Motor Show.  Sony’s passion for virtual racing matches our passion for making cars that are great to drive, as epitomised by the newly updated 350Z. “It’s going to be even busier than normal at Geneva for Nissan this year thanks to the world premiere of a key new model for us,” he added. 

Along with their L.A. Show stopper, the Mustang Concept that’ll make its Euro debut, Italdesign and Giugiaro will premier a brand new sports car concept that goes by the name, Vadho at next week’s Geneva Show.  This tandem two-seater has borrowed BMW Hydrogen 7’s dual powered V12 (it runs on gasoline and hydrogen) that has an output of 260Hp.  The V12 is positioned on the center right of the car next to the passengers. 

I know this is a bit off topic but the Vadho brought to my mind another Italedesign BMW-powered concept, the 1991 Nazca C2 and its 1993 Spyder sibling.  And you know something; 16 years after, the Nazca still makes my heart beat like a Bavarian V10.  What a shame that BMW never considered putting this exquisite piece of art into production… Via: Autoblog.com -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see more pics

Along with their L.A. Show stopper, the Mustang Concept that’ll make its Euro debut, Italdesign and Giugiaro will premier a brand new sports car concept that goes by the name, Vadho at next week’s Geneva Show.  This tandem two-seater has borrowed BMW Hydrogen 7’s dual powered V12 (it runs on gasoline and hydrogen) that has an output of 260Hp.  The V12 is positioned on the center right of the car next to the passengers. 

I know this is a bit off topic but the Vadho brought to my mind another Italedesign BMW-powered concept, the 1991 Nazca C2 and its 1993 Spyder sibling.  And you know something; 16 years after, the Nazca still makes my heart beat like a Bavarian V10.  What a shame that BMW never considered putting this exquisite piece of art into production… Via: Autoblog.com -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see more pics

Well, as you’ve probably guessed by know, this one wasn’t supposed to come out today but no thanks to Spanish Km77, we have the second serious Geneva Show leak after the Audi A5 last week.  To my knowledge, Opel /Vauxhall gave out the pics to a few mediums but they weren’t for publication.  Anyhow, I’ve already had the chance to check out Opel’s fact sheet on its new concept earlier today so just follow the jump and read on!  -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the rest of the article plus a high-res image gallery

Based on the next generation Vectra platform, the Gran Turismo Coupe’s purpose is not only to pre-announce Opel’s return to the mid-size Coupe category (after it abandoned it in the 90’s with the Calibra) but also to signal a change in the German company’s design department.  That means take a closer look at the Grand Turismo Coupe’s styling cues cause that’s what we’re going to see from Opel in the very near future starting out with the next generation Vectra that'll come out in mid to late 2009 (expect the coupe version sometime in 2009). 

Maybe even more importantly, you should check out the near-to-production interior that takes the Astra & Antara cabin design-language a step up marking a significant change from the overly conservative Vectra.  As for the “mechanical” department, the 4.830 mm long Grand Turismo is fitted with an upgraded version of the current Vectra OPC’s 2.8-liter V6 Turbo pumping out 300Hp (from 255Hp).  Fitted with a 4wheel-drive system the Gran Turismo can go from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in around 6,0 sec while its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155mph).