Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Tech Session

So, what do you do if you're a nice guy and need to the engine pulled from your Murcielago to get a seal replaced? Well, one nice gentleman, Tom, invited folks to come check out his car, engine, and transmission at Lamborghini Bellevue today. It was great to learn more about e-gear and other similar paddle shifting technologies such as F1, SMG, and DSG. It was fun to just hang out and win some door prizes too. Click through the photo above or the ones below for more. Thanks to Tom and Lamborghini Bellevue for hosting this. Cheers.

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BMW Sauber F1 Drivers discuss Australia opening race

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RSC tuned Aston Martin Vantage C event

Park Place hosted an event today with an Aston Martin Vantage C tuned by RSC. It's a 448 hp Vantage with a sweet, loud, exhaust system (cat backs included), their own special ECU file, as well as custom suspension from H&R. For your viewing pleasure it has a carbon fiber spoiler in the front and a carbon fiber diffuser in the rear, as well as custom wheels. I had the awesome opportunity to take a ride in it with Stuart from RSC and it was a thrill. It is loud when accelerating hard and it throws you back in your seat too. It handles like it's on rails in the corners but still is smooth for just cruising. Thanks to Park Place and Stuart at RSC for organizing the event. It was a lot of fun, there was a good turn out, and there was good food and drink on hand too. Here's a video of the RSC Vantage C and their tuned Gallardo in action. Cheers.

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Ultimate Aero SSC at Exotics at RTC

It was great to see the Ultimate Aero SSC in person this morning. It truly is an impressive car. Apparently, others think so too since the bidding on this record setting car is up to $701,100 now on eBay. I imagine it will put a grin on some collector's face and hopefully they'll actually drive it too instead of leaving it in a glass case. Here's the full specs on this 1287 hp beheometh that only weighs 2750 lbs! Cheers.

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New BMW F1 car gets some testing

Check out the new BMW F1 car. It looks and sounds great. I wonder if they're using a KERS system or not. It should be very interesting to see what this new season holds with new cars, rules, and scoring system. Cheers. [video source - YouTube]
[video source - YouTube]
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Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV Driven and Drifted

[video source - YouTube]
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Ultimate Aero SSC will be shown at Exotics at RTC this Saturday

The Ultimate Aero SSC that broke the production car speed record will make an appearance at Exotics at RTC this Saturday (3/21) before it goes up for auction.

Exotics at RTC starts at 8:30 am and here's a map to the meeting spot (right next to Desert Fire at RTC). Cheers. [video source - YouTube]
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Aston Martin DBS at Park Place Aston Martin

So, I've been meaning to get over to check out the new showroom at Park Place Aston Martin. I finally did today and was not disappointed. A gorgeous, white Aston Martin DBS was there. Check out the photos of this beast that was in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace! It truly is an amazing car even if it does have a steep price tag of $300,000 USD. Hey, if you have the discretionary cash though...why not? It's packing a 6 liter V12 under the hood producing a smile inducing 510 hp. If it's good enough for Bond... Cheers.

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2009 Car shows at XXX Rootbeer

Last year there were some great car shows at XXX Rootbeer. They've released their 2009 schedule and here it is below. The Porsche and Italian shows are my favorites. Cheers.

Mar 22nd  VW Cruise In               8am
Mar 29th  N.W.motoring.com Spring F 11am
Apr 12th  Emergency Vehicles        11am
Apr 25th  Vintage Military Vehicles  8am
Apr 26th  All Italian Show           8am
May 17th  Spring Opener              8am
May 24th  Old Rides                  8am
May 31th  Ethyl Forever              8am
June 7th  8th Annual BMW E30 Picnic  8am
June 14th Blvd. CC Custom            8am
June 21st Downtown Issaquah Car Show 8am
July 5th  Old Trucks,Buses,Stationwa 8am
July 12th All Chevy Show             8am
July 19th Burgers&Bikes of all types 8am
July 26th Cougar Cascade Club        8am
Aug 2nd  NW Corvail&Discontinued Car 8am
Aug 9th  NW Muscle Car               8am
Aug 16th NWCCC 55,56,57, Chevy Show  8am
Aug 23th Corvette Show               8am
Aug 30th 2nd RatBastards RatRod Show 8am
Sep 6th  Mega Cruz                   8am
Sep 13th All Ford Show               8am

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One mean offroad machine - 2000 Brabus G V12 Biturbo

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Formula DRIFT 2009 schedule

Here's the schedule for the upcoming Formula Drift 2009 season. It's only a month away from showtime! Check out the full calendar below. I look forward to watching them shred their tires again at Evergreen Speedway when they come back to Seattle. Cheers.

Formula DRIFT 2009 Pro Championship

Round 1 | STREETS OF LONG BEACH - Long Beach Grand Prix - Long Beach, CA | April 10th - 11th
The Grand Prix of Long Beach Street Course has been around since 1977. Highlighted by the Champ Car World Series, the Long Beach Grand Prix also has added the ...

Round 2 | PROVING GROUND - Road Atlanta – Braselton, GA | May 8th - 9th
Road Atlanta opened in 1970 and was home of the inaugural Formula DRIFT event back in 2004. The 2.54-mile, 12-turn track is owned by Panoz Motorsports and hosts many ...

Round 3 | THE GAUNTLET - New Jersey | June 5th - 6th
Township Raceway Park has been open since the mid 1960's and has been one of drag racing's premier facilities and has the ...

Round 4 | ALL IN - Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, NV | July 10th - 11th
Las Vegas Motor Speedway is located just outside of "Sin City" and features a collection of multiple tracks. Formula DRIFT will be making their first ever stop at this infamous track on July 12, 2008 and ...

Round 5 | BREAKING POINT | Evergreen Speedway – Monroe, WA | August 7th -8th
Evergreen Speedway is the oldest track on the Formula DRIFT schedule and originally has its roots in horseracing. Formula DRIFT first entered this track in 2006. The banking of the track has ...

Round 6 | LOCKED AND LOADED | Infineon Raceway – Sonoma, CA | September 12th
Infineon Raceway was constructed in 1967 and the 2.52-mile road course has 12 turns and elevation changes. Formula DRIFT has made its way here each year and this track is the fastest on the circuit since ...

Round 7 | JUDGEMENT DAY | Toyota Speedway at Irwindale – Irwindale, CA | October 16th - 17th
Toyota Speedway at Irwindale, aka "The House of DRIFT, is home of the first sanctioned drifting event back in 2003. Formula DRIFT has made a home at this track as it has been the traditional final stop to ...
[source - Formulad.com]

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Truth in 24

The documentary film "Truth in 24" will soon air on U.S. television. It's coming to ESPN on March 20th at 8 pm EST. Check out the trailers here. It covers the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Audi team's fight to win. It was created by award winning sports documentary filmmakers Director Keith Cossrow and co-director Bennett Viseltear. Check your local Audi club for their events too. They might just be doing their own showing, like the club here in Seattle. Cheers.

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2009 Formula 1 Calendar

Here's the calendar as it now stands for 2009. Alas, there's no North American dates on the schedule. Nonetheless, it will be an exciting season as the new cars hit the circuits. Cheers.

2009 FIA Formula One World Championship Race Calendar

01	2009 FORMULA 1 ING AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX (Melbourne)	27 - 29 Mar
02	2009 FORMULA 1 PETRONAS MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX (Kuala Lumpur)	03 - 05 Apr
03	2009 FORMULA 1 CHINESE GRAND PRIX (Shanghai)	17 - 19 Apr
04	2009 FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX (Sakhir)	24 - 26 Apr
05	FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE ESPANA TELEFONICA 2009 (Catalunya)	08 - 10 May
06	FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2009 (Monte Carlo)	21 - 24 May
07	2009 FORMULA 1 ING TURKISH GRAND PRIX (Istanbul)	05 - 07 Jun
08	2009 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX (Silverstone)	19 - 21 Jun
09	FORMULA 1 GROSSER PREIS SANTANDER VON DEUTSCHLAND 2009 (Nürburgring)	10 - 12 Jul
10	FORMULA 1 ING MAGYAR NAGYDIJ 2009 (Budapest)	24 - 26 Jul
11	2009 FORMULA 1 TELEFONICA GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE (Valencia)	21 - 23 Aug
12	2009 FORMULA 1 ING BELGIAN GRAND PRIX (Spa-Francorchamps)	28 - 30 Aug
13	FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO SANTANDER D'ITALIA 2009 (Monza)	11 - 13 Sep
14	2009 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX (Singapore)	25 - 27 Sep
15	2009 FORMULA 1 FUJI TELEVISION JAPANESE GRAND PRIX (Suzuka)	02 - 04 Oct
16	FORMULA 1 GRANDE PREMIO DO BRASIL 2009 (Sao Paulo)	16 - 18 Oct
17	2009 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX (Yas Marina Circuit)	30 Oct - 01 Nov

[source - Formula1.com; image source - WikiMedia.org]
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Bentley Continental Supersports

Bentley is launching a bold and environmentally friendly car called Continental Supersports. Here's the word from the folks at Bentley.
The Continental Supersports is the fastest, most powerful Bentley ever with 621 bhp (630PS) 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) and a 204 mph (329 km/h) top speed. The Supersports reaffirms Bentley's environmental commitment with the launch of its first FlexFuel performance car. The Supersports combines the looks of the iconic GT with a distinctive style that reflects is supercar character. The Supersports extreme Bentley delivering a highly focused driving experience a muscular two-seater that is 243 lb (110 kg) lighter than the Continental GT Speed.

Cheers.
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Lamborghini officially announces the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce

Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is quite the name for the hot, new Murciélago. Some of the highlights of this new beauty are that it boasts 670 hp, which is 30 more than before, and it has shed 220 lbs. Oh yeah, it also has two varieties of wings you can choose from too. Check out this detailed description from the folks at Lamborghini. Cheers.
Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce – the new king of the bulls is even more powerful, lighter and faster

The Lamborghini Murciélago is one of the most extraordinary super sports cars of all time. Automobili Lamborghini has now expanded its model range with a new, exceptionally purist and even more extreme top model – the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is even more powerful, lighter and faster than the Murciélago LP 640. With the output of the 6.5 liter V12 increased to 670 hp and a weight reduction of 100 kg (220 lbs), the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 2.3 kg (5.1 lbs) per hp. This catapults it from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a breathtaking 3.2 seconds and powers it on to a top speed of around 342 km/h (212 mph). Distinctive design refinements ensure that each of this 350-unit limited edition series conveys its full potential from the very first glance.

With its outstanding performance, razor-sharp precision and exceptional high-speed stability, the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the ultimate performance car for advanced sports car drivers. The super sports car has been extensively redesigned with a new front and rear, an innovative engine bonnet and a choice of two aerodynamic set-ups featuring either a small or large rear spoiler. The interior in Alcantara and carbon fiber provides a purist and minimalist approach.

In order to achieve the substantial weight reduction of 100 kilograms (220 lbs), the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce was extensively reworked and redeveloped in virtually every aspect – from chassis to engine and transmission, right through to the interior. The increase in engine output from 640 to 670 hp is the result of optimized valve timing and a reworked intake system. The significantly modified aerodynamics with substantially increased downforce brings considerable improvement to vehicle stability at very high speeds. With the small standard-fit rear spoiler, top speed stands at 342 km/h (212 mph), while the large “Aeropack Wing” and its added downforce gives a top speed of 337 km/h (209 mph).

“The new Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the systematic continuation of our brand philosophy. It is more extreme and uncompromising than virtually any other automobile,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “As the new top model of the highly successful Murciélago range, the SuperVeloce displays not only outstanding driving dynamics, it is also further evidence of our company’s technological expertise. Customers can look forward to an utterly unparalleled driving experience.”


Design and aerodynamics

The Murciélago is an icon of the Lamborghini brand – a sports machine of menacing character and brutal power. Its unique design radiates a supreme form of highly concentrated sensuality. Wide, low, with its glass area pushed way forward and a long, taut back – the interplay between the soft contours of the basic form and razor sharp edges is the perfect expression of the Lamborghini design language. In the totality of its character, the Murciélago is without comparison on the sports car market.

Yet even a character like this can be further refined – the new Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the more extreme, even more purist pinnacle of the model range. This is clearly evident from the very first glimpse of its completely redesigned front end – pulled way forward and finished in matt black paint, the carbon fiber front spoiler is connected to the front end via two vertical elements. The large air intakes for the front brakes are more powerfully emphasized. The new front fenders feature additional air intakes for brake ventilation. The air vent for the oil cooler located in the driver-side sill area is painted matt black to match the sills.

The modifications are even more apparent around the mighty engine bay of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The twelve-cylinder engine is presented as an engineering masterpiece under a transparent engine bonnet that boasts a completely new architecture. Hexagonal polymer plates made from transparent polycarbonate are set on three levels within a carbon fiber framework. The layers are open towards the rear, playing a key role in the thermodynamics of the high-performance engine.

The impressive rear end of the SuperVeloce is dominated by a veritably noble, flat and extremely wide exhaust tailpipe and, on the underside, by a two-level diffuser system finished entirely in carbon fiber. The rear light clusters display their signals in that distinctive Y-shape that has been a fixed element of Lamborghini design since the Murciélago LP 640, Reventón and Gallardo LP 560-4. The panel between the lights is made from carbon fiber, while the large intake mesh below expands across the full width of the rear end. Made from thick-walled aluminum, the hexagonal pattern is laser-cut and a Teflon coating provides the necessary heat protection.

The aerodynamics of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce have been completely redeveloped. Alongside the enlarged front spoiler and the twin rear diffuser, the new fixed rear spoiler also plays an important role. Customers can choose between two versions, with the small rear spoiler providing improved downforce at high speeds. As an option, the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce can be supplied with the “Aeropack Wing” – a large, fixed, carbon-fiber wing mounted on two carbon-fiber brackets. The new aerodynamic set-up provides a significant boost to directional stability at the very highest speeds. The top-speed downforce on the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce with Aeropack is strongly increased.


Bodyshell and lightweight construction

With the construction of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, Lamborghini proves its expertise in the manufacture of lightweight materials and in working with hi-tech carbon fiber. The structure of the super sports car is a composite construction of extremely stiff carbon components and a tubular steel frame – as in a race car. The transmission tunnel and the floor are made of carbon fiber, attached to the steel frame using rivets and high-strength adhesives. The roof and the exterior door panels are formed in sheet steel, while the remainder of the outer skin is made from carbon composite material.

For the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, engineers in Sant’Agata Bolognese recalculated the framework and selected a new, super high-strength sectional steel. This achieved two objectives – on the one hand, they increased the torsional stiffness of the chassis by 12 percent to provide improved handling precision and, on the other, they were able to reduce weight by 20 kg (44 lbs), making a significant contribution to the reduction of overall vehicle weight. And the systematic approach to lightweight design continues throughout the entire bodyshell. The front fenders, the rear side panels/fenders and the casing for the third brake light are made of a modified carbon-fiber material. Combined with the removal of the drive for the moveable spoiler, this brings a further weight reduction of 13 kg (28.6 lbs).

Added to the 33 kg (72.6 lbs) of weight reduction from the chassis and exterior, are 34 kg (74.8 lbs) from the interior, as well as over 33 kg (72.6 lbs) removed from the engine and drive train.


Power unit and transmission

The longitudinally mounted 6.5 liter V12 delivers the infernal power for an unparalleled driving experience. With 670 hp (493 kW), the engine in the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is 30 hp more powerful than in the Murciélago LP 640. The twelve-cylinder sends its mighty 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft at 6,500 rpm; maximum power is reached at 8,000 rpm, with an average piston speed of 23.7 meters per second – a figure almost comparable to race engines.

The V12 is eager to deliver its performance – it brings its menacing power with immediacy and precision to guarantee breathtaking performance – after only 3.2 seconds the SuperVeloce has already reached 100 km/h (62 mph).

The engine block and heads of the V12, positioned at the ideal cylinder angle of 60 degrees, are made from aluminum. The four chain-driven camshafts are variably controlled, while the intake manifold operates in three stages – both technologies add even greater thrust to the merciless pushing power. To increase the performance of the SuperVeloce, the intake system was modified, the valve train optimized and, most importantly, valve travel was increased.

The control electronics for the V12 were developed internally by Lamborghini - each cylinder bank has its own high-performance processor. If the engine needs more cooling air, intake funnels emerge from the rear pillars: when not in operation, they lie flush with the bodyshell. Dry sump lubrication enables the V12 to be mounted extremely low down, benefiting the handling dynamics: this also guarantees oil supply under extremely dynamic driving conditions. With 12 liters of lubricating oil in circulation, the oil cooler is located on the left side of the vehicle and cooled by air flowing through the aperture in the sill.

The weight reduction of more than 26 kg (57 lbs) in the engine area was derived primarily from the completely new exhaust system. The muffler has been redesigned and even the mighty tailpipe of the SuperVeloce manufactured from new materials is lighter than on the Murciélago LP 640. But most of all, the new exhaust system makes for an acoustic experience that is surely equal to the driving performance – from the heavy rumble of a stormy night, through the trumpeting of mighty elephants to the roar of a raging lion, the SuperVeloce performs the grand opera for 12 cylinders, 48 valves and 8,000 revs.

The SuperVeloce is equipped as standard with the sequential, automated manual transmission e.gear, which uses electro-hydraulics to shift gear extremely quickly and smoothly. A cockpit display informs the driver of the gear currently engaged. In addition a special “Corsa” mode and a “Low adherence” mode are available.

As a no-premium option, the SuperVeloce is available with a six-speed manual transmission. Its short metal shift stick runs in an open gate of classic Italian elegance. In both variants, the new lightweight clutch makes its own contribution to the weight loss program.


All-wheel drive and chassis

The Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce delivers its extreme power to the road with great reliability – assured by its permanent all-wheel drive. Before the rear wheels spin, the viscous coupling sends up to 35 percent of driving force via its additional shaft to the front wheels. The front and rear limited-slip differentials are set at 25 and 45 percent. With its four driven wheels and traction, the Murciélago delivers a decisive advantage over rear-wheel drive sports cars when it comes to accelerating out of a corner – and always with maximum stability. The rear axle bears 58 percent of its overall weight – a distribution ratio that is highly beneficial to traction.

Explosive dynamics, tenacious cornering and extreme speeds – the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is a super sports car packed with aggressive power, but by no means a mean-spirited car. Its steering requires very little power support, giving full control of the car to the driver. Those prepared to tackle the beast head on are quickly rewarded with intimate contact and trust – as speed increases, so the Murciélago reveals its strengths, thus exposing a character with no hidden surprises and behavior that can always be anticipated.

The Murciélago is fitted with double wishbone suspension all round. Spring struts – two on each of the rear wheels and one on each of the front – control the loads transferred from the road. The standard-fit lifting system enables the front end of the vehicle to be raised by 45 mm (1.8 inches) to avoid obstacles such as garage entryways. The SuperVeloce is equipped with exclusive “Ares” alloy-forged wheels, bearing the exclusive five twin-spoke design. The front wheels are clad in 245/35 ZR 18 rubber, while the rears sport 335/30 ZR 18. High-grip Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires come as standard.

Four brakes controlled by a hi-tech ABS system are capable of mighty stopping power when required. The Carbon Ceramic (CCB) brakes are fanned by cooling air flowing through enlarged channels in the bodyshell, while openings in the front fenders provide additional ventilation for the SuperVeloce. The ceramic discs are exceptionally lightweight, fade-free and capable of extremely high operational performance.


Interior and equipment

Even stepping into the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is an experience as individual as the vehicle itself. The upward-opening doors – a solution developed by Lamborghini in the early seventies for the Countach – are released via small latches, then swing wide open to reveal a panorama of the exclusive interior of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The dominating materials are Alcantara and carbon fiber, which make for an ambience that is as high-quality as it is sporty.

The sports bucket seats come as standard and provide exceptionally firm support around the hip and shoulder areas. The bucket seats are made from lightweight and highly robust carbon fiber and guarantee the driver perfect support, even in the most extreme driving situations. The Murciélago’s standard seats are also available on the SuperVeloce as an option free of charge.

Not only the seats are upholstered in black Alcantara micro-fiber; the cockpit and the roof lining are also finished in this high-quality, lightweight material. The Y-shaped perforations on the seats and roof lining bring additional finesse, with an inlaid backing material in the same color as the exterior paintwork. The Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce can be delivered with the paint finishes Giallo Orion, Arancio Atlas, Bianco Isis, Grigio Telesto and Nero Aldebaran, as well as Bianco Canopus (white matt) and Nero Nemesis (black matt) as an option.

Naturally, the interior also makes its contribution to weight reduction. The door panels are clad in carbon fiber, as is the wide center tunnel. The application of Alcantara instead of leather is another weight-saver, just like the selection of sports bucket seats and the omission of the radio-navigation system (if requested, this is available as an option). At the end of the day, the music in a Murciélago comes from the engine compartment. Overall, modifications to the interior contribute over 34 kg (75 lbs) to the SuperVeloce weight loss program.

But absolutely no corners have been cut when it comes to one characteristic that is a feature of all Lamborghini super sports cars – the exceptionally high quality of the workmanship. The craftsmen in Sant’Agata Bolognese are all masters of their respective trades; the three-year warranty bears testimony to absolute faith in product quality. Share on Facebook
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