Essen 2012: 9ff GT9 Vmax

German tuner 9ff has revealed their latest edition of the GT9, which is based on the GT9 R, on the Essen Motor Show 2012 today. Following the orginal GT9, the GT9 R and GT9 Clubsport, the Porsche specialist from Papenburg released a new member of the GT9-family with a Bugatti Veyron Super Sport-beating top speed of 437km/h.

According to the spokesperson of 9ff, the top speed has not yet been confirmed. The ultimate high speed supercar is still under development. The German tuner hopes to finish the car early next year and perform a high performance run not earlier then February or March 2013.

The power source is a flat six 4.2 liter twin-turbo engine with a boost pressure of 2 bar, capable of producing 1,400hp at 7,950rpm and 1,160Nm at 5,600 rpm. The power is transfered to the rear wheels via a sequential six-speed gearbox with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

The main changes with respect to the previous model are a redesigned rear section of the carbon fiber body. The back and side windows are manufactured from makrolon, which is a high-tech polycarbonate. The GT9 Vmax has a curb weight of 1,340kg.

The new GT9 rolls on 9×19 wheels with 255/35 ZR19 tires at the front and 12.5×20 with 335/30 ZR20 Continental Vmax tires at the rear. The accelerates in 3.1 seconds to 100km/h, 6.8 seconds to 200km/h and 13 seconds to 300km/h.

The official price starts at 895,000 excluding VAT.

Essen 2012: Audi R8 Grandoise by Regula Exclusive

While walking through the different halls at the Essen Motor Show 2012, we spotted two project cars of German tuner Regula Exclusive. One of the two models was this Audi R8 Grandoise fitted with a body kit made of aramid (aromatic polyamide).

The kit was released last week and features a new agressive front and rear. The massive rear wing was missing. The wheel and tire combination includes 20 inch Oxigin wheels model Oxrock with a width of 8.5 inches at the front and 11 inches at the rear and tires of adequate size in the dimensions of 235/30 R20 at the front and 295/25 R20 at the rear.

Regula tuning is also offering a chip tuning for the engine up to 560hp costing 1,398. The body kit costs 7,698 euros and is available for the presented V10 version, as well as for the models V8 Spyder (from May 2010) and Coup .

BMW i3 Concept Coupe 2012

BMW broke the ice today by unveiling details of its all-new i3 Concept Coupe. The 2-Door i3 Concept Coupe is first ever all-electric model from BMW. The concept features a body fully made from carbon fibre and has a wheelbase similar to that of the 5-door i3. The electric drive-train produces a decent 170hp and a max torque of 184 lb-ft. This electric drive gives the i3 Concept Coupe ability to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8 seconds. On a full charge, the car can travel upto 100 miles. Using a standard power socket, the car's battery can be charged fully in 6 hours.

TECHART Porsche Boxster 2012

TechART released details for its individualization package for Porsche Boxster, which would be presented to public at the Essen Motor Show 2012. TechART's managing director said the company's goal was to give the Porsche Boxster an even sportier expression with intelligently applied exterior components while simultaneously underlining the elegant look of the vehicle. Do you think they succeeded? I think so...

Spyshots: McLaren P1 Spotted Testing in France

Spy photographers have spotted the McLaren P1 testing again in France! The pictures were shot in the south of France and show the camouflaged P1 prototype on validation testing. The photos reveal a almost identical to the design study released at the Paris Motor Show earlier on in the year.

The overall shape has hints of the MP4-12C with the rear central exhaust and the layout of the rear facia. However, it's obviously a more extreme design with an aggressive layered diffuser, front air intakes that remind us of the Aston Martin One-77 and a set of headlights that look visually similar to the McLaren Automotive logo.

The P1 was designed from the outset to prioritise aerodynamic performance. As a result, the designers spent many hours in a wind tunnel and behind the computer with CFD (computational fluid dynamics) aerodynamic modelling. It produces a staggering 600kg of downforce from well below top speed, five times more than the McLaren MP4-12C. In fact, it's closer to the GT3 racer than anything else.

McLaren are yet to reveal the engine of choice. Instead, the latest release states that the P1 will have 'an immensely powerful engine, superb brakes and state of the art suspension controls.' Power to weight ratio will exceed 600hp per tonne, however, downforce and aerodynamic excellence will be key to package.

The McLaren P1 uses a mid-engine design with a development of the 12C carbon fiber monocoque and roof structure safety cage. It's called MonoCage and also serves to guide air into the engine through an integral roof snorkel and air intake ducts, saving weight in the process. All the body panels are carbon fiber.

The engine is widely rumoured to be the same 3.8-litre V8, uprated for the P1. For more pictures, head over to AutoWeek.nl.

Video: Ferrari 458 Italia at 341km/h

Our friends over at RSR Nurburg recently sent us a fantastic video of their Ferrari 458 Italia putting in a few high speed runs on the German Autobahn.

In the video you will see the Italian supercar travelling through the German countryside at speeds of up to 341km/h!

Porsche Cayman S by Ultimate Auto

Ultimate Auto, a tuner based in Florida, finished a project on a first generation Porsche Cayman S. They replaced its original springs and shocks with Bilstein PSS9 coilovers for a lower stance and much improved handling as part of the suspension upgrade.

To match its white body, they fitted it with Lightweight OZ wheels finished in matte graphite; they are then mounted upon ultra-sticky Michelin Super Sport tires.

The Cayman also utilizes a TechArt aero package including front spoiler, side skirts, and rear spoiler. The black stone guards on the fenders give it a mix of vintage and modern looks.

Los Angeles 2012: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

This is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series live at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2012. The Black Series family member made its public debut today and we have a closer look at the track-biased sports car.

The technical improvements for the engine included in the new Black Series package include custom-build camshafts, new air intakes, and improved oil and water cooling. The 6.2 liter V8 engine offers a performance 635hp and 635Nm of maximum torque. Its redline has been moved from 7,200rpm to 8,000rpm. Thanks to the extra performance and faster gear shift times the Black Series goes from zero to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds, and the top speed is 315km/h.

Thanks to the extra performance and faster gear shift times the Black Series goes from zero to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds, which is two tenths faster than its 571hp-strong brother. In terms of top speed, the SLS AMG BS reaches 315, instead of 317km/h for the SLS AMG GT. This is mainly due to the newly fitted rear wing and changed aero package.

The Black Series weighs 70kg less due to the use of carbon fiber. The total dry weight is 1,550kg. The splitter, side skirts and diffuser are made of carbon fiber, and the exhaust system is titanium. With a weight of 17kg, this saves a substantial 13 kilos over the stock system on the SLS AMG GT.

For more information on the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series check out our official story!

[Photos by Effspot Photography]

Smart forjeremy presented in L.A., entering limited production

Smart forjeremy

Based on Smart ForTwo Electric Drive

Fashion designer Jeremy Scott has created a winged Smart ForTwo Electric Drive.

Debuting this week at the L.A. Auto Show, the Smart forjeremy showcar will go into limited production next year. He worked on this project for eight months in collaboration with the designers at "Smart Design Division" part of the Mercedes-Benz Cars Advanced Design Studios.

The result is a futuristic and bold approach, with a wing made from transparent fiberglass and decorated with rocket-shaped elements that double as rear lights. It wears a bright white paint and has a chrome-plated tridion cell, while inside Nappa leather adorns the instrument panel, door trim and seats.

It is based on the ForTwo Electric Drive that has a 55 kWh electric motor accelerating the city car to 37 mph (60 km/h) in 4.8 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 78 mph (125 km/h). With its 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, the vehicle can provide a total range of 90 miles (145 km).

A full description is available in the press release below.

2014 Fiat 500L and 500L Trekking arrive in L.A.

2014 Fiat 500L Lounge and Trekking

Arriving in U.S. in mid 2013

Fiat is showcasing the 2014 500L and 500L Trekking at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The 500L is making its first appearance in North America while the Trekking version is a world debut. Compared to the standard 500, the L version is 26 inches longer and 6 inches taller and wider, resulting in 42 percent more room inside than its three-door sibling.

Under the hood it has a turbocharged 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder MultiAir engine producing 160 hp (119 kW) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque that can be connected to a 6-speed manual or dual clutch gearbox. We are dealing with the same engine that powers the 2013 Dodge Dart.

The Trekking variant is distinguished by different front and rear fascias, black exterior accents, bulging fender arches, 17-inch alloys and a two-tone interior cabin.

As standard, the vehicles are offered with Chrysler's Uconnect 5.0 infotainment system, while the Trekking model is optionally available with a 6.5 system featuring a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen radio.

Both versions will go on sale in the U.S. in mid-2013.

Full details can be found in the attached press release below.

Official: 2013 Dodge Charger with Daytona Package

Dodge has introduced a new package for its 2013 Charger, named Daytona. The limited run edition with only 2,500 units to be built, is available for the R/T model. Under the hood, you will find the standard 370hp-strong V8 with a maximum torque of 535Nm.

The optical package comes with 20 inch polished aluminum wheels, an R/T spoiler, black roof wrap and satin black hood stripes. The exterior paint colors available are Daytona Blue, Pitch Black, Billet Silver or Bright White. The exterior kit is finished with Daytona badges on the front grill and diffuser.

On the inside, the Charger gets Daytona Blue stitching for the seats, a ten-speaker sound system and a numbered batch per car.