Dodge Dart rally car previewed for Global RallyCross Championships

2013 Dodge Dart rally car to be driven by Travis Pastrana

0-60mph in 1.9 seconds

Dodge and SRT Motorsports have confirmed they will be entering the Global RallyCross Championships using a modified version of the new Dodge Dart. A rendering of what the model is likely to look like has also been released adding substance to the anticipation ahead of the first race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26th.

The 2013 Dodge Dart rally car is due to be piloted by Travis Pastrana who is four-time Rally America Champion. It will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that generates 600hp (447kW / 608 PS) and 745Nm (550 lb-ft) of torque and is mated with a Sedav 4-wheel drive gear box.

The body work will also receive a bunch of upgrades whilst the interior will be stripped of all unnecessary comfort features. It results in a kerb weight well below the 1,456kg (3,211lb) that its production version is rated at.

"The sport is extremely exciting and the on-track action can be brutal on the drivers and the cars," said Bailey. "The cars are jumping higher than ever and landing safely", commented Reid Bigland, President and CEO - Dodge Brand. "The Dart rally car is lightweight with a very powerful motor. The zero to 60 mile-per-hour times are incredible, as low as 1.9 seconds, so with Travis behind the wheel, we can't wait for the season opener."

Source: World Car Fans

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Ferrari SP12 EPC leaked

Ferrari SP12 EPC live photos - low res - 22.3.2012 / MPSPhotography

Reportedly built for Eric Clapton

The first pictures of the Ferrari SP12 EPC have hit the web, ahead of its official unveiling later this year.

Reportedly built for singer Eric Clapton, the model is based on the 458 Italia and features unique bodywork that draws inspiration from the 512 BB. As such, there's new bumpers, a wide grille and a retro rear end.

Clapton apparently wanted the car to be equipped with a V12 engine, but Ferrari reportedly told him it wasn't feasible. However, we wouldn't be surprised if the 4.5-liter V8 has been upgraded to produce more than 570 PS (419 kW / 562 hp) and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque.

Little else is known about the model, but it was apparently built by Ferrari's Special Projects division which has previously created the P540 Superfast Aperta and Super America 45.

Source: Twitter and Autoblog.nl

 

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The New 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Video

Aston Martin has released a new promo video for their 2012 facelifted Vantage V8.

Having adopted the style from the Vantage S, the entry level model features a new lower front bumper design with air splitter, redesigned side-sills and a new rear bumper equipped with an integrated diffuser.

Performance updates taken from the Vantage S include quicker steering, larger brakes and wider tyres.

Powering the 2012 V8 Vantage is a 4.7-litre V-8 engine putting out the same output of 420bhp ( 426 PS/313 kW ) compared to the Vantage S output of 430bhp (436 PS/321 kW) and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque.

A six-speed manual transmission comes as standard, but the optional six-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission has been replaced with the seven-speed Sportshift II.

The Vantage V8 will come with a price tag of £84,995 (about R1, 031, 839) in the guise of both coupe and roadster whilst the Vantage S will start at £99,995 (about R1, 213, 939) .

Watch the promo video below:

Source: World Car Fans 

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