Archive for the ‘Motorsports’ Category

While crosscountry rivals Lamborghini have sworn off diesels and hybrids--at least for the immediate future--Ferrari is said to be at work on a new flavor of four-wheel drive that uses hybrid gas-electric power to generate traction.

Autocar reports that Ferrari's patent application would turn conventional hybrid thinking upside down--not literally, but it would separate the electric motor from the engine. The gasoline engine would power one set of wheels, the charged battery pack and motors the other.

According to the report, the hybrid system could be used on front-engined and mid-engined vehicles. Some versions of Ferrari's patent...

BMW's M, or Motorsports, division will introduce "the next milestone in its illustrious history," the BMW X6 M, at the New York Auto Show next week. It's an even more aggressive version of the already over-the-top Sports Activity Coupe that's been polarizing opinions in the automotive world.

They promise several new engine, drivetrain, and suspension technologies that will "transform the world's first Sports Activity Coupe into a BMW M product." For the engine, they've taken the X6's optional 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 and fitted it with twin-scroll turbochargers for more power and quicker response. The suspension will be "more...

Based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, Ferrari's 599X concept draws on new technology to become an extreme track star. Just like Aston Martin's One-77, this Ferrari went on a diet to reduce engine weight as well as the weight of other components.

The engine uses carbon fiber pieces in the intake system and pieces like a lighter crankshaft to reduce the volume of material used for engine manufacturing. As well, combustion chambers and airflow systems have been redesigned to increase redline to 9,000 rpm. And also like the Aston, power levels are quoted at 700 hp or thereabouts.

"High Performance Dynamic Concept" is a newly-designed electronics suite...