2014 Chevy Corvette Stingray horsepower and torque figures leaked?

Despite the fact that General Motors has already pulled the wraps off of the highly anticipated Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray – in both coupe and convertible forms – there's still a lot we don't know about The General's new halo car. When it first launched, GM stated that the 'Vette's new 6.2-liter LT1 V8 would put out an estimated 450 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. But some PDF scans found by the folks at theCorvette7 forum site show that the Stingray coupe might actually throw down 455 hp and 460 lb-ft – increases of 5 hp and 10 lb-ft over the original numbers, and gains of 25 hp and 36 lb-ft versus the current car's 6.2-liter LS3 V8.

If these PDF scans are to be believed, it looks like only the coupe will benefit from this slightly more powerful setup, as a similar spec list for the Corvette Stingray Convertible states that the droptop will make 450 hp and 450 lb-ft – spot on with the original estimates. Official fuel economy numbers are still unknown, though GM has previously stated that the 'Vette is "expected to improve" upon the current car's EPA highway rating of 26 miles per gallon.

We expect the officially official numbers to be revealed later this year, closer to the Corvette's launch. Head over to Corvette7 to read more, and check out the PDF scans for yourself in the gallery below.

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Posted in Chevrolet, Chevrolet C7 Corvette

France Gets GT-R Gentleman Edition

Ten special-edition Nissan GT-Rs have been created specifically for the French market.

It appears the Nissan GT-R  is selling quite well in France. So the Japanese carmaker has decided to roll out a limited edition model to keep up the momentum. Dubbed the GT-R Gentleman Edition, the series will be limited to just ten units, available at Nissan’s High Performance Centers in France and Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxemburg). Available exclusively in Grey Squale, the limited-edition model is based on the Black Edition and comes with unique amber red hand-stitched leather interior and a bespoke sunglasses case.

 

It also features specific badging on the front fenders, and a numbered titanium plaque starting with 001/010. No changes were made to the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6, which continues to churn out 542 horsepower. The Nissan GT-R Gentleman Edition is available now priced at 97,900 Euros.

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Posted in Nissan, Nissan GT-R, Nissan GTR 2013, Nissan GTR Price

Porsche Highlights GT3 Tech

The GT3 may be the most hard-core of the new 911s to date, but that doesn't mean it's down to basics.

With its engine mass located all the way in the back, the Porsche 911 is one of the most nimble cars on the road or track. But to create the latest GT3, Porsche developed a raft of new technologies that make the whole package handle that much better. Chief among them is the new four-wheel steering system that varies according to speed: at low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction from the front to minimize the turning circle. But at higher speeds, they all turn in the same direction to assist with lane changes.

Coupled with active engine mounts and torque vectoring, the rear-wheel steering system helps the 475-horsepower GT3 out-maneuver cars that cost significantly more and pack more power. Check out the highlights in the video below.

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Posted in Porsche, porsche 911, Porsche Highlights GT3

New Ferrari F12

An understated aftermarket package adds carbon-fiber aero parts and a titanium exhaust.

Hong Kong-based tuner RevoZport has revealed an aftermarket package for the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, made up of a carbon-fiber aerodynamics kit and a new exhaust system. In addition to offering a set of OEM carbon-fiber parts for the F12, made up of a front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and rear fog-light cover, RevoZport offers its uniquely designed parts under the RZF-12 package. The unique front splitter is made up of a pair of carbon-fiber blades that can be mounted to the side of the bumper, widening it by three inches.

RZF-12 side skirts can be attached to the original side sills for added width, while at the back a trunk lip spoiler adds some aggression and provides more downforce. While no mods were made to the engine, under the hood the original plastic covers can be replaced by a carbon-fiber engine bay kit. All parts can be ordered in a matte or gloss finish. Completing the package is a TITAV titanium exhaust system. The parts are available individually, but if you want the complete set including exhaust, it will set you back $18,000.

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Posted in Ferrari

Porsche 918 Spyder Will Likely Sell Out

Porsche is confidently predicting its upcoming 918 Spyder hybrid hypercar will easily sell out once test drives begin.

With news coming in that McLaren’s P1 is just about sold out, Porsche’s own upcoming hybrid hypercar wonder, the 918 Spyder, is also expected to meet a similar fate not long after it goes on sale. According to the German automaker’s head of R&D, Wolfgang Hatz, there are "a lot of customers interested in (the 918 Spyder), but the car is expensive, and that high price point means that many of them want to drive it before they spend their money. When the first cars are ready, and the customer can drive them, I am confident we will sell them all."

The 918 has a hybrid powertrain that features a V8 engine paired up with two electric motors, allowing for the car to drive at high speeds on electric power only. Performance, as expected will be quite something: 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds and a top speed that’s expected to exceed 199 mph. On top of that, the 918 should return about 78 mpg. But Hatz doesn’t believe the 918 can be directly compared to other hybrid hypercars like the P1 or even the LaFerrari. "The Porsche 918 is so different. At present, nobody outside our R&D group has experienced a supersports car with more electric power. This is something unique, and really quite special."

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Posted in 2013 Porsche 918 Spyder, McLaren’s P1, Porsche, Porsche 918 Spyder, Porsche 918 Spyder Price