Orders Open for the Hulme CanAm Supercar

Hulme Supercars the makers of NZ’s first Supercar the Hulme CanAm have just announced plans for a 20 unit limited production run. To reserve a Hulme CanAm Supercar you need to make a 10,000 GBP and the final Hulme CanAm price is set to 295,000 GBP, without local taxes.

Powered by a 7.0-litre V8 Chevrolet LS7 V8 worth 600 bhp (447 kW / 608 PS) and 600Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque at the rear wheels, the car is said to be capable of sprinting from 0 - 100km/h in under 3.5 seconds. Top speed is over 200 mph (322 km/h). Mated to the engine is a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox. A sequential manual shift option will be available.

Hulme will put the deposits in a trust account that will be returned for any prospective customers that decide to cancel. For those that decide to take delivery, the $700,000+ purchase price includes two business class tickets to Auckland, New Zealand for final fitting of the car and some local driving time. Once the customer is satisfied, the car will get shipped to its final destination.




Press Release

HULME CANAM SUPERCAR OPENS TO ORDERS

A limited run of just 20 New Zealand-designed and built Hulme CanAm supercars ensures extreme rarity value.

The developers of the eagerly-awaited 200+mph Hulme CanAm Supercar, named in honour of New Zealand racing legend and F1 World Champion, Denny Hulme, have announced an attractive proposition for those wishing to purchase an option to order one of an extremely limited production run.

The Auckland based Supercar developer-manufacturer, Hulme Supercars, has launched a package which is designed to guarantee rarity value by offering options to purchase the total production run of just 20 Hulme CanAm supercars, on a first-come, first-served basis.

The only production road car to bear the name of a F1 World Champion,

The Hulme CanAm is an ultra high-performance, mid-engined roadster. Created for both road and track use, the car blends the raw flavour and appeal of a Formula racing car with dramatic design, superb craftsmanship, exceptional performance and a thrilling and achievable driving experience.

An order for the CanAm will be secured by the deposit of £10,000 which, as Jock Freemantle, Hulme Managing Director, explains, is fully-refundable if the option is not converted to an order.

"Deposits will be held in a Trust account", he confirms, "pending a private viewing and driving experience of the car at or before the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed for those who have purchased an option to order. Following that, if anyone does not wish to proceed, the terms on which the deposit is paid will provide a guarantee that their total deposit will be returned immediately."

The 20 customer cars will be coach-built and equipped to customer order, with delivery commencing in the UK in the Autumn of 2011 and into 2012, the 20th anniversary of Denny Hulme's death.

Those who proceed to purchase are promised an experience as unique as the Hulme CanAm itself. Having determined the specification of their car, Hulme customers will enjoy two Air New Zealand Business Premier (Full flat bed) return tickets to Auckland, New Zealand, with one-week luxury accommodation, for their final fitting in the car and further road and circuit driving, before the car is shipped to their chosen destination.

All production cars will be numbered, with a guaranteed certificate of authenticity, and a 1/8 scale exact replica, finished in the same livery and specification, plus a full photographed dossier of the car's build.

For Freemantle, the purchase offer is a significant milestone in the development of the Hulme CanAm:

"The concept car, in coupe form, was first revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2006. Such was the interest that we conducted extensive research to assess demand, culminating in the decision to initially offer an open-top CanAm version, celebrating Hulme's victories of the "Can Am Championship" in 1968 and 1970," he said.

Development of the ultra-sleek F1-inspired CanAm car continued, with a finished prototype extensively tested on both road and track before the decision was made to accept orders.

Designed and hand-built by the Hulme Supercars technology team in New Zealand - including members who were responsible for the nation's America's Cup triumphs - the road-legal "Hulme CanAm" features an ultra-lightweight carbon composite tub and bodywork, and race-orientated chassis, suspension and braking.

To honour Denny's CanAm Championship wins in McLaren CanAm cars powered by Chevrolet V8's, the Hulme CanAm is powered by a 7-litre (427cu.in) Chevrolet LS7 V8 developing 600bhp and 600Nm torque, fed through a close-ratio, six-speed CIMA manual gearbox (Paddles or Sequential shift will be options available). As a consequence of its lightweight construction, the Hulme CanAm weighs in at less than 1,000kg. This combination promises a sub-three and a half second sprint to 100kph, and top speed in excess of 200mph.

Despite its ultra-performance and emphatic race car credentials, the Hulme Supercars' design and development focus has been on driveability, with power delivery and handling dynamics optimised for maximum driving enjoyment on track and on the road.

For Greeta Hulme, the widow of Denny - who passed away in 1992 - the announcement of the Hulme CanAm's production is warmly welcomed: "Jock Freemantle's desire to honour Denny's life with this unique car has been matched by his irrepressible enthusiasm and passion to create it. I am both proud and immensely impressed with what he and the Hulme Supercars team have achieved."

The purchase price of the Hulme CanAm will be fixed at £295,000 (plus local taxes) on receipt of an order, including delivery worldwide.

To purchase one of only 20 options available, e-mail Jock Freemantle at jock.f@hulmesupercars.com or write to Hulme Supercars Limited, P.O.Box97853,ManukauCity2241,Manukau,New Zealand.

The final vehicle specification, customer options included in the sale price, and details of the order and payment terms, will be confirmed before the options are converted to an order. Development specifications are available now from Hulme Supercars by e-mail to jock.f@hulmesupercars.com or from Hulme Supercars Limited, P.O.Box97853,ManukauCity2241,Manukau,New Zealand. and from the website. www.hulmesupercars.com.

Hulme CanAm Standard Specifications

Body & Chassis
Chassis:	Carbon Fibre/Composite construction
Body:	Carbon Fibre/Composite construction
Engine & Transmission
Type:	General Motors LS7 V8
Cylinders:	8
Displacement:	427 cu.in /7,000cc
Stroke:	4.0” /100cm
Power:	450Kw (600 HP)
HP/Litre:	85.7
Torque:	600 Nm at rear wheels
Configuration:	Mid-longitudinal
Transmission:	CIMA 6-speed, transaxle with LSD
Drive Wheels:	RWD
Suspension
Front:	Double Wishbone & Pushrod
	Inboard Coil-over damper & anti-roll bar
Rear:	Double Wishbone & Pushrod.
	Inboard Coil-over damper & anti-roll bar
Braking
Front:	Ventilated discs (362 x 32mm), AP Racing 6-Piston Calipers.
Rear:	Ventilated discs (362 x 32mm), AP Racing 6-Piston Calipers.
Steering
Type:	Progressive power-assisted
Wheels & Tyres
Wheels:	Front: 8.5” x 19” alloy Centre lock
	Rear: 11” x 20” alloy Centre lock
Tyres:	Front: 245 x 40 x 19 Pirelli P.-Zero Rosso
	Rear: 315 x 35 x 20 Pirelli P-Zero Rosso
Dimensions
Length:	4712 mm / 185.5 inch
Width:	1958 mm / 77 inch
Height:	1095 mm / 43 inch
Wheelbase:	2830 mm / 111.42 inch
Front Track:	1665 mm / 65.55 inch
Rear Track:	1605 mm / 63.19 inch
Kerb Weight:	980 Kg / 2160 lbs

Updates: NOVITEC Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Novitec Rosso has announced new accessories, wheels and an ECU upgrade for the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti has received a tuning kit from Novitec Rosso, with the package targeting both the performance and the aesthetics areas of the Italian Grand Tourer. The Scaglietti’s 5.8 liter V12 powerplant, which originally developed 540 hp at 7,250 rpm and 588 Nm at 5,250 rpm, now delivers 565 hp at 7,290 rpm and 609 Nm of torque at 5,300 rpm.

Starting with the exterior the NOVITEC Ferrari 612 Scaglietti comes with a set of 20/21 inch size wheels wrapped in ultra-high-performance tires, black taillights and 90 mm stainless tailpipes that offers a deeper exhaust note.

It’s value referring to which a “black lamps” ascent is accessible which comes with 4 turn taillights, reflectors and side markers. On the inside, Novitec Rosso will ascent the interior in a bespoke conform for the client. Steering circle customization is accessible from density to color.




Press Release

Arrivederci 612 Scaglietti!

NOVITEC ROSSO Refines the Ferrari 2+2-Seater

2+2-seaters have a long and illustrious tradition at Ferrari. The 612 Scaglietti seamlessly continued this tremendous success story since its debut in the fall of 2003. To make this extraordinary automobile even more exclusive and to add an even higher level of customization NOVITEC ROSSO now offers new accessories such as a custom-tailored tire/wheel combination with diameters of 20 and 21 inches, a power increase to 565 hp / 416 kW, a stainless-steel sport exhaust system, new taillight design and upgrades for the interior.

Wheels make a car and for a Ferrari the best is just good enough. The NOVITEC ROSSO suspension specialists have developed custom versions of the three-piece NF3 alloy wheels for the Italian sports car.

The new wheels feature a striking design with five double spokes and polished outer flanges. Contrary to the 19-inch production wheels, the 612 Scaglietti in NOVITEC ROSSO trim sports a combination of size 9Jx20 wheels in front and size 12.5Jx21 rims on the rear axle.

This measure benefits not only the driving dynamics of the car but also and foremost the coupe's appearance. The staggered wheels further emphasize the wedge-shaped design of the two-door car.

In the P Zero tire technology partner Pirelli offers the perfect ultra-high-performance tires for this tire/wheel combination that makes optimal use of the available space in the wheel wells Tires in size 275/30 ZR 20 on the front axle provide enormous grip during fast cornering and hard braking. Tires in size 355/25 R 21 on the rear axle allow even higher cornering speeds and provide maximum traction.

The exclusive look can be further upgraded with black NOVITEC ROSSO lamps. The complete package comprises the four round taillights, the reflectors and the side markers.

Further cornerstones of the NOVITEC ROSSO program for the 612 Scaglietti are a power increase and an even sportier exhaust note. The inner workings of the V12 engine with a displacement of 5,748 cm³ remain untouched. The power increase to 565 hp / 416 kW at 7,290 rpm is the product of a newly calibrated engine management system and the NOVITEC ROSSO stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system.

The tuning gives the V12 engine an even crisper response and lets it rev up even faster. Simultaneously peak torque grows to 609 Nm at 5,300 rpm. A top speed of more than 325 km/h and a sprint time for 0 - 100 km/h of just 3.9 seconds make the 2+2-seater an even more dominant sports car.

The NOVITEC ROSSO sport exhaust system is an integral part of the power increase and produces a truly delightful exhaust note. The NOVITEC ROSSO exhaust is easily distinguished by its four 90-mm tailpipes cut at an angle.

NOVITEC ROSSO upgrades the four-seat interior according to customers' personal preferences. The ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel comes in any color imaginable. But that's not all: Customers can also freely choose the steering wheel's material as well as the thickness of the rim. The rim is flattened at the bottom for easier entering and exiting of the vehicle.

Every NOVITEC ROSSO interior is characterized by its masterful precision finish and its striking colors. But NOVITEC ROSSO realizes not only Ferrari owners' personal material and color selections, it also custom-tailors the seat to each customer's body measurements. Special requests such as for seats with even more lateral support or a lowered seat position for especially tall drivers round out the interior customization program.

Official:2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Details [Videos]

Porsche has just released official details on the 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS, These photos are from the VIP event in Leipzig, revealing us a carbon fiber bonnet, side intakes and also Alcantara covered interior. The 911 GT2 RS reportedly weighs about 90 kg (200 lbs) less than the standard GT2 and comes with 620 horsepower. 0-100 km/h comes in 3.5 seconds and only 500 units will be built.



It's lost 154 lbs or 70kg, gained 90 horsepower, and it doesn't like you. This fiend comes with a standard 6-Speed manual gearbox, Porsche's fancy ceramic brakes, "unique anti-roll bars", new tires measuring 245/35 ZR 19 at the front and 325/30 ZR 19 at the rear that were specifically developed for this car,and a whole lot of other fancy suspension doo-dads.



Porsche claims a 0-to-60-mph time of 3.4 seconds -- about a half-second quicker than the previous car -- and a top speed of 205 mph. Additionally, after all those development laps on the Nordschleife, the automaker says the 2011 911 GT2 RS is good for 7 minutes, 18 seconds -- handily beating the Corvette ZR1.



The car will be available in Europe from September 2010, in the USA from October 2010. The Euro base price is €199,500. Including VAT and national specifications/equipment the new 911 GT2 RS will retail in Germany at a price of €237,578. For the U.S. market pricing starts at $245,000 (€193,000).

















Press Release



The New Porsche 911 GT2 RS



620 Highly Efficient Turbo-Horsepower: Most Powerful Street-Legal Porsche of all Times



Stuttgart. The time: seven minutes, 18 seconds on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. The power: 620 hp. The weight: 1,370 kilograms or 3,021 lb in road trim with all fluids on board. The car: the new Porsche 911 GT2 RS. The GT2 RS is making its world debut at the Moscow Auto Show on August 25th.



The future top GT model marking the absolute climax in the 911 range is the fastest and most powerful road-going sports car ever built in the history of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart. With power up by 90 hp and weight down by 70 kilograms or 154 lb in comparison with the 911 GT2, the new 911 GT2 RS has a power-to-weight ratio of just 2.21 kilos or 4.9 lb per horsepower, by far the best power/weight ratio in its class. Obviously, these are the ideal ingredients for an ultra-high-performance sports car with supreme agility, truly blistering performance on the road, and of course exemplary Porsche Intelligent Performance. For despite this extra power and performance, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions versus the 911 GT2 are down by approximately 5 per cent to 11.9 ltr/100 km (equal to 23.7 mpg imp) and 284 g/km.



The 3.6 litre six-cylinder boxer engine boosted by two turbochargers with variable turbine geometry exclusive to Porsche in its combination with a gasoline engine drives the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Developed especially for the 911 GT2 RS, sports tyres measuring 325/30 ZR 19 convert this massive power into equally massive performance and acceleration on the road: 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in just 9.8 seconds, and 0 to 300 km/h in 28.9 seconds. Top speed is 330 km/h.



Equally supreme stopping power on this ultra-high-performance sports car comes from PCCB composite ceramic brakes. Appropriate longitudinal and crosswise dynamics are ensured by the sporting RS set-up of the springs, PASM Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management, anti-roll bars, as well as the dynamic engine mounts and PSM Porsche Stability Management.



In its looks the new 911 GT2 RS stands out clearly from the 911 GT2 above all through the lavish use of carbon-fibre-reinforced (CFR) components in matt-black surface finish, even wider wheels and flared wheel arches at the front, new 911 GT2 light-alloy wheels with central locking, as well as "GT2 RS" model designations on the doors and rear lid. The upgraded front spoiler lip and the rear spoiler lip made of CFR and now 10 millimetres or almost 0.4 inches higher, again in surface carbon finish, ensure the right aerodynamic precision as well as extra downforce.



The interior also exudes the flair of sporting performance in virtually every detail, featuring lightweight bucket seats made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic in carbon surface finish and lightweight door panels with door opening straps. The basic interior colour is black, contrasting attractively with features such as the seat centre sections and the roof lining as well as segments on the steering wheel rim. The gearshift and handbrake lever are both finished in red alcantara.



Limited to just 500 units, the 911 GT2 RS will be available in Europe from September 2010, in the USA from October 2010. The Euro base price is 199,500.- Euro. Including VAT and national specifications/equipment the new 911 GT2 RS will retail in Germany at a price of 237,578 Euro.

First Aston Martin Rapide rolls off production line

Aston Martin is celebrating a new era after its first four-door Rapide sports cars rolled off the production line, headed for 125 showrooms in 34 countries.

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Rapide is Aston Martin's first four-door coupe since the Lagonda went out of production in 1989. It features sexy styling, bi-xenon headlights (with integrated LED sidelights and direction indicators), and clear LED taillights.

The elegant Rapide, functional yet luxurious, provides space for up to four adults combined with an engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins. A 301 litre luggage compartment affords generous space for belongings for all four passengers, creating an Aston Martin which can be enjoyed on any occasion, anytime, anywhere. At the heart of the Rapide lies an evocative engine providing effortless power and torque: a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp (477 PS / 350 kW) with peak power being delivered at 6000 rpm and 600 Nm (443 lb.ft) peak torque at 5000 rpm. A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission features as standard, allowing the driver to change gear automatically or manually via the steering column-mounted magnesium paddles.

The base price for the Rapide is $199,950. Just 666 examples are coming to the United States.






Press Release

New Four-Door Sports Car Officially Joins British Marque's Product Line-Up

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 7 May 2010. A new chapter in Aston Martin's modern era has officially begun; with the first four-door Rapide sports cars leaving the Aston Martin Rapide Plant (AMRP) for delivery to eagerly awaiting customers.

Following a warm reception from customers and media observers alike, the Rapide is now set to reach customers and Aston Martin's 125 showrooms in 34 countries over the coming weeks.

First shown in 2006 in concept form at the Detroit Auto Show, the Rapide project received an immediate green light from Aston Martin's new shareholders in mid-2007 following the sale of the marque by the Ford Motor Company. In a little over two years, Aston Martin's dedicated design and engineering teams have delivered a new car from the ground up.

In parallel with making the Rapide a reality, Aston Martin and its specialist automotive partner, Magna Steyr created a state of the art facility to ensure the Aston Martin Rapide achieves the same exacting standards set by the marque's model line-up at Aston Martin's headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The result is a plant that combines the very latest technology with time-honoured craftsmanship.

From the preparation of Rapide's bonded aluminium body frame, to the painstaking six-stage painting process where nine coats of paint are applied making Aston Martin's paint finish the best in class, to the trim shop where highly-skilled craftspeople shape and stitch 10 of the finest leather hides to create the Rapide's magnificently upholstered interior, the AMRP is a centre of automotive excellence.

Unveiled in production form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009 to worldwide acclaim, the Aston Martin Rapide encapsulates the values of Aston Martin in a four-door sports car with unrivalled performance, extremely high levels of craftsmanship and exceptionally elegant design. The Rapide is a car to savour and share, an expressive sports grand tourer that extends the Aston Martin experience to an entire family, a group of colleagues or other performance enthusiasts. Beauty, power and practicality have never been presented so seductively.

The elegant Rapide, functional yet luxurious, provides space for up to four adults combined with an engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins. A 301 litre luggage compartment affords generous space for belongings for all four passengers, creating an Aston Martin which can be enjoyed on any occasion, anytime, anywhere. At the heart of the Rapide lies an evocative engine providing effortless power and torque: a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp (477 PS / 350 kW) with peak power being delivered at 6000 rpm and 600 Nm (443 lb.ft) peak torque at 5000 rpm. A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission features as standard, allowing the driver to change gear automatically or manually via the steering column-mounted magnesium paddles.

The Rapide is on sale now via Aston Martin's global dealership network.

Official: Nürburgring package for the Lexus LFA

Lexus has announced a Nürburgring package for its LFA supercar.

Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota Motor Corporation marks the participation of its LFA supercar in the challenge of the Nurburgring 24 Hours race with mega exclusive, new high-performance package engineered to appeal to customers seeking top-end track ride.

The new Nürburgring package provides additional aerodynamic features and technical revisions that improve handling and downforce without compromising the speed and acceleration .
Greater downforce, essential to peak track performance, has been gained through revisions and additions to several of the LFA’s CFRP components, including a larger front spoiler, side fin-type spoilers and a new fixed rear wing.

The Lexus LFA Nurburgring is powered by the standard 4.8-litre V10 engine that has received 10 extra bhp and now outputs 562 bhp. the gearbox of the Lexus LFA Nurburgring has also been improved over the standard car and now offers shift times of just 0.15 seconds. This means the Lexus LFA Nurburgring can get from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds and up to a top speed of 202 mph.

Handling modifications include sports tuning of the suspension and mesh-type wheels shod with dedicated high-grip tires.

Outside, the vehicle differs from its sleek series brother with larger front spoiler, side fin-type spoilers and new fixed rear wing. Its mid-front-placed 4.8-litre V10 powerplant now boasts 10bhp more and the gear shifts in the six-speed sequential transmission have been cut to just 0.15 seconds. The handling properties are strengthened by sports tuning of the suspension unit and mesh-type wheels shod with dedicated high-grip tyres.

The company plans on handing out just 50 examples within the standard LFA production run of 500 units.





Press Release

LEXUS UNLEASHES THE ULTIMATE LFA

Now available with
new track-focused Nürburgring package

KEY POINTS

• Lexus introduces Nürburgring package for the LFA supercar, aimed at
  hardcore track driving enthusiasts
• New aerodynamic elements for greater downforce, including fixed rear
  wing
• Power increased to more than 562bhp, gearshift times cut to just
  0.15 seconds
• Nought to 62mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds and top speed of 202mph
  maintained in spite of higher downforce
• Performance package launched in celebration of LFA's entry in the
  Nürburgring 24 Hours race
• Just 50 examples to be built, within the total LFA production limit
  of 500 cars

In celebration of its LFA supercar taking on the challenge of the
Nürburgring 24 Hours race in May, Lexus has launched a new performance
package designed to appeal to customers seeking full-blooded track
performance.

The new Nürburgring package provides additional aerodynamic features and
technical revisions that improve handling and downforce without compromising
the exceptional speed and acceleration that are central to the LFA's driving
character.

Greater downforce, essential to peak track performance, has been gained
through revisions and additions to several of the LFA's CFRP components,
including a larger front spoiler, side fin-type spoilers and a new fixed
rear wing.

Maximum power from the mid-front-mounted 4.8-litre V10 engine has been
increased by 10bhp to more than 562bhp and gear shifts in the six-speed
sequential transmission have been cut to just 0.15 seconds. Thanks to these
changes, nought to 62mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of
202mph are maintained, in spite of the extra drag created by the new
aerodynamic elements.

Handling modifications include sports tuning of the suspension and
mesh-type wheels shod with dedicated high-grip tyres.

Just 50 LFA will be available with the Nürburgring package, within the
car's strictly limited global production run of 500 examples. If they wish,
customers will be able to take advantage of individual driving instruction
on the legendary Nordschleife circuit from the Nürburgring's chief
instructors. They will also receive a one-year driving pass to the track.