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The 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25

I’m sure we all remember the Ferrari 599XX from 2009, a track-only version of the famous Ferrari 599, but one that couldn’t be entered into endurance or GT racing, this kind of race car was only eligible to be used during Ferrari track days, when the owner of the car could count on the support of actual Ferrari mechanics present at the track, complete with a pit crew and even engineers gathering data for research and development … only a select group of VIP customers could even buy this car. But that wasn’t even the first kind in the ‘XX’ series, in 2005 some clients were invited to buy the Ferrari FXX, the was developed into the FXX Evoluzione by 2008 … but the best came around in 2015 when Ferrari launched the LaFerrari for road use, and the Ferrari FXX K as a track-toy for the ultra-rich.

Lamborghini joined this select club with their Essenza SCV12 in 2020, we’ve been able to enjoy it on the famous hill climb during the last Goodwood Festival of Speed, thundering loud, a race car pur sang, but just like the Ferrari XX series, only possible to enjoy on closed tracks, not in an actual FIA race … and now it seems the Porsche marketing team took that idea and executed it onto their flagship model, the famous 911, more specifically the GT2 RS model.

Porsche unveiled the limited edition 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25, only 30 units of this track-only model will be made, as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Manthey-Racing GmbH, being a joint venture in design and development between Porsche and Manthey, but none of these will be able to be driven on the open road, based on the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport, this new limited edition is powered by the 3.8-liter flat-six twin-turbo engine, pumping out 700 PS (or 515 kW) to the rear wheels only through the seven-speed Porsche dual-clutch gearbox (PDK).

The exterior design for this new 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 shows various elements from familiar and future Porsche racing cars, the technology, and aerodynamics seen on this car bridge the gap between the 991 and 992 model generations of the 911, with inspiration from Manthey’s 911 GT3 R, which Nürburgring fans fondly dubbed “Grello” thanks to its distinctive green and yellow finish, but in the end, Grant Larson from Style Porsche added some final optical touches, remember Larson designed some legendary racing cars like the 911 RSR, 911 GT3 R as well as the modern 935 and many more.

Similar to the Porsche 935, the new 911 GT2 RS Clubsport of the 991 model generation is used as the base for this limited edition version, the centrally-positioned radiator is one of its defining features to resemble the 911 GT3 R, the totally new front bumper comes with a central intake for optimum airflow, this special edition also boasts a closed underbody and a carbon fiber front lid in a new design where the two large vents, separated by a center divider, channel hot air over the roof to the rear wing while the center-mounted NACA duct pulls fresh air to the cockpit.

The suspension for this new 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 uses parts sourced from the modern 935, with massively wide center-lock 18-inch wheels that boasts large offsets so this car features a significantly wider track than the regular 911 GT2 RS Clubsport, to cope with that wider track the fenders on this car had to be redesigned thoroughly, a massive rear wing is an integrated unit into the rear of the body, it serves as a wrap-around separation edge, a design element that distinguished Manthey’s first MR.

“With the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 special edition, which we designed and developed in conjunction with Porsche Motorsport, we’ve reached another milestone in the 25-year history of Manthey. It’s a perfect example of our guiding principle ‘Closer to Perfection,’” states Nicolas Raeder, Managing Director of Manthey-Racing GmbH. “With every modification, technological function always takes priority. That’s why the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 has its very own character, which also reflects our brand values: straightforward and meticulous, flexible and uncompromising.”

The taillights meet current rules and are shared with the 911 GT3 Cup, while the headlights are derived from the Le Mans-winning 911 RSR, but have been further developed for this model specifically, they now have integrated turn signals and are particularly efficient in illuminating the track, while a bespoke rear diffuser is a perfect surrounding for the newly developed exhaust system, with its dual tailpipes that draw attention to themselves even without the engine running.

August 10, 2021 / Comments Off

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The NOVITEC N-LARGO F8T

A new Ferrari F8 Tributo would be a dream car for many already, but as always, there is a market for upgrading even the most precious supercars, companies like Mansory take that to the extreme with complete overhauls of expensive high-end luxury cars and sports cars, but there is a market in between for customers that like to personalize their prized possession without going all-out, and for those, a company like NOVITEC is perfectly suited, with their aerodynamic package for some of the world’s most popular supercars from Lamborghini or Ferrari.

We’ve covered the Ferrari F8 Tributo by NOVITEC a while ago, the Novitec N-Tronic upgrades the twin-turbo V8 together with a high-performance exhaust system from the factory original 720 hp to 802 hp, while a complete body kit available in clear carbon fiber transforms Maranello’s F8 into an aggressive looking Formula One-inspired road car, as for the rear wing, NOVITEC offers multiple options, either a large version that offers massive downforce or a more subtle styled version that draws less attention.

But things change considerably when you go for the famous N-LARGO version from NOVITEC, usually only available in a limited edition, and a lot wider than the factory original model, hence the N-LARGO name, and now we can finally show you what NOVITEC did to the Ferrari F8 Tributo to create their N-LARGO edition on this V8 powered red beauty, only 15 units of the NOVITEC N-LARGO F8T will be available, and for the incredible styling on this two-seater from Italy we have to thank the famous German designer Vittorio Strosek.

To the casual onlooker, this latest N-LARGO might look like any other red Ferrari, but she is far from a factory standard V8 from Maranello, for instance, the rear has been enlarged by 13 cm to a total of 211 cm width, thanks to wider rear fenders that create a stunning hourglass shape with the added bonus of larger air intakes to feed both the V8 engine and the rear disk brakes of fresh air, an additional plus the fact you can now fit 12-inch wide wheels at the rear.

Same for the front fenders, the NOVITEC N-LARGO replacement units widen the standard Ferrari F8 Tributo by 7 cm and come with some stunning, clear carbon fiber vents above the wheels, in this case, massive 9.5×21-inch NOVITEC NF10 NL hi-tech forged wheels made in cooperation with Vossen in the United States, mind you the rear axle gets a staggered 12×22-inch wheel with five, extremely concave delicate twin spokes, tires are 255/30 ZR 21 and 25 ZR 22 respectively.

Because of the wider fenders both front and rear, NOVITEC had to create a bespoke set of side sills to match the increment, and as always the entire aerodynamic package has been extensively tested in the wind-tunnel for optimum performance in channeling air, but also to make sure they look good, which brings us the front and rear design of this new N-LARGO. The front spoiler receives a pair of side fins for that aggressive look, while the rear comes with its own styling … both are completely replacing the factory original parts to make sure they match the wider fenders perfectly.

The rear comes with a so-called ‘Ducktail’ spoiler, still rather large, but more integrated into the design than a high rear wing on tall struts, add the NOVITEC rear diffuser for optimum downforce on this new N-LARGO, and just to really finish the aggressive styling on the exterior, NOVITEC offers a new engine cover, available in clear carbon fiber, and with an integrated air intake that boasts a scoop mounted just above the roofline, and it effectively optimizes air circulation in the engine bay.

And while you can opt for all these NOVITEC N-LARGO parts to be painted to match the car, I would go for this clear carbon fiber finish, and even get the optional cowl for the front hood in the same lightweight material, you can also get carbon fiber covers for the factory mirrors, however, NOVITEC also lists N-LARGO bespoke side mirrors and quarter lights … all made from lightweight carbon fiber naturally.

The NOVITEC N-LARGO rides about 35 mm lower to the street than the original Ferrari F8 Tributo, which could cause problems getting into your garage, or drive onto a speed bump, but fear not, NOVITEC has you covered here too, raising the car by about 40 mm at the touch of a button … just press the button again to go back to a more ground-hugging stance, or speed up to 80 km/h after which the car lowers itself automatically.

With looks like this new N-LARGO, you just need the power to match, so NOVITEC can increase the original power output by 98 hp to an impressive 818 hp at 7,960 rpm, with 903Nm of torque at 3,100 rpm, not only by fitting a NOVITEC N-TRONIC control module to the engine but also by installing a bespoke exhaust system with carbon fiber and stainless steel exhaust tips, while the rest of the exhaust system can be made from extremely light INCONEL.

Even with the additional width of the car and the massively wide wheels and tires that also create additional drag, this NOVITEC N-LARGO can still accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 2.6 seconds, getting to 200 km/h takes 7.4 seconds … the impressive top speed is above 340 km/h, with only 15 units to be made you might want to get in touch with NOVITEC quickly if this N-LARGO is something that might interest you.

July 5, 2021 / Comments Off

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The new TECHART GTstreet R

20 years ago, in 2001, renowned Techart presented the first GTstreet model, at that time based on the Porsche 996 Turbo, today the base is the 992 series 911 Turbo or 911 Turbo S, but the philosophy behind these super sports cars for the road has remained the same: combine everyday usability with uncompromised track performance … and that is exactly what the new GTstreet R we are looking at today is, a perfect car made even better and more powerful.

The new TECHART GTstreet R comes with up to 800 hp (588 kW) and a massive 950 Nm of torque … top speed of this German masterpiece is 350 km/h, the list price is €73,000 before VAT on top of the base 911 Turbo or Turbo S, that’s about $87,000 at today’s exchange rates, but there is more … this GTstreet R is a limited edition, each one individually numbered on a plaque in the customized interior.

TECHART offered a nearly limitless range of possibilities for Porsche owners, both in customizing as in performance upgrades since they founded the company in 1987, that is why they will only build 87 units in this new GTstreet R program, which consists of lightweight aerodynamic add-ons, complete with a massive carbon-fiber GT rear wing and stunning TECHART aero discs made from the same material.

The TECHART GTstreet R carbon-fiber aero kit has been painstakingly tested in the wind tunnel, the result is a 400% increase in downforce at the rear and a reduction of 45% in lift at the front at 140 km/h compared to a factory standard Porsche 911 Turbo, and just in case you were wondering about the active aero on the base model … this is retained with the TECHART GTstreet R aerodynamic package.

A combination of painted and clear carbon fiber characterize the new GTstreet R, add the special TECHART lettering in the lower front bumper and pinstriping in any shade possible, and the client will have a hard time choosing from all the personalization possibilities, and this continues with the replacement front hood, with aero indents and air vents that are a testament to just how functional the entire GTstreet R package really is, which is also shown in the wider front fenders with their louvers for even more ventilation.

The side air intakes in front of the rear wheels get a new design from TECHART while a pair of amazing looking side sills connect the front to the rear of the GTstreet R, which is where the fun really starts, the iconic GT design is used for a massive rear wing, complete with air intakes that get air tunneled into them by the special roof spoiler, a new engine cover was required to allow the high-performance to be cooled enough, be it on the open road at commuter speeds, or on the race track at full throttle.

TECHART offers two performance upgrades, their TA092/T1.1 with TECHTRONIC management adds 60 hp (44 kW) for a total output of 710 hp (522 kW) with a maximum torque of 900 Newton meters, but the most powerful TECHART power upgrade to date is called the TA092/T2.1, and this option includes new turbochargers and special engine management software changes, including a modification to the transmission control unit … the result is 800 hp (588 kW) and a massive 950 Nm of torque!

And because we all love a nice soundtrack behind the wheel of our car, a new stainless steel sports exhaust system is also part of the GTstreet R kit, hand-welded with two exhaust pipes fitted centrally in the new carbon fiber rear diffuser, it comes with valve control, so you can have a more civilized sound when leaving the house in the morning, but still enjoy some thundering roars on the track.

Now on this edition of the GTstreet R are the aero discs from TECHART, made specifically for their Formula VI Race forged wheel, these discs are made from carbon fiber with a foam core to reduce weight, wind tunnel testing showed these aero discs offer a lower air resistance compared to running without them, the Formula VI Race wheel is a center-lock rim, and the aero discs are fitted in either glossy or matt carbon fiber, or can be color-coded to the car.

The new TECHART Formula VI forged wheels can be ordered with 265/35 ZR20 on the front axle and 325/30 ZR21 on the rear axle, the German tuner recommends the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for track day use but turns to the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires for normal road use, as well as an occasional stint on a track.

Exterior looks are important, but if you are a car enthusiast that wants to enjoy this TECHART GTstreet R as much as possible, you’ll be spending a lot of time behind the steering wheel, in the cockpit, so with elaborate customization on the outside, the already very nice and luxurious interior of the base Porsche 911 Turbo (S) couldn’t be overlooked … so TECHART interior manufactory comes into the picture.

The sample car we see in these official photos comes with a stunning combination of classic fabrics, leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber, remember TECHART has its own in-house saddlery that can take the look of Porsche’s historic sports cars into the present, the amazing black and white checkered pattern is just one of those individual touches they can add to the interior of the GTstreet R.

Multiple carbon fiber packages are available from TECHART to convert the interior of the base Porsche 911 Turbo (S) into a CF haven, but on the client’s request the entire cabin, consisting of seats, doors, central console, dashboard, and even the headliner can all be finished in full Alcantara, with aluminum door sills and pedals.

One of the amazing touches TECHART has shown in their previous Porsche interior tuning is their possibility to create a truly bespoke leather perforation combined with their contrast color underneath … on this GTstreet R unit they went with a checkered flag perforation on the door panels and dashboard, also note the TECHART logo is embossed on the top of the door panel by the way.

But one of the most amazing details inside this TECHART GTstreet R is a massive 87 on the center part of the seatback, this is also a perforation that shows a contrast color underneath, and it reminds us of the fact only 87 units will be made available of this high-performance super sportscar from Leonberg, Germany, while the headrest gets a nice GTstreet R embroidery, add some amazing piping and special stitching throughout the interior and this really is a very nice place to be.

Naturally, TECHART didn’t forget the steering wheel, here again with a stunning checkered flag perforation and a 5 mm wide ‘top-center’ mark in a bespoke color, just like the driving mode switch and all the covers found on this steering wheel, also note that all the functions of the base unit are kept in place, like shift paddles or heating … TECHART just makes it look better.

And TECHART isn’t even finished … they are now prepared a Clubsport Package that will come with lightweight performance seats and a roll bar for the interior, but also an adjustable performance suspension as further upgrades for track day use.

June 19, 2021 / Comments Off

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The Aston Martin V12 Speedster

The Aston Martin brand has been around for many years, and always been recognized as a high-end, luxury sports car brand, with amazing road cars, but also with at least as impressive race cars, with a Palmares of winning the most prestigious races known to date, like the Aston Martin DBR1 from the Fifties, that not only won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 1,000 km of Nürburgring in 1959, but also the latter both in 1957 and 1958.

The Aston Martin DBR1 debuted back in 1956 and become one of the most successful racecars on the scene, with some impressive drivers behind the wheel, for instance at the Spa Sportscar Race (1957, Tony Brooks); the Goodwood Tourist Trophy (1958, Sir Stirling Moss, Tony Brookes; 1959, Sir Stirling Moss, Carrol Shelby, Jack Fairman); and the 1000 Km at the Nurburgring (1959, Sir Stirling Moss and Jack Fairman) in the same year as that famous Le Mans triumph which culminated in Aston Martin taking the World Sportscar Championship.

Back in the late Fifties, this 3-0 Liter straight-six engine was already capable of reaching speeds over 150 Mph, only five were ever made, four of them used by Aston Martin Works themselves, and one as a private entry … none of them were ever legal to drive on the open road, however, this changes today with the introduction of the Aston Martin V12 Speedster DBR1 specification.

For this new limited-edition Aston Martin, only 88 units will be available to customers worldwide, there is only one shade that would be appropriate … Aston Martin Racing Green, complemented with Clubsport White pinstripe and roundels, a Satin Silver anodized grille with Clubsport lipstick graphic, Conker saddle leather, and Viridian Green technical textile/Caithness leather … as a reminder of what made the classic DBR1 the undisputed icon almost seventy years ago.

It seems open-top cars without a windshield are ‘en vogue’ these days, and this new Aston Martin V12 Speedster DBR1 is no exception, there is no protection from the elements inside this purposeful looking car, this car is meant to go fast without compromise, still, Aston Martin gives you the option of wearing a bespoke, color-coded helmet for both the driver and the passenger, sitting under transparent windows.

On the interior, we’ll find a mixture of gloss carbon fiber, Caithness Green leather, and satin silver brushed aluminum switchgear in the V12 Speedster’s open cabin that further underlines the homage to the motoring legend from the Fifties, while the massive 21-inch Satin black diamond polished wheels bring us back to the present day.

Each of the 88 units of this Aston Martin V12 Speedster will be hand-built at the Gaydon headquarters in the UK, after spending over 50 hours to create the perfect paint finish, the lucky customers will receive their car by mid-2021, and they might want to consider wearing those helmets, as this car, with no windshield or roof of any kind, is capable of reaching a top speed of 198 mph, the 700 PS V12 Twin Turbo engine with a capacity of 5.2-Liter puts down an acceleration of 0 to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds …

April 28, 2021 / Comments Off

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Ferrari 812 Superfast Versione Speciale

Ferrari’s Most Powerful and Highest-Revving V12 Engine. Ever.

In the face of the global pandemic, Ferrari is holding no punches as it continues to roll-out newer, wilder and faster models with aplomb. The latest of these to be (partially) revealed is the Ferrari 812 Superfast Versione Speciale. The “Limited Edition” and “Versione Speciale” monikers currently being associated with this hardcore 812 Superfast variant are said to be unofficial – a complete unveiling of the car will take place on May 5, 2021 via livestream, where all of the final details will be hashed out. For now, we’ll amicably refer to it as the Ferrari 812 Superfast VS.

Now, on to the stuff we already know for sure… and oh boy, is it juicy. The Ferrari 812 Superfast VS will continue to be equipped with a 6.5L naturally-aspirated V12 engine sending power to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. This version however, has been upgraded to produce 819 hp and revs all the way up to 9,500 rpm – up 30 hp and given an extra 500 rpm of vocal range over the standard model, thanks to some valve timing and exhaust flow wizardry. The math says that’s good for 125 hp per liter. And not a single turbo in sight.

Though torque figures are still a mystery, we’re still inclined to suggest that this should make the VS a better all-around performer; allowing it to surpass the standard car’s 0-60 mph time of 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 340 km/h, if only by a smidge. The 812 Superfast VS will continue to embrace Ferrari’s most impressive tech, with familiar features such as the Side Slip Control (SSC) traction and stability control system, and rear-axle steering coming standard. However, we wouldn’t be surprised if Ferrari engineers had decided to tweak the electronics to be better optimized with the revisions made elsewhere on the car. Aerodynamics and weight reduction will obviously play a huge role in this as well, so let’s dive into that next.

The visual differences between the 812 Superfast and the VS are immediately obvious, with the latter cutting a much more aggressive figure. One of the most notable changes takes place at the back end of the car, with the rear glass being replaced by a body-colored panel which could be best described as a “super-louver” made from carbon fiber and aluminum. This is one element of the VS’s extreme-downforce mandate, which comes at the loss of some of the regular car’s utilitarian demeanor.

Other displays of the car’s aerodynamic effectiveness are less intrusive, but just as wild. At the front, larger air intakes flank the grill, which is enclosed by a more aggressive bumper with fins at each end appearing to function as integrated canards; a massive front splitter is then added for good measure. Air vents right behind each of the rear wheels and a reimagined carbon fiber diffuser also form part of the organism responsible for optimizing any air flow going under, through or over the VS’s silhouette.

Typical of just about every performance-biased special edition car ever produced by Ferrari, is a strict carbon fiber diet – and this is no different for the upcoming Ferrari 812 Superfast VS. Owners should expect a healthy serving of the carbon fiber good stuff – inside and out – which not only upgrades the car aesthetically, but also allows for the just-as-important art of weight reduction. It’s a given that the VS will weigh less than the standard Superfast’s 1,525 kg, but by how much, we will have to wait and see.

Similarly, there can be absolutely no doubt that the VS will command a “not insignificant” amount more than the regular car’s $340,000 base price. Likewise, the May 5 world premiere will provide more insight and specifics into what is shaping up to be an absolute riot of a car – we will be providing our coverage of the event as soon possible, so stay tuned!

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April 22, 2021 / Comments Off

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BRABUS 92R

If you really want to make a statement, this new, limited edition, BRABUS 92R might just be the right car to add to your collection, they claim it is the new Urban Supercar anyway, also known as The electrically powered “pocket rocket!”.

The BRABUS 92R is an exclusive edition of only 50 units of a convertible city sports car, 92 hp and 180 Nm of torque while being fully electric, with a top speed of 130 km/h and a range of up to 125 kilometers (78 miles), depending on the driving style, while an almost silent acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 10.9 seconds in “Sport +” mode, but I guess that will considerably limit the range you’ll be able to reach on a single charge, but that is not what this Urban Supercar is intended for.

There is a “driving fun switch” for the driver to select one of four modes. The production level from the base vehicle, the Smart EQ ForTwo Cabrio is the Basic level 1, when switching to “Eco’ you get more energy recovery when braking, ‘Sport’ is the third mode, with improved accelerator pedal response, and reduced energy recovery rate to the production level, the fourth mode is ‘Sport+”.

We wouldn’t be talking about a real BRABUS if this little 92R didn’t come with bespoke aero parts, like the new front bumper with large air intakes, a red detail is added to the center front, and to the side sills, while an athletic-looking rear diffuser sets the BRABUS 92R apart from the Smart she’s based on, carbon fiber design door mirror covers add the final touch.

Naturally, this BRABUS 92R comes with bespoke Monoblock wheels, in this case, the IX alloys showing eight double spokes mounted in 6Jx16 at the front with size 185/50 R 16, and 7Jx17 rims at the rear with size 205/40 R Yokohama tires, a one-inch lowering suspension is also fitted.

On the inside, the finest red BRABUS leather is used in a stunning ‘Ultimate Ellipse’ design quilted stitching pattern, black topstitching is used while the BRABUS logos in both backrests are an amazing touch, to complete the custom look of the BRABUS 92R, the convertible’s electric soft-top comes in a similar bright red.

The BRABUS 92R starts at €46,284, being a fully electric vehicle you might want to check your local subsidy plan, usually, you can get part of your investment back from the government when you register an electric car … in a world full of Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bentley, and Rolls Royce, this little ‘pocket rocket’ might draw more attention for being so … different.

March 28, 2021 / Comments Off

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Ferrari reveals limited-edition Monza SP1, SP2 sports cars in Italy

Ferrari has revealed a pair of retro-inspired new vehicles to loyal customers at a private event in Maranello, and thanks to Instagram user Ferrari Icona, we know what they look like, and can discern a few details.

The open-topped, limited-edition sportscars are the Monza SP1 and Monza SP2, a one-seater and two-seater done in the classic barchetta (Italian for “little boat”) style of lightweight open-topped or convertible two-seaters. Per Reuters, they’re part of a new segment dubbed “Icona,” inspired by past Ferraris like the 250 Testa Rossa and based on the 812 Superfast. That car, a souped-up replacement for the F12 Berlinetta, features a 6.5-liter V12 that makes 789 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque, though there’s no word on whether the engine specs for the new speedsters have received any upgrades.

Seating in both models is snug, with the driver and separate passenger compartments (the latter in the SP2 only) surrounded by carbon fiber, a console of controls to the right of the steering wheel, a yellow tachometer, racing seats and shoulder harnesses.

We last heard the SP1 name back in 2008, when it debuted as a one-off built for a wealthy Japanese Ferrari collector. Ferrari Icona, who is not affiliated with Ferrari but was at the reveal event, reports the cars both have lightweight aluminum chassis. We’ll have to wait for more details about the cars to emerge from Ferrari itself.

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September 18, 2018 / Comments Off

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