Any car with 662 hp for less than 60 grand is a real performance bargain, even if all it could do was drive in a straight line. The Shelby GT500, however, not only accelerates with alarming brute force, but it turns and stops surprisingly well, too, making it a hoot at the track. True, the unrefined interior and lumpy ride aren’t pleasant, but the GT500 is as bad-ass as anything on the road. While the 2014 model remains on sale, its replacement based on the new Mustang won’t arrive until 2016.
What It Is: The high-performance variation of the new-for-2015 Ford Mustang, which we believe will keep its Shelby GT500 moniker. In light of the expected return of the Shelby GT350, we hear those in Dearborn are wary of two Shelby-branded offerings in the lineup diluting the badge’s equity, and are looking into changing the more powerful car’s name to SVT Cobra. We don’t expect this name change to happen, but many monikers from high-performance Mustangs past are being considered for resurrection. If you’re wondering whether this is a GT350, well, that model isn’t expected to arrive for a few years yet, so it’s safe to assume this is a GT500.
Why It Matters: Traditionally, in the pony-car wars, horsepower is firepower—and the more you have, the better to thump your competition. The outgoing GT500 comes packing heat in the form of a supercharged 5.8-liter V-8 pumping out a brutal 662 ponies and 631 lb-ft of torque. Code-named “Trinity,” the blown V-8 is a double-barreled shotgun to theChevrolet Camaro ZL1’s magnum pistol—an 82-hp and 75-lb-ft advantage that cannot be ignored. The Camaro’s not going anywhere, and neither is the long-running muscle-car rivalry between Chevy and Ford, so the next GT500 will need to maintain its predecessor’s edge.
Bottom Right: 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Platform: The new Mustang makes use of a newly developed rear-drive platform code-named “S550.” Of course, the big news of S550 is that it features an independent rear suspension. Our guess is that this is where the majority of the development work on the GT500 is centered; the engineers must tune the suspension to handle the Trinity motor’s mighty thrust and unique weight balance. In previous sightings of GT500 mules, we spotted what appeared to be carbon-ceramic brake rotors peeking through the front wheel spokes, with the rear discs appearing to be crafted from steel. This car rolls with some visually prohibitive covers mounted over the wheels, obscuring any insight as to what may stop this tester. The fact covers now exist suggests that Ford will indeed move away from the outgoing car’s steel brakes.
Powertrain: We expect the Shelby GT500 will again utilize the 5.8-liter Trinity V-8, and while a power bump is possible, it’s not at all necessary. The GT500 today struggles to lay down the power and is plenty quick. Once again, the GT500 should get just a single transmission option: a six-speed manual.
Competition: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Chevrolet Corvette, Nissan GT-R.
Estimated Arrival and Price: The car likely won’t arrive until 2015 as a 2016 model. Don’t be surprised if the GT500’s price edges upward from its current $54,995 base price, especially if the carbon-ceramic brakes reach production.
New 2015.5 Dodge Viper GTS and TA 2.0 Special Edition Models
Now Available for Customer “Sold Orders” With New Pricing and More Content
Dodge Viper sales have been on a run since the brand
repositioned the limited-production hand-built super car in September, and
Dodge is building on the momentum, opening the system for dealers to place sold
customer orders of the newly equipped2015.5 Dodge Viper GTS
and TA 2.0 Special Edition, which join the SRT® and GT models in
the Viper lineup.
“The jump in Viper’s
September sales after we announced the new $84,995 starting price showed that
the overall repositioning to competitively price Viper with the first 1992
model was on target. But that was just the start,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO,
Dodge and SRT. “Today, we’re expanding the Viper lineup by offering
the track ready Viper TA 2.0 and GTS models with even more content. This
limited-production hand-built super car is the flagship of the Dodge brand, and
we will continue to show our commitment to its future.”
Reaching back into its 100-year history, Dodge is using the
formula that successfully launched the original 1992 Dodge Viper, but with even
more power, refinement and craftsmanship. Adjusting for inflation, the 2015
model year Viper is priced competitively to the first generation Viper, as
calculated by Kelley Blue Book. When Viper was first introduced, the U.S. MSRP was
$50,700, which equates to $86,130 in today’s dollars. In addition to the lower
starting price, the hand-built American exotic now delivers an increased 645
horsepower and gets up to 20 miles per gallon.
Now, in addition to the SRT and GT models, customers can
order the 2015.5
Viper TA 2.0 Special Edition and GTS models, both of which feature
more standard content compared with the 2014 models they replace.
With
a starting U.S. MSRP of $84,995, the 2015 Dodge Viper
SRT features new accent stitching on the seats and instrument
panel, Alcantara accents on the doors and instrument panel and ‘Viper’
badged aluminum sill plates. All Vipers are powered by the legendary
8.4-liter aluminum V-10, with 645 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque
paired with a Tremec® six-speed manual transmission, 18/19-inch
polished Rattler wheels, four-wheel Brembo® brakes, electronic
stability control (ESC), dual side exhausts, HID automatic headlamps, LED
daytime running lamps, LED taillamps. On the inside, the Viper features a
7-inch reconfigurable driver information display, 8.4-inch Uconnect®Touch
multimedia center with Parkview® rear back-up camera, 3-D navigation
with Sirius XM and Travel Link, SRT Performance Pages, launch control,
12-Speaker Harman Kardon® audio system, three-spoke flat-bottom
steering wheel, Keyless Enter ‘N Go, push-button start and power
adjustable pedals
With
a starting U.S. MSRP of $94,995, the new for 2015 Viper GT model features
Nappa leather seats with Alcantara inserts, Alcantara accents on the doors
and IP, ‘Viper’ badged aluminum sill plates, two-mode sport suspension,
five-mode ESC, ‘GTS’ hood, two-piece StopTech® slotted rotors, red
Brembo® brake calipers and power six-way driver seat
With
a starting U.S. MSRP of $101,995, the TA 2.0 Special Edition features a
high-performance Aero Package, competition rear spoiler and front lower
dive planes for increased downforce and improved handling on the track,
two-piece Brembo Rotors, 18/19-inch Matte Black Sidewinder Wheels, Pirelli
P Zero Corsa Tires, dual-mode suspension, five-mode ESC, black Brembo
brakes with orange lettering, performance brake pads, carbon fiber
structural X-Brace, rear carbon fiber applique, TA front splitter, TA aero
wing assembly kit, TA front decal, TA sill decal, interior accent
stitching and car cover
With
a starting U.S. MSRP of $107,995, the 2015 Dodge Viper GTS features many
of the customer preferred “options,” now as standard content, such as Laguna
leather seats, Alcantara headliner and Harman Kardon 18-speaker sound
system, as well as a Nappa leather IP, console and doors, 18/19-inch
polished aluminum Venom wheels, power six-way driver and passenger seats,
unique GTS badging. Also, for a new level of exclusivity, introducing the
GTS Ceramic Blue Special Edition with Ceramic Blue exterior color, Black
stripes, orange brake calipers, rear carbon fiber applique, and GTS gloss
black badging
High-impact
Y’Orange and Stryker Orange exterior colors will start arriving at dealers
in early 2015
Production of 2015 model yearVipersbegan at the Conner Avenue
Assembly Plant in Detroit in November. 2015 model year Vipers will start
arriving in dealerships in the first quarter of 2015.
AUDI has just pulled the sheet of its latest concept at the L.A. Auto Show, a car that we tentatively called the A9, and it is nothing like what we expected. Dubbed thePrologue Concept, this new two-door is the most radical machine that Audi has released in memory. It has been created by Audi’s new Head of Design, Marc Lichte to paint the way forward for the future of the brand. The name Prologue was chosen as this large luxury model has been created to make a new design start for the German brand. Audi has long been chided for its boring and iterative visual updates, so the Prologue Concept is going to pave a way forward for more interesting and dynamic designs across the range.
With a shape that is leaner, crisper and more dramatic than anything else Audi has in its lineup, the Prologue concept is stunning to look at. I am not sure I would call it pretty in a traditional sense, but is certainly new and different, which is what Audi really needs. With a size similar to the big A8, this Audi has lots of room of subtle touches and changes, and Audi says there are plenty. Keep reading to learn about all the cool new details used to create this new super-sized coupe.
A combination of an impressive pedigree with cutting-edge modern racing technology, Z/28 is back and ready to take on the track.
The legendary Camaro Z/28 is back. Originally introduced in 1967, Camaro Z/28 was designed specifically to compete in the Sports Car Club of America’s Trans-Am 2 class. Lightweight, nimble and incredibly powerful, the original Z/28 was built to rule the road racing circuit. The 2015 Camaro Z/28 track car carries the same racing credentials, incorporating a performance-first design philosophy that takes advantage of state-of-the-art, race-proven technology. Put simply, the Z/28 is designed to dominate the track, lap after lap.
AWARDED PERFORMANCE.
December-19-2014
There’s been a lot celebrate with the 5th generation Camaro. With the recent domination of Camaro Z/28 over cars double and triple its sticker price, there’s been no shortage of conversation. Along with Camaro claiming a lengthy list of highly sought-after awards, it’s been selected as Motor Trend’s Pony Car King over the all-new Mustang GT and Challenger R/T Scat Pack. With Generation 6 in the works for 2016, Camaro plans to pack every bit of its power within its predecessor.
Corvette is a triumph of design and engineering. But Chevrolet didn’t stop there. With advanced technologies, a race-proven bloodline and a supercharged engine, the all-new 2015 Z06 is a world-class supercar.
At the intersection of Le Mans and the Autobahn sits the best of American automotive design and engineering — the all-new 2015 Corvette Z06. This world-class supercar is the closest link yet between Corvettes built for racing and the road. Z06 is engineered to be lightweight and rigid with an aluminum space frame, carbon-fiber hood and removable carbon-fiber roof panel. It was also designed to be powerful, with a supercharged 6.2L aluminum V8 engine delivering 650 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 2015 Corvette Z06 is the industry’s only supercar to achieve 650 horsepower and offer a choice of two transmissions – a 7-speed manual or an all-new 8-speed paddle-shift automatic – as well as a choice between coupe and convertible. The driver-centric Z06 elevates the experience even further with technologies like a Driver Mode Selector, which allows for customization of vehicle performance dynamics with the turn of a knob. And Corvette owners can relive their drives on or off the track with the available industry-exclusive Performance Data Recorder, which records high-definition video with telemetry overlays on playback.
The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT® 392 achieves new levels
of craftsmanship, technology and heart-pounding performance. Unleash the highest
horsepower, naturally aspirated HEMI®engine in the SRT lineup. Ever.
The heart of the 2015 Challenger SRT® 392 is the
6.4-liter HEMI® engine now boasting 485 hp and 475 lb.-ft. of torque,
ideal for those times you want to do a little soul-searching - quickly. Choose
from a robust new TorqueFlite® eight-speed automatic transmission
featuring rev-matching on downshifts, or bang your own gears with a Viper-like
Tremec six-speed manual gearbox with a beefed-up clutch. It’s good for the
soul, man.
The functional, performance-tuned exterior retains the
Challenger design heritage with not-so-subtle air-gulping hood inlet,
functional front splitter, rear spoiler and dual chrome exhaust outlets. This
Challenger SRT® 392 spent 35 percent more time in the wind tunnel to
maximize aerodynamics and create a vision of awesome.
Mission Critical
Inside the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT® 392 is
an amazing blend of world-class materials, race-inspired technology and
time-honored design influences that wrap around you like a fighter pilot, on a
mission to push the envelope to a new extreme. The look and feel carries the
essence of 1971 innocence, with the delivery of 2015 artistry.
Bigger and Better
When it comes to performance brake rotors and calipers, size
invariably matters. The standard SRT Track Pack brake package on the 2015 Dodge
Challenger SRT® 392 features massive Brembo® 15.4-inch
two-piece slotted and vented front rotors paired with beefy Brembo six-piston
calipers and 13.8-inch rotors in the rear. The two-piece front rotors quickly
dissipate heat under extreme use, while the aluminum hat reduces unsprung
weight.
The Mercedes-Benz brand, defined for decades by two or three model lines, has become a benchmark for creating new segments and niches. Think first-generation A-class, or the "sports tourers" B-class and R-class. Throughout the past 15 years, Benz has perfected the art of surprising us with, ahem, out-there reveals. None of them, however, were quite as outlandish as this derivative of the G-wagen that Daimler has shown to a select few in Dubai this week.
The G63 AMG 6x6 essentially is a G63 AMG, stretched to accommodate a pickup bed and six wheels, all of which are driven by the awesome direct-injected, 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 that resides under the hood. Just as in the same-old, boring, four-wheeled G63 AMG, which retails for $135,205, the 6x6 makes 544 horsepower and generates 560 lb-ft of torque. Its mill is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, and it manages to move the four-ton-plus behemoth with considerable authority. AMG claims that the sprint from standstill to 60 mph takes around seven seconds, and the truck can top 100 mph. Forty percent of the torque is sent to the middle axle, while the front- and the rear axle each receive 30 percent. The tire pressure can even be adjusted with a built-in air compressor, which is useful when driving on different terrains.
The G63 AMG 6x6 is derived from a special edition of the G-wagen developed for the Australian armed forces, but unlike that purposeful vehicle, the concept is fully equipped with every conceivable luxury option. The center console is fitted with carbon fiber in a feeble effort to counter the 6x6's excessive weight, and the seats and door trim are finished in diamond-quilted leather.
The concept is longer, wider, and taller than a Chevrolet Suburban; and with off-road tires, five locking differentials, 18 inches of ground clearance, and more than three feet of fording depth, the G63 6x6 is predestined to tackle any kind of terrain—so long as said terrain is large enough to hold the six-wheeler.
Daimler has built two examples of this incredible machine—one of them in white, another in matte gray. They are still concepts, but we fully expect Daimler to build a small series of them. We figure on a price well north of $300,000. Although, if the skunkworks crew in Affalterbach really wanted to treat us to something special, they would’ve shoved the 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 of the G65 AMG into the engine bay. For the moment, however, we applaud the brand's successful search for yet another niche. Keep surprising us, Mercedes.
World premiere at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show - BRABUS 850
6.0 Biturbo Coupe based on the Mercedes S 63 625 kW / 850 hp, 1,450 Nm of
torque and 350-km/h top speed. The world’s
fastest and most powerful all-wheel-drive coupe
625 kW / 850 horsepower, a peak torque of 1,450 Nm, 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds, and an electronically
limited top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph): with the new BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo
Coupe based on the Mercedes S 63 4MATIC, BRABUS celebrates the world debut of
the fastest and most powerful all-wheel-drive coupe on the globe at the 2015
Geneva Motor Show. The two-door car is not only captivating on account of its
unrivalled performance, but above all thanks to its sporty and elegant design
with clear-coated carbon-fiber aerodynamic-enhancement components, 21-inch
high-tech forged wheels and an exclusive BRABUS fine leather interior.
The eight-cylinder twin-turbo engine of the S 63 is thoroughly revised in the
BRABUS engine shop using a state-of-the-art machine park. The installation of a
special BRABUS crankshaft with longer stroke plus an enlarged cylinder bore and
correspondingly larger forged pistons results in a displacement increase from
5,461 cc to 5,912 cc. The flow-optimizing fine-machining of both cylinder heads
also contributes to the performance enhancement.
The two special BRABUS turbochargers with larger compressor units and modified
exhaust manifolds that replace the production turbos also play a major part in
the enormous increase in power. As part of the engine conversion, special metal
catalysts with 75-mm thick down pipes and the BRABUS stainless-steel sports
exhaust system with actively controlled butterfly valve are installed in
addition.
Other modifications to the production engine are instantly apparent when the
hood is opened: one of the key components of the engine conversion is the
specially designed BRABUS 850 intake module. It includes a larger air filter
housing with enlarged intake cross-section, which is supplied with air via a
special duct in the hood, and new carbon-fiber air ducts with significantly
enlarged cross-sections. A particularly conspicuous feature is the BRABUS Gold
Heat Reflection sheathing of the intake and charge air pipes.
Precisely programmed mapping for injection and ignition coordinate the perfect
interaction of the high-performance components. This not only ensures maximum
power output, but also compliance with the strict limits set by the current
EURO VI emissions standards. Technology partner MOTUL supplies the high-tech
lubricants for the entire powertrain.
As the result of the extensive modifications the BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo engine
delivers unrivalled performance figures: the peak power output of 625 kW / 850
horsepower (838 bhp) is produced at a low 5,400 rpm. Even more immense is the
peak torque of 1,450 Nm (1,069 lb-ft), which is on tap between 2,500 and 4,500
rpm. However, in the car this figure is electronically limited to 1,150 Nm (848
lb-ft) in the interest of the longevity of the entire powertrain.
The power is channeled to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic
transmission, which can also be shifted manually with the BRABUS RACE aluminum
paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. A
variant with rear-wheel drive is also available.
The power unit in the bow makes the BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo Coupe the world’s most powerful and fastest four-seat all-wheel-drive coupe.
From rest, the exclusive two-door car is catapulted to 100 km/h (62 mph) in
just 3.5 seconds. A speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) is reached after just 9.4
seconds. Due to tire limitations the top speed is restricted electronically to
350 km/h (217 mph).
These enormously fast speeds naturally also place especially high demands on
the aerodynamic-enhancement components, which the BRABUS designers developed in
the wind tunnel.
An additional BRABUS spoiler made from clear-coated carbon fiber was developed
for the front bumper. It lends the two-door car a touch of motor racing flair
and reduces lift on the front axle at high speeds, further optimizing handling
stability. The large air intakes in the front bumper are likewise fitted with
tailor-made carbon-fiber elements to add even more dynamic appeal.
The BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement concept for the S-Class Coupe is rounded out
with a clear-coated BRABUS carbon-fiber diffusor, which is fitted with
tailor-made cutouts for the BRABUS sports exhaust system, and the subtle rear
spoiler in the trunk lid. It is also made from carbon fiber. In addition, the designers
developed carbon-fiber surrounds for the side air outlets that add further
emphasis to the sporty lines.
A striking design, top quality and even further enhanced driving dynamics are
the outstanding traits of the BRABUS Monoblock wheels, which are available for
the Mercedes S-Class Coupe with diameters ranging from 18 to 22 inches.
To be able to make full use of the enormous performance of the BRABUS 850 6.0
Biturbo variant, the high-performance coupe is equipped with BRABUS Monoblock
"PLATINUM EDITION" 21-inch forged wheels. The use of state-of-the-art
forging technology results in an optimal symbiosis of maximum strength and low
weight. The show car for the 2015 Geneva Motor Show sports Monoblock F
cross-spoke wheels in Shadow Gold Chrome design. In sizes 9Jx21 on the front
axle and 10.5Jx21 at the rear they make perfect use of the available space
below the wheel arches. The optimal high-performance tires are supplied by
Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA in sizes 255/35 ZR 21 for the front and 295/30
ZR 21 for the rear axle.
As an alternative, 21-inch mirror-polished Monoblock VI wheels with six double
spokes or the Monoblock R design with dimensionally offset pairs of spokes are
also available.
Yet another option is a BRABUS 22-inch tire/wheel combination. The BRABUS
Monoblock G "Platinum Edition" forged wheels in the combination 9Jx22
with 255/30 ZR 22 tires on the front axle and 10Jx22 with 295/25 ZR 22 at the
rear fully fill out the wheel wells.
The BRABUS suspension lowering module is calibrated to the use of these
ultra-low-profile tires. It lowers the ride height of the two-door car by about
15 millimeters (.6 inches).
To complement the black paint finish, the interior was exclusively refined.
With meticulous precision and master craftsmanship the BRABUS upholsterers
transformed especially soft and breathable black Mastik leather into a BRABUS
fine leather interior in a class of its own. The sweeping lines of the design
of the seat upholstery, door panels and dashboard underscore the sporty and elegant
nature of the coupe. Subtle contrasts are added with copper-colored seams and
piping. The hallmark BRABUS love of detail is also evident in the accents and
switches that normally have a silver finish. A total of 219 individual parts
were coated in the same Shadow Gold tone as the BRABUS Monoblock F wheels on
the vehicle. The headliner was crafted from deep black Alcantara.
The BRABUS genuine carbon-fiber elements add markedly sporty highlights in the
cockpit. Their surface is finished with a glossy sealant, and they replace the
production wood inlays. Aluminum components such as the BRABUS RACE paddle
shifters, pedals and door pins further boost this effect.
Scuff plates with backlit BRABUS 850 logo, which like the ambient interior
lighting can be set to different colors, round out the interior transformation.
The 400-km/h (250-mph) BRABUS speedometer demonstrates the enormous potential
of the vehicle in the instrument cluster as well.
The BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo Coupe is available as a complete vehicle and can
also be built on the basis of any existing current Mercedes S 63 Coupe.
Fuel economy, CO2 emissions and efficiency class:
BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo based on the S 63 Coupe: city 13.8 l/100 km, highway 7.9
l/100 km, combined: 10.1 l/100 km. CO2 emissions, combined: 237 g/km,
efficiency class E.
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