CAR JUNCTION: 2011

Video: The Batmobile Tumbler finally reveals itself!

About a week ago, we took the time to show you a video of the new Batmobile Tumbler in transit, on its way to a secret location in Pittsburgh. This week, thanks to YouTube member, DoctaM3, we have videos of the Tumbler in all its camouflaged glory.

The production of the movie has taken the cast and crew all over the world, but most recently, they were at the heart of Pittsburgh where the first shots of the undisguised Tumbler finally made their appearance.

All the whispers surrounding what the new Tumbler will look like has now been muted. The rug has been pulled off of Batman’s gargantuan street-destroyer and the military-inspired theme with the camouflage decal only emphasizes the growing sentiment that this particular Batman trilogy directed by Christopher Columbus will go down as one of the best Hollywood trilogies of all time.

And while we’re talking about the Tumbler - there were actually three of them - it’s worth pointing out that they look a lot fiercer and more imposing than the original Tumbler that appeared in Batman Begins.

2012 Maserati GranCabrio Convertible Sport

New Mercedes Engine reported to power the new C class AMG

In the modern age many models have been adorned with engines that feature turbochargers or superchargers in the pursuit of greater efficiency and higher speeds . Now with gas hovering close to $4 a gallon Mercedes Benz has carved their own path to introduce emissions reducing methods in addition to raising fuel efficiency . Mercedes Benz’s AMG division latest 5.5 liter V8 follows this automotive pied piper. This engine which makes its debut in the 2012 Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG will feature cylinder deactivation. This system according to Car and Driver" Cylinders 2, 3, 5, and 8 will deactivate depending on speed and engine load, but we’re told the engine will be able to run up to 3600 rpm in four-cylinder mode; if a changeover is required, it takes just 30 milliseconds to fire up the cylinders again." In order to save further fuel this engine is fitted with a start/stop system. But for don’t think for a minute it will become a sluggish elderly golf cart.

This engine even with all these efficiency adjustments this 5.5 liter V8 power plant pumps out a throaty 422 horsepower and a 398 ft/lbs of torque. This is a healthy 62 hp and 22 ft/lbs of torque increase over the outgoing SLK 55 AMG . The bad news is that if this is slotted into the next C63 it will represent a significant power reduction of 31 horsepower and 45 lbs/ft of torque. We see this as a step forward for Mercedes and perhaps the beginning of the end for the big engined AMG Mercedes. Perhaps, this is the beginning of a new level of performance that turns away from V17 monster that runs on baby seal towards a more balanced car.

Audi A1 by MTM does 201 mph at Nardo Highspeed Test

Typically, when we hear about vehicles climbing up to speeds of over 200 mph, we think of high performance vehicles like the Bugatti Veyron or the SSC Tuatara. Not once have we ever thought of a small car like the Audi A1 achieving such a feat. It was probably this assumption that led tuning firm, MTM, to completely make over the A1 so that it became a snarling speed machine, capable of hitting a top speed of 201 mph at the Nardo Highspeed Test.

Every year, modified supercars head on over to the Nardo test track to see what they are capable of, but this year, MTM’s Audi A1 decided to crash the party and show the 9FF Porsche 911 GT3, MKB McLaren SLR, G-Power BMW M3, andSpeedArt Porsche Cayenne Turbo just how it’s done. With an MTM tuning package consisting of various upgrades, the A1 delivers a total of 500 HP and 442 lb-ft of torque. 500 HP! When equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential, the car will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of the aforementioned 201 mph.

Adding a few more bells and whistles to the heart-thumping power, MTM gave the small car a new set of 18" MTM bimoto rims with a 9-spoke race design, a new set of MTM-Spacers (20 mm per axle), upgraded brakes, and a lowered suspension.

And to think, just one year ago, MTM released their new package for the A1 that had no type of engine upgrades. It may have taken them a year to get the engine tweaks just right, but the result was certainly worth the wait. That is, if anyone plans on racing an Audi A1 anytime soon.

Tata considering joint engine development with Jaguar Land Rover

It’s been about three years since Tata bought Jaguar and Land Roverfrom one of America’s big top three - Ford - and now the company is thinking of taking the last few necessary steps to completely cut ties with the former owner. A new Tata annual report has been released stating that the company is considering a joint engine-development program with its Jaguar Land Rover unit. If pushed through, the new engine could cement the two brands’ independence from Ford.

"To optimize the synergistic strengths between JLR and Tata Motors in India, an examination is also under way on a joint engine development program which would have manufacturing facilities both in the U.K. and India," Ratan Tata said in a recent interview.

These new engines will be a big step for the Indian company, who are beginning to pick up speed with models like the Range Rover Evoque and the new Jaguar XK and XF. Our concern will be for future models which will need adequate engines to obtain proper performance numbers matching that of the Ford-built engines. Whether or not Tata has the ability to pull something like this off is still up in the air.

The $89K Bugatti Veyron Built by Hand

Driving a $1.7 million supercar is everyone’s dream, but few people in this world can actually have the pleasure of doing so. That being said, there are some people in the world that will do whatever it takes to make their dream a reality and Mike Duke from Florida is one of those people. Duke isn’t a millionaire, as far as we know, but the 25-year-old has some ambition and maybe even a future in the automotive industry after putting together a Bugatti Veyron using a Ford Cougar as a base.

Duke’s makeshift supercar was hand-built piece by piece and although it doesn’t have any Bugatti badges and wheels that are a dead giveaway of its guise, the pretend Bugatti could probably fool enough women into thinking it was the real thing. Isn’t that a good enough reason for any 25-year-old to want a supercar? Of course, the crowd of women this vehicle will undoubtedly attract may shrink once they realize this "Bugatti" doesn’t carry its usual 1001 HP engine, but the original 2.5-liter unit.

Talking about his project, Mike Duke said: ""I wanted the million-dollar look without the repair bills, insurance, and huge up-front cost. I’m very happy with the finished result and of course driving around in the car gets more comments than you could ever imagine."

Nice job, Duke. Now start working on the 16-cylinder engine tp put under that hood and then you’ll be in business!

1/1 Scale 2011 Ferrari 150° Italia Steering Wheel Replica

Strap on those safety harnesses and get your couch ready for the race! Okay, so there won’t be any real racing, but Ferrari has created a 1/1 Scale Full Size 2011 Ferrari 150° Italia steering wheel replica for all you serious collectors out there. The bad news is that there will only be 250 units built and each one of them comes carrying a $ 2,245.97 (€ 1,898) price tag. It’s a big price to pay, but you’ll be the proud owner of a replica of the steering wheel used byFernando Alonso and Felipe Massa in the 2011 F1 Championship.

The 2011 Ferrari 150° Italia is a full size steering wheel replica hand built from genuine carbon fiber. It is fitted with moving buttons, paddles, and switches, and come with a red leather base and a clear dust cover.

The wheel weighs a total of 14.5 kilos and measures 45 x 42 x 42. Each one of the 250 limited edition pieces comes with a certificate of authenticity and a unique numbered plaque on the base.

Once ordered, the 2011 Ferrari 150° Italia steering wheel replica will take 30 days to be delivered.

Rendering: 2012 BMW 3-Series

BMW is still keeping a tad bit mum when it comes to the new version of their smaller sedan, but automotive enthusiasts are not going to let something like that stop the flow of information. Our latest rendering of the 2012 BMW 3-Series takes the elements revealed from the most recent spy shots to unveil the BMW 3-Series in it full and naked glory.

Ever since the 3-Series began production back in 1975, BMW has done very little to mess with its overall design. Each generation has brought out some tweaks here and there, but nothing too drastic. The BMW F30 3-Series will be no different. The sedan takes some of the same design cues from the new 5-Series, and possibly the new 7-Series. There have been numerous reports that the new 3-Series will be longer than the current version by around an inch and a half, but it will have considerably shorter overhangs.

As for the engine, the 2012 BMW 3-Series will feature BMW’s new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with an output of 240-horsepower and at least one inline six option. The diesel lineup will consist of turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder variants and a hybrid model will also come into play sometime later.

After the sedan makes it debut - more than likely at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show - BMW will then bring out convertible, coupe, M3, wagon, and Gran Turismo variants.

Asus WX Lamborghini Wireless Mouse

We’ve been running off all these technological products that bear automaker’s trademarks on them – just last week, we introduced the Porsche Lacie P’9220 and P’9230 hard drives – and just in case you already have these items with you, we’d like to introduce you to your next purchase: the Asus WX Lamborghini Wireless Mouse.

This new AAA battery-powered mouse would fit perfectly with the new Asus Automobili Lamborghini VX7 Notebook that was also recently launched back in April. It’s available for only $80, and for that price, you get a mouse that bears the sleek and sporty design cues of Lamborghini supercars, including three choices of a two-tone color scheme – yellow/black, white/black, and all black. There’s also a nano dongle attachment embedded on the mouse that allows it to connect to any USB port with a range of up to 10 meters. This high-frequency response range allows the mouse to work with instant precision without having to resort to any wires or other forms of interference.

According to Asus, the WX Wireless Mouse is a must-have item to include in your computer. “Based on the power and speed so coveted in Lamborghini vehicles, the WX-Lamborghini wireless laser mouse delivers a breathtaking experience in control," the company said.

"This is the ultimate style icon when it comes to mouse input, inspired directly by the powerful, angular shape so known from its motorized namesakes.”

Knowing our love for products that have automotive tie-ups to them, there’s a good chance that we won’t waste time adding a new wireless mouse to our collection.

2013 Ferrari 599 Replacement

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about a replacement for the Ferrari 599 Fiorano, but this is the first time we can offer more details about the new sports car. For starters, expect it to make its official at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March with sales beginning later in the year.

The 599 replacement will be built on an all-new chassis and will borrow design elements from both the 2012 Ferrari FF and the Ferrari California. The model will get modified bumpers and new headlamps, a modified bonnet, and a new exhaust system with tips that sit higher than on the current 599.

Fans of true sportscars can also breathe easier knowing that the replacement 599 will not be a hybrid model. It will instead be powered by a direct injected 6.3-liter V-12 - the same as in the the FF - with a total output of 700 HP. The engine will be combined with a rear-wheel drive system and the Ferrari’s latest seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.

2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato Concept

Aston Martin will be celebrating the iconic DB4GT Zagato’s 50th anniversary with a new concept car developed in collaboration with the Italian design house Zagato. The concept car made its first appearance at the Villa D’Este Concours on May 21st, 2011 and will make its racing debut at Nürburgring on May 28th.

Dr. Ulrich Bez, Chief Executive said: "The DNA of both Aston Martin and Zagato has combined successfully to make some of the world’s most desirable collector cars in the past and in this special anniversary year of the DB4GT Zagato it is appropriate to explore a modern collaboration. Now is the right time for a new Aston Martin Zagato and in combining our design intelligence I think we can create something fitting of the iconic DB4GT Zagato that has gone before and since established itself as one of the most famous Aston Martins of all time."

The original Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato made its first appearance in 1960 at the London Motor Show. It was essentially a much lighter DB4 GT that got worked on by the Italian Coachbuilder to include a 3670 cc straight-6 DOHC engine that produced 314 HP with a top speed of 154 mph.

UPDATE 07/01/2011: The V12 Zagato has finally been listed on the Aston Martin web page, giving us an official confirmation that it will soon go on sale. According to the web site, "only a strictly limited run of road going cars will be built" and we will get more details about in the next few weeks.

Porsche 911 GT3 RSR wins Nurburgring 24 hour race

Porsche managed to overtake the competition this past weekend at the Nurburgring 24 hours race with a new distance record of 156 laps and 3,958.968 kilometers. Driven by Porsche works drivers, Marc Lieb (Germany), Timo Bernhard (Germany), Romain Dumas (France) as well as Lucas Luhr (Switzerland), the Porsche GT3 RSR won the 39th running of the long distance classic in the Eifel.

"We already knew before the start that we could only win if we worked together as a team, from the drivers through to the mechanics. And this worked very well for the entire time," Timo Bernhard said. Indeed, aside from the usual tensions on the track, there was just one truly critical situation – strangely enough in the pits. Lucas Luhr: "During a pit stop the petrol pump didn’t work. Fuel simply didn’t come out. So we had to push our car back to another pump and in doing so lost almost a minute."

Hit the jump for the results.

Do you want to win a Corvette Grand Sport?

With a starting price of $54,770, the Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport isn’t exactly a vehicle that can be purchased by just anyone. However, if you are a US resident, Chevrolet is giving you the chance to win the American icon, along with a five day/four night trip to next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans in France. They’ll even pay for the airfare for two, hotel accommodations, and an $800 travel allowance. Now that’s a contest we can get on board with!

We know it sounds a little sketchy, but Chevrolet is running the contest in recognition of Corvette Racing just winning the 24 hours of Le Mans. The best part is that the contest is pretty easy. All you have to do is click on the source link, answer three questions about Corvette Grand Sport - very simple ones like sprint time, HP, and weight - and then enter your personal information. The winner will be randomly selected on July 1st 2011 and will be notified by email or phone.

The only problem we see with this contest is that, because it’s so easy, many people will be put in the drawing to win the Corvette so you’re chances get slimmer with every click of someone else’s mouse.

2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe by TechTec

We’ve already seen a tuning package for the BMW 1-Series M Coupe, but whereas the "Clockwork Orange" was made exclusively for one client, this latest package from TechTec will be the first offered to the general public.

BMW’s little sports car already comes with a new twin-turbocharged, all-aluminum, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that delivers total of 335 HP, but German tuner, TechTec, has reworked that engine to come up with three different power stages. The first stage will bring the pony power up to 380 HP and the peak torque to 427 lb-ft, all for 1,000 euro (about $1,4000 at the current rates). Throw down another 1,500 euro (about $2,100 at the current rates) and that power increase will jump by 20 to 400 HP, but at this point, TechTec would also recommend that the buyer gets their upgraded air cooler for another 800 euro (about $1,120 at the current rates).

The third and final stage for the BMW 1-Series M Coupe will boost power all the way up to 450 HP, allowing the BMW to sprint from 0-60 mph in an estimated 4.1 seconds. This is also accomplished due to the fact that the tuner removed the top speed limiter, bringing the top speed up to 186 mph. Additional throaty growls from the M Coupe can be attained with a new titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic and handling can also be improved with the club sport-suspension by KW, both offered by TechTec.

For comparison’s sake, the BMW 1-Series M Coupe by TechTec lapped the Hockenheim circuit in 1:13:59, whereas the standard 1-Series M Coupereportedly did it in 1:14.1 and the BMW M3 followed at 1:14.2. It’s not a tremendous difference, but if that slight lead will get the driver’s juices flowing then the top version of the TechTec package is the way to go.

Factory Five 818 Sports Car Design Winners Announced

Replica cars are nice and all, but originals are, and will always be, the way to go.

Factory Five, one of the finest replica makers of Cobras and Daytonas in the business, is working on building their very own sports car, a new and original design that will be the basis for the very first "818 Sports Car" to be built.

To help in the brainstorming process, Factory Five and its co-sponsor Grassroots Motorsports, held a design-making contest for the future 818. The rules were pretty simple: each contestant was given a donor Subaru WRX, a space frame with a 95" wheelbase, and a target weight of just 1,800 lbs. Similarly, the design of the two-seater sports car had to give way for it to be built with a budget of just under $15,000.

After the contest, Factory Five and Grassroots Motorsports singled out Nouphone Bansasi as the winner of the competition with a design that offers a classic look on a modern two-seater sports car. For beating out over 700 entries, Bansasi pocketed a cool $5,000 for his efforts. In addition to Bansasi’s winning work, Factory Five and Grassroots Motorsports also awarded Rodney Olmos second place, and Xabier Alibizu third place for their entries while a number of other awards, including several sponsor awards were given out.

Full specs and details of the future 818 Sports Car are still being kept under wraps, but at the very least, we have a pretty good idea on what to expect as far as the design language of the car is concerned.

Check out the video of Factory Five President Dave Smith presenting the winners of the Factory Five-Grassroots Motorsports Project 818 Body Design Contest after the jump.

Tag Heuer Monaco V4 Titanium Chronograph

It’s been over a year since the last Hummer rolled off the production line, ending the gas-guzzling era of the oversized and intimidating vehicle. Now, in a production more ironic than Congressman Anthony Weiner actually showing off his wiener, General Motors has unveiled an electric golf cart version of aHummer for all of those men in plaid pants that want to display their machismo on the course. The MEV Hummer HX is now on sale for a bargain price - when compared to a full size Hummer - of $16,000.

The MEV Hummer HX electric golf cart was named after the HX conceptrevealed by GM in 2008. It is powered by a 3.75hp electric motor, but a $1,475 5.5hp electric motor is also available as an upgrade.

The model comes standard with upholstery embroidered with the H2 name, a custom floor kit, polished chrome wheels, side rails, a rear license plate, a painted front grille, H2 logos on the sides and rear, a HUMMER stamped rear bumper, and an H2 body kit licensed by General Motors. The HX MEV can also be ordered in a 6 passenger limo version for $3,874 or an 8 passenger version for $4,974.

New Ford Mustang set for world debut

A big slice of America is crossing the Atlantic: the Mustang is heading to UK showrooms, Auto Express can reveal. To coincide with the muscle car’s 50th anniversary in 2014, Ford will launch it across the world, and in right-hand drive for the first time.

Sources have revealed that dealers are being told to prepare for its arrival. The newcomer will sit at the top of the range alongside regular models such as theFiestaandFocusin dealerships. It will be the most European-friendly version of the coupé ever – but will still be a proper Mustang, with V8s for the fastest models.

The company’s ‘One Ford’ strategy is behind the Mustang’s migration. To cut costs and reduce the number of models (and platforms) the firm makes globally, the all-new model will be a ‘world car’, sold in different markets virtually unchanged.

The Fiesta, Focus andMondeoalready follow this approach, and it means there is a business case for producing right-hand-drive Mustangs in the States and shipping them to Europe. But the UK won’t be the only right-hand-drive market the car is offered in; Australia and Japan will take the car, too.

An insider revealed:“The design studios in Europe and Australia are working on it, as well as those in America. It will be smaller and closer in spirit to the original 1964 Mustang.”

Our illustrations give you a good idea of how the new ‘pony’ car will look. It’s leaner and ever so slightly smaller, but still very mean, and packs all the visual aggression for which the legendary model has been famous. This includes recessed headlamps, a traditional C-pillar and triple lens tail-lights.

Yet while it harks back to Sixties Mustangs, the new car will be the most technically advanced version ever. It will be far lighter than the current model, for improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.

Plus, for the first time, it’s set to feature independent rear suspension. As on the Chevrolet Camaro, this set-up replaces the decades-old live rear axle of the current car, and should mean better ride comfort and traction.

Power will come from a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost turbo with around 300bhp, while a range-topping 500bhp 5.4-litre V8 will be available, too. Six-speed manual and auto transmissions are likely to be offered with torque vectoring to keep the performance in check, while the handling is expected to be tuned by Jost Capito and his team at Ford’s Global Performance Vehicles arm.

As well as upping quality under the skin, Ford will have to pay attention to the materials used inside – current models fall behind their European rivals in terms of fit and finish. The move to make the Mustang a world car will be controversial.

Bosses will need to tread carefully so as not to alienate the model’s huge fan base – nearly 75,000 examples were sold in the US in 2010 – and still appeal to discerning UK buyers used to the BMW 3-Series Coupé and Audi A5.

But with Vauxhall’s VXR8, and the Monaro before it, proving that there’s room for powerful muscle cars in the line-up of a mainstream maker, Ford will be confident of success