www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRHJACxTAUs

Anyone with more than a little petrol in their veins will be saddened by that video. A beautiful Ferrari 458 Italia going up in flames in China. This happening to one car would be terrible, but 9? That’s when people, and the world’s media start to ask questions.

And now finally Ferrari North Europe have stepped up and admitted that there is an issue with their latest Supercar, and have ordered a full recall of every one of the 1,248 458 Italias made.

The issue is that in certain circumstances; namely high ambient temperatures and very high engine bay (exhaust) temperatures; the rear wheelarch liner can deform due to the heat. This deformation can push the wheelarch liner heat shield closer to the exhaust, causing the glue used to fix the heat shield to catch fire. Yes, that’s right, the glue for the heat shield can catch fire. Someone really didn’t think that through very well…

All the cars made since July are to be recalled, and Ferrari will replace the heat shield wheelarch liner with one which is held in using mechanical, not glued methods. Also Ferrari will replace any car found to have been damaged due to this issue, free of charge with a new car as soon as they can. Good job really…

Here are some pics of the offending BBQs, sorry, Ferraris:

Leave a comment below if you want to share in the sorrow of the owners watching their new €200,000 car going up in flames!

The guiding principles of Brabus for refining the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG were Carbon Fibre, Light weight, and handling prowess. The exclusive sport program comprises aerodynamic-enhancement components made from carbon fiber, ultra-lightweight forged wheels, an electronically adjustable smooth-ride suspension (Ride Control) suspension, a titanium exhaust system with bypass gate, and Brabus leather.

Extremely light yet enormously strong carbon fiber was chosen as the material for the Brabus aerodynamic-enhancement components. The components were developed in the wind tunnel. They give the gullwing car an even more striking appearance while optimizing its aerodynamic properties. All components are available either made from clear-coated carbon fiber for a true racing flair or can be painted to match or contrast with the car’s exterior color.

The front fascia of the coupe receives a visual upgrade with the Brabus front spoiler. But that’s not all: The spoiler further reduces lift on the front axle at high speeds which results in even better directional stability. The two Brabus covers for the upper air inlets in the bumper lend the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG an even more striking face while optimizing the cooling air supply.

Brabus also lends the sides of the SLS a sharper profile. The new air outlets for the front fenders feature a modern design with integrated blue-illuminated Brabus lettering. The illumination is activated via the keyless-entry remote or by pulling on a door handle.

Brabus also adds some more visual pizzazz to the rear appearance of the Mercedes SLS AMG with the Brabus rear spoiler and the Brabus rear fascia element that features custom-tailored cutouts for the four exhaust tips of the Brabus sport exhaust system.

Forged wheels that were custom-developed for the SLS are also elementary for the electrifying Brabus look. By choosing a staggered tire/wheel combination with diameters of 20 inches in front and 21 inches on the rear axle Brabus further emphasizes the sporty character of the two-door car. The ultra-light Brabus Monoblock F Platinum Edition cross-spoke wheels are up to twelve percent lighter than the stock wheels of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and are mounted in size 9.5Jx20 in front and in size 11Jx21 on the rear axle. The extremely wide high-performance tires in sizes 275/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 21 are supplied by Brabus technology partners Pirelli and Yokohama.

Another custom development is the height-adjustable Brabus smooth-ride suspension (Ride Control). It can lower the ride height of the sports car by up to 40 millimeters (1.6 inches). At the push of a button the driver can choose between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or sportier ride compared to the production suspension. To complement this suspension Brabus will soon offer the Brabus Front Lift system. It raises the front of the car by some 50 millimeters (2 inches) at the push of a button to safely navigate steep parking ramps or other obstacles.

While engine tuning for the 6.3-liter V8 is still in the final development phase there already is an extremely lightweight Brabus titanium sport exhaust system with four slanted exhaust tips. The tips have a diameter of 84 millimeters (3.3 inches). This exhaust system weighs 12 kilograms (26 lbs.) or 40 percent less than the production exhaust and adds an extra ten horsepower to the engine’s output. A special feature of this exhaust system is a pneumatically controlled bypass gate that is activated from the cockpit. The normal mode represents a “coming home”sound level that is quieter than the production exhaust. It appeals especially to the neighbors when the SLS returns home late at night. With open bypass gate the eight-cylinder engine sounds even sportier than with the stock exhaust system.

Once finished, the engine upgrades are expected to take the engine to around 650bhp, making for some serious performance.

For the cockpit of the two-seater the Brabus interior designers have developed exclusive accessories and masterfully crafted custom interiors. The speedometer with 400-km/h scale (250 mph) already hints at the car’s future performance with Brabus engine tuning. An ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel is also part of the Brabus customization program as are stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated Brabus logo and matte anodized pedals.

So, is this your favourite SLS tune? Leave a comment below and let us know…

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxoCV4z7CFY

If the video above doesn’t make you want to book a flight to the US next week, you don’t have enough petrol in your veins…

Every year thousands of devoted petrolheads descend on the Bonneville Salt Flats near Wendover, Utah for Speed Week and the World of Speed. A celebration of all things speed related, Horsepower is your friend, and Toyota Prius’ should steer well clear for fear of being burned upon entry.

There was a time, centuries ago, when the Great Salt Lake covered an area of 5,000 square miles. Today, what remains of that massive lake is a very unique and special place that is also the home of one hell of a race track. There are lots of race tracks in the world. But this is the one where they go the fastest. If you’re really into imaginatively-designed race cars driven by people making no-holds-barred speed, this place is home.

If you’re a Buddhist, you go to Tibet. If you’re a motorhead, you go to Bonneville.

Whatever you’ve heard about the Bonneville Salt Flats, there’s a good chance that it’s all true. The speed of some of the cars racing there will knock you out. Its vastness will humble you. And its heat will cook you alive.

The first land speed record was acheived at Bonneville in 1914, and people have been going there every year since. It’s more like a community than many other forms of motorsport, with the vehicles modified specifically for the tough task of going very fast across salt. They have skinny tyres and wheels for cutting through the salt, disc wheels aerodynamics, and as much bhp as they can muster to get them to the highest speed possible.

It takes all sorts, with modern cars mixing with classic 1950s racers and a healthy dose of 1930s ‘rat racers’ -- old classic cars chopped so they are running low to the floor, with a massive high-bhp engine out front. Check out some of the amazing machines in our Gallery:

 

 

 

So, are you itching to get to Speed Week next year? This writer will be there for certain.

Leave a comment below and let us know what you think!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR_noVwr-58

When BMW revealed their M3 GTS earlier this year, enthusiasts worldwide were salivating at the idea of a more hardcore, track focused version of the latest E92 M3. It looked even more purposeful than the old M3 CSL, and promised much with it’s roll cage and big rear wing. There are also 19″ black alloys, and a few more aerodynamic tweaks as well.

The main are of excitement though, was a new version of the M3′s V8 engine, which with 414bhp and a noise like a Messerschmitt at full attack is hard to beat. Well once again M-Division Gmbh have delivered the goods. Some were expecting a mildly tuned engine, but what you get in the GTS is a completely bespoke unit.

The old engine has been bored out to 4.4 liters (up from 4.0), which gives 444bhp and 325lb/ft of torque, which would be enough to markedly improve the performance when put through the standard 7-speed DCT dual clutch gearbox. But again the M3 has been tweaked some more by  losing weight.

Despite the factory car having weight-saving pieces like the carbon fibre roof, BMW saw it fit to reduce body mass even further. After all, the GTS aims to beat the old M3 CSL’s Nürburgring lap time. Measures thus taken include employing light body-contoured seats, a new titanium rear silencer whose work can be heard on the video as well as the removal of air conditioning and the rear seat. Rollover protection mounts were bolted on from the B column while a fire extinguisher and a battery master switch/emergency shut-off preparation ensure safety.

Suspension upgrades include the utilisation of yellow springs for the fully adjustable suspension while the rear axle support is said to be bolted in place. Most notable in previous spy materials was the big rear wing which generates high levels of downforce. It is adjustable as well as the front splitter for increased cornering precision and handling.

With all this, you would expect the car to be considerably quicker than the old M3 CSL around the fabled ‘Ring. Well, it is quicker, but only by 2 seconds. This has left many fans disappointed, as the GTS costs a huge €115,000. For this outlay you could have a new Porsche 997 GT3 RS Mk2, which is another few seconds faster again, and some say much more exclusive and suited to the job.

We say, save €80,000 and buy a second hand M3 CSL, then spend a few thousand getting some choice upgrades. You’ll be passing M3 GTS’s on the Nurburgring in no time…

What would you do? Buy the Porsche or M3 GTS? Or go out and buy the old CSL? Leave a comment below to let us know…

While details remain scarce, Gemballa went from earning €16.2m in 2007 to €8m in 2009. While this is understandable, given the global economic recession, it appears “dubious” transactions put added strain on the company. By January 2010, fearing collapse was imminent, Uwe decided to seek out investors in Dubai and South Africa.

On February 8th, Uwe arrived in Johannesburg for a two-day business trip. On the evening of February 9th, Uwe called his son and told him he had an accident and desperately needed one million dollars. It was the last time he was heard from.

So what happened to Uwe Gemballa? No one really knows. Speculation is rampant, citing everything from a planned disappearance to a ransom plot gone awry, but police believe Uwe fell victim to a crime.

But now the company, famous on this blog for some frankly awful creations, has resurfaced with a new CEO and investors. You can read the offical press release below our Gallery of some of Gemballa’s ‘creations’:

According to a report by our friends at Worldcarfans.com, a coachbuilder is developing a limited edition car named the Aston Martin Super Sport.

While details are limited, the car is reportedly being designed and built by Star Electric Cars France. If you’re not familiar with Star, the company is known for making electric golf carts that resemble Hummers, Cadillacs, and Bentleys – example shown in our Gallery.

Design wise, the SS will feature carbon fiber bodywork, scissor doors, and a DB9-inspired front end. The interior will boast Recaro seats, leather / alcantara upholstery, carbon fiber trim, and a satellite navigation system with iPod connectivity. The looks certainly don’t scream originality though. To our eyes it looks like a very generic 1990′s Supercar shape, with an Aston martin nose grafted on the front. The kind of shape you would usually see in a computer racing game… They even dress the computer image up in a couple of racing colours just to jazz it up a little.

Power will allegedly be provided by a mid-mounted twin-turbo 5.4-liter V8 with 800 to 950 hp (597 kW / 811 PS to 708 kW / 963 PS). It will be connected to a six-speed manual transmission (an F1 paddle-shift will be optional), which sends power to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential.

Production will be limited to eight units and pricing starts at an astonishing €7,500,000 ($9,630,140 USD). Yes, you did read that correctly, and no, we didn’t slip and lean on the ’0′ key by mistake.

That’s 7 seven Bugatti Veyrons. Or indeed six of Aston Martin’s own One-77 Hypercar. Or, well you get the idea.

This story does take a slightly more revealing twist though. A journalist from Pistonheads.com phoned Aston Martin directly and asked them about this car. Apparently Aston Martin has no offical company involvment with this car, and is ‘distancing’ itself from the project. Their legal department are also ‘looking into it’.

So from that we can deduce that this was a design from a university graduate, dragged up and re-shown for this press release. Proven out by a bit of digging – an old article featuring the work of a Dutch designer is here from 2008.

What this is, to us at least – is a very cleverly disguised bit of advertising for the Stars Electric Cars France company. And we all fell for it!

What do you think? Should Aston Martin endorse this car? Leave a comment below…

For the last 5 years, some would argue more, Arash Farboud has been showing the world him computer renderings of his ‘Ultimate Supercar’, the AF-10. Many believed the project to be the stuff of make-believe, but this week the specs and technical details of the car have been released, along with images of the very first actual car.

The car pictured above is the first full size AF-10 to have been made, and has been subject to all manner of testing before production can start. The small Cambridgeshire company have been slowly but surely working on the car through the recession, and the final product is certainly……. real.

What this writer has to mention first off though, is the more than passing resemblance this car has to Ferrari’s Enzo. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Arash gets a call from some rather irate Italian lawyers over this car.

Then we have the fact that, judging from the images released, you would have to be an Olympic gymnast to get into the car, given that the door aperture appears to be about 2 feet inboard. There must be a very large sill to climb across before you even get in!

If you analyse the design details of the car, it doesn’t hold up too well either. The front end is graced by the indicator/daytime light units from the Porsche 997 Turbo, and to steer the car, you hold onto a generic Audi parts-bin steering wheel with an Arash badge stuck on it.

The generic ‘I’m building a Supercar and need an engine’ GM 7.0 litre LS7V8 powers the Arash, providing  a rather lazy 550bhp. Still, the car should be quite light due to it’s carbon fibre construction, so it should have a decent turn of speed. There have been some big names linked to the development of the chassis too, so it’s promising.

That is, until you see the price of over £300,000 (€365,000), which makes it considerably more than a Ferrari 599 GTB, Lamborghini LP640 or Noble M600, all of which sport considerably more power and provenance.

The full spec list is available in the Gallery below, along with a good selection of photos:

Of course, we have to support Mr Farboud in launching a Supercar, as the more the better where we’re concerned. But there is still that name to contend with. Imagine yourself in bar, talking to an attractive lady:

Her: “So, what do you drive?”

You: “I’ve got Arash”

Her: “Goodbye!”

What do you think of this latest Brit Supercar? Would the name put you off? Leave a comment below to tell us your thoughts…

We’ve already brought you the story and specs of the Bugatti Veyron Supersport in a previous article, but when a fresh batch of photos of the production version landed today, we had to share them with you.

Though the car is capable of reaching 268mph as proven by the record run, the production car has been limited to ‘just’ 258mph to protect the tyres. The first 5 made will have the same orange and naked carbon finish as the record car, but are already sold out. The final run of cars will be available in the standard Veyron range, along with some special finishes such as the one in the images – blue carbon. We’ll let the photos speak for themselves…

Like it? We do too! Let us know your thoughts below…

In 2006 billionaire Richard Losee had what most of us would call a ‘bad day’. He entered his $750,000 650bhp V12 Ferrari Enzo in a local road rally, and set off on what was supposed to be a weekend of fun racing on closed roads.

But unfortunately he ended up rolling his Enzo in the dirt many times, destroying it to the point where it couldn’t be used as a road car again. For most, that would generally be the end of it. But not Richard Losee.

He kept the destroyed car, and after a donation of a new body by the creator of the Ferrari P4/5 James Glickenhaus, he set about rebuilding his car. Though he had a different task in mind -- raw speed. His eyes were set on the salt flat racers, and he wanted blood.

With its 650bhp V12 the Enzo was never really slow, but this one has now had two turbos attached, and is rumoured to be putting out 1000bhp. After some aerodynamic and fluid dynamic testing on computers, they decided that the nose of the Enzo becomes unstable above 225mph. So a new nosecone was created out of carbon fibre, to make sure they are stable when getting close to their intended target of 300mph.

It’s unlikely they’ll make it to the big 300 though. Estimates put it at 270mph, which is well above the standard cars 226mph top speed.

Below is a video of the car setting off on it’s first test run. We think it sounds fantastic, and will certainly make a change from the stock V8 sound you hear on the salt flats.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sB5PBJ-7CM

What do you think? Will it make the big 300mph? Leave a comment below and tell us what you’re thinking…

For the second year running Lord Pembroke opened the gates and grounds of Wilton House near Salisbury, UK this weekend for Supercar Saturday. And not even the typical British summer of dull grey skies and rain could dampen the enthusiasm of all who attended.

For the lucky few the day started a little earlier where all the cars met at Thruxton racing circuit for a few laps. Few people get to see these kind of cars in the metal, but to see them tearing around a race circuit is another level altogether. Name another venue where you would see a McLaren F1 GTR being pursued at high speed by a 600bhp Nissan R35 GTR, both drivers grinning like fools… Let’s just say the light rain certainly helped liven the track action up a little too.

Once the fun was over all the cars travelled in convoy to Wilton House, with none other than your intrepid writer at the front in a Lamborghini LP560/4. The crowds lined the entrance to the grounds as the cars entered one by one revving their engines, including Lord Pembroke in his Bugatti Veyron.

Once parked up, we could all revel in the sight of these cars all together in the same place. A Bugatti Veyron, two Ferrari 458′s, a Ferrari Enzo, a McLaren F1 GTR, two Pagani Zondas, two Porsche Carrera GTs, a Ferrari F40, a Mercedes SLS AMG, a Koenigsegg CCX and a Lamborghini LP570/4 Superleggera were just some of the highlights:

There were over 7000 visitors who paid £10 to see the supercars, which raised a huge amount of money for the Stars Appeal and the Wilton House trust. Had the sun come out attendance would have undoubtedly been even higher. Organiser Jay Broom has already committed to the 2011 event, and it is guaranteed to be even bigger and better.

What do you think of all those Supercars? Will you be going next year? Leave a comment below and let us know!