Special Edition Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT

By Evander Klum

British motor sports tuner RML Group (Ray Mallock Ltd) wanted to give the special edition Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 with their exclusive engineering touches. The staff developed a new breed of a super car model based from the vehicle called the SLR 722 GT, a more powerful model that is built exclusively for race tracks. RML Group enhanced the car's suspension, braking system, aerodynamic parts, exhaust system (with oxygen sensor), and even the interior components. The SLR 722 GT was made through the request of SLR CLUB members to have a new SLR 722 model. The SLR CLUB is an exclusive organization that hosts events relating to the SLR model.

Going back to the new SLR 722 GT, this super car model now comes with an up rated supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine under its redesigned sleek hood. The engine is capable of pumping out 500 kW / 680 PS and pulls out a maximum torque output of 830 Newton metres. This power unit is also combined with a five-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles suitable for racing conditions. A mechanical locking differential with a locking effect of 70 percent is also included for additional performance. With this powertrain package, the new SLR 722 GT can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 315 km/h or about 196 mph. This super car model also features a racing air filter and a new exhaust system.

RML Group also gave the SLR 722 GT with newly developed suspension system. These include new wheel location system for improved kinematics and lateral dynamics, modified stabiliser at the front axle, adjustable wheel camber, and shock absorbers with variable compression. The SLR 722 GT also comes with wheels equipped with central locks to allow fast tire changing during races.

Outside, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT features new body components and other design highlights from RML Group. The front apron with front splitter shows the car's agile characteristics along with wide wings, prominent side skirts. At the rear, the SLR 722 GT offers large rear diffuser and the fixed rear spoiler. This allows the SLR 722 GT to have an aggressive aerodynamic look and performance. An 18-inch light alloy wheels completes the overall exterior appeal of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT. Inside, the SLR 722 GT is equipped with a functional interior inspired by motor sports racing. These include rollover cage, redesigned instrument panel with a racing display, racing steering wheel, bucket seats, and six-point seat belts for safety.

Unfortunately, RML Group will only roll out 21 units of this modified super car model, and individuals who already ordered the SLR 722 GT are members of the SLR CLUB.

Audi Out For Glory

By Anthony Fontanelle

The introduction of a diesel car last year at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race was a sign of better things to come from Audi in motorsport. This year, they returned to the said endurance race, Audi once again proved the supremacy of their diesel powered race car. Their dominance is also showing at the American Le Mans Series as they have swept all eight races in their class. But they have been beaten by lighter LM P2 cars in the past six races and the team will be looking to break that unlucky streak.

The next race of the season will be held at the Road Atlanta where Audi is known to excel in the past. But going into the said race, Audi is facing a major challenge from LM P2 cars. Although Audi has called for changes in the rules to make the sport fair for the heavier LM P1 cars, the ruling body of the sport has not done anything to change the rules. As a result, Audi's motorsport chief Wolfgang Ulrich said that they will be having a tough challenge going into the next race.

"The race at Road Atlanta is, along with Sebring and Le Mans, one of the most important sportscar races of the year," said Ulrich. The Road Atlanta race will have drivers competing in a grueling 1o-hour endurance race. "For this reason, we are particularly proud to have been unbeaten at Petit Le Mans to date. The LM P2 cars will make life difficult for us once again and the regulations are unchanged since the previous race. Even so, we aim to continue our impressive winning streak at Petit Le Mans."

The race is scheduled for October 6 and Audi and the other teams are now busy preparing for the 1000-mile race. Rinaldo Capello who will be driving the Number 1 Audi Sport North America R10 agreed with Ulrich that the next race is one of the most important events in the American Le Mans calendar. "Petit Le Mans is the most important race in the American Le Mans Series alongside the 12-hour race at Sebring, and is, at the same time, the penultimate race of the season." With two races to go, Capello and co-driver Allan McNish can clinch the championship at the Road Atlanta race on their Audi performance chip-equipped R10 TDI.

"This means that, at the same time as keeping one eye on the championship, it is important to score a good result so that we have a good points cushion heading into the finale at Laguna Seca. It would be even better for me if we could wrap up the drivers title in the penultimate round at Road Atlanta. I'm quite certain that our Audi R10 TDI will show its full potential in this race. It's clear that we are aiming for overall honors," added Capello.

But 24 Hours of Le Mans three-time winner Marco Werner is also looking to win at the said race to get closer to the championship. "We should be quick at Road Atlanta – and we know that the R10 TDI is reliable. I hope that ‘lady luck', which you need it in such a race, is also on our side," said the German driver.

2007 National Short Track Championships

Videos of the National Short Track Championships from The Crittenden Automotive Library are now on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=CarsAndRacingStuff

Porsche 911 Turbo

By Jan Hvizdak

Porsche’s new 911 Turbo houses a pioneering, twin turbo-charged 3.6 litre boxer engine, which produces the output of 480 horsepower. It holds the crown as the world’s first petrol engine to use variable turbine technology (VTG), boasting an upgraded all-wheel-drive system and contemporary style.

The 911 Turbo’s engine represents a new output record for the 3.6 litre Boxer engine, producing 133 bhp per litre. The engine’s new variable turbine geometry system generates 480 horsepower at 6000 rpm. In terms of torque, the previous 911 Turbo’s peak rpm range was between 2,700 – 4,600 rpm. The new 911 Turbo extends this range from 1,950 – 5,000 rpm, with peak torque at 457 lb/ft. A 10-second, mid-rpm-range “overboost” can be produced in the optional Sport Chrono Package. This temporarily increases turbo boost by 2.9 psi, taking peak torque to 502 lb/ft.

The six-speed manual gearbox is capable of 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds which is significant value, with the optional Tiptronic S five-speed automatic gearbox reaching the same speed in just 3.4 seconds. Both gearboxes are capable of a top speed of 193 mph.

At the heart of the 911 Turbo’s increased performance is its variable turbine geometry system. This technology is based on adjustable guide blades, which change position to guide engine exhaust flow onto the impeller wheel of the turbocharger in the most effective way possible. This equips the 911 Turbo with improved dexterity and acceleration, especially at lower rpm outputs.

The 911 Turbo brings this improved power to the road with a modernised all-wheel-drive system and a new, electronically controlled multi-disc clutch. Variable power distribution, to both the front and rear, is provided by Porsche Traction Management (PTM). This equips the new 911 Turbo with outstanding agility on meandering roads, superb grip in adverse weather conditions and impressive safety features at even the highest speeds. The PTM system results in one of the lightest all-wheel-drive setups available.

The 911 Turbo’s exceptional acceleration is matched by its braking system – six-piston monobloc calipers on the front wheels and four-piston monobloc calipers on the rear wheels. Also available is Porsche’s Ceramic Composite Brake system (PCCB). This setup offers larger front discs, complete corrosion protection, superior fade resistance and a weight saving of 37 pounds against the standard braking system.

Styling

The new Porsche 911 Turbo boasts advanced styling features. The changes to the front end include rigid cooling air inlets, sunken fog lights and LED indicators, which are found in the side air inlets. The rear of the vehicle is wider than the previous model by 22 mm (0.9 in.). The new wing spoiler has been matched to fit the wider profile of the car, sloping downwards at both ends to complement the contours of the rear fender. The redesigned side air inlets and new air ducts allow for more efficient engine cooling.

Porsche’s 2007 911 Turbo is available in the United States and Canada from this summer.

Jan Hvizdak, the author of this article works for sport-cars.org where you can find another article on Porsche 911 Turbo. However, if you like luxury, off-road and safe cars, you're welcomed to visit article on Mercedes-Benz G Guard too.