BMW i8

First official pictures of the BMW i8 Spyder concept have been released, ahead of the car's debut at the Beijing Motor Show later this month. 

Like the i8 coupe, the Spyder is a plug-in hybrid using a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 220bhp to power the rear wheels and a 129bhp electric motor to drive the fronts. Expect to see a 0-62mph time of around five seconds. 

Aside from the lack of a roof, the i8 Spyder does boast a few visual differences to the coupe concept, including solid metal doors and roll-over hoops. 

There are a few technical changes too, such as a shorter wheelbase and overall length than the coupe. The hard top's back seats have also been ditched. 

The LifeDrive construction – which consists of a carbon fibre body and mainly aluminium chassis – ensures weight is kept to around 1,600kgs, despite the heavy batteries on board. 

When it makes production in 2014, BMW claims the i8 Spyder will return fuel economy of 94mpg and will be able to travel for around 17 miles on electric power alone. Expect it to have a price tag of around RM450,000 (£90,000).

Other i8 Link:

http://pauhatsu.blogspot.com/2011/07/pauhauto-bmw-i3-and-i8.html

Lamborghini Super Trofeo LP570-4

Lamborghini Super Trofeo, Lamborghini reveals ultra-light Super Trofeo Stradale at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Gallardo is going out with a bang. With a replacement on the horizon, Lamborghini has revealed the most extreme version of its ‘baby’ supercar: the LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale.

It’s based on the Blancpain Super Trofeo racer, and features the same V10 powerplant, delivering 570bhp and 540Nm of torque. Thanks to lightweight carbon fibre construction, the Stradale weighs 70kg less than a standard LP 560-4, at 1,340kg.

As a result, it sprints from 0-62mph in only 3.4 seconds and goes on to hit a 198mph top speed.

The newcomer is finished in traditional Rosso Mars racing red, and set off by the same rear spoiler as the racing car, plus forged high-gloss black 19-inch wheels and a carbon fibre diffuser. Inside, the black and red theme continues with Alcantara on the dash and parts of the seats. Contrasting red stitching is used throughout the cabin, alongside a black suede steering wheel.

As with the competition car, the Stradale has the robotised e-gear six-speed transmission, complete with Thrust Mode to allow a racing start off the line. Permanent all-wheel drive and Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres give maximum grip.

Only 150 Stradales will be built, and buyers will be able to personalise their example with a roll cage, four-point seatbelts and fire extinguisher. Prices are likely to start at more than £180,000.

Ford Mustang "Boss 302"

Ford is taking on the BMW M3, and it’s pulled out the big guns to do so. This is a reborn version of the famous 1969 Boss Mustang 302 – and the American firm claims the car can lap California’s Laguna Seca race track a second quicker than BMW’s supersaloon.

It’s based on the 5.0-litre V8 Mustang GT, but gets an extra 32bhp – for a total of 438bhp – as well as new quad exhausts, adjustable suspension and larger anti-roll bars. There are also upgraded Brembo brakes.

The 0-60mph sprint takes 4.6 seconds and the Mustang pulls hard all the way to the 7,500rpm red line. It makes an incredible noise, with a bassy roar under heavy throttle and a burbling exhaust.

Things get even better when you insert the separate TracKey into the ignition. This changes 200-plus engine parameters, transforming the Boss into a hardcore racer. The throttle becomes extra-sensitive, the noise moves up a level and the car shakes even at idle.

The Boss handles well, too. Independent rear suspension isn’t among the upgrades over the standard GT, meaning the car can feel unsettled through bumpy corners thanks to its live rear axle layout.

But it resists understeer well and with all that power on tap, you can easily slide the tail with a hard press of the throttle. The steering can feel vague at times, but it’s still a lot of fun. For Americana fans, this is one of the finest Mustangs in years.