Say hello to the most awesome BMW M3 that you will never buy, drive, or even see here in the states thanks to an extremely limited world wide production run (67 units). The BMW M3 CRT utilizes BMW’s new carbon manufacturing production techniques derived from motorsports. In fact “CRT” actually stands for “Carbon Racing Technology”. What does that all mean? It means the CRT is super lightweight and super freaking fast! The engine’s output has been pushed up a bit to 450HP and 325ft-lbs of torque in an M3 that is approximately 154 pounds lighter than a standard version. It also gets a double-clutch 7 speed transmission to put all of that force to the floor. So, how much is all the weight savings, carbon fiber, and high-revving V8 going to cost you? Well assuming it was possible to buy one here in America the M3 CRT will set you back about $180k! When you see that it starts to make sense why BMW won’t even bother trying to sell it here. While we love BMW they would be hard pressed to find Americans willing to spend that much on a sedan when they could have a Porsche or slightly used Ferrari for the same money. Still, despite the high price tag I can imagine there are way more than 67 people in the world that would gladly lay down the cash for what is sure to be a highly collectible M3.
Carbon Racing Technology: BMW M GmbH factory produces a limited-edition high-performance sports car based on the BMW M3 Sedan – Innovative use of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic minimizes weight – Weight-to-power ratio: 3.5 kilograms per horsepower.
Munich/Nürburg, June 24th, 2011…BMW M GmbH used the M Night Event in the lead-up to the Nürburgring 24-hour race to unveil a spectacular new addition to its model range. The BMW M3 CRT (Carbon Racing Technology) embodies a concentrated blend of state-of-the-art development expertise – inspired directly by motorsport – in the areas of drive system, chassis technology and intelligent lightweight design. It also represents the worldwide debut of a new production process for carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) components in the automotive industry. This process allows CFRP to be introduced widely in the construction of the high-performance BMW M3 Sedan-based sports car created by the BMW M GmbH factory. And that helps it achieve a weight-to-power ratio of 3.5 kilograms per horsepower (7.7 lbs/hp). A V8 engine with customary M high-revving characteristics and maximum output of 331 kW/450 hp accelerates the BMW M3 CRT from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. The BMW M3 CRT will be produced by the BMW M GmbH factory in a limited run of 67 units. Due to the very limited worldwide volume, the BMW M3 CRT will not be homologated for sale in the USA.
Following in the tire tracks of the BMW M3 GTS – of which 135 examples were produced – this is the second small-series, high-performance M3 off-shoot to be bred for the race track but registered for the road. The exclusive character of the Sedan is emphasized by special lightweight design components manufactured as part of an innovative production process. The hood of the BMW M3 CRT and the bucket seats for the driver and front passenger are made from a cellular carbon honeycomb, which is produced in a globally unique process pioneered for the manufacture of body components for the BMW i3 and BMW i8 models.
Innovative manufacturing process for lightweight CFRP components.
These new models – due to enter volume production in 2013 and equipped with innovative electric and BMW ActiveHybrid drive system technology – will feature a body consisting entirely of CFRP in the passenger cell area. In a new development, the production process introduced for this purpose enables the cuttings left behind in the construction of the body to be reprocessed. The basic material (made up of carbon fiber thread) can now be woven into CFRP mats of any size before being impregnated with synthetic resin and hardened in a similar way to the material used in the body of the BMW i3 and BMW i8. For the BMW M3 CRT this allows the creation of a hood made from two CFRP moldings encasing an aramid honeycomb structure. This construction imbues the hood with the strength of a conventional steel equivalent, but at roughly a quarter of its weight. The weight saving over the aluminum hood of the standard BMW M3 Sedan is around 50 percent.
The material produced through this innovative manufacturing technology is also used for the car’s bucket seats. Here, the CFRP layers are wrapped around a recycled-paper honeycomb, with a carbon layer made using conventional production technology added to visible areas. CFRP is also used to make both the rear spoiler of the BMW M3 CRT and an air-channeling element integrated into its front fascia.
This innovative manufacturing process opens up considerable potential for increased use of CFRP in series-produced cars as a means of lowering weight. The BMW Group is leading the way in this area of automotive construction, while BMW M GmbH can call on extensive racing expertise when it comes to intelligent lightweight design. The BMW M3 CRT is the latest in a fine tradition of highly exclusive high-performance sports cars optimized with the help of lightweight design. This lineage stretches back to the BMW 3.0 CSL of the 1970s and reached another high point in 2002 with the BMW M3 CSL. BMW M GmbH also broke new ground with the use of CFRP in series-produced vehicles; like the BMW M6 produced up to 2010, the current BMW M3 Coupe comes as standard with a roof made from carbon-fiber reinforced plastic.
Significant weight reduction despite generous standard equipment.
The low-weight construction of the BMW M3 CRT is enhanced by sound-proofing configured specially for the new variant and a sports exhaust system with an extremely lightweight titanium muffler. Also unique to the CRT are the two individual rear seats, which take their cues from the lateral support-enhancing contours of the front seats.
Included in the standard specification of the BMW M3 CRT are the M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic, Navigation system Professional, BMW Individual High End audio system, a light, exterior mirror and luggage area package, an alarm system and Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear of the car. Despite this extremely generous selection of standard kit, its DIN unladen weight of 1,580 kg (3485 lbs) undercuts that of the standard BMW M3 Sedan by around 45 kg (100 lbs). When you take into account the equipment on board the weight saving is more like 70 kg (154 lbs). Added to which, cleverly reducing the load at the front of the car raises the proportion of the car’s weight over the rear axle to 48.4 percent, which has an extremely positive effect on agility.
High-revving V8 engine with extra power; M DCT Drivelogic.
Under the CFRP hood of the BMW M3 CRT lies a variant of the V8 engine developed exclusively for the BMW M3 with further increased displacement, output and maximum torque. The high-revving unit provides the linear power delivery you expect from an M car and a highly responsive performance profile honed by the demands of the race track. Tuned for the BMW M3 GTS, the eight-cylinder engine develops 331 kW/450 hp from its 4,360 cc displacement. Maximum output is reached at 8,300 rpm, and the driver will find peak torque of 440 Newton meters (325 lbs-ft) on tap at 3,750 rpm. Helping to give the engine its intoxicating performance is wizardry derived directly from motorsport, including a bedplate crankcase construction in a special aluminum-silicon alloy, individual throttle butterflies, a knock control system with ion current technology and a dynamically-optimized wet sump oil supply.
Transferring the engine’s power to the rear wheels is the M double clutch transmission (DCT) with Drivelogic developed for the BMW M3. The seven-speed M DCT Drivelogic unit also works according to a principle developed in motorsport, allowing an uninterrupted flow of power through gear changes to deliver extremely dynamic acceleration. Its shift characteristics have been tuned specially for the engine powering the BMW M3 CRT. Shift paddles on the steering wheel allow the driver to change gear manually with optimum ergonomics. And a Launch Control function is on hand to generate maximum acceleration off the start line.
Special chassis construction with race-bred technology.
Expertise from race competition also makes its presence felt in the chassis technology of the BMW M3 CRT. The BMW M3 Sedan’s front and rear axle construction has been enhanced by a rigid rear axle subframe and coilover suspension whose dampers are individually adjustable in their compression and rebound. The 6 piston, fixed-caliper high-performance brakes of the BMW M3 CRT boast a low-weight compound construction. The vented brake discs measure 378 x 32 millimeters at the front axle and 380 x 28 millimeters at the rear. The new M3 variant also uses Stahlflex stainless steel brake lines and special brake pads.
The specially tuned DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system – including ABS and M Dynamic Mode (MDM) – responds to both the greater dynamic potential of the BMW M3 CRT and its optimized axle load distribution. Meanwhile, the 245/35 R 19 front tires and 265/35 R 19 rears (fitted on 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design) ensure the engine’s acceleration and braking power is transferred to the road with maximum impact. The electronic engine management of the BMW M3 CRT caps its top speed at 290 km/h (180 mph).
The exclusive Frozen Polar Silver metallic exterior paint shade in combination with Melbourne Red metallic applications and special treatment for the BMW kidney grille also help to set the BMW M3 CRT apart from the standard M3. Inside, the Sedan comes with likewise exclusive door sill strips, door panels and trim strips in aluminum grain structure. Completing the distinctive ambience inside the high-performance Sedan are the Alcantara-covered M steering wheel, which has an M Drive button allowing the driver to call up his preferred set-up instantly, and special Sakhir Orange and Black bi-color covers for the front and individual rear seats.
If you thought Vorsteiner was going to leave the new F10 BMW 5 series alone then congradulations, you are a crazy person. Today Vorsteiner dropped some renderings on what they plan to do with the new F10 and once they are finished (sometime this summer) it will be called the “VMS Conversion”. As long as they stick to this rendering then the VMS conversion will officially be my new favorite F10 body kit. I wonder how many of these we will see at next year’s Bimmerfest?
The Panamera is the latest P-car to get a full body massage by the German car fanatics at Vorsteiner. They’ve created tuning program with aero mods, wheels, and a light-weight exhaust all wrapped up in a package that they refer to as the V-PT. As you may have expected all of the body pannels are constructed of Vorsteiner’s signature autoclave dry-carbon fiber. The wheels are chosen by the customer and they have several styles that can be custom made to order. To finish it all off Vorsteiner created a titanium exhaust that shaves 40lbs off the stock unit while adding 10hp. Not bad huh? Even if you don’t like the Panamera you have to admit that the V-PT package does make it a little more enticing than before. If you were already a Panamera fan then this will make Porsche’s sedan downright irresistable to you!
Press Release:
Introducing the Vorsteiner V-PT Edition Panamera
The Panamera V-PT embodies Perfection Redefined. Steeped in tradition, Vorsteiner produces performance minded aerodynamics while maintaining the core of our company values. The V-PT aligns with the classic style associated with Porsche while transforming the Panamera to an aggressive state of mind. Functionality melds perfectly into the components of the V-PT to give your Panamera the edge you desire.
All of the V-PT aerodynamic components are made using our state of the art pre-preg autoclave carbon fiber technology that is then finished off in a multiple layers of UV inhibiting automotive clear laquer. We have also used other exotic materials such as Titanium Forged Aluminum to continue on the uncompromising quality and uncompromising performance additions that encompass the V-PT package for the Porsche Panamera.
V-PT Front Bumper Cover Functionality became the cornerstone of the V-PT kit, and our designers took extra care in making sure the shape of the front fascia maintained a balance of aggression and elegance. This element of design extends throughout the entirety of the exterior package.
The front bumper cover incorporates a splitter which has a removable carbon fiber insert. If there is ever an instance in which the splitter is damaged, the insert can be removed and replaced. To further align with our goal of adding functionality, we have created an optional carbon fiber duct to channel air into the factory radiator and intercoolers. This provides an option to display our high quality carbon fiber weave, or go with a more subtle look and hide the duct behind an aluminum mesh grill insert specially shaped to fit the V-PT air dam. The V-PT front bumper will lend a striking prowess to your Panamera Turbo.
V-PT Side Skirts Vorsteiner’s signature high quality carbon fiber craftsmanship was seamlessly integrated into the design of the V-PT side skirts. The unique style allows for customization of the carbon fiber finish.
V-PT “Ducktail” Rear Spoiler The V-PT Ducktail rear spoiler continues the performance-oriented design. The design of the spoiler conveys a sense of strength and style while keeping functionality in mind as its shape adds down force to the rear of the Panamera. The factory electronic wing remains completely functional with the V-PT rear spoiler in place.
V-PT Rear Bumper A key visual aspect of the V-PT package was achieved by sculpting a highly sophisticated rear bumper cover. It combines three major components. The first one is two vertical ventilation slits that aid in extracting heat from the exhaust system and trapped air behind the wheel arches. The second component is the carbon fiber diffuser. It provides additional down force to the rear axel at Autobahn speeds. The final key design to the V-PT rear bumper cover is our newly developed sub-panel which replaces the factory felt unit. It ensures undisturbed airflow extraction through the V-PT rear diffuser.
V-PT Sports Exhaust System The last piece of the V-PT package is purely about performance. The V-PT exhaust is constructed from a choice of stainless steel or titanium, the latter boasts a weight savings of up to 40% over the stock exhaust system. Our main focus in designing this exhaust was to create a note that would give voice to the VPT. The unique growl is sure to strike a chord with any Porsche connoisseur.
The V-PT package is available now for all 2010-2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo through authorized Vorsteiner dealers worldwide.
The guys at Vorsteiner are pretty much wizards of carbon fiber. They spend their days commanding the mythical material into taking the shapes of awesome aero parts for high performance cars like M3′s, 911′s, and Bentley’s. However even these guys like to stray from the automotive path every now and then as seen here with in the form of one of their side projects: a 3 layer pre-preg carbon fiber Apple iPad case. The technique used to produce this cover is similar to the technique they use to produce their aero parts so you know right away the quality is top notch. It is also designed to simply snap on over the iPad’s body for an easy and tight fit. So far there isn’t any word on if they will produce cases for the iPad 2 or other tablet devices but here’s hoping!
I’m a strong advocate of the “Convertibles are not just for women or gay men” group so I’m down for legit products for bad-ass drop-tops. The latest bit is from our buddies at Vorsteiner. They just dropped a carbon fiber E93 M3 Cabrio boot lid in their patented autoclaved carbon fiber. This is pretty fresh if you ask me.
It’s been a long time since I posted any Honda/Acura stuff so I thought the best place to start would be with Password:JDM. I’ve always loved their plates and this DC2 Integra carbon fiber cooling plate is no exception. The sweet part about this cooling plate is that its dry carbon instead of wet-lay so you dont have the added weight of a thick clear coat. This particular piece is made for USDM front ends but if you made the switch to a JDM front end they have cooling place specific for that application also.
So, MotorworldHype.com earned itself the honor of being the only car website on the net that didn’t break the Lamborghini Aventador embargo from the Geneva Auto Show! Ok so that isn’t really an honor… Anyway if you haven’t seen these pics on some other site yet feel free to cruise through here and look at all the official pictures of the Murcielago’s replacement known as the Aventador LP 700-4. As you may have guessed from the name the new Aventador is pushing 700HP through an all wheel drive system that is similar to what was found in its predecessor. The fact that the Aventador also has a V12 engine is where the similarities end between the old and the new.
The Aventador shares almost nothing with the Murcielago or anything that may be branded with four rings. This is truly an all-new car from the wheels up! It is also the first car to be built around Lamborghini’s new monocoque carbon fiber chassis. That gives it a curb weight of just 3,472lbs. Generally speaking that may seem hefty but considering the power you get, the Aventador’s weight is very much on the low side indeed. In fact the only heavy part is the price which is $380,000. Despite that astronomical number I wouldn’t be surprised if the first production run is already completely spoken for. According to Lamborghini the car officially hits dealerships in late summer but Lamborghini will be doing press drives in May. I’m going to go for a hail Mary pass and see if I can get in on that for you guys. Wish me luck! In the meantime check out the pics below as well as the press release.
28/02/2011 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 – A new reference among super sports cars
• Innovative concept and phenomenal performance redefine the pinnacle of the super sports car segment
• Entirely new technology package, unique and powerful functional design language
• Innovative carbon-fiber monocoque
• New twelve-cylinder engine with 515 kW / 700 hp
• Super-fast shifting ISR (Independent Shifting Rods) transmission
• Pushrod suspension
• The very finest equipment and trim, extensive individualization
With the Aventador LP 700-4, Automobili Lamborghini is redefining the very pinnacle of the world super sports car market – brutal power, outstanding lightweight engineering and phenomenal handling precision are combined with peerless design and the very finest equipment to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. With the Aventador, Lamborghini is taking a big step into the future – and building on the glorious history of the brand with the next automotive legend. The first customers will take delivery of the new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 in late summer 2011.
The technology package of the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 is utterly unique. It is based on an innovative monocoque made from carbon-fiber that combines exceptional lightweight engineering with the highest levels of stiffness and safety. The new twelve-cylinder with 6.5 liters’ displacement and 515 kW / 700 hp brings together the ultimate in high-revving pleasure with astonishing low-end torque. Thanks to a dry weight of only 1,575 kilograms (3,472 lb), which is extremely low for this class of vehicle, the weight-to-power ratio stands at only 2.25 kilograms per hp (4.96 lb/hp). Even the fantastic 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration figure of just 2.9 seconds and the top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph) do not fully describe the Aventador’s extreme performance. And yet, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are down by around 20 percent compared with its predecessor, despite the considerable increase in power (+8%).
The ISR transmission is unique among road-going vehicles, guaranteeing the fastest shifting time (only 50 milliseconds) and a highly emotional shift feel, while the lightweight chassis with pushrod suspension delivers absolute handling precision and competition-level performance. The expressively-designed interior offers hi-tech features ranging from the TFT cockpit display with Drive Select Mode system. The Aventador will be built to the very highest quality standards in an all-new production facility in Sant’Agata Bolognese.
“With the Aventador LP 700-4, the future of the super sports car is now part of the present. Its exceptional package of innovative technologies is unique, its performance simply overwhelming,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The Aventador is a jump of two generations in terms of design and technology, it’s the result of an entirely new project, but at the same time it’s a direct and consistent continuation of Lamborghini’s brand values. It is extreme in its design and its performance, uncompromising in its standards and technology, and unmistakably Italian in its style and perfection. Overall, the dynamics and technical excellence of the Aventador LP 700-4 makes it unrivalled in the worldwide super sports car arena.”
Aventador: the name of one of the most courageous of all bullsAccording to its tradition, Lamborghini’s new flagship bears the name of a bull – naturally, a particularly courageous specimen from the world of the Spanish Corrida. Aventador was the name of a bull that entered into battle in October 1993 at the Saragossa Arena, earning the “Trofeo de la Peña La Madroñera” for its outstanding courage.
A sculpture of extreme dynamicsFor Lamborghini, design is always the beauty of aggressive power, the elegance of breathtaking dynamics. From the very first glance, the new Aventador is unmistakably a Lamborghini, clothed in the brand’s characteristic and distinctive design language – with its extremely powerful proportions, its exact lines and precise surfaces, and with taut muscularity in every one of its details. The designers in the Centro Stile Lamborghini have carefully developed this design language to give the Aventador a significant new edge. It is an avantgarde work of art, an incredibly dynamic sculpture, from the sharply honed front end through the extremely low roofline to the distinctive rear diffuser. Every line has a clear function, every form is dictated by its need for speed, yet the overall look is nothing less than spectacular and breathtaking.
The doors open upward – of courseTruly impressive proportions come from an overall length of 4,78 meters (188.19 in.) matched with an impressive width of 2,26 meters (88.98 in.) including the exterior mirrors, and further accentuated by an extremely low height of just 1.136 mm (44.72 in.). It goes without saying that both doors of the carbon-fiber monocoque open upward – a feature that was first introduced in the now legendary Countach and then used for subsequent V12 models such as Diablo and Murciélago. However, the Aventador also evokes its immediate predecessor the Murciélago – electronically managed air intakes open depending on the outdoor temperature and the need for cooling air,ensuring maximum aerodynamic efficiency. And for those whishing to flaunt the heart of their Lamborghini, the optional transparent engine bonnet exhibits the twelve-cylinder engine like a technical work of art in a display case.
Exclusive and high-tech interiorThe Aventador’s spacious interior combines the fine exclusivity of premium materials and perfect Italian craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology and generous equipment. The red switch cover on the broad center tunnel encloses the start button used to awaken the twelve-cylinder. The interior is dominated by a next-generation dashboard – as in a modern airplane, the instruments are presented on a TFT-LCD screen using innovative display concepts. A second screen is dedicated to the standard-fit multimedia and navigation system.
Carbon-fiber monocoqueThe new Lamborghini flagship has a full monocoque. The entire occupant cell, with tub and roof, is one single physical component. This ensures extreme rigidity and thus outstanding driving precision, as well as an extremely high level of passive safety for the driver and his passenger. The entire monocoque weighs only 147.5 kilograms (325.18 lb).
The monocoque, together with the front and rear Aluminium frames, features an impressive combination of extreme torsional stiffness of 35,000 Newton meters per degree and weighs only 229.5 kilograms (505.9 lb).
Maximum revs, amazing soundFor the Aventador LP 700-4, the engineers in Lamborghini’s R&D Department have developed a completely new high-performance power unit – an extremely powerful and high-revving, but very compact power unit. At 235 kilograms (518 lb), it is also extremely lightweight. A V12 with 515 kW (700 hp) at 8,250 rpm sets a whole new benchmark, even in the world of super sports cars. The maximum torque output is 690 Newton meters (509 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm. The extremely well-rounded torque curve, the bull-like pulling power in every situation, the spontaneous responsiveness and, last but not least, the finely modulated but always highly emotional acoustics are what make this engine a stunning power plant of the very highest order.
Innovative transmission for maximum performanceEngineers at Lamborghini have created the perfect mate for the new twelve-cylinder engine with the highly innovative ISR (Independent Shifting Rods) transmission. The development objective was clearly formulated – to build not only the fastest robotized gearbox, but also to create the world’s most emotional gear shift. Compared with a dual-clutch transmission, not only is the ISR gearbox much lighter, it also has smaller dimensions than a conventional manual unit – both key elements in the field of lightweight engineering for super sports cars.
Refined and safe with all-wheel driveThis kind of extreme power must be delivered reliably to the road. The driver of the Aventador LP 700-4 can depend fully on its permanent all-wheel drive – indicated by the 4 in the model designation. In the driveline, an electronically controlled Haldex coupling distributes the forces between front and rear. In a matter of milliseconds, this coupling adapts the force distribution to match the dynamic situation. A self-blocking rear differential together with a front differential electronically controlled by ESP make for even more dynamic handling. The Drive Select Mode System enables the driver to choose vehicle characteristics (engine, transmission, differential, steering and dynamic control) from three settings – Strada (road), Sport and Corsa (track) – to suit his individual preferences.
Pushrod suspension
Lamborghini has equipped its new V12 super sports car with an innovative and highly sophisticated suspension concept. The pushrod spring and damper concept was inspired by Formula 1 and tuned perfectly to meet the needs of a high-performance road-going vehicle. Together with aluminum double wishbone suspension and a carbon-fiber ceramic brake system, this lightweight chassis represents a further aspect of the new flagship’s unique technology concept.
Extensive assistance and safety systemsIn the hands of its driver, the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 is a high-precision machine – spontaneous, direct and always reliable. The driver is also assisted by the latest electronic systems such as the incredibly sporty, adjustable ESP system. When it comes to passive safety, front, head-thorax and knee airbags play their part alongside the extremely stiff carbon-fiber cell.
A rich and wide-ranging individualization programA Lamborghini should always fit perfectly with the style and preferences of its owner. To this end, the range of individualization options is virtually inexhaustible. There is a selection of 13 production paint colors to choose from, three of which are highly sophisticated matt tones. A choice of two-tone interiors are offered with the “Sportivo” and “Elegante” versions, while a premium audio system and reversing camera are among the many technology options. And of course, the “Ad Personam” individualization program knows no limits when it comes to colors and materials.
The price of the Lamborghini Aventador and market delivery
UK: GBP 201.900,00 (suggested retail price taxes excluded)
Europe: € 255.000 (suggested retail price taxes excluded)
USA: 379.700 USD (suggested retail price – GGT included)
China: RMB 6.270.000,00 (suggested retail price taxes included)
Japan: YEN 39.690.000,00 (suggested retail price taxes included)
The first customers will take delivery of the new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 in late summer 2011.
I do not ski. In fact I can count the times I’ve seen snow in person on one hand; mostly because the amount of times is zero! But, seriously, if someone gave me these Audi carbon fiber skis I’d make the trip up to Big Bear every weekend until I was good enough to be a winter X Games contender! I’m not sure why Audi decided to take part in the development of these skis but who cares?! They’re awesome! The only downside is that these bad boys wont be available until the end of the year. Hey Audi, do you think we could get a carbon fiber snow board next?
Lightweight design for winter sports: the Audi Carbon Ski
Carbon: a base material with revolutionary properties
Performance: technology transfer from skiing and motorsport
Design: no unnecessary lines or applications
Know-how drawn from skiing and motorsport has been used to develop the perfect ski. The Audi Carbon Ski concept is an eye-catching piece of sports equipment with a minimalist design that focuses fully on one premium material: carbon. The concept study was designed and developed at Audi Concept Design Munich – but like a racing car, it can only be mastered by a top professional. For this reason, the team surrounding chief designer Wolfgang Egger began working on the development of a serial-production ski with the ski specialists from Head. The Audi Carbon Ski may become available already in winter 2011/2012.
The technology transfer from the concept study to the serial-production Audi Carbon Ski was crucial throughout all of the developmental phases. A cab of high-strength carbon fiber encloses layers of aluminum and titanium, as well as a wood core. At 1,550 grams (with a ski length of 170 cm), the ski will be about 200 grams lighter than comparable models. This allows it to be incredibly maneuverable and agile.
The carbon allows the engineers to achieve optimal stiffness while also minimizing torsion, which is the twisting of the ski along its longitudinal axis. Outstanding strength, good dampening and low weight make the Audi Carbon Ski a carving ski that fully lives up to the Audi philosophy of “Vorsprung durch Technik.”
“As a long-time partner and sponsor of the German Ski Association, a ski produced by Audi is a logical consequence of this partnership. This is how the Audi Carbon Ski concept came about. And the ski’s brilliant handling characteristics have been confirmed by professionals from the sport,” said Wolfgang Egger, Head of Design for the Audi Group. “The serial-production ski was able to borrow from the concept study, and it features outstanding technical properties. At the same time, its minimalist design underscores the technical nature of the carbon.”
In January 2011, as part of the most famous downhill race in the world – the Hahnenkamm race in Kitzbühel – and in February 2011 at the World Ski Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, customers were able to test the first prototypes of the Audi Carbon Ski. In addition to extensive tests by specialists from Head and the German Ski Association, these results will contribute to the ability to offer a perfected ski.
Audi Carbon Ski concept During development of the Audi Carbon Ski concept (2008/2009), Audi profited from over 20 years of partnership with the German Ski Association and its own considerable experience in motorsport. Parameters that have proven reliable over many decades of ski sports were analyzed with the use of complex calculation methods drawn from motorsport. The result: construction specifications for a full-carbon ski that guarantees perfect handling properties. After extensive tests, scientific experts from the German Ski Association confirmed the high quality of the Audi Carbon Ski concept.
A ski is a technically sophisticated piece of sports equipment, but it is also a highly aesthetic object that is optimized for top performance. The project at Audi Concept Design Munich – in the heart of the urban district Schwabing – was based on these considerations. The team of young, international designers was able to transfer the Audi design gene from the brand’s cars to the ski. “Carbon and aluminum are central elements in Audi design – these exclusive materials underscore the outstanding quality of our cars,” Egger said. “The design of the ski also intentionally dispenses with unnecessary lines and concentrates fully on the material.”
“Thanks to its ideal combination of strength and light weight, carbon is used in motorsport for especially sensitive components that need to withstand the highest stress loads yet must at the same time be light in weight,” says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport. In the racing cars for the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) and the Le Mans sports cars, for example the new R18, the driver’s cockpit – the so-called monocoque – is made from high-strength carbon fiber. “When creating this possibly lifesaving carbon component, we use the same calculation methods as those that were used for the concept development of the Audi Carbon Ski concept,” Ullrich said.
The calculations for the ski define precisely how many layers of carbon must be used – in doing so, the carbon fibers are placed at a specific angle to each other. This allows the engineers to achieve optimal stiffness with minimal torsion. The layers are hardened under pressure in an artificial vacuum.
The influence on the handling properties of the ski is revolutionary: the ski flexes on the mogul slopes to achieve optimal grip on uneven surfaces. On icy patches, on the other hand, the ski must not twist, so that the steel edges can maintain their grip on the snow along their entire length. Thus, the ski never loses contact with the ground. The light weight of the carbon also plays a critical role for skiing curves. The weight per ski is a mere 960 grams.
On the heels of AC Schnitzer’s offering, HAMANN finally releases images of their “M Technik” tuning program for the new F10 BMW 5 series. Right off the bat you’ll notice that HAMANN seems to be taking some styling cues from previous M models and combining that with a bit of Alpina flavor on the new 5er. Something else that shocked me about this program is that they aren’t touching performance all that much. You can get a 4-tipped muffler and a high-flow catalytic converter (for 550i only) but that’s about it. It seems like the main purpose for this program is to improve on the looks with the aero kit, wheels, and 10 piece carbon fiber interior kit. They do offer a suspension set up that will lower the car 35mm (1.3 inches) but that’s so subtle I doubt it would have much of an impact on the F10′s handling.
If nothing else the kit looks great and since HAMANN stuff is hard to get stateside it is a definite way to set yourself apart if you’re looking to go for a full-on aero upgrade.
HAMANNhave extended their individualisation programme to the BMW 5-series (F10) with the M technik packet.
After the presentation of the first individualisation programme for the BMW 5-series (F10) by HAMANN-Motorsport in the middle of 2010, the Laupheimer have now developed exclusive parts for models with the M technik packet.
The HAMANN aerodynamic components are adapted to the original M technik front and rear valances. At the front a competition front spoiler is used, which increases the down-force. At the back an insert for the rear bumper offers space for four exhaust tail pipes. All the other enhancements already introduced in the middle of 2010, such as roof and rear spoiler, front bumper and side skirts, of course remain in the programme and are also available for the 5-series (F10) with M technik packet.
Apart from cosmetic intervention in the bodywork, HAMANN offers a “pedicure” in the form of a set of extremely light alloy wheels. The most striking optics is offered by the ANNIVERSARY EVO in 21” size. The wheel, painted in silver, is delivered as a complete wheel and tyre set, with 255/30 ZR21 tyres at the front and 295/25 ZR21 sized tyres at the back, at a price of 4,760 €.
HAMANN lowers the BMW 5er (F10) by approx. 35 mm with progressive suspension springs and thus further accentuates the overall sporty appearance.
The HAMANN rear silencer with four tail pipes was by the middle of 2010 only available for the top model 550i. Now this option is available for all engine variants of the 5-series (F10). Only the sports metal catalytic converter with special middle silencer remains reserved for the 550i.
HAMANN upgrades the interior with a 10 piece carbon interior set and a specially developed airbag sports steering wheel. The parts in visible carbon can be coloured in any preferred colour. HAMANNhas placed a pedal set in the footwell that can be obtained in silver or black anodised aluminium as preferred. A high quality set of mats including the embroidered HAMANN-logo rounds off the sporty appearance.
A long while back we showed you the preview of what Vorsteiner was doing to the BMW X6 and now they are showing off the final product. The Vorsteiner X6M package actually turns the X6 into something that I want. I’ll admit I was not a fan before but it is amazing what some aerodynamics and a nice set of wheels can do for a car. As usual all of the pieces of this aero package are made from Vorsteiner’s trademark reinforced carbon fiber composite. If you own an X6 and you’re looking to spice it up then this may be the way to go.
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