Tsahi Merkur: Subaru ups US sales projections to 500k units

Tsahi Merkur:    Subaru ups US sales projections to 500k units

// // Subaru ups US sales projections to 500k units – Autoblog#continued// //

SUBARU REVISES 2014 SALES FORECAST TO 500,000 VEHICLES
September 10, 2014

– Brand predicted to exceed half a million U.S. sales for the first time by year end.

– 2014 sales expected to beat 2013 prior record year by more than 17 percent

– Sales driven by strong performance across all model lines

Cherry Hill, N.J. – Subaru of America, Inc. today revised its 2014 full-year sales forecast from 460,000 to 500,000 vehicles with sales expected to exceed the previous best selling year of 2013 by more than 17 percent.

Subaru of America set its fifth consecutive sales record in 2013, as sales jumped to 424,683 vehicles, 26 percent more than the record sales of 2012. The impressive results were supported by the launch of the acclaimed 2014 Forester and a new-segment entry; XV Crosstrek, a small crossover. This impressive sales pace has continued in 2014 with the introduction of the 2015 Outback crossover and Legacy sedan, causing Subaru to revise upward its 2014 sales forecast, beyond its initial record-setting target.

Subaru of America has now seen 33 consecutive months of year-over-year growth and over the past five years has successfully moved its AWD products from being niche entries in their segments to providing widespread appeal.

“Our strong market performance has caused us to increase our year-end sales forecast beyond the notable 500,000 sales mark,” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “The market is telling us that we are delivering products that consumers want at the right prices. When this compelling product is then reinforced by strong retailer representation and backed by a brand that consumers identify with, we can be positive on our future results.”

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2015 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak previewed

By Tsahi Merkur

2015-dodge- tsahi merkur

// // 2015 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak previewed – Autoblog#continued// //

Sneak Peak for Sportsman Racers and Fans at NHRA U.S. Nationals in IndianapolisSportsman racers get sneak peek at 2015 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak test vehicle at National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) U.S. Nationals event
First Drag Pak test vehicle previewed by Sportsman racers at Thursday evening Mopar Racers Reception with Mopar Legends and Ramchargers
Mopar Performance Parts and SRT Motorsports engineers to answer questions and get feedback from Sportsman racers and Mopar legends on Drag Pak test vehicle
Test vehicle to be shown at the Mopar display Friday and Saturday at Lucas Oil Raceway during NHRA U.S. Nationals event along with a 1968 HEMI® Dart Package car
Mopar Challenger Drag Pak is only modern era package car to win Stock Eliminator class at Indianapolis and has also won Factory Shootout races

August 28, 2014 , Indianapolis – When looking to build a better, more competitive race car for the quarter-mile drag strip, who better to ask for feedback than the Sportsman drivers and the drag racing legends who have helped Chrysler Group’s Mopar brand build the reputation and heritage it has in motorsports?

The best place for that to happen of course would be at the prestigious 60th annual National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) U.S. Nationals event as the largest contingent of Sportsman and professional racers get set to compete at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Indiana, this weekend.

On Thursday evening, Sportsman racers were invited to meet many of the Mopar legends in the sport of drag racing including Don Garlits, Roland Leong, Ted Spehar, Herb McCandless, as well as members of the original Ramchargers – Tom Coddington, Al Adams and John Wehrly – at Mopar’s racers reception held at Lucas Oil Raceway. All then got the chance to preview the first 2015 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak test vehicle and to talk with Mopar Performance Parts and SRT Motorsports engineers about the proposed next generation drag pak.

Representing the Mopar Motorsports program at the reception are Tricia Hecker – Director Marketing, Dale Aldo – Motorsports manager, and Ed Hessell – Mopar Performance Parts manager. Engineers on hand to take the Sportsman racers’ questions and feedback include David Bailey –SRT Motorsports Engineering Senior Manager, Patrick Baer – SRT Motorsports Engine Group Engineering Supervisor, Steven Kouzoujian – SRT Motorsports Engine Group Senior Engineer, and Richard Talbot – SRT Motorsports Engine Group Engineering Specialist.

Mopar celebrates the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Gen II 426 Race HEMI® this year. More than 45 years after the 1968 Dodge Dart and Plymouth Barracuda Mopar package cars contributed to building the brand’s reputation at the drag strip, Mopar still lives up to its heritage by continuing to add to the lineage of high performance quality products.

Remaining true to its roots, the brand is continuing its commitment to Sportsman racing with the development of the next generation Mopar Drag Pak. The 2015 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak test vehicle is the next step in the evolution of the modern day package car whose earlier incarnations include more than 150 V8 Challenger Drag Paks, an additional fifty V10 versions, as well as 426 Race HEMI® upgrade kits. The Mopar Challenger Drag Pak is the only modern era package car to win the Stock Eliminator title at the U.S. Nationals and has also won Factory Shootout races.

The test vehicle is built on the 2015 Dodge Challenger platform and sports a white body, a vintage stripe package, and 426 HEMI® identification. The drag pak test vehicle also includes the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT front and rear fascia trim, rear spoiler and a full roll cage fabricated to NHRA specifications.

Under the hood, Sportsman racers saw a 426 cubic-inch Race HEMI® engine with an aluminum block, steel liners and custom engine calibration. The car boasts a Chrysler-based 727 automatic transmission, a race-style stick shifter with integral line lock, and an aluminum driveshaft. The vehicle also is equipped with a weigh box in the trunk and a trunk-mounted 12 volt battery.

The interior is currently based on the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT interior with the addition of Mopar gauges, driver and passenger lightweight racing seats, along with safety nets and five-point harnesses.

The Mopar drag pak test car also is equipped with 15-inch front and rear wheels, 28-inch diameter drag style front tires (4.5 inches wide) and 30-inch diameter rear tires (9-inches wide). It currently features precision performance front and rear brake rotors, calipers and master cylinder.

The test vehicle’s front suspension currently sports the 2015 Mopar K-Member and strut suspension geometry, front struts with adjustable compression and rebound. At the back of the car, racers will find a four-link rear suspension with Panhard bar, rear solid axle with 9-inch aluminum third member, rear shocks with adjustable compression and rebound, and an anti-sway bar.

All specifications on the 2015 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak test vehicle are still preliminary and being evaluated, as they are pending NHRA approval as well as feedback from the Sportsman themselves. The vehicle will be shown at the Mopar display in the manufacturer’s midway area on Friday and Saturday during the NHRA U.S. Nationals event weekend for racers and fans to view. Also on display will be an original 1968 HEMI® Dodge Dart package car.

As proud supporter of Sportsman racing within the NHRA, Mopar continues to recognize its roots with a robust contingency program, support of the Mopar HEMI® Challenge for a 14th consecutive year and last year’s addition of the “Tom Hoover Sportsman Challenge” that rewards a Sportsman class racer that amasses the most points earned in a season during NHRA sanctioned races at the wheel of a Chrysler Group vehicle, competing in either Stock or Super Stock classes nationwide.

Tsahi Merkur – Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo

Tsahi Merkur – Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo 

by Tsahi Merkur 

Lamborghini Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo makes Global Debut at ‘The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering’

Carmel, California 15th August 2014 – Automobili Lamborghini unveiled its next-generation motorsports machine: the new Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo. The car will debut in all three (Europe, Asia and North America) of the brand’s one-make 2015 Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series.

The Huracán Super Trofeo marks a new benchmark for the race series. “The Huracán Super Trofeo is an all-new car built from scratch with a clear racing concept,” said Maurizio Reggiani, Board Member and Director of Research and Development for Automobili Lamborghini. “We believe the car will be as fun for fans to watch as it will be rewarding for our racers to drive.”

The redesigned Huracán Super Trofeo was developed in collaboration with Dallara Engineering, with direct involvement by founder Giampaolo Dallara. Dallara’s history with Lamborghini dates back to 1963 when he worked as a Lamborghini engineer and later led the development of the legendary Miura.

The Huracán Super Trofeo adopts the direct-injected V10 engine from the road car, delivering 620 horsepower in race trim, and a rear-drive set-up meant to accelerate the series racers’ transition into GT racing. The vehicle weighs an ultra-light 2,800 lbs, attributed to the hybrid carbon fiber/aluminum chassis and strict motorsports weight reduction. The weight/power ratio is 4.5 lbs/hp.

The aerodynamics provide better efficiency, traction and downforce using a ten-position rear wing, front and rear diffusers as well as adjustable front air intakes. The Huracán Super Trofeo will be exclusively-equipped with Pirelli tires engineered specifically for this application.

Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo – North America – Upcoming Dates: August 22-24 (Virginia International Park, Alton, VA); October 1-4 (Road Atlanta, Atlanta, GA); and November 20-21 (Sepang, Malaysia, World Finals)

Also at The Quail, Lamborghini presented its Aventador LP 700-4 in a new version by Ad Personam. The vehicle, which will be shown as well at Concorso Italiano and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, highlighting Lamborghini’s “made-to-order” program.

Clients of Ad Personam-equipped cars avail themselves of personalized materials, custom colors and exclusive trim for exterior and interior fitment. The display model highlighted semi-aniline leather, Alcantara, Forged Composite, a Lamborghini patented carbon-fiber material, to custom stitching and beyond. The program caters to those who love to engage with their dream car – even before they take delivery.

Ferrari dominant at high-priced RM Auctions’ Monterey event

// // Ferrari dominant at high-priced RM Auctions’ Monterey event – Tsahi Merkur auto news

 

(August 17, 2014) – One of the most highly anticipated lots of Monterey Car Week, the ex-Steve McQueen 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, entered the history books on Saturday night, selling for a record $10,175,000 at RM’s flagship Monterey sale.

Delivered new to Hollywood and motoring icon Steve McQueen on the set of Bullitt, the 275 GTB/4 spurred a spirited contest between bidders in the room and on the phone, more than tripling the previous auction record for the model (video: http://youtu.be/f2kqcKcRafQ?list=UU).

While the McQueen four-cam lent star power to the RM sale, the true highlight of the night was a 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale, one of just three built. Dubbed the ’65 GTO, the extraordinarily rare Speciale roared onto the auction stage, with bidding opening at $15 million. The final sale price – an outstanding $26,400,000 – cements its place in the pantheon of the most valuable automobiles ever offered at public auction (video: http://youtu.be/t3kJq1WJx1g?list=UUNiTBZZrGcok8fuWlDQ-_yA).

In total, six Ferraris led a string of 21 individual million-dollar-plus sales during the Saturday sale. Among other highlights were the Austie Clark 1911 Mercer Type 35R Raceabout, offered from single-family ownership since 1949, which realized a superb $2,530,000; and a 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV, which sold for $2,090,000.

Unofficial RM Monterey Million-Dollar-Plus Sales (Saturday)

Lot 239 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale $26,400,000

Lot 220 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, ex-Steve McQueen $10,175,000

Lot 231 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 $3,750,000

Lot 237 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Alloy $3,382,500

Lot 218 1963 Ferrari 400 SA LWB Coupe Aerodinamico Series II $2,915,000

Lot 225 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe $2,750,000

Lot 235 1911 Mercer Type 35R Raceabout $2,530,000

Lot 216 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L ‘Lusso’ Berlinetta $2,117,500

Lot 230 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV $2,090,000

Lot 211 2003 Ferrari Enzo $1,925,000

Lot 245 2000 Ferrari F1-2000 $1,804,000

Lot 227 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS $1,760,000

Lot 212 1965 Aston Martin DB5 $1,650,000

Lot 251 2006 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione $1,485,000

Lot 228 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster $1,375,000

Lot 247 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S $1,265,000

Lot 238 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster $1,182,500

Lot 219 1953 Lancia Aurelia PF200 C Spider $1,100,000

Lot 217 1967 Toyota 2000GT $1,045,000

Lot 234 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC $1,023,000

Lot 249 1961 Ferrari 250 GT N.A.R.T. Spider $1,017,500

The RM group of companies rounds out a tremendous week on California’s Monterey Peninsula today (Sunday, August 17) with four motor cars freshly prepared by RM Auto Restoration set for display at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. In 2013, RM’s restoration division cemented its reputation as the world’s leading restorer of fine automobiles when the 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Convertible Victoria restored by the company was judged Best of Show. The accolade marked the fifth time RM Auto Restoration has been awarded the event’s top honor in the new millennium-an unprecedented achievement.

 

 

Tsahi Merkur – McLaren P1 GTR Design Concept

Tsahi Merkur – McLaren P1 GTR Design Concept

Tsahi Merkur about mclaren-p1-gtr

Twenty years ago, the then soon-to-be-launched McLaren F1 GTR began testing ahead of an assault on the 1995 GT season. The track derivative, as the road-going version had done, rewrote the rule book and the claimed victories and titles across the globe in the years that followed, securing a place in motorsport folklore. Two decades on, and the covers have been pulled off the dramatic and purposeful McLaren P1™ GTR design concept during a private event at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance event in California. The aggressive racing concept is a preview to the final model which, with a little under a year until production commences, has now entered the next phase as the development team works to hone and further optimise the ultimate track-focused racer.

With no need to meet the legislations for road legality, the McLaren P1™ GTR will be the most track-tailored and most powerful model produced by McLaren Special Operations to date, with a clear target even more focused than its road-going sibling: to be the best driver’s car in the world on track. With even greater emphasis on aerodynamic performance through the dramatic bodywork, the McLaren P1™ GTR will also feature race-proven slick tyres, a fixed ride height, enhanced power delivery from the IPAS powertrain and Formula 1™-derived DRS from the large, fixed rear wing and an ERS-style push-to-pass system, all combining to offer the ultimate track experience.

Aerodynamically optimised to offer more extreme performance-

Tsahi Merkur – McLaren P1 GTR Design Concept

Based on the McLaren P1™ road car, the track-focused McLaren P1™ GTR design concept further optimises the aerodynamically efficient ‘shrink-wrapped’ body shape in order to offer maximum performance, superior handling characteristics and optimised driver engagement on track. A host of changes have been made, and the car has been thoroughly re-engineered from the ground up to ensure the McLaren P1™ GTR achieves its target of being the ultimate drivers’ car on track.

The front track of the McLaren P1™ GTR design concept has been increased by 80mm and is coupled with a more aggressive GT-style front splitter. Reprofiled low temperature radiator ducts seamlessly flow into the leading edge of the aggressively flared front wheelarches, while the active aerodynamic flaps are retained from the McLaren P1™ in the floor ahead of the front wheels.

The bodywork is ‘shrink-wrapped’ around the carbon fibre MonoCage chassis behind the front wheels, and is designed to channel the air from around the wheel well. An additional aerodynamic blade is located behind the wheelarch to clean the air from the front tyres. This aero device flows seamlessly along the bottom edge of the dihedral doors, along the flank of the carbon fibre bodywork, to an additional side panel at the rear which ducts additional air into the high temperature radiator and improves the aerodynamic performance of the rear floor.

The profile of the McLaren P1™ GTR design concept remains as dramatic as ever, hunkered down on to the race-prepared suspension with a fixed ride height, lower than the standard car. The snorkel air intake, inspired by the design of the original McLaren F1, is still present within the roof structure of the carbon fibre MonoCage chassis. The wing mirrors have been repositioned to the A pillars, to put them closer to the eye line of the driver and reduce aerodynamic drag, while the trailing edge of the door-mounted radiator channels have been extended to draw more air down through the cavity within the door, and into the engine to aid cooling.

A set of lightweight 19-inch motorsport alloy wheels are fitted – 10.5-inches wide at the front, 13-inches at the rear – and are secured into place with quick-release centre locking nuts. Tyre changes are made easier through an onboard air jacking system, similar to that seen on the McLaren 650S GT3 racer.

At the rear, a large, twin-element wing is mounted on dramatic carbon fibre pylons which extend around the rear of the bodywork. This fixed height wing is fitted with a hydraulically operated Drag Reduction System (DRS) to boost acceleration performance, and has been honed to provide increased levels of downforce compared to the road car, working with the active aerodynamic flaps located ahead of the front wheels. The active aerodynamic devices optimise aerodynamic balance through all phases of cornering. The bodywork of the car has been reprofiled to improve aerodynamic efficiency below the large rear wing, and incorporates a quick-release system without affecting the rear wing. The road legal McLaren P1™ stows the rear wing within the bodywork, but with the fixed height wing, and therefore no pistons or moving mechanical parts, the bodywork of the McLaren P1™ GTR design concept behind the engine bay is now a smooth, flowing surface, feeding clean air below the wing and over the back of the car.

Below the rear wing sits the exposed, centrally mounted exhaust, which is an all new design, developed exclusively for the McLaren P1™ GTR. Made from inconel and titanium alloy, the system maximises the aural characteristic of the higher output 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine to maintain, and further emphasise, the McLaren sound. The design of the exhaust has also changed, with a straight cut twin pipe setup now used in place of the single exit exhaust.

Airflow is managed carefully across the whole car and channelled in the most efficient and effective ways possible. This includes the air below the car, and a large carbon fibre diffuser dominates the lower half of the rear of the car. This is designed to work in tandem with the rear wing to enhance rear downforce and grip levels. The McLaren P1™ GTR design concept runs on the bespoke slick tyres designed by technical partners Pirelli in collaboration with McLaren, designed to offer a greater level of grip, cornering agility and handling balance. These characteristics enable much later braking into corners, higher apex speeds, and the earlier application of the throttle on the exit of corners, which lead to improved lap times.

Modern interpretation is more than just a family resemblance

The design concept unveiled at Pebble Beach wears a livery which harks back to the original McLaren to wear the GTR badge. During the rigorous testing programme for the F1 GTR, the test car, chassis #01R, originally wore a distinctive orange and silver livery. This colour scheme has been reinterpreted for the model, with the number, 01, signifying the original chassis number. That car eventually went on to take the coveted win at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The McLaren P1™ GTR driver programme

Launching with the McLaren P1™ GTR design concept is the bespoke McLaren P1™ GTR driver programme – the ultra-exclusive ownership programme which will include specialist driver training, human performance and access to the McLaren racing simulator, and which is designed to prepare each driver mentally and physically to fully exploit the abilities of the McLaren P1™ GTR. The programme will be completely bespoke, with each individual having a fully-tailored experience.

The McLaren P1™ GTR driver programme promises to be one of the most exclusive owners’ clubs in the world and will offer an unrivalled ownership experience. McLaren Special Operations will maintain and run all cars, and manage the programme throughout. Together with one of the most exciting track-focused cars ever developed, the programme offers unprecedented access to the technologies, resources and people throughout the McLaren Technology Centre. Every experience will be unique and tailored specifically, providing a full immersion into McLaren, and gaining access to the experiences and resources which have helped develop and train Formula 1™ champions. This will include working closely with a support team comprising authentic professionals that have operated within the rarefied world of professional motor sport. These will all be experts in their respective fields, all boasting top-level international experience from the Human Performance Programme, race engineers, designers and test drivers.

 

Tsahi Merkur – Hyundai reveals new i20 hatchback

Tsahi Merkur – Hyundai reveals new i20 hatchback

11 August 2014 ─ Hyundai Motor has today unveiled first images of the New Generation i20, ahead of its world debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

i20 – tsahi merkur

With the launch of its latest model, Hyundai Motor is continuing its successful presence in Europe’s B-segment, highlighted by almost one million sales since 2002. The popularity of the original i20 has made it one of the company’s best-selling cars in the region. The key aims of the new model are to open Hyundai to an even wider audience; further develop perceptions of the brand; and confirm Hyundai’s position as a truly European automaker.

The New Generation i20 has been designed and developed in Europe, and three key attributes in particular underline how it meets the needs of European consumers: class-leading interior space, a host of high-technology and comfort-enhancing features, and distinctive, refined design.

Based on a new platform, New Generation i20 features a 2570 mm wheelbase – 45 mm longer than its predecessor – providing European customers with one of the most spacious cabins in the segment. Efficient packaging has created a passenger compartment that can comfortably seat five adults. Combined front and rear legroom is best in class at 1892 mm. Boot capacity is also segment-leading: 320 litres when the rear seats are upright.

Enhancing the comfort and the sense of space for driver and passengers is a unique-in-class panoramic sunroof. Able to both tilt and fully open, it fills the cabin with natural light and fresh air. Further features add to the refinement and convenience of New Generation i20, including integrated rear-view camera and front and rear LED lighting.

Interior refinement complements the sophisticated and distinctive exterior styling of the New Generation i20. Influenced by the brand’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture 2.0’ design philosophy, the car’s clear and simple overall architecture was penned at Hyundai Motor’s Design Centre Europe in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

Hyundai’s European design team has created a bold front aesthetic. The upright chrome-framed hexagonal grille has been lowered for design and engineering purposes. A thin, horizontal grille connects the front headlamp clusters, which include bi-function projection headlamps, LED daytime running lights and LED positioning lamps. A lower grille houses the front fog lamps, and emphasises the powerful stance of the car.

The 4035 mm long bodyshell incorporates a single feature-line running the length of the vehicle, sculptured undercuts of the body panels, and a waistline moulding at the base of the door.

At the rear, New Generation i20 features a gloss-finished black C-pillar that gives the impression of a floating roofline. The lamp clusters wrap around the rear wing into the boot lid and feature a ‘boomerang’-shaped LED design.

The public world premiere of the New Generation i20 will take place during Hyundai’s press conference at 2014 Paris Motor Show in Hall 3, at 16:00 CET on Thursday 2 October

 

GM SUV window switch recall urges owners to park vehicles outside

By Tsahi Merkur

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles.

tsahi merkur – GM SUV window switch recall urges owners to park vehicles outside

Fluid may enter the driver’s door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.