New Muscle Cars Picture: November 2010

Brabus Mercedes SLS AMG Widestar Wallpaper

For most people, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 'Gullwing' looks just fine in factory tune. But not for Brabus. The German tuning house chose this week's Essen Motor Show to present its "wide-body" take on the Gullwing model.

The aero package is called Widestar and it encompasses a front spoiler, a rear apron with a new diffuser, blistered rear wheel arches with air inlets and outlets, and a boot lid spoiler. Engineers also sculpted the rocker panels, optimizing airflow between axles, and added bigger air outlets for the front fenders.

All components are made from carbon fiber and have been tested in the firm's wind tunnel. Clients can choose between a matte or glossy clear-coated finish for the body parts. If that's not their thing, optionally, the company can paint them in the body's color or in a contrasting tone.

Brabus Mercedes SLS AMG Widestar Wallpaper

To complement the SLS' new look, the ride height was lowered by 30 mm and a new, height-adjustable suspension was developed in collaboration with Bilstein. The driver can adjust the suspension's height with the touch of a button to make the car sportier or more comfortable than the stock SLS. Stiffer sway bars are also on the [optional] menu.

There's no Brabus without a proper set of wheels and the Widestar SLS is no exception. The Germans offer custom tailored ultra-light 20- and 21-inch front and rear Monoblock F Platinum Edition forged wheels, wrapped around in 275/30 ZR20 and 295/25 ZR21 Yokohama rubber. The new rims are bigger and lighter reducing unsprung weight and, thus, improving handling, the tuner claims.

Under the bonnet you'll find the same 6.2-liter V8 engine, albeit fitted with a high-performance and lighter (-12 kg or -26 lbs.) titanium exhaust system with sound management, which increases power by 10 hp.

As for the interior, Brabus offers a plethora of custom options, ranging from carbon fiber inlays in any desired color to an ergonomically shaped steering wheel. Premium upholstery is also offered, made from the fine leather and Alcantara.

Brabus Mercedes SLS AMG Widestar Wallpaper

Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 Wallpaper

Two years after it made its introduction, Aston Martin Racing has given its Vantage GT4 racecar an update. The firm has reworked the car by enhancing the aerodynamics and increasing the car’s downforce. The 4.7 litre V8 has also been remapped to offer increased levels of power and torque.

The car now features a new front splitter, which increases downforce at the front of the car and improves channelling of cool air to the brakes and radiator. At the rear, the GT4 gains the V12 Vantage’s larger boot ‘flip’. This works together with a new carbon fibre diffuser and rear underfloor, which creates an area of low pressure under the rear of the car, to increase downforce.

Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 Wallpaper

The redesigned underfloor also channels more air through a new rear-mounted high capacity transmission oil cooler. In addition to the engine and aero upgrades, competitors can now choose to include a race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system from Bosch Motorsport to enhance performance in both wet and dry conditions.

More than 80 Vantage GT4s have been built and sold globally since 2009, and the car has certainly been successful plying its trade in its GT4 competition class – it won the European GT4 Cup this year, as well as the GT4 class at the Dubai 24 Hours, the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the Spa 24 hours.

Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4 Wallpaper

Vauxhall Antara facelift Wallpaper

Following the reveal of its Opel counterpart in mainland Europe, Vauxhall has released pricing and specifications on the UK market Antara facelift, which boasts a barely noticeable makeover and a refreshed engine lineup. Prices for the updated SUV now start from £19,995 for the 2.2 CDTi (163PS) Exclusiv front-wheel drive model, which according to Vauxhall, represents a saving of £2,835 over the outgoing base version.

On the outside, styling changes for the 2011 Antara include the updated front grille with the new Griffin logo, enhanced by fog lights finished with chrome bezels on SE models, new 19-inch alloy wheels and modified rear lights.

Vauxhall Antara facelift Wallpaper

Inside, the new Antara's cabin features a revised centre console with extra storage and higher-quality materials, in addition to improved instrument graphics and better interior lighting.

The 2011 model's revised Euro-5 compliant engine line-up includes a newly-developed 2.2-liter CDTI turbodiesel in two states of tune with 163HP or 184HP. The 163HP version is available in front-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission only or all-wheel drive hooked up to either a manual or six-speed auto gearbox. The more potent 184HP variant also offers a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, and comes with all-wheel drive as standard. All transmissions have been revised to improve efficiency.

The Vauxhall Antara will not be offered in the UK with the revised 170HP 2.4-liter gasoline engine of its Opel sibling.

GM Europe's engineers have also re-worked the SUV's chassis with revised spring and damper settings.

Finally, Vauxhall has improved safety and comfort features with the addition of an electric parking brake, a Hill Assist System as well as a "shift-up" fuel economy indicator on all models.

"At less than £20k, the new Antara is set to be highly competitive in today's SUV market," said Peter Hope, Vauxhall's Marketing Director. "Its lower emissions, higher output diesel engines and refreshed design will offer renewed appeal to both retail and fleet customers."

Senner Tuning's Audi TT RS Roadster POWER Wallpaper

Based on the Audi TT RS roadster, Senner Tuning's POWER TT certainly lives up to its name boasting a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 430 ponies. The German tuning firm's package also include interior and exterior appointments, alongside new alloy wheels and suspensions tweaks.

The TT RS' 5-cylinder powerplant, which is also found under the bonnet of the new Audi RS3, was upgraded with a customized ECU, a sport air filters and a high performance exhaust system. The latter can be ordered for all TT models and features dual tailpipes.

Senner Tuning's Audi TT RS Roadster POWER Wallpaper

The standard alloys were ditched in favor of 7-spoke 20-inch Varianza T1S rims, shod in 255/30 tires, while the car now rides lower thanks to a new sports suspension.

Senner applied various carbon fiber parts to the body, such as the mirror housings and the rear wing, while the tuner also used the same material inside on the steering wheel, door handles and center console.

Senner Tuning's Audi TT RS Roadster POWER Wallpaper

Saab 9-4X Wallpaper

Saab 9-4X Wallpaper
Saab chose the city of Angeles to hold the world premiere of its second all-new model after the recent 9-5 sedan and the company's first compact crossover vehicle, the 9-4X. The Swedish automaker says the new 9-4X is aligned in looks and size between the 9-3X crossover and new 9-5 sedan.

A crucial model to Saab's recovery after the Swedish brand changed hands, the 9-4X is one of the last vehicles to be co-developed with its former owner, General Motors. It is based on the Cadillac SRX and will be built alongside its American counterpart at GM's Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.

Saab 9-4X Wallpaper

Saab 9-4X Wallpaper

Under the hood, North American buyers will have a choice of naturally-aspirated or turbocharged V6 engines. The entry-level powerplant is a 265HP 3.0-liter V6 with direct-injection that can be ordered with FWD or AWD, while at the top of the range sits a 300HP 2.8-liter V6 with twin-scroll turbocharging and standard AWD. Both engines are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions under adaptive, electronic control.

"We are now embarking on the biggest new product offensive in Saab's history," says Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. "The 9-4X is the second new car we have introduced this year and it will significantly broaden the appeal of the Saab brand by giving us entry to the fast-growing crossover segment with a vehicle that is sporty and unmistakably a Saab."

The Saab 9-4X will hit U.S. dealerships in May 2011, with sales in Europe and other global markets due to begin from August of the same year.

Saab 9-4X Wallpaper

2011 Audi RS 3 Sportback Wallpaper

Audi RS 3 Sportback Wallpaper
Yet another model joins the Audi RS series lineup, and this one is the big, bad version of the A3 called the RS 3 Sportback. There’s no shortage of pizzazz here, for sure, what with 340 hp and 450 Nm as well as a 0-100 kph sprint time of 4.6 secs kicking off this particular dynamic parade.
Styling-wise, the car, which is of course developed by Audi subsidiary quattro, gets the RS dress up treatment, and the front features an anthracite single-frame grill with diamond-patterned styling, new air intakes, a front apron, and front fenders made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).

Audi RS 3 Sportback Wallpaper

Audi RS 3 Sportback Wallpaper

Throw in prominent sill panels, exterior-mirror casings in matt aluminium, a large roof spoiler and a high-gloss black diffusor insert at the rear, along with two elliptical exhaust tailpipes and you’ve got the new clothes this one wears.

Oh, and RS 3 badging both front and rear, of course.

The entirely black interior carries a number of RS 3 logos as well, in case you ever forget what it is you’re driving. The sports seats wear fine Nappa leather with silver contrasting stitching, and you get Piano finish black or the new Aluminum Race look for inlay finishes. Elsewhere, the selector lever and instruments for the RS 3 are unique, and the vehicle’s driver information system can display the boost pressure and oil temperature as well as a lap timer.

As the heart of the all-wheel drive RS 3 is a 2.5 litre TFSI five-cylinder turbocharged pot, and the 340 horses translates into a specific power output of 137.1 hp per litre. As for the torque, the 450 Nm is available from 1,600 rpm right up to 5,300 rpm. The turbocharger generates up to 1.2 bar of boost pressure, with an intercooler downstream efficiency rate of over 80%.

The 183 kg block features a crankcase made of vermicular-graphite cast iron – Audi’s the first car maker to use this a high-strength, yet lightweight material in a gasoline engine, and helping to keep the weight in check means paying off big for the RS 3 in terms of axle-load distribution and handling.

The RS 3 features a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, with a operational choice of two automatic modes and one manual mode – paddle shifters and a launch control system round things off. Meanwhile, the quattro all-wheel drive features an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch mounted at the end of the propeller shaft to achieve a favourable axle load distribution.

Performance-wise, the 1,575 kg car manages an electronically-limited 250 kph top speed, and it growls all the way in that signature RS manner, with a sound flap in the exhaust branch intensifying the sound even further (the flap is controlled via the standard Sport button, which also varies the engine response). Despite it being a scorcher, it’s also very much a sipper – the claimed average consumption figure is a neat 9.1 litres per 100 km.

As would be the case, the RS 3 Sportback gets a number of suspension and geometry revisions to help it handle like its life depended on it. The sports suspension on the RS 3 lowers it by 25 mm compared with the stock A3, and at the front the track has been widened, with the McPherson struts featuring a separate subframe; key components are made of aluminium. At the back, the four-link suspension is also anchored to a subframe and features high-strength-steel control arms that allow it to handle longitudinal and lateral forces separately.

Audi RS 3 Sportback Wallpaper

Audi RS 3 Sportback Wallpaper

Stopping power is through a brake system made up of four-pot calipers (finished in high-gloss black and bearing the RS logo) and 370 mm front and 310 mm rear ventilated discs. The car wears 19-inch cast aluminium wheels finished in machine-polished titanium as standard, with a black with a red rim flange available as an option – the wheels sit on 235/35 series front and 225/35 rear rubbers.

In terms of kit, there’s a rear parking system, climate control, chorus radio system and xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights as standard, among other things. Optional equipment includes front bucket seats, matt aluminium roof rails and styling packages in black or matt aluminium.

Aston Martin Rapide Luxe Wallpaper

Aston Martin Rapide Luxe Wallpaper

The £140,000 Aston Martin Rapide not luxurious enough for you? Try the Luxe, a new higher trim level for Aston’s Austrian made “four-door sports car”.

The standard Rapide’s spec list is already very long, but the Luxe adds a choice of exclusive colour options, including Quantum Silver and Concours Blue, bespoke six-piece luggage set that matches the cabin, rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones plus glass switchgear and key fob. Also new is the ventilation system, which allows for three temperature settings in the cabin.

The Rapide Luxe is priced around £157,445 (depending on options), which is a £17,000 premium over the standard model. It is powered by a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 with 470 hp and 600 Nm of torque.

2011 Dodge Challenger R/T Wallpaper

2011 Dodge Challenger Wallpaper
After a long wait, the details and photos of the subtly refreshed 2011 Dodge Challenger coupe are finally in, but the changes are far less spectacular than expected. If you want the short story, the 2011MY version of the Chrysler Group's muscle car gains a new Pentastar V6 for the base model and a 6.4-liter V8 for the SRT8 (already previewed on the Inaugural Edition special), plus a revised suspension and some barely noticeable styling changes.

If you are able to spot a cosmetic difference on the outside, chances are you're probably working for Chrysler's design team. At the front, there's a restyled trapezoidal front air dam with a larger opening while the Dodge logo has been removed from the hood.

The larger "duck bill" front spoiler in black, the racing-style fuel-filler door and the 18-inch alloy wheels which are now standard on all models, plus the Challenger logos on the front fenders, pretty much round up the exterior updates.

From launch, the Challenger has been criticized for having one the most lackluster interior designs of any sports car. Unfortunately, that's not going to change with the 2011MY.

For some reason, the Chrysler Group's cost cutters decided to limit changes to the new three-spoke steering wheel, which by the way, is the same one found on the other 2011My Dodge models like the Grand Caravan [...], some minor updates to the instrument panel gauges and redesigned seat structures, with the front pair now featuring seatback tilt- with memory. Finishing the interior upgrades is the addition of standard automatic climate control on all versions.

2011 Dodge Challenger Wallpaper

2011 Dodge Challenger Wallpaper

Under the sheetmetal, the Detroit automaker's engineers redesigned the front- and rear-suspension geometries and added new parts to improve handling. In addition, a revised brake-pedal ratio and refined brake booster promises to better braking response and feel, while an all-new electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) system completes the package.

Buyers will have the option of three powerplants. The base Challenger SE is motivated by the firm's new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 305 horsepower, or 55 more horsepower than the engine it replaces. The new Pentastar is not only more powerful, but also lighter than the previous V6 helping to slightly improve the front-to-rear weight distribution (52.4 / 47.6 compared with 53.5/46.5 previously). The V6 is paired to a five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick.

Next up is the Chrysler R/T which keeps the 5.7-liter HEMI V8. When paired to the refined Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission, the V8 churns out 376HP and 410 lb-ft accelerating the Challenger R/T to 60mph in under six-seconds. With the five-speed automatic transmission the eight-cylinder unit is rated at 372HP and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (542 Nm).

Dodge had previously released details on the SRT8, which will be offered at launch in a special edition guise (see here). Power is provided by a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with 470-horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, or 45HP and 70 lb-ft more than the previous SRT8's 6.1-liter V8 engine.

The 2011 Challenger will hit dealerships within the next few weeks.

2011 Dodge Challenger Wallpaper

Heico Sportiv Volvo S60 Wallpaper

Heico Sportiv Volvo S60 Wallpaper
Come later this month at the Essen Motor Show (26th November - 5th December 2010) in Germany, Volvo tuning specialist Heico Sportive will unveil its performance and styling bits for the Swedish automaker's all-new V60. The tuning program for the station wagon model carries the same upgrades as the S60 sedan.

Heico Sportiv Volvo S60 Wallpaper

Heico Sportiv Volvo S60 Wallpaper

On the styling side, the German tuning firm mounts a front spoiler on the original front bumper and a rear skirt with a diffuser that also houses the new tailpipes of the quad outlet exhaust. The menu also contains sport springs that lower the ride height and a choice of 18- or 20-inch multispoke alloy wheels.

Under the hood, there are various options, depending on the type of engine. For now, Heico Sportive offers a power kit for the 2.0 turbocharged gasoline unit, which adds an extra 47bhp and 50Nm of torque, and another one for the T6 engine that boost output to 330bhp and 460Nm. The tuning house said that further programs for the T3, T4 and T5 engine variants are under development.

Heico Sportiv Volvo S60 Wallpaper

2011 BMW 6-Series Convertible Wallpaper

2011 BMW 6-Series Wallpaper
In an unusual move, while the Concept 6 Series Coupe was making its North American premiere at the 2010 Los Angeles International Auto Show today, BMW unveiled photos and details of the production version of the all-new 6-Series Convertible that will go on sale in the States in Spring of 2011 tagged as a 2012 model.

If you've seen the Concept 6 Series Coupe, then the styling of the production model inside and out won't come as a surprise. The new model measures in at 4,894 millimeters (192.6 in.) in length, meaning it's 74 millimeters (2.9 in.) longer than its predecessor, while its extended wheelbase now stretches to 2,855 millimeters (112.4 in.). The car is also 39 millimeters (1.5 in.) wider, measuring 1,894 millimeters (74.5 in.) across, while 9 millimeters (0.35 in.) have been cut from its height (now 1,365 mm / 53.7 in.).

2011 BMW 6-Series Wallpaper

2011 BMW 6-Series Wallpaper
The German company notes the car's static torsional rigidity is about 50 percent greater than that of its predecessor.

As with the preceding generation, BMW's flagship convertible features a fabric roof which can open in 19 seconds and close in 24 seconds with both operations available while on the move at speeds up to 25 mph (40 km/h). BMW says that the lightweight design of the soft-top roof and the stowage compartment helped reduce weight by half over its predecessor.

The new four-seater cabrio offers 300 liters (10.6 cu. ft.) DIN of trunk space with the convertible top open, which according to BMW, allows two 46-inch golf bags and a business case to be accommodated. With the roof closed, the variable soft-top stowage compartment can be folded to increase trunk capacity to 350 liters (12.3 cu. ft.) DIN.

The presentation model is the 650i which is powered by BMW's latest 4.4-liter V8 engine with direct injection and turbocharging technology that churns out 400hp between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm, and a peak torque of 450 lb-ft between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. To the delight of purists, the V8 can be linked to either BMW's new 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission or a traditional 6-speed manual gearbox.

Whatever transmission you choose, the 650i completes the standard sprint from 0 to 60 mph [96 km/h] in 4.9 seconds, and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph or 250 km/h. More engine options including a straight-six turbo unit and the range topping M6 with a turbocharged V8 are expected to be offered in certain markets after launch.

As expected, the new 6-Series is loaded with numerous technological goodies including standard Driving Dynamics Control, Brake Energy Regeneration system, LED foglamps and lights and an optional Active Roll Stabilization feature that reduces body roll in high-speed corners and in sudden changes of direction, or transitions.

BMW said it will release more details on the new 6-Series Convertible, which will soon be followed by the more popular Coupe model, closer to their launch date.

2011 BMW 6-Series Wallpaper

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