The PPI R8 and PPI R8 Razor – automobile lifestyle in carbon fibrer
With the launching of the R8, Audi heats up against rivals Porsche, Ferrari and Bentley vigorously providing stiff competition. The Swabian, German tuners PPI Automotive Design GmbH, customize Audi’s flagship sports car by stoking up the fire with even more coal going that extra mile by providing an enhanced look combined with improved driving dynamics. A wind tunnel-tested aerodynamic kit of carbon fibre in combination with a performance enhancement and special lightweight magnesium wheels in 19-inch dimensions provides measurably improved appearance whether on the race track or the elegant promenade of the elite jet set.

Optimized performance for better resilience and increased driving pleasure
The stage 1 kit produces an increase power output of the original motor from 309kw/420hp to 348kw/460hp and increases torque from 430Nm/317lb-ft to 465Nm/343lbs-ft. A performance kit with durable components designed by PPI consists of corrosion resistant stainless steel sport rear muffler with throttle system. Just beginning at low-end torque, the resulting sound signals pure power, but with high speeds one experiences an even more imposing sound. Matched to this is a complete optimised engine management plus sport air filter providing the unit with extra breathing abilities. Results are a top speed of 192 mph (311 km/h) and sprinting from 0-60 mph in only 4,0 seconds; a six-tenths decrease versus standard production.

PPI aerodynamics: continued further development in carbon fibrer
Without being overstated, PPI’s approach to the R8 was to retain the standard series design, with the addition of PPI developed aerodynamics. All PPI aerodynamics for the R8 are made of carbon fibre. This material is commonly used in motor sports reducing general weight yet simultaneously increasing sturdiness. This material is already featured in the Audi base model. PPI consequently takes a further step applying carbon fibre as the main component with highest quality for its entire car body material. Furthermore, PPI production carbon fibre parts are available in glossy or matte finish. The PPI aerodynamics package includes a lift reducing front lip spoiler. This more aggressive front air damn is designed to channel air to the front brakes, and cut through the air. In addition, the PPI designed, front bumper air intake “cartridges” were created for OEM fitting, and for improved air ventilation of the front radiator with separate air channel for brake cooling. Side sills sedate air inflow between the axles and provide this vehicle with a sporty and aggressive look even when standing still. It’s lateral appearance is completed with side blades in carbon fibre matte finish as standard production series offers carbon fibre glossy only. The diffuser with integrated PPI-designed air channels for exhaust pipe cooling stabilizes the rear with extra downforce and directional stability. The new double-sided rear grill deflects engine heat and exhaust system outwards and flanks the middle PPI rear plate. Rear spoiler with its adjustable wing increases downforce on the rear axle and completes the sporty elegant look.

PPI MAG9: the lightweight wheel from PPI
The new PPI MAG9 wheel design characterizes the connection of high technical demands to sporty elegance. The two-part magnesium wheel with nine spokes and a wheel rim of carbon fiber commands not only by its exclusive look, but also through its outstanding craftsmanship setting new benchmark standards in the Audi tuning arena. The offered PPI MAG9 comes in dimension 9 x 19 front and 11 x 19 rear. Through the use of ultra light material magnesium resulting in reduction of unsprung mass, acceleration as well as deceleration and handling are distinctly improved. Weighing a mere 7,8 kg for front axle rims and 8,2 kg for rear axle rims, the PPI wheel are absolute champions in the lightweight arena. Optimal tires developed for the PPI R8 Razor in cooperation with Michelin are the supplied Michelin Pilot Sport Cup in dimensions 235/35 ZR19 (front) and 305/30 ZR19 (rear).

Ideal interior engineering
To complete the exclusive enhancements of the R8, PPI offers extensive modifications in materials and parts to the original interior. PPI offers handbrake, door entry threshold plates and middle instrument panel in carbon fibre. The technical highlight of the interior is the new PPI designed ergonomic steering wheel (available with Carbon Fibre sections) with additional interface controls for its driving dynamical program. Offered on special request is a personalized floor mat set furnished with leather trim. Also available is complete hand crafted precision leather, suede, alcantara upholstery from our in-house saddler’s.

“We’ve received word that a small group of Car and Driver readers have been selected to help the magazine select its the cover of its April issue that features the production 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, a car that’s fast becoming the worst kept secret in Detroit. This past week, both a preproduction Challenger SRT8 and R/T were driven around Detroit without camouflage just long enough to be photographed by all the right people, and now this.” Click here to read the rest of this article.

“It’s no secret to what the 2008 Dodge Challenger will look like. We’ve seen dozens of spy photos, reader-submitted photos of a production Challenger cruising the streets, and more recently we’ve seen it in on the cover of Car and Driver’s April issue. That was enough for Autoweek to decide to post a few official shots on their web site, who didn’t want to get left behind. More official photos and information will surely come shortly. Whether or not it’s before the Challenger’s introduction at the Chicago Auto Show is the question.” Click here to read the rest of this article.

“While the rights to the first 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 brought $400K at Barrett-Jackson last weekend, we’d rather have the 43rd car built, which will go up on eBay’s virtual auction block from February 12 to February 22.” Click here to read the rest of this article.

“Its identifying characteristics: coupé design, yet with four doors; impressive comfort, yet pure dynamics; sporty interior, yet space without compromises. The interplay of these contrasts has resulted in a car whose concept and design set a new course beyond the mainstream. At the same time, the Passat CC is a progressive technological platform with high-class engines (103 kW / 140 PS to 220 kW / 300 PS) and innovative assistance and driving dynamics systems. These include world firsts in the “Lane Assist” lane keeping system and the “Dynamic Drive Control” electronic chassis control system. No less innovative: the “Park Assist” parking assistant and “ACC Automatic Distance Control” with stopping distance reducing “Front Assist”.”

Continue reading the rest of this article and see all the photos at VWVortex.com.

“With its unmistakable HUMMER design and a compact, go-anywhere driving ethic, the HUMMER HX concept challenges the hierarchy of the trail. HUMMER displayed the nimble, reconfigurable off-roader at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.”

“More compact than a HUMMER H3 – 81 inches (2,057 mm) wide, with a 103-inch wheelbase (2,616-mm) – the HX concept is an open-air, two-door off-road vehicle that packs the off-road acumen for which HUMMER has become legendary, along with an easily convertible body that acclimates to varied trail conditions, cargo needs or passenger whims. Its design is based on the ideas developed by a trio of young designers who are new to the HUMMER studio.”

“The HX is HUMMER’s vision an agile, trail-ready, open-air vehicle that fits the lifestyles of everyone who needs or wants to drive off road,” said Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. “Of course, it carries exceptional off-road capability and the distinctive styling for which all HUMMERs are known.”

“Dacoit is a one seater street bike designed for pure selfish pleasure. It is not a full-blown sports bike. The seat back rest is inspired by the shape of a shark fin. The rider’s knee hugs the orange circle area. Part of the orange strip on the inner wheel is self-illuminating, making the bike more visible at night plus providing an interesting look when in motion. The gear change controls are on the hand grip area.”

If you are interested in reading more about this unique bike, check out the official Dacoit concept page here.

Press Release:
Land Rover unveils a vision of its future at the NAIAS in January 2008, with the world debut of the LRX concept - a bold evolution of Land Rover design that signals the brand’s shift into new areas of the market, while remaining true to its core values. As the company prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary during 2008, the three-door LRX, with its more compact size, lighter weight and sustainability-focused technologies, clearly addresses the needs of a changing world.

“The LRX concept delivers the powerful message that we are as serious about sustainability as we are confident about the continuing relevance and desirability of our vehicles,” says Phil Popham, Land Rover’s managing director. “LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it’s a very different Land Rover.

“LRX has unmistakable Land Rover design and the breadth of capability that you’d expect from our vehicles. But it carries those essentials into a segment where the brand has never been before, and with a proposed level of efficiency that would make it one of the cleanest vehicles in its class. It is Land Rover’s way of affirming the brand’s responsible approach to future product development. At this stage, LRX is purely a concept, designed to help us develop our thinking as well as gauge customer reaction - but this feels like a hugely exciting direction to take.”

Compact and premium
LRX is described as a cross-coupé and dramatically extends the scope of what Land Rover represents. Though smaller than the Freelander 2 / LR2, LRX was conceived as a premium car, designed to appeal to new customers in the luxury and executive sector - those who want many of the benefits of a 4×4 and the presence of a larger vehicle, but in a more compact package.

The first all-new Land Rover revealed since Gerry McGovern became the company’s design director, LRX is a natural extension of the Land Rover range, complementing the existing models and helping to define a new segment. Its many recognisable Land Rover design cues include bold new interpretations of the signature clamshell bonnet, the floating roof and the solid ‘wheel-at-each-corner’ stance.

“LRX is a design born out of passion for the brand, but it is different, relevant, engaging and exciting - because Land Rover has never built ordinary cars,” says Gerry McGovern. “LRX has a highly desirable identity and the design alludes strongly to its capability, while clearly underlining our forward-looking philosophy - it’s a Land Rover that would be comfortable on Bond Street or Fifth Avenue, but wouldn’t flinch at getting its wheels dirty.”

Its compact size is one of its greatest assets, which will appeal to anyone who wants the versatile ability of an agile 4×4 with the cachet of the Land Rover name. In addition, its lower weight and the reduced aerodynamic drag resulting from the smaller frontal area give significant gains in fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.

The LRX concept also adopts intelligent power management systems and other technologies first shown by Land Rover in the Land_e concept in 2006. Further details of LRX’s powertrain and sustainability technologies will be released at the Detroit Show.

Extending ‘breadth of capability’
The positioning of LRX could be described as moving subtly from traditional SUV to crossover, with its more car-like appearance and dynamics that are sportier and on-road biased. But while its character is underlined by excellent agility, handling and performance, LRX also promises the widest breadth of capability in the class. To help achieve this, it has full-time four-wheel drive and Hill Descent Control, as well as a special version of Land Rover’s acclaimed Terrain Response system, to optimise traction on difficult surfaces ranging from icy roads to wet grass, gravel and snow. But to reflect LRX’s on-road bias, Terrain Response also gains a new ‘Eco’ mode for lower emissions during urban driving.

The design of LRX was developed entirely in-house, driven by a passion to create a car that truly represents Land Rover’s future thinking. It has a very dynamic profile, with a distinctive taper to the floating roofline and a muscular shoulder running the length of the car, accentuated by the rising beltline. The glazing wraps right around LRX, with no exposed pillars, creating a bold design graphic. The architectural structure of the upper body can be glimpsed through the windows and roof - echoing some of the best contemporary buildings.

Pushing the wheels out to the four corners helps give the car its purposeful stance, and its front-end design makes a powerful and instantly recognisable statement of Land Rover’s identity. There are new interpretations of Land Rover’s traditional clamshell bonnet, distinctive headlamps, jewel-like, tapering blade indicator clusters front and rear, and subtle side vents. LRX’s wheelarches are wide but softly integrated, housing 20-inch alloy wheels.

The carefully sculpted corners dramatically reduce the car’s visual overhangs front and rear. With its perforated two-bar grille, door releases concealed in the car’s shoulders and graphic details ‘punched out’ of the smooth body surfaces rather than overlaid on them, LRX is beautifully proportioned and elegantly simple - but very dramatic and distinctive.

Impeccable, premium interior
The interior of the LRX concept clearly demonstrates how a compact Land Rover can still be roomy, practical, versatile - and sophisticated. The impeccably executed cabin features a combination of soft leathers in rich tan and dark chocolate, with polished aluminium details.

The ‘fast’ sloping architecture of the centre console reflects LRX’s sporty dynamics, as does the distinctive binnacle over the instrument cluster. The electronic display uses ‘floating’ LCD graphics to create a three-dimensional look that can be personalised for different drivers, as well as interacting with LRX’s touch-screen display.

The instrument graphics present data in layers depending on their level of importance, to give maximum relevant information with minimum distraction. When appropriate, displayed information transfers between the main instrument cluster and the touch screen. Further adding to LRX’s involving personality, the different drivetrain modes are matched by changes in the cabin’s background lighting colour - green in economy, red in sports and blue in standard mode.

Clever use of space
Although LRX is compact, clever use of space makes it impressively roomy, and many neat design touches maximise its practicality. A second touch-screen area gives a fully interactive display and control for LRX’s iPhone docking facility. On either side of the horizontally-split, power-operated tailgate, removable and power-adjustable speakers include an iPod docking station. There is also a coolbox, plus a bottle chiller that can be clipped to the lowered tailgate. This also has integral aluminium cupholders between two padded seating areas, for a new twist on the idea of a traditional Land Rover tailgate lunch.

Every interior design detail combines to maximise both actual space and the feeling of space. The clear roof is supported by a ’spider’ frame running into the A-pillars, and the rear quarter pillars have glazed apertures for improved visibility and a lighter feel in the cabin.

LRX’s distinctive seats ‘float’ on individual plinths and have open frameworks to reinforce the impression of light, airy interior space - while also creating useful under-seat and under-floor stowage areas. The clever, powered mechanism of the seat backs maximises interior flexibility and helps create a large, flat storage area when needed, complete with multiple tie-down options. The generous load space and through-loading option also help accommodate bikes, skis or surfboards.

“Flexible load-carrying capacity is fundamental to the concept of LRX,” says Gerry McGovern. “With this car, we’ve interpreted the idea of Land Rover ‘breadth of capability’ to be more about versatility and on-road dynamics than about ultimate off-roading. This meets the needs of the new customers that we believe would be attracted by this type of car; they will not only appreciate LRX’s flexibility, but will also recognise that it has been packaged with the highest levels of precision.”

Sustainable product design
The structures of the seats and instrument panel are elegant enough to be left exposed - one novel approach that Land Rover’s designers have taken to reduce vehicle weight. Another example is replacing the glass for the side windows and roof with polycarbonate, which is around 40% lighter.

Even the choice of premium-quality trim materials reflects Land Rover’s deep thinking about sustainability, with vegetable-tanned leather (chromium-free, so better for recycling), extensive use of aluminium (both lightweight and readily recyclable) and carpeting made of felt from sustainable sources. And the luxurious, vanilla-coloured ‘fine suede’ on the door inserts and headliner is a 100% recycled material made from used plastic bottles.

“We are determined to make sustainability a key element in our future product design and the way we do business, while still creating vehicles that have a strong emotional appeal as well as fulfilling people’s practical needs,” says Phil Popham. “No single technology delivers all the answers to whole-life sustainability, but the LRX concept brings together some of the ideas for the future that interest us, integrating them into a car that we believe represents an exciting way forward for Land Rover.”

“The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers pure American pony-car muscle,” said James Press, Vice Chairman & President — Chrysler LLC. “With styling that stays true to Challenger’s original heritage, an abundance of modern amenities and cutting-edge technology, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will deliver the SRT credo of benchmark performance at a tremendous value…” Click here to continue reading the entire press release from Dodge.

Ducati has officially unveiled the slightly less naked 2008 air-cooled Monster 696. This is a great looking bike, but somehow Ducati has lost what the Monster is all about, which is the looks of a rugged and bare naked muscular beast. The new Monster 696 is a little sleeker and dressier than previous models which makes for a great looking bike but maybe Ducati should have released this one under a different name. The insides are also updated with a new version of the traditional 695cc powerhouse which is tuned to perfection giving you about a 10% increase in boost and a 11% increase in torque which will get this 359 pound machine moving in no time. Too bad the engine is almost completely covered up behind the air intake, rear swing arm and new frame. Either way this is still a Ducati, so you can be guaranteed the precision, quality and fun factor seen in previous versions of the Monster in a slightly new package. Check out all the details at Ducati.com or view the 2008 Monster 696 photo gallery here.

The BMW 1 Series Tii Concept was just revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and it pretty much rules just like everyone expected. The 1 series is BMW’s new entry level coupe, but the 1 series Tii steps everything up a notch with a carbon fiber hood and body kit, 18″ split-spoke wheels, sport seats and Alcantara trimmed interior. The basic 1 series rolls a 3 liter twin-turbo inline 6 pumping out 300 hp which you can be guaranteed to be tuned to perfection in the Tii. Basically you get M series performance for a fraction of the price. We hope to have pricing and availability info soon, but until then check out some amazing shots of the Tii concept here.

Look out Mini, the Audi A1 “Metroproject” Quattro concept is confirmed and ready to be unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo motor show. At 3.91m long and 1.75m wide with a wheelbase of 2.46m, this is the smallest Quattro ever to hit the streets. In this case I’m not sure that size really matters because the Metroproject’s looks definitely make up for it’s measurements with brushed aluminum exterior window frame arches, virtually seamless pillars, massive grille shield and angry LED’s. This little fella is powered by a 1.4L TFSI engine featuring a S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox. If you need a little extra punch, there is an extra rear mounted 41hp electric motor that will engage as necessary to assist and adapt to your driving style. For city cruising you can switch to “pure electric mode” and save a little gas.

The “retro modern” aluminum and leather trimmed interior not only looks good but is totally “digital lifestyle” friendly. Just take a look at the integrated multimedia console featuring an album art coverflow interface that even puts the iPhone to shame. This is not confirmed, but from the looks of this interior console shot you might even be able plug your iPod, iPhone or any other Mp3 player right into the dash and control it all from your Audi’s head unit. Click here for more shots of the A1 Metroproject and check back soon for official updates.

Call it what you want, but the Tesseract concept is Yamaha’s take on a 4 wheeled motorcycle. Quad dirt bikes have been around for years, so why not bring the same idea to the streets. You have to admit that the thing looks pretty fricken bad ass, but will it’s ride live up to it’s looks. All four wheels are mounted on independent swing arms which allows the bike to lean just like conventional motorcycles. What makes this concept better than conventional two wheelers is that fact that four wheels will make the bike more stable in all aspects of the ride. Also, you could say that all motorcycles are environmentally friendly but this particular bike steps it up a notch with a hybrid V-Twin/Electric powerhouse. This is all the information we have for now, but check back later for more info and media on the Tesseract concept.

All hands were on deck this year at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show when the latest 911 GT2 made an appearance. As far as Porsche is concerned, this is pretty much the cream of the crop. The 2008 GT2 is rockin a 530 horsepower twin-turbo flat 6 which will take you to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. With a top speed of 204 mph, you will have no problems getting to the office on time but you will probably belate anyway after spending an hour in the parking lot waiting for that perfect spot. No pricing and availability information is available yet, but if you are in the position to buy one of these money is probably no object anyway. For the rest of us, there are plenty of pictures of the 2008 911 GT2 to drool over right here.

The Tokyo motor show is right around the corner and Honda is planning on making a few jaws drop with the EVO6 concept bike. When art meets engineering, the EVO6 is the result. Ever since the Ducati Monster and Buell Streetfighter bikes were released years ago, more engine exposure and less streamlined body panels seem to be the growing trend in street bikes. With a naked six cylinder 1800 cc engine the EVO6 melds speed with muscle in way that is very appealing to the eye and most likely the road as well. No word yet as to pricing and availability but hopefully this is one concept that will become a reality in the near future.

F1 Inspired, V8 powered and a racing stripe to make it even faster. The Ferrari 430 Scuderia will take you to 62mph in under 3.6 seconds and top out at 198mph. If you can afford one of these ($350,000), please don’t wrap it around any telephone poles. It’s just sad that the only people that actually have the bank role to pick these cars up don’t have any clue on how to drive them. The Scuderia is not a limited edition model and customers placing orders now should see delivery in early 2008 which means we should see a few on the chopping block by mid July. Click the image above for more shots of the Scuderia at the Frankfurt motor show.

The Porsche Limited Edition Cayman S simply reeks of amazing design and class. Only 777 of these limited Cayman’s will be sold starting in Germany this November followed by a Stateside release in January of 2008. Price wise you are looking at €58,600 in Germany which converts to around $81,000 here is the US, but that number has not been confirmed. Click the image above for more shots of the limited edition Cayman S or check out the official press release after the jump.

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG of Stuttgart, Germany, is to expand its mid-engine coupé model range with the launch, in November 2007, of the Cayman S “Porsche Design Edition 1″, a limited-edition special series. Porsche has incorporated various design disciplines into this very special mid-engine coupé: the black exterior emphasizes the purist nature of the 295-bhp sports car and, at the same time, is a nod to Porsche Design and the famous Chronograph 1s designed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche precisely 35 years previously.

This look, cultivated by Porsche Design, imparts additional luxury and class on the Cayman S: the black leather and Alcantara upholstery harmonizes with refined details such as the instrument dials, the layout of which reflects that of all Porsche Design chronographs. Even the center console, dashboard, and door trims glisten in black, while the three-spoke sports steering wheel, the gear lever, the handbrake grip, and the roof lining are clothed in non-slip black Alcantara. The Porsche logo (crest) is embossed on the headrests.

The vehicle’s technical features are equally sophisticated: beneath the ten-millimeter-lower body, standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) actively controls the hardness of the shock absorbers and it features a special Sport mode that can be activated at the touch of a button for a really dynamic driving feel. Five-millimeter spacers together with 19-inch turbo wheels give the Cayman S “Porsche Design Edition 1″ a presence that is reinforced yet further by the 235/35 ZR 19 tires at the front axle and the 265/35 ZR 19 tires at the rear.

The Porsche Design Studio, created by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche 35 years ago, has rapidly become a top international name for industrial design, luxury items, and consumer goods. Top-class functionality and esthetics glisten in the new “Porsche Design Edition 1″ collection – in black or black matt, of course.

The Cayman S “Porsche Design Edition 1″ standard equipment thus includes an elegant briefcase containing the Flat Six Chronograph, a pocket knife, a pair of sunglasses, a pen, and a key ring – all in black, even the knife blade, in keeping with the vehicle’s styling. The number of Cayman S “Porsche Design Edition 1″ units is to be as exclusive as this series-production luxury package: only 777 are being built, and each will be identifiable from a badge on the lid of the glove box.

The market launch of this black Cayman with exclusive Porsche Design equipment, including briefcase, will begin in Germany in November 2007 and in the United States in January 2008. The base price is 58,600 Euros and, factoring in 19 percent value-added tax, the price in Germany will be 69,942 Euros.

The Reventon is expected to be the “baddest ass” million dollar Lambo ever built, and for that price I would expect nothing less. Even if you had a spare mill laying around to waste you still will not be able to get your hands on the Reventon simply because only twenty of them are being made, and every single one of them have already been sold to a bunch of people that have no idea how to drive them. For more images of the Lamborghini Reventon click here.