Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse Concept: Photos & Video

Maserati has released the details of its new race car concept, the GranTurismo MC Corse. Developed by Maserati Racing Department engineers, the track-bound GranTurismo MC Concept is based on Maserati's flagship GranTurismo S. It comes with an upgraded engine along with a new intake system, catalytic converters and a center-exit exhaust enabling it to make 450 hp of power. Other modifications include an aero kit, 18-inch lightweight alloys, upgraded suspension and brake components and a FIA-approved rollcage.

GranTurismo MC Hi-Res Pics Pasted Below.

The Maserati Corse concept features two large air intakes along with new side air vents linked to the side skirts to improve air cooling for both the engine and the front brakes. The rear fenders are now wider to accommodate larger rear tires. Plus there are twin exit exhaust pipes integrated into the rear diffuser and the suspension has been upgraded to meet the track surface with new racing shocks and large racing slicks.

The MC Concept has been stripped of almost all the interior luxury that GranTurismo S possess. This weight saving exercise allowed it to gain a FIA-approved rollcage, a sole racing seat and a Sparco racing steering wheel while still weighing less than 1,400kg.

Maserati hasn't yet disclosed if the GranTurismo MC Corse concept is just a design exercise or an actual race car that we can soon hope to see in track events.

Source: carmagazine
Read More On: Maserati

Video: Testing the new Maserati Granturismo MC Concept at Monza circuit.



Photo Gallery: Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse Concept High-Res Pictures.

Launch: 2009 Honda City Hits Thailand: Photos-Details

Honda has made the official debut of its new updated economy car, the next gen Honda City. To begin with, 2009 City will only be available in Thailand. But within a few months time it will be released in India, China, Philippines, Malaysia, Pakistan and other Asian markets. The Thai version of Honda's latest City will sell for 524,000 to 694,000 baht, which is about 15,000 US dollars. It comes with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine that makes 120 hp of horsepower. It is available in five speed manual and automatic transmissions.

See 09 Model Honda City Picture Gallery Below.

Visually, Honda City is much better looking than the previous generation City and thus will have a much wider appeal. The front end has a strong resemblance to the Honda FCX Clarity. It has a huge front grille that merge seamlessly with the new stylized headlights which incidently look like they were taken from the Altis. At the rear the short bootlid with an integrated spoiler gives the car a stout BMW'ish look. Rear-lamps have a nice design but not everyone would say the same about it.

The exterior dimensions of the new Honda City are - 4,395mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,470mm tall. This makes it 5mm longer and wider but 25mm shorter in height. Thus unlike the tall boy looks of the previous model, the new City gives an impression of being a much more proportional sedan with a sportier stance.

On the inside is a simple but elegantly designed dash, well laid out instrument cluster and an aluminium finish center console. There are loads of storage spaces that include 7 cup/bottle holders. The steering wheel is now adjustable for reach as well as height. It features paddle shift controls and integrated audio controls. Cars audio system now comes with an iPod compatible USB connector. The rear seats are placed higher than the ones at the front and can be folded in a 60/40 split. Everything is very well put together, as you would expect from Honda.

The fifth-gen Honda City comes in three models variants- S, V, SV. The City S and City V have dual-tone beige interiors while the top-end City SV gets the exclusive dark trims. For customers in Thailand the car will be available in six colours: Habanero Red Pearl, Deep Lapis Blue Metallic, Alabaster Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, Bold Beige Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.

Source: Pakwheels
Read More On: Honda City

Photo Gallery: Latest Thai Version Honda City Official Pictures. Click Pics To Enlarge.


2009 Honda City Photo Gallery: Pictures Taken From Brochure. Click Pics To Enlarge.

Bugatti Expands Model Range With New Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

Yesterday at the 2008 Monterey Auto Show, the evening prior to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the Bugatti unveiled a second model to the world – the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport with a unique removable roof. In response to customer demand, significant modifications have been made to the vehicle's complex structure to make possible open-top driving, thereby adding a new dimension to this high-performance sports car.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport is immediately recognizable as a result of its slightly higher windscreen, stylized daytime running lights, and lightweight, transparent polycarbonate roof.

The new Bugatti also gets the carbon fibre doors and house an integrated longitudinal beam. In the event of an accident, this transfers the load from the A to the B-pillar, thereby dissipating impact energy. Furthermore, the two redesigned air intakes for the 16-cylinder mid-engine now feature 10-centimetre wide carbon-fibre elements to offer protection should the car roll.

Along with moisture-resistant, backstitched leather, a range of new equipment features has been added to the interior, including a reversing camera with 2.7-inch monitor in the rear-view-mirror, and the "Puccini" sound system with digital signal processor. When the roof is closed, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport can reach 407 km/h, while speeds of up to 360 km/h are possible with roof off. Should it rain, an innovative folding roof stored in the luggage compartment can be opened up like an umbrella at any time.

When this folding roof is in place, the car can travel at up to 130 km/h. Assembled by hand at the company's headquarters in Molsheim, Alsace, the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport will be available from March 2009 at the price of 1.4 million euros (excluding tax). Just 150 examples will be made, with the first 50 of these going exclusively to registered Bugatti customers. The first vehicle is certain to be highly sought after, and Bugatti has taken the decision to donate this specific car to charity. It will be sold to the highest bidder at the Pebble Beach Auction presented by Gooding & Company.

Source: TheyReviewed
Read More On: Bugatti Veyron

Photo Gallery: New Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport High Res Pictures.