Peugeot unveiled the details of its 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer, which has been designed to conquer the demanding conditions of the Colorado's Pikes Peak Hill Climb challenge. It is one of the world's highest hill climb to an altitude of 14,111 feet (4,301 meters), a total distance of 12.4 miles (19.9 kms) with 156 corners to contend with.

The French team, victorious in this hill climb challenge in 1988 and 1989, is looking to relive the history through this mighty contender. They will not just be gunning for the top honors, but will also be eyeing to beat the course record held by the Hyundai Genesis Coupe team. The odds of Peugeot achieving that goal of winning it again.

Specifications

**Based on Peugeot 208 GTI

Engine

The 208 T16 Pikes Peak specs are unbelievably awesome. The vehicle is powered by an Inline 4 cylinder engine that churns 280 horsepower and generates max torque of 296 lb ft. That is enormous power for this 2645 pound vehicle.

As expected, the performance figures of this little beast are mind-boggling.

Aerodynamics

While the Peugeot 208 T16 has an impressive engine, it would take much more than the straight-line performance to win the Pikes Peak challenge. It is built with a tubular steel frame chassis with rear and front anti-roll bars. All this is covered under the carbon fiber bodywork to keep the vehicle light on its feet.

A double wishbone suspension and hydraulic double circuit brakes are key elements that make handling of this car superb. Peugeot has taken the hint from aerodynamic, braking and running gear from a Le Mans winner.

The car is fitted with a 8 foot wide rear wing to generate the required downforce. A specially designed under-tray also plays a crucial role in generating downforce for extreme performance.

History

Peugeot is not leaving anything to chance and they have put Sebastian Loeb (9 times world rally champion) behind the wheel for the Pikes Peak challenge.

The 2013 Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak edition has all the makings of a great car for this hill climb challenge. It remains to be seen if Peugeot repeats the historic victory of 1988 or not.

The release of the 2013 Porsche 911 RSR means great things for the German automobile manufacturer. This is an important year for Porsche. It is 50th anniversary of the 911, it is also marking Porsche's return to racing.

The 911 RSR has undergone several tweaks in preparation to make it race-ready. The Porsche AG Team Manthey said they are ready take on the 24 hour Le Mans race in June after an absence of at least a good fifteen years.

Specifications

**Specs of Porsche 911 GT3

New Design

The new 911 RSR is characterized by its sophisticated aerodynamics and impressive lightweight design. The new model is said to have been built on new strengths never seen in a 911.

The center of gravity is seen to be lower and more stable as compared to its predecessor. This new 911 boasts of even weight distribution. The new Porsche is also scheduled to compete in the World Endurance Championship this year among other important races.

Performance & Engine

Carbon fiber parts in this 911 model play a big role in improved performance. Front and rear lids, doors, underbody, wheel arches, front and rear mudguards among other things are made from the lightweight and durable material.

The windows are also made from a very lightweight polycarbonate material. The engine has been optimized for better racing capabilities. A naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine that gives it 460 horsepower is what brings power to this car. It is something that Porsche fans look forward to hearing during race day.

The Future

This year, Porsche is making the right moves to get back into the racing scene. Though the 911 RSR will not be seen in the North American racing series this year, there are a number of races where the new Porsche model can strut its stuff. Actor Patrick Dempsey can be seen behind the wheel of one of Porsche's 911 RSR in Le Mans.

A lot of big names are giving back and helping charities. The people at Rolls Royce are doing their par. This is evident in the 2013 Rolls-Royce FAB1.

The FAB1 lives up to its name, it's drizzled in an absolutely fabulous shade of pink. A project headed by Chris Evans, Rolls Royce aims to raise over £1 million for Breast Cancer Care through their FAB1.

This car will be available for hire throughout the year and will be showing up at important events.

Specifications

*Governed

Bespoke (Tailored)

The Rolls-Royce Bespoke team used a Ghost Extended Wheelbase for the project. They included a special pink bespoke umbrella as well as pink hand-stitched interior and headrests which showcase a beautifully embroidered Breast Cancer Care ribbons.

The little enhancements are what make the FAB1 so unique. Tread plates that have the "FAB1" name as well as the pink and cream interior really add a spark to this glossy, blushing car.

The Charity

FAB1 Million aims to raise about 1 million pounds for Breast Cancer Care through the iconic Rolls Royce FAB1 Bespoke. The FAB1 is a pink car used in a British television series back in the 1960s, "The Thunderbirds."

This was driven by the fictional character, Lady Penelope. The project launch was held on April 18, 2013 with a star-studded point-to-point drive using the Rolls Royce FAB1.

The Ghost

Rolls Royce is known for making exquisite vehicles with ample leg room and a comfortable ride for any passenger. The Ghost Extended Wheelbase did not need a lot of modifications in terms of performance.

A handy veneer picnic table was installed along with a 9.2" LCD screen supported by a 10-channel amplifier to go with the 16 speakers.

What's a Rolls Royce without a bit of bubbly? This car has a beautiful champagne coolbox which allows anyone to sit back and relax while they enjoy the ride.

The 2014 SRT Viper TA(stands for Time Attack) has been designed and developed by Chrysler's SRT (Street & Racing Technology) team, working closely with professional road racers.

The SRT team decided to build an aggressive performance machine after the SRT's Viper GTS failed to impress against Corvette's ZR1.

The SRT Viper TA has been built with the same standard as all Viper models.

Specifications

*These are projections, time and speed have yet to be independently verified.

It is characterized by exceptional on-track capability and a lightweight design. The Viper TA spec-package has been designed for extreme road-racing performance and handling. Only 33 units would be rolled out in a special 'TA Orange' shade.

Engine & Performance

The 2014 Viper TA is fitted with a handcrafted, all-aluminum 8.4 liter V10 engine, which churns out incredible performance figures. The engine produces 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft torque. This is the highest torque produced by any naturally-aspirated engine. Given the extremely lightweight design (weighs only 3348 lbs); the power to weight ratio is very impressive at 5.2 lbs per hp.

The performance numbers are not yet out officially, but the initial tests have shown that this is the fastest Viper ever. The car can hit 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and does a quarter mile in 11.3 seconds. The top speed is projected to be at the 210 mph mark.

The biggest performance boost on the Viper TA has come in the form of some changes in the suspension system, which gives it a significant edge in handling.

Exterior & Interior

There aren't too many design changes in the Viper TA as compared to the base Viper. The Viper TA comes with new Crusher Orange paint, which gives it a great sporty look. The car comes with TA and Stryker logos and a set of Ultra-lightweight, matte-finished Sidewinder II wheels.

The car is fitted with an aerodynamic package made of carbon-fiber components, including front-splitters, a rear-spoiler and a rear appliqué that not only adds to the performance, but enhances the look of this Viper.

The interior did not get a lot of changes, but you will find the traces of external Crusher Orange on the interior components.

The 2014 SRT Viper TA is scheduled to be rolled out beginning in the 3rd quarter of 2013. There is no word yet on the pricing of the car, but it is expected to be a little more than the Viper GTS that retails at $120,000.

While everyone focused their attention on the return of the Chevrolet Z/28, the performance car manufacturer also made updates on the SS. The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS made its debut alongside the Z/28 during the New York Auto show earlier this year.

Chevy unveiled additions for the SS and is giving more options for those interested in the appreciate this iconic "muscle car."

Specifications

** Based on 2013 Camaro SS

Performance

The Camaro SS is said to have better track performance compared to its predecessor. This comes with an impressive 426-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine. Those who avail of the coupe version will also benefit from the 1LE handling package which is said to improve track performance.

Exterior

Chevrolet emphasized that they wanted to differentiate the V6 from the V8 models of their new Camaro lineup. You can see this in the styling they now have, specifically with the hood extractor.

For the V8 model, you can see that the hood extractor is functional and allows for better air cooling for the bigger engine. This also reduces engine heat and gives the car better downforce, preventing aerodynamic lift. The RS package has a bit more flair as it shows off a revised front fascia that comes with fog lamps.

The Camaro SS also comes with a new rear deck that comes with LED tail lamps. The larger lower grill allows for more efficient cooling for the vehicle.

While not a lot of Chevy enthusiasts paid any mind to the new Camaro SS, it still received positive reviews. The team behind the new Camaro lineup are said to have been too busy with the new Z/28 that they left the Camaro SS high and dry.

The options for the Camaro SS include Recaro sports seats among other things. The Camaro SS is one car to look out for the coming year.