Orca SC7

The Orca sports car company founded in 2003 may very well be considered a one-hit wonder. Headquartered in Liechtenstein, this family owned company has its origins out of Switzerland and is run by a father and son team, René and Ralph Beck.

The SC7 came with an Audi V8 engine producing 850 horsepower, can reach a top speed of 248 mph and able to go from 0 to 60 in 2.6 seconds.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe Est. Market Price: NA
Dimensions
Length: 158.3 in. (402 cm) Wheelbase: NA
Height: 37.8 in. (96 cm) Width: 79.5 in. (202 cm)
Curb Weight: 1874 lbs (850 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Performance
Engine: Audi V8 Twin Turbo Fuel Injection Displacement: 4.2 Liter
Horsepower: 850 HP Max RPM: 6500 rpm
Torque: 738 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Sequential
0-60 mph: 2.6 seconds Est. Top Speed: 248 mph (400 km/h)

Orca produced a number of sports cars before the SC7. These include the concept Orca C113 platform and the R113. All in all, Orca engineering produced 7 vehicles since its inception in 2003, three of the C113, two of the R113, and 2 of the SC7. Every one of these clocked 0 to 60 at less than 3 seconds.
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Word on the street is that the company is due to come out with the Beck LM800 sometime soon. This has yet to be confirmed.Orca-BeckLM800-A

January 10, 2013 at 3:32 am | No comment

2013 Nissan Resonance Concept

The 2013 Nissan Resonance Concept is a hybrid car combining a smaller displacement in-house combustion gasoline engine with an electric motor. The Resonance points out the future of Nissan crossovers with its elegant and edgy design.

With the spacious and sophisticated interior, advanced HEV engine and the engaging aerodynamic exterior, this vehicle is certain to cause waves in the crossover genre experience.
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Engine

The 2013 Resonance is equipped with an efficient hybrid electric power-train. This engine is created around Nissan’s innovative one-motor, 2-clutch system. This system combines an in-house combustion gasoline engine with electric motor and advanced management system.

The engine works hand in hand to a next-generation Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), sending the power to all 4 wheels through an AWD system.
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Exterior

The automaker was inspired by the futuristic appeal of hypersonic travel in order to come up with the Resonance Concept. Its striking and brusque looking surface combines with provocative lines, creating an appeal of spaciousness.

The front part comes with a new V-Motion design-language that includes a new front grille, iconic boomerang shaped headlights and hood. Other notable features are: steeply raked A-pillars, flowing D-pillar design and a large full-length glass panel. The concept is coated with a standard Flare Orange paint, while its 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are offered in Satin Chrome accents.
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Interior

The interior is specifically designed for people looking for a lavish feeling in a crossover. The car comes with an attractive instrument panel that enables the driver to easily access all communication and infotainment features.

The seats are offered in buttery leather and are premium-stitched. Illumination highlights and natural wood patterns are featured throughout the inside, creating an impression of a modern cabin. To complement that, passengers have a panoramic view of the exterior through an open glass roof.
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Although this crossover is presented as a design concept for now, many enthusiast look forward to the day that Nissan will begin actual production. With its luxurious interior, stylish exterior and efficient hybrid engine, the 2013 Nissan Resonance Concept is one of the crossovers to be anticipating for in future.

January 9, 2013 at 9:15 pm | No comment

2013 Jaguar F-Type Firesand

Jaguar’s F-Type is based on a mini version of the XK convertible platform that will be released next year. The 2013 Jaguar F-Type Firesand is a customized version of the series demonstrating the possible variations of the car based on the preferences of the owner.

Designed to compete with other major brands, the new sports roadster went through during the design stages; it included a hybrid-electric version.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe Est. Market Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons (71 l) MPG: NA
Dimensions
Length: 176 in. (447 cm) Wheelbase: 103.2 in. (262.1 cm)
Height: 51 in. (129.5 cm) Width: 75.7 in. (192.2 cm)
Curb Weight: 3558 lbs (1614 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 7.0 cu ft Maximum Seating: 2
Performance
Engine: 3.0L Supercharged V6 Compression Ratio: 10.5: 1
Horsepower: 375 HP Max RPM: 6500 rpm
Torque: 339 lb-ft @ 3500-5000 rpm Transmission: 8-Speed QuickShift
0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds Top Speed: 171 mph (275 km/h)

Engine

The Firesand comes with your choice of either a 3.0 liter V6 or a 5.0 liter V8 engine. In terms of power, the V6 is capable of generating 335 HP or an option for 375 HP, while the V8 produces 488 HP.

Depending on which engine you choose, 0 to 62 begins at 5.1 seconds to a best of 4.2 seconds; top speed goes from 161 MPH to 186 MPH. Transmission is an 8-speed automatic gearbox with paddle-shifters.
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Performance

As expected, the F-Type’s driving dynamics are similar to that of a roadster. Improved downforce keeps the car low on the road at high speeds and despite its light weight; tire traction gives it increased efficiency while cornering.

Exterior

The Firesand gets its name from the special-ordered paintwork color. No major changes were added to the design except for some special customization packs including black elements in the interior. The physical part of the design is actually the stock version of the car which was inspired by the XK convertible.

Interior

The interior is predominantly covered in leather, including the dashboard and steering wheel. Between the two front seats, the control panel maintains a minimalistic look and all driver controls are integrated into the driving wheel, making room for a clean looking dashboard.

The 2013 Jaguar F-Type Firesand is just showcasing the customization options offered by the manufacturer to its customers. Wearing bold paintwork, the Firesand carries all the features offered by the series but using a new coat of paint.

Equipped with your choice of a powerful engine to go with a high-end transmission, this roadster behaves as expected in a sports car.
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January 8, 2013 at 1:12 pm | No comment

2012 Lotus Exige V6 Cup

The Lotus Exige is one of the most outstanding race-cars available. However, for people who are into mid-engine racers, then the 2012 Lotus Exige V6 Cup is the answer. The V6 Cup is a special edition of the Exige S which has been prohibited in America, since it did not meet airbag safety standards.

This is a track-only car which means that it cannot be driven on public roads. This car will be available in two versions: track day edition and competition-Spec trim.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe Est. Market Price: $102,222
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.5 gals. (40L) MPG: 6 city / 16 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 160.7 in. (408.4 cm) Wheelbase: 93.3 in. (237 cm)
Height: 44.5 in. (112.9 cm) Width: 70.9 in. (180.2 cm)
Curb Weight: 2381 lbs (1080 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: NA Maximum Seating: 2
Performance
Engine: SuperCharged V6 VVT-i Displacement: 3.5 Liter
Horsepower: 346 HP Max RPM: 7000 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds Top Speed: 170 mph (274 km/h)

Engine

The V6 Cup comes with a 3.5L V6 engine that generates 346 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4,500rpm. This power enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 171 mph.

Lotus made this vehicle “race ready” by adding features that include: multi-adjustable suspension system, and a Lotus-Dynamic-Performance-Management system. The latter enables the driver to operate between three driving modes: Sport, Race and Touring. Other performance related features are: racing roll cage, and option for 6-point or 4-point race harness.
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Exterior

The V6 Cup has revised aerodynamic features found in the rear and front. Another notable features are the Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo tires that wrap the car’s wheels. The car also comes with an aero-optimized front-splitter, and a rear wing. Generally, the V6 Cup weighs 2381 pounds, which is 200 lbs lighter than the Exige S.

Interior

Inside, you will encounter a total racing experience. Many racing gadgets have been incorporated including, a removable steering column, an FIA-compliant fire extinguisher, HANS-compliant race seats and adjustable suspension.

You should expect to see the V6 Cup (2012) in competitions including: Lotus Cup Europe, Hungary Lotus Cup (Ladies), Lotus Cup UK, Japan Lotus Cup and Lotus Cup Eastern-Europe among others.

With its powerful engine, the V6 Cup is most likely to outdo other models during those competitions. Only twenty of these are being made.

January 7, 2013 at 3:39 am | No comment

2012 Manhart Racing BMW MH3 V8 R Biturbo

Manhart Racing released their tuned version of the BMW E92 M3, the 2012 Manhart Racing BMW MH3 V8 R Biturbo; it comes with refined tuning, mostly focusing on tweaking the performance of the sports car.

According to the German tuner, their re-tuned version of the BMW is the most powerful sports convertible in its class. The stock engine has been replaced with a powerful 4.4 liter V8 which required a reworked carbon fiber hood.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Super Sport Convertible Est. Market Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.6 gals (62.8 l) MPG: NA
Dimensions
Length: 181.7 in. (461.5 cm) Wheelbase: 108.7 in. (276 cm)
Height: 54.8 in. (139.2 cm) Width: 71.0 in. (180.3 cm)
Luggage Capacity: NA Maximum Seating: 4
Performance
Engine: V8 Twin Turbo Displacement: 4.4 Liter
Horsepower: 655 HP Torque: 719 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic Top Speed: 199 mph (320 km/h)

Engine

Manhart Racing’s version of the E92 M3 runs on the 4.4 liter V8 engine with the twin-turbo system taken from the X6 M, capable of a maximum output of 655 HP. The tuners also removed the speed limiter making it possible to reach 199 MPH. Because they replaced the engine, Manhart had to upgrade the suspensions to sustain the extra weight.
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Performance

The engine modification had to be matched by handling improvements. Deceleration has been improved with the aid of a new breaking system with four-piston brake pads and larger disks. The stock tires have also been replaced with high performance ones for an improved road grip and better control at high speeds.

Exterior

Some parts on the inside have been replaced with carbon fiber parts. The stock engine bonnet has been replaced with a lighter one to make room for the new engine. Mirror caps and the diffuser have been changed as well with carbon fiber versions. Along with the physical modification, Manhart Racing added subtitle decorative stripes on the sides of the car.

The 2012 Manhart Racing BMW MH3 V8 R Biturbo had its entire performance system redone. Its original engine has been completely replaced with a more powerful V8. The German tuning company focused on making it one of the fastest sports convertibles in its class reaching almost 200 MPH.

Handling was not ignored. The engine improvements required the team to add upgrades for the transmission and braking system to enhance the driving dynamics.
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January 6, 2013 at 3:39 am | 1 comment

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