Monday, August 28, 2017

Pagani Zonda C12 F

Introduction
The Zonda F is a custom built car made primarily of carbon fibre, of aluminium alloys, titanium, avional, chrome-molybdenum alloy and selected leathers. Some of these materials are transformed using the most advanced technologies… others, by the best craftsmen. Pagani checks the quality of each individual piece and collects the technical data to form a manual; one for each car, creating a detailed and faithful representation, much the same as an artist's portrait. Only in aviation does this happen today. And up until now only the Zonda, can claim to be made this way. The Zonda F is made by hand, The idea has been to create a car that was light, safe, original yet offering great performance, using the best technology available and inspired by racing cars, the same concept that inspired the creation of the fantastic Miura of the '60's.

Pagani Zonda F Data

Base Price 741,000 USD
Power 602 hp
Zero to 60 mph 3.6 s
Zero to 100 mph N/A
Top speed 214 mph / 345 km/h

History
The Zonda C12 F debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show . It is the most extensive reengineering of the Pagani car yet, though it shares much with its predecessors including the 7.3 L V12. Power is increased to 602 PS (443 kW/594 hp) with a special clubsport model producing 650 PS (478 kW/641 hp). The company promises a 3.5 second sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h, a top speed over 344 km/h (214 mph) and it will be the queen in braking from 300 km/h to 0 (186 mph to 0). The Zonda F clubsport has a power to weight ratio of 521 bhp/ ton (384 W/kg) . Compare, for example, the Enzo Ferrari which has a power to weight ratio of 483 bhp/ ton (356 W/kg) .

The Zonda F will be built in a new factory capable of producing 250 cars per year. 70 of these cars per year will be the first Paganis to officially be offered in the United States, though four prior Zondas were imported for racing. The company plans to complete full Federalization, including crash testing, before the introduction of the car in 2007 .

Technology
Aerodynamics - When it starts moving, the Zonda F slices through the air with hardly any effort. Some of its power is used to force the car down onto the tarmac resulting in a very strong ground effect, so that the tyres are glued to the road, transferring all the car's power and torque to it. According to a simple equation the grip is a result of the material's friction coefficient times the applied force. This principle can then be turned into top rate performance if the tyre size and the vehicle speed are record breaking. Aerodynamics however are even more crucial where safety is concerned: when breaking for an emergency, when reaction times are even more critical and when road holding can make all the difference.

The Zonda F - 300 to 0. And it's not just about having a cutting-edge carbonceramic breaking system. Effective breaking is dependant on exploiting an array of forces; by utilizing the shock absorber geometry, the low center of gravity and the reduced weight, we manage to keep the car as flat on the ground as possible while countering any pitching effect. This way even the rear tyres remain stuck to the ground. Added to this the excellent ABS system, developed by Bosch, is at its best when the situation gets really tricky. It's a very reactive, safe car, with no roll to speak of. Through its Nardi steering wheel, one's hands feel directly in contact with the road surface. The electronics are kept to a minimum. While the comfort is unusual for a supercar capable of reaching speeds of over 340 km/h.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Gemballa Avalanche GT2 650 EVO-R

With the new Gemballa GTR 650 Avalanche, based on the Porsche 997 Carrera, the Leonberg, Germany Porsche conversion specialist Gemballa has created THE absolute dream car for the 2006 sports car year, optionally on 19 inch or 20 inch wheels. This ultimate German sports car will be available to a selected clientele starting next year. With this refined, ultra-sporty and equally reliable automobile, Gemballa is continuing in its very own great tradition of sports car construction. The Gemballa Avalanche, Mirage and Cyrrus models from the 80's didn’t earn their legendary reputation for no reason.

The performance of the 2006 dream car is already the first attention-getter. The Gemballa GTR 650 Avalanche's motor boasts a breathtaking 650 hp. Part of the motor's conversion by the Gemballa engineers included eliciting an impressive 820 Nm torque, guaranteed to bring a satisfied smile to the driver's lips already at 4800 RPM. In comparison, the standard Porsche 997 model features maximum 400 Nm torque at 4600 RPM. The difference puts the GTR 650 Avalanche's sprinting qualities in a class all their own. The GTR 650 Avalanche reaches the 200 km/h mark in only 11.2 seconds, and its top speed leaves doubters in the dust: The irrepressible GTR 650 Avalanche engine delivers a maximum tempo of up to 335 km/h.

But peak performance wasn't the only item at the top of the Gemballa engineers' spec sheet. The Porsche conversion specialists placed just as much emphasis on the safety and durability of the Avalanche. Titanium piston rods, an intake system specially developed by Gemballa, three intercoolers and a special turbo configuration ensure Gemballa pleasure for a long time to come. And its lucky owner only has to share this pleasure with one passenger, because for safety reasons, from 650 hp the GTR 650 Avalanche is only available as a two-seater.

Massive eight-piston brake calipers and accordingly sized 380 millimeter diameter perforated disk brakes make sure the Avalanche also slows to a safe stop. The GTR 650 Avalanche sits on 19 inch wheels with tires sizes of 235 (front) and 315 (rear). The new 20 inch racing wheels are also optionally available, with tire sizes of 245 (front) and 325 (rear). For the particularly ambitious driver who would like to push the GTR 650 Avalanche's envelope, for example on the Nordschleife, Gemballa also offers an optional roll bar.

The new Avalanche's body and interior are equally as exclusive and unique as its driving performance and safety components. All of its add-on components are made of carbon. Fenders and sidewalls are all metal. And the future owner of the GTR 650 Avalanche can also look forward to Gemballa sport seats, a Gemballa sport steering wheel and aluminum pedals. Starting at 240,000 Euros, the new Gemballa dream car becomes tangible sports car euphoria.