2012 Design and Concept Chevrolet Camaro GT3 by Sareni United

The Chevrolet Camaro is a relative newbie in the world of GT3 racing, but ever since the fifth-generation model was revealed a few years ago, a lot of racing teams have gone to battle with the American muscle car.

With the new year still on the horizon, a lot of teams have begun their preparations leading up to the 2012 season. One in particular, German-based YACO Racing, is hard-at-work preparing their version of the Camaro GT3 race cars that were built by Sareni United.

With the Sareni-built Camaro GT3, YACO Racing is preparing their race cars to compete in a number of GT3 race series in the coming year, including that of the German ADAC GT Master series and GT3 European Championship. Since the car is being prepped for racing, the overall set-up has been completely modified for the occasion. One look at the Camaro and you’ll notice a number of changes being made, including the use of a new front bumper design, an enormous rear spoiler, and a refurbished interior, complete with all the necessary elements - race seats, roll cage, etc. - for a GT3 race car.

Another thing about this particular Camaro GT3 race car is the involvement of SaReni United, which is owned by Reiter Engineering and who introduced their own version of a Camaro GT3 racer about a year ago that YACO Racing will be using for the 2012 season.

Performance details on the Sareni Camaro GT3 center around a 7.9-liter Katech V8 engine rated at up to 650 horsepower and 627 lb/ft of torque with lap times similar to the Gallardo LP600+ GT3, which incidentally, is another one of Reiter Engineering’s creations. This engine is mated to a newly designed HOLINGER gear box with paddle shifters located on the steering wheel.

2012 Maserati Quattroporte

2012 Maserati Quattroporte

We already know that the Maserati Quattroporte will be getting a smaller engine in order to reduce fuel consumption, which is something that is quite a trend nowadays. But while the Quattroporte’s competitors, such as the Audi A8 and the Porsche Panamera 4, are making their vehicles longer, Maserati says that their sedan "will not get any bigger."

"Even though our rivals – such as the new Audi A8 – are getting longer, we have to keep it as a sporty alternative," said Fiat design boss Lorenzo Ramaciotti. The new model will be unveiled in 2012 and will be offered with a four-wheel drive system and stop-start technology, that will also help to reduce fuel consumption. Maserati’s goal is to reduce fuel consumption by about 15 percent. Under the hood Maserati will place downsized V6 and V8 engines, as well as an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox (also offered in the BMW 7-Series).

Exterior and Interior

The new generation Maserati Quattroporte will take its design inspiration from the brand’s latest models, the GranTurismo coupe and convertible. On the exterior, the Maserati will receive a completely new design, but the current grille treatment will remain the same. The interior will get improved technology and a more luxurious treatment.
Engine

The top version of the Maserati Quattroporte will receive an improved version of the current 4.7-liter V8 engine, which delivers 440 HP. The engine will be mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Entry levels will obviously be on the less powerful side of the spectrum with a V6 engine. All models will be offered with a four-wheel drive system and stop-start technology.

Competition

The new generation Maserati Quattroporte will be designed and engineered in order to attack models like the Aston Martin Rapide and the Porsche Panamera.

The Aston Martin Rapide is powered by a hand-built 6.0-liter V12 engine that delivers a total of 470 HP and 443 lb-ft of peak torque at 5000 rpm. The engine is mated to a specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission and will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds on its way out to a top speed of 188 mph. The Panamera will be offered with V6 and V8 engines. Power will range from 300 to 500 bhp depending on the trim level and will be mated to either a manual six-speed gearbox or seven-speed Double-Clutch Gearbox (PDK).

Both of these models feature power outputs that are beyond what the Maserati is capable of, but with the new Quattroporte, Maserati’s focus was on improving fuel consumption so we’ll have to wait for those figures in order to see if the brand was truly successful.

New USA Jaguar shows sketch of C-X16 sports car concept

Jaguar shows sketch of C-X16 sports car concept

Get ready for something new and hot from Jaguar. It's the C-X16 production concept and for the moment, all we get is this sketch. The actual car will make its global debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on Sept. 13.

 

The Ian Callum-designed C-X16 concept is a precursor to future Jaguar sports cars that Jag says will aim to set new class benchmarks in design, vehicle dynamics and technology.

"Great Jaguar cars have always been beautiful, innovative and have looked firmly to the future. The finished C-X16 concept has the potential to do these things while retaining the ability to surprise, excite and invigorate," Callum said.