




[Source: Carscoop]

PRESS RELEASE: Through the "green hell" with Bio-Power
HEICO SPORTIV will be racing the class winner of the 24h race 2006, the HEICO HS4 ODIN. HEICO SPORTIV PR and Motorsport representative Patrick Brenndφrfer explains: "The drastic reduction of CO2-output is one of the main concerns of the automobile industry for the future. As a tuner and racing team we can also make a difference. By using innovative technologies, motorsport and ecology don't have to be a disagreement."
Bio ethanol E85 is a renewable resource. Ethanol is alcohol-based and is made from starch, sugar and plant cellulose such as corn, sugar beet and cereals. E85 stands for a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% normal gasoline. Using this fuel the CO2 output is almost neutral, because the only carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere is that used in developing the plant materials. This is how bio ethanol can be a step to reduce CO2 emissions and slow the greenhouse effect.
The 24h race of the Nurburgring on the 9th through the 10th of June, 2007 sets perfect conditions for future technology teams like HEICO SPORTIV. There had been announced a specific class for alternative fuels. Race manager of the 24h race, Mr Hans Schnock: "Back in the 70's the ADAC Nordrhein announced a diesel class. In the 90's there were the first factory racing teams and the first victory in 1998. By now diesel-cars are completely integrated and make up a big part of the starting grid. We promise the same effect with the new alternative fuel class. Today we have Hybrid powered cars as well as race cars with natural gas, liquid gas, and bio ethanol. Those firms that want to test these technologies have the perfect opportunity at the biggest race on the longest and toughest racetrack in the world."
Project "E85 bio ethanol" isn't reduced to fuel alone. Various modifications to engine, software, fuel system and tank were necessary to meet the requirement of E85 bio ethanol.
Next to the environment issue the endurance race on the Nurburgring has more potential for technical development. The Japanese tire maker TOYO TIRES is expanding its racing activities and is set to deliver exclusively to HEICO SPORTIV 18" prototype-slicks. "The Nurburgring Nordschleife gives TOYO TIRES all possibilities that can be imagined by our tire engineers. For our development this kind of research is very important," said marketing manager Rόdiger Hφlzel. Still on board: Castrol, Eibach, Sebring, and the Volvo Auto Bank.
Located in Weiterstadt/Hessen, HEICO SPORTIV began racing in 1995 at the toughest endurance race for touring cars, the 24h race at the Nόrburgring. After the legendary 850 T5 and various S40s the HEICO HS4 ODIN debuted in 2006. The highlight of a very successful session was the class victory at the 24h race. Finishing the 3.000 kilometer hunt through the green hell is the first goal. It is to prove that bio ethanol can last for the high requirements at the toughest long distance race in the world.
Drivers will once again be the experienced HEICO employees Patrick Brenndφrfer, Frank Eickholt and Martin Mόller.
Panasonic Toyota Racing will be back at Goodwood with the TF108, the last F1 Toyota to be designed before FIA introduced its current restrictions on wing sizes and additional aerodynamic elements. Toyota's F1 driver Timo Glock will be present at the event to drive the TF108.
The Toyota Sprint Series will be represented for the first time on the hill climb with the 700HP Fensport Celica GT4-X AWD. Other Toyota cars that will be on show (but won't compete) at the Goodwood event include Alain Prost's Andros Trophy Auris that features a carbon fibre bodywork and a tuned version of the Lexus RX 3.0-litre V6 engine, the Aygo Crazy and iQ Gazoo plus various rally cars such as the Group B Celica Twin-cam Turbo, Celica ST185, Celica GT4 ST205 and the WRC Corolla.
[Source: Carscoop]
When the Panamera begins arriving at Porsche's dealerships in mid September, it will be offered with two V8 engines cranking out 400HP (rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions) and 500HP (exclusively all-wheel drive). A 300HP six-cylinder petrol engine and a V6 hybrid version will complete the range the following year.
[Source: Carscoop, Photos: UP and Porsche]
The UK-based company that sells the KITT LED scanner for about $160 claims that the system comes with three settings that that mimic the light patterns on the original 1980's Knight Rider 2000 car and on the Shelby GT500KR in the shortly lived Knight Rider 2008 TV series.
We're not so sure if it's legal in most places to use the LEDs while driving, so if you're thinking about installing the system, better ask before you get into any trouble.
Owners of the 2010 Stream can also order a sports suspension, beefier brake system, a performance muffler with a single exhaust pipe and a sport air filter.
[Source: Carscoop]
The blacked out styling kit for the Land Cruiser that now includes a glossy black front grille comprises of a new front bumper with larger front intakes, a pair of twin fog lights and a lower spoiler, beefy side-steps incorporated in the side skirts and wider fenders.
At the back, the styling package adds a wider bumper that houses a rear diffuser and quad exhaust pipes, rear gate spoiler (under the window) and a roof spoiler that would make any WRX owner green from envy. Customers can choose between black or dark chrome 20-inch alloy wheels.
[Source: Carscoop]