Saleen S7 Twin Turbo

Steve Saleen is known as a tuner of American cars, particularly of Fords. Then some time during the 1990s, he developed a concept wherein his goal was to create a true American supercar. This marked the beginning of the story of the Saleen S7, one of the fastest cars that ever came out of American soil. During its release in 2002, it is deemed as one of the most technically advanced cars in the world, and one of the distinctions that it had then was it was the only American street-legal car that packs over 500 horsepower in stock trim.
Sure, the S7 got some serious love from both enthusiasts and critics alike, praising its unbelievable quickness and technological advancements. But how time quickly passes! Within 3 years, automotive engineering worldwide has improved so much that 500+ horsepower is now much easily attainable than when it first appeared. Now, the world beating American supercar has a lot of competition, and if they don’t do something, they just might fall behind the wayside of the supercar wars. Noticing this, Saleen has a plan. His team upgraded the S7 to the point that it has become a whole new car, ready to take on new challenges. This car is the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo.

Performance
Of course, the headliner for this car is in the name: twin turbochargers are now equipped to the already formidable 7000 cc V8 engine found in the S7 (more on the engine later). But, there are more changes in this car than just the engine. If you would look closely, in order to improve aerodynamics, modified front fenders, as well as new diffusers and spoilers were installed. The result: a 40 percent decrease in drag and a 60 percent increase in down force.

Braking
A completely revised suspension makes this car firmer during braking, accelerating, and turning. A dual stage shock absorber allows variable spring rates during different speeds, progressively getting sharper handling as it gains speed. The large brakes co-developed by Saleen and Brembo for this car, 15 inch discs in the front and 14 inch discs in the rear provide some serious stopping strength.
Engine
And then, there is the engine. The same in house developed 7000cc V8 engine makes its way to the S7 Twin Turbo, and it possesses a lot of state of the art equipment from the intake down to the exhaust. 2 turbochargers capable of pressurizing air up to 5.5 psi, are mounted at the high performance exhaust system, boosting performance to another level.

During the addition of the turbos, the hydraulic lifters of the engine are replaced by solid lifters. All these modifications are enough to raise the engine’s output to an unbelievable 750 horsepower and 700 lb/ft of torque. And amazingly, this is still a clean engine, featuring an extensive emission control system and is compliant to OBD-II standards.
With all these raw stats, it is pretty obvious that the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo can beat even the most extreme of hyper-cars. Somehow, the already advanced S7 was able to surpass itself, and was able to redeem its lofty place as one of the absolute best sports cars today, and maybe of all time.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe

Base Price: $555,000.00

Dimensions

Length: 188.8 in. (479 cm)	Width: 78.4 in. (199 cm)
Height: 41 in. (104 cm)	Wheel Base: 106.3 in. (270 cm)
Curb Weight: 2950 lbs (1338 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA

Performance

Engine: Twin Turbo V8	Displacement: 7000 cc
Horsepower: 750 HP	Max RPM: 6300 RPM
Torque: 700 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 2.8 seconds	Top Speed: 248 mph (399 km/h)

Drive with two Saleen S7 Twin Turbos

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9FF GT9-R

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Price

$ 242,000

Top Speed

380 km/h mph

Based in Dortmund, Germany, car tuning company 9ff is a specialty car shop that converts stock Porsche vehicles into street legal race cars. The company was founded in 2001 by Jan Fatthauer and derives its name from the Porsche 911. The company started out by creating the extensively rebuilt 9ff GT9 that was created out of a Porsche 911 (997) GT3 base car. The model later evolved into and was replaced by the GT9-R. For better weight distribution, the vehicle came with its engine in the engine that provides maximum rear-wheel grip. The engine placement and engine performance is perhaps the only real difference between the Porsche 911 and the 9ff GT9-R. A total of 150 GT9s have been produced by the company out of which 20 have been in GT9-R specification. The prices for the model range between £150,000 and £540,000 and the company promise to be able personalize each vehicle to a particular customer’s needs so that no two 9ffs are the same.

Engine

The 9ff GT9 comes with several engine customization options with the GT9-R spec model being offered with heavily modified six-cylinder 4.0-liter Boxer engine in three stages of power output. The engine offered on the 9ff GT9-R is available in three stages of tune to allow the customer to gradually get used to the massive 1120 hp of peak power available. The base tune allows the buyer to start with a 750 horsepower engine that is optimized for track performance and goes from 0-300 km/h in 20 seconds.
The engine comes paired with a 5-Speed Tiptronic transmission and has a top speed of 380 km/h. The next upgrade bumps the engine’s performance to 987 hp though the top tune engine with a mammoth output of a 1,120 horsepower. The top spec engine enables the car to do a 0-100 km/h sprint in a decent 2.9 seconds. with a claimed speed of 414 km/h, the 9ff GT9-R has been designed to top the speed record for a street legal car and become the fastest production car built. The 987 hp and 1,120 hp engines are offered with a choice between 6-speed manual and 6-speed sequential gearboxes.

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Even though the 9ff GT9-R is based on the Porsche 911, its interior has been stripped and fitted with a roll cage for safety and features a square patterned trim in blue leather. The interior design was kept simple though adding up a few additional elements for a better feel within the cabin.

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To ensure that each 9ff GT9-R is special, the company provides the customers with several customization options including a choice between multiple aero kits. The street legal car comes with a full range of customization options with the exterior being individually adjustable to cater to the car’s performance as specified by the customer. The model can be geared to enhance the track performance or the maximum top speed.

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SSC Ultimate Aero

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There are a lot of ways that you can define the SSC Ultimate Aero. But it can be summed up this way. There used to be a time that it is indeed the ultimate. Simply known as the world’s fastest car from 2007 to 2010 (and that is even verified by no less than Guinness!), it is perhaps one of the boldest automotive creations ever made.
Shelby SuperCars, a brand of car better known for its replicas of exotic cars, is founded by Jerod Shelby. While by no means connected to the legendary Carroll Shelby, Jerod have somehow managed to create a legend of his own, thanks to his creation, the SSC Ultimate Aero
History
This car traces its roots in 2004, when a prototype based on a Lamborghini Diablo replica chassis was equipped with a Corvette C5R engine and the same 6 speed manual gearbox seen on the Dodge Viper. Eventually, the SSC Aero was born in 2006. Equipped with a Chevrolet small block engine, together with a supercharger that generates up to 8 psi of boost, it is known to produce 1062 horsepower.
Performance
Even better is the SSC Ultimate Aero. Essentially a modified version of the Aero, displacement of this same Chevrolet engine was increased to 6.3 liters and supercharger boost was increased to 14 psi. The results were simply unbelievable: almost 1200 horsepower and more than 1100 Newton meters of torque. Subsequent modifications such as twin-turbos and a new engine block, has allowed the output of the Ultimate Aero to increase even further. In 2009, the output was rated at 1287 horsepower, easily the world’s most powerful car engine.
Other modifications result into a 20% increase in engine airflow (resulting in better cooling) and a new AeroBrake system using vented slotted discs allow the spoiler assist in slowing the car to a stop. All of these components, thanks to some sophisticated engineering involving carbon fiber and titanium, among other materials, allow this car to hit the scales at around 1300 kilos, an astounding weight considering its immense power.

Records
So how does the SSC Ultimate Aero perform? Well, the natural thing with cars with such gaudy stats is to go for some really huge feats. Feats such as creating the world speed record by a production automobile. Prior testing at a NASA facility at Virginia uncovers that the Ultimate Aero is capable of achieving speeds of more than 250 mph. But of course, it has to be sent to a track to test if it got what it takes to beat the Bugatti Veyron’s speed record.

And so, in September 13 2007, the SSC Ultimate Aero made its run for the record. Using FIA rules of getting the average speed from 2 runs in opposite directions, it got an average top speed of 256 mph, enough to obtain the world record that even Guinness recognizes as legit. This car held the record for almost 3 years until the Super Sport, an updated version of the Veyron, set a 267 mph top speed.
There is no denying the SSC Ultimate Aero’s potential. Once the world’s ultimate car, it should remain as one of the best supercars that ever existed.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe

Base Price: $970,000.00

Dimensions

Length: 176.2 in. (447.5 cm)	Width: 82.7 in. (210 cm)
Height: 43.0 in. (109 cm)	Wheel Base: 105.2 in. (267 cm)
Dry Weight: 2750 lbs (1247 kg)	Ground Clearance: 4.0 in. (10 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 2.6 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 2 people

Performance

Engine: SSC Designed V8	Displacement: 387.2 cu in
Horsepower: 1287 HP	Max RPM: 6075 RPM
Torque: 1112 lb-ft @ 6150 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 2.78 seconds	Tested Max. Speed: 257.4 mph (414 km/h)

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Koenigsegg Agera R

It is common knowledge that Koenigsegg makes some of the fastest supercars around. And the latest import from Sweden, the 2011 Koenigsegg Agera R is no exception.

Just how fast is this exotic two-door hyper-machine? Well, suffice it to say that the Agera R is hot on the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport’s tail clocking in at a blisteringly fast 0-168 mph in just 14.53 seconds. Although not yet completely verified, this performance proves that it won’t be long before Koenigsegg overtakes Bugatti and claim for itself the title of being the world’s fastest supercar.
This new car which only debuted at the Geneva Motor Show is so hot that the Royal Family of Oman snatched one up even before it was revealed at the said show. If this is any indication of the kind of future the Agera R will have in the world of supercars, then surely the renowned Bugatti Veyron Super Sport may soon relinquish its throne in favor of the Agera R.
So what makes the Koenigsegg Agera R sizzle?


Performance



Powering the Agera R is a Koenigsegg-developed 5.0L V8 Twin Turbo engine. This robust behemoth generates a mind-blowing 1,115hp at 6,900 rpm all the way to 7,250 rpm. All this power is coupled with an impressive 885lb-ft of torque at 4100rpm. All this impeccable figures translates to a demonic 0-60mph acceleration of just 2.9 seconds!
And the wonders of this car do not stop at the engine specifications alone.
For instance, the Agera R can run on multiple fuel types such as E85 and E100 bio-fuels, as well as regular 95 octane gas. The bio-fuels gives the car maximum horsepower as power output is reduced by about 100hp and 100lb-ft torque when regular fuel is used. Still, that feature is quite surprising by any standards.
Another note-worthy feature of the car is its suspension system. Koenigsegg names it the Triplex rear suspension. This ingenious suspension set up connects a shock absorber and coil spring to each rear wheel. This configuration enables the car to be raised or lowered on demand because each wheel can affect the other as the extra spring partners in series with the normal suspension and dampers to achieve the desired height.
The Agera R is such a unique and powerful supercar that Koenigsegg had to design the wheels and tires specifically for it. The geniuses at Koenigsegg made wheels that act as air-turbines to keep the brakes cool. The tires were made by Michelin specifically for the Agera R to slay the Veyron SS as each tire is capable of reaching 260 mph.


Exterior & Interior

If the beast that powers the Agera R is not enough to make your heart goes racing, then surely its interior and jaw-dropping exterior surely will. Let’s start with the car’s over-all look. The Agera R as shown at the Geneva show reminds one of a cross between the Lotus driven by James Bond as he cruised the Swiss Alps and another movie icon, Speed Racer.

The Agera R is equipped with an intelligently designed and dynamic rear wing. Unlike other wings that lift automatically at high speeds, the Agera R’s wing uses the wind pressure created at high speed to force the wing downward to create wind resistance. Through this, Koenigsegg was able to come up with a smarter and lighter wing that instantly compensates for headwind or tailwind.
Luxury is paramount at the Agera R’s interiors. Satnav, MP3/USB compatibility, climate control, plush leather etc. and more come standard on the Agera R. Quite notable though is its “Top Speed” mode accessible via the infotainment system. Although not a separate key as what is found in the Bugatti, it still provides the driver direct access to unlock the true potential of the Agera R.
You like the Agera R, don’t you? If you have $1.6M to spare, you can have one of the best rides of your life.

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Hennessey Venom GT

Hennessey Performance Engineering is tops in modifying engines. They can take an ultra sleek super automobile, and push it towards perfection. With Hennessey you can experience the best of the best.

At first glance, the Venom GT looks like the Lotus Exige. The Venom is an explosive fusion of British flair and American power. The 2011 Hennessey Venom GT received a make-over.
                                                                                


Performance

The exterior design looks like it comes out of Bruce Wayne’s or Tony Starks garage, but the car’s road power makes it a superhero in itself. The Hennessey Venom GT has for an engine a 6.2-liter LS9 twin-turbo V-8, similar to the engine on the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 one of the fastest production cars released. Airflow management was initially done on CAD. They used it to simulate airflow to improve the engine and body design.
The hood of the car cannot be accessed, although it contains two radiators with fans that help maintain the engine cool. Hennessey stresses the idea that the cooler the engine, the more horsepower you get. The car is offered in a mid-engine rear drive power-train with horsepower ranging from 725 to 1200. The drive train is provided by a Ricardo 6 speed transmission. The shifter is patterned after the Lotus, but upcoming models will see a switch to the Ford GT styled shifter.
Rumors abound that the Hennessey Venom GT has either tied or broken the record of the Bugatti Veyron Super Sports record of 267 mph. We have yet to hear from reliable sources to make the record official.

Exterior & Interior

The size of the Venom GT is smidge bigger than the Lotus Exige. The Hennessey Venom GT retains the Exige’s lightweight stylings. The carbon fiber material used on the Venom GT contributes to its lightweight physique. The math is easy: less weight is equivalent to better performance. Founder John Hennessey said that what he wanted to make was a car that all about performance, he didn’t want to worry about interior styling’s. Most of the cars weight is the engine. The Hennessey Venom GT was built from scratch putting in the best components from brains to brawn of American engineering.
The adjustable rear wing provides added aerodynamic performance when needed. The body is built to withstand force produced by vehicles that produce 1500 horsepower or more. The wheels are equipped with brake calipers made by Brembo which provide excellent traction control. Test drivers have commented that the chassis is rigid but firm, making the ride smooth and easy on the body. The smooth response of the Venom after making turns make the transition easy on both the vehicle and driver, it just helps prove it to be just as advertised, a supercar.
                 
Currently, the new Venom GT has yet to be given permission to be driven on US streets and highways. Most of the testing and showing of this car have been across the pond in the UK.
The simplicity of the interior is just that, it contains the necessary instrumentation accessories to ride the Venom GT with confidence. The Venom has a built-in roll cage providing protection to both driver and passenger. Alcantara leather lines the inside of this supercar, from the panels, seating, and the steering wheel. Giving it a more than a muscle car look. It does have AC, AM/FM radio, and yes even a docking station for those with iPods. An added feature is the removable steering wheel to aid taller folks easier access getting in and out of the car.

The Competition

The Hennessey Venom GT has few peers, some try to come close but few do. During a “shoot-out” in 2007 to find out who reached the 200 mph barrier the fastest, the predecessor of this current Venom, the Hennessey Venom 1000 twin turbo found itself stacked up against the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, Lamborghini Murcielago, Corvette Lingenfelter, the Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren, and the Ruft RT12. Only four vehicles made the final attempt, and the Hennessey Venom 1000 had the best record at 20.3 seconds in reaching the 200 mph mark, followed by the Veyron at 24.2 seconds, then the Lingenfelter Corvette at 26.5 seconds, and finally the Ruft Rt12 at 35.5.
The 2011 Hennessey Venom GT with 725 horsepower is priced considerably less than the 1,200HP version. Total production of the car is limited to 29, with only 10 units made per year. For 2012, only 5 vehicles will be made, they require a lead time of six months to build one unit.

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Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

Have you ever felt like saying “I feel the need, the need for speed!” The 2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport gives you just that.
The fastest production, road legal vehicle in the world made its American debut on August 2010 at the Pebble Beach Concourse. This new offering from Bugatti went into production towards the end of 2010. The first five cars that came off the line has been sold as a limited “World Record Editions.” At a cost of over 2.4 million dollars (2.08 million Euros at time of purchased) each, the first five immediately sold out. This World Record Edition is a replica of the car that clocked 267.9 miles per hour at Volkswagens Ehra-Lessien test tracks in Germany.

The conditions were perfect when the new Bugatti Veyron Super Sport broke the record. SSC Ultimate Aero previously set the 256 mph record in 2007, in order to better the earlier Bugatti Veyron, but then, Bugatti came back with a vengeance by beating the record by at least 11mph.               
Bugatti Automobiles SAS and the Volkswagen Group led the design and development of the Veyron. Hartmut Warkuss is the chief designer, while Jozef Kabaň of Volkswagen is responsible for its exterior design. In naming this outstanding vehicle, they have combined two giants in the car industry, Pierre Veyron and Ettore Bugatti.
Italian Ettore Bugatti founded his automobile company in 1909. Bugatti’s vehicles were much in demand for its engineering and stylish lines and finish. Story has it that only a select number of people had the privilege of owning a Bugatti, you were royalty or high up in the social class to own one. One other distinction Bugatti has is that it won the first ever Monaco Grand Prix.
Pierre Veyron, a Frenchman, was a racing driver that won the 1939 Le Mans 24 Hour race driving a Bugatti made vehicle

                      

Performance

The Veyron Super Sport gets its power from a 16 cylinder engine helped by 4 bi-turbochargers with a displacement of 487.8 cu in. Because each cylinder has four valves, this means the Veyron SS has a total of 64 valves. The engine configuration is that same as combining two V8 engines which make it look like a W than a V. This generates a total of 1200 horsepower, nearly 200 hp more that the previous model.
It uses a dual-clutch direct-shift gearbox that is computer controlled automatic having seven gear ratios. The gear box is built by Ricardo of England. Given the opportunity, you can either drive the Veyron SS in fully automatic or semi-automatic mode. To replace a transmission on this car will cost you $172,000.00 dollars.
Another feature in the Bugatti Veyron SS that makes it stand out is that it uses ten radiators, which help to keep the car cool after generating all that heat and speed. One radiator each for the engine oil, differential oil, transmission oil, and the AC system; at the same time there are three radiators each for the engine and the inter-coolers. Michelin designed special tires to meet the specs for which the Veyron was designed, high speeds. When replacing a set of tires for the Veyron SS, it costs $ 36,000.00 for a set of four.
Braking for the Veyron SS is made by SGL Carbon, which is a carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide composite disc. This type of brakes is suitable for less brake fading which works best for the Bugatti Veyron.
The Bugatti hits 0-62 mph in less than 3 seconds at 2.4 seconds. The progression in hitting given metrics for the Veyron SS include 150mph at 10 second, 186 mph at under 15 seconds, and in less than a minute, you could be going as fast as 245 mph.
                    
When attempting to drive this car at top speeds, the driver must put it in top speed mode through the use of a special key. Once you have toggled the top speed key, you go through a checklist to prepare both driver and car to make a run at a top speed. The car dips down to a ground clearance of 2.6 inches, spoilers in the rear retract, and the front air diffusers are shut, then off you go.

Exterior

The body design by Jozef Kabaň includes the use of carbon fiber material which has been refined to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The entire body of is made of all-carbon monococque which provides added torsion rigidity. This also contributes to a lighter Bugatti Veyron which saves about 110 lbs. The silhouette of the Veyron SS is unmistakably sleek and sporty. Two NACA ducts located on the roof help deliver air into the engine at the same time giving it a certain appeal.

Interior

Exquisite. This one word says it all for this latest from Bugatti. True to its reputation, the simplicity in which the seats are designed hugs both driver and passenger in safety. There aren’t many bells and whistles inside, simple and direct to the point. The instrument panel has everything the driver needs. You can select your own type of upholstery for the seats and even add a monogram of your initials to it. It is very much like a cockpit of an airplane. The insignia of Bugatti, EB, is evident throughout the vehicle, inside and out, not that you will, but this is a reminder for the driver, the car he or she is driving.
 

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