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Thursday, March 28, 2024

High Horse

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(Conclusion)

Ferrari 488 Spyder

The inevitable follow-up to the remarkable  488 Coupe will be making its debut in Frankfurt this September. While there are few surprises with the 488 Spyder, where it excels is the competence of its execution. The body maintains the same torsional rigidity as the coupe, thanks to an advanced spaceframe chassis made up of 11 different aluminum alloys combined with metals like magnesium. There remains a significant cost in weight versus the coupe (3362 lbs vs 3020 lbs), but the impressive 0-62 mph time of 3 seconds is not affected.

Beneath the engine cover throbs the 3902 cc turbo-charged V8 that debuted just a few months ago on the 488 GTB. Its performance levels are nothing short of extraordinary: a maximum power output of 670 CV combined with maximum torque of 760 Nm at 3000 rpm send the 488 Spider sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds flat and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.7 seconds. This is also an exceptionally efficient engine as it is not only 100 CV more powerful than the previous naturally-aspirated V8 but also has lower CO2 emissions.

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In line with Ferrari tradition, this model has its own absolutely distinctive soundtrack created using solutions such as exhaust headers with longer, equal-length piping and a flat-plane crankshaft. It was also further enhanced by an in-depth study of harmonics and tonality at different engine speeds. The sound is seductive but never invasive when the top is dropped, with both volume and clarity increasing as the engine instantly responds to the accelerator pedal and revs rise, reinforcing the sensation of massive performance.

Overall, response times are 9 percent more rapid than the previous Spider without any compromise whatsoever being made in comfort. The car’s design was adapted to efficiently meet the typical the demands of open-top driving and use. In fact, the Spider’s dynamic behaviour is effortless on even the most challenging routes. It is remarkably easy to drive on the limit thanks to flawless handling even on the most demanding of roads.

Lamborghini Huracan LP610 Spyder 

When Automobili Lamborghini presented the new Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder at Frankfurt International Motor Show, there was a stunned silence among the crowd. The open top version of the Huracán LP 610-4 combines the power and performance of the coupé with the emotion of open-air driving.

The Huracan is the current King of supercars.

“The Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder is the next chapter in the success story of the naturally aspirated V10 Huracán, and continues a Lamborghini tradition of open air motoring,” says Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The Huracán Spyder combines the innovation, performance and appeal of the Huracán coupé, with new technologies and an added emotional dimension. Its predecessor, the Gallardo Spyder, was the best-selling open top model in Lamborghini’s history: we expect the Huracán Spyder to exceed its predecessor in every way.”

The new Huracán Spyder stands for inspiring technology, outstanding quality and breathtaking performance. Luxurious comfort with a pure and dynamic design ensures the convertible version of the Huracán is an iconic Lamborghini in its own right. Its lightweight, electrohydraulic soft top gives the new Lamborghini a distinctive presence with roof both open and closed, and maximum comfort for driver and passenger with uncompromising handling and performance.

The naturally aspirated 5.2l V10 engine produces 449 kW / 610 hp. The new Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 324 km/h (201 mph). The Spyder also includes new technical features of the 2016 model year Huracán family, including ‘cylinder on demand’ in combination with ‘stop start’, and a new electronically controlled all-wheel drive set-up for even improved driving behavior.

BMW M4 GTS

BMW has been playing around with water injection for some time, but this is the first production car from BMW with the technology, and indeed the first production car with water injection since the Saab 99 which ceased manufacture in 1984. A relatively old technology which fell out of favor with the introduction of intercoolers, BMW is leading a resurgence in its use.

BMW’s time attack weapon, the M4 GTS

Even without the use of this rare technology, the M4 GTS is an impressive beast. This top of the line track variant of the M4 uses extensive weight saving measures, with extensive use of carbon fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastic, which can be found on the bucket seats, hood, roof, and on new aerodynamic parts like the front air splitter and adjustable rear wing.

The 3329 lb car is pushed by a turbocharged 3 liter inline-6 putting out 500 hp, which is good for a 0-62 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 189.5 mph. What is most impressive, and perhaps a testament that BMW is onto something with water injection, is that fuel economy remains unchanged from standard M4 Coupe.

Production is limited to 700 units. While pricing has yet to be announced, it is safe to say that BMW will have no trouble selling every single one.

Volkswagen Golf 500R by Oettinger 

If you were looking for the most extreme performance package available for the Volkswagen Golf, then better give the guys at Oettinger a phone call. Their take on an all wheel drive Golf GTi which they rebadged into the 500R with a whopping 518 hp, is the first phase in a series of Volkswagens with outputs of 600, 650, and even 750 hp. If they keep the stock displacement of the 2.5 liter inline-5, that would mean an extreme output of 300 hp per liter! Even with the current reduced setup, output is pegged at a somewhat more sane 207.2 hp per liter.

Golf GTi on steroids, Oettinger’s 500R

This kind of performance required considerable modifications. The turbocharger and intercooler were modified, the ECU software was reprogrammed, and works was done to the intake and the exhaust. High performance forged pistons were used, and the radiator and engine coolant circuit were modified for durability. Changes were also made to the 6 speed manual gearbox, clutch, and differential to handle the increased power and maximize performance.

Brakes have naturally been upgraded as well, with six pot high performance caliper and two piece perforated brake discs measuring 340 mm.

With a top speed in excess of 186 mph, it was important to revise the aerodynamics. Oettinger set to work with a new front air skirt with expanded air intakes and carbon fiber splitter. The large front flares feature rear ventilation. Side skirts with carbon fiber winglets have been added. The rear fender flares echo those in front, and the rear features a wide skirt with carbon fiber diffusor, and rear roof wing on top. 

When all is said and done, the quickness of the 500R is revealed with its 0-62 mph performance time of 3.4 seconds

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