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Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Corvette Z06
Marking his championship tenure with Corvette Racing�s GT1-class domination in the ALMS, Corvette racing living legend Ron Fellows is celebrated with a specially prepared 2007 Corvette Z06 production model. All are distinguished by Arctic White paint (including the door handles) that is accented with a racing-style fender stripe and Ron Fellows� autograph.
The front fender graphics are reminiscent of the identifying graphics of the Corvette GT1 race car. They feature double Monterey Red Metallic stripes with Machine Silver borders and Fellows' autograph in a contrasting Victory Red shade, along with the callouts of the championship years when he was at the wheel. There is also a maple leaf logo motif incorporated with the graphics, a nod to Fellows� Canadian heritage. Indeed, the red-over-white color scheme of the car�s paint and graphics represents Canada's colors.
This special Corvette Z06 is the first signed special edition in Corvette's 54-year history, and is the first Arctic White Z06 ever offered. Only 399 are planned for production: approximately 300 for the United States, 33 for Canada and 66 for other export markets.
Exterior cues include a full-width racing spoiler and a unique windshield banner. Additional standard equipment includes the well-equipped 2LZ package and chrome wheels. Special interior appointments include:
-Red seats, center console, door panels and instrument panel
-Red, leather-covered armrest with a Corvette-signature 'cross flags' logo that is hand-signed and numbered by Ron Fellows
-Tech pattern interior trim
An accomplished road racer, Ron Fellows is inextricably woven into the Corvette Racing team�s success. He helped test and develop the first Corvette C5.R race car and recorded the team�s first win in 2000. Fellows also grabbed the ALMS GTS class championship in 2002 and shared that position in 2003 and'04. Fellows has been a part of all six consecutive ALMS GT1 manufacturers championships for Chevrolet, and was voted the most popular ALMS driver in 2004 and'05. Additionally, he has slipped behind the wheel of NASCAR Nextel Cup Chevy Monte Carlo SS race cars when the series hits road courses. He�s also scored a pair of NASCAR Craftsman Truck series wins, three NASCAR Busch Series wins, 19 SCCA Trans Am wins and was the GM Player's Challenge champion in 1989.
The Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Corvette Z06 will be available this spring. It carries an MSRP of $77,500, including destination. OnStar and the navigation system are the only options; and when equipped with them, the price is $79,945
Story by General Motors, edited by Supercars.net
Known for tuning British marques such as Jaguar and Land Rover, Arden have released their racing version of the A-Type Lightweight, and licensed it for the road. As first seen at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, the Lightweight RS has successfully completed the end phase development for Arden's A-Type.
Based on the Jaguar XKR, this extraordinary sports car is built by hand, without automation. The Lightweight RS distinguishes itself from other A-Types through its well-proportioned shape. This unique styling is discretely different through harmonic curves characterized by efficient aerodynamic parts. All the body parts Arden uses are high-quality, weight-reducing compound plastics. Despite the additional steel roll cage, the resulting weight is 3505 lbs (1590 kgs), which is a reduction of 320 lbs (145 kgs).
Specific to the Lightweight RS, a newly developed 4.5 litre V8 engine produces 500 horsepower (373 kW). Displacement and power are increased with the use of a special crankshaft in combination with lighter pistons and connecting rods. Mated to the engine is an Arden exhaust system which includes specially manufactured catalytic converters.
This car's power is challenged by an equally efficient brake system. With six-piston fixed-calipers and inner-vented brake disks, this racing machine can effectively stop without fade.
The three-part wheels, which are produced by OZ Racing in Arden's exclusive Sportline design, keep contact with the road surface. The Arden performance running gear, with additional stabilizer and axle friction bearings made of Teflon, were developed especially for the A-Type lightweight RS. The set-up is individually balanced for each customer.
The Lightweight's interior has been remodeled. The cockpit is dominated by a safety cell which provides the body with additional rigidity. The installation instruments have been kept to the minimum, and the driver sits in Recaro race bucket seats. Nevertheless, Arden did not dispense the features that are so typical for finishing. The instrument panel and the door panels are leather-covered as dictated by tradition, and the steering wheel of this racing car, licensed for road traffic, is covered with Alcantara leather.
After the completion of the A-Type, customers are offered a three-year quality warranty based on the exclusive agreement between Jaguar Germany and Arden. Maintenance can then be performed by Jaguar contract dealers.
Story by Arden Automobilbau GmbH and Supercars.net Publishing Inc
Results from the Car & Driver Supercar Challenge prove that John Hennessey's Vipers are the fastest tuned cars in America. Hennessey took the grand prize last November with a specially prepared, twin-turbo version of Dodge's Viper that won both the 0-150-0 and road course tests against the best that Kleemann, ReNNtech and Lingenfelter had to offer.
Following the success of the C&D's test, Hennessey is offering a version of the car which won the challenge, but now with more horsepower and better performance. Called the Viper Venom 1000, Hennessey takes the base model 500bhp Viper and completely reworks the engine to produce 1000 bhp. With these figures, the Venom 1000 is one of the only road-legal cars that can now challenge the Bugatti Veyron.
Hennessey has been modifying Vipers out of Houston since its release in 1992. Not limited to his dramatic engine upgrades, Hennessey also offers suspension and brake packages. Some of his Vipers also feature radical bodywork that gives these Venoms an image and appeal all their own.
Hennessey claims that on MT 'ET Street' tires, the Venom 1000 can reach zero-to-sixty in 2.25 seconds and the quarter mile: 9.75 sec. This unbelievable acceleration was the main factor that let Venom 1000 win Road & Track's Standing Mile contest at 25.6 seconds, .3 seconds faster than the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo!
To double the stock horsepower rating of the Viper, the Venom has been bored, stroked and pressurized to 15psi. This system includes JE Pistons, Manley Rods and twin Garret Turbos. While Hennessey lists their custom headers & exhaust systems separately, they are a must for the $50 000 engine.
To keep the car in check, the engine has a lowered compression ratio, reduced cams and a varible boost rate. below 80 mph the engine is kept under 7psi, and continues with 11 psi until 100 mph when the the maximum 14 psi boost engages.
To match the ferocious nature of the Venom 1000 engine, a variety of tasty options are available. These include a fully adjustable suspension ($4250), Light-weight Rotors ($4500), Connolly Leather ($6500) Front Dam with Rear Diffuser & Spoiler ($9500) and a range of wheels. When all is said and done, the fully trimmed Venom 1000 should cost around $180 000 USD, much less than similar cars boasting the same performance figures.
Be on the lookout: For 2006, Hennessey will debut the Venom 1000 Twin Turbo SRT Coupe . Only 24 examples will be built at a price of $225,000 USD, each with a top speed of 255 mph!
Story by Richard Owen for Supercars.net
The Mysterro is based on a custom tubular space frame and powered by a GM V8. The body is made from Carbon-Fibre and Kevlar and is one of the best looking designs to come from an independant manufacturer.
The discrete town of Pfaffenhausen, Germany is an unsuspecting place to find one of the leading Porsche tuners. However the drive to that area, reveals country roads, winding around the plains of Southern Germany with a view distance to die for. And if these roads prove too congested to test RUF's newest biturbo Porsche, the unlimited speed Autobahn is just a beat away.
RUF, under the guidance of Alois Ruf (pronounced roof), have been tuning Porsches for nearly three decades. Each car is unique in specification, having customer-specified drivetrain, chassis and body components. In some cases, RUF creates a completely new car, with a proud VIN number designated by the company.
Most of the models found on this page are showcars that have defined the RUF image and exposed the possibilities for potential customers. The first prolific RUF was the CTR 'Yellow Bird' which gained lots of media attention with its high speed runs and quick laps time around the Nuremburgring. Their latest showcar is based off the recently facelifted Porsche 911, and is one of the most exciting yet.
Called the RT12, RUF's newest product provides a combination of high end performance and every day use. Biturbo engines are RUFs specialty, and since 1977, they have proven it is the next evolutionary step for the 911. Three different performance options are available for the RT 12: 530 bhp, 560 bhp and 650 bhp. The 650 bhp 3.8 liter engine is new in construction, one which sets a new benchmark in performance and is fully adjustable by means of a wastegate.
Body modifications for the RT 12 are radical, and aerodynamic efficiency was the goal of the bodykit. RUF-developed front and rear bumpers, a rear spoiler, side mirrors, an underbody lining and wider rear fenders which offer space for the integrated intercoolers. The RT 12 is finished off with the latest evolution of the RUF new alloy wheels in striking 19 and 20 inch designs.
An available brake system has larger drilled, ventilated discs and fixed light alloy monobloc calipers. Also available is a special RUF sports suspension, which can be lifted hydraulically lift for more ground clearance, making easier parking and garage entrances.
The interior of the RT 12 gets the distinct RUF treatment. Bucket seats and a handy sports steering wheel provide the best ergonomics for a sporting drive. RUF instrumentation with traditional green typeface and 'Pepita' cloth in the middle of the bucket seats brings the flair of the 50s and 60s sports cars into a modern cockpit. Aluminum parts and details painted in the body colour provide the mix of classic and modern cues.
RUF have proven themselves a logical solution for Tuning Porsches in the past, and now they are the first to work out a program for the facelifted 911. While RUF only modify from 20 to 25 cars a year, the showcars prove RUF have the tenacity to still create some of the fastest road cars in Germany.
Story by RUF and Supercars.net
Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Corvette Z06
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