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Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee Review

Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee Review

2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee “Core” model packs power, pares price

a 2013 Dodge Charger SRT Super Bee

The Super Bee “core” model has all the power of the Dodge Charger SRT8, without the pricey option packages. (Photos courtesy of Stellantis)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Remember dog-dish hubcaps? Those “no-frills” nut covers were common on muscle cars of the ‘60s, including the Dodge Super Bee.

And when you saw those on a Super Bee – or a GTX or a Plymouth Road Runner or Dodge Challenger – you knew the driver was serious about speed. They were saving weight for a quicker quarter mile – or the next stoplight drag race.

The 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is no “stripper,” but it is a “core performance” model of the brand. Dodge says it is reaching its “core” enthusiast, but really it means less content to save a few dollars. Pricy features were pared back to lighten the MSRP while not softening the punch.

Super Bee interior has Z stripe cloth seats

Interior features include Z-stripe cloth seats with silver striping and stitching.

The Super Bee has all the power of the Charger SRT8 – a 470-horsepower, 6.4-liter Hemi and five-speed automatic. But instead of the big, leather sport seats – with those steep side bolsters – the Super Bee has Z-stripe cloth seats with silver striping and stitching. The cloth seats are plenty grippy for performance driving.

Super Bee Pricing

Pricing for the 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee starts at $42,770, which is $2,720 less than the full-dress Charger SRT8. But the test car, with options and $1,000 gas-guzzler tax, came to $44,215.

The Super Bee is no “radio delete” model. Standard equipment includes: Smart key locking and push-button ignition, 4.3-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth streaming audio, dual-zone air conditioning, SRT leather steering wheel, 20-inch performance tires, six-way power driver’s seat and aluminum lithographic accents

There’s also a hive of Super Bee graphics, including on the black grille, a dash plaque and a color digitized Bee that hovers a bit in the center gauge on start-up.

Check here for current Doge Charging pricing and offers.

Front cloth seats with the silver Z stripe

The Z-stripe cloth seats are plenty grippy for performance driving.

Observations and Considerations

Missing from the equipment list is a rearview camera, which is always useful in mall parking. Also absent is the big 8.4-inch media screen and Uconnect system. This system is totally cool for its ability to read and send texts, provide navigation, and more.

The Super Bee is also missing the three-mode adaptive damping system, which includes a “Track” setting. But it does have standard Launch Control, to help “maximize straight-line acceleration,” Dodge says.

But the Super Bee does get the active exhaust system (2.75-inch pipes) with healthy 4-inch round tips. And there are SRT disc brakes with 14.2-inch vented and slotted front rotors with four-piston black Brembo calipers. And 13.8-inch vented and slotted rear rotors with four-piston black calipers. The full SRT8 has the same brake system but with red Brembo calipers.

Also standard are Bilstein shock absorbers and stabilizer bars front and rear.

Last year’s Super Bee was available only in yellow or black paint. The 2013 comes in Bright White, Pitch Black and TorRed with black interiors.

Snobs will sniff at the five-speed transmission, but the AutoStick rolls through the gears without hesitation. Soon, the eight-speed will be the standard shifter.

The Super Bee can be optioned with steering wheel paddle shifters for $295.

The leather wrapped three spoke steering wheel

The leather-wrapped steering wheel – with flat bottom – is standard on the core model.

Big Hemi Powertrain

There is power with a conscience, sort of: The big hemi has fuel economy ratings of 14 mpg city, 23 highway and 17 mpg combined. Helping stretch the premium-unleaded is Fuel Saver Technology that switches between eight and four cylinders when possible.

Whatever the mileage, it’s good enough for an enthusiast not to fret over filling up with the good stuff.

Owners of any Chrysler Group SRT vehicle receive one day of professional driving instruction as part of the SRT Track Experience. It is a smart way to ease owners into the power and ability of the car. The sessions are held throughout the year at selected tracks. Info: DriveSRT.com.

Why Buy the Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee?

The SRT treatment is wicked to the core. The Charger SRT8 suspension was tweaked this year and the ride is more settled now. There’s something so old-school American about how this car is just butt-kicking fun. It is felt with every start of the Hemi, every dive into a corner and every wave of Mopar appreciators.

Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee Specifications

Body style: large, rear-wheel-drive fastback sedan with aluminum hood

Engine: 470-hp, 6.4-liter (392 cubic inch) pushrod V-8; 470 lb.-ft. torque at 4,300 rpm

Transmission: 5-spd. AutoStick with Track mode with performance shifting and gear holding

Fuel economy: 14/23 mpg city/hwy.; premium fuel recommended

Fuel tank: 19.1 gal.

Trunk space: 16.3 cu. ft.

Front head/leg/shoulder room: 38.6/41.8/59.5 in.

Rear head/leg/shoulder room: 37.9*/40.1/57.5 in. 36.9 w/sunroof

Length/wheelbase: 200.3/120.2 in.

Curb weight: 4,365 lbs.

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: Smart key locking and push-button ignition, 4.3-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth streaming audio, dual-zone air conditioning, SRT leather steering wheel, 6-way power driver’s seat, tilt-telescopic steering column, aluminum lithographic accents, 20-inch all-season tires and alloy wheels;

Safety features include: 7 air bags (including driver’s knee bag) electronic stability control, ABS, all-speed traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, Ready Alert Braking, Rain Brake Support, hill-start assist

Base price: $43,770, including $995 freight charge and $1,000 gas-guzzler tax; price as tested $44,215
Options on test vehicle: 245/45ZR20 Goodyear F1 Supercar performance tires $150; steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters $295;

Where assembled: Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance; 5-years/100,000-miles powertrain

A yellow dodge coronet super bee

Here’s a blast from the past: a 1968 Dodge Coronet Super Bee convertible, from the Chrysler LLC archives.

Rev’ved Up 4 Kids Car Show

Rev’ved Up 4 Kids Car Show

Rev’ved Up 4 Kids Car Show and Edelbrock’s 75th anniversary

2 red hot rods parked in a show shop at Edelbrock

The show of more than 350 cars included tours of Vic’s Garage, the family museum of performance and heritage.

BY MARK MAYNARD

Christi Edelbrock’s 8th annual Rev’ved Up 4 Kids Car Show was as much festival as car show. And it was amplified as a dual celebration for 75 years of Edelbrock.

The sprawling event took over several blocks of the industrial park that is home to the family tribute Vic’s Garage, a gleaming museum of all things Edelbrock. But it is largely the collection of Vic Edelbrock Jr. and his wife, Nancy. Both were at the show, but Christi was sidelined by a recent surgery. She is recuperating comfortably and was texting with friends and co-workers all day.

There were about 350 cars, motorcycles, hot rods, cackling vintage dragsters and rows of vendors. And all makes, models and years of vehicles, two wheels and more , were invited to show, whether foreign or American powered.

Raising the Colors.

Raising the Colors.

The Boy Scouts presented the Colors at 10 a.m. followed by the national anthem sung by a student at the Center for Learning in Torrance. The Center is among the charities benefited by the Christi Edelbrock Foundation.

The show was free to view and included comedy acts, two bands and the High Energy Sound Machine with owner-DJ Brett Harrell. He has built his customized ’51 Ford F7 Big Job into a rolling sound and light stage with killer paint by Hot Paint in Long Beach.

The 1933 Ford Boydster Roadster “Ratster” staged with the High Energy Sound Machine. DJ Brett Harrell’s rig is a 1951 Ford F7 Big Job has been fully modernized, including a 460 cubic inch V8

The 1933 Ford Boydster Roadster “Ratster” staged with the High Energy Sound Machine. DJ Brett Harrell’s rig is a 1951 Ford F7 Big Job that has been fully modernized, including a 460 V-8.

The show was emceed by a pair of motorsports-announcing legends. Bob Beck of AAA Motorsports shared announcing honors with Dave McClelland, “The voice of the NHRA.”

A re-creation of the Jurassic Park movie car

From “Jurassic Park.”

A highlight of the show was Von Hot Rod’s Pinstriping Circus, which included San Diego’s own Jeff “Kong” Isbell and Chilin, from the Inland Empire.

This is a family-friendly event with half a dozen gourmet food trucks, a children’s fun zone, and a row of movie car re-creations.

Proceeds will benefit the Christi Edelbrock Foundation, which helps young people get started in the automotive aftermarket.

Here’s a look at the horsepower on display.

A satin black early 30s Chevy pickup

I like the satin black treatment.

a white early 1960s Corvette parked next to a white 1955 Chevy hot rod

White on white Chevys.

I like the satin black treatment.

I like the satin black treatment.

Satin, like a finished rat rod.

Satin, like a finished rat rod.

The chrome wheels have a period styling effect.

The chrome wheels have a period styling effect.

More flat paint for the Ratster!

More flat paint for the Ratster!

A San Diego car.

A San Diego car.

Guess the weight in Caddy chrome.

Guess the weight in Caddy chrome.

I always think GTO when I see redlines, but they worked on this 4-4-2 with the pinstripe.

I always think GTO when I see redlines, but they worked on this 4-4-2 with the pinstripe.

Beauty in simplicity for this '55.

Beauty in simplicity for this ’55.

There were a lot of pickups at the show.

There were a lot of pickups at the show.

Plenty of strolling and plenty to ogle.

Plenty of strolling and plenty to ogle.

When the truck is finished, build a theme to go with it.

When the truck is finished, build a theme to go with it.

12_Chevy-row_bronzepkp

Clean engine-turned metalwork.

Clean engine-turned metalwork.

Who doesn’t like a well done shoebox Nova?

Who doesn’t like a well done shoebox Nova?

The factory metal trim worked to set this model apart.

The factory metal trim worked to set this model apart.

A street-pounding Chevelle

A street-pounding Chevelle

Let those horses run.

Let those horses run.

The English “Bumblebee”?

The English “Bumblebee”?

Naked leg-burner.

Naked leg-burner.

One badass hauler, but check out the freakin’ rod motor

One badass hauler, but check out the freakin’ rod motor

Definitely “scary.”

Definitely “scary.”

The Muldowney rail is history brought to life.

The Muldowney rail is history brought to life.

A half-dozen dragsters and top-fuelers fired up and thundered threats back and forth in the cacklefest.

A half-dozen dragsters and top-fuelers fired up and thundered threats back and forth in the cacklefest.

The coveted Edelbrock trophies.

The coveted Edelbrock trophies.

Emcees Dave McClelland (left) with Bob Beck call out the winners.

Emcees Dave McClelland (left) with Bob Beck call out the winners.

23_Plymouth2

Cost when new? $693.

Cost when new? $693.

Drag racer humor: a Fiat Topolino skin.

Drag racer humor: a Fiat Topolino skin.

Mopar grace under pressure.

Mopar grace under pressure.

30_DragsterHoloyt

Happiness is a hot pumpkin between your legs.

Happiness is a hot pumpkin between your legs.

33_MovieCar_Jake2

There were several movie-car re-creations on display, including “Jake” and his Dodge cop car from “The Blues Brothers.”

There were several movie-car re-creations on display, including “Jake” and his Dodge cop car from “The Blues Brothers.”

35_MovieCar_Kitt

Relics from “Jurassic” and “Kitt.”

Relics from “Jurassic” and “Kitt.”

Austin Powers’ “Shaguar.”

Austin Powers’ “Shaguar.”

There were several Cobras throughout the show, including these built as kits.

There were several Cobras throughout the show, including these built as kits.

Is a Cobra worth its big-block without a clever license plate? Or a Shelby signature on the glove box door?

Is a Cobra worth its big-block without a clever license plate? Or a Shelby signature on the glove box door?

41_Cobras_Redtail

No such thing as an ugly ’40.

No such thing as an ugly ’40.

L.A. history with the hometown Gilmore Oil hauler.

L.A. history with the hometown Gilmore Oil hauler.

44_Hauler-red_LittleGirl

This young man is a gifted illustrator. For $25 he’ll sketch your car.

This young man is a gifted illustrator. For $25 he’ll sketch your car.

46_Hauler-YoungArtist2

Back in the day... they all looked like this.

Back in the day… they all looked like this.

DeSoto street rod.

DeSoto street rod.

50_RS

Old and new side by side.

Old and new side by side.

This Montclair would have gotten a Maynard’s Garage award for preserving the past.

This Montclair would have gotten a Maynard’s Garage award for preserving the past.

54_Montclair_Interior

55_MontclairHeadlight

It's all in the details ... and the lake pipes.

It’s all in the details … and the lake pipes.

No such thing as an ugly ’66 Nova, either.

No such thing as an ugly ’66 Nova, either.

So much to look at.

So much to look at.

Packards add some class to the clash.

Packards add some class to the clash.

59_Packard2

60_Packard3

Straight from the good times of the mid-1950s.

Straight from the good times of the mid-1950s.

A Fleetline that’s not a lowrider.

A Fleetline that’s not a lowrider.

Shoebox Chevys.

Shoebox Chevys.

Documentation is everything. .

Documentation is everything. .

The owner has trace this car’s birth down to the date it came off the assembly line: June 1, 1956

The owner has trace this car’s birth down to the date it came off the assembly line: June 1, 1956

And a later-model T-bird.

And a later-model T-bird.

Von Hot Rod leading his pinstriping circus.

Von Hot Rod leading his pinstriping circus.

Putting his mark on a mailbox.

Putting his mark on a mailbox.

His jewelery designs.

His jewelery designs.

The ring master with “Kong” (right) and Chilin.

The ring master with “Kong” (right) and Chilin.

Mopars in a row.

Mopars in a row.

71_Mopar-Cuda

72_Mopar-white

And some Sheriff department Mopar.

And some Sheriff department Mopar.

75_Sheriff_CudaEngine

76_Sheriff_ATV

A project car…

A project car…

... all in the family.

… all in the family.

Old school ’57. Been the family race car for decades.

Old school ’57. Been the family race car for decades.

80_Ford57_engine

81_Ford57_Interior

Another ’57 from Lucas Oil.

Another ’57 from Lucas Oil.

84_Gina_PinUpsForVets2

Gina Elise (center) with her posse representing her non-profit Pin Ups for Vets fund-raising efforts. http://www.pinupsforvets.com/. Cheryl is on the left, Jenny, right.

Gina Elise (center) with her posse representing her non-profit Pin Ups for Vets fund-raising efforts. http://www.pinupsforvets.com/. Cheryl is on the left, Jenny, right.

. Edelbrock employees had a special show area, with some righteous work on display.

. Edelbrock employees had a special show area, with some righteous work on display.

Will work for parts.

Will work for parts.

A ’30 Model A owned by Edelbrock’s Gary Booke, who has been a driver for the company since 2007.

A ’30 Model A owned by Edelbrock’s Gary Booke, who has been a driver for the company since 2007.

90_EdelbrockEmployeeRods

The midway.

The midway.

Clever and quick.

Clever and quick.

93_RoadRunnerEngine

BMW art car, but not a factory art car.

BMW art car, but not a factory art car.

Kid cart.

Kid cart.

Stunning bodywork on this Merc. The paint looks clear enough to swim in.

Stunning bodywork on this Merc. The paint looks clear enough to swim in.

For sale: $55,000 or $25,000 without the motor.

For sale: $55,000 or $25,000 without the motor.

I liked the original interior work with street-rod presence.

I liked the original interior work with street-rod presence.

Love the flamework.

Love the flamework.

100a_BlueRod_Engine

Mustang tribute.

Mustang tribute.

Dad and son with an Earnhardt tribute.

Dad and son with an Earnhardt tribute.

Talk to me, baby.

Talk to me, baby.

Different …

Different …

Rod Row.

Rod Row.

107_RodSpokes

Ford DeLuxe with greyhound hood ornament.

Ford DeLuxe with greyhound hood ornament.

Fine '56.

Fine ’56.

Oldies and re-creations.

Oldies and re-creations.

Working class … with a radiator bag.

Working class … with a radiator bag.

This Corvette by West Coast Customs is a study in simplicity.

This Corvette by West Coast Customs is a study in simplicity.

113_Corvette_Engine

114_Corvette_Interior

This charming ’56 deserved an award.

This charming ’56 deserved an award.

116_Ford56-awardwinner

It has been owned by the couple for 38 years.

It has been owned by the couple for 38 years.

428 sleeper.

428 sleeper.

118_Ford428-Engine

Low and not so slow.

Low and not so slow.

A CR-V Scooby van tribute?

A CR-V Scooby van tribute?

This teal Nova has racked up the miles on a Hot Rod Power Tour and on plenty of rod runs.

This teal Nova has racked up the miles on a Hot Rod Power Tour and on plenty of rod runs.

And true to its era with the Cragars.

And true to its era with the Cragars.

And will with its original six-cylinder.

And will with its original six-cylinder.

Ready for the next Power Tour.

Ready for the next Power Tour.

A good red on this Ford.

A good red on this Ford.

And under the hood, too.

And under the hood, too.

Gauges on the cowl.

Gauges on the cowl.

Keeping it real.

Keeping it real.

OK, so I like Novas.

OK, so I like Novas.

146_Harley

A purple power eater

A purple power eater

A long-tube Ford-Mopar rod.

A long-tube Ford-Mopar rod.

136_MoparRod_Engine

138_MoparRod_Pinstripe

Just enough scary rat rod stirred in.

Just enough scary rat rod stirred in.

Chevelle.

Chevelle.

“Hotrod Bob” Beck and his fat-fendered Ford.

“Hotrod Bob” Beck and his fat-fendered Ford.

Pack the toys and everybody with this hauler.

Pack the toys and everybody with this hauler.

Dave McClelland on the “Horsepower for an Hour” broadcast.

Dave McClelland on the “Horsepower for an Hour” broadcast.

All variants of Mustang were on view.

All variants of Mustang were on view.

Dave McClelland with San Diego’s Hot Rod Holly, who showed her ’56 “Chevrolei” pickup.

Dave McClelland with San Diego’s Hot Rod Holly, who showed her ’56 “Chevrolei” pickup.

Hot enough to be a daily driving, kickass Z.

Hot enough to be a daily driving, kickass Z.

Hot enough to be a daily driving, kickass Z.

A brace of big Caddys in the VIP area.

A brace of big Caddys in the VIP area.

The interior was original on the ’58 Eldo.

The interior was original on the ’58 Eldo.

150_60Caddy_Eldo

A concours-quality ’60.

A concours-quality ’60.

.Cadillac powered.

.Cadillac powered.

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A 406 with 525 hp is not “small.”

A 406 with 525 hp is not “small.”

Definitely too wild.

Definitely too wild.

And “all ate up with motor.”

And “all ate up with motor.”

Street treads.

Street treads.

Aero treatment to this ’66.

Aero treatment to this ’66.

Pony cars.

Pony cars.

169_Built57Ford

168_Built57Ford

Nothin wrong with this ’57 from any angle.

Nothin wrong with this ’57 from any angle.

166_StudeLark_Engine

Built in Long Beach as a basic six-cylinder car in Colonial White. What a difference now.

Built in Long Beach as a basic six-cylinder car in Colonial White. What a difference now.

Cute, but a contrast: a Lark owned by a Marine!

Cute, but a contrast: a Lark owned by a Marine!

164_TurqMustang_Engine

Ready to go in better-than-new condition.

Ready to go in better-than-new condition.

12-cylinder Bimmer.

12-cylinder Bimmer.

Rear-hinged doors with fender skirts have a strong effect.

Rear-hinged doors with fender skirts have a strong effect.

Vic’s Garage entry. Wow.

Vic’s Garage entry. Wow.

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Vic and Nancy’s ’58, with Edelbrock mods.

Vic and Nancy’s ’58, with Edelbrock mods.

SS 396.

SS 396.

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75 years of memories.

75 years of memories.

Hendrick test car.

Hendrick test car.

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Early engine "technology."

Early engine “technology.”

How it all began?

How it all began?

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184_VicsGarage_Floor2

Gone racin'.

Gone racin’.

186_VicsGarage_MidgetRacer

Speed in all forms.

Speed in all forms.

With the E-Force supercharged crate engine.

With the E-Force supercharged crate engine.

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S specs, photos, pricing

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S specs, photos, pricing
2014 911 Turbo updates include a new all-wheel-drive system, active rear axle steering, adaptive aerodynamics, full-LED headlights and up to 560 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged flat six.

2014 911 Turbo updates include a new all-wheel-drive system, active rear axle steering, adaptive aerodynamics, full-LED headlights and up to 560 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged flat six.

2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S

 Fifty years ago, the Porsche 911 made its debut at the Frankfurt auto Show and then 10 years later came the first 911 Turbo prototype.

Now, for the 911 Turbo’s 40th anniversary, Porsche has just released official specs, photos and pricing for the latest 911 Turbo and Turbo S, which go on sale at the end of this year.

Porsche calls the Turbo models “the technological and dynamic performance peak of the 911 series.”

Updates include a new all-wheel-drive system, active rear axle steering, adaptive aerodynamics, full-LED headlights and up to 560 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged flat six-cylinder engine.

New 20-inch wheel design.

New 20-inch wheel design.

It also rides on 3.9-inch longer wheelbase and 20-inch wheels.

Porsche’s active anti-roll system (Dynamic Chassis Control) is optional on the base turbo and standard on the Turbo S. The Turbo S also comes with extras that were once options, including the Sport Chromo Package Plus and carbon ceramic composite brakes.

All for quicker acceleration. The 911 Turbo with the optional Sport Chrono Package Plus accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, on its way to a top track speed of 196 mph.

The 911 Turbo S gets to 60 mph 2.9 seconds, with a top track speed of 198 mph.

Performance
The twin- turbocharged, direct injection 3.8-liter six produces 520 hp in the 911 Turbo and 560 hp in the S.

Power is transferred to the drivetrain through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK), with auto start/stop at idle.

Official mileage estimates are not final, but Porsche expects improvements in real-world fuel economy.

Induction and engine sounds are piped to the cabin by a speaker diaphragm.

Wide body
Visually, the Turbos have the widest bodies: rear body panels a broader by 1.1 inches over the 911 Carrera 4. The fenders have a nearly level surface, about the width of a hand, between the C-pillar and the outer edge of the car body.

Other styling differences include forged two-tone 20-inch aluminum wheels, with center hub locks on the Turbo S.  The Turbo S also gets -LED headlights that feature four-point daytime running lights and camera-based high/low beam control (Optional for the base model).

An even wider body.

An even wider body.

Rear wheel steering
Rear wheel steering system consists of two electro-mechanical actuators (rather than conventional control links) on the left and right rear axles.

The steering angle of the rear wheels can be varied by up to 2.8 degrees, depending on vehicle speed.

GIF_PorscheGauges

At speeds to 31 mph, the system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction that the front wheels are turned. That essentially corresponds to a virtual shortening of the wheelbase by 9.8 inches. The system lets the car turn faster into corners and noticeably simplifies maneuvering and parking.

Above 50 mph, the system steers the rear wheels parallel to the front wheels.

This is equivalent to a virtual lengthening of the wheelbase by 19.6 inches and gives the car tremendous directional control capability, Porsche says.

At the same time, the steering input by the driver leads to significantly faster build-up of lateral force at the rear axle, which responds to steering commands even more quickly.

The interior was completely redesigned for the Turbo, with a richer list of extras for the S model.

The interior was completely redesigned for the Turbo, with a richer list of extras for the S model.

Active aerodynamics
The new active aerodynamic system is a retractable three-stage front spoiler (pneumatically extended) and a deployable rear wing with three adjustable wing positions.

In the performance position, the entire spoiler is fully extended to add considerable down force at the front axle. The rear wing also is extended to its maximum height “with the greatest angle of attack,” Porsche said in the release.

Dynamic performance is improved so much, Porsche says, that lap times at the North Loop of the Nürburgring are improved by up to two seconds. The new 911 Turbo S carves through  the 12.8 miles of the North Loop of the Nürburgring – nicknamed “The Green Hell” by Jackie Stewart – in less than 7.6 minutes – with standard production tires.

The 2012 Corvette ZR-1 went through the same 154-turn course in 7 minutes, 19.63 seconds.

New interior
The interior was completely redesigned for the Turbo, with a richer list of extras for the S model. Its cabin is trimmed in black with Carrera red and standard 18-way power adjusted Sport Seats Plus.

A Bose sound system is standard, but for the first buyers can upgrade to Burmester system. Other options include a radar-controlled cruise control system, camera-based road sign recognition and speed limit recognition.

Turbo pricing starts at $149,250. The Turbo S starts at $182,050. Pricing includes the $950 freight charge from Zuffenhausen.

The 911 Turbo S gets to 60 mph 2.9 seconds, with a top track speed of 198 mph.

The 911 Turbo S gets to 60 mph 2.9 seconds, with a top track speed of 198 mph.

2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition Overview

2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition Overview

The 2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition Earns its Supercar Ranking In Price and Performance

Front view of the 2014 Nissan GT-R

The 545-hp GT-R Track Edition was pushed even harder on the Nurburgring for more track-competition ability. (Photos courtesy of Nissan)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Ppricing was announced today for the 2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition. The new two-seat competition model will have a limited production of 150 cars for the U.S.

The four-seat GT-R coupe is sold in three all-wheel-drive models. Pricing starts at $100,590, including the $1,000 freight charge from Japan. All models route power through a dual-clutch sequential six-speed rear transaxle.

The new Track Edition claims a supercar ranking in price and features. The two-seater with competition upgrades starts at $116,710.

Learn more about Nissan’s performance cars here.

Front seats of the Track Edition

The Track Edition interior has blue-trimmed, high-grip front seats.

Backseat in the 2014 GT-R Track Edition

The Track model back seat is trimmed in a lightweight quilted cloth mat.

Lightweight wheels on the Track Edition GT-R

RAYS lightweight wheels.

Track Edition upgrades

Its features include a specially tuned suspension, special brake cooling guides, a front spoiler with carbon fiber air ducts, and a lightweight quilted cloth mat in place of rear seats.

Changes to the GT-R’s four-wheel independent suspension include special Bilstein DampTronic gas pressure shock absorbers and higher spring rates.

Inside, the Track Edition gets blue-trimmed, high-grip front seats with special leather and fabric. Magnesium paddle shifters are standard on all models.

The GT-R engine

The 545-hp GT-R engine.

Special features

Other special features are a handmade, lightweight dry carbon fiber rear spoiler and metallic black six-spoke RAYS forged lightweight wheels. The run-flat tires are ultra-high performance Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT, nitrogen filled.

The carbon fiber spoiler on the GT-R

The carbon-fiber spoiler.

The wheels and spoiler are also available for the Black Edition, which starts at $110,300. Other Black extras include a red and black interior, Recaro leather-trimmed seats, and a carbon-fiber rear spoiler.

2014 Nissan GT-R upgrades

GT-R upgrades for the 2014 model year include some performance tweaks and a new optional interior with hand-stitched Amber Red semi-aniline leather on the front seats.

The Nissan GT-R’s twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 has 463 foot-pounds of torque from 3,200 to 5,800 rpm. The power band was recalibrated for better response in the middle range of 4,500 to 6,000 rpm and for more acceleration above 6,000 rpm. Redline is at 6,400 rpm.

A rear view of the GT-R

The Nissan GT-R Track Edition has a curb weight of 3,796 pounds and a very low drag coefficient of 0.26.

McLaren P1 winter testing, video and photo

McLaren P1 winter testing, video and photo
McLaren will begin deliveries of the P1 supercar this summer. Its price of $1.34 million buys a car equipped for road and track, the company says, and “just” 375 cars will be built.

McLaren will begin deliveries of the P1 supercar this summer. Its price of $1.34 million buys a car equipped for road and track, the company says, and “just” 375 cars will be built.

P1 winter testing video: http://youtu.be/Hb_6pNFqqNA

 

The McLaren P1 is intended to be “the best driver’s car in the world on road and track,” the company says. Its price of $1.34 million buys a car equipped for road and track and “just” 375 cars will be built in the new production center in Woking, Surrey, UK, later this year.

The company was testing its 903-horsepower, plug-in electric supercar in northern Sweden at the Arctic Circle.

The P1, so named for “first place” or “position one” in Formula 1 racing. It’s an earned badge for the company, which in its 47-year F1 history has 182 Grand Prix victories and 155 pole positions to-date. The name also company history: the McLaren F1 was known internally as Project 1, or P1.

The powertrain is a McLaren-developed IPAS gasoline-(petrol) electric powertrain with revisions to the company’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8. It is coupled to a single electric motor and small but-high energy battery pack. Combined power output is 903 hp.

As important as absolute power is the electric motor’s ability to provide instant torque. 0-62 mph takes less than 3 seconds and it can be driven about 6.2 miles in electric-only mode at speeds to almost 100 mph. Top speed is limited to 215 mph.

‘It may not be the fastest car in the world in absolute top speed, but that was never our goal,” chief engineer Paul Mackenzie said in a press release. “Rather, we believe it is the fastest ever production car on a racing circuit, a much more important technical statement, and far more relevant for on-road driving.”

Its technological credentials are impressive. The car has an unprecedented amount of downforce for a road vehicle, Mackenzie said, “similar levels to a GT3 racing car and yet with even greater ground effect.”
The downforce boosts cornering and braking performance and helps balance, stability and driveability at all speeds he said.

The car’s agility is due in part to active aerodynamics and adjustable suspension, both now banned in Formula 1 racing, he said, because of the perceived performance advantage.

Air flow is optimized around the body by an active wing and underbody panels. To harness downforce, the F1 style rear wing can extend by about 4.7 inches on road and to nearly 12 inches on the track.

The hydro-pneumatic suspension – RaceActive Chassis Control – can lower the car by nearly 2 inches in Race mode, to produce ground effect aerodynamics. It also has adaptive spring rates, roll control, pitch control and damping. In Race mode, the spring rates stiffen by 300 percent, which will allow cornering grip of more than 2g.

Power is driven to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.

IPAS (Instant Power Assist System) is a plug-in electric system. The battery is charged by kinetic energy from the engine, such as when decelerating and it can be plugged in to recharge.

The electric power assist system, developed by McLaren, can provide up to 176 hp from the electric motor, which can then be used as a boost at the touch of the steering wheel button. The nitrous-like charge operates only when close to full throttle
“It’s pretty cool to turn up, silently, in a million dollar McLaren,” said Mackenzie.

Deliveries begin this summer.