Stuffing a giant engine into a tiny car is one of cardom’s oldest ways of going faster. Diesel-engine manufacturer Cummins took things to the extreme by grafting a QSK78 engine onto an original Austin Mini. There wasn’t really much stuffing involved, since the big, red mill just hangs out in the new engine “bay” in back. But we admire the effort and the mid-enginedness.
The QSK78 is typically destined for use in mining equipment. It weighs nearly 25,000 pounds and is the largest diesel engine built in the U.K. The V-18 displaces 77.6 liters and has 12 turbochargers, producing 3500 hp at 1900 rpm and 10,157 lb-ft of torque at 1500 rpm. We have serious doubts the Mini actually moves under diesel locomotion—notice the supports underneath the car—but we don’t really care. It certainly has our long-term Ram beat.
The car and engine will be on display at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K.
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Original Post By Google News Jake Holmes
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The annual Goodwood Festival of Speed kicks off tomorrow in England, and Mazda’s stand will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the MX-5 Miata with a life-size Scalextric slot-car track featuring the iconic roadster. As seen above, the figure-eight track is not unlike the layout we used to build on our bedroom floor. Except, of course, this one’s the size of a parking lot.
The cars on the track will showcase MX-5s through the generations, so look for an original from model-year 1990, a first-gen in the 787B’s orange-and-green Le Mans livery, a 1992 California Special, a 10th-anniversary model, and current-generation cars. Unfortunately, our childish dreams of piloting the cars with a handheld controller are not to be: Mazda tells us the cars will be standard MX-5s on a purpose-built track meant to look like a slot-car circuit. Visitors can sit in the cars, but they won’t get to drive them. Pity.
As for moving Miatas, Mazda is bringing along its MX-5 Superlight concept as well as an MX-5 endurance racer, both of which will participate in the hill climb.
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Original Post By Google News Jake Holmes
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The above image—taken straight from the underground an automaker’s press site—is intended to illustrate the convenience of a center-console iPod/USB port, where the iPod is “kept in a stash box,” if you will. What it perhaps really illustrates is someone’s bad taste in music: It’s the Rage Against the Machine cover.
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Original Post By Google News David Gluckman
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Ferrari will unveil its fastest convertible ever at Pebble Beach this year.
An open Ferrari is among the classic dream cars, especially when it’s powered by a high-revving V-12, and the iconic manufacturer is about to launch another one. Ferrari is expected to unveil the new model, based on the 599GTB Fiorano, at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in mid-August.
Keep Reading: 2012 Ferrari 599 Roadster Rendered – Future Cars
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Original Post By Google News Jens Meiners
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The four-ringed fans at Fourtitude have gotten word that Audi will relaunch the Titanium package for certain cars in model-year 2011, and we’ve since confirmed the report with Audi. The package, a version of which was originally offered on the 2006–2009 A4, replaces shiny exterior bits with blacked-out trim. The package was originally offered as an upgrade from the S-line package, but its high cost garnered a low take rate. For 2011, the package will be mutually exclusive from the S-line trim, hopefully making it more affordable and more popular.
For the A4 sedan, A4 Avant (pictured above), and A5 coupe, the Titanium package includes gray, 19-inch five-spoke wheels modeled after those from the RS5, standard sports suspension, and sports seats. The grille, window, and fog-light housings are all darkened, and the A4 Avant also wears black roof rails. The interiors will have black upholstery, piano-black trim pieces, and a black headliner.
When the S4 and S5 are optioned with the Titanium pack, the only brightwork that remains is the aluminum-look side-view mirrors. The S cars also wear the 19-inch RS5 wheels with dark grille, window, and fog-light treatments. While interior upholstery is black, any standard interior trim can be specified.
Pricing for the trim package hasn’t yet been announced, but the cars should be available through Audi dealerships by the end of this summer. To see mock-ups of the other cars with the Titanium package, check out Fourtitude’s post.
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Original Post By Google News Jake Holmes
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