Ferrari Hamann F430 Black Miracle

The Ferrari F430 already is a brilliant, eye-catching vehicle. The “look“ as well as engineering technology presents many similarities to motor sports racing. In the latter instance, most vehicles here feature a catchy paint finish in “warrior look”. Hamann Motorsport now offers the mid-engine Ferrari a special outstanding design that equally provides a racing car look standing out from the crowd. It’s called “Black Miracle“ and will be responsible for great deal of turned heads.


Hamann’s “Black Miracle“ designed black car body via a foil suggests the appearance of a primary base coat versus a ready-finished lacquered vehicle. It leaves an impression as if the entire car body is covered in velvet. Here as well, comes an idea directly from motor sports racing scene where motor covers are often finished in black matt to aide drivers with glare reduction. The “Black Miracle” design by Hamann acts similar to a black hole absorbing all light. For the “light at the end of the tunnel” Hamann provides additional parts following customer preferences in brilliant red, orange or yellow finish. The contrast between black matt and each “luminizing” addition is unquestionably mesmerizing especially for countless admirers at Ferrari meetings. Such an individualized F430 entrance has never been seen before! The highlight of the “Black Miracle“ designs: when the black matt color doesn’t seem pleasing anymore, the foil can be easily removed.

The noted Hamann aerodynamic kit for the Ferrari F430 in dazzling colors grasps many elements directly out of motor sports. Front impressions of the F430 “Black Miracle“ through Hamann’s front spoiler provide a distinct racing sports face and minimize front axle buoyancy. The wide rocker panel wings give a lowering impression. Further reminiscence of sports racing awakens at the rear end through the Hamann diffuser and a powerful rear wing which provides more downthrust on the rear axle. Hamann air dams for the downforce generating Venturi Tunnel boosts the effect.

Additionally included in the “Black Miracle“ design are finished aerodynamic parts in red, orange or yellow as well as colored side mirrors and brake calipers, tinted rear lights, a colored engine cover framing, dark tinted windows (including front window), bi-colored leather furnishings (any choice of color combinations), Hamann logos within the head rests as well as the wheels finished in the color of the aerodynamic components and with completely covered black matt rim flange.

The Finest Detail Through Wing Doors

The absolute show stopper effect with the eye-catching “Black Miracle” colour in combination to the car body is achieved with the addition of Hamann constructed wing doors. This process is completed without compromise as Hamann offers a completely full car body integration through guaranteed technology minus that look of actually being built-in. In other words, this vehicle looks as if it just rolled directly off the assembly line.

Performance Jump

Through new motronic programming including a new rear silencer plus a sporty high-performance header and sport steel catalyst, the F430 in Hamann “Black Miracle” style has a performance increase of 50 bhp which is naturally a plus for vehicle performance.

Even more driving pleasure is promised with a specially designed set of suspension springs. Through the Hamann springs, not only does the F430 lurk lower to the ground, it also moves noticeably with more agility.

The F430 “Black Miracle” comes equipped from Hamann with a 3-pieced, forged light weight wheel “Edition Race” in 20-inch. Available for the front axle in size 8,5 x 20 (tires 235/30 R20) and for the rear axle in size 12,75 x 20 (tires 325/25 R20).

One example of the ultra lightweight wheels with dimensions of 12,75 x 20 have an astounding weight of only 34 lbs! As previously indicated, within the “Black Miracle” package Hamann finishes a wheel spider in the color of the aerodynamic components and rim flange matching to the car body in black matt.

Lamborghini Hamann Gallardo Spyder

From a visual aspect, the German tuner Hamann lends the masculine, angular contours of the Gallardo Spyder an additional shot of testosterone. The extensive aerodynamics suite, which has been perfectly matched to the body of the “compact” Lamborghini, includes a downforce-generating front spoiler, which is additionally equipped with an adjustable cup front spoiler lip borrowed from the racing scene. The muscular appearance of the Gallardo Spyder is enhanced by the Hamann side sills – which also make the car look lower on the road, besides lending it a “fuller” appearance. Further features Hamann borrows from the racing scene are incorporated into the rear end of the Gallardo. In addition to a three-piece rear spoiler, as an alternative, the Laupheim tuning specialist also offers a racing car-like rear wing, which helps to generate greatly enhanced downforce. The latter is given yet a further boost by being fitted with the Hamann diffuser. All the components are available both in fiberglass and Carbon-Kevlar. The aerodynamics body-styling kit is rounded off by fiberglass covers, designed as a trim for the Hamann 4-tailpipe rear muffler.

Wing Doors

An even more profound modification to the body involves the fitting of the Hamann in-house developed wing doors. The objective was to design a stable, but relatively inconspicuous system. The hinges of the Hamann wing door conversion are only just about visible, without giving the impression of having been retrofitted. This ensures that the Gallardo still cuts a fine figure when the entrance area is inspected. The conversion is performed at Hamann and takes about a week. The Hamann wing doors are characterized by the fact that they open upwards at an angle – as already seen in the models Countach, Diablo and Murcielago on which they are based.

More Power

Needless to say, Hamann also lends the Lamborghini Gallardo more power and performance. The German tuner has obtained this by fitting two types of sports rear mufflers – one version can be used in conjunction with the original tailpipes, thanks to the supplied adaptors, while the other version has four tailpipes each with a 76 mm diameter – from V2A stainless steel. When fitted in conjunction with Hamann sports metal catalysts, they increase both the bhp values and the torque. For the Lamborghini Gallardo, Hamann is also offering the option of recalibrating the standard ECU coupled with optimized mapping. This leads to an increase in power of 30 bhp (series 520 bhp) and a 30 lb-ft increase in torque for this Italian powerhouse. The top speed increases to 198 mph.

Improved Braking System

Drivers of fast cars are often underestimated by other road users. Precarious situations can often be defused safely by fitting better brakes. Accordingly, for the Gallardo Spyder and its hard-top variant, Hamann offers sports braking systems both for the front and back. The braking system for the front consists of two slotted and inside-vented Hamann brake discs in the dimensions 380 x 34 mm and two Hamann eight-piston fixed caliper brakes in red (other colors optionally available). Hamann equips the braking system for the rear with two slotted and inside-vented brake discs in the dimension 360 x 32 mm, two six-piston fixed caliper brakes in red and special handbrake linings.

Both sports braking systems are supplied complete with Hamann special brake pads and Hamann adapters along with all the fastenings.

Wheels Available in 19' and 20'

The stylishly, sporty concept of the Hamann Lamborghini Gallardo is rounded off by the composite, forged Anniversary II light alloy wheel. This exclusive wheel in its multi-spoke design conveys a sense of pure, unadulterated motor racing. The silver rim with its mirror-finished rim flange looks both stylish and luxurious. The front axle is fitted with wheels in the dimensions 9 x 19 inches, with size 235/35 ZR19 tires. The rear axle is fitted with the Anniversary II wheel rims in the dimensions 12 x 19 inches and tires in the size 295/30 ZR19. With this solution, Hamann enables its customers to continue using the series tires of the original wheel on a new rim.

Hamann also offers the Anniversary II as a 20-inch version, namely at the front, in 8.5 x 20 dimensions with tire size 235/30 ZR20, and at the rear in 11.5 x 20 dimensions with tire size 325/25 ZR20. A new addition to the range is the Hamann 20 inch light alloy wheel “Edition Race”. This wheel is fitted on the front axle in an 8.5 x 20 dimension with size 235/30 ZR20 tires and on the rear axle in an 11.25 x 20 dimension with size 325/25 ZR20 tires.

Ford Focus RS WRC 06

The 2007 Focus WRC is a revised version of the last year's car.

Ford of Europe officially unveiled the all-new Ford Focus RS World Rally Car 06 at the 2005 Bologna Motor Show in Italy. The car is Ford's challenger in the FIA World Rally Championship from 2006 onwards.

It is based on the high-performance Ford Focus ST road car, which was launched across Europe in 2006. The Focus RS WRC 06 has been designed and built in less than 11 months by an experienced and innovative engineering team led by Christian Loriaux, technical director at British-based company M-Sport which operates the Blue Oval's WRC programme. His team has worked closely in the development with Ford TeamRS, Ford of Europe's performance road car and motorsport arm.

Engine

Although the Focus ST model on which the World Rally Car is based uses a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine, rallying rules do not permit an engine of that size. However, the regulations do allow teams to use another engine from elsewhere in the Ford Focus model range, so M-Sport opted for the 2.0-liter Duratec unit, with the addition of a turbocharger and the mandatory 34 mm inlet restrictor. French engine specialist Pipo Moteur was employed to assist with the initial development of the new unit. M-Sport also used its own in-house transient dynamometer and made use of data from Ford TeamRS to fine-tune the specification. One advantage over the outgoing rally car is that the new engine has an all-alloy block. This allows for a reduction in weight and also a transfer of weight away from a relatively high position, thereby helping to lower the car's centre of gravity.

Suspension

The Focus RS WRC 06's suspension is a further development of the type used on the 2004-specification car, although rule changes forced M-Sport's engineers to make revisions.

To help reduce costs in world rallying, the use of expensive materials such as titanium is now severely restricted, and Ford's engineers had to find a substitute that was strong without adding too much weight. The suspension continues to use Reiger dampers. Representatives from the Dutch firm liaised with Loriaux and his staff during the design phase, and were also present during the first few miles of testing to help with the initial set-up. "Under WRC rules there are such tight restrictions on the amount of power that the engine can produce that elements like the suspension have become even more important," said Loriaux. "We worked hard to strike a balance between handling and traction." Suspension parts were tested on a 2004-specification Focus RS WRC in rough conditions before the design was finalized.

Transmission

M-Sport's transmission consultant Ricardo played a key role in the development of the new car, since the new rules forbid the use of computer-controlled front and rear differentials. Instead, only the centre differential features this level of technology, with regular mechanical units at the front and rear. The fact that more of the system is now beyond computer control has only heightened the importance of arriving at a robust initial set-up. "Some of the restrictions on materials affected this side of the design too," said Loriaux. "The propshaft is now steel, for example. But that means it has to be slightly wider to retain strength, so the transmission tunnel had to be made slightly larger to accommodate it."

Gearbox

The Ford Focus RS WRC 06 features a considerable amount of change in its gearbox from the previous model, not only in specification but also in layout. The original Focus WRC (introduced in 1999) mated a longitudinal gearbox to a transverse engine, an engineering feat in itself. But for the new car, Loriaux decided to use a transverse gearbox along with the transverse engine. "I think there are benefits in packaging but also there should be less loss through friction," he said. The new Ricardo-developed gearbox will have five gears, not six like the outgoing model. "Reducing the number of gears allows us to make a small weight saving and also a saving in terms of size of the gearbox itself," said Loriaux. "We think that with the 34 mm air restrictor on the turbocharger, as specified by the rules, the engine's low-down strength and torque mean a five-speed unit will be as effective as a six-speed one. After all, with six speeds you do lose a little more time through more frequent changes anyway."

Weight Distribution

Loriaux is renowned for his innovative design approach to lowering the center of gravity in rally machinery. Many of the trends seen on today's cars, such as the crew sitting particularly low in the cabin, can be attributed to Loriaux's earlier designs. From the earliest drawings of this new car, he has again been determined to set new trends.

"A low centre of gravity helps with handling, balance and steering feedback," said Loriaux. "We've tried to make the engine as low as possible and with no compromises in the layout, to help achieve that." Some of the more radical solutions will remain secret, but no element of the car's layout or design has escaped intense scrutiny as far as weight distribution is concerned.

Ford GTX1 Roadster

With the 1966 Sebring-winning Ford GTX1 roadster as inspiration, Ford SVT engineering supervisor Kip Ewing unveiled his take on that legendary racer during the opening day of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Ewing conceived the idea for a roadster while working on the Ford GT launch, and after completing initial design sketches and engineering studies on his own time, he won the privilege of utilizing the Ford’s SEMA Technology Initiative to bring the Ford GTX1 roadster to life. “The Ford GT has been an amazing automotive icon that I’ve had the pleasure to work on,” said Ewing. “The X1 project is a great way to answer the question, ‘What if?’ and utilize the power of the SEMA’s members in the aftermarket to get it done.

Ford’s SEMA Technology Initiative began in 1999 with the sharing of technical drawings and electrical schematics of the then-new Mustang. The program has expanded over the years to include the majority of Ford and Lincoln Mercury vehicles and now provides three-dimensional CAD data to aftermarket companies looking to develop parts and accessories. As part of Ford’s initiatives to promote its vehicles to SEMA members in the aftermarket, Ford supports a selection of project vehicles to be built every year for the SEMA Show, and the Ford GTX1 was one of them.

The builder chosen for the project is Mark Gerisch of Genaddi Design Group, an experienced designer and metal shaper that has a history of cutting the roofs off expensive and exotic cars. Ewing worked with Ford’s SEMA liaison team and Ford Corporate Design to bring the OEM perspective to the project, but working with Gerisch’s team in the aftermarket was critical for success.

The X1 roadster features an innovative roof system of four individual hard panels. The panels can be configured as a coupe, t-top, or full convertible. Even with all the panels installed, the outer panels can be locked into a vent position. Plus, the panels are painted in the same Valencia Yellow featuring Tungsten Silver stripes; therefore, as a coupe, it doesn’t lose any of its design appeal. And, X1 drivers won’t be caught in the rain because all four panels can be stored inside the vehicle for easy access.

The Ford GTX1’s rear clamshell covering the engine has been redesigned to feature two buttresses that flow rearward from the seatbacks. Without the need for a backlight due to its open-top configuration, the view into the engine bay could have gone away, but Ewing knew the importance of showcasing the 550-horsepower 5.4L supercharged V-8.

The answer to the inevitable question of “Can I buy one?” is yes. All it will take is a trip to your local Ford dealer to purchase a Ford GT, and then a call to Genaddi Design Group, or visit www.gtx1.com.

Besides Genaddi Design Group, the Ford GTX1 features several SEMA-member company products, including:

• Wheels: 6061 Alloy Corporation - 19-inch front/20-inch rear
• Seats: Sparco - Carbon fiber Ford GT custom
• Brakes: Brembo - Alum. mono-block/two-piece rotors
• Tires: Pirelli - P-Zero Rosso
• Dampers: Dynamic Dampers - Adjustable coil-overs
• Trunk: Multimatic - Carbon Fiber
• Exhaust: Ford Racing - Borla
• Interior trim: WK Industries
• Paint: Debeers
• Roof latching: RMD
• Clam shell cassette: Manitowoc Composites

Sony is using the Ford GTX1 roadster to showcase its latest product from its Xplôd audio system product line. Music in the GTX1 comes courtesy of the Sony Xplôd MEX-1GP “Giga Panel” AM/FM CD receiver. This new device allows users to simply transfer their favorite MP3 and WMA files from virtually any computer to the receiver’s detachable faceplate via USB cable. Dubbed “Drag and Drive”, its built-in 1GB of flash memory holds up to 500 songs for hours of uninterrupted playback.

BMW 130i - Studie Hall

Ever since BMW stopped importing the 318ti, and possibly even before that, there's been a cry from enthusiasts for a fun and affordable BMW. Well, the German manufacturer answered those calls with the introduction of the BMW 1-Series back in 9/04. However, it failed to reach our shores. The reasons given were numerous, involving the dilution of BMW brand values and the currency exchange rates, which would force the price of the small car into big car territory.

Finally, it appears that BMWNA has relented and will be introducing a version of the 1-Series, though it probably won't happen until a two-door version arrives. This will give the now slightly awkward looking five-door sports hatch a little more sporting cache to justify the price.

While enthusiasts in North America have been twiddling their thumbs waiting for the right 1-Series to come along, the Europeans have been busy building it into something worthy of the propeller badge.

Perhaps the most blatant indication of this is BMW Motorsport's racing program, that includes events like the Nurburgring 24-Hour Race. We covered the '06 race in detail last month where a 120d entered by Schubert BMW finished fifth overall and first in class.The Little Diesel That Could beat rivals from company's such as Porsche and Lamborghini, even shaming many competition M3s. The victory was explained by the car's clockwork reliability that meant it required no unscheduled stops. The team only changed drivers, tires and fuel in the entire 24 hours.

More than the car's incredible success, most people are amazed at how good the car looks. Resplendent in its widebody Motorsport clothes, the 1-Series has presence beyond its diminutive stature.

What's more, those clothes are available to anybody. We showed you the street version of the Schubert Motorsport 120d from the Essen Motor Show (et 3/07). The company was offering a version of the carbon widebody to the public, capable of swallowing 19x8.5" BBS in the process.

After a pilgrimage to Germany, Yasuaki "Bob" Suzuki, was inspired to build one of these menacing 1-Series for himself. The CEO of Japanese BMW tuner Studie sold hisAC Schnitzer Tension M6 to fund the purchase of two cars, a 130i and a Z4 M Coupe. His intention was to give both the Motorsport widebody treatment, starting with the 1er.As we've already mentioned, we came across the Studie 130i during a visit to Tokyo with Yokohama Tires. The rubber company had organized a track day at Tsukuba circuit and the little blue meanie was on-hand to demonstrate the impressive abilities of the new Yokohama S.drive tires (et 4/07).

The day before, our Yokohama hosts had taken us to visit Studie's main emporium in Yokohama City (see p50) and we'd stumbled across the 130i being prepared for the track day. It was still shiny and new, having never been put through such an arduous test, so as we watched the Bilstein coilovers being tweaked by the techs, we were warned that the settings were a "best guess".

The Studie techs should be poker players because the guess was spot-on, making the 130i the most entertaining car at Tsukuba.It's combination of three liter power, nimble chassis, powerful Brembos and predictable Yoko tires made it an addictive pleasure. We kept returning to the track in the BMW like a crackwhore after another fix. But when a car turns in so well, grips hard through the corners and then has the power to drift out of the bend, who can resist one more lap?To be honest, we only know part of the story of Bob's 1-Series because our Japanese is very poor. However, we did learn that the two bumpers and four fenders are all genuine BMW Motorsport parts. What's more, they're constructed from dry carbon for incredible strength and lightness. He claims the parts are available from BMW to anybody, and are the same as the ones used by Schubert for its street 120d.