227 mph: New Record for Street-Legal Sedans

Brabus has been building the world's fastest street-legal sedans for several years running. This 'tradition' started in 1996 with the 205-mph Brabus E V12 and reached the next level in 2003 in the guise of the 217-mph E V12 Biturbo. In 2006 the Brabus Rocket, built in small-series production and based on the Mercedes CLS series, improved the world record to 225 mph.

But the Brabus R&D team wouldn't be the top-notch engineers they are if they were satisfied with that achievement. That's why in mid-October of 2006 they once more made the trek to the world-famous high-speed circular track in Nardo, Southern Italy. Under the keen eyes of the German Technical Inspection Agency (TÜV Süd) the $435,000 ultra-performance automobile improved the world record for street-legal sedans to 227.4 mph (365.7 km/h).

The Brabus Rocket is powered by a twin-turbo Brabus SV12 S engine, fitted into the tight confines of the four-door's engine bay with almost surgical precision. It produces a maximum power output of 730 bhp at 5,100 rpm. Peak torque is 973 lb-ft, limited electronically to 812 lb-ft, available from a low 2,100 rpm.

A special crankshaft, larger cylinder bore and larger forged pistons increase displacement from 5.5 to 6.3 liters. Airflow in both intake and outlet manifolds of both cylinder heads is optimized and sport camshafts are installed.

The engine peripherals also underwent numerous modifications: Larger turbochargers, a more efficient intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with four exhaust pipes and low back-pressure metal catalysts are all part of the Brabus Rocket engine concept. Newly programmed engine electronics orchestrate the perfect interaction of all new components and contribute not only to maximum power yield but also to meeting the latest EURO IV emission limits.

2007 Porsche TechArt 911 Turbo

TechArt turns the new Porsche 911 Turbo into one of the world's fastest and most powerful street-legal sports cars. 580 bhp, 0 - 62 mph in 3.46 seconds and a maximum speed of 211 mph are the most important performance figures of this car.
The 3.6-liter boxer engine was modified by TechArt in many details. Two bigger turbochargers contribute to the TechArt engine tuning just as the sports air filter and the stainless steel exhaust system with special manifolds and integrated high performance catalysts. All modifications are finely tuned by the recalibrated ECU.

After the conversion the engine delivers 580 bhp at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 517 lb-ft at 4,850 rpm. Power transmission to all four wheels is made via a modified six-speed manual gearbox with TechArt gearshift travel shortage and additional gearbox-oil cooling. Of course the TechArt engine conversion is also available for cars with Tiptronic transmission. The coupe tuned by TechArt is one of the world's fastest super sports cars. The two-seater coupe catapults from 0 - 62 mph in 3.46 seconds. Top speed is 211 mph.

Especially for the new Porsche 911 Turbo they developed the striking TechArt Formula five-spoke wheels in size 8.5Jx20 in front and in size 12Jx20 on the rear axle. TechArt recommends ContiSportContact 3 tires in sizes 245/30 ZR20 and 325/25 ZR20 for mounting on these wheels.

As a world-renowned specialist for exclusive interior creations TechArt Automobildesign also offers individual interiors for the latest 911 top-of-the-line version in all colors and designs.

The 580-horsepower Turbo was upgraded with an exclusive TechArt CarboBlack leather trim, white cockpit panels matching the car's outside color and further sporty accessories. They include an ergonomically shaped airbag sport steering wheel, foot pedals, foot rest and shift knob all made from aluminum as well as stainless-steel sill plates with TechArt logo.

2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

Design

The design of the Vantage Roadster is elegant and uncompromising, a single fluid form with characteristic attention to detail, both inside and out, representing the open sports car in its purest form.

The Vantage Roadster represents the latest evolution of Aston Martin's synthesis of craft and technology. From the beautifully hand stitched leather seats to the hand-finished bodies, to the ultra-modern Aston Martin V8 engine, hand-assembled at a dedicated, high-technology facility in Cologne, Germany, the Vantage Roadster is an exclusive, advanced and uniquely desirable sports car.

Performance

Driver and passenger sit low, close to the car's centre of gravity, where they can feel the car reacting to the input of the driver – a special sensation, usually only experienced in racing cars – providing a direct and sporting connection between car and driver.

The Vantage Roadster delivers exceptional performance with careful development and engineering ensuring that the Roadster equals the achievements of its Coupe sibling, with 0-60 mph achieved in 4.9 seconds and a potential maximum speed of 175 mph.

Vantage Roadster will be available with two transmission alternatives from launch. Offered as standard is the fast-shifting, six-speed Graziano conventional stick-shift manual gearbox, with ratios perfectly matched to the performance of the V8 engine. This is joined by Aston Martin's new Sportshift automated manual transmission – an ultra-quick system that provides the driver with heightened precision via fingertip control of gear changes using paddles to progress smoothly and swiftly through the ratios.

Deliveries of the V8 Vantage Roadster are expected to commence during quarter two 2007, with prices to be confirmed at a later date.