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Mar 2, 2006

Ferrari 599 GTB spec released

Ferrari has announced the specifications of 599GTB in Geneva:

Model	Ferrari 599 GTB
L / W / H / WB (mm)	4665 / 1960 / 1335 / 2750
Engine	65° V12, dohc, 4v/cyl, CVVT.
Capacity	5999 cc
Bore x stroke	92 x 75 mm
Compression ratio	11.2:1
Power	620 hp / 7600 rpm
Torque	448 lbft / 5600 rpm
Max rev	8400 rpm
Transmission	6M or 6-spd F1 (min 100 ms shift time)
Suspension (F/R)	All: double-wishbones; Magnetorheological adaptive damping (similar to GM's Magnetic Ride Control, also by Delphi)
Brake size (F/R)	350 mm / 330 mm
Tyres (F/R)	245/40ZR19 / 305/35ZR20
Traction	CST stability and traction control; launch control.
Weight	Kerb: 1690 kg (dry: 1580 kg)
Weight distirbution (F:R)	47:53
Drag coefficient	0.336
Top speed	>205 mph (c)
0-62 mph (100kph)	3.7 sec (c)
0-124 mph (200kph)	11.0 sec (c)

Compare with 575M:

Model	599 GTB	575M Maranello
L / W / H / WB (mm)	4665 / 1960 / 1335 / 2750	4550 / 1935 / 1277 / 2500
Engine	V12, dohc, 4v/cyl, CVVT.	V12, dohc, 4v/cyl, var intake.
Capacity	5999 cc	5748 cc
Bore x stroke	92 x 75mm	89 x 77mm
Compression ratio	11.2:1	11.0:1
Power	620 hp / 7600 rpm	515 hp / 7250 rpm
Torque	448 lbft / 5600 rpm	434 lbft / 5250 rpm
Max rev	8400 rpm	7700 rpm
Kerb weight	1690 kg	1730 kg
Top speed	>205 mph (c)	202 mph (c)
0-60 mph	3.7 sec (c)	4.2 sec (c)

Mar 1, 2006

Mazda 3 MPS

It will be called Mazda 3 MPS in Europe, Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan or Mazdaspeed 3 in North America. No matter which name, they represent the hottest performance version of the Mazda 3. Basically, its 2.3-litre dohc 16V direct injection turbo engine and the compact 6-speed manual gearbox come from Mazda 6 MPS, but detuned to 250 horsepower at 5500 rpm instead of 260 hp. Torque remains unchanged at 280 lbft / 3000 rpm. This make it one of the fastest FWD hot hatches in the market - with 155 mph top speed and 0-60 taking 5.8 seconds. That is exactly identical to BMW 130i.

Yes, it does not get the 4WD system of Mazda 6 MPS. Mazda said it "uses a FWD layout to maximize the inherent agile handling characteristics of its lightweight and compact body". Well, forget this silly excuse. A more reasonable explanation is given in the later part of the press release, "the FWD configuration permitted more affordable pricing, allowing Mazda the opportunity of offering Zoom-Zoom to a wider audience in an extremely fun-to-drive package."

Anyway, the 3 MPS gets a limited slip differential to handle the tremendous torque through the front wheels. The engine management system limits the torque output at the first 4 gears to prevent wheelspin. Steering angle is also taken into account in the torque control. Besides, the chassis gets some reinforcements around the suspensions. The retuned suspensions now provides 60% higher roll resistance. Brake disc size is upped to 320 mm front and 280 mm rear.

Outside, the MPS gets some predictable revisions to bumpers, intakes, exhaust and spoilers, plus some tweaks to underfloor aerodynamics. These changes reduce its aerodynamic drag to 0.31, no wonder it can top 155 mph.