Showing posts with label r. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Lexus IS F CCS R Race Car at Pikes Peak Hill Climb

Lexus IS F begins with a modified race car race at Pikes Peak
Lexus will participate with a specially-prepared Lexus IS F CCS-R race first time this year at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the Rocky Mountains in the U.S. state of Colorado. It also called "Race to the Clouds" on 8 July 90th Time held since 1916.

Lexus IS F CCS-R

The Lexus IS F CCS-R is the 5-liter V8 production engine in the Lexus IS F with a capacity of 311 kW / 423 hp and maximum torque of 505 Nm driven. He piloted by the 26-year-old racing driver Ken Gushi Japanese.

The modifications relate mainly Race Car chassis, body and interior. Appropriate for an enhanced passive safety guarantees monocoque with roll cage. The chassis in race trim with reinforced bearings and fasteners on the front axle is equipped with an adjustable camber.

Through the use of carbon fiber with bonnet, door handles, fenders and spoilers, the use of lightweight doors and windows made of polycarbonate, as well as by the omission of numerous equipment features, the weight of the Lexus IS F CCS-R has been reduced drastically.

At Pikes Peak, it is true, to a total length of nearly 20 miles with 156 curves at an average gradient of seven percent around 1440 meters in altitude to overcome. For the first time in its history, the legendary hill climb will take place this year on a fully paved route instead.

Koenigsegg Agera R

This year at the Geneva Motor show Koenigsegg is presenting the brand new Agera R – Quicker than lightning! The Agera R on the Koenigsegg show stand – production car # 83 – is inspired by the legendary Speed Racer theme, as specified by the owner of the car. Speed Racers main colour is white – so is snow. Equipped with special Michelin tires and a custom made Thule Roof Box – Speed Racer is ready to attack the ski resorts!

Last year Koenigsegg presented a pre-production version of the upcoming Koenigsegg Agera. Since then the pre-production car and several test mules have continued the Agera development program. The Agera pre-production car has been driven by several influential motoring journals, resulting in raving reviews and awards, such as for example becoming the “Top Gear Hypercar of the Year”. Please see attached quotes from these test-drives.

All in all the production versions of the Agera are created to take the Koenigsegg experience to the next level both on the road and the track, still maintaining the largest luggage space in the industry in combination with the unique Koenigsegg door system and detachable/stow-able hardtop.

There are several differences between the pre-production car previously shown and the production versions. For example, the engine and gearbox configurations are different and some revolutionary interior, chassis and aerodynamic features adorn the production version of the Agera that has never been shown before. For more information, please read the full press release below.

TAKE ACTION
Although sharing the same values and philosophies as previous Koenigsegg models, the Agera takes the Koenigsegg experience to a completely new level.

Similar to all previous Koenigsegg hypercars, the new Agera is the brainchild of Christian von Koenigsegg. The Agera has come to life in order to set new benchmarks for Hypercars when it comes to control, handling, speed, comfort, practicality and sheer driving enjoyment, while combining these features with clean, efficient and beautiful design.

The name Agera set the tone for the new project. Agera means “to take action” in Swedish. It is also short for the ancient Greek word Ageratos which means ”ageless”. These two are very suitable meanings, for the car building the future of Koenigsegg.

THE DESIGN
The Agera is designed with the minimalistic “less is more” philosophy in mind. This philosophy means that the shape of the car has to be purely functional with no added features except those purely needed to meet regulation, added safety, ergonomics, practicality and aerodynamics. We believe that if this philosophy is followed, the car will also be beautiful as it is purely purposeful. A good analogy is the evolution of a dolphin that has had to meet similar criteria in order to reach their present configuration through the evolution of nature.

The Agera is proportionate, compact and muscular. Its timeless, efficient and distinctive shape is truly a testament to time. The original shape and concept of the Koenigsegg CC, created 15 years ago, is still valid, fresh and highly competitive today. The Agera manage to stay true to the original philosophy, shape and size of the original CC. At the same time, it looks, feels and performs like something belonging to the future.

THE ENGINE
Koenigsegg differs from other low volume hypercar manufacturers by the fact that Koenigsegg develops and produces its own engine in-house. This is, by most observers and competitors, deemed as more or less impossible or way too expensive to even consider.

However, year after year Koenigsegg has proved them wrong. Not only are the engines developed in-house, they also have class leading characteristics in many important areas. To mention a few: Lightest and most compact hypercar engine in the world, weighing only 197 kg complete with flywheel, clutch, dry sump system, Inconel exhaust manifold with turbo. The low engine weight is quite astonishing, as the Agera engine also has class leading power and torque characteristics. To give an example, the Koenigsegg 5 litre V8 bi-turbo engine develops more than 900 hp on 95 octane regular fuel, and more than 1100 hp on E85 bio fuel. The Agera produces over 1000 Nm of torque from 2500 rpm and in the Agera R format the engine has a peak torque of 1200 Nm over a 3300 rpm rev range, showing great flexibility.

These are extraordinary numbers considering the size and reliability of the engine without forsaking drivability or flexibility. This is truly downsizing, without drawbacks. These characteristics make it one of the most flexible and easy to use hypercar engines in the world.

To give a hint of how different the Agera engines are compared to other production car engines, it is easy to look at the BMEP value (Brake Mean Effective Pressure) in the cylinders during maximum power output. The best production diesel and petrol engines from other leading manufacturers have a maximum BMEP of around 22 bar.

The Agera engine has a BMEP of 28 bar running on 95 octane fuel and the E85 Bio fuel Agera R engines has an astonishing BMEP of 30 bar. These numbers show how extreme the Koenigsegg engines are compared to any other production engine in the world. The reason why Koenigsegg can obtain such BMEP figures is due to some proprietary and critical factors, such as:

− A unique shape of the combustion chambers, improving the resistance against detonation.

− High cylinder head clamp load, enabled by a specially designed engine block. This has proven to give a zero failure rate to combustion overpressure, even considering the extreme cylinder pressures.

− A unique engine block design, where the cylinder sleeves are used to further stiffen the aluminium block.

− A connecting rod design reducing TDC dwell time and therefore enabling higher mean pressures without detonation.

− Exhaust manifold and intake plenum trumpets designed to ensure absence of RPM peak resonance and back pressure.

− An efficient ejector pump system reducing the crankcase pressure and aerodynamic losses.

The Koenigsegg engines also meet all the required emission standards in the world. This is nothing short of astounding, given their size and power output.

Koenigsegg has its own engine lab, with simulation programs, rapid prototyping machines, engine and chassis dynamometers, and a 1.7 km test track adjacent the factory enabling Koenigsegg to take the cars to 0-320-0 km/h at any time. Furthermore, a 25 minute drive away from the Koenigsegg Factory there is Knutstorp Racetrack, which is described by many as a miniature Nordschleife. Here Koenigsegg can put the engine and car through serious testing and make sure they work in perfect harmony. This gives Koenigsegg unique possibilities to develop technologies normally exclusive to much larger companies.

No other production engine in the world, regardless of car type, has the same amount of power potential compared to its EU cycle average CO2 emission(310g of CO2) or cycle fuel consumption( 14,7 litre per 100 km / 16MPG). However, what makes Koenigsegg most proud is how drivable, smooth, responsive, torquey and reliable the engines are – especially given their extreme performance.

The Agera engine complies with the most stringent environmental regulations in the world, EU5 and LEV2, and delivers a significant power increase compared to previous Koenigsegg engines.

Fuel consumption, and thus CO2 emissions, has been lowered. This is an astonishing feat for a 900+ hp hypercar. Turbo response is of vital importance when it comes to driving pleasure and the possibility to control massive amounts of power. Therefore Koenigsegg has joined forces with Borg Warner and adapted to the latest technology when it comes to turbine materials. The Agera R turbines are made from a material called Gamma-Ti which is an inter metallic compound comprised of aluminium and titanium. This new material drastically reduces the inertia of the turbine wheel and axle and therefore gives improved response. Furthermore Koenigsegg has coupled this latest generation turbo technology with patent pending and proprietary response/back pressure reduction system, invented by Christian von Koenigsegg to really give the Agera engine a competitive edge when combining maximum power while complying with the strictest emission regulations in the world.

Furthermore the large air to air intercooler on the left side of the engine sucks enormous amounts of fresh air, eliminating the need for water in the intercooling system, thereby saving weight and avoiding heat soak issues, during extended performance driving.

Following the Koenigsegg tradition the engine has a dry sump lubrication in order to lower the engine as far as possible in the chassis and have full control of the crankcase oil even given the massive g-forces involved.

The large 80-litre tank ensures long driving range, due to the relatively low average consumption. The Agera follows the previous generation Koenigsegg and has its fuel tank well protected, built-in centrally into the carbon fibre monocoque chassis. Since the fuel is centrally placed in the car, the weight distribution does not change regardless if the tank is full or empty. Thanks to the safe fuel tank position, the challenging US high-speed rear impact test, was passed at first trial.

The Agera R has four intelligent bio fuel grade return-less fuel pumps to deliver the correct amount of fuel at any given time. This reduces the energy needed to operate the fuel pumps and eliminates the waste of excessive fuel transport.

The inconel/titanium patent pending exhaust system is key in order for the Agera to achieve its remarkable emission and power levels. The exhaust system uses a completely new principle created by Christian von Koenigsegg. The new technology drastically reduces back pressure and gives earlier catalytic light off than any other turbo exhaust system. At the same time the acoustics of the exhaust has been examined carefully in order to maintain the typical Koenigsegg thunderous growl.

THE TRANSMISSION
The newly developed 7 speed gearbox for the Agera features a world’s first dual clutch system for a single input shaft gearbox. In order to keep the gearbox light, compact strong and reliable, Koenigsegg together with Cima chose to develop a new gearbox type that enables the use of a combination of a dry and wet clutch system, in order to get class leading shift times. First there is the normal twin disc dry clutch that operates in a traditional fashion. Then there is a hydraulically operated wet clutch-brake inside the gearbox that is engaged during each up shift in order to slow down the input shaft, simultaneously as the gears are changed and prior to the normal synchronisation. This cuts the synchronisation time by two thirds, as the gear is presynchronized. The result is a very sporty, smooth and extremely fast shift. Compared to a traditional DCT system, this gearbox is lighter, smaller, has less moving parts and gives a more distinct shift feel, with almost no interruption to the acceleration. Furthermore, the electro hydraulic shift mechanism actuates the shift forks directly with no intermediate mechanical parts. This brings down the inertia of the shift mechanism and any potential slack is minimized since the shortest possible path of engagement is achieved.

The entire transmission weighs only 81 kg, which is by far the lightest 7 speed Hypercar transmission in the world. The transmission can also be set in full auto mode.

The small size and very low weight, considering the longitudinal 7 speed layout, made it possible to maintain the shortest in class rear overhang, and thereby excellent central mass position and neutral behaviour in extreme conditions.

Koenigsegg E-Diff
The Koenigsegg Electronic Differential (E-Diff) is lighter and faster, compared to traditional E-Diff solutions. The difference lies in the fact that Koenigsegg has retained a limited slip differential with plates and ramps with a built-in amount of analogue limited slip functionality. This means that the active hydraulic element can be smaller, more compact and therefore faster and lighter compared to traditional E-Diff solutions. The analogue part of the functionality also has zero processing time as it reacts directly. The analogue system is supplemented by a digital active system.

This way Koenigsegg has obtained one of the lightest and fastest E-Diff solution on the market. Furthermore the Koenigsegg developed algorithms that control the E-Diff, takes input from; throttle angle, g-force, steering wheel angle, yaw angle, car speed, engine rpm, selected gear, plus weather condition.

The way all this data is analysed and how the car reacts to this data also makes the Koenigsegg E-Diff unique and that makes the Agera very safe on the limit and improves performance and feel.

The Koenigsegg E-diff works in harmony with the new traction control system that is the fastest reacting in the industry, with auto adapt functionality to different road conditions and driving styles as well as several manual settings.

THE CHASSIS
The Agera´s unique carbon fibre monocoque chassis is designed to achieve its maximum stiffness without a roof, as the roof is detachable and stow-able in the front of the car. This in itself is an unusual feature for such a compact Hypercar.

The Koenigsegg carbon monocoque chassis has an astonishing stiffness of 65.000 Nm/deg and only weighs 70 kg including the integrated fuel tanks.

The result of constant weight saving exercises is a dry weight of only 1330 kg making the Agera the lightest fully homologated Hypercar presently in production.

THE SUSPENSION
The suspension geometry of the Agera was designed to further enhance the award winning behaviour of the CCX. The Agera track is wider at the front compared to the rear of the car, compensating for the narrower front tires and giving the car a square stance of 2 meters in both the front and the rear.

In typical Koenigsegg tradition, the Agera has the longest wishbones of all hypercars presently in production. Long wishbones have several advantages – for example: less track width deviation during wheel movement or cornering and improved geometry over a longer wheel stroke. This is one of the reason why F1 cars have very long wishbones. The wishbones are produced from seamless aeronautical chrome-molybdenum tubing, in order to minimise weight in combination with maximum strength and stiffness.

The extremely strong and light uprights are machined from 7075-T6 aeronautical grade aluminium, and contains 240 mm SKF dual angle contact bearings, normally only found on Lemans prototype cars. The very large bearings contribute to the overall stiffness of the wheel assembly and therefore give better control, handling and comfort. The uprights have large 4.5” diameter carbon fibre cooling ducts for the brake discs in order to maximise brake cooling.

Brakes
The Agera is equipped with the absolutely latest ABS technology and is based upon, a very lightweight and performance oriented, racing ABS system. The system makes it possible for the ABS function to react to differently depending on performance mode. Furthermore the ABS braking system operates on massive 392×36 mm and 380×34 mm ventilated and drilled ceramic discs, for unparalleled braking performance and zero fade regardless of track or road condition.

RTD (Rear Triplex Damper) Suspension
Christian von Koenigsegg has invented and pioneered a new type of rear suspension system for a road car. The Agera has a shock absorber and spring connecting the right and left rear wheel. This system gives unique benefits as the two rear wheels can influence one another when desired.

There are multiple benefits of this system. For example, the extra spring and damper works in series with the normal spring and dampers allowing their spring and damping rates to be lowered. This results in increased comfort and better handling on rough and wet surfaces without compromising dry track handling.

Furthermore the RTD system has an anti-squat effect. Traditional anti-squat systems are designed into the geometry of the suspension. These systems do not add any components or weight. However they compromise the geometry of the suspension for other aspects of handling than anti-squat.

By adding the RTD system, Koenigsegg can maintain true suspension geometries for handling, but still have the anti-squat feature and harvest other new found benefits. As the RTD system compliments the normal dampers and springs, these can be made lighter. Hence, the added benefit does not significantly affect the overall system weight.

DEDICATED MICHELIN TIRES
Koenigsegg continued its long standing partnership with Michelin in the tire development for the Agera. Hence the Agera features specially developed, latest generation Michelin Super sport tires.

Due to the tires, advanced suspension and aerodynamics, the Agera achieves lateral accelerations up to 1.6 g in dry conditions with improved handling in wet.

The new tires were developed for the Agera through testing at the Michelin Ladoux test centre in France.

The tires fitted to the Agera are rated for speeds over 420 km/h making it the highest top speed rated tire in the world, whilst offering cup tire levels of grip and outstanding wet performance , all in one package.

Koenigsegg are very proud of being a selected development partner of Michelin.

VGR – Vortex Generating Rim spokes
The Koenigsegg VGR wheels are not only for looks. They are real air turbines, increasing the down force of the car by measurable amounts and improve brake cooling. All four wheels are individual so that turbine blades always face the correct direction for extraction. Given that the offset and width is different front to rear, all four wheels have their unique design. The VGR wheels are forged and then fully machined to the final shape. Due to the forging and machining process all excess material has been removed minimising weight, whilst displaying outstanding levels of stiffness.

THE AERODYNAMICS
The Aerodynamics of the Agera has been honed and perfected over many years in CFD and wind tunnel in order ensure best possible outcome. Even with the massive dynamic rear wing, the drag of the Agera is only Cd 0.33, in high speed mode and Cd 0.37 in track mode. Even though the Agera is a full 2 meters wide, it only has a frontal area of 1.87 m2. This results in a Cd*A value of only 0.62 and thus a theoretical top speed of around 440 km/h (Agera R), given the gear ratio and power available. All Agera models are limited to 375 km/h in standard mode, but can be unlocked by Koenigsegg for shorter periods of time, if all necessary conditions are met, such as road condition, tire wear, service level of car etc. The car is set in full speed mode by unlocking the top speed mode in the Infotainment system.

The two large side air intakes greatly add to the Agera´s high speed stability as they ensure that the pressure point of the car is behind the mass centre of the car. This makes the car more directionally stable with increasing speed. This is a crucial safety feature when it comes to driving at extreme speeds. Great care has been taken that the car also is stable under high speed braking. The front splitter and rear diffuser has been designed and optimized with this in mind.

For maximum performance and safety it is important that the down force stays as constant as possible even in yaw situations. Therefore the rear diffuser was developed and evaluated specifically to give substantial down force even at wide yaw angles.

Dynamic rear wing
Hypercars of today generate massive amounts of down force in low to medium speed and less down force in very high speed, in order not to overload the tires and not to create too much drag. Most hypercars therefore have heavy hydraulically operated wings and flaps to cater for this need.

Koenigsegg however, following the ”less is more” philosophy, has designed a dynamic system to that take care of the above described needs. The most visual and obvious part of this system is the new dynamic rear wing. The wing changes its angle of attack, not with the help of hydraulics, but with the pressure of the wind. It is therefore dynamically controlled by the speed or wind resistance at any given moment in time and thus actually compensates for headwind or tailwind at the same given speed. This is an intelligent way of dealing with adaptive aerodynamics, as the system becomes lighter, less complex and more intuitive compared to heavy and complex hydraulics systems. Koenigsegg had to work heavily with CFD in order to create the dynamically controlled adaptive aerodynamics of the Agera.

Furthermore, an interesting multifunction feature of the adaptive wing is that the pylons for the wing also act as air extrusion channels. The air channels goes from the engine bay to the back of the pylons, thereby creating an air passage. This causes a venturi effect, from the air rushing past the pylon, evacuating hot engine bay gases, reducing pressure in the engine bay and increasing the flow of cooling air through the side radiators. This also means that the pressure under the car is reduced and giving more low drag down force.

THE INTERIOR
The interior of the Agera is like no other car. No other materials than those deemed worthy by Koenigsegg are allowed in the interior. This means that what you get to touch and see inside the Agera is only aluminium, carbon fibre, precious metals, alcantara and aniline leather. All switch gear is highly bespoke and features wonderfully unique solutions, as for example the Koenigsegg Ghost light, that make solid aluminium buttons gleam with LED powered symbols appearing out of nowhere. A world first in the car industry. The illumination shines through the billet aluminium buttons and surfaces by way of almost invisible micro holes, creating excellent visibility of the symbols as well as a very clean and stylish appearance, framed by an all-new carbon fibre centre console and tunnel assembly.

The new super light full carbon airbag steering wheel incorporates many vital functions directly in front of the driver. Similarly to the CCX, the shifting paddles are mounted directly on the steering wheel to enable shifting without taking your hands off the steering wheel during hard cornering.

The central high-definition touch screen infotainment system controls the audio functions, satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone and secondary functions such as performance meters and car telemetrical data.

The very comfortable and optionally heated carbon seats are great for long journeys but also give excellent lateral support when needed.

The Interior of the Agera is truly minimalistic and efficient in the purest Swedish sense. Nothing in the interior is there only to add visual drama; instead everything is there for a functional purpose. According to Koenigsegg, this is the essence of beauty, as it follows a less is more philosophy that embodies every engineering aspect of the Agera.

CI – Configurable Instruments
The CI is specifically developed for the Agera by Koenigsegg. It features a unique and configurable interface that can be adapted to driver specific demands. As it is connected to the cars CAN bus system it freely communicates with the infotainment screen and all other functions in the car.

By pushing the left stalk button, different priority graphics can be chosen, depending on need. For example in track driving mode, there is a focus on; RPM, pressures, temperatures, lap times, and g-forces. Compared to GT mode, where: car speed, auto shift, satnav, power, music etc is prioritized.

THE LUGGAGE SPACE
The luggage space is something Koenigsegg is very proud of. It is the largest luggage compartment in the hypercar world, with a space of over 120 litres. It is so well shaped that it actually can fit the one piece Agera roof/hardtop, meaning the driver can choose to go open or closed at any given time during a longer trip. Given the fact that Koenigsegg has engineered the roof to fit the car, it is actually also possible fit a set of golf clubs. This is unheard of in the hypercar world. Given the high comfort level and the large luggage space, the Agera can truly been seen as one of the first GT hypercars.

Custom Carbon fibre Thule Lightning Roof Box
At the 2011 Geneva Motor show, Koenigsegg presents the Koenigsegg winter package – the first lifestyle packages offered from Koenigsegg. The main element of this package is the exceptional Lightning Roof Box System.

The Lightning Roof Box is developed together with the Swedish rack and roof box manufacturer Thule. The high performance lightweight box is made completely from carbon fibre and has been through several iterations of CFD simulation to ensure it is safe up to 300 km/h, making it the fastest roof box in the world.

The roof box, which has an incorporated roof panel, replaces the normal roof in under 10 minutes. The standard roof is then stored in the luggage compartment in the front of the car, so that when the driver arrives to his destination, the roof box can be quickly removed and the normal roof can be put in place for a more elegant look.

The Lightning roof box truly enables the driver to use the Agera for longer trips with massive luggage. This gives a whole new spectrum of hypercar utilization.

The winter package also includes Michelin snow tires on forged Koenigsegg wheels and custom designed Koenigsegg skis from the Swedish high end ski manufacturer, Extrem.

Part of the winter package is also a Swedish winter resort experience in Åre – Sweden’s most popular skiing resort and the place of manufacture of the Koenigsegg skis.

During the stay in Åre, the Koenigsegg customers will be fitted for their skis and they can witness first hand when they are being hand made in “Åres skidfabrik”, a state of the art ski production plant.

While their skis are being made, they will be checked into the delightful Copperhill Mountain Lodge that is towering snow-capped forests and sparkling frozen lakes.

The following day the skis are ready for use and Åre´s many and varied ski slopes are available for test runs, in direct access from the Copperhill Mountain Lodge.

Together with the Golf club options this marks the start of the Koenigsegg extended lifestyle program for Koenigsegg cars.

We would also like to thank Full Tilt, Houdini Sportswear, Sweet Protection, Sport Lodge’n Trysil and Moods of Norway, for assisting us in creating the winter experience at the Geneva motorshow.

THE ELECTRONICS
Semiconductor Electric Control Central
Not only does Koenigsegg develop their own engines, but also many of the electronic control units, CAN protocols, and management strategies are developed in-house. If you would look closely at many of the circuit boards in the car, inside the control units, you will find the name Koenigsegg in scripted directly on the circuit boards.

Of course there is no self fulfilling need to develop so many critical items in-house, unless it gives the car a competitive edge doing so. This is actually the main reason for Koenigsegg doing it. This, for example, gave Koenigsegg the possibility to pioneer the CCXR and Agera R – the two first environmentally conscious hypercars in the world.

An example of this development is In the Semiconductor Electric Control Central. The ECC controls most of the electronic functions in the car. Most physical fuses or relays have been replaced by software controlled semiconductors which are configurable in function and enable monitoring all power and threshold values. The ECC communicates via CAN with the infotainment system in order to display necessary information to the driver. For example if a door is open, a lamp is broken, or not all roof locks are tight in place, information will appear on the instruments as all electrical functions are controlled and monitored by the ECC.

Intelligent Lifepo4 Battery – ILB
The Agera is the first combustion engine powered production car in the world, with an intelligent Lithium Iron battery as standard equipment. First of all, this battery type saves significant weight and is more compact compared to traditional led acid batteries. Secondly lithium iron cells cannot reach thermal runway, unlike Li-ion batteries, which makes them very safe for automotive use.

Furthermore, the ILB carries many intelligent functions, developed by Koenigsegg together with the battery supplier. Hypercars tend to be parked long periods of time and therefore their batteries can be drained if the car is not hooked up to a trickle charger. Even though all Koenigsegg cars come as standard with a trickle charger it is not always easy to remember, or even possible depending on location, to use it. It is also possible that a driver sometime forgets to turn off all consumers, like parking lights etc causing early battery drainage.

Koenigsegg has therefore implemented a minimum current protection mode, to make the above issues something of the past. The new ILB therefore has an intelligent circuit built into it, so if the car is left on or standing for a long time, the battery shuts down when the voltage drops below a certain threshold. The shut down does not occur sooner than a traditional battery would have been left depleted and useless, so it does not take away any expected battery capacity. Then, if any essential buttons or a door knob is touched, the battery kicks back into life for 5 minutes and has enough power to operate all the functionalities in the car and start the engine and thereby giving charge back to the battery.

Given this strategy, battery concerns are a thing of the past. No matter of the behaviour of the car user. To prove a point you can leave the car with the high beam on and the stereo at full blast in the evening, without the engine running. Wake up in the morning, open the car door, start the engine and drive away. Alternatively, leave the car for a couple of months, open the door, start the car and drive away.

TECHNICAL DATA
- Koenigsegg developed, aluminium/carbon fibre, dry sump, 32 valve, Twin Turbo, V8 engine
- Torque: 1100 – 1200Nm – depending on version and fuel
- Displ: 5.035 L. Bore: 90.7mm. Stroke: 95.25 mm. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Max rpm: 7250
- Power: 940-1115hp – depending on version and fuel
- 7-speed, dual clutch, single input shaft, AMT Transmission with E-diff.
- Frontal Area: 1.873 m2
- CD 0.30(no rear wing) – 0.33 (fixed normal Agera rear wing) – 0.33 to 0.37(adaptable wing)
- Luggage space: 120 litres
- Dry weight: 1330 kg
- Curb weight 1418 kg (all fluids plus 50% fuel)
- Maximum laden weight: 1600 kg(full tank, two passengers, full luggage)
- Length: 4296 mm. Width: 1998 mm. Wheelbase: 2662 mm. Front Track: 1700 mm. Rear Track: 1650 mm. Front overhang: 885mm Rear overhang: 752mm Height: 1120 mm

2015 Bentley Continental GT3 R

Bentley announces the rarest and most dynamic member of the esteemed Continental family of Grand Tourers with the arrival of the new Continental GT3-R. It is inspired by the new Continental GT3 race car that stormed to victory at the second round of the Blancpain Endurance Series at Silverstone, the first UK race for Bentley for 84 years. Blending proven track and road credentials, the Continental GT3-R is a highly exclusive and unique interpretation of performance-focussed luxury, limited to just 300 examples.

All 300 examples of the Continental GT3-R will be hand-built in Crewe and finished in Bentley’s Motorsport division.

Bentley engineers have developed a retuned version of Bentley’s race-proven, high performance 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 for this new two-seater GT. Developing 580 PS (572 bhp / 426 kW) and 700 Nm of torque, together with a 100 kg weight reduction and shorter gearing, the Continental GT3-R is the fastest-accelerating Bentley ever. Capable of reaching 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.6 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.8 secs), the GT3-R is a Grand Tourer with the performance of a racer.

Complementing the revised powertrain is a further development of Bentley’s renowned all-wheel drive system, which now features torque vectoring for the first time. Together with modified Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a chassis tune optimised for outright cornering ability, the Continental GT3-R is the most dynamic, responsive and involving Bentley road car ever.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, comments:

“The experience of driving a Continental GT3-R is awe-inspiring, and takes the dynamic abilities of our Grand Tourer to new heights. We were inspired to create something extremely special for the road by the performance of our Continental GT3. It is a celebration of the Bentley passion for building outstanding drivers’ cars. To be a true Bentley, the GT3-R had to be the most luxurious track-inspired Grand Tourer ever, and this car pushes our trademark combination of luxury and performance to a new level.”

A Revised Powertrain Developed For Acceleration

For the GT3-R, Bentley’s powertrain division set about developing a special combination of engine, driveline and exhaust to create an evocative, powerful yet efficient system. Bentley’s popular and widely acclaimed 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, now race proven by the Continental GT3, has been fitted with precision-honed high-boost turbochargers and developed with new engine control software to liberate 580 PS at 6,000 rpm and 700 Nm of torque from 1,700 rpm.

This increased power is fed through the Continental’s eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, now with shorter output gearing to enhance acceleration, to Bentley’s renowned all-wheel drive system. For the first time for a Bentley, the drivetrain has the ability to control the torque at each of the rear wheels through the use of torque vectoring. Recalibrated control software means that Drive and Sport modes are moved further apart, each with different characteristics and with Sport mode designed for more spirited driving. Maximum driver control is provided by completely recalibrated paddle shift functionality.

A soundtrack appropriate to the new levels of performance is provided by an all-new titanium exhaust, which not only provides a weight saving of 7 kg but also has allowed Bentley’s acoustic engineers to give the GT3-R a unique baritone roar.

A Chassis System For Ultimate Driver Engagement

To provide a dynamic capability unmatched in the Grand Touring sector, the GT3-R receives a chassis system focussed on performance whilst retaining a cossetting level of refinement for everyday use. Air springs and dampers use a development of the sports-tuned setup from the Continental V8 S, already recognised as the best-handling Bentley ever, while lightweight forged 21” wheels and high-grip Pirelli tyres deploy the torque-vectored power output of the engine.

This combination, together with a sport-focussed Electronic Stability Control programme, offers a Continental with a new level of handling dynamics and turn-in agility, while both the chassis and powertrain respond immediately to throttle inputs.

Deceleration is via Bentley’s record-holding Carbon Silicon Carbide (CSiC) braking system. 420 mm front discs are slowed by 8-piston calipers finished in eye-catching green paint, while 356 mm discs are fitted to the rear axle. With the ability to absorb up to 10 megajoules of energy (enough to power a family home for six hours) in a single stop yet remain fade resistant, Bentley’s CSiC brakes are an engineering masterpiece in their own right.

Commenting on the performance of the new Continental GT3-R, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Engineering, Rolf Frech, comments:

“We wanted to develop our powertrain and chassis systems further than ever before for the GT3-R project. The result is a Continental GT that is more dynamic than ever, with a torque vectoring system that neutralises understeer and a chassis tune that is both direct and forgiving. We’ve differentiated the Drive and Sport modes further to give the driver a choice between a relaxed and refined Grand Tourer and a sharp supercar with instant responses. The reflexes of the car are matched by the throttle response from our redeveloped V8 engine, and the new turbochargers eliminate turbo lag. Bentleys are rewarding drivers’ cars – but dynamically, the GT3-R is our finest hour yet.”

Delivering Luxury Together With Extreme Performance

All Bentleys are a combination of luxury and performance, and the Continental GT3-R is no exception. Featuring a unique two-seat cabin handcrafted from carbon fibre, Alcantara® and the finest leather, the GT3-R is as breathtaking in its approach to interior design as to its dynamic ability.

The two-seat configuration includes a pair of new bespoke sporting seats with additional side support through deeper bolsters, including newly designed foam layers for comfort and finished in Beluga black leather with diamond-quilted Alcantara®. This exquisite material is also hand-trimmed to the steering wheel and gear shifter, while the centre console and fascia panels are handcrafted in carbon fibre. Carbon fibre is also used to create beautifully sculpted door casings that also include diamond-quilted Alcantara® inner panels. In place of the rear seats is a new uniquely trimmed rear cabin, complete with a carbon fibre surround and finished in leather and Alcantara®.

Contrasting the Beluga leather and motorsport-inspired materials is a vivid accent green, used as a hide colour on the seats, instrument panel and door panels and in contrast stitching throughout the seats and diamond-quilted areas. GT3-R badging adorns the centre console, passenger-side fascia panel and sill treadplates, while the seats receive GT3-R stitching to the headrests in contrast-green thread.

Dramatic and Purposeful Exterior Style Statements

For the exterior of the GT3-R, Bentley’s Design team was tasked with creating a more purposeful stance than ever before. A new front splitter provides an assertive look to the front of the car, balanced by a new fixed rear wing fitted to the boot lid – both finished in exquisite carbon fibre. The bonnet incorporates two vents to improve the cooling capacity of the powertrain system for repeated accelerations while also invoking the shape of the Continental GT3 racer in a styling element where form follows function.

The gloss carbon fibre contrasts with the Glacier White paint that all 300 cars will be finished in, and the inspiration of the Continental GT3 race car is highlighted by the use of two-tone green graphics that trace the two power lines to the side profile of the car – one leading backwards from the front wheel, the other tracing the shape of the Continental GT’s iconic rear haunch.

Further inspiration from the Continental GT3 is reflected in the finishing touches to the exterior – the headlamp bezels, matrix grille, window surrounds and bumper strips – all finished in stylish gloss black.

The visual appeal of the Continental GT3-R is completed by an all-new lightweight 21” wheel, machine-forged from high-strength alloy and finished in gloss black.

Purchase of the car also includes free standard servicing for four years (at the 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 mile marks). Order books for the Continental GT3-R are open now, with deliveries to start late in 2014.

Source:Bentley Press