Turbo Zone

Mercedes suffered an early setback in Formula 1 preseason testing at Jerez on Tuesday when Lewis Hamilton crashed the new W05. The Brackley-based team appeared to have gained a head start on the opposition, with its new car completing the most laps during a slow start to the 2014 running. But at 12:41 pm CET, Hamilton’s car suffered a front wing failure at the braking area for Turn 1, sending him into the barriers. Hamilton’s car speared headfirst into the barriers on the outside of the corner, sustaining damage to the nose area and front suspension. The former world champion was uninjured in the crash, though, and returned to the pits shortly afterward.

Source: Road & Track

The one-off Ferrari SP FFX was photographed in the metal during a private viewing event. Commissioned by a wealthy Japanese customer, the one-off vehicle is based on the Ferrari FF and was created by the company’s Special Projects coach building division. Far from being an attractive Ferrari, the SP FFX is believed to offer a styling preview for the next generation California which according to a FerrariChat forum member will be powered by a twin-turbo V8 3.8-liter engine delivering 552 HP (406 kW),  details which coincide with late 2013 reports. The engine in question powers the Maserati Quattroporte and will be updated for the new California.

Source: World Car Fans

Google brings another innovation in the country as it announced that Street View cars will be seen roaming the streets of Metro Manila, and capturing panoramic imagery of the country to publish it for the whole world to see. Street View is a well-known feature of Google Maps that lets users take a virtual tour of places using 360-degree imagery taken at street level.

Source: Yahoo News

The Porsche Museum has acquired the first vehicle designed and built by Ferdinand Porsche. Originally unveiled in 1898, the Egger-Lohner C.2 Phaeton (aka P1) had an electric powertrain that weighed 130 kg (286 lbs) and could produce up to 5 HP (3 kW). It was connected to a 12-speed “controller” which enabled the model to hit a top speed of 35 km/h (21.7 mph) and travel up to 80 km (49.7 miles) on a single charge. The model also has a racing pedigree as Ferdinand Porsche used it to compete in an EV rally in 1899. The course was relatively grueling and more than half the participants failed to reach the finish line due to technical difficulties. However, the P1 was victorious as it crossed the finished 18 minutes ahead of its nearest competitor.

Source: World Car Fans

TechArt has introduced their new tuning program for the Porsche 911 Turbo. Set to be showcased at the Geneva Motor Show, the car has been equipped with a carbon composite body kit that includes an active front spoiler, aerodynamic side skirts and a fixed rear wing. Designers also added a roof spoiler, a rear diffuser and 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels. Rounding out the changes are sport springs and a stainless steel sports exhaust system.

Source: World Car Fans