The Porsche GT3 RSR launches into the new model year with extensive modifications. The most powerful race car based on the Porsche 911, which last year scored wins at the 24 hour races of Le Mans and Spa as well as overall victory at the Nuerburgring 24 hours, competes in the GT2 class at international long distance races. The most distinguishing feature of the new GT3 RSR is the front end which received major improvements to the aerodynamics. The majority of innovations however are hidden under the weight-optimized body.

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Lotus Sport, the motor sport division of Lotus Cars Ltd, has unveiled the MY2008 Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260.  A direct development of the 2007 Exige Cup Car, this year’s car has a revised engine management system to take the maximum power output to 257 hp (260 PS), up by nearly 5 hp (5 PS) over last year. Bespoke performance enhancements created to offer a car with even greater levels of handling and acceleration capable of taming Europe’s most challenging race circuits.

The Exige Cup 260, once again represents Lotus’ most radical version of the Exige, with the track environment being its home and for 2008, the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 has full European homologation for road use (a must have for some competitive environments where a road legal car has to be entered).

There are further product changes: all Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 cars now have a number of the 2008 Model year improvements from the road versions of the Elise and Exige, namely:

•    Instrument pack with new graphic design and expanded functionality
•    New alarm/immobiliser + single integrated function key
•    Variable Lotus Traction Control
•    Variable Lotus Launch Control

In traditional Lotus style, weight saving is paramount.  Weighing in at just 928 kg, the power to weight ratio is an impressive 271 hp / tonne (273 PS / tonne). Such a fantastic power to weight ratio alone of course does not make a superlative track car, so the Exige Cup 260 has a formidable list of standard equipment that includes Lotus specific LTS compound Yokohama A048R tires, 4-piston AP Racing front brake calipers, adjustable dampers and anti-roll bar, the latest FIA 6-point roll cage and sports driver and passenger seats.  The car can also be ordered as a Track version for track use only. The Track Version comes pre-fitted with an FIA approved 6-point roll cage, and 4-point harnesses. In addition, a wide range of motorsport specific options are also available with this version.

• 70 litre fuel cell (FIA approved)
• Yokohama A005 racing slick tires with Hi-Power silver 5-spoke ultra lightweight forged alloy wheels
• C64 6-speed gearbox with dog engagement and revised ratios
• 1.5-way adjustable plate-type limited slip differential
• Race specification battery with battery tray
• De-cat pipe
• Level 2 stainless steel sports exhaust - 104.0 dB(A)
• Black race seat - driver only (FIA approved)
• Black 6-point harnesses - driver only (FIA approved)

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Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, adds another member of the 911 family to its range of products. The new GT3 Cup S, based on the road-going GT3 RS sportscar, is created exclusively for racing purposes. The Weissach-developed and built vehicle will race in international champion-ships which run in accordance with FIA GT3 regulations.

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KTM X-Bow

As I approached the KTM stand the X-Bow took centre stage and was generating much interest, what surprised me most was its incredible compactness. Being a gentleman of the longer legged species, and being over 6ft tall I think I would have to take lessons from Houdini to get into and out of this sports car, but this would be the case for most sports cars. Anyway this is the first sports car designed and developed by KTM as they take the first step from two to four wheels. The 50 year old designer and manufacturer of motorcycles most certainly have made the transition into radical lightweight sports cars with great effect.

Various technology partners have been involved in the design and development of this lightweight niche sports car, with Audi (engine), Dallara (aerodynamics) and Brembo (Braking System) at the forefront. The Audi lightweight four cylinder TFSI 240Hp engine propels this door less, roof less and window less sports car with a total deadweight of 700 Kilos, from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in just 3.9 seconds. This sports car is rear wheel drive and power is delivered through a six speed VW gearbox, with limited slip differentials as an option. The braking system is equally impressive with the X-Bow coming to a standstill from 100 kph in just 33.1 metres (108 feet).

The X-Box oozed race bred carbon fibre, all totally functional from the Formula 1 style driver and passenger monocoque and front “crumple” zone, to the underside and rear diffuser responsible for the impressive down force of 200 kilos at 200 kph.

Below is a rear view of the KTM X-Bow - The well crafted silencer is actually a “crumple” zone in the event of a rear shunt.

Radical R8 Supersport 

Next on the agenda was to check out the Radical R8 Supersport which was officially launched at the Autosport show. Essentially the R8 has gone through an aerodynamic revamp with much testing being performed at the Motor Industries Research Association (MIRA) wind tunnel facility in the UK. The modifications produced increased down force reduced drag and increased cooling. In a recent shakedown on an airfield the SR8 445bhp version topped 289 kph (180 mph) in adverse weather conditions being held back by the rev limiter.