Autoblog

Paging Mr. Vader: Gemballa creates the Mirage GT Matte Edition

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Porsche

Gemballa Mirage GT Matte Edition -- Click above for a high-res gallery

First, there was the Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition, soon followed by the Gemballa Mirage GT Gold Edition. And now, there's a third version that's just slightly different on the outside, but it's the one we'd buy if we had a spare Porsche Carrera GT, an extra $300k in an off-shore account and an economy that didn't put the kibosh on conspicuous consumption -- or we lived in Dubai. Behold, the Gemballa Mirage GT Matte Edition.

It's everything that the other Mirage GT Editions boast -- 3.7-second 0-to-60, 208 mph top speed, 670 horses -- but it's nasty, as in Doom on Wheels, with nothing but silver accents over light-eating black paint. A shame about the blue-on-blue alcantara interior, though... You can check it out in the high-res gallery below, but please, don't make it angry.

Gallery: Gemballa Mirage GT Matte Edition

Paging Mr. Vader: Gemballa creates the Mirage GT Matte Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gemballa spins off yet another Mirage GT variant with Gold Edition

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Porsche, Design/Style

Gemballa Mirage GT Gold Edition - click above for high-res gallery

Right, so some of you might remember Mirage GT Carbon Edition from Porsche tuner Gemballa. As the name suggests, they took an already hypercar cool Porsche Carrera GT and added lightness, a.k.a. lots of additional carbon fiber. They also tweaked the power a bit, with the 5.7-liter V10 making 670 horsepower in this application. The resulting car had a quicker zero to sixty time (3.7 vs. 3.9 from the factory) and a higher top speed (208 mph for the Gemballa/205 mph for the car from Stuggart). Only five editions would be built, which of course leaves us with the perennial uber-car dilemma: It's not exclusive enough.

Meet the Gemballa Mirage GT Gold Edition. It's very much like the Carbon Edition - there's still plenty of carbon fiber - only this one's got lots and lots of gold. Gold in the sills, the wheels, the air intake, the wing, the rear diffuser, the trunk lid, the brake calipers, the rear brake vent outlets, the wing mirrors and the engine bay. There's gold all the hell over the place inside the car, too, including the vents, the HVAC controls and the bottom of the gear shift. Which brings up the only point we have to make about the Mirage GT - either edition.

Gemballa went on ahead replaced the birch/ash wood shift knob with carbon fiber. The lightweight wooden knob was an homage to balsa wood shifter in the legendary 917. And really, the knob's kinda the entire point of the car. So... What's that? Porsche went ahead and sullied the memory of their beloved 917 by offering an optional carbon fiber knob in the Carrera GT? Well then, Gemballa... carry on.

Gallery: Gemballa Mirage GT Gold Edition

[Source: Gemballa]

Gemballa spins off yet another Mirage GT variant with Gold Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Details and Pics Aplenty: Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition

Noah Joseph — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Porsche

Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Gemballa doesn't strike us as a company that would be easily deterred by minor details. Things like the end of a production run, for example. So while the Porsche Carrera GT may have finished its run, that doesn't mean the German exotic tuning house is about to stop having fun.

We initially reported on the latest Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition back in February, when details and images were scarce, but both have now emerged. As you'd expect from the name, the modified Carrera GT features a lot of carbon fiber trim, but unlike some other weave-clad tuner cars, the carbon on the latest Mirage isn't just for show: the aerodynamic elements aim to improve the car's performance by channeling airflow in and around the supercar's svelte shape to keep it breathing free and stuck to the tarmac.

Of course, Gemballa hasn't stopped there. Porsche's free-revving V10 has been tuned to produce 670 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel the rocket-sled up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 208 mph. There's also an electro-hydraulic adjustable suspension to keep that carbon fiber lip spoiler clear of curbs and speed bumps. The package costs just shy of 300,000 euros ($425k), which doesn't include the cost of the donor car, and production will be limited to just five examples, which may keep moneyed Porschephiles satiated until the rumored roadgoing RS Spyder hits the road. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition

[Source: Gemballa]

Continue reading Details and Pics Aplenty: Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition

Details and Pics Aplenty: Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gemballa unveils Mirage GT Carbon Edition

Drew Phillips — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Porsche

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition

Production of Porsche's Carrera GT may have ended a few years ago, but that doesn't mean tuners have stopped playing around with them. Techart, 9ff, and edo competition have all come out with different versions of Porsche's ultimate supercar, but Gemballa's Mirage GT is perhaps the most well known due to its aggressive bodywork and variety of colors and finishes.

The tuner's latest version is dubbed "Mirage GT Carbon Edition," and though details are in short supply, we're guessing that the package involves plenty of carbon fiber to go along with the two-tone Pearl White and Black paint. Gemballa does provide performance specs for the car, which includes an upgrade to 670 horsepower, 0-100 km/h (62 miles-per-hour) in just 3.7 seconds, 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.7 seconds, and a top speed of 208 mph. We're hoping the Carbon Edition will make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in just a few days, and if it does, we will be sure to bring you plenty of pictures and any additional info.

Gallery: Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition

[Source: Gemballa via GTSpirit.com]

Gemballa unveils Mirage GT Carbon Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Enzo, MC12, Carrera GT and Zonda at the 'Ring

Noah Joseph — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:36:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Videos, Supercars

Click above to watch the video after the jump

If you liked Motor Trend's drag race between the Corvette ZR-1, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Porsche 911 GT2 and Nissan GT-R, you're going to love this. Because while MT's roster included some mouthwatering supercars, this video has got the top level of discontinued exotic machinery - Ferrari Enzo, Maserati MC12 and Porsche Carrera GT - all lining up to take their shots at the Pagani Zonda F Clubsport, a track-bound supercar so exclusive we might as well call it discontinued too. Each one of these supercars is worth as much as all of the aforementioned Motor Trend machinery combined. And where did this multi-million-dollar road show head to stretch their legs? The Nurburgring, of course. (You didn't think they were going to autocross them around some pylons in a parking lot, did you?) Follow the jump to check out the video, which may be in German but if you know how to say Blitzschnell you'll have no trouble understanding the international language of speed.

[Source: AutoBild.tv via eurocarblog]

Continue reading VIDEO: Enzo, MC12, Carrera GT and Zonda at the 'Ring

VIDEO: Enzo, MC12, Carrera GT and Zonda at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Car Porn: Supercarmovies releases Nurburgring SUPERTEST vids

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Dodge, Maserati, Porsche, Ferrari

Click above to view video trailer after the jump

As we told you a couple of weeks ago, there's one incredibly lucky dude in Europe who happens to own at least a handful of the greatest supercars of the modern era. He also happens to house them near the Nürburgring. It was only a matter of time before all five of the cars were brought to the 'Ring to have them 'rung out. Fortunately for us that blessed event recently took place, and more importantly, it was captured on film. Even better, the lads over at Supercarmovies were the ones who filmed it.

After sharing their lush, kinetic films of the Lamborghini LP640, Weismann GT, and most recently the Chevy Corvette Z06, they have just posted videos of the five supercars getting down to business. Follow the jump to watch the trailer for this blessed vid, and click the source link below to see the Maserati MC12, Ferrari Enzo, Koenigsegg CCX, Pagani Zonda F Clubsport and Porsche Carrera GT as they make their way to the track. After that, you get to see the first contender, the Ferrari Enzo, do its thing. Videos of the remaining individual contenders will follow shortly. Same day, same driver, same conditions, no excuses.

[Source: Supercarmovies]

Continue reading Car Porn: Supercarmovies releases Nurburgring SUPERTEST vids

Car Porn: Supercarmovies releases Nurburgring SUPERTEST vids originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: A dozen Carrera GTs take to the streets

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Porsche

Click above to visit SpeedAndMotion.com's gallery of the Carrera GT gathering

You are one of those lucky souls who happens to own a Porsche Carrera GT. You love it: the way it looks, the way it sounds, the way it drives. So you're sitting in your garage, staring at your CGT, wondering what it would take to get a few buddies together who also happen to have one of these Porsche supercars. A phone call here, an email there and before you know it you have 20 CGTs signed up for a nice drive along PCH in Orange County, California. Sounds like some kind of automotive wet dream, but it actually happened.

This was the work of our old pal, Manny K., who we last saw in Vegas during the Koenigsegg CCX launch. This guy seems to know just about everybody and pops up wherever we usually want to be. While we couldn't make it personally this time, our buddies over at SpeedAndMotion.com were there with still cameras and video equipment to capture the day. We have a video posted after the jump that will make your spine tingle. The sight of 14 CGTs (a few dropped out) in motion is amazing, but the sound is what will really get your blood pumping. The best sounding street car in modern history equals music to the ears. And those who have had the pleasure to hear a GT in person know that it sounds a lot like a Formula 1 car, so this pack of them comes pretty close to the magic you'd experience at a GP. Check out the YouTube clip after the jump, but do yourself a favor and get yourself over to SpeedAndMotion.com for HD video and photo galleries. Thanks for the tip, duality!

[Source: Speed and Motion]

Continue reading VIDEO: A dozen Carrera GTs take to the streets

VIDEO: A dozen Carrera GTs take to the streets originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: The old "cover the Carrera GT with Post-It notes" trick

Noah Joseph — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Videos, Supercars, Porsche

Click above to see the Post-It Porsche on video

When the automotive press labels the Carrera GT as one of the most notable or noteworthy Porsches in the automaker's history, we don't think this is what they had in mind. The car's owner, known as VRAlexander, had his supercar covered in post-it notes of various colors. We can think of better ways to change your car's color, but few quite so creative and entertaining. See for yourself in the video after the jump.

[Source: StreetFire]

Continue reading VIDEO: The old "cover the Carrera GT with Post-It notes" trick

VIDEO: The old "cover the Carrera GT with Post-It notes" trick originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Edo Competition pumps up the Carrera GT

Drew Phillips — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Europe, Supercars, Porsche

click above image to view high-res gallery of the Edo Competition Carrera GT

The number of supercars that haven't been modified by Edo Competition is shrinking daily. Its latest victim is the Carrera GT, which gets the option of three different engine upgrades and a potential of 770 horsepower. The stage 1 package includes a new air intake and filter, an ECU calibration, high-flow catalytic converters, and a cat-back exhaust system good for a total of 670 horsepower. Stage 2 adds upgraded cylinder heads and headers good for another 45 ponies. Finally, the stage 3 option includes a bump in displacement to 6.0-liters, along with new camshafts and pistons good for 770 horsepower. Other upgrades are available as well, including an adjustable KW suspension system, high performance brake pads, forged wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, a carbon fiber wing, and Recaro sport seats with 6-point harnesses. No word on pricing, but if you have to ask... yada, yada, yada.

Full details are available in the press release after the jump, and get your fill of supercar imagery in the gallery below.

[Source: Edo Competition]

Gallery: Edo Competition Carrera GT

Continue reading Edo Competition pumps up the Carrera GT

Edo Competition pumps up the Carrera GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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$4.5 million awarded in Porsche Carrera GT case

Merritt Johnson — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:38:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Supercars, Porsche

Over two years ago a crash involving a Porsche Carrera GT during a Ferrari Owner's Club track day killed two event participants when they hit the wall at over 100 mph while trying to avoid a Ferrari merging onto the front straightaway. The driver and Carrera GT owner was Ben Keaton, an avid automotive enthusiast who regularly shared his wisdom on the website 6SpeedOnline.com. The car's passenger was Corey Rudl, a prospective Carrera GT buyer who wanted to take a ride. The tragic loss of these two lives brought out a great debate in the safety of California Speedway's tight infield road course, the responsibility of the event organizers, and the design of the Porsche Carrera GT itself.

While the track event participates signed waivers noting that they were aware of the inherent dangers associated with driving at high speeds on a closed course, those waivers were dependent on who was found to be negligent in the event of an incident. Tracy Rudl, the wife of passenger Corey Rudl, filed a lawsuit claiming gross negligence by many parties associated with the track event. She recently received a settlement of approximately $4.5 million. The contributing parties to the settlement fund were 2% from the merging Ferrari driver, 8% from Porsche, 41% from California Speedway and Ferrari Owner's Club and finally 49% from the Carrera GT driver's estate.

[Source: Sports Car Market Magazine]

Continue reading $4.5 million awarded in Porsche Carrera GT case

$4.5 million awarded in Porsche Carrera GT case originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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But wait, there's more! Nissan GT-R at the 'Ring, gunning for the Carrera GT

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:05:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Supercars, Nissan, Porsche

The shooters at KGP were back at the Nurburgring shooting everyone's favorite Godzilla-mobile, and in addition to finally seeing some badging on the grille and bumper of Nissan's GT-R revival, we finally get a clear view of the front fascia and rear end. While the back still remains somewhat obscured, the front leaves about as much to the imagination as a Dita Von Teese spread in Maxim.

The talk of late was that Nissan's boffins hoped to beat the GT-R's main rival, the Porsche 911 Turbo, around the North Loop during testing. But according to the folks at KGP, they've set their sights higher and are looking to match the time of the Porsche Carrera GT. That's a loft goal considering that the Turbo does the deed in 7:40, while the Carrera GT (with Walter Roehl behind the wheel) can complete a lap of the 'Ring a full 12 seconds faster. We wish both Nissan and their hired hot-shoes the best of luck.

[Source: Straightline]

But wait, there's more! Nissan GT-R at the 'Ring, gunning for the Carrera GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay find of the day: Wrecked Carrera GT from "Redline"

Chris Tutor — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Supercars, Porsche

If you ask us, sacrificing a bona-fide Porsche Carrera GT for the making of a movie is almost unforgivable. Sacrificing both a Carrera GT and a Ferrari Enzo for the making of Redline is unconscionable. Now we find out a second GT barely made it out of filming Redline with its life.

Up for auction on eBay is a Carrera GT the seller claims was damaged while the filming the movie. Now, this isn't the GT that is seen going off a cliff, but instead is a GT once owned by the producer that was used and damaged during filming. Damage is confined to the left front, and the car still runs. It's just not drivable due to a busted front axle. The auctioneers warn that the repairs would cost much more than most new cars. Heck, an oil change on one of those probably cost more than some new cars.

Bidding starts at $100,000 (about $340k less than a new, undamaged GT) and is open to anyone and everyone not named Helmut Rehm. It seems Mr. Rehm of Germany hired an American eBayer to win the first attempt to auction the car, but then backed out of the deal. Be sure to read the kind, heartfelt letter to Mr. Rehm in the auction description. Here's an excerpt to whet your interest, "I think you are the lowest piece of $#%@ that walks the earth." Nice.

Check out the gallery for a couple more pictures, see the auction for more photos and detailed description.

[Source: TechEBlog]

Gallery: eBay: Carrera GT from "Redline"

eBay find of the day: Wrecked Carrera GT from "Redline" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could Porsche force VW to unload Lamborghini and Bugatti?

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Supercars, Audi, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

Is Volkswagen about to shed some supercars from its stable? It could be the case, if statements by Porsche boss/VW supervisory board member, Wendelin Wiedeking, are taken seriously. When asked about the future Bugatti and Lamborghini within the Volkswagen Group, Wiedeking is quoted as saying "no toys anymore." Cash from the sale of these two exotic makers could help VW work on ~~resurrecting~~ restructuring its core Volkswagen brand, which would allow VW to reclaim its position as a true global player.

But it's not all about the Euros. Not surprisingly, it is reported that Wiedeking isn't too happy Porsche might occupy anything less than the top rung in the corporate hierarchy. Imagine Audi R8, Porsche 911 and Lamborghini Gallardo all in the same family - that might be a little awkward. And with a new Porsche supercar reportedly in the works designed to break the top speed record set by the Bugatti Veyron, it can only get worse. Throw in a Murcielago LP640 successor, and we think the sibling rivalry would turn to bloodshed.

Autocar is speculating that Lamborghini could be sold off, but that Bugatti might turn into little more than a coachbuilder. If the Veyron ends up making Bugatti a one-and-done automaker this go-around, we say job well done but hope there's more to come.

Though Wiedeking is a member of VW's supervisory board and his company does now own 31% of the VW Group, the question remains how much influence Porsche really has over the future of VW. German law in this regard is complicated, and as far as we can tell, beyond a voice on the board, Porsche can't do much at the moment to force the sale of Lamborghini and Bugatti, whether it wants to or not.

[Source: Autocar]

Could Porsche force VW to unload Lamborghini and Bugatti? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redline plays Fast and Furious with exotics

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 17:08:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Supercars, Porsche

click image for high res gallery of movie cars on display

Fear Nothing. Risk Everything. So goes the tagline for Redline, the movie that has been described as The Fast and The Furious for adults exotics. Producer Daniel Sadek is a former real estate investor with a pretty nice personal collection of supercars and exotics. We saw some of them on display at the recent L.A. Auto Show.

Sadek not only put up $26 million of his own money to finance the film, but also used his personal car collection in action sequences, including a crash sequence that claimed the life of one of his very nice Porsche Carrera GTs. While this type of senseless destruction makes us want to take all of his keys away, we understand Mr. Sadek will probably explain it was necessary for the film's authenticity.

Shot in Las Vegas and L.A., the movie revolves around high-stakes underground street racing. We recognized the Ferrari dealership at The Wynn and the old El Toro airbase from the video. Although the acting looks typically passable, the cars alone make this a must see. We've spotted a Ferrari Enzo, Saleen S7 Twin Turbo, Koenigsegg CCR, Ford GT, Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster and Mercedes SLR McLaren, among others.

Redline is set for a February 23rd release and stars Eddie Griffin, Nathan Phillips, and the oh-so-hot Nadia Bjorlin. As is the norm nowadays, the movie has its own MySpace page where you can find out its likes and dislikes as well as seeing a few additional images and clips.

There's a small gallery of some of the film cars available by clicking on the image above and one of the film trailers is after the jump.

Continue reading Redline plays Fast and Furious with exotics

Redline plays Fast and Furious with exotics originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Jan 2007 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tango Concept could see production says SEAT

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 16:54:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Europe

First shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2002, the charmingly sleek SEAT Tango passed many of its styling cues on to other SEAT siblings in production, although the little roadster never made it to the streets itself. Such a pity too, as this little car has so much going for it. Blending elements of the Porsche Carrera GT, Spyker, and BMW Z4 on a much smaller scale, it has been one of our favorite concepts since we first saw pics of it all those years ago. But there is renewed hope. Autocar has found sources inside SEAT that say the Tango could still be produced. With their new focus on styling as a signature feature, SEAT could really use something fun like this to compete against Ford's StreetKa cabrio and similar superminis. The only snag is that the Tango would have to be supported by other models. One possibility is that the roadster could share the next-generation, front-wheel-drive, Ibiza platform. Autocar is predicting a production Tango would most likely sell for around £15,000.

Before the Tango is greenlighted, SEAT needs to release its all-new Ibiza, the new Alhambra MPV, and reassess their Toledo, possibly replacing it with a pseudo-4x4 similar to the new Nissan Qashqai. So the Tango would still be quite a ways away. Chief SEAT designer Luc Donckerwolke, who was responsible for the Lamborghini Murciélago and Gallardo, has said that he wants SEAT to become a "design-driven brand". A production version of the Tango would certainly help towards that goal. And it would add another item to our list of fun cars we can only drive if we rent them while vacationing in Europe.

More pics after the jump

[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading Tango Concept could see production says SEAT

Tango Concept could see production says SEAT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Oct 2006 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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