SHARP helmet rating

Some government schemes can appear to be a waste of time and money. However, the motorcycle Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP), run by the UK’s Department for Transport, is a genuinely excellent initiative.



All motorcycle helmets sold in the UK have to comply with either British Standard BS 6658:1985 or ECE Regulation 22.05. SHARP goes beyond those regulations though, applying a more rigorous testing regime that focuses on how well a rider would be protected in the event of a crash. Between one and five stars are then awarded, depending on how well a helmet performs, with more stars signifying a better result.



SHARP also emphasises that a good fit is also crucial - after all, even the best helmet is useless if it doesn’t stay on during a crash. That’s backed up by a pan-European study of motorcycle accidents which showed a shocking 12% of helmets came off during the impact.



An extra 27 helmets have recently been through the SHARP assessment, bringing the total number tested to 202. Coincidentally, 27 is also the number that have attained the maximum five stars, although it seems low price isn’t necessarily a bar to achieving the top score. For example, the five star Lazer LZ6 and Nitro Aikido both cost just £70.



At the other end of the scale, the most expensive helmet to score only one star is the £190 Dainese Airstream. Similarly, the Arai Condor, Schuberth S1 Pro and Schuberth R1 carry price tags of over £200, yet they all achieved a modest two stars.



For anyone considering getting a new helmet, the SHARP website is definitely worth a visit.

2010 Lexus Sports Cars LFA N2410 at Nürburgring 24h race

Lexus and Gazoo Racing compete together at Nürburgring 24h race for the beneft of LFA and other future Toyota & Lexus products. Playing a key role in helping to finalise the development of the LFA before it enters production in December, the grueling 24h race offers Lexus and Gazoo Racing the unique opportunity to not only foster the peerless quality, durability and reliability by pushing cutting-edge technology to the extremes of mechanical endurance but also to hone the technical skills of the personnel involved in the development of future Lexus and Toyota production vehicles.

2010 Lexus Sports Cars LFA N2410

Furthermore, by participating in the 24 Hours Endurance Race Lexus and Toyota aim to showcase their dedication through Gazoo Racing to produce more emotional cars and becoming more attractive and desirable to a wider range of customers.

This year’s race marks the third consecutive entry of the Lexus LFA and, signifcantly, the frst participation of the car in standard production guise.

Competing in the SP8 (‘Near production’) class, the race version of the LFA does not differ substantially from the road car, particularly with regard to construction, engine and transmission. Mandatory safety equipment has been installed and other modifcations such as a refned aero package including a fxed rear wing and a larger fuel tank are made to refect the format of the 24h race and the Nürburgring circuit.

Led by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC)’s master test driver Hiromu Naruse, the Gazoo Racing team will make its fourth appearance at the Nürburging 24h race. It is a team comprised of engineers and technicians from TMC, and, whilst they’ve regularly come together over recent months to support the LFA in the build-up to the 24h race, their ‘day-jobs’ are within the TMC engineering community.This kind of virtual organisation ensures that the collective learning is transmitted directly back into the core of the engineering activity.

The driver line-up includes four Japanese and three German pilots with outstanding endurance and GT racing credentials, including three champions from the Japanese Super GT series. As part of the preparation of the cars and the drivers, Gazoo Racing entered the first three VLN races of 2010.

Consistently fnishing in leading positions in its SP8 class, the LFA has also demonstrated its competitiveness against track-prepared specialist racing cars, with a best fnish of 17th overall in VLN2.

Saleen S302 launched

Saleen Performance Vehicles of Tecumseh, Michigan, has unveiled the latest in its growing range of Ford Mustang-based vehicles.



The S302 is named for the capacity of its engine: 302 cubic inches, or 5.0 litres. Equipped with a Saleen Performance air filter and exhaust system, the normally-aspirated V8 develops 425 bhp (431 PS / 317 kW) and 536 Nm of torque. Sounds impressive, but it’s only a small increase over the standard 2011- spec Mustang, which has 412 bhp (418 PS / 307 kW) and 529 Nm.

However, it looks like the main focus has been on two other aspects of the car. The first is the chassis, which features revised suspension, front anti-roll bar and bushings all from Saleen Racecraft. Optionally available are specific-rate front and rear springs, nitrogen-pressurised shocks, adjustable damping and a strut brace.



Second is appearance. For starters, the 18” wheels of the standard car have been binned in favour of 20” Saleen items. Then there’s a new bonnet and front grille, as well as a body kit which looks great apart from the overly fussy side skirts. To complete the look, covers for the rear side windows can be selected from the options list. The interior features Saleen Design leather seats with ‘Ultrasuede’ inserts, leather door inserts, unique Saleen gauges and a piano black centre console.



No word on pricing yet, but the Saleen S302 will be available as either a coupe or convertible.

Ford has shown Mustang DUB Edition

Ford Company announced the new version of sports model Mustang. This legendary muscle car is prepared at direct participation of tuning studio «Roush» and car magazine «DUB».

Roush + DUB = Mustang DUB Edition

The new tuning kit is intended for models with 3,7-litre V6 engine with power of 305HP. The tuning complete set includes: carbon wheel disks by TIS in diameter of 20 inches, sports tyres Pirelli and bumpers from Roush. All Ford accessories for Mustang DUB Edition from famous world leaders of autoparts manufacturers.

Among basic distinctive features of Mustang DUB Edition it's possible to note unique forward antifacing, an aerodynamical back bumper and filters for back lateral windows. Variants of colour for a body: black, silvery, dark blue and red; the salon interior is issued in black colour and decorated by special logos from DUB on headrests of forward armchairs.

Also, the tuning's founders have not forgotten about dynamic characteristics of the updated muscle car. At the expense of installation of the truncated springs and change of parametres of transmission — the creators managed to improve speed & power for DUB Edition. Novelty sales will begin autumn of 2010.

Ford Mustang 5.0 by DUB Edition

2010 New RZ Ultima Sports Cars Concept Model by Racer X Design

This ultimate RZ Ultima concept has always been on the top when it comes to performance and uses the same specs as the Ultima GTR. Its bodywork as well as weight remains almost the same so performance wise it should be very similar to the GTR. The RZ Ultima is a concept that can use the same rolling chassis, but replaces the bodywork in favor of a more modern and aggressive looks designed by the Racer X Design team.

2010 New RZ Ultima Sports Cars Concept

Sub ten seconds runs up the strip, quickest acceleration tuned car from zero to 100 mph, quickest deceleration from 100mph to 0. Every people all know the 2010 Ultima GTR. Performance which creates any production vehicle trail behind where it counts: Around a track! Based on top of the GTR car model technology existing chassis, the styling was intended to leave the chassis and running gear untouched.

This is what Racer X Design thinks a supercar features should be. Extremely quick car acceleration, stylish and fashionable, and unique interior and exterior. The 2010 New RZ Ultima Sports Cars Concept promises every one of these qualities and more.

One of the craziest supercars famous Guinness World Record for the sprint from zero to 100 mph (160 km / h) and then again to zero.

The 2010 New RZ Ultima Sports Cars Concept styling was designed to leave the chassis and running gear untouched because Racer X Design thinks the way it is built is the way a supercar should be. The Ultima GTR is extremely quick, stylish and unique. Adding the RZ Ultima easthetic touches takes the Ultima GTR to the next level of prominence.

High car performance with designed with sporty style metallic black color looks very cool super sports car. 2010 RZ Ultima is a aerodynamic race car concept technology with aerodynamic body kit design with some innovative modified in some parts make this car more wonderful.

The 2010 RZ Ultima new car concept is proposed for those people who want every one of the performance which the GTR car model presents but with a more refined appearance. Yet if this is still in design phase, the car manufacturer company believe it has the possible to be the ultimate supercar.

The RZ Ultima Concept from Racer X Design engine includes a 720bhp Chevrolet V8 engine, the 990 kg British-built GTR720 complete the 0-100 mph acceleration and braking run in a mere 9.4 seconds.

Fast as the Ultima GTR is nice – at least not in a Ferrari way. That’s where “Racer X Design steps in. The company in Malta, where KC427 some cars like the Alfa Romeo GTV Evoluzione and the Cobra, has a proposal for a new design for the Ultima GTR to be submitted to remember.

The Racer X Deisgn is a company that has designed and built some of the best show cars in the business, Winning first place awards in the XLR-8 live competition every time it competed, with 4 different demo cars in 2 different classes for body styling.

Ultima GTR rolling chassis without touching them, and the addition of a more elegant-looking body of the British sports car. Drawings by hand, no specific details of the load RZ released, but Racer X Design, the company said those interested to contact for more information.

Mercedes McLaren Sports Cars ASMA Design Perfectus SLR 722

ASMA Design have modded the Mercedes-Benz McLaren sports cars SLR 722 to their specifications. The new ASMA Design Perfectus SLR 722 is totally redone with new aggressive custom carbon fibre bodywork and 20-inch wheels.

Mercedes McLaren Sports Cars ASMA Design Perfectus SLR 722

The original SLR only made 650-hp from the 5.4-litre supercharged V8, but this was not enough for ASMA Design, as they have upped the power to 750-hp, and this allows the ASMA Design Perfectus SLR to get from 0-100km/h in only 3.5 seconds, and then go onto a top speed of 216mph.

Making claims of perfection is a dangerous thing to do, especially in the exclusive and demanding world of supercar tuning. But there is one man who can actually make this claim of perfection, and even go as far as to name his incredible automotive creation Perfectus. And this Designer is Erturul ASMA and this is his amazing, all carbon fiber ASMA Mercedes McLaren SLR 722.

Carbon is the customizing material of choice for hardcore tuners alike, but until the unveiling of Perfectus, no-one had truly used this most beautiful and powerful material to its full and awe-inspiring effect. But, as these stunning pictures can only prove, Erturul ASMA has taken the McLaren to entirely new levels of automotive theatre. In fact, thanks to Perfectus, you can forget about the world of top-end tuning here on Earth, and now, and only now, think in terms of an awesome new age of carbon customization.

Wide arch at over 2-metres in total width, with over 10cms of super-phat and super-sculpted carbon over each of the one-off ASMA rims, rims that are also mind-blowing in their dimensions. How does 325-25-20 out the back and 255-30-20 up front grab you? Hard! And once this stunning carbon design grabs you, it will never let you go.

The wide ‘n’ wild completely custom carbon fiber bodywork is simply unmatched and unbeatable, anywhere in the world. Sharp, extra-aggressive F1-inspired bodylines take this SLR to whole new levels of road-presence; this SLR is always in full attack mode, making 700hp to back-up the ASMA Design styling.

Only Erturul ASMA can make and prove his claims of perfection, but he must also apologize… apologize to all the owners of standard SLRs everywhere, for there can be only one Perfectus.

Mercedes-Benz McLaren Sports Cars SLR Stirling Moss

Bearing the namesake of legendary British racer Stirling Moss, the McLaren SLR Stirling Moss, will be making its big debut as the newest McLaren SLR variant amongst the automotive elite (and few entries from Kia) at the 38th Annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January.

Mercedes-Benz McLaren Sports Cars SLR Stirling Moss

Stuttgart– Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are adding the crowning glory to the model family of their highly successful SLR super sports car with a new, uncompromisingly spectacular car. There is neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and passenger from the outside world; they enjoy unadulterated high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster.

The new SLR Stirling Moss is also characterised by the most sophisticated technology and a breathtaking design which reinterprets the SLR legend. With 478 kW/650 hp the SLR Stirling Moss accelerates its V8 supercharged engine from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 350 km/h – no other series-production car is at the same time so open and so fast.

This extreme concept makes the new high-performance sports car a legitimate bearer of the name of the British motor racing legend and Mille Miglia record-holder Stirling Moss, who drove the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR racing cars from victory to victory during the 1950s.

A successful collaboration of engineering which is demonstrated far beyond the relatively ancillary exclusion of a windscreen, the SLR Stirling Moss is truly an equal celebration of McLaren’s both past and present. Thus in keeping with its status as a rare breed, production of the SLR Stirling Moss will be limited to only 75 units and, to further prevent your uncultured, peasant hands from touching it, each unit will be priced at a cool $1.04 million (€750,000).

This is why the modern-day version of the legendary SLR carries the additional words “Stirling Moss” in its name. As the new SLR Stirling Moss unites the character of the current SLR models with the fascination of the SLR of 1955. The core values of both the historical and the present-day SLR models include an exciting new design, innovative technology, high-class materials displaying perfect craftsmanship, and, above all: a unique driving experience for all the senses.

Whilst the 300 SLR earned its spurs on racing circuits the world over, the new member of the SLR family is not designed for the racetrack. Although it sets new standards in terms of technology, performance and excitement – just like its forebears – it is aimed at individuals who have exquisite requirements and nurture very special dreams.

Remaining totally true to the specifications of the 300 SLR, the new Silver Arrow’s equipment is extremely sophisticated and yet at the same time decidedly spartan, doing without both a roof and side windows. There are just two wind deflectors a couple of centimetres in height to protect the driver and passenger from the airflow. Two air scoops integrated into the bodywork serve as roll-over bars. With this extreme concept the new SLR Stirling Moss is visually very different from all the other vehicles which belong to the elite sports car class.

Just like the legendary racing vehicles of yesteryear, the SLR Stirling Moss dazzles with its superlative performance. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and with a top speed of 350 km/h this puristic high-performance sports car denotes completely new dimensions in open-top driving. And not just because of the impressive performance figures; every time drivers take to the wheel of the SLR Stirling Moss their senses are addressed with a previously unheard of intensity, conveying a driving experience in its purest and most sensual form. This automotive thoroughbred thus facilitates the kind of open-air feeling that is utterly unique for a road-going vehicle.

Developers working on the Stirling Moss were able to fall back on a wealth of experience gathered when producing the SLR Coupé and Roadster, in particular where the technical base was concerned, with its extravagant carbon-fibre design, high-performance suspension and throaty V8 engine. The common denominator uniting the Stirling Moss with the other members of the SLR family is the aerodynamic concept with a closed underbody and a diffuser in the rear bumper for maximum possible downforce at the rear axle – with one difference: the diffuser here is considerably larger than that on the coupé and roadster.

The new SLR Stirling Moss is the kind of high-calibre speedster coveted by the sporting gentry and enthusiasts alike. At the same time it is a collector’s item which marks the pinnacle of an era and, for the foreseeable future, at least, the final curtain for the SLR. In May 2009 production of the SLR models will cease; only a total of 75 units of the Stirling Moss will be manufactured between June and December 2009, bearing chassis numbers from 1 to 75. Not only does this exclusive vehicle represent the conclusion of the current SLR family; it also serves as a very special thank you to the most loyal of SLR customers, for they are the only ones able to acquire a Stirling Moss.