2011 Ariel Atom Mugen Limited Edition

Ariel is launching a more powerful, Mugen-tuned version of its Atom sports car to celebrate the model’s 10th anniversary.

The original Honda K20Z Type R engine receives a small power upgrade for a total of 198 kW, which is an increase of 18 kW. Just 10 examples of the car will be built, each featuring a special livery and a numbered plate signed by the Mugen and Ariel technicians responsible for its build.

The Ariel Atom Mugen will be shown at the Autosport show in January, when full prices and final spec will be announced.

via: sacarfan




Press Release

ARIEL ATOM MUGEN

History
A collaboration between Ariel and Mugen, the latest version of the original 'no screen, no roof, no
doors' Atom celebrates 10 years of production and 1000 Atoms manufactured. Made in a Limited
Edition of just 10 cars for each of the 10 years, each signed and numbered, the Atom Mugen has a
special livery of red chassis, white bodywork and red graphics showing the number of the car to
reflect the unique union of Ariel, Mugen and Honda. Featuring a tuned Mugen Honda engine and a
high level specification, plus the opportunity to further option the car, this latest Atom gives further
choice to the driver looking for the ultimate, normally aspirated trackday car.

Mugen (meaning unlimited in Japanese) engines have famously powered hundreds of race and
championship winners, including Formula 1, since 1973 when Hirotoshi Honda, son of Soichiro
Honda, founded the company. Basing their work almost exclusively around Honda powerplants,
Mugen was an obvious partner for Ariel who have used the Honda Type R engine in the Atom for
over 7 years. Working closely together on the project Ariel and Mugen found many similarities in
their approach to the project, resulting in a hand built engine in a truly handbuilt car.

Engine
Heart of the Atom Mugen is the Honda K20Z Type R engine, which is tuned by Mugen to produce
270bhp at 8600rpm in normally aspirated form. Each Atom Mugen engine is stripped, measured and
fully blueprinted at Mugen Europe's Northampton headquarters. The engines are reassembled with
high performance, higher compression pistons, high lift camshafts and new valve springs. A longer
freeflow inlet manifold is fitted with a bigger diameter throttle body together with race grade spark
plugs. The engine also features a full baffled sump and is finished with a carbon fibre Mugen cover.
After assembly each engine is tested on the Mugen dynamometer and carefully run in prior to full
power test. After 7 days of work on every engine they are bore scoped and inspected prior to sign
off. A lightened balanced flywheel is fitted together with a limited slip differential to the close ratio
Honda 6 speed gearbox prior to installation in the Atom.

Specification
Specification of the car includes many Ariel options as standard as well as additional parts unique to
the Atom Mugen. High performance Alcon 4 pot lightweight callipers, finished in red, and ventilated
discs are fitted front and rear. The 4 way adjustable damper/spring package is a modified version of
that found on the Atom V8 with remote reservoir lightweight aluminium dampers which have two
compression adjustments and one rebound adjustment with 2 piece dual rate springs fitted with rate
adjusters. This coupled with the standard adjustable Atom wishbones, gives the owner very high
adjustability for track or road. Each Atom can therefore be set up exactly for each owner and their
use with the ability to carry out further adjustment to suit particular driving preferences or styles.
Yokohama AO48 trackday tyres are standard specification, fitted to lightweight, white Ariel
magnesium wheels.

In front of the driver is a new LCD flat screen display housed in a carbon fibre instrument panel. The
multi function display is programmable with the ability for the driver to scroll through displays via
menu buttons and also shows 3 colour gearshift lights and standard warning lights. A master alert
warns if any function goes outside programmed perameters for quick and easy reference on track.
Additional data information, such as lap times and logging, can be viewed through the display to bring
another element to the serious track day driver. 3" FIA full harnesses with crutch straps are fitted for
both driver and passenger as standard with options of further competition parts for racing.

Performance
Performance of the Atom Mugen gives 0-60mph (100kph) in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of
150mph, with torque increased to 255Nm @ 6,000 rpm.

Every engine is built by one Mugen technician and every Atom is built by Ariel technician, with both
signing off the engine and car only when they are satisfied, reflected in a numbered build plate on
each car. The particular and special skills available in producing racing and low volume cars are
demonstrated in the Atom Mugen in a way that wouldn't be possible to large volume manufacturers.
Said Simon Saunders of Ariel, "The advantages of being small are obvious in this latest Atom. It's a
handbuilt car, tailored to suit individual customers who we know and like as friends and who are
passionate about their cars and driving. The ability for Mugen to handbuild a performance engine,
coupled with the legendary Honda reliability, takes this one stage further."

The formula of Ariel + Honda + Mugen has resulted in a very special car that takes the trackday car
to another level.

Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured

Land Rover has revealed the Discovery 4 Armoured Vehicle, The model replaces the outgoing Discovery 3 model, offering the same great off-road capability and level of protection, but an updated specification to keep up with the times.

The new Discovery 4 model features a more powerful 5.0-liter LR-V8 direct-injection petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination produces a total of 375 HP that can get the SUV from 0-60mph in just 10.6 seconds.

The base car underwent endless engineering changes to safeguard best float as well as doing opening, in spite of a combined weight of a shield. Although a SUV weighs 3550 kg (7826 lbs) heavy duty 6-caliper front as well as 4-caliper back Alcon front brakes safeguard a vehicle stops as well as a standard chronicle. The wheels have been wrapped in run flat Goodyear Wrangler HP All Weather Tires, ensuring the quick-getaway even if the tires are punctured.

From the exterior it’s hard to spot the difference, mainly because there is no immediate difference; it all looks pretty much the same. Nonetheless, every bit of protection plating has been blended in with the car’s design and passes all European compliance standards.

The all-wheel drive Discovery 4 Armoured is also fitted with a Terrain Response System which has various settings that adapt to most types of surfaces such as mud, grass or rocks.
The Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured comes with a 3-year, 80,000 km factory warranty on both the vehicle and the armour.




Press Release

Land Rover Introduces Powerful New Discovery 4 Armoured Vehicle

Gaydon, Warwickshire, December 17, 2010 - Land Rover is enhancing its range of factory-supported armoured vehicles with the launch of the powerful new Discovery 4 Armoured.

Replacing the successful Discovery 3 model, the Discovery 4 Armoured offers the same legendary all-terrain capability and state-of-the-art protection, but features an upgraded specification to deliver superior levels of performance, luxury and style.

Compared to the previous model, the Discovery 4 Armoured offers a more powerful 5.0-litre LR-V8 petrol engine, improved passive safety with an airbag restraint system for driver and front passenger, and a more luxurious interior with premium leather seats.

With discreet armouring and a generous 500kg payload, the new model provides highly versatile, safe and comfortable transportation for five people and their luggage.

Benefiting from Land Rover's extensive experience in the armoured vehicle market, the Discovery 4 Armoured is supplied with a full three-year, 80,000km factory warranty on the base vehicle and armour, along with comprehensive after-sales support from specialised technicians.

"The new Discovery 4 Armoured offers an outstanding breadth of capability, and enables occupants to travel across challenging terrains in confidence and safety," says John Graham, Commercial Manager Armoured Programs, Land Rover.

"Developed by Land Rover in partnership with global leaders in vehicle security, the Discovery 4 is the ideal choice for government agencies, security organisations and businesses whose employees are exposed to high-risk locations."

Fully certified armouring systems
Although virtually indistinguishable from the standard model, the Discovery 4 Armoured features ballistic steel armour and glazing which provides ballistic protection in accordance with European standards BS EN1522 level FB6 and BS EN 1063 level BR6 respectively.

Developed in partnership with the vehicle armouring specialists Centigon, it also provides blast protection against 15kg TNT (or equivalent) detonated in close proximity to the vehicle and under floor protection against two DM51 hand grenades. The protection offered was certified by QinetiQ®, a globally recognised independent blast and ballistic testing organisation.

"Rather than relying on testing the individual armour components, we have ensured that the entire vehicle is independently certified to B6 standards, so that we can be completely confident of its ballistic integrity," added John Graham.

Comprehensive engineering changes have been made to the base vehicle to ensure that it maintains optimum ride and handling on all surfaces, despite the additional mass of the armour.

The Discovery 4 chassis features independent air suspension, and modifications that include uprated air springs and retuned dampers, larger diameter anti-roll bars, and heavy duty Alcon disc brakes front and rear.

Land Rover engineers have also enhanced the passive Safety Systems in the new Discovery 4 Armoured, with driver's steering wheel and passenger fascia dual-stage airbag restraint systems.

Enhanced performance on all surfaces
Like the standard vehicle, the Discovery 4 Armoured comes equipped with advanced four-wheel-drive technologies to deliver outstanding all-terrain performance.

This includes full functionality of the latest generation Terrain Response System® - an armoured market class-leading feature, which enables the driver to configure the vehicle to negotiate a variety of surfaces, such as tarmac, ruts, grass, mud, snow or rocks, in the most effective way.

For enhanced performance, the Discovery 4 Armoured is equipped with the new 375PS
5.0-litre LR-V8 direct-injection petrol engine, replacing the 2.7-litre V6 turbo-diesel used in the previous model.

Teamed with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission, this refined and powerful new engine offers significantly faster acceleration, with 0-100km/h (62mph) achieved in just 10.6 seconds.

Comfortable and flexible interior
The interior of the Discovery 4 Armoured is both functional and extremely comfortable, providing a commanding elevated driving position and a flexible seating layout for up to five people. The practicality of the vehicle is significantly enhanced by the generous 500kg payload allowance.

Passengers will also appreciate the completely redesigned Discovery 4 cabin, which features a more stylish and sophisticated design with smooth and flowing surface treatments.

The quality of the interior materials has been significantly upgraded compared to the previous model, featuring premium leather upholstery on the seats and sumptuous real wood veneers.

Comprehensive support
Land Rover provides armoured vehicle customers with a comprehensive support programme, both before and after purchase.

A dedicated security consultant works closely with the customer during the sales process, to ensure their full requirements are met. Customers are able to select from an extensive choice of optional security features to provide the desired vehicle configuration.

Once the vehicle is in service, the customer has access to a full driver training programme. An armour specialist can provide optional services which include scheduled maintenance, support and vehicle familiarisation.

All Discovery 4 Armoured vehicles have a full three-year, 80,000km factory warranty.

# # #

EDITOR'S NOTES
1. More details on the Discovery 4 Armoured can be found at http://www.landrover.com/gl/en/lr/professional-vehicles/armoured-vehicles/discovery-4-armoured/

Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured - Detailed Specifications

Base Vehicle Specification
5.0-litre LR-V8 direct-injection petrol engine
Maximum Power (EEC) 375 PS (276 kW)
Maximum Torque (EEC) 510 Nm (376 lb ft)
6-speed automatic transmission
Kerb weight 3550kg (excluding options)
4050kg GVW
Air conditioning
Land Rover Terrain Response® system
Off road capability (deep sand driving not recommended)
Modified suspension system to accommodate increased vehicle mass
378mm brake discs with upgraded Alcon aluminium brake callipers: 6-pot front, 4-pot rear
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System - where licensed

Armour Specification
European Standard BS EN 1522 FB6 and BS EN 1063 BR6 (high velocity assault rifle)
Side blast protection - 15kg device in close proximity to the vehicle
Under floor protection against 2 x DM 51 hand grenades
Heavy duty wheels and run flat tyres - Goodyear Wrangler HP All Weather Tyre

Optional Features

Essential Armour Option Pack
Driver opening window (100mm drop to allow document passing)
Auxiliary secondary battery supply
Anti-tamper exhaust
Intercom

Maintenance Option Pack
Heavy duty spare wheel and run flat tyre - Goodyear Wrangler HP All Weather Tyre
Heavy duty jack and tools

Independent Options
Covert blue lights and siren system (where legal)
Covert headlight flash (LED)
Under bonnet fire suppressant system
Heavy duty jack and tools
Tinted windows
Intercom
Auxiliary secondary battery supply
Anti-tamper exhaust
Driver's opening front window
Rear payload area glass anti-theft film protection

Specialist Service Option
Global After Sales Support is a tailor made package available on request

Driver Training Package
Armoured Vehicle Driver Training is a tailor made package available on request

2012 Hennessey VelociRaptor APV

American tuner Hennessey is introducing a new division called Armored Performance Vehicles (APV) program which applies the company's performance, handling and braking optimisation knowledge on the latest armored vehicles.

This new programme will apply the company’s philosophy and will improve the acceleration, braking and handling performance on late-model armored vehicles. What you see in the photos is the 2012 Hennessey VelociRaptor APV based on the new Ford Raptor SuperCrew. This car offers a combination of armor protection, vehicle performance, passenger comfort and safety.

The VelociRaptor APV is powered by a 6.2 liter supercharged V8 engine, with output between 450 and 800 HP (up from 411 HP), and offers the ultimate combination of armor protection, vehicle performance, passenger comfort, safety, acceleration, braking and handling performance.

The vehicle can accommodate between six and eight passengers, depending on the customer’s preferences and will offer multiple top comfort features. The list of interior goodies includes Satellite TV, high-speed Internet, entertainment systems and mobile office systems.

Source: Hennessey Performance




Press Release

War Wagon: Introducing the 2012 Hennessey VelociRaptor APV - The World's First Armored Performance Vehicle

Hennessey Performance announces new performance upgrades for armored vehicles such as the Chevrolet Suburban and Cadillac Escalade. Called Armored Performance Vehicles (APV), the company also plans to release a supercharged SUV based on the off-road-ready Ford Raptor truck in both armored and non-armored variants.

Sealy, TX - September 9, 2010 - Having a vehicle that can safely and quickly get you out of harm's way is just as important as having armored protection. Introducing Hennessey Armored Performance Vehicles (APV) ^TM. Hennessey APV^TM will apply the company's go-fast know-how to help improve the acceleration, braking and handling performance on late-model armored vehicles.

"Adding armor protection to SUV's such as Chevy Suburbans and Cadillac Escalades can easily increase vehicle weight from 6,000 lbs to over 10,000 lbs," said company founder and president, John Hennessey. "We are excited to be able to apply our 20 years of high-performance experience to the armor vehicle industry."

The company's 2012 Hennessey VelociRaptor APV, based on the new Ford Raptor Super Crew, will offer the ultimate combination of armor protection, vehicle performance, passenger comfort and safety. Powered by a supercharged 6.2L V8, the VelociRaptor APV will have the performance capability to drive away from, through or over obstacles both on the road as well as off-road.

"The VelociRaptor APV will showcase the highest level of protection, comfort and performance all in one vehicle," John states.

Hennessey Performance will also be offering a non-armored version of the VelociRaptor APV which will offer off-road enthusiasts the same level of utility and off-road capability that the Ford Raptor has become known for. Hennessey will offer the VelociRaptor SUV with the same supercharged 6.2L V8 producing 575 bhp. There will be seating options for six, seven or eight seats. A full line of electronic upgrades will also be available, including: Satellite TV, high-speed internet, entertainment systems and mobile office systems.

Hennessey APV^TM offers a complete line of high-performance upgrade systems for the following the following armored vehicles, both for new vehicles as well as ones that are already in service:

• Cadillac Escalade - 500 to 1000 hp
• Chevrolet Suburban - 500 to 1000 hp
• Chevrolet Truck - 500 to 1000 hp
• Ford Raptor Truck - 450 to 800 hp
• GMC Denali - 500 to 1000 hp
• Jeep - Up to 800 hp
• Land Rover - Up to 550 hp
• Lexus LX570 - Up to 500 hp
• Nissan Patrol - Up to 1000 hp
• Range Rover - Up to 550 hp
• Toyota Sequoia - Up to 650 hp
• Toyota Land Cruiser - Up to 650 hp

About Hennessey Performance & Hennessey APV
Hennessey Performance (HPE) has been making fast cars go faster since 1991. It operates a 30,000 square foot workshop and showroom facility situated on 143 acres near Sealy, Texas (about 45 minutes west of Houston). The company also operates a showroom and installation facility located in Lake Forest, California. HPE offers a wide variety of dyno proven, track tested parts and upgrades for a variety of modern performance vehicles. Hennessey Performance is also the only tuner in North America that operates its own test track - Lonestar Motorsports Park.