* One-off coachbuilt limousine to be used on the occasion of the wedding of Prince Albert of Monaco on 2 July
* Full hybrid powertrain will allow the car to operate in zero-emissions mode for most of the newlyweds? tour of the principality
* Landaulet styling uses a one-piece transparent roof manufactured using advanced technologies from the aerospace industry

A unique, full hybrid Lexus LS 600h Landaulet fitted with a one-piece transparent polycarbonate roof will serve as the official royal wedding car when His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco marries Carlene Wittstock in Monte Carlo on 2 July.

The conversion was undertaken by Belgian coachbuilder Carat Duchatelet, working closely with Lexus engineers based in Brussels. The project took more than 2,000 hours to complete, with a focus on maintaining the levels of quality and technological sophistication that are fundamental to every Lexus, and preserving the performance, safety and dynamic attributes of the original LS 600h L.

The process began with computer-aided design calculation, simulations and 3D modelling. Reinforcing the bodyshell required extensive use of honeycomb structures Kevlar and carbon fibre composite materials to achieve suitable chassis stiffness and torsional rigidity following the removal of the roof and pillars.

Composite parts have to be cured at very high temperatures and these were literally ?cooked? on to the bare chassis in a specially prepared oven. This meant that first, much of the vehicle had to be dismantled, with around 20,000 mechanical parts, electric component and interior features and upholstery being stripped out. Re-assembly was carried out under close supervision of a Lexus engineering team to ensure consistency with original vehicle specifications and performance. Prior to re-assembly, the car was finished in an elegant Midnight Blue livery, applied by hand using several coats of a bespoke, water-based paint, adding to the car?s environmental credentials.

The transparent roof presented a challenge in both design, as a large, single piece with no reinforcements or pillars, and in manufacturing. To make the roof, Lexus sought co-operation with a French company that specialises in supplying similar components to the aerospace industry, such as helicopter windscreens and fighter jet canopies.

The roof is a single, lightweight polycarbonate shell that is 8mm thick and weighs just 26kg. Fixed to the body of the Lexus through two intermediary parts, it allows a perfect view in and out of the car.

A template was made in a honeycomb structure and carbon fibre to validate the roof?s shape and structural integrity and to ensure a perfect fit with tolerances of less than 1mm. Once the design was complete, robotic tools were used to produce the canopy and fit it to the Landaulet in a completely automated process.

The final stage of the conversion, re-assembly and finishing took a team of 10 specialists working with Lexus engineers more than two weeks to complete, to ensure the highest quality levels were achieved.

On the day of the wedding the LS 600h Landaulet will be used by the royal couple to tour the principality after the marriage ceremony. For most of this distance the car will operate in its fully electric mode, with zero tailpipe emissions. After the celebrations the car will be displayed at the Media Centre and later the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco.

NEW MCLAREN MP4-12C GT3 BREAKS COVER TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE FIRST TESTS

MIRA and Silverstone in the UK selected for initial McLaren MP4-12C GT3 tests
Championship-winning racing driver Alvaro Parente joins McLaren GT as test driver

The first McLaren MP4-12C GT3 to be built by McLaren GT – a new com pany that brings together the expertise of the McLaren Group and CRS Racing – has successfully undertaken its debut tests at the MIRA proving ground facility and Silverstone Circuit in England. McLaren GT has also appointed a new test driver to its team, 26-year-old Portuguese racing driver Alvaro Parente.

The initial shakedown tests undertaken with the 12C GT3, whereby new components are calibrated and bespoke aerodynamic body structures are appraised for the first time, will be followed by comprehensive tests scheduled throughout March and April at a number of FIA* certified circuits across Europe. News on the development programme, full driver line-up and planned competition for the 12C GT3 will be confirmed after these tests are completed.

MP4-12C GT3 development to focus on quality and performance

McLaren GT Project Manager Andrew Kirkaldy and McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin piloted the new 12C GT3 on its first outings. These real-world tests follow months of virtual testing in the McLaren Simulator at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, which is also used to develop the 12C production car and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes` Formula 1 cars.

Andrew Kirkaldy said: “We have an extensive list of subjective and objective development targets set for the MP4-12C GT3. In the first tests, the car is achieving excellent results in many areas including handling, powertrain and other aspects of dynamic performance.

“The 12C`s carbon chassis and aerodynamic efficiency mean we started with a lightweight, dynamically-optimised sports car. Those characteristics are fundamental to any race car.The car is around 100mm wider than the standard production car and features a new suspension system which we have tested in the McLaren Simulator. Having now experienced this new set-up in the 12C GT3 car, I`m delighted with the progress we are making.

“The McLaren GT team is working with Formula 1 technology suppliers, and several of the senior technical personnel involved in this project have vast experience in Formula 1. This is a unique advantage in developing a GT specification car.”

From 2012, McLaren Automotive and CRS Racing will supply and support a limited number of FIA GT3-compliant racing cars based on the McLaren 12C high-performance sports car for privateers.**

MP4-12C GT3: Technical specification outline

The 12C GT3 race car is based on a standard 12C. Developing the race car has required a team of engineers, technicians and test drivers from McLaren Group and CRS Racing to focus on several fundamental components.

The 12C GT3 is based on the McLaren carbon MonoCell chassis, which weighs just 75kg and is produced in a revolutionary one-piece mould. Race specification composite body panels and a fixed rear wing have been added to the GT3 car.

The same 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 as in the production car on which it is based will be used in the 12C GT3, tuned to race specification. A bespoke paddle-shift system operating an all-new Ricardo-designed gearbox developed specifically for racing will be fitted. This system eschews the 7-speed SSG dual-clutch Graziano transmission supplied in the standard 12C.

New electrical architecture is being supplied by McLaren Electronic Systems Limited, including electronic dash and data technologies. Bosch Motorsport will supply a new ABS system for the 12C GT3. A new aerodynamics package has been developed by McLaren Racing in compliance with GT3 regulations, incorporating a new front splitter, door blade, rear wing, diffuser and louvres in the front fenders.

The new GT3 car will feature motorsport-specific braking and suspension components. These include bespoke callipers by Akebono, Official Supplier to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. Due to regulations imposed by racing authorities, the 12C GT3 will not feature the road-going 12C`s ProActive Chassis Control System; negating the requirement for an anti-roll bar. Instead, the 12C GT3 will use a configuration comprising race-specific roll bars and dampers.

McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin said: “Those who have seen the new MP4-12C production car won`t be surprised to learn that immense attention to detail has been applied in developing the GT3 version. Quality is a watchword. We know that our potential customers will expect McLaren GT to deliver a competitive car right out of the box and, starting now with a programme covering aerodynamics development and durability testing, we are determined to do just that.

“The McLaren GT team is committed to achieving unprecedented levels of performance, also guaranteeing the levels of quality, reliability and durability with which we expect to delight future race teams entering competitions with the 12C GT3.”

Born for the “Green Hell” adventure: The MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance. Racing car celebrates world premiere in 24-hour race at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

Munich. Motor sport is in the MINI genes. And now the carmaker is set to add a new chapter to its racing heritage with the arrival of the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance. The newly developed racer will line up at this year`s 24-hour race at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit, previewing the series-production version of the car due to be unveiled to the public in autumn 2011.

With the participation of the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance, the Nürburgring 24-hour race will be staging an automotive world premiere for the first time in its history. At the same time, the extreme demands of the classic endurance event ensure the new MINI model will be given a baptism of fire.

MINI`s declared aim in entering the Nürburgring 24-hour race is to experience the adventure of the “Green Hell”, as the Nürburgring-Nordschleife is affectionately known. And the brand has called, among other things, on the experience gained over many years of MINI Challenge sprint racing in the development of its new racing car for this unique event.

A pure-bred racing set-up will equip the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance for a full day lapping the combined Nordschleife/Grand Prix circuit at race speed. Providing the power is a specially-tuned version of the series-produced MINI John Cooper Works engine. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit – which boasts a twin-scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection – delivers 250 hp, and the Overboost function pushes peak torque up to 330 Newton metres. Top speed is in excess of 240 km/h.

The MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance sees the brand`s customary go-kart feeling taken to a whole new level. The stiff race suspension ensures impressive roadholding and gives the driver constant, direct feedback from the road surface. Adjustable shock absorber units allow the suspension set-up to be adapted to fluctuating track conditions, a feature that will come in particularly handy at the Nordschleife.

The more steeply raked windscreen of the car`s flat coupé silhouette sets it apart clearly from the Hatch and helps to minimise aerodynamic drag, which the drivers will acknowledge with a smile on the circuit`s long straights.
The John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package further enhances the Coupé`s already supreme handling; the front spoiler, rear diffuser and adjustable rear wing generate downforce, optimising the balance between the front and rear axle.

The MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance achieves an exceptionally high level of safety thanks to features including a roll cage welded to the body and a sports bucket seat with six-point safety belt and Formula One-style HANS (Head And Neck Support) system. When it comes to active safety, the car adopts the proven braking system with Race ABS from MINI Challenge racing and adds a specially tuned DSC dynamic control system, likewise optimised for the race track. Plus, in the interests of safety – and rapid pit stops – the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance is kitted out with an integrated pneumatic jack.
Technical data.
Engine
Tuned version of series-produced MINI John Cooper Works engine with adapted engine management. Four-cylinder in-line engine (front/transverse-mounted) with twin-scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection. Racing exhaust system

Displacement
1,598 cc
Output
Approx. 184 kW / approx. 250 hp
Max. torque
Approx. 330 Nm (incl. Overboost)
Top speed
> 240 km/h
Power transfer
Front-wheel drive, sequential six-speed gearbox with electronic differential lock
Suspension
Independent race suspension (KW Suspension) with adjustable compression and rebound, adjustable front strut brace
Tyres
Racing tyres (Dunlop) / slicks: 215/45 R17, wets: 205/620 R17, 17-inch racing rims (Borbet)
Body
John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package, adjustable rear wing, rear diffuser acc. to regulations, pneumatic jack
Safety
MINI Challenge braking system with Race ABS, race-tuned DSC, welded-in roll cage, six-point safety belt, racing seat (Recaro) with HANS system, main switch concept with electronically controlled fire extinguishing equipment
Interior
Racing steering wheel (Sparco), Drive Data Display with shift display
Weight
965 kg
Wheelbase
2,467 mm
Tank capacity
100 litres

ENGINE MODIFICATIONS
injen cai, injen catback ses dual exhaust.

SUSPENSION MODIFICATIONS
eibach (front and rear anti sway bars).

ALLOY WHEELS
mrr gt1 wheels 20 x 8.5 (front) & 20 x 10 (rear).

TYRES
20 x 8.5 (225/35/20 nitto) and 20 x 10 (275/30/20 nitto)tyres

BRAKES
stock brakes.

EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS
ark c-fx carbon fiber hood, vis carbon fiber diffusor, vis carbon fog light bezels, ms-r front lip kit, luxon front grill, rimtec trunk lid spoiler, shadow. speed roof spoiler, hids low beam 10k & fog lights 3k, 5% tint all around, tail light tint (removed).

CAR COLOUR
Custom Candy paint mural (Cobalt Candy Paint white Skull & Flame)

ENGINE MODIFICATIONS
borla exhaust system, injen cold air intakeaftermarket headers, ngm`s iced sniper super charger (stage ii), ngm “iced sniper” super charger (stage 2 consisting of), eaton roots 4th generation mp62 supercharger, ngm ice box manifold, ngm billet high flow inlet plenum, ngm heat exchanger & resevoir kit, ngm plug-n-play 310cc injectors, ngm 2.8″ supercharger pulley, integral bosch high flow intercooler pump.

SUSPENSION MODIFICATIONS
rear strut & (pro) mid chasis strut from luxon, luxon rear brace strut.

ALLOY WHEELS
17″ drifz 505b nos rims.

TYRES
falken tires.

EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS
lambo doors, extreme dimensions` poison (flare) bodykit, small decal items (i.e. tuscani badges), invader cf hood, clear corners , tuscani door marker, oem cf wing, l.e.d. mirrors, cf eyelid, l.e.d. turn signal mirrors, f/l headlights, hid 8000k, ccfl angel eyes kit (white), blue led tuscani door sill, cf license plate holder, multi-color l.e.d. underbody lights, rear view camera.

INTERIOR MODIFICATIONS
tuscani steering wheel emblem, guage pods, multi-tv screens, megan (universal) racing seats, glow shift`s tinted 7-color guage, blue l.e.d. head lamps (from diode dynamics` stage3 led set, blue seatbelt harnesses, triple guage pod with vacuum, air/fuel, and volt tinted 7 color guages.

IN CAR ENTERTAINMENT
1600w 12″ kicker cvr speakers, xbox 360, in dash dvd player, 5-tv set up, 2 kicker amps (1 mono, 1 four channel), 2 kicker 1600w subs, polk 6×9, polk tweeters, 2 visor 7″ screens.