Based on Lamborghini’s most extreme Gallardo to-date (the Super Trofeo Stradale), RENM’s STS-700 is the closest thing to a Blancpain Super Trofeo race car for the road.

The Gallardo STS-700 demonstrates RENM ’s capacity for concept design and development at the highest levels.

The key features emphasize our core company philosophy of enhancing and improving road-legal super cars to the highest standards in performance tuning and design.

Key highlights of the RENM Gallardo STS-700 program include a number of carefully selected components and enhancements, which provide the ultimate driving and racing capabilities:

Aerodynamic carbon fiber body kit; Increased engine output to 700 PS; Valve-controlled titanium exhaust system; Chassis and suspension improvements; Magnesium race wheels with race tyres; Carbon ceramic brake kit; Light-weight race seats in Alcantara; Roll cage, harness and seat belts.

“The STS-700 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed over 330 km/h. However, improved driving dynamics and track performance are the main advantages. Significant reductions in lap times were recorded throughout the vehicle’s development.”

The Super Trofeo race-series aerodynamic body kit features replacement body parts made from lightweight carbon fiber composites, all contributing to significant weight savings, reduced drag, increased down force, improved air-flow, and improved engine and brake cooling.

The engine is designed to be reliable and highly responsive, producing 700 PS at 8,500 rpm. The upgrades include titanium connecting rods, custom billet pistons and crankshaft with raised compression ratio. Custom billet camshafts, larger titanium inlet, exhaust valves, exhaust ports, manifold and combustion chambers are supplemented with fuel injector, oil and secondary cooling upgrades.

A specially adapted race and road specification valve-controlled titanium exhaust system is used in the STS-700. The highly efficient exhaust system decreases back pressure, improves flow rate while reducing weight from 30 kg to 11 kg, a weight loss of 63 percent.

The extensive chassis and suspension modifications include a wider wheel track, Ohlins three-way fully adjustable dampers suitable for both race and road use, adjustable front anti-roll bar and wishbone suspension links. All suspension upgrades remain compatible with the OEM front height adjuster.

An upgraded carbon ceramic brake kit is calibrated for optimal response and performance. Using higher friction brakes pads, the brake configuration reduces weight in rotating masses. Revised cooling chambers and air flow inlets eliminate all brake fading.

The matte black finish accentuates the dark red race exterior. Black and red also dominate the interior which is composed of Alcantara and carbon fiber elements, including lightweight race seats in matching alcantara. Interior upgrades include modified gear shifters, customized roll cage with four-point harness, seat belts and fire extinguisher.

“The improved power-to-weight ratio, extensive upgrades and high-grade performance components has dramatically improved the driving experience both on and off the track,“ according to the Brazilian owner of the STS-700.

The Gallardo STS-700 demonstrates RENM’s capacity to develop a comprehensive and integrated program for the Super Trofeo Stradale, one that raises performance and vehicle dynamics to an entirely new level.

Photos: Rodrigo Ruiz/RRMedia

Campus Party is an annual, week-long festival where participants immerse themselves in one of the biggest technology and science events in the world.

Almost 10,000 people attended the event between August 21 to 26, 2012 at the former Airport – Tempelhof, Berlin. The festival featured over 600 hours of talks, debates and workshops related to science, innovation, digital entertainment and creativity, with activities spread across twenty four content areas.

Neil Meka, Managing Director, RENM performance, presented an overview of the tensions and challenges that arise between principles of good design and design developed through technology.

A summary of the key points raised in the presentation are below:

- While the process of design may be considered ‘creative’, many analytical processes also take place.

- The processes that are commonly used are user research, sketching, comparative product research, model making, prototyping and testing.

- Making form is central to the design process, and should not be left to the dictation of a function (form follows function). Making form is about giving a visual sense of character to a vehicle, of its story, beginning to make its soul.

- Powerful software tools such as the Autodesk® and Alias® has allowed designers to put their ideas into digital language and then into milled shapes.

- Creating cars designed and developed using computerised rapid prototyping and visualisation tools can have drawbacks.  When using this technology, it’s important to maintain a balance between sketchpad creativity and digital efficiency.

- An interaction of two-dimensional design and three-dimensional modelling (to give us a digital design) does provide an opportunity to remodel and refine ideas. What the data isn’t very good at is communicating a design language.

- The values and accompanying aspects on which design is based can vary, both between different schools of thought and among practicing designers.

- Manufacturers of high-performance sports and super cars need to express a design language that embodies many different things, while still expressing the values of their company and designers.

- With car companies placing greater reliance on computer aided technology to develop designs, paper and pencil are still at the heart of the design process, aided rather than dominated by technology.

The RENM Aventador LE-C is a special track focused version of the Aventador that blends aggressive styling with race-developed technology.

A video featuring design illustrations of the Aventador LE-C highlights the key features and unique design characteristics of the vehicle.

The RENM LE-C combines elements of the Aventador ‘wedge’ design with influences from the Lamborghini Aventador J concept, most notably the front section. The design demonstrates how the Aventador lines have been retained while creating a distinctive and cutting-edge appearance.

“We wanted to retain the original design lines while enhancing and making improvements across the entire platform. Some aspects of the design were influenced by the Aventador J concept, but only those sections we considered were improvements. For instance, the upper rear grille is similar to the J concept, although the lower rear section is a total redesign.”

The design specifications were also developed in consultation with Aventador owners scheduled for the LE-C upgrade. 

Key features of the LE-C program include:

- Extensively redesigned aerodynamic carbon fiber body sections with electronically operated rear wing;

- Road and race specification valve-controlled inconel and titanium exhaust systems, re-designed air intake chambers, ECU recalibration resulting in a 9-11% increase in engine output;

- Individual suspension, chassis adjustments and modifications, with adjustable vehicle ride height;

- Exclusive LE-C light weight center-lock race specification wheels, fitted with optional race specification tyres;

- LE-C race brake kits with air flow inlets, revised engine and brake cooling chambers;

- LE-C interior with alcantara and carbon fiber accents, including steering wheel with optional light weight race seats and harness section.

The limited edition Aventador LE-C vehicles are customized for specific markets. All Aventador LE-C vehicles vary slightly in engine output.  Some owners have opted for an increase in engine output through higher grade fuel with higher flowing, less restrictive exhaust systems for maximum performance.

Replacement body parts are made from light-weight carbon fiber composites that provide significant weight savings. The interior also blends alcantara and carbon fiber elements. Both standard and light-weight race seats are upholstered in alcantara with LE-C inscription.

The Aventador LE-C modifications reduce rotating and unsprung masses, improve handling and traction, resulting in better performance, acceleration and vehicle dynamics.

The program demonstrates RENM’s capacity for concept design and development at the highest levels.

For more information on the RENM Aventador LE-C, contact RENM performance.

At the yearly DMY International Design Festival Berlin both renowned and new experimental designers launch new products, prototypes and foresighted projects.

The exhibition is accompanied by a wide program of symposia, designer-talks and workshops, reflecting on current topics of contemporary design while exploring future trends of design and its interrelated disciplines.

Each year DMY assigns the DMY Awards for excellent projects. With international exhibitions and activities in Europe, Asia and South America, DMY gives visibility to unconventional and innovative projects and products that go beyond the mainstream.

Located across 20.000 sqm at former city airport Berlin Tempelhof, the exhibition features works by professional designers, studios and institutions as well as new designers and design schools.

The central exhibition reflects the changing developments of current product design, and apart from numerous product presentations, allows insights into the object’s creation and development processes.

Automotive design

BMW presented a selection of current model vehicles, while Mercedes Benz showcased their new Concept Style Coupe.

Gorden Wagener, Mercedes head designer, indicated that 90 percent of the existing concept will be used in the production version.

There are obvious design influences from the CLS. Like the CLS, it features a coupe-like profile with design lines that Mercedes describes as sinewy, sculptural and masculine.

These design cues are evident from the diamond-patterned grille, lower air dam and 20-inch turbine-style rims. A prominent feature are the headlights and signal indicators, with each row lighting up sequentially.

The vehicle is equipped with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine, driving all four wheels through a 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Concept Style Design features streamlined, cutting-edge side-mirrors and door handles, a large panoramic glass roof and striking Alubeam finish.

The cabin is trimmed in carbon fiber, black anodized aluminum, alcantara, nubuck leather and suede, in a blend of light gray and anthracite, accented with neon-green piping and topstitching.

The Comand communication/infotainment system and accompanying cloud-based apps will be continuously updated through a wireless smartphone link that also enables onboard Web access.

Power is raised to 600PS (441KW) 585NM with modifications that include an ECU recalibration, carbon fiber air intake, light-weight performance exhaust, race hydraulic height-adjustable suspension and modified ceramic brakes to accommodate the improved  performance.  An extensive range of aerodynamic changes were made to provide improved airflow, down force, handling dynamics, weight reduction and load distribution between the front and rear axles.

The front and rear sections of the aero kit are made from light-weight carbon kevlar composites, consisting of revised front grille, brake cooling chambers, front splitter, redesigned front and rear side grilles and rear diffuser.

Incorporated within the diffuser is a remote valve operated stainless steel performance exhaust system with centrally positioned tailpipe. While the centrally configured arrangement is optional, it provides the greatest weight savings.

Both the vehicle’s ride height and exhaust valve control system are controlled with the push of a button. RENM offers other exhaust arrangements with separate tailpipes that can be combined with matching carbon kevlar rear diffuser. The rear section of the vehicle also includes a seamlessly integrated rear wing to increase down force.

RENM has transformed the Audi R8 Spyder’s interior with carbon fiber elements that include the steering wheel, complete center console, instrument gauge, shift gate, hand brake, arm rests and door trims.

The vehicle’s power is transferred to the road via Racelight 20 inch wheels with Sportcup tyres and Superlight 19 inch wheels with race specification tyres. The wheels were developed with technology partner ATS Leichtmetallrader.  Both 19 and 20 inch wheels (x9 front , x11 rear) use a combination 245/30, 235/35 front and 305/25, 305/30 rear tyres to provide optimal performance for both street and race track use.

The standard seats were replaced with light-weight race seats upholstered in grey leather and red piping with R8 Spyder inscription.

The improved power-to-weight ratio has resulted in better acceleration, handling and braking dynamics. The reduction of both rotating and unsprung masses, new hydraulic race suspension and high-grade performance components significantly improve driving dynamics which is best appreciated on a race track.

Many months of research and development has culminated into a truly special vehicle – the RENM Audi R8 RMS Spyder.

]]> http://www.renm-performance.com/blog/news/renm-audi-r8-v10-rms-spyder/feed/ 0 http://www.renm-performance.com/blog/news/knysna-hillclimb-race-south-africa/ http://www.renm-performance.com/blog/news/knysna-hillclimb-race-south-africa/#comments Tue, 24 May 2011 08:29:20 +0000 RENM http://www.renm-performance.com/?p=4880 RENM performance, Racing Dynamics and Raptor Motorsport entered their Audi R8 V10 into the Knysna Hillclimb race, South Africa, as part of the Knysna speed week festival. Entering their Audi R8 V10 within the road-car class, the team qualified 12^th outright, eventually winning the A3 class category in the competition.

The RENM, Racing Dynamics and Raptor Motorsport Audi R8 V10 achieved a significant lead over other class competitors in qualifying. This was an an impressive result considering only minor modifications were fitted to comply with class regulations.

Driven by Andrew Waller, the team went on to win the Knysna hillclimb A3 road-car class quite comfortably.

The week of motorsport action attracted record crowds – with a confirmed 6000 people attending on the Saturday. Competition was limited to 80 entries, with vehicles including Nissan, Ferrari and Porsche race cars.

While the race car class entries recorded the fastest times, provision was made for other classes, including open-wheelers and vintage sports cars.

Collisions occurred during the race, with an Ariel Atom spinning off the circuit, and an Audi R8 V10 colliding against the mountain side. Two Nissan R35s incurred serious damage while an Audi Quattro S2 spun onto its roof.

As a major sponsor of the event, the Raptor Motorsport Audi R8 V10 participated in the race with support from both RENM performance and Racing Dynamics.

Congratulations to both Andrew Waller for achieving the result and Racing Dynamics who managed to prepare the vehicle in testing circumstances.

The tuning program consists of an ECU re-calibration, inconel high-performance exhaust, carbon fiber air-intake, sports filters and adjustable ride height/dampening suspension.

The M3 Agitator uses inconel Formula 1 exhaust technology, which is exceptional in terms of its extreme stability and heat resistance. The rear silencer is twelve kilograms lighter, a 40% weight-reduction over the production model, and incorporates internal design which increases performance significantly.

The visual and dynamic improvements to the M3 Agitator include customised T6 forged 3 piece wheels, adjustable coilover suspension, Eisenmann hallmark-designed 76mm diameter tail pipes, aero carbon fiber front spoiler, boot lid and rear diffuser.

Additional performance upgrades and options include race brakes, superlight wheels, sports camshafts, race-spec titanium exhaust, carbon fiber/kevlar body and supercharger kits.

When it comes to Lamborghini racing, Reiter Engineering are renowned for their construction and development of Lamborghini race cars. For over a decade, Reiter Engineering has participated in and dominated Lamborghini motor racing.

In 2000 the company initially developed and entered their own Lamborghini Diablo GT in the FIA GT Championship. In 2003 the Diablo GT was replaced by the newer Lamborghini Murciélago R-GT, prior to constructing the Gallardo GT3 for the FIA GT3 European Championship and the ADAC GT Masters.

In addition to supporting factory teams in various championships, Reiter Engineering has developed cars for other teams for different purposes and applications. During this time they have developed and sold several racing model variants.

A brief history of the company’s development and activities are listed below:

2000
Foundation of race team; development of Lamborghini Diablo GT2; race services in FIA GT with Lamborghini Diablo GT2.

2001
Race services in FIA GT with Lamborghini Diablo GT2.

2003
Enters FIA GT with Lamborghini Diablo GT2; establishes Lamborghini Murcíelago R-GT project; develops FIA GT1 / Le Mans GT1 race car based on the Lamborghini Murcíelago; establishes REITER test and race team; race engineer, aerodynamics, data-logging, FIA and ACO homologation.

2006
Produces 12 Lamborghini REITER Murcíelago GT1 for global client base; clients in Japan, USA and France; global after-sales service.

2007
Development and race services for REITER Lamborghini Gallardo GT3; produces 19 Lamborghini Gallardo GT3; global after-sales service.

2008
Produces 23 Lamborghini Gallardo GT3; Lamborghini Super Trofeo project; prototyping of rally version REITER Lamborghini Gallardo GT3; race services for world-first Lamborghini rally-version at “3-Städte Rallye”; race services for FIA GT1, LMS and ADAC GT Masters. 

2009
Development and race services for REITER Lamborghini LP560 GT2; development and race services for REITER Lamborghini Murcíelago GT1 and LP560 GT2 in LMS series, and GT3 FIA and Lamborghini Super Trofeo.

2010
Development and race services for REITER Lamborghini Murciélago LP670 R-SV (race version of Murciélago LP670 SuperVeloce) for the FIA GT1 World Championship; 3rd place in the GT1 world championship; develops Reiter Lamborghini LP600+ race car for 2011.

STRADA CONCEPTS

The overall objective of the Reiter Strada concepts is to bring the technology, experience and insights of many years of Lamborghini racing to the streets.  ‘Strada’ is the Italian word for ‘Street’, a term used to describe the process of applying Lamborghini race engineering, design and technology for street legal applications. RENM performance now offers the Reiter Strada concepts as part of its Lamborghini development programs.

Motor racing research and development is what distinguishes the Reiter Strada concepts from other approaches. The technical insights gained from these activities are applied to optimise the performance of each vehicle. The objectives of weight reduction, improved unsprung and rotating mass, handling dynamics, increased downforce and other factors are integrated into each Strada concept. This results in genuine improvements in performance and driving dynamics for various Lamborghini models.

We recently visited the Reiter Engineering facilities in Kirchanschoering, Germany and were briefed on their operations and plans for the upcoming race season. A selection of photos taken during our visit are below:

RENM performance and Reiter Engineering share the same principles and approach to Lamborghini tuning. Through this partnership, we will now offer race-proven technology and world-leading tuning solutions for the latest Lamborghini Gallardo and Murcielago model range.

We left the engineering facilities with the impression that the only challenge remaining for the company was to somehow enable Lamborghini cars to be driven across snow!! Two weeks later we stumbled across a video demonstrating Hans Reiter’s attempt to achieve what we imagined to be impossible.

We wish the Reiter Engineering team every success for the current race season.