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Middle East Customers get a Bugatti Treat

2009-12-20T11:00:00.001-08:00

Bugatti could have chosen no better place than the Dubai Motor Show to celebrate its 100 years of existence, and as a favor to hosting the event, the Middle East natives got lucky with three specific models not to be sold elsewhere. While a couple of products will be one-off models, the Bugatti Nocturne model will have five siblings. The other two models will be the Sang d’Argent and the Grand Sport Soleil de Nuit.

With deliveries beginning in the first quarter of 2010, Nocturne will be the highest priced model at $1.65 million followed by the Soleil de Nuit at $1.55 million and the Sang d’Argent at $1.45 million. Nocturne, the highest priced variant will feature a polished aluminum bonnet well complimented by galvanized side windows and special polished custom rims and aluminum upper body parts at the rear. Magnesium and Platinum dominate the interior of the car. The Sang d’Argent will feature silver metallic paintjob on the outside while the Havana interior will glorify the car on the inside. Last but not least, the Soleil de Nuit is finished in a polished aluminium and Black Blue metallic surface while the bold burnt orange color scheme dominates the interior.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Package by ENCO

2009-12-20T10:58:00.000-08:00

ENCO have been developing a new styling and performance package for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4. The new package gives you the ability to completely overhaul your car’s exterior by adding carbon fiber components such as a boot cover (for about €3990), a front bumper (€2990) and a front splitter (just €990). But that’s not all you’re getting as this little monster comes with a matte black foil wrap (€3000), more aggressive side skirts (€3990), mirrors and custom boot lid vents (€4000). The package holds some goodies for the car’s interior as well, such as a carbon fiber trim for the steering wheel, new handbrake and dashboard, and new door handles – all for a mere €5000. But if you’re not into looks, only, there’s also a performance package for the 5.2l V10 engine, boosting power to 620 hp and 575 Nm torque.

Spy Pictures: Alfa Romeo Kamal production ready?

2009-12-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or does this look like a vehicle that is very close to production ready? Three spy pictures that were taken by Alfa Romeo employees. I’m sure they’re going to be in a lot of trouble – thanks guys.

It shows that Alfa Romeo Kamal – a SUV from the Italian marque that may or may not be built. What we do know is this thing looks ready to be sold. What we don’t know is if they’re going to sell the Kamal or not.

Guess well have to wait and see.

Mercedes AMG V8 making way for a twin turbo variant

2009-12-20T10:54:00.000-08:00

Mercedes four wheeles that house the naturally aspirated 6.3L V8 unit will have a different variant under the hood, come 2010. The 6.3-liter AMG V8 will make way for a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 engine and the new engine models will start selling in the last quarter of 2010. The official unraveling of the engine will happen at next year’s Paris Motor Show following which the engine will hit the production facility. Mercedes wants to focus on better fuel economy whilst also reducing the emissions however performance is something the brand will not like to sacrifice as that could hurt the sales figures. The naturally aspirated V8 variant renders between 450 and 520hp with 440 lb-ft of torque. As far as the economy goes, the city numbers reflect 12mpg which are bettered on the highway by 7mpg.

Audi A5 Sportback gets the ABT treatment

2009-12-20T10:52:00.000-08:00

With less and less new models announced this time of the year, it’s the tuning houses around the globe that have kept the auto freaks entertained. Adding to the excitement is the Abt treatment for the latest Audi A5 Sportback.

Dubbed the AS5 kit for the A5 Sportback, the tuning includes a new front grille, rear wing insets, a rear skirt set and diamond cut edition wheels finished in high gloss (18, 19 and 20-inch sizes). Performance being a key for Abt, the engine has been modified to justify a thorough upgrade be it for the 2.0 TFSI variant or the range topping 3.0 TDI ABT Power S. That means that the 2.0 TFSI renders between 180 and 275hp, and 320Nm of torque, while the 3.0L puts out nothing less than 310hp and 610Nm of torque. Neat!

Ferrari F430 Matte Black

2008-05-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

I will probably never afford such a beautiful matte black on a Ferrari F430 or actually any other super car, but this lucky bastard in Geneva does. Spied on the streets this is a Ferrari F430 Scuderia that wears the color, but wait, here is the interesting part. This isn’t a paint job, but an extremely well vinyl wrap. Does the ‘paint treatment’ increase the badass factor? I would say it does, how about you?

via Autogespot

Ferrari California GT

2008-05-28T09:19:00.001-07:00

The official pics of the California GT have been released and soon enough it will be launched at the Paris Motor Show in October. This mid-sized roadster will only be built as a convertible with Ferrari’s first folding hardtop.

Ferrari always being renowned for its power and performance does not disappoint with the California GT with its 4,3 litre direct injection V8 engine producing 460bhp, mounted in the mid-front. This prancing horse can reach 0-100km/h in less than 4 seconds.

Its gearshifts are via a seven speed dual clutch transmission with F1-Trac traction control. It also houses Brembo carbon ceramic brakes which should help to bring this speedy horse to a sudden stop. Also in keeping with the rest of the new generation Ferrari’s, it will be built on an aluminium chassis as well as aluminium body panels.

More details about this car is expected to be releases prior to the Paris Motor Show. In the meantime join in on the Ferrari California GT countdown at www.ferraricalifornia.com

Special Edition Bugatti Veyron at Geneva

2008-05-28T09:18:00.001-07:00

Rumors say that Bugatti is going to come with a special edition of the Veyron at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show. They’ve teamed up with the French saddle maker Hermès to bring back the relationship between Emile Hermès and Ettore Bugatti from the `20s. Considering all these I’d bet my horses that it’s going to be come with a modified interior designed by the Paris based company and some minor exterior mods.

I expect it to sell out in days if not hours after they announce it, just like the Pur Sang.

BMW M3 Race Edition

2008-05-28T09:17:00.001-07:00

Where are my pills? I definitely need to take some hear pills right away after seeing the new BMW M3 Race Edition. This Le Mans series eight cylinder baby (can’t call it BMW or car) looks great and I’m drooling already. Built with the help of BMW’s racing division and Rahal Letterman Racing, the M3 Race Editions was presented yesterday in Chicago during the Auto Show.

If the picture is not enough, and if you really wanna cry how about some specs. It’s much more powerful, adding 65 hp getting to a total of 485 hp from the 4 liter aluminum DOHC V8 engine with four valves per cylinder and 368 lb-ft/500 Nm torque.

Here is a full list of the new BMW M3 Race Edition specs, but before that, see the two other images above.

BMW P65 Engine

Type: Eight cylinder, V-configuration
Capacity: 3999 cc
Bore x stroke: 92 x 75.2 mm/3.62 x 2.96 in.
Max. output: approx. 485 bhp
Max. torque: approx. 368 lb-ft/500 Nm
Cylinder block: Aluminum cylinder block construction with bed plate lower section
Crankshaft: Steel crankshaft
Pistons: Forged skirt pistons
Conrods: High-performance steel
Cylinder head: Aluminum DOHC (Double Over Head Camshaft); four valves per cylinder
Valve train: Four overhead chain-driven camshafts, valve actuation via rocker arms
Intake system: Eight throttle valves, made of CRP with load-charge optimized ram tubes
Exhaust system: Headers, mufflers
Fuel system: Single cylinder multi-point injection
Lubrication: Dry sump lubrication
Cooling: Water/air cooler and oil/water heat exchanger

Electrics/Electronics

Engine management: BMW Motorsport ECU 408 with two high-performance micro-processors; Individual cylinder injection and ignition; BMW Motorsport Lambda Controller Pit speed limiter, Quick Shift function; Engine data memory system
Energy management: Electric energy management and monitoring with BMW Motorsport POWER400 control unit, networking of all sensors and actuators through bus system
Wiring harness: Weight optimized
Ignition coil: Eight high-performance pencil coils with integrated ignition drivers
Spark plugs: High-performance spark plugs
Cockpit: Free programmable LCD Display with integrated shift indicators
Steering wheel: Quick release multi-function steering wheel w/ integrated display unit

Corvette ZR1 - The American SuperCar

2008-05-28T09:16:00.001-07:00

America has a SuperCar, or at least this is what Chevrolet general manager Ed Peper is saying (thinking) after showing to the public the new Corvette ZR1 at the Detroit Auto Show. Corvette is deep inside he blood of every American that needs speed and looks, but the we ZR1 is really business. It comes with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that sports 620 hp and a 823 NM (595 lb/ft) torque, being able to hit the 200mph speed, while the speedometer has a 220 mph on it.

Corvette’s ZR1 basic stats include a manual six-speed gearbox (race hardened), a high capacity dual-disc clutch or larger brake calipers. The design is great, with a raised carbon-fiber hood and carbon fiber panels prominent inside on the fenders, the roof and front splitter. Consider 19-inch or 20-inch chrome wheels and a dark color for the American SuperCar and it’s looking furious.

via WordCarFans

Convertible Maserati GranTurismo in 2009

2008-05-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

Supercars never cease to amaze me when released. But what about future supercars? Our sources from Automotive News Europe announced that Maserati is going to offer a convertible version of the GranTurismo coupe, for a whopping price of course, in March 2009.

The Italian manufacturer planned to sell 12,000 pieces yearly by 2011 so you can be sure that the new convertible GranTurismo is going to help them. Though it’s expected to hit roads in March 2009, we may get to see it before, maybe in Paris?

One last thing, if you were hoping for a folding hardtop, you may be disappointed, because the new Maserati convertible will use a soft canvas top.

via WindingRoad

9FF GT9 almost breaks world speed record : 409 km/h

2008-05-28T09:14:00.001-07:00

The current world record speed for the fastest production car was set by the SSC Ultimate Aero that topped at 255.83 mph which is 411.71 km/h. Recently the 9FF engineers tried to beat that with their modified GT9 but couldn’t do it. They only managed to make it run at 409 km/h at a track in Papenburg on 10th April.

9FF’s GT9 was based on the Porsche 911 GT3, but lower and longer. The interesting part is that the car has the engine in the middle (not the rear) for better weight distribution. Now that I mentioned the engine, the beast outputs 987 bhp from a 4L flax six twin turbo and a six-speed transmission.
Though they couldn’t beat the world record, 9FF guys can stand proud because they managed to take on the Bugatti Veyron which topped at 407 km/h. The GT9 however, is not as fast as the Veyron : 0 - 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.

via WCF

Update: Renault Laguna Coupe New Image Gallery

2008-05-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, Renault took the occasion of the 61st international film festival in Cannes and the Monaco Grand Prix to present its new Laguna Coupe that will compete against the likes of the Peugeot 407 Coupe and the BMW 3-Series Coupe.

The French carmaker came out today with pictures from the presentation at the Cannes Film Festival along with several images that were shot at the track of the 66th Monaco Grand Prix. In particular, two Laguna Coupes completed several laps of Monaco's legendary circuit in the hands of ING Renault F1 Team test drivers Lucas di Grassi and Romain Grosjean.

Rolls Royce RR4: Official Sketches of Baby Phantom

2008-05-28T09:08:00.001-07:00

These are the first official sketches of Roll Royce’s new entry-level model, the RR4 luxury sedan that will sit right below the Phantom in the British marque’s range. Due to be launched in 2010, the RR4 will be smaller than Phantom and powered by a new engine, that will be unique to Rolls-Royce. The RR4 is believed to share many common components –including the platform- with the next generation BMW 7-Series. According to Rolls Royce, further design and engineering details will be announced during the course of 2009.

Chief designer, Ian Cameron, said, “Effortless performance and standard-setting levels of comfort and efficiency, executed with the utmost care and attention, remain fundamentals of Rolls-Royce design. The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions and more organic form, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense.”

“RR4 will mark a milestone in the history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars,” Chairman, Ian Robertson added. “The business continues to go from strength to strength and the introduction of this new model will expand the appeal of the brand. We look forward to this next chapter with anticipation and confidence.”

Mazda MX-5 Niseko Special Edition Launched in Germany

2008-05-28T09:07:00.001-07:00

Following its introduction in the UK market last December, Mazda has launched the special edition MX-5 Niseko model in Germany where it will be available in soft-top form equipped with a 126Hp 1.8-liter engine and as a Coupe-Cabriolet with the 160Hp 2.0-liter unit. Named after Japan’s most prestigious skiing resort, the Niseko models are available in an exclusive new bespoke color, Icy Blue Metallic, as well as Sunlight Silver Metallic.

On the outside, the MX-5 Niseko has been enhanced with new 17-inch alloy wheels, unique body-color finish for the style bar trims, front fog lamps, Chrome Pack (door handles and headlamp bezels, and surrounds for the side-repeaters, front grille and fog lamps) along with ‘Niseko’ badging on both front wings, plus a unique dark brown premium cloth for the fabric roof for the soft-top version.

Passengers are treated with unique dark brown heated leather seats with coordinated door trim and blue stitching, plus dark brown leather steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake. Moreover, the Niseko editions feature a dark-silver dash panel, stainless-steel scuff plates and Niseko-branded interior mats along with a high-end BOSE sound system with seven speakers and a 6-pack CD changer.

Prices in Germany are set a €21,700 for the 1.8i Soft-Top and at €25.400 for the 2.0i Coupe-Cabriolet.

Squashed Citroen C-Triomphe Makes it out Alive from Chinese Earthquake

2008-05-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Citroen C-Triomphe (sedan version of the C4 hatchback) pictured above was one of the less significant causalities of the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit central China earlier this month. Nevertheless, it is amazing –and horrifying at the same time- that the owner (?) of the car was actually able to drive it on the road despite the heavy damages.

Pics: XKB , Via: CCT

Mazda1 Concept: First Official Sketches?

2008-05-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

Since Mazda has yet to come out with an official press release, we’re obliged to leave a question mark on whether these sketches of the Mazda1 Concept that appeared on UK website “Autoexpress” are official or not. We don’t know if it means something, but on the left-hand corner, right under the British magazine’s logo there’s another logo (something "-CAR") that has been cropped, but anyways.

The Mazda1 Concept is set to make its first public appearance at the Paris Show this fall and it will give us a preview of Mazda’s all-new mini car that will fit right under the Mazda2 in the Japanese carmaker’s range. The concept mini depicted in these drawings seems to bear many similarities with the Hakaze compact crossover concept that was first shown at last year’s Geneva Auto Salon.

According to Autoexpress, Peter Birthwhistle, chief designer at Mazda’s European Research and Development Centre, said: “The finished article will be even more radical than the car seen here. It will be aimed at young people and feature the likes of iPod connectivity, sat-nav and Blue- tooth. It will be environmentally friendly, and weigh as little as possible.”

Via: Autoexpress

Tata Nano Dealers and Import Solutions

2008-05-25T23:10:00.000-07:00

With so many people interested in the new Tata Nano (Rs 1-lakh) car, I’ve seen that most of them want to know where can they find a dealer or how to import it in their country. The price is good, car looks pretty much ok, but there are regulations and tests that the Nano won’t pass. Take Europe for example, they have crash tests, where a Nano would be wrecked, so don’t expect it to be imported there any time soon.

If you would like to buy one, just for fun, you should seek a Tata Motors dealership to sell your Nano. I assume the dealer is going to be in India (about 170 dealers countrywide) and you’ll have to pay for the whole shipment.

Do you still want one?

Bugatti Veyron Fbg by Hermes

2008-05-25T22:59:00.000-07:00

Boys and girls we have it official, that the new Bugatti Veyron Fbg by Hermes is now live. Yesterday the press release came in and you’d be surprised to know that to know that “this car’s greatest strength is its ability to make you feel like a child again (a somewhat boisterous child, admittedly)”. However the child that will buy one of these, is going to spend €1.55 million. You get uniqueness, exclusiveness and other *ness for that money and no they won’t accept Monopoly money if you were thinking of toys.

Check out below for more photos or read the press release if you like.

Giugiaro Quaranta a Hybrid Supercar

2008-05-25T22:56:00.000-07:00

Geneva has all kind of goodies this year. Here is Automotive Designer House Giugiaro that came up with the Quaranta hybrid concept that almost killed a few of us when they unveiled it. The new Quaranta is using a Hybrid system that was developed by Toyota together with Honda and is actually based on Lexus’ RX400h Hybrid Crossover.

Giugiaro Quaranta is running on a 3.0L V6 engine that sports 286 bhp and 288 Nm of torque, is able to go 0 to 100 km/h in about 4 seconds, uses Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system and a CVT transmission. These are all great specs and I don’t think much could be said about the exterior. Yes it’s true Quaranta is a little low but the smart suspension can raise it 230mm if needed. The roof seems to have solar panels to charge the batteries and power the electronics it has inside.

It’s a great supercar concept, what do you think?

via AutoBlog

Parking Lot Apology Note

2008-05-25T22:51:00.000-07:00

Maybe this parking lot note is actually true, maybe it’s not. Either way, it made us laugh and we thought we’d share it with you.

Preview: Mazda Taiki

2008-05-25T22:49:00.000-07:00

Mazda has released images of its Taiki Concept ahead of the car’s Tokyo Motor Show debut later this month. Fourth in the Nagare design series â€” which includes the Mazda Nagare, Mazda Ryuga and Mazda Hakaze â€” the Taiki furthers the flowing design theme of the previous show cars.

The front-engine rear-drive Taiki is powered by Mazda’s next-generation RENESIS rotary engine, although Mazda failed to release any further information about the drivetrain. Mazda says the design of the two-seat Taiki “was inspired by the image of a pair of Hagoromo â€“ the flowing robes that enable a celestial maiden to fly in Japanese legend â€“ floating down from the sky.”

According to Mazda, the theme of the Tokyo Motor Show will be “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom- Mazda’s showroom today and in the future.” The Taiki will share the Tokyo stage with the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid and the all-new Mazda Atenza â€” the Mazda6 here in the U.S.

Tatoo’d Lamborghini

2008-05-25T22:48:00.000-07:00

This really can not be called a paint job as it seems this Lamborghini was all done by a marker. Plus it must have taken some serious time to finish a piece like this.

New Nissan GT-R

2008-05-25T22:47:00.000-07:00

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, today announced the launch of the new model - GT-R. it is peoclaimed as â€œan ultimate supercar enjoyable to anyone, anywhere, at anytimeâ€. The car will be available mainly through Nissan High Performance Centers.
New GT-R embodies the new understanding and appreciation of natural forces of gravity, inertia and aerodynamics. The car transforms these forces into an absolutely new design, maximal tire grip and airflow.

To increase the interaction between a driver and a vehicle a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) never seen before in the marketplace was designed and became an integral property of a new model. The main principles of a new GT-R are speed and efficiency, high-output with environmental mindfulness and high performance and safety.

So Nissan has designed a completely new model offering advanced high performance for secure and enjoyable driving free of climatic, road condition or driving technique limitations. The car suits to drive on snow, rain or urban areas owing to its advanced technology and driving dynamics.
The perfect characteristics of a new car were reached also through specialized production process. The components are assembled with a special high-precision process, which includes a series of vibration tests. Engines and transmissions are assembled in a â€œclean roomâ€ environment and after its completion every car of the present series undergoes several comprehensive tests to ensure the proper operation of all vehicle components.

The owners of a new GT-R will be offered total support for the first three years of ownership including measurement and adjustment of the engine, transmission and wheel alignment after the first 1000 km.

New Spyder Inspired Porsche Boxster

2008-05-25T22:46:00.000-07:00

In early December Porsche will launch a special edition Boxster that has been inspired by the 1960s Porsche Type 718 RS 60 Spyder. Limited to only 1,960 models worldwide the biggest change is the modified exhaust system that consists of a sports exhaust combined with a dual tailpipe that increased engine output to 303 bhp.

Offered in a GT silver metallic grey, the car comes accentuated with a red roof and natural leather interior in Carrera red, though the pictures make it look like a magenta leaning more towards hot pink than red. Thankfully, the car is also offered in dark grey leather with a black roof. The car sits on 19-inch wheel, which spacer plates have moved outwards, and its front end is a standard feature from Porsche’s SportDesign Package. Completing the sporty orientation is the Porsche Active Suspension Management system.

Further features include a windscreen in a black finish, with the center console, headrests and rollbars are all finished in the same GT Silver Metallic finish as the car body. Also finished in GT Silver are the instrument dials that don’t have the usual hood over the cluster but the large central rmp and 2 side gauges continue the sporty, racing style. Each model comes with door trim strips made of stainless steel and embossed with the “RS 60 Spyder” model designation.

Worldwide market launch will be March 2008 with a base price of 53,500 Euro (561,371 ZAR) in Germany and a retail price of 63,873 Euro (671,215 ZAR) (which includes 19% VAT and country specific requirements.)