World Dream Cars

Top 5 Super Minis

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 01:13:00 +0000

Power: 211bhp and 280Nm of torque
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 6.5s
Top Speed: 238km/h
Price: 275,888.00
Despite carrying a heavy price tag, the Cooper JCW is a nimble supermini with the power to back it up. Sporting one of the best suspension setups that MINI has to offer, the JCW is one of the best pocket rockets that money can buy. Offering the quickest acceleration and highest top speed, with the JCW your weekends will never be the same again.

Power: 200bhp and 240Nm of torque
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 6.7s
Top Speed: 230km/h
Price: TBA
Having 200bhp on tap, the Clio R.S. EDC is the second fastest of the five superminis, coming in second only to the Cooper JCW. Due to be launched in the 4th quarter of this year, the R.S. 200 EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) offers more performance than its predecessor, which is made more accessible by the use of its twin-clutch EDC 'box. It also has four doors as opposed to two so it's also a practical track day tool.

Power: 176bhp and 250Nm of torque
Acceleration (0-100km/h):6.9s
Top Speed: 229km/h
Price: RM169,888.00
A testosterone pumped up version of the humble Polo, the GTI is able to sprint to 100km/h in under seven seconds and is able to offer one of the most thrilling rides in its segment. VW build quality is sure to attract more than just VW loyalists. Having a price tag of slightly under RM170,000, it's considerably cheaper than the MINI yet offers almost the same performance figures.

Power: 197bhp and 275Nm of torque
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 6.8s
Top Speed: 230km/h
Price: TBA
Touted as the real replacement to the legendary 205 GTI, the 208 GTI's 1.6-litre turbocharged engine serves up a healthy 197bhp and 275Nm of torque. It's the same engine found in the RCZ (and the Mini Cooper S) so in the smaller and lighter 208 GTI it should provide some decent fireworks and is able to take the fight to much bigger rivals. Due to be launched soon, this supermini is bound to help boost Peugeot's image.

Power: 125bhp and 148Nm
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 8.9s
Top Speed: 200km/h
Price: TBA
Though it's the only non-turbocharged car in the list, the Swift Sport will still offer loads of fun at a price most people can afford. Light weight and small dimensions guarantee nimbleness so it could be on of your best choices for a quick run through downtown traffic or up a twisting and narrow mountain pass. Not really fast enough to match the others on the list but definitely has the highest smiles per RM quotient.

Top 10 Dream Cars

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 03:34:00 +0000

Anteros Roadster Car

Audi A7 Sportback

Bentley Continental GTC Speed

BMW Concept 5

Chevrolet Corvette

Dodge Challenger

Ford Shelby GT500

Jaguar XKR

Opel Ampera

Pagani Zonda R

Resources : link

Koenigsegg Agera the world's most expensive cars

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 01:53:00 +0000

The $1.5-million Swedish Koenigsegg Agera goes from zero to 100 in under 3.1 seconds. Agera means "to act" in Swedish, and is also short for the Greek word Ageratos, which in ancient Greek means "ageless." The body of the car is made from carbon fiber and aluminum, with the shape and concept of the Koenigsegg CC created 15 years ago. It has a 910-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 engine that goes 0-100 in under 3.1 seconds, and its wheels generate a vortex to suck hot air away from the brakes. Fewer than 20 will be made each year.

Read more to find out more world's most expensive cars @ http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1647/the-worlds-most-expensive-cars/

2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 23:06:00 +0000

With 408 horsepower (hp), outstanding vehicle dynamics and additional standard equipment, the new 2011 911 Carrera GTS ascends to the pinnacle of the Carrera model lineup. With 23 hp more than the 911 Carrera S, the new GTS – available as Coupe and Cabriolet – narrows the gap between the Carrera S and the 435 hp 911 GT3. The additional sportiness goes hand in hand with an economic advantage: thanks to Porsche Intelligent Performance, as the new sports car consumes no more fuel than the 911 Carrera S. It also provides comprehensive list of additional standard equipment. The 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS will celebrate its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in early October.

More detail and photo @ http://www.automotiveaddicts.com/14359/2011-porsche-911-carrera-gts-introduced

BMW 3325i

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:26:00 +0000

Now this is a sight that you seriously won’t see often – an E90 Sedan with almost the full range of BMW Performance add-ons installed. And I say this because the total cost of the full kit clocks in at RM103,300, which is what you’ll have to pay over what it costs to buy a 325i in the first place, which is over RM300k.

So that’s over RM400k, which is actually still not enough for a 335i since that twin-turbo baby in BMW Individual trim goes for over half a million bucks.

Here’s what went into this car, all from BMW Performance:

    * Carbon fiber mirror caps
    * Carbon fiber diffuser for M Aerodynamic kit
    * Carbon fiber front splitter for M Aerodynamic kit
    * Carbon fiber rear spoiler
    * Carbon fiber suspension cross-brace
    * Double spoke style 269 alloy wheels
    * BMW Performance brakes (with the yellow calipers)
    * BMW Performance air intake
    * Carbon finer interior trim
    * Illuminated door entry strips
    * Sports steering wheel with shift indicator

Detail and Photio @ http://paultan.org/2010/03/09/bmw-325i-with-full-bmw-performance-kit/

New Toyota Estima 2010

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:56:00 +0000

Toyota had unveiled the 'NEW' 2010 Estima in Japan. Featuring a newly designed front end that is not actually much better looking than the previous version. Well, what's new, that's what makes Toyota having more than 100 different models selling at any given time in all corners of the world (Except Korea).

Let's go to the styling then, as there weren't much technological innovation here, there are four different styles to choose from (altering the front and side skirts of course), from Modellista, Wald to Kenn (I have no idea what were they, perhaps some random english words). As for the interior, there are also four options available as you've guessed it by now, includes a complete black, and another beige of varying degrees of boringness.

Newly added features is a adaptive cruise control, which is very common thing nowadays where its able to keep you a safe distance from the vehicle up front, but unlike the second generation of such systems in the Volvo XC60 (where it brakes the car to a halt without you doing anything)

Read More @ http://wheelsweekly.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-2010-estima.html

New MAZDA5

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:17:00 +0000

This is a case of when, not if. With the entire Mazda range adopting the big smiley corporate face, it was only a matter of time before the Mazda5 (Premacy in some markets) was forced to wear the new look. Like what you see?

The new Mazda5 will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March. Embracing “dynamic and elegant Nagare design”, it emits about 15 per cent less CO2 than the current model thanks to Mazda’s “i-stop” system, a new 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine (paired with a six-speed manual for Europe) plus other measures. The Hiroshima based carmaker also claims a more comfortable ride, perhaps by retuning the suspension.

Mazda says that the 5 is the first production model to fully adopt its Nagare design language. Besides the Mazda3 style front end, there are other familiar Mazda cues such as the sculpted wheelarches, but the MPV’s flanks get wavy lines only seen on Mazda’s concepts prior to this. Nagare means flow in Japanese, and there’s certainly plenty of flow in the shape of the new 5. Inside, the dashboard design mimics the 3 and is more driver centric now.

Read More @ http://paultan.org/2010/01/20/new-mazda5-previewed-ahead-of-geneva

BMW Z2 Convertible

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:18:00 +0000

I have to tell you that from what I think, this new BMW Z2 Convertible is one of the sexiest car built by BMW and even if probably no one said this, I’ll say: this car is built for young people that are wanting to make a good impression to a girl or even to attract other girls.

I also think that this new BMW Z2 Convertible is much more sexy than BMW Z4 because all the lines are coming to together in a very nice way which probably also makes this little cute sport car more aerodynamic.
This new BMW Z2 Convertible will have under the hood a 3.6 liter V6 engine. That engine will make this BMW Z2 Convertible to develop up to 625 bhp and also makes this little sport car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an amazing time of just 2.9 seconds. If you have this car, there is nothing more in life to need to be happier than that.

Read More @ http://www.bmwcoop.com/2009/11/21/bmw-z2-convertible/

V10-Powered BMW M3 Wagon

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:10:00 +0000

Attention to all sporty family man,if you want the convinience of the wagon,a german tuning outfit calling themselves Manhart Racing has the answer.

The German tuner has converted an E91 to look like the M3, then stuffed M5’s V10 into the engine bay complete with its seven-speed SMG drivetrain. The changes from a standard E91 3-Series Estate to a super wagon begins with the exterior, where the car gets the front fascia, front fenders, side skirts, and the powerdome hood from the M3.

They’ve also gone the extra mile by adding up their own rear wheel arches and rear fascia that makes room for a stainless steel exhaust system sporting quad exhaust tips. Next, the 5.0-liter V10 gets stuffed into the engine bay along with the the gearbox, and a limited slip differential is mounted out back.

Read More @ http://www.wemotor.com/blog/2009/10/german-tuner-builds-v10-powered-bmw-m3-wagon/

Nissan Fairlady Z bags Car of the Year Japan’s Most Fun Award

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:52:00 +0000

YOKOHAMA (Oct. 23, 2009) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is proud to announce that its much-loved sports car, NISSAN Fairlady Z (known as the Nissan 370Z in Malaysia), has won the Most Fun Award, one of the most coveted categories of Car of the Year Japan 2009-2010.

The Car of the Year Japan winners were announced at the Car of the Year Japan Special Exhibition commemorating its 30th Anniversary located at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show. Voting and final counting of votes were conducted on October 21 with the awards presented on the October 22nd, 2009. The NISSAN Fairlady Z celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The car, first introduced in 1969, has gained fans worldwide for its fun-to-drive characteristic and evolving style through the years.

This is the second time the Fairlady Z series has bagged the Car of the Year Japan’s Most Fun Award since 2002-2003.

Read More @ http://www.wemotor.com/blog/page/2/

2009 Inden Design Mercedes-Benz SL 500

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:09:00 +0000

Inden Design has released a new tuning program for the pre-facelift R230 Mercedes-Benz SL 500.
The new kit was based on the SL 65 AMG where the body kit features new front and rear bumpers, aggressive side skirts and a rear diffuser. There will be new tail lights, a carbon fibre diffuser, unique door handles and a new set of mud guards.

Expect 20 inch wheels with Pirelli tires.
The engine, however, only gets a 15-hp upgrade to 330 horsepower. So if you see any real SL65 AMGs, you’ll probably want to keep looking straight ahead.

INDEN design is one of the most famous tuners for Mercedes vehicles. Modern accessories now underline the silhouette of the SL. No matter whether SL by INDEN Design is considered to be an object for collectors or a pure driving car, it is evident that the sport-car can be well convincing with the modification to SL65 AMG (model 2007).

Mercedes-Benz M-Class Models ML350

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:59:00 +0000

The Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a five-passenger luxury SUV. Trim levels include the ML320 Bluetec with a 50-state-legal turbodiesel V6, ML350 with a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and the ML550 with a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8. If you're looking to spice things up, you can also choose a fuel-slurping 503-hp ML63 AMG high-performance version. The diesel ML320 delivers 210 hp and 398 pound-feet of torque, doesn't cost too much more than the ML350 and promises highway fuel economy in the mid-20s.

The M-Class SUVs come standard with full-time four-wheel drive (except for the base rear-wheel-drive ML350), automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, the COMAND interface and a six-CD/DVD changer. A hard-drive-based navigation system with upgraded COMAND is optional. Available features across the lineup include an air suspension with adaptive damping, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, rear climate controls and a rear-seat entertainment system. The ML63 AMG adds unique styling elements and performance-oriented mechanical bits along with its larger engine.

In reviews, our editors have found that the current Mercedes-Benz M-Class imparts a feeling of solidity. With the optional air-spring suspension, the ride quality is impressively supple. Behind the wheel one will find plenty of room and excellent support from the premium multicontour seats. If cost is no object, the M-Class should be high on your list.

More to Read @ http://www.edmunds.com/mercedesbenz/mclass/review.html

2009 BMW 335i and 330d LCI Review

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:58:00 +0000

BMW has definitely been listening to the grouches from consumers about the 3-er’s styling. Frankly the slightly oddball cues were made even worse by the E92 3-Series Coupe released later which looked perfect, hardly anything to complain about. When the M3 Sedan came out it had the benefit of the 3 Coupe’s front-end, while the Sedan soldiered on with the flat kidney grilles until this facelift.

The 3 Facelift returns to a 1-piece kidney grille design. The bonnet gets a new set of crease lines in the middle that’s meant to look like the narrow and sharp nose of a Formula One car. The bumper is also different. Headlamps have been revised to use LED signal indicators.

On the side, there is an additional line carved into the side skirts give the side profile a little more character and it helps with the car’s stance as well because of the way it curves from the front to the rear. The side mirrors are also larger to offer a larger view to the driver.

On the rear end, the butterfly lights are finally gone and we’re back to the traditional L-shape design of the E46. Because of the reshaped tail lamps, the boot lid has also been redesigned. The tail lamps have two strips of LEDs into them, which seems to be a new design direction for the tail lamps of all BMWs these days, something that was also found on the E39 5-er. Like the front, the signal lamps light up with LEDs. The rear is supposed to look wider because its rear track has been widened by 24mm thanks to a new wheel carrier and other modified suspension parts.

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:49:00 +0000

Following the recent introduction of the W212 E-class, Mercedes wasted little time in introducing its performance flagship model, the E63 AMG at the New York auto show last month. The published figures, though not unexpected, still make for interesting reading: 6.2 litres, eight cylinders, 525 horses, and 630Nm - a formidable force by any reckoning.

For the next round of engagements in the super saloon arena, the manufacturers are veering away from battling each other with just brute horsepower. A greater emphasis will be placed on efficiency and economy, with efforts on weight reduction and various energy saving measures coming to the forefront. Mercedes quotes improved consumption figures compared to the W211 E63, thanks in no small part to efforts such as brake energy regeneration, and a concerted effort to reduce in-engine friction
From the initial info made available to us, this car holds little surprises. It’s standard AMG fare here, but that’s fine, because there’s little wrong with AMG’s usual handiwork. Like all good AMG Mercs, the E63 cloaks its nuclear firepower under a skin of understated aggression in its bodywork.

Like before, Mercedes has opted to go with high capacity and natural aspiration in the engine for their latest AMG E, with the M156 engine under the hood once again. For the W212, the 6,208cc V8 produces a useful 525bhp and 630Nm, while achieving an impressive 12.6 litres / 100km fuel consumption figure.

Among new features engineered into the powerplant include an improved water cooling system, brake energy regeneration, and on-demand fuel delivery and generator management - all pointing to the direction of improved efficiency. The cylinder walls are finished by a twin-wire arc spray coating process to keep in-engine friction down to a minimum.
Drive to the rear wheels are channeled by a 7-speed semi-automatic transmission dubbed the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT, which uses a wet clutch in place of the usual torque converter. Featuring four driving modes (Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus & Manual), Mercedes claims shift times as quick as 0.1 seconds in manual mode. On the road, this translates to a century sprint lasting 4.5 seconds en route to the electronically limited 250kph top speed.

Tasty Volvo P1800 custom

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:38:00 +0000

Retro can be so yesterday but then again there is nothing new in this world so everything must be retro at some level and with this in mind we now look at the handiwork of one Mattias Vöcks. Vocks is a Swedish-born designer who spends his working hours assembling Koenigsegg’s delicious supercars and on his time off, he creates stunning works of automotive art. He has found enough free time to come up with a fresh interpretation of the elegant Volvo P1800 coupe and it looks gorgeous.

Vock’s last Volvo was a 1967 Volvo Amazon custom that he showed off at SEMA some time ago and that was promptly voted “Sweden’s Hottest Volvo.” That title may soon go modern interpretation of the Volvo P1800 made famous in part as the car driven by Roger Moore in the British television series The Saint from the 1960s.

With help from Bo Zolland from Swedish design firm Vizualtech, Vöcks has added a few modifications to bring the shapely Swedish beauty to modern standards. Aerodynamics is improved by a rear diffuser, flat underbody tray and a front fascia that’s been smoothed out and lengthened by 70mm.

Powering the beast is a 4.4-liter V8 borrowed from a Volvo XC90 SUV that’s been force-fed by a urbocharger and feeds its 600 horses through a six-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels. Good news for those with fat wallets: The car may go into limited production in the near future.

Nissan NISMO 370Z

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 02:37:00 +0000

Japanese-based Nissan has unleased the NISMO-tuned 370Z Coupe. The in-house tuner has performed a number of upgrades on the NISMO 370Z which includes modifications on key areas including the exterior, suspension, and most importantly, under the hood.
On the outside aerodynamic body pieces are evident with an extended front nose design with a canard design at each corner for improved downforce and a fully integrated chin spoiler, special side sills and a unique rear bumper as well as a rear spoiler that helps increase downforce. Available in five body colours including Pearl White, Brilliant Silver, Magnetic Black, Solid Red and Platinum Graphite, the NISMO 370Z looks more aggressive thanks to a lower and wider stance. Just like the standard 370Z, this up-rated version comes with “boomerang” shaped headlights (with High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon design with an auto on/off feature) and tail lights.

Minor modifications were performed on the interior, with the NISMO logo visible on the seats which were finished with black/red fabric and red stitching, a NISMO tachometer, steering wheel with red stitching, leather-wrapped shift knob and aluminum trimmed pedals. As standard the NISMO 370Z comes with front seats with 8-way driver’s/4-way passenger manual adjustments and adjustable front seat Active Head Restraints, Nissan’s Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature, a center console box with a new non-intrusive cover design, automatic climate control, rear window defroster with timer, two 12-volt power outlets, four cupholders, dual overhead map lights and a AM/FM/CD/AUX 4-speaker audio system with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls.

Safety and security fitments are made up by Nissan’s Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted side-impact air bags, seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, Active Head Restraints, Nissan’s Vehicle Immobilizer System, Vehicle Security System and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Now onto what is under the hood. Well, first of all, the NISMO 370Z uses the same 3.7 liter V6 powerplant found in the standard 370Z, but with upgrades to help offer a higher output figure. These upgrades include a H-configured exhaust system design and muffler tuning, along with optimized ECM (Engine Computer Module) control. This means, power is up to 350HP (at 7,400 revs) from 332HP and torque is now rated at 374Nm (at 5,200 revs) instead of 366Nm.

Tesla 520 Model S and Roadster

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 07:19:00 +0000

Tesla says that 520 S Model all electric sedans have been reserved by customers in first week since it was announced. Each customer must pay a $5,000 reservation fee, which is refundable if they choose not to buy the car. The base price for the Model S, which will be available starting in 2010, is $49,900 after a federal tax credit of $7,500. A limited editon of the Model S is available for a $40,000 reservation fee.

The Model S is the second car unveiled by Tesla after the sportier Roadster, and it’s half the price. But it’s no slouch on performance. The car will do 0-60 in 5.6 seconds (the Roadster is 3.9 seconds) and has an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. The car should go up to 300 miles between charges. Best of all, I believe I may actually fit in the Model S. The Roadster isn’t fully compatible with people my size.

If you want one, you can reserve it here. You should get it by late 2011.

Tesla says they delivered 104 Roadsters in March and about 320 all time. The company has raised $186 million in capital to date, and has applied for $350 million in federal loans.

Here is the Model S and Roadster side by side:

2010 Mazda 3

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:07:00 +0000

The 2010 Mazda 3 is an all-new car. The only exception is that the base engine and transmission will be brought forward from the 2009 model. This latest generation of the Mazda3 will debut as a four-door sedan; a new five-door hatchback will arrive later.

Styling of the new Mazda3 follows current Mazda trends with a smiling face, sculpted front fenders and LED taillights, and dual exhaust on top models. There is a decided forward slant to the window line that's doubled in the lower doors, the net effect being a small-scale version of the 2009 Mazda6. It's a little bit larger outside, with a roomier rear seat and trunk. The low-aero-drag bodywork should pay dividends in wind noise; Mazda claims best-in-class for that and road noise.

The 2010 Mazda 3 will be offered in five four-door variants: the 2.0-liter Mazda3i SV, Mazda3i Sport and Touring trim levels, plus the 2.5-liter Mazda3s Sport and Grand Touring models.

The 2.0-liter engine is expected to be rated at 148-horsepower with city/highway fuel economy expected to be about 25/33 miles per gallon. Mazda 3i models offer a choice of five-speed manual or a new five-speed automatic; the automatics allow manual selection in the racing format forward-to-downshift, back for upshift.

A new 167-horsepower 2.5-liter engine goes in the Mazda3s with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. The 2.5-liter is expected to get fuel economy around 22/29 mpg city/highway. The 2.5-liter Mazda3s can be identified by its dual exhaust outlets.

The cabin is all new for 2010, with larger, more contoured seats, revamped control gear and a split-layout dashboard that provides engine data and road speed directly ahead of the driver and ancillary information in shaded brow along the top center of the dashboard. We've looked at it and found the materials and finishes to Mazda's contemporary and comfortable standards.

Suspension and steering systems have been refined for 2010 to deliver the agile handling characteristics the previous model was noted for while improving ride comfort and road isolation. Six airbags and active front head restraints are standard across the board.

All models use the same suspension and steering layout and come equipped with antilock disc brakes. All come with power windows and mirrors, split folding rear seat. All come with six airbags.

The base SV model will come with a black cloth interior and five-speed manual gearbox. Top models will come with heated leather seats, electronic stability control, alloy wheels, automatic bi-xenon adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth, power driver seat with memory, and electroluminescent gauges. A moonroof and 6CD 242-watt Bose surround sound system will be offered on 2.0-liter Touring models, while 2.5-liter models also offer navigation, Sirius satellite radio, and keyless operation. No official word yet on the possibility of a new MazdaSpeed3 performance model.

2009 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster Versace

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:02:00 +0000

Versace and Lamborghini, collaborators since 2006, proudly announce the launch of the new Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640 Roadster VERSACE and a unique collection of accessories, both to be previewed for the first time at the Maison's Via Gesù 12, Milan on Monday June 23rd, 2008.

To create the new super roadster, the Maison Versace's designers joined forces with designers from the Lamborghini Design Centre (Centro Stile)and specialists working on the "ad personam" project. This Lamborghini program allows individual clients to create personalised sports cars, choosing the equipment specification, the colour of the exterior body and of the interior fittings.

The new limited edition Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640 Roadster VERSACE, which will be produced to order, displays a pastel white livery and the Versace Greek key motif on the lower part of the door. Equipped for the very first time with a transparent engine hood that reveals the powerful V12 engine, this model has been reconfigured internally. The cradle seats are clad in black and white leather, while opulent full grain soft nappa leather - hand-embroidered with the Versace Greek fret motif -upholsters the instrument panel, the doors and the central console.

The rigorous design and minimal lines of the Murciélago engine hood inspired the Versace Collection LP 640 range of accessories, which will also be previewed for the first time globally. Exclusively crafted in black matte calf skin, models include: a trolley bag, suit carrier, sports bag, as well as a briefcase, suitcase, gloves, driving shoes, belt, wallet, key ring, beauty case, hat and a pair of jeans. These hand-made accessories boast traditional craftsmanship, stitching and edging à la française and a palladium-engraved tag displaying both the Versace and Lamborghini logos.

This prestigious accessory collection will be exclusively available at Versace Boutiques and selected Lamborghini showrooms beginning in November 2008.

Gianni Versace's CEO Giancarlo Di Risio emphasised: "This new supercar and the exclusive Collection LP640 represent a natural evolution of excellence for both Versace and Lamborghini through the creation of these unique, one-of-a-kind projects."

Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., said: "Our collaboration with Versace turned out to be an excellent experience and is an example of how we are pursuing our strategy of developing luxury products outside of luxury sports cars. We are proud to be in this prestigious, Made in Italy partnership with Versace, which adds to our other recent successes."

Resource : Sports Car Unlimited

History of Mercedes-Benz

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 03:20:00 +0000

Mercedes-Benz (sometimes shortened to just Mercedes or Benz or Merc) is a German brand name of automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks created for Daimler-Benz AG and now owned by DaimlerChrysler AG. The Daimler-Benz company originated on June 28, 1926 when two companies, Benz & Cie. and Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG), the inventors of the automobile, merged.

Established in 1871, Benz & Cie. was the most important of several companies founded by Karl Benz. DMG was founded by Gottlieb Daimler and his partner Wilhelm Maybach in 1890, but Daimler died in 1900 and Maybach left DMG in 1907, by which time the two companies were rivals. In 1924, owing to economic necessity after World War One, they entered into an "Agreement of Mutual Interest" (valid until the year 2000), however, this initial agreement still allowed each company to manufacture and sell their products under their original brand names. It was only after the 1926 official merger, that the brand Mercedes-Benz was created and used.

Mercedes-Benz is the brand name applied to the models of one of the premier automotive manufacturers in the world and, because of its tie to Karl Benz, it is also the name of the world's oldest continuously produced automobile line. In 1926 when the new company, Daimler-Benz was established through merger, a new logo also was created that would include a symbol for each and integrate the names of the two former companies. A three-pointed star had been designed by Gottlieb Daimler, to show the ability of his motors for land, air, and sea use. This star first appeared on a DMG model in 1909, so it was chosen for the new logo. However the brand name Daimler was compromised after the death of Daimler in 1900, and allowed to be used on other automobiles, so the name of its seminal Mercedes model was chosen for the DMG portion of the logo. The traditional laurel symbol of Karl Benz was added along with his name to complete the new logo. The logo with a plain ring, as seen today, was not used until 1937.

Mercedes-Benz automobiles have introduced - both in the past and present - many technological and safety features. It was in 1998, when Daimler-Benz and Chrysler agreed to combine their businesses - known as the "merger of equals", that a new entity, DaimlerChrysler AG was created.

World’s fastest car – 1000mph

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:18:00 +0000

Want to know how to dodge a bullet? You can do it with this car. Well, not exactly dodging but this cool looking car which is known as Bloodhound is capable to travel faster than a bullet fired from a handgun.
Bloodhound SSC (Super Sonic Car) is 12.8m-long and weights 6.4-tonne and it will accelerate from 0-1,050mph (1,690km/h) in just 40 seconds. The car’s wheels is 900mm in diameter and “have to be made from high-grade titanium to prevent them from flying apart.”

Bloodhound SSC will be powered by a rocket bolted to a Eurofighter-Typhoon jet engine and it is expect to be ready to make their world record in 2011, with a speed up to 1,000mph (1,610km/h).

1. Titanium or composite wheels - rear wheels sit outside bodywork, front wheels are steerable to comply with land speed rules
2. Driver sits behind front wheels and in front of engine air intake duct
3. Carbon fibre and titanium bodywork for optimum aerodynamic performance, reaching top speed over 4.5 miles. Same distance required for stopping
4. Bloodhound powered by Eurofighter jet engine with hybrid rocket attached, enabling car to accelerate from 0-1,050mph in 40 seconds
5. Fins maintain stability and downforce to keep car on the ground
6. Deployable aerostructures slow car at highest speeds; parachutes slow car at mid-speeds; finally, driver halts car with carbon fibre brakes
“This is one of the most exciting things you can do on God’s Earth; and when you’ve the opportunity to do it really, really well, with the latest technology, you can’t resist the challenge,” said Richard Noble, Bloodhound project leader.

Veno Supercar

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:21:00 +0000

Apparently, dreaming up a new design for a rarefied vehicle is too difficult for Veno Automotive, a Polish spinoff of UK-based Heros Capital Ltd. Rather than relying on design experts, with their fancy degrees and engineering knowledge, the company cribbed the Lamborghini Reventon so closely that we predict flying lawsuits.

Veno’s car not only looks like a Lamborghini, the company claims it will perform like one, too. Underpinning the bodywork is supposedly a chassis that can make use of more than 1,000 horsepower. Coupe or convertible flavors are planned, with a low yearly volume of about 15. Carbon fiber will make up the bodywork, carbon-ceramic brakes are part of the package and there’s an array of tech like night vision and an on-board computer with internet access. Power will initially come from Audi’s 4.2 liter V8 in various levels of tune, and the company suggests that it will be able to wrest some LS9s from General Motors, a claim that’s as plausible as space aliens at the White House. If V8s don’t whet your appetite, there’s also some idle chatter about an electric version. Our impression is that this car is just talk right now, and the pictures of the office look staged to some degree, so while the story is making the rounds, we wouldn’t get our hopes up for anything real.

Maserati MC12 Corsa

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 05:37:00 +0000

Evey year automakers spend considerable amounts of money creating the most extreme racing cars to edge out their competition on the track. Unfortunately, lust-worthy as they are, those competition machines are rarely available to the common consumer to buy. That's where homologation regulations come into play.

The Maserati MC12 campaigns in the FIA GT Championship. In order to enter the championship, which the team took in 2005, Maserati fabricated and offered 50 vehicles to the public. But as devastatingly fast as the roadgoing MC12 was, some customers wanted more. So Modena rolled out 12 examples of the MC12 Corsa (a.k.a. Versione Corse) to satisfy the needs of its most loyal, track-obsessed clients. Based closely on the GT1 racing version, the MC12 Corsa packs a mammoth 6-liter V12 producing 744 horsepower – 121 more than the roadgoing supercar. The Versione Corse compared to the Ferrari FXX: both of them were based on the Ferrari Enzo, both were offered in limited numbers, both were maintained for their best clients by the factory, and most importantly, neither were certified for road use. However, one German customer managed to get his MC12 Corsa certified for street use, and that solitary example is now up for sale. Illustrating the point that depreciation does not apply to the top echelons of the supercar market, the minimum bid on this unique MC12 Corsa is 1.45 million euros – 45% higher than the original sale price from the factory, and it's sure to sell for more than that when the hammer finally drops.

Lotus Evora

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:43:00 +0000

Lotus officially announced the new Evora, previously known by the code name Eagle. This is the first all new Lotus since the Elise made its debut in 1995. Currently, this is the world’s only 2+2 mid-engine sports car. Although, Lotus is careful to warn that the back seats are only suitable for children or those with very small legs.

This Lotus still retains its sporting heritage, however much attention has been made to make it a more practical and comfortable car. Those familiar with the Elise/Exige are familiar with the contortions required to enter and exit the vehicle. The new Evora has wider and taller door openings, and the sills are narrower, making it easier to slide over.

Similar to other Lotus, it is mid-engine, and lightweight, although at 2976 pounds, it tips the scales at almost 1000 pounds more than the svelte Elise/Exige. To help propel that increased weight, a Toyota 3.5-liter V-6 is stuffed behind the passenger cabin. This engine churns out 276 horsepower and 252-lb-ft of torque. That is enough to push the car from 0-60MPH in five seconds with a top speed of around 160MPH.

While clearly not as sporting as the Elise/Exige, which are essentially street-legal race cars, the Evora will help lure those who are used to comfortable sports cars such as the Porsche Cayman. The classy styling, lower price (~60K), and exclusivity may help steer younger would-be Porsche customer into a Lotus.

Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK

noreply@blogger.com (bonoriau) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:35:00 +0000

At the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mercedes unveiled the Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK Freeside concept, an SUV that will be getting plenty of screen time when the Sex and the City movie debuts this summer. Starlet Kim Cattrall was on hand to help roll out the concept and many in the media showed up to witness this event.

Well, the Freeside concept is a “go” and the vehicle is expected to enter into production later this year, with the first vehicles available for sale in January 2009 as a 2010 model. It will be marketed with a much simpler name, Mercedes GLK Class, and incorporate most of the features show visitors saw including:

Rear and all-wheel drive options.
Standard engine will be a 268 hp. 3.5L V6 with a diesel engine also being readied.
19-inch 10-spoke wheels with 235/50 tires.
Two-zone automatic climate control system.
Ajustable steering column.
Front seats with electrically adjustable height and backrest angle (including seat inclination adjustment) and manual lumbar support with two-way adjustment for the driver’s seat are all standard on the GLK.
Standard integrated Bluetooth interface for mobile phones, a microphone for the hands-free system and a central 5-inch color display round out the list of interior appointments.
Adaptive, two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger.
Front side-impact airbags.
Windowbags across both seat rows from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.
Active head restraints for the driver and front passenger.

Projected fuel mileage for the gas engine could be a problem as the GLK will offer a projected 23 mpg. Look for a diesel option to be rolled out ASAP, even if diesel fuel prices remain much higher than gas.