In the world of automotive journalism, hyperbole is king.  Words like supercar and hypercar are used to stir up the masses and increase page views.  But neither of these words has an accepted definition, until my epic post “The Supercar Defined.”  This week we will consider a more recent entry into the automotive lexicon, the hypercar.

A hyper person is someone who is overexcited, manic, agitated, hectic, frenzied, and rabid.  A hypercar is exactly the same thing, only worse.  The word hypercar became popular sometime in the early 1990’s, and was used to describe cars like the Vector W8 and the McLaren F1.  The accepted definition requires the vehicle to meet all the standard requirements for being a supercar, which includes: possessing a blistering top speed, having an outrageous price tag, awesome power, supermodel looks, a miniscule trunk, terrifying maintenance costs and teeny tiny production numbers…and then go way, way past it.  Everything that a supercar is, the hypercar is…squared.

Depending on your views, cars like the Lamborghini Gallardo, the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Aston Martin DBS would be considered supercars.  But these are just insane…the hypercar is psychotic.  Instead of just being fast, the hypercar must have the ability to travel in the 240mph PLUS neighborhood…and that is about as exclusive and expensive a neighborhood as you can get.  The price of a supercar is described as unholy at around 200,000 to 300,000 dollars, but the price of a hypercar is more than simply profane and can reach over 1 to 2 million dollars.

Where a supercar is designed to be the automotive equivalent of…say, Gisele Bundchin, the hypercar is Marilyn Manson, Insane Clown Posse and Adam Lambert all rolled into one.  Styling is not just meant to be groundbreaking, it is meant to reach over, grab you by the throat and rip out your tonsils.  People who own and drive a hypercar live in the world of the divine…gods beyond the reach of mere mortals.

Which cars actually meet these lofty standards?  As I mentioned above, the Vector W8 (242 mph) and McLaren F1 (240 mph) were probably two of the first.  I would add to that list the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo (248 mph), the SSC Ultimate Aero (257 mph), the Hennessey Venom GT (254 mph), the Koenigsegg Agera (250 mph), and of course the Bugatti Veyron and Veyron Super Sport (253 and 267 mph respectively).  There are others that come close, including some odd little cars made by tiny manufacturers like Keating, Dauer, and Gumpert, but they are just a little too slow at 230+ mph.

Other cars that are considered by some to be hypercars, like the Mercedes McLaren SLR, are just posers.  They may have bought the right clothes, but they are missing the muscle to really be part of the club.  This is a club where the average member (THE AVERAGE MEMBER!) can easily reach speeds of 250 mph, and they are getting faster all the time.  Consider that the supercars of old are about as fast as the Honda’s of today, and you can imagine where this is all heading.  So, what’s next on the horizon…Ultracars?  Super-Hypercars?  Quantacars?

Article courtesy of Chris Raymond

Photos courtesy of Google Images, Koeniggseg.com, and Netcarshow.com

Lamborghini Murcielago 

This is probably one of the most elegant definitions of the word supercar that I have come across.  In the tired world of automotive journalism, the discussion of supercars is one of those topics that always starts a conversation, and is sure to raise the traffic count.  Almost every day I see a discussion about the first supercar, or the best supercar, but there is never an agreement because there is never a singular accepted answer.

Ford GT

The word supercar is mostly attributed to J.L.K. Setright, an automotive journalist writing for British CAR magazine.  It was in a “mid sixties” article about the Lamborghini Miura where the word was first coined.  Except, this is not true.  The word dates back to 1966 Car Life, in an article about the Chevy II 327/350 V8, as well as a 1966 article in CARS magazine written by Martyn Schorr.  In 1965 Car Life used the term, as did AMC in describing the 390 Rogue.

Porsche Carrera GT

In 1957 it was used to describe the Rambler Rebel (My grandmother had one, and there was nothing super about the Rebel), and in 1944 the Research Institute of America even used the term.  In fact, the term supercar was used in advertising for a British car called the Ensign Six as early as 1920.  Words like super and car have been around for a long time, and trying to claim ownership of the combination is just plain stupid.  However, since it became more common after the Miura reference, Mr. Setright should get some credit.

Lamborghini Miura

The definition of the word supercar is equally difficult to pin down.  Most sentient beings with a brain larger than the average tapeworm will agree that there are some basics needed for a vehicle to qualify as a supercar.  Of course, once you are two or three levels above a tapeworm, you are at the gear head level, and they can never agree on anything.  So, here is my list of some basic “must have” qualities for a vehicle to be considered a true supercar.

Pagani Huayra

Number One – Speed.  A true supercar needs to be the fasted car ever…or at least be as fast as others already in the supercar range.  Actual horsepower is not really a requirement, but usually to get to the supercar echelon, we are talking over 500 horses.  Any true supercar must exceed the capabilities of a “normal” car. Normalwould include even a BMW M series, and AMG Mercedes.  This means usually over 180mph, but I will classify it as “exceptionally fast.”  Speed is REQUIRED, since I can name about five luxury motor home coaches that could qualify as supercars based on the rest of the list.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing

Number Two – Style.  A true supercar must have a design that is beautiful, aerodynamic, groundbreaking, and has the presence of a true movie star.  In other words, it has to be “bedroom wall poster” worthy.  It’s true that radical and groundbreaking are hard to define, but suffice to say that a supercar’s design needs to have an X-factor.  Like the Lamborghini Countach of the 1980’s, it has to be a pinup.  Kids and men alike must dream about owning one.  Just seeing the car should take your breath away.

Lamborghini Countach

When I saw my first Countach in person, all I can remember was the alien green fog lamps, a sound that was like God having unusual sex with a rabid water buffalo, and that low wedge shape coming at me fast.  It didn’t even register as a car at first, and when it did, it almost knocked the wind out of me.  It was that awesome.

Jaguar XJ220

Number Three – Price.  A single monthly car payment for a true supercar should be about the same as the total price of a regular car.  The price should be unholy.  It should cost about the same as a vacation house inAspen.  Without a doubt, price is important because it ties in with our next requirement.

Jaguar XK120

Number Four – Exclusivity.  Though a supercar MUST be a production car, it cannot be your average Toyota Camry.  It has to be produced in exclusive numbers, usually less than 1000 per year, and more likely an amount that can be counted on the hand of Rahm Emanuel (or Gary Burghof, Boris Yeltsin, Daryl Hannah, and Matthew Perry…they all have missing fingers).  When you pop into the local Whole Foods, you shouldn’t see another one like it in the lot, unless you live in Bel Air.  On the other end, it cannot be a special built car like some F1 racer, or one of Franco Sbarro’s Saudi Prince pimp-mobiles.   It must be rare, but attainable.

Koenigsegg CCR

Number Five – This is a two for one deal here.  The true supercar must have a really small trunk or boot (thank you James May).  This is absolutely true, but I am not sure if it is a requirement or just a coincidence.  A true supercar must be hugely expensive to maintain.  Divorcing your wife should be less pricey than a simple oil change.  The average maintenance trip should cost the same as gassing up the QE2, and should be performed about as often. It should leak more oil than a Saudi desert, and even putting on new wipers should require the removal of the engine.

BMW M1

So, which is the first of the breed?  For me it would have to be the 1949 Jaguar XK120, followed by the 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL.  There are arguments for and against both of them.  BUT, and it’s a huge Jennifer Lopez sized butt…I have not considered the cars from the early 20^th century.

Jaguar Xk120

Aston Martin DBS

Marques like Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Auto Union, Voisin, Duesenberg, and Turcat-Mery are just a few of the brands that could be considered.  Since I am not an expert in this era, I defer that consideration to someone smarter and a bit older.  Now, anyone want to define a Hypercar?

Ferrari Enzo

Article courtesy of Chris Raymond

Photos courtesy of Carstyling.ru, supercars.org, netcarshow.com, wallpapernuke.com, and autowallpapers.net

• Be sure to tell the dealer that you absolutely must purchase something that day or your mother will not be able to get to her dialysis treatments. This will make him feel sorry for you and give you a huge discount on the car.

• When searching craigslist for a car, remember that the more exclamation points a posting contains, the better the car is.

•  The best way to look like a savvy car buyer is to open the hood and ask if it’s a V6 or a V8. If he says ‘V8’ whistle and say ‘nice’. If he says V6, call him a faggot and punch him in the dick.

•  If you see a dead body in the trunk, that’s a good sign that there’s ample trunk space.

• No matter what the asking price is, always offer something lower. This is a clever negotiating tactic that will force the dealer to lower the price to what he planned on selling it for all along.

• If the check engine light is on, be sure to have the dealer smash it so it turns off.

• If the dealer has the word “crazy” in front of his name, he is probably a veteran suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome and you should offer him double the asking price out of sympathy.

• Be creative in your negotiating tactics. For instance, tell the owner he can bang your sister if he agrees to throw in a free oil change.

• Always act disappointed when you’re checking out a car, no matter how nice it is.  For instance, if a car doesn’t have a hot tub in the back, shake your head and say ‘no hot tub’ then start crying.

• Many of the “great deals” you find on the internet turn out to be scams. In order to identify whether it’s a scam or not, send a check. If the car doesn’t come, it’s a scam.

• Most dealers will tell you their cars were driven by “little old ladies.” You can verify this by checking to see if the car smells like death.

• A good way to reduce the asking price of a car is to sneak onto the lot at night and set it on fire.

• When dealing with private owners, always play dumb by trying to drive the car from the passenger seat.

• Most dealers will provide a minimum 30 day warrantee on all used cars. Be careful though. It does not cover damage from ramming your car into the side of your girlfriend’s house over and over while drunk. (take my word for it).

Recently, on a trip through eBay Motors, I found these gems.  The cars are nice, but not very rare…but the pictures are fantastic.

This is how to sell a car…though I am pretty sure the model is not included.  One has to assume these photos are professional, since the feature pic (and probably the model) are obviously “enhanced.”  The car, if you noticed it, is a 1962 Lincoln Continental, and it recently went through a very expensive restoration.  Someone spent over 30 grand to get her into this shape.   Everything about the car seems perfect, including the blood red leather interior and contrasting black paint.  It is a fantastic example…except that I have seen it all before.

Why does no one paint these cars a nice silver or something.  Every Lincoln Continental convertible does not need to be a replica of the car from “Entourage.”

Next up we have a beautiful 1969 Maserati Ghibli Spyder.  It’s not a real Spyder…it’s just a Coupe with the roof cut off.

Basically, a man from Delaware took a hacksaw to the car, and then charged the owner 60 grand for the privilege.  Nothing else is interesting about this car…except for the photos.

Finally we have two random shots of two random cars.  The first is a Montana class battleship…sorry, it’s really a 1976 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, though the details of the car have been removed from eBay.

The other is a 1961 Renault Jolly, celebrity owned.  Well, actually the celebrity is the founder of Armor All…which is as much a celebrity as Kim Kardashian.  The car, usually made by Fiat, is slightly rare being made by Renault.  Other than that, it has wicker chairs and no doors.   Useless.

Article courtesy of Chris Raymond

Photos courtesy of eBay Motors

]]> http://chrisoncars.com/2012/random-stuff/feed/ 0 http://chrisoncars.com/2012/a-rare-gem-the-dual-ghia/ http://chrisoncars.com/2012/a-rare-gem-the-dual-ghia/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:00:07 +0000 admin http://chrisoncars.com/?p=2409 Can you name the one, rare, meticulously crafted concept car that traded hands during a high stakes poker game between the sitting U.S. president Lyndon Johnson and future president Ronald Reagan?  This same car was so seductive that Frank Sinatra, Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford of the “rat pack” had to own one.  The car is the Dual-Ghia, and I recently stumbled across this exclusive automobile on eBay.  On occasion, like once every total lunar eclipse  you can find a gem on eBay, but finding a car as select as this is more like walking into the desert night, glancing up and by chance catching Haley’s comet.

The Dual-Ghia started life as a 1953 Chrysler concept car called the Firearrow.  The design was created by Virgil Exner, the creator of Chrysler’s “forward look.”  When Chrysler decided not to produce the concept, Detroit industrialist Gene Casaroll took on the task himself.  Casaroll was the head of Dual Motors, a company that made dual engined “lowboy” tank transporters during WWII.  After the war he owed an automobile shipping company that transported vehicles from auto factories to dealerships.  Casaroll even dabbled in Indy car racing, employing veteran race car drivers and using the famed Kurtis Kraft Indy car.  Casaroll bought the rights to the Firearrow and rechristened it the Firebomb.  Then, through an agreement with the head of Dodge, Casaroll had the car redesigned by Ghia into the Dual-Ghia D-500.

Ghia fitted the handmade bodies, that were hammered into shape over aluminum and wooden dies at their factory in Turin, Italy.  The car would then be shipped back to Detroit to be fitted with the Chrysler D-500 Hemi engine, and the Powerflight transmissions that were used on the Chrysler 300.  The process gave the Dual-Ghia the longest production line in the world.

Quality was the key to the vehicle.  Moldings were held in place by chrome plated brass clips, interiors were swathed in genuine Connolly leather hides and the dashboard was from an Imperial.  The design featured peaked front fenders, a single-bar grille, Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels, and blade-like rear fins.  The vehicle, with its Hemi engine was impressive.  Horsepower was consistently higher than a Corvette of the era, and it could reach speeds of 120mph.

The Dual-Ghia is also very rare.  Only 117 models were created between 1956 and 1958, and fewer than 32 examples exist today.  Casaroll sold the cars in the US at about $8,000.00, which was less expensive than a Cadillac Eldorado or Continental Mark II of the same era.  In fact, Casaroll lost about $4,000.00 on each car, which sealed its fate after only two years.  The cars were the exclusive domain of the elite.  Besides those owners listed above, celebrity owners included Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Debbie Reynolds, Eddie Fisher, Glenn Ford, and Hoagy Carmichael.

After the demise of the D-500 in 1958, Casaroll revived the brand with the L.6.4 from 1961 to 1963.  This new car borrowed heavily from Chrysler again, with a Ghia body similar to the Barracuda.  Owners of this car included the remaining “rat pack” members, Sammy Davis Jr, Dean Martin, and Joey Bishop.  This version was even more rare than the first, with only 26 exampled built.

Finally, the company ceased production in 1963 due to high production costs.  Casaroll would later go on to play a role in the development of the Stutz Blackhawk and the “modern” Duesenberg.  Today, the Dual-Ghia is one of the most sought after collectibles in the classic car world.

Article courtesy of Chris Raymond and William Cordaro

Photos courtesy of eBay, carthrottle.com, coachbuild.com and cardomain.com

Saabs have always been special cars.  Early models were quirky, to say the least.  I remember a friend of the family had a very old Saab that needed a special mixture of oil and another ingredient to get the car running.  It was very strange at the time.  Saab 99, and later the 900 were distinct due to the way they looked with their tall, rounded windshields.  They gave the impression of being more than just a car, that they were a little smarter, a little more important, more mechanical, more expensive.  They were the “Most Intelligent Car Ever Built.”

Saab Automobile was a small manufacturer offering aerodynamic small cars with a reputation for safety.  Established in 1937 as an aircraft manufacturer, they built a line of cars that were quirky, underpowered, and aimed at a small market inSweden.  That all changed on Good Friday in 1965, when the “Gudmund” project was created with the task to build a large, world class automobile that would bring Saab to new markets in Britain and the US.  The car was penned by Swedish industrial designer Sixten Sason, a man who created most of the Saab models during the early years of the company, as well as aircraft, motorcycles and even Electrolux vacuum cleaners.

Unveiled in 1967, the new model was a complete break from the past, and featured a very tall, upright rounded windshield screen reminiscent of a jet fighter.  The prototype was initially called the “Toad”, and included some very unique features.  The engine was mounted backwards with power delivered from the crank at the front of the car, and the transaxle was mounted directly to the bottom.  Other features included doors that had an undercutting sweep where the door met the undercarriage.  This eliminated the stoop, or ledge in the cabin at the footing of the door.  Another feature was the fact that the dashboard was laid out so the most frequently used items were close at hand.  This layout placed the radio on the very top of the Saab dashboard.

It was these touches that endeared the cars to their owners.  A university study concluded that Saab owners were up to 10 times more psychologically involved with their cars when compared to other brands.  Kurt Vonnegut wrote extensively about his time as the first Saab dealership inMassachusetts, and many celebrities were devoted Saab owners.  Saabs were reliable too, and one owner logged over one million miles on his 900.

The Saab 99 and its replacement the 900 became icons in the automotive world.  People who drove Saabs were thought to be nicer, more considerate because of the car they drove, the opposite of BMW and Audi owners.  As a company, Saab offered more firsts per model than almost any other brand.  Some of these included the first time seatbelts offered as standard equipment, the first car with a headlight washer and wiper, the first with standard heated front seats, and at least 30 more.

With a financial future that looks very bleak, Saab may not be around forever.  As one of my favorite cars, and the true choice of James Bond, I think the 900 deserves a special place in automotive history.  Less sporty then a BMW, and with less cache than a Mercedes Benz, the Saab was the intelligent choice for the intelligent driver and a true automotive classic.

Photos courtesy of NetCarShow.com

Article Courtesy of Chris Raymond

Sergio Scaglietti was responsible for the amazing bodies on cars like the famous Ferrari 375MM that film director Roberto Rossellini gave to his wife Ingrid Bergman.  He personally hammered the aluminum on the design of the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, a car that recently sold for 16.4 million dollars, said to be the most ever paid for an automobile at auction.

He created, without drawings, the Ferrari 250GT California Spyder, made famous in the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.  He sculpted the 250 GTO of which only three dozen were ever made, with each sale personally approved by Enzo Ferrari himself.  One of these cars reportedly sold for 50 million dollars during the 1980’s classic car boom.  In a company where only the name Ferrari is important, the name Scaglietti became came a close second.

Sergio Scaglietti was born into a family of poor carpenters inModenaItaly, and had four brothers become carpenters.  Sergio wanted to work with metal, and got a job repairing damaged cars.  He met Enzo Ferrari when he was asked to fix a mud flap on one of his race cars, and eventually developed a relationship with Ferrari.  His business, Carrozzeria Scaglietti was formed across the street from the Ferrari factory inMaranello,Italyin 1951.

Scaglietti is credited with creating the headrest bump present on most Ferrari race cars of the 1950’s and 60’s, as well as the pontoon fenders used on the Testa Rossa.  All of his designs started as prototypes, given to him by legendary designers like Battista Farina.  He would then interpret the design into aluminum, using only his eyes, hands, and a hammer.  Never one to use drawings, Scaglietti created the bodies using a wire frame, and hammering the aluminum sheets over sand bags.

Leslie Kendall, curator of thePetersenAutomotiveMuseuminLos Angelescompares Scaglietti cars to couture clothing “They were individually tailored, and achingly beautiful.”  In fact, many of his designs are continually placed at the top of the “Most Beautiful Cars of All Time.”  His creations were rolling sculpture.

Carrozzeria Scaglietti is now owned by Ferrari, and still is associated with many new models.  The Ferrari F430, and 612 Scaglietti, as well as the 456M GT Scaglietti are just a few.  In addition to his work for Ferrari, he also created the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Scaglietti Coupe.

Article Courtesy of Chris Raymond

 Photos courtesy of thehourlounge.com, carsrun.com, blog.hemmings.com, mycarheaven.com, flickriver.com, supercarfrance.com, caretro.com

Steve McQueen and his Ferrari Lusso

Recently I was looking at one of those celebrity car sites, and was struck by the fact that none of the people listed were famous.  Everyone on the site was a “wanna be” rapper, a Z-list reality star, or a drugged out bad girl.  Every picture had them either standing next to a “murdered out” Bentley, that was obviously leased, or some poor Lamborghini with 24” rims.  It looked tawdry.

Why we need to see a crotch shot of Lindsey Lohan in some cheap Mercedes, or Kim Kardashian stumbling out of a Range Rover is beyond me.  The whole site was a waste of time, and while looking at it, one thought hit me like a pimp cup to the skull:  Style is dead in Hollywood…Boyee!

Hollywood has always been a place of dreams, but now those dreams seem like a bad acid trip.  It’s the home of fake breasts, bad facelifts, and now matte black cars.  There is a whole cottage industry that supplies faux stars with tacky hyped up faux cars and garish rims. What passes for style is the latest Ed Hardy shirt, Jersey Shore fashions, and Lady Gaga inspired costumes.  The cars are even worse, with Lime Green Lamborghini’s, Blinged out Hummers, and ruined Phantoms dressed in Alcantara.

Once upon a time, in the Golden Age of Hollywood, stars were icons that were the epitome of style and fashion.  Men like Cary Grant, wearing a Jack Taylor suit and driving a custom Cord could stop traffic, and women like Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo could silence a room simply by entering.  Cars were an important part of this image, and the words style and Hollywood were once synonymous.

Everything in Hollywood was created by the studio, including image, fashion, and hairstyles.  Celebrities drove cars that matched the status of their stardom.  Clark Gable had several Duesenbergs, Mae West had a custom 1932 Cadillac Series 40 V16 Town car, Marlene Dietrich had a custom Cadillac, and Al Jolson had an amazing Mercedes 500K.  Sometimes the car was so integral to the image, they became almost as famous, like Jack Benny and his Maxwell, and Jayne Mansfield and her pink Lincoln.  The list of celebrities with magnificent cars extends right up to the 1960’s, including Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra with their Facel Vega’s, Carroll O’Connor and his Maserati 3500, and my two favorites:  Steve McQueen and his Ferrari Lusso, and James Coburn with his Ferrari California Spyder.

Hollywood today has nothing to offer except a quick shot of David Beckham in some hip-hop Mercedes, or Tom Hanks in a Chevy Tahoe.  It is not the same, and even a shot of Heidi Klum in her white Bentley Continental GTC only reminds us about the style that is missing.

Alan Flusser, author and men’s clothing designer said it best: “People dress by looking at other people.  There is no style anymore, and no one to look to for guidance.”  In my opinion, stars, like those of the Golden Age will never return to Hollywood, unless true style returns first.

Article courtesy of Chris Raymond

Photos courtesy of DUB Publishing and Google Images

This was a time when you purchased a rolling chassis from an automaker like Duesenberg or Hispano Suiza, and then sent it off to a designer to create the bodywork.  Designers would build cars specifically for you, like having a haute couture dress made.  The result, were some of the most fantastic shapes to ever be placed on an automobile, and my favorite of the group was Figoni & Falaschi.

After World War I, Giuseppe Figoni started a small body repair shop in Boulogne-sur-Siene, France.  His work included modifying the coachwork of touring cars, and his business prospered.  By 1925, he was building complete bodies on rolling chassis purchased from automakers including Delahaye, Bugatti, Delage, and Panhard.  By 1935, he acquired a partner, Ovidio Falaschi, and created the Figoni & Falaschi name.  Fascinated by the emerging aircraft industry, he was influenced by the shapes of airplanes, and the wind.  Figoni’s designs gave the impression of movement, even when the cars were standing still, and had an aerodynamic quality that would not be prevalent until the 1950’s.  Figoni was fascinated with teardrop shapes, and his Delahaye 135, with its elliptical shapes and enclosed teardrop pontoon fenders created a sensation at the Paris Auto Show of 1936.

Figoni had a command of color and design that was worthy of an artist, and favored two and three tone paint designs that would accentuate the shapes.  He loved to work with designers of high fashion, creating gowns, hats, gloves, and shoes that perfectly matched the design and colors of his cars.  He was also involved in designing racing bodies, creating aerodynamic bodies for cars like the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300, a car that won the 1932 Le Mans, as well as other cars.

The creations of Figoni & Falaschi were flowing masterpieces, cars that the buyer wore like fine ball gowns, and a style whose closest relative today would be the Morgan Aeromax.  Their cars were an expression of freedom and movement, with enclosed wheels, and lines that made the cars float across the ground.

Figoni was an automotive sculptor who created patented designs for disappearing soft tops and even a disappearing sunroof.  The hallmark of the brand is the Talbot-Lago T150 C, a car whose teardrop shape, flush door handles, and sloping fastback became the symbol of French coachbuilders.  These cars were from a time when car design was true art.

Article courtesy of Chris Raymond

Photos courtesy of Google Images and Coachbuilt.com

Every few weeks or so, someone with a rich uncle decides to create a new car.  Some of them make it to full fledged brands, and some come and go with the tide.  The ones listed here are obscure cars from the last few years.  Some are street legal, some sold only oversees and some are strictly race cars.  Take a look and see what names you recognize.  I will update more later on.

Artega

This German Company produced the GT, which was its first offering and then sold the company to a Mexican beer baroness.  Designed by the same man who brought us the BMW Z8 and the Aston Martin Vantage, this car sports a VW 3.6 liter V6, posts a 0-60 time of under 5 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.  Plans are unclear right now, but there has been talk of a 4 cylinder baby brother and an upcoming US launch.

Ascari

Ascari is the latest company to apply for the supercar moniker.  This British company named after Alberto Ascari, an Italian who was the first double Formula One champion creates five cars including the A10 and the KZ1.  Using a modified BMW M5 V8 engine, mid mounted and capable of speeds up to 200mph, it has a good shot at being accepted into that exclusive supercar club.  It’s lighter than a McLaren SLR, has excellent handling, its chassis and body are made from carbon fiber, it has a beautiful bespoke interior in the KZ1 and of course, a supercar pricetag.  Unfortunately though, it’s ugly…it looks too short, like someone squished a Mitsubishi Eclipse into a ball, and those huge side vents remind me of 70’s mutton chop sideburns.

Breckland

If you thought the Saturn Sky was a cool looking car but would never buy it because it was a Saturn, look no further.  The Brits have come up with a pricey alternative.  Based on the Saturn platform, and with a GM 6.0L V-8, they took the boring Saturn and turned it into something better.  Now that lowly Saturn can sprint from 0-60 in less than 5 seconds, and comes with a bespoke (customized) interior.  The only problem:  that fancy Saturn will cost you over $100,000.

Caparo

This time the British have gotten things right.  The Caparo T1 is a monster.  This car was designed by the same people who made the McLaren F1 and weighs only 1000 pounds.  Mate that to a 3.6 liter mid engine V8 capable of producing 480 horses, and this is a rocket ship with the highest power-to-weight ratio of any road car.  The stats are amazing, with a 0-60 time of 2.5 seconds, a body that makes the preposterous Zonda look like a Toyota Camry, and enough downforce for 2.5g high speed cornering.  Everything about this car screams “You will die!” and you probably will.

Caterham

Can’t afford a Caparo T1?  Then the Caterham R500 is the car for you.  This is basically a kit car, based on the old Lotus 7.  You can buy one here in the US with or without the engine and transmission.  The R500 weighs about 1100 pounds, comes with a 263bph 2.0 liter Ford Duratec engine and is capable of a 0-60 time in under 2.88 seconds. Sound familiar Caparo?  Plus, it has a higher power to weight ratio than anything but a McLaren F1 and recently broke the world record for 0-100-0 in 11.44 seconds.  That’s the same amount of time it takes a new Chevy Aveo just to reach 60mph.  As long as you don’t care for frivolities like a windscreen or comfortable seats or anything else for that matter, then you should love it.  Priced at around $61,000, it’s worth every penny.

Covini

This Italian Automaker is scheduled for a miniscule production of these six-wheeled sports cars based on a carbon fiber and fiberglass body over a tubular steel frame, and with a 434hp Audi V8. The design is meant to increase traction and braking while minimizing risks associated with tire failure and aquaplaning.  It’s been done before, with the Tyrrell P34, the only six-wheeler to ever start, much less win, a Grand Prix.  I just don’t think there will be much of a market for such an ugly car.  There is no price yet and if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it.

Devon

Devon Motorworks is a Los Angeles-based company hoping that the GTX will be the next American supercar.  Powered by an 8.4 liter Dodge Viper V10 tuned to 650bph, it is rumored to have set lap records at both Willow Springs and Laguna Seca.  The design is radical and made from carbon fiber. Its best feature is that the doors lift up and forward.  It looks beautiful from behind, Viperish from the side and just plain ugly at the nose.  Priced at $500,000, they will produce only 35 cars in the old US of A.

Donkervoot

It’s made outside of Amsterdam, has a Audi 1.8 liter engine, and looks like a Caterham that smoked some great weed.  Don’t worry; you won’t see it anytime soon.

Elfin

Elfin has been an Australian sports car maker for over 50 years, and has an amazing history of 29 championships and major Grand Prix titles.  Powered by a Chevy V8, these cars are fast and light.  Elfin makes the Streamliner, which is basically a Formula-style car with a fiberglass body and cute little gull wing doors; the T5, a cooler version of the Caterham; and the MS8 Clubman which looks a little like a Panoz AIV.  Don’t expect them to be available in the US anytime soon.

FM Auto

Designed for a time more suited to stiff collars and corsets, the Vulca S is built in the age old tradition of the carrozziere.  Custom built and hand made of aluminum, with a bespoke interior swathed in the best hand-stitched quilted Italian leathers, this car is special.  Buyers can choose from a V10 or V12 engine producing 650hp.  They can choose to forgo the aluminum and make it entirely out of carbon fiber and alcantara.  They can even choose to stay at the Faralli & Mazzanti villa in Tuscany and supervise the construction of their car.  The Vulca S has lines that evoke everything from a Bugatti Atlantic to an Aston Martin and is named for famed Etruscan sculptor Vulca da Veio.  This is a return to coach-building and a jewel for a very discerning few.

Farbio

With a name that sounds like it should be on the cover of a romance novel, this British automaker will produce the GTS sports car this year and there are talks about a US version.  Based on a space framed chassis and an all carbon fiber body, it will weigh about 2300 pounds.  Powered by a 3.0 liter V6 from a Ford Mondeo it can do 0-60 in about 4.8 seconds or a second less if you opt for the supercharger.  It has leather and alcantara, looks something like a Porsche and a McLaren F1, and is expensive and not all that fast.  Boring.

Fisker

Karma by Fisker Automotive is a California company that offers a solar powered 300 mile range plug in hybrid car (sure).  It’s a pretty four-door, low and sleek, and at $87,900 it should be.  With a 2.0 liter engine from General Motors  it will produce about 260hp, which will send all that power to a lithium ion battery pack like the new Chevy Volt.  Once there, the two electric motors will produce a peak horsepower rating of 408 with an amazing 959 ft-lb of torque. That’s Ferrari land.  But – and there’s a big one – in normal mode it can travel 50 miles without using the engine and top speed and acceleration are limited to 95mph to conserve energy.  When in sport mode, it can do 125mph and behaves like your common Prius.  The future is here, and it’s terribly slow.

Gumpert

Best things about a Gumpert, besides its name: It’s from Germany, it’s a street legal rear drive mid-engined race car, all its bits and pieces are from Audi, it’s very fast (0-60 in 3.0 seconds), it looks like a spaceship, it’s available in the US for about half a million, and I will never drive one.

Article Courtesy of Chris Raymond