BMW Confirms Concept CS for Production

BMW fans in Dubai were recently treated to the BMW Concept CS that BMW calls a “concept study of a four-door Gran Turismo for the luxury segment.” The Concept CS, on display at the 9th International Middle East Motor Show at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, was designed by Lebanese born Karim Habib, and presents BMW’s vision of a four-door saloon car that combines the luxury of a Gran Turismo with the performance of a sports car. But the big news is that only last month the BMW board of management confirmed that the Concept CS will go into production in the next few years. This is according to BMW Group Middle East managing director, Phil Horton!

It terms of exterior design, the low-slung concept car with its dynamic front-end design exudes performance. At the front, the BMW signature kidney grille and the highlight are striking. The flared wheel arches, with their 21-inch light-alloy wheels, emphases the wide track of the car and enhances the Gran Turismo stance. The rear end, with its quad exhausts and slender tail lights, is also quite sleek.

The aesthetically designed interior, with its driver-oriented cockpit, top-quality materials and high quality of finish, is all luxury while the low seating position of both the front seat occupants and the rear passengers, leaves no doubt of that this is a performance car. There are quite a few innovations in the cockpit, including the dashboard with a newly developed metal structure that embraces the various surface elements, and the use of high-tech ceramics for the controls and instruments, as well as the BMW iDrive Controller.

No information on the drive train has been released yet, but the concept car featured a 6.0-liter V12 engine, with some reports claiming that it is essentially the 5.0-liter V10 engine from the M5 with two extra cylinders.

The Concept CS reminds me a lot of the BMW 850 Ci from the 1990’s, so could I please have a coupe version with two doors?

Sketches of the Mitsubishi Concept-RA

Mitsubishi has released sketches of the Mitsubishi Concept-RA that the car manufacturer will unveil at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January. The Concept-RA is a small, lightweight, eco-friendly, four-wheel drive sports coupe concept that will set Mitsubishi fans’ pulses racing because the sketches show a resemblance to the original Mitsubishi Eclipse, and the Concept-RA is a technological marvel.

Mitsubishi has thrown all sorts of acronyms at it: S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), ACD (Active Center Differential), AYC (Active Yaw Control), Sport ABS (Antilock Brake System), ASC (Active Stability Control), and of course MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control)! In plain English, that means the concept car features Mitsubishi’s all-wheel-drive system and the twin clutch automated manual transmission from the Lancer Evolution X.

The Concept-RA, however, is powered by a new high-output, high-efficiency clean diesel 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine with MIVEC continuously variable valve timing control. The engine features piezoelectric injector common-rail direct fuel injection, and a Variable Diffuser / Variable Geometry (VD/VG) turbocharger. Maximum power output is rated at 201 hp while maximum torque is 310 lb-ft.

The Concept-RA also features an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum members, as well as an engine hood, fenders and other body panels made from impact-resistant, recyclable plastic resin. These provide the Concept-RA with crashworthiness while reducing vehicles weight.

2008 Saab Turbo X Review

Saab is set to unveil the limited edition Saab Turbo X for the first time in North America at the 2007 New England International Auto Show in Boston. The Turbo X celebrates the 30th anniversary of the first Saab 900 turbocharged car and will be flanked by the black 1985 Saab 900 SPG!

As an anniversary edition, the 2008 Saab Turbo X is based on the new Saab 9-3 range, with Saab promising that the Saab Turbo X “delivers levels of driver involvement and dynamic chassis control never experienced before from Saab.”
The first turbocharged model offered by Saab was the 1977 Saab 99 hatchback that debuted in the third quarter of 1977. With the new Turbo X, Saab hopes to evoke the iconic appeal of the first black 99 and 900 Turbos. Like the original Saab 99 Turbo, the new Turbo X will only be available in black, in metallic jet black to be more exact, with matte gray trim.

Powering the Turbo X is a 24-valve, 2.8-liter turbocharged 60º V-6 engine that produces 280 hp at 5,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft. of torque from 2,150 to 4,500 rpm. Power is transferred to the wheels via a six-speed manual transmission with the option of a six-speed automatic transmission also available. The 280 hp 2.8-liter engine gives the Saab Turbo X a brisk 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of just 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.

The new car will also feature Saab’s innovative XWD all-wheel-drive system combined with the car’s sport-tuned suspension, brakes and electronic control systems. The XWD system is designed to control drive torque, not only between the front and rear axles but also between the rear wheels, to optimize handling and stability. An electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) transfer up to 40 percent of torque between the two real wheels, depending on which wheel has more grips. The suspension and brakes have also been uprated. The suspension has been lowered by 10 mm, with the coil springs and dampers tuned to minimize body roll. Together with 18-inch light alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tires these modifications ensure excellent grip.


The 2008 Saab Turbo X will be available in four-door Sport Sedan and five-door SportCombi forms with only 600 of them being made available in the U.S. from the second quarter of 2008. Pricing will starts at $42,510 for the Sport Sedan and $43,310 for the SportCombi.

The 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R

The Nissan GT-R, heir to arguably the most popular of modified cars, the Nissan Skyline GT-R, has made it to North America! Earlier this week, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn unveiled the GT-R for the first time in North America at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The GT-R made its world debut late last month at the Tokyo Motor Show and has already sparked a plethora of news articles. But let’s begin with the car itself.

The all-wheel drive 2009 Nissan GT-R follows long line of Skyline GT-R’s that date back to the 1964 Skyline GT 2000 that competed in the GT-II class at the 2nd Japanese Grand Prix. But the GT-R and the Skyline have parted ways, with the GT-R becoming a separate model in the Nissan lineup, with true supercar performance! Following in the tradition of the R32, R33 and R34 Skyline GT-R’s, the new GT-R is powered a detuned race bred, the twin-turbo VR38VETT V6 engine. The VR38VETT is based on the 3.5-liter VRH35 V8 engine that powered Nissan race cars such as the R89C, R90C and R390 GT1 and in detuned form, pushes out a healthy 480 hp at 6,800 rpm and 430 ft-lbs of torque! That translates to a blistering 0 to 62 mph time of just 3,5 seconds and a quarter mile of just 11,5 seconds! That means it’s faster to 62 mph that the Porsche 911 GT2!


But the GT-R, with its all-wheel-drive and all-wheel-steering, has really been built to take on the Nürburgring. A feat it has accomplished in just 7 minutes and 38 seconds during testing in September. That’s not as quick as the Porsche 911 GT2 that completed a tour around the Ring in six seconds less, or the 7.3-liter V12 engined Pagani Zonda F Clubsport with its carbonfibre chassis and body that did it in 7 minutes and 27:82 seconds!

Power is fed to all four wheels via an all-new GR6-type dual clutch paddle shift transmission and a rear-mounted independent transaxle that provides better weight distribution. The all-wheel-drive system can split torque distribution from 50-50 percent to 2-98 percent during hard acceleration, braking and cornering.

But this does not mean that the GT-R will be a handful on the road. The car comes with a special “Set-up” selection switch on the instrument panel that allows the driver to select “Normal”, “Comfort” or “R” (for Racing) settings. Each setting changes transaxle shift points, Bilstein damping rates and the vehicle dynamic control!

The GT-R was unveiled alongside the all-new 2009 Nissan Murano and will be available from the second quarter of 2008 but from a select group of Nissan dealers that meet specific and stringent certification standards. With pricing starting at only $69,850, the new GT-R is a true performance bargain! Pre-orders will taken from January 2008 so get in early! If that isn’t enough power for you, you can always wait for the 2010 Nissan GT-R Spec V that is currently under development and is expected to be available from the second quarter of 2009!

latest Dodge Viper 2008

I had never been given the opportunity to spend more than just a few minutes in the latest Dodge Viper – until now. The only time I had driven this 500+ horsepower beast was on a track at Chrysler’s proving ground in Chelsea, MI. At that time I was blown away by the handling, the power, and the major improvements over the previous generation Viper.

Now that I’ve used the Viper for my daily commute to and from work, I’m not as enamored with the car as I was that day in Michigan.

It wasn’t very hot yesterday – temp was in the high 70s – and I had the top down. When I got in the car, I found that the previous driver had put the air condition on full with high fan. I found out why in about 10 minutes of stop and go driving.

The big V10 engine under the hood of the Viper generates an amazing amount of heat. The very hot exhaust is routed through the door sills to the side outlets. After ten minutes I felt like was sitting in an oven. The doors were hot, the floor was hot, the seat was hot and I could see waves of heat coming from the vents in the hood. I called a friend who I knew had spent some time in a Viper to ask if it was normal, as I was fully expecting the car to burst into flames at any moment – he assured me that it’s just the way the Viper is.

The other issue in stop and go driving is the fact that clutch is quite heavy, and the pedals are very close together. The engine takes up a lot of room, so the pedals are all off to the left. This is not as big of an issue when you’re not constantly braking and shifting.

Yes, driving the Dodge Viper in rush hour traffic really turned me off. But now that I've had a few days of non-rush hour driving, I've really grown to like this beast.

First off, the Viper really looks good. Bright red, of course, with shiny chrome wheels. Large exhaust pipes are visible on the sides below the doors, which helps carry the performance styling, but as I have pointed out earlier, cause the cabin to heat up uncontrollably. You also have to be careful getting in and out when they are hot, especially if you're wearing shorts.
But driving it has become quite enjoyable. The shifter is in just the right position, and shifts can be made pretty quickly. While the clutch is heavy when you have to repeatedly press it in traffic, it does engage predictably and is easy to shift smoothly.

Steering on the freeway takes two hands - with the wide front wheels, they tend to weave when the road surface is uneven. But on a smooth surface, handling is impressive. Entrance ramps can be taken at twice the suggested speed with ease. However, my daughter, who was riding along with me on a particularly fast ramp, was convinced we were riding on two wheels. Too many cartoons, I guess.

But the best part of this car is when you have space in front of you and can just open the throttle. The sound of that V10 engine is not what I would call pleasing like that of a HEMI V8 in the Magnum SRT8. Its best described as a ferocious roar, the kind of sound that scares little children. But accompanying that sound is the most amazing acceleration. It takes your breath away, and as you shift through the gears, the power just keeps on coming, as does the smile on your face. Dodge claims 60 mph comes up in under 4 seconds, and I have no reason to doubt that.

Sure, the Viper has its drawbacks, and as I mentioned before, would not be the best of daily drivers. But the Viper provides a lot of performance for $85,000, and if I could avoid driving it in traffic, I could easily get used to having it around.

2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

Mitsubishi redesigned this vehicle and so they released 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. This convertible sports car is a two-door vehicle that comes in two trims, the GS and GT. It can accommodate up to four passengers. The GS trim is equipped with a 2.4-liter l4 engine that can produce 162-horsepower while the GT trim comes with a 3.8-liter V8 engine producing up tp 260 horsepower. For the GS trim, a five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission is optional while the GT trim contains a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission. This convertible is worth to look at both in the outside and inside, because every aspect has been gorgeously designed.

2007 HUMMER H2 SUT

A carryover vehicle from 2006 is the 2007 Hummer H2 SUT. This luxury pickup is available in three trims namely, Luxury, Base and Adventure. This four-door pickup can accommodate up to five passengers, but if you would like to extend it up to six people, there is a third row seat available. A 6-liter V8 engine boosts this car and can produce up to 325 horsepower. A standard four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is also available for this car. Other standard features include ABS, OnStar assistance, and heated leather seats. An optional rearview camera is available for this year’s model. However, side airbags are not available for this model.

2008 Saturn Sky Review

Saturn makes some of the safest cars, but most of them aren’t considered to be supercars. That is until the came out with the convertible Saturn Sky. It has the perfect smooth lines that a convertible should have and just staring at it makes you envision yourself driving it down the road at high speeds.

Built on GM’s new global rear-wheel drive compact performance platform, the Sky rolls on 18-inch wheels and high-performance all-season tires. Extra design trinkets include forward-canted side vents, faux hood vents, multiple grille openings with dashes of chrome, and a rear undertray with incorporated backup light.

The exterior combines taut, sharp lines, fluid surfaces and a pronounced fender peak. Several of the vehicle’s key body panels are produced using sheetmetal hydroforming, such as the sharply creased clamshell hood. In the engine bay is 177 horsepower, 2.4-liter, Ecotec engine with variable valve timing. The Red Line performance variant gets a power boost from a turbocharged 2.0-liter that pumps-out 260 horses, and is GM’s first direct injection offering in North America.

Both 4-cylinder engines come standard with a 5-speed Aisin manual with short-throw shifter, or optional 5-speed automatic. The 2-seat cockpit features a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, metallic sill plates, stainless steel pedal covers, Red Line-specific gauges and a digital boost gauge.

The price of the Sky is about $24,000 and about $3400 of that are features like - air conditioning, ABS, cruise, power everything (except the top, which is manual in all Kappas), keyless entry, floor mats, an alarm, and OnStar for a year. You have to admit that owning a car like that with those features is worth the money.

2008 Corvette Review

Automakers hasvedone wonders with the brand new 2008 Corvette including many changes that will amaze you and keep you wanting more. Along with the great look of the vehicle you can’t help but love the amazing speed that the vehicle can reach. Speeds that allow it to out race some of the top supercars like the Audi R8 and the Porsche 911 Turbo.

The changes involve everything from an all-new, larger and more powerfulV-8 engine to refinements in driving characteristics that solidify theCorvette’s position as the preeminent American sports car, and further the argument that it is one of the world’s best. There are also a host of exterior and interior refinements that raise the Corvette’s luxurystatus and enhance the feeling of craftsmanship.

“Corvette is an uncompromising sports car that rewards its owners withimpeccable performance and great comfort,” said Ed Peper, Chevroletgeneral manager. “The changes and enhancements to the 2008 Corvettereflect continual improvements that speak to Chevrolet’s unflaggingcommitment to building the best sports car, and with nearly 55 years ofexperience, the Corvette just keeps getting better and better.”

The 2008 V8’s displacement is bumped from 6.0 liters to 6.2 thanks to an increase in cylinder bore from 101.6mm to 103.3mm. This 6,162cc V8 also gets new cylinder heads derived from those for the 7.0-liter LS7 V8 featured in the 500-horsepower Corvette Z06, with low-restriction, large-capacity intake ports plus lightweight, hollow-stemmed intake valves that are about 9 percent larger.

Once you add a strengthened block, a new high-lift camshaft, a revised valve train and LS7-style fuel injectors plus a new intake manifold, the bottom line is 430 hp at 5,900 rpm, some 30 hp more than before. Torque output is 424 pound-feet at 4,600 rpm.

The six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission on Coupe and Convertible is improved with new hardware and a new controller calibration that deliver quicker shifts. This change bolsters thefeeling of performance and driver control when using the shifting paddles.

Most of the visual updates for the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette lie in the cockpit. There’s a metal sill plate to greet you as you open the door, then some new brightwork on the center stack and the center console. Most important, there’s a new, optional two-tone leather trim package that finally drags the Corvette’s interior out of the 1980s at long last. “We kept hearing complaints that the styling of the Corvette’s interior wasn’t on par with the exterior,” says Tom Wallace, the Corvette’s chief engineer, “and I think we’ve addressed that.”

The price for the new 2008 Corvette hasn’t officially been released yet, but the increase is said to be a modest one. At the moment the current price is $44,250. There will be at least a $1,000 increase is not more. You can expect to see these new vehicles by August of 2008.

Unbeatable Maybach Exelero

The Maybach Exelero is one of those vehicle that if you don’t see with your own two eyes you have a hard time beleiveing that it is real. But have no fear it is very real and very expensive. This one of a kind vehicle was created with the help of Mercedes, Maybach, and Fulda, the German tire manufacturer. And when I said it was expensive…imagine 8 million dollars expensive!

But you will get exactly what you paid for if ever you decide to purchase it. This vehicle was hand crafted to perfection and has a 2.5 mpg gas mileage when at full throttle. The 700 hp (514 kW) with a bi-turbo V12 engine is a one-off design commissioned by Fulda Tires. It was actually built to develop Fulda’s ultra-low-profile Exelero tires and break a speed record for a car of its proportions and mass, which it did at 218 mph.

The interior of the vehicle was something that they did not take likely, but rather perfected it much in the same way they did the rest of the vehicle. The interiors in black and red are all detailed meticulously. Two matching red carbon fiber helmets are also provided as you are expected to zoom with surreal momentum.

I think we can all agree that this is a perfect looking vehicle and one that we would all love to take a drive in. Unfortunately Maybach has said that they will not be making another one like it, but if the Exelero stays popular than they might just change their minds.

2008 C16 Speedster

The 2008 Callaway C16 speedster is the next best supercar to reach the market. It is full of elegance, speed, and luxury. It is equipped with a 700-hp supercharged V-8 and can reach up to 210 mph.

It produces almost 700 horsepower and 660 pound-feet of torque. This is an engine that surpasses the most powerful of any supercharged V-8 engine that is available and is only exclusive to the C16 speedster. It can reach 60 mph in only 3.2 seconds.

Because the vehicle will cost $305,000 the owners will be given a level of customization to their vehicles. They strive to make the customer happy by giving them multicolor interiors and exteriors and custom sound systems. One thing that customers will want to keep are the 19 inch front and 20 inch rear magnesium and carbon-fiber wheel. They are important to the performance of the vehicle because they are 40% lighter than aluminum wheels.

The C16 speedster will be debuted at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Élégance, where Callaway will give the first lucky customer the keys to their brand new, top of the line sports car.

2006 Noble M15 Review

The Noble M15 is one of the most powerful and elegant of the Noble collection, which would explain why it costs £74,950. Not many sportcars can reach 60mph from a standstill in less than 3.5 seconds. The highest you can travel at is 185 mph. Who wouldn’t want to take it somewhere hidden and travel the fast speeds unhindered.

Noble is well known for its lightweight engineering and nothing proves that more than the M15. It is only 181 mm longer and 31mm wider than the M12 at 4270mm and 1905mm respectively, yet it only weighs a little more than 1200kg. Even though the dimensions make the vehicle seem small, it is surprisingly roomy. It has excellent crash protection and a chassis that is stiffer than any other Noble.

No matter what angle you are at, the vehicle looks spectacular and will hold onto your attention. The unique shape is the answer to why this supercar has the ability to fly at super fast speeds. The and the huge diffuser which has proven itself in battle on the company race car, help plant the rear to the ground at speed.

Now that we know that this Noble surpasses all of the previous ones that came before it we can brag about how the mid-mounted twin-turbocharged V6 in the most powerful engine that a Noble has ever used. It took 7 long, grueling years and over a million test miles to make it perfect. A sublime combination of low-end driveability and top end power, the latest version of Noble’s engine delivers 455lb ft of torque at 4850 rpm and 455bhp at 6800rpm. 96 per cent of this power is available from 5200rpm, making the M15 an effortlessly quick car.

The M15 is many firsts for Noble and another one to add to the list is versatility. Unlike any other Noble it is incredibly versatile and can take higher mileages before needing any maintenance.

Noble created a brand new tubular space frame chassisespecially for the M15. It was reinforced with bonded and riveted aluminium panels and was designed around the new in-line engine configuration and incorporates substantial side-, front- and rear-impact protection.

An entirely new braking system, incorporating 330mm ventilated discs and four-pot callipers all round, has been developed specifically for the M15. As well as improving overall efficiency, special attention has been paid to the levels of feel passed on to the driver. Noble is currently researching suitable ABS systems to be fitted to the first production cars too.

Powerful 2006 Bugatti Veyron

The 2006 Bugatti Veyron is a vehicle that you would sell as much as you could to buy it just so you can take it out on the roads and show it off to everyone that passes you.

It’s that powerful and having an amazing exterior doesn’t hurt any. You can beleive that it will turn the heads of many people when driving by. But the vehicle is not great just because of its looks. There is so much under the hood to consider.

On the far left of the instrument binnacle, the Veyron has a round dial with some unusual calibration. The needle begins at zero and swings around to 1001. That’s 1001 as in PS, German for horsepower. (In American units the Veyron produces a mere 987 hp.) Like the power reserve display in the Rolls-Royce Phantom, this gauge shows the immense energy produced by the awesome 8.0-liter, sixteen-cylinder, quad-turbo engine.

To reach 155 mph, where lesser sports cars throw in the towel, only 266 hp is required. When you summon the remaining 721 hp, all hell breaks loose. The only other street car that can compare is the McLaren F1, and the Bugatti is even more impressive when you start approaching the scary but scintillating 200-mph-plus speed range.

“The Veyron is a truly groundbreaking vehicle,” says Wolfgang Schreiber, technical director of Bugatti Engineering, one of only three people who regularly push the EB 16.4 to the limit. Before the Veyron, he specialized in lightweight materials and recently guided development of Volkswagen’s twin-clutch DSG transmission.

“The maximum combustion energy adds up to 3000 PS: 1000 is swallowed by the cooling system, 1000 goes through the exhaust, and 1000 is relayed to the four driven wheels;?1000 PS is a whole new dimension. “The same applies to the maximum torque of 922 lb-ft at 2000 rpm.

However, while other transmissions would go bust facing a four-figure challenge, ours can take up to 1107 lb-ft. With the ESP stability system switched off, you can even provoke third-gear wheel spin on slippery surfaces. That’s why it takes time to familiarize yourself with this machine. The Veyron is benign and relatively easy to drive by supercar standards, but it requires respect.”

You could drive down a local autobahn at speeds of up to 212 mph without breaking a sweat, but the 100-mph-plus speed differential will of course scare and amaze other drivers. Not many people check their mirrors often enough to spot the Bugatti zooming up at warp speed, despite its four glaring xenon headlights and its menacing silhouette.

coolsupercars.com

2007 Porsche Mirage GT

The Porsche is known for making some great cars fast and elegant alike. One of the best ones that they have made recently is the 2007 Gemballa Mirage GT. The Mirage has the body of a racer, which makes you want to immediately go to the tracks and duke it out with Dale Earnhardt(and you might even beat him).

The Mirage GT fits perfectly into the starting line-up of any FIA-GT race. Not least also because of the materials used by Gemballa, all parts of the body of the Mirage GT are made of carbon fibre; a material common in the world of racing.

The motor sports look created on the outside thanks to the carbon components can also be found in the interior. Gemballa has restyled the central console, which likewise consists of this high-grade material. This is joined by countless other carbon components, such as, for example, the door cladding.

Gemballa has also integrated a multimedia touch-screen information system into the central console. In addition, the passengers’ senses of sight, smell and touch are also spoilt by the finest leather and luxury carpets. The modified steering wheel allows the driver to keep a strong grip on the reins of the Gemballa Mirage GT.

The Mirage GT is a beauty that one can only dream of owning. We can clearly see the impressive work that Gemballa puts into these vehicles.

2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

The 2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 has many features that make this a true supercar. Engineers were faithful to the Lamborghini design and tradition while at the same time conforming it to the contmeporary style that attracts so many consumers.

The new Murcielago is powered by a 6.5-litre V12, longitudinally mounted behind the driver. The engine’s increased displacement means output jumps to 631 hp at 8,000 rpm. 0-62 mph is accomplished in just 3.4 seconds, that’s nearly half a second faster than the regular model.

The body of the Murcielago LP640 with its characteristic scissor doors is created from the prized union of sheet steel and honeycombed carbon fiber, glued and riveted together. Driving, handling and stability at high speed are enhanced by new springs and stabilizers, as well as by a redesigned electronically controlled damper.

A new six-speed gearbox with an optional sequential paddle shift undoubtedly helps achieve those numbers. The carbon fiber exterior has been enhanced with sharper lines, new 18-inch rims enhance the overall appearance, and new outrageous 13.5 inch-wide tires deliver all that power to the ground.

The “antidive” and “anti-squat” features on the axles, which efficiently prevent so-called “brake diving” and “squatting”, have not been changed. The two springs on every rear wheel, the single spring on every front wheel and the damper are placed coaxially.

The seats in the cockpit have undergone the most radical changes; more spacious and equipped with redesigned head restraints, the seats now ensure better comfort. The leather upholstery features lozenge-shaped stitching called “Q-citura”. The same design is recaptured on the upholstery on the door panels, the panel between the seats and the engine compartment, and on the roof panel.

2007 BMW Z4 Roadster

We’ve been talking so much about concepts that we’ve been neglecting the great cars that have already come out and have been adorning the streets with their high power and sophisticated glory. And what vehicle has more sophistication than the BMW, the Z4 Roadster to be exact.

The Z4 Series underwent its first major evolution for the 2007 model year. Heading its extensive list of updates and improvements are all-new, more powerful engines; 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions across the board; more powerful brakes, standard 17-in. wheels and tires now on both models, and a more advanced Dynamic Stability Control system. Along with all this driving-oriented progress, design and materials refinements inside and out enhance both esthetics and function.

While the six- and four-cylinder power units featured in the BMW Z4 Roadster naturally cannot match the output and performance of the M engine, they are everything but under-powered. Indeed, the new 3.0-liter straight-six in the BMW Z4 Roadster 3.0si is currently the most innovative engine in its class, setting the standard in motoring refinement and dynamic performance.

Further strengths are the engine’s high output per liter, a very good power-to-weight ratio, and the lowest specific fuel consumption. Maximum output is 265 bhp at 6,600 rpm, maximum engine speed is 7,000 rpm, and the engine maintains its peak torque of 232 lb-ft maintained consistently from 2,500-4,000 rpm.

The typical strengths of this transmission are the short and crisp gearshift travel, superior running smoothness and precise guidance of the gearshift lever in the middle, with shift forces remaining smooth and consistent at all times.

With the six gears coming close together with only small increments in between, and with the large gap between the lowest and highest gear, the driver is always able to choose the ideal gear ratio quickly and smoothly even when driving fast and dynamically.

All of BMW’s new Z4 Roadsters come with an extremely compact folding roof where the front, rigid section moves down on top of the fabric roof like a cover and locks in position flush with the body of the car. The roof is easy to open and close with one hand; the heated rear window is made of scratch-proof mineral glass.

2007 Bentley Continental GTC

The 2007 Bentley Continental GTC is a luxury two-door vehicle that is available in one trim only, the Convertible. It is capable of accommodating four passengers. This brand new vehicle by Bentley is equipped with a 6-liter W12 turbo engine that produces 552 horsepower. A standard six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive was also installed for this car. For safety, this car is equipped with stability control, traction control and braking systems. The exterior is very stylish because of the curvy body design. The passengers will experience a relaxed journey while sitting on the comfortable seats. If you are a person who has around $190, 000 in your bank account, then you have all means to enjoy the luxurious ride this car has to offer.

[Source : supercarblog.net]

New Chrysler Aspen

A new Aspen SUV is based on the full-size Dodge Durango and offers three-row seating and seven-passenger capability, with both rear- and all-wheel-drive variants available. Only one Limited trim level is available and standard equipment includes a new 303-horsepower, 4.7-liter V-8 with E85/flex-fuel capability and five-speed automatic transmission with Tow/Haul modes (4×4 models), 18-inch wheels, leather trim, and air conditioning.

The body-colour running boards and a reclining second-row seat are available for 2008. The standard audio system is now an AM/FM/CD player with an auxiliary jack; MyGig and DVD head units are available. Tire pressure monitors are standard, while a rearview camera is an option.

Available equipment includes a power rear liftgate, 20-inch wheels, a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, running boards, heated first- and second-row seats, DVD navigation system, Sirius satellite radio, rear-seat entertainment system, and dual-zone air conditioning. Full-row curtain airbags and stability control are available safety upgrades. The Aspen has a max tow rating of 8950 pounds when properly equipped. There are 68.4 cubic feet of luggage space with the third row folded.

Bugatti Veyron versus Eurofighter Typhoon jet

The Bugatti Veyron is a technological tour de force, and racing the 16-cylinder, 1,001 HP supercar against just about any other car really isn’t fair. Last year, the folks at Top Gear pitted the Bugatti against a couple of Cessna 182s, but the wheeled wonder won in a walk. The RAF thought it could put up a better fight with the help of a Eurofighter Typhoon jet, and Top Gear accepted the challenge. The good news is that we get to see the race with our own eyes this Sunday. The exhibition is two miles in total, but the runway is only a mile long. To get both miles in, the Veyron will need to perform a legal U-Turn, and the Typhoon will need to climb up one mile, flip, and head back the other way.

Regardless of who wins, this should be just awesome to watch. Just for fun, hit the comments and let us know which machine you think will come out on top. We’re going to go ahead and take the jet, but we wouldn’t be surprised to, you know, be surprised.

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2007 Nissan NISMO 350Z rework

Devotees of the Z and Gran Turismo fans alike rejoiced at the 2007 New York auto show. Nismo—an abbreviation of NISsan MOtorsports—and now its performance part division, announced it would offer a tuned take on the venerable 350Z in North America.
Whereas previous Nismo-branded hardware sold in the U.S. (Frontier truck) was little more than a mild trim package, this Nismo 350Z is a competent rework of an already sporty Z-car.

The most obvious change lies with Nismo’s exterior makeover. Modeled after Super GT championship racers, the Nismo Z wears a new front fascia, side skirts rear bumper and a wild rear wing. Signature checkered stripes contrast with one of only four exterior colors—red, white, silver or black. Inside, Nismo adds unique red-on-black cloth seating and a white-faced tachometer.

Nismo also modifies what lies beneath the car’s racy skin. Structural rigidity of the 350Z is improved (the claim is upwards of five percent) via additional welds and body dampers, while the stock multi-link independent suspension is subtly changed. Nismo Zs roll on special Rays-forged aluminum wheels (18” in front and 19” out back) shod with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires. Stopping this package are four-piston front and two-piston rear Brembo disc brakes.

Sadly, Nismo doesn’t touch any of the power package underhood. The VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 produces the same 306 hp and 258 lb-ft figures as any other 2007 350Z. Transmission choice is limited to the six-speed manual transmission, which routes power through the standard viscous limited-slip differential. There is a new exhaust and some might (poorly) argue this change increases performance.

autoweek.com

2006 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

Type:	V12
Displacement cu in (cc):	366 (5999)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:	620(456) / 7600
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:	448(608) / 5600
Redline at RPM:	8400
Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R:	ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R:	245/40 R19 - 305/35 R20
Driveline:	Rear Wheel Drive
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length × Width × Height in:	183.7 × 77.2 × 52.6
Weight lb (kg):	3482 (1581)
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s:	3.7
Top Speed mph (km/h):	> 205 (> 330)
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km):	n.a. (21.3)

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano set a new benchmark of excellence in the sports car world after it was introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. This stunning new all-aluminum two-seater is summed up rather succinctly by its own name and delivers everything that this promises. Fiorano after the circuit Ferrari uses to hone the performance of its track and road cars; GTB as in Gran Turismo Berlinetta after the most famous Ferrari berlinettas ever built; and 599 to reflect the displacement of its V12 engine divided by 10.

The Ferrari 599 GTB was designed with several specific objectives in mind: to surpass the intense driving pleasure of such renowned models as the F40, to guarantee stunning performance courtesy of its highly innovative content and technology transfers from the F1 single-seaters, and to deliver superior standards of roominess, comfort, ergonomics and safety. The result is the absolute pinnacle of achievement in terms of thoroughbred Ferrari sportiness and technology.

599 GTB Fiorano’s Styling and Personalization Options

The 599 GTB Fiorano is a strikingly sculptural car. The design is so supple, in fact, that each new angle brings something new to light. Its forms say it all about its extreme sportiness yet still retain a unique sophistication.

A balance has been struck in the interior between the car’s sporty vocation and the feeling of intimacy and safety that only skilled hand-crafting and detailed personalization can achieve. The passenger areas of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano are trimmed in sumptuous leather while the driver area and controls boast more high-tech detailing in carbon-fiber and aluminum.

In addition to the steering wheel and manettino, the central rev counter with a choice of red or yellow background and solid aluminum passenger controls, the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also boasts attractive new styling cues including a central grip to provide extra support for the passenger and new adaptive racing seats featuring carbon-fiber side rests. Other standard accessories include front bi-xenon headlamps and rear LED lights, dusk and rain sensors, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable steering-wheel column, hideaway radio/CD player and key with integrated volumetric anti-theft device with motion sensors.

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also benefits from an already vast choice of personalization options available for every Ferrari model. Four areas are covered by this program: Racing and Track, Exteriors and Colors, Interior and Materials, Equipment and Travel.

Interior and Materials options include a new Enzo Ferrari-inspired carbon-fiber steering wheel with LED rev display which can be specified along with a special carbon-fiber trim kit for the door panels, instrument panel, gear stick surround and sill kick panels. Various types of leather trim are also available for the seats and interior too. Travel and Equipment accessories include front and rear parking sensors, iPod-friendly set-up, satellite anti-theft system and a luggage set specially tailored to fit this model.

The Music of the V12 Created for the Enzo

The technical specification of the engine speaks for itself: 366 cu in displacement, a specific power output of 103 bhp/liter (a first for a naturally aspirated production engine of this displacement).

Twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank boast continuously variable timing on both inlet and exhaust cams to optimize torque delivery and drivability at both low and high revs. A twin-plate, low inertia clutch in unit with the engine also helps lower the centre of gravity. Chain driven distribution reduces noise and is maintenance-free. The Fiorano’s engine delivers a maximum torque of 446 lb-ft at 5,600 rpm and means that the car pulls well at all engine speeds. The new model’s breathtaking sportiness is due in part to record maximum revs for an engine of this displacement (apart from the Enzo). Its maximum power output is 620 bhp at 7,600 rpm with a maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm. Particular attention was also paid to fuel consumption which is the same as in the previous model, under similar use, despite a significant leap in performance. Development work for the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also focused specifically on the distinctive sound the engine makes, reducing mechanical resonance in favor of a pure V12 soundtrack from both the intake manifold and the exhaust system. This not only enhances driving pleasure but makes for a quieter ride inside the cabin itself.

RSportsCars.com Exclusive: The Ferrari 599 GTB Caught Filming a Commercial

2/15/2006 – RSportsCars.com has obtained exclusive images of the new Ferrari 599 GTB and a Ferrari F40, taken during filming of a commercial in Valley of Fire State Park, Las Vegas. The filming was done by a helicopter which followed the two cars as they were driven on a narrow two-lane canyon road at fairly high speeds. The Ferrari’s commercial for the 599 is scheduled to be shown in Europe in May or June 2006.

Mike Olivella, who photographed the cars, commented: “At the staging area, they spent the entire time polishing and wiping down both cars. The F40 could blow the 599 away, but the F40 driver was careful to make it look like the 599 was every bit as powerful.”

“The 599 had a V-12, 620-horsepower engine, but it was not in the same class as the F40,” Mike Olivella continued. “Most of the spectators (the few that were there) commented that the car looked more like a Jaguar than a Ferrari, and were more enthralled by the F40 than the 599.”

“The drivers were incredible. I drove the road that they filmed the cars on, and it was a very windy, up and down two-lane road. These guys really opened the cars up and to watch them negotiate the turns and the dips was something to see.”

Source: [rsportscars.com]