Ferrari 288 GTO owners celebrate 25 years of the Ferrari supercar

Ferrari 288 GTO 25th anniversary reunion at Concorso Italiano - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With just 272 produced, the 288 GTO is the rarest of Ferrari's modern supercars. And because it wasn't officially sold here in the United States, there's just a slim chance you'll ever spot one on the road. However, with 2009 being the 25th anniversary of the 288 GTO's introduction, there was talk of organizing a record gathering that would bring many of the cars together. Joe Sackey, Italian car expert and author of the upcoming The Book of the Ferrari 288 GTO, took the reigns of organizing an event in Monterey this weekend, including a display of the cars at Concorso Italiano. We counted fifteen 288 GTOs in total, including an ultra-rare Evoluzione model that was used by Ferrari to develop the F40. Get your filling of Italian supercar goodness by browsing the high-res gallery below.

Lexus to rename LF-A supercar as LF-L?

Lexus LF-A Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

What's in a name? More than you'd otherwise assume, especially when it comes to range-topping supercars. Exotics always seem to change monikers before they hit the streets, so following Mercedes' decision to relabel its anticipated SLC as the SLS instead, Lexus is reportedly changing the name of its LF-A supercar to LF-L.
According to the latest output of the rumor mill, the switched letter stands for Le Mans, where the Toyota supercar is anticipated to race next year following its earlier race debut at the Nürburgring.
Whatever they call it, the Lexus supercar is expected to feature a myriad of controls right on the steering wheel, from traction control and gearbox settings to toggles for the dashboard displays. Cylinder deactivation is also said to be part of the package, along with launch control and adaptive aerodynamic elements.
Call it what you will, we just want to see it on the road already.
[Source: 7Tune.com]

Noble unleashes 225 mph M600 supercar

2010 Noble M600 - Click above for image gallery

We've seen spy shots, spy shots, and more spy shots of Noble's new M600 supercar. Now the British car builder has finally released official images and details of its latest model, complete with a Volvo-based twin-turbo V8 producing 650 horsepower. Pricing is expected to be around £200,000 (roughly $328k USD), more than twice that of previous models, and customers waiting on the now-extinct M14 and M15 can request for their deposits to be returned if they don't wish to purchase the new car.
As the high price tag suggests, the M600 brings much more to the table than past Noble models. The car is constructed from a stainless steel tub, tube skeleton and chassis, clad with carbon fiber body panels for a curb weight of just 2810 pounds. The 4.4-liter V8 (a first for Noble) has been fitted with twin Garrett turbochargers, and the driver can change between three output settings - 450, 550, or 650 horsepower - with max torque output of 618 lb-ft. Performance will be more than up to supercar standards, with 60 mph reachable in 3.0 seconds flat, 100 mph in 6.5 seconds, and a top speed of 225 mph.
As with past models, Noble aimed to make the M600 a purist driver's car. The traction control system can be completely deactivated, and there is no ESP system or anti-lock brakes. Shifting will be done old school with a six-speed manual gearbox and no paddle shifters will be offered. The M600 will make its public debut at the Goodwood Revival on September 19-21, but in the meantime, you browse the photo gallery below. We'll try and scrounge around to see if we can get some high-res versions.

Toyota will not restart production of Camry Solara convertible

Toyota has confirmed that it will not restart production of the Camry Solara convertible, which it actually stopped building in December 2008.

Toyota last summer nixed output of the Camry Solara coupe due to record-high fuel prices. At that time, Toyota said that the convertible Solara will remain in production for at least two years since Toyota didn’t have another convertible in its lineup.

“It was a car that our customers demanded; they wanted it,” Steve St. Angelo, Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America Inc. senior vice president, said last summer .

However, when the U.S. automotive market started its historic downturn in December 2008, Toyota decided to stop building the convertible and had been considering restarting production.

“Certainly, since December, looking at the state of the industry, there is no indication there would be strong enough demand to warrant (that action),” Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. spokesman Mike Michels told WardsAuto.

Michels says that the Toyota Venza crossover has been filling the void left by the Solara at Toyota’s Georgetown, KY, facility.

Artisan Performance, Reed Speed team up to make 700-hp 2010 Ford Mustang GT

After bringing us a 600-hp SA-600 based on the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS, Artisan Performance has teamed up with Reed Speed to offer a high-performance, modified 2010 Ford Mustang GT.

With a pair of GTK350 turbochargers, the V8 Mustang GT puts out an estimated 700-hp to the wheels. The tuning team will also offer upgraded brakes and a new body kit.

The modified Mustang will be sold through Randall Reed stores and will carry Reed Speed SE badge. Sales will begin in the second-half of this year. Look out for the Reed Speed 2010 Ford Mustang at the 2009 SEMA Auto Show.

Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger Coming to NASCAR? Camaro to Follow? - Car News

During NASCAR's annual media tour in Charlotte last January, Penske Dodge Charger driver Kurt Busch said he was looking forward to the new season, which, he hoped, would be better than Dodge's grim 2008 campaign. One reason concerned some new bits and pieces that NASCAR was allowing to be introduced throughout the 2009 season, including a new engine that is just now debuting mid-season.

Just as important, according to Busch, was that the Dodge Charger got a new, more aerodynamic nose piece this year, too. As an afterthought, he added, "Really, it's the Chevrolet nose with Dodge decals on it."

With all four participating manufacturers, even Toyota, cutting back on motorsports support this year, one of their longtime complaints seems ever more valid. That’s that the old "win on Sunday, sell on Monday" adage fades with every NASCAR body mutation that makes the various stock-car models look as androgynous as Indy Cars or NHRA dragsters. No one thinks that the Chevrolet Impala Mark Martin drove to victory at last Sunday's LifeLock 400 at Michigan International Speedway is a real Chevrolet Impala, and the fact that the cars must be labeled in large letters on the front bumper says it all. How can you cheer for a brand, when the cars are so similar?

Keep Reading: Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger Coming to NASCAR? Camaro to Follow? - Car News

Saab Sale to Supercar Maker Koenigsegg Pending

Continuing its restructuring amid bankruptcy protection, GM has announced a tentative agreement to sell its Saab division to Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg. The agreement, if approved, would assist 72-year-old Saab in its reorganization that began on February 20, 2009, when it filed in Swedish court for protection from creditors. Saab Automobile AB would be owned and operated by a relative newcomer to the automotive industry, Koenigsegg Group, which was founded in 1994.

Like the recent sale of Saturn to Penske Automotive, the Saab deal is expected to be completed by the end of this year’s third quarter, subject to many conditions and government approval. One of those conditions is the Swedish government backing $600 million in funding from the European Investment Bank. Financially assisting in the purchase creates an ideal in-house alliance for the Swedish government, which has a vested interest in saving Saab.

Keep Reading: Saab Sale to Supercar Maker Koenigsegg Pending - Car News

2009 Artega GT - First Drive Review

Every year, new wannabe Porsches, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis turn up at the world’s motor shows, though most are incomplete and underfunded and never progress beyond the prototype stage.

The Artega is the exception. The GT was developed in secret by a respected auto-industry supplier. It took two years before it was ready, and there was no advance hype. The car emerged fully formed in 2007 at the Geneva show, ready for production.

And in October 2008, production began at a purpose-built plant in Delbrück, Germany. Clearly, there is a depth of planning and commitment here. The company behind the Artega is Paragon AG, an electronics supplier best known for the stopwatch/lap timers fitted to Porsches.

Paragon’s CEO is Klaus Dieter Frers, a prominent historic-car racer with an enviable collection of Porsches. So perhaps it is not surprising that Porsche was the inspiration for his very own sports car. The Artega is a lightweight, two-seat, mid-engined coupe with a transverse-mounted VW/Audi V-6 and DSG six-speed, double-clutch, automated manual transmission. It is short (157.9 inches), wide (74.0 inches), and low (46.5 inches). The closest equivalent is the Porsche Cayman S, although the Artega is more than a foot shorter.

Keep Reading: 2009 Artega GT - First Drive Review

2011 Dodge Circuit EV - First Drive Review

Automakers aren’t usually receptive to the idea of us driving their concept cars, as most of these are little more than million-dollar auto-show paperweights that may not even move under their own power. The case of the Dodge Circuit EV, however, is different. Lou Rhodes, president of Chrysler’s electric-car ENVI division, had no qualms about giving us the first chance to wring the neck of this electric-powered sports car on a road course—the 1.7-mile handling loop at the company’s proving ground in Chelsea, Michigan.

Shown last fall for the first time, the Circuit is a not-sold-here Lotus Europa (itself a slightly swollen version of the Elise) that’s had its powertrain replaced with a 268-hp, 295-lb-ft electric motor and a large, 35-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. Comparisons with the Lotus Elise–based Tesla roadster are inevitable.

When looking for a place to dock a 600-pound battery pack, a front-engine platform is all wrong from the perspective of weight distribution. And finding a mid-engine chassis from a manufacturer that will entertain inquiries for low-volume orders quickly trims the options down to one: Lotus. Its lightweight Elise and Exige S sports cars provide a tiny annual sales footprint in the U.S. (less than 2000 units), but the company is set to expand with its larger, more passenger-friendly Evora.

Rhodes touts the versatility of electric powertrains: A lower-power version of the Circuit’s motor can be shared with various other mainstream vehicles such as the Chrysler Town & Country minivan and the Jeep Wrangler and Patriot; the company has well-sorted running prototypes of each. While the Circuit is battery-only, the other variants are of the range-extended electric variety, as in Chevy’s Volt, which is powered by an electric motor but has a gas engine onboard to generate electricity if needed, which prevents occupants from being marooned when the juice runs out.

Keep Reading: 2011 Dodge Circuit EV - First Drive Review

2010 Subaru Legacy

The previous-generation Legacy was a great drivers’ car, especially within the family-sedan market. Standard all-wheel drive offered all-weather security and the chassis felt lively, but the car suffered from weak fuel economy and a tight backseat. Indeed, the shortcomings made it seem as though Legacy buyers were making a sacrifice simply by purchasing the car, opting to join a secret Subie society instead of purchasing a more sensible, practical model from another manufacturer.

The new fifth-generation Legacy retains Subaru’s now-trademark all-wheel drive—but is larger than its predecessor by every measure of the tape. We won’t bore you with every dimension change, but noteworthy is the 3.2-inch stretch in wheelbase (now 108.3 inches) with only a 1.4-inch bump in overall length (now 186.4).

Surprisingly Good CVT

The same 170-hp flat-four that powered the previous Legacy carries over as the base engine in the 2.5i; in the latest car it couples to either a new six-speed manual or new CVT. While the six-speed’s sloppy shifter disappointed us—blame cable-actuated shift linkages versus the old rod-actuated type, says Subaru—the CVT surprised us. It manages to keep the revs low when cruising and the droning, golf-cart-style acceleration typically associated with a CVT to a minimum. Also, according to the onboard fuel consumption gauge, the CVT delivers on Subaru’s 31-mpg highway claim (the CVT is rated at 23 in the city). The CVT also has a manumatic feature that allows for the selection of dedicated ratios via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. We consider fake “gears” to be a bit hokey, but it is handy when descending a steep grade, as the transmission will do some of the braking for you.

Few will remember, but this is not Subie’s first attempt at a CVT. The 1987 Justy featured one, but it was poorly received by U.S. consumers. Subaru claims this new CVT, dubbed Lineartronic CVT, is extremely durable, and also says that the fluid will never need to be changed over the life of the transmission.

Keep Reading: 2010 Subaru Legacy - First Drive Review

Shelby Releases Details on 2010 Mustang GT500 Super Snake and New Performance Upgrade Packages - Car News

Shelby Automobiles, Inc. has released a barrage of performance upgrade packages for last-generation Mustang GT and GT500 models, as well as a new-generation Shelby GT500 Super Snake. The upgrade packages add Ford Racing or Kenne Bell superchargers with outputs ranging from 500 to over 725 hp. Models range from the 2005–2009 Shelby Supercharged and SR, the 2007–2008 Shelby GT/SC and GT/SR, to the 2007–2009 Shelby GT500 SE.
Last and far from least is the new 2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake which promises enhancements in handling, style, and power. Output ranges from 630 hp with the standard Ford Racing Whipple supercharger, and tops at 725 hp with an optional Kenne Bell supercharger. Dynamic enhancements include adjustable dampers, lowering springs, stabilizer bars, a front strut tower brace, a new exhaust system, 20-inch Alcoa wheels, a short-throw shifter, and Baer brakes. The Super Snake is visually differentiated by badging inside and out, stripes, and a unique fiberglass hood (with hood pins!).
Pricing, including installation, starts at $29,495 for the 630-hp package while 725 ponies will cost you $33,495. Production of the GT500 Super Snake will begin in limited numbers in August.

2011 Dodge Circuit EV

Surprisingly fun despite a hefty load of batteries.

Keep Reading: 2011 Dodge Circuit EV - Video

2010 Jaguar XF Supercharged to Receive New 5.0-liter Supercharged V-8

Jaguar has announced that there will indeed be an XF Supercharged model for 2010. Just a year after the model’s initial debut, the Supercharged’s V-8 will grow in size from 4.2 to 5.0 liters, utilizing a detuned version of the engine in the XFR. Slotting in between the XF Premium’s 385-hp V-8 and the top-dog XFR’s blown 510-hp V-8, the XF Supercharged’s new AJ-V8 Gen III motor makes 470 hp (up from the ’09 model’s 420) and 424 lb-ft of torque.

In addition to the new motor, Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics and Active Differential Control systems are now standard equipment. Other minor changes for 2010 include new 20” wheels, upgraded brakes, quad exhaust tips, new interior trim options, and a heated steering wheel.

Expect the 2010 models to arrive at dealerships in October, starting at around $68,000.

Read our road test of the 2010 Jaguar XFR: 2010 Jaguar XFR - Road Test

2010 Aston Martin DBS Volante - First Drive Review

Aston Martin has been rather busy lately, finessing a big V-12 into the Vantage coupe, preparing for the launch of the highly anticipated Rapide four-door, and going all-out to create the $1.7 million, 700-hp One-77 supercar. Not to mention engineering a Toyota iQ–based microcar called the Cygnet. (Yes, it’s real.) Add the new 2010 DBS Volante (Aston speak for convertible) to the pile. Few would say that that the DBS coupe needs any help in the looks department. Yet the removal of its roof makes it even more alluring, not to mention one of the most indulgent tanning salons on the planet.

The Natural Look

Aston designed the DBS from the onset with open-air motoring in mind, and with the top up, the Volante keeps the coupe’s sleek profile mostly intact. By eschewing a trendy retractable hardtop, the ragtop also keeps the weight gain to a minimum and preserves much of the DBS’s limited trunk space. The roof can be raised or lowered in 14 seconds and at speeds of up to 30 mph. Compared with the fixed-roof car, the convertible is about 200 pounds heavier and 25 percent less rigid.

Keep Reading: 2010 Aston Martin DBS Volante - First Drive Review

C6 Chevrolet Corvette - Feature

A brand-new standard-issue Chevrolet Corvette remains an incredible performance-car bargain. For less than two-thirds of the price of a Porsche 911, the latest C6 thunders to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds flat, corners at 0.99 g, and tops out at 190 mph. And for a two-seat rocket, a Vette is also very practical, with 57 percent more luggage capacity than a Honda Accord and tall gearing that, during relaxed highway cruising, squeezes more than 25 miles from each gallon of premium fuel.

Even so, the Corvette’s current base price of $49,515 might be more than some people can or want to spend. If you fall into this group, you’ll be happy to discover the many used Vettes on the market, given that today’s C6 generation was born in the 2005 model year. When you peruse secondhand Corvettes, you’ll also find that many of them have very low mileage, having been driven mostly on summer weekends in cold states. Three- and four-year-old cars with less than 10,000 miles are not unusual.

To reduce the risks of used-car buying, GM offers a certified used-vehicle (CUV) program. Similar to all such programs, GM’s starts with a detailed, 117-item checklist to make sure that everything is operating as it did when new. The car gets a thorough cleaning and detailing, brakes and tires that are more than half-worn are replaced, and the next scheduled maintenance is performed.

Keep Reading: Certified Pre-Owned: C6 Chevrolet Corvette - Feature

Jaguar to Show Hopped-up XKR, 225-mph XFR at Goodwood

At this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K., Jaguar will show off two modified versions of new cars.
The Bonneville XFR Prototype is the fastest Jaguar ever. A regular XFR is electronically limited to just 162 mph, but the prototype hit 225 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. To make the power needed for the high-speed run, the XFR scored a new intake and exhaust, modified supercharger, and remapped ECU, although the six-speed automatic transmission was untouched. The body received “minor aerodynamic and safety modifications.”
Also present will be the Goodwood Special XKR. Based on a 2010 XKR, the Goodwood Special gets lime green paint with funky "XKR" graphics, 21-inch wheels, lowered suspension, and a “louder” exhaust. There are also graphite accents on the headlights, mirrors, and front grille inserts. Somehow we doubt we’ll see these options in a Jaguar dealership.
Jaguar will also bring three historical race cars: the XJ13, the 1957 Long Nose D-type, and the C-type.

2010 Lexus IS Convertible / IS250C / IS350C - Second Drive

Sales charts spawned this baby. About a third of BMW 3-series sales are coupes and convertibles, and Lexus wants a seat at that buffet. Impulsive? Hardly. Introduced nine years ago and well into its second generation, the entry-level IS sedan finally gives birth to a convertible two-door kitten.

In dealerships now, the IS250C and IS350C feature an aluminum hardtop roof that, in 20 seconds, marshals 15 electric motors and 37 sensors to split it into two panels, which seamlessly belly-flop into the waiting trunk. Ultraviolet bliss ensues.

Weary eyes could reasonably mistake the IS C for a sedan that lost a debate with a hacksaw, yet every exterior panel and molding except the hood is unique to the convertible. The IS C is 2.2 inches longer than the four-door, and the rear decklid hunchbacks upward, so there’s room for four adults, plus space for flat luggage under the pancaked roof.

Keep Reading: 2010 Lexus IS Convertible / IS250C / IS350C - Second Drive

2010 Lotus Evora - Second Drive

The inquisitive owner of a first-generation Elise we met near Inveraray, Scotland, calls it cheating. He’s referring to the fact that this all-new Lotus—the first in 14 years—comes with a stereo, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, and a stitched-leather interior, not to mention available navigation and a backup camera. Had we wished to really upset him, we could have brought up the stability control and automatic transmission that will soon be offered.

Indeed, this is a very different car than the company’s intense, ultralight Elise and Exige models that we admire greatly for their delightful responses but whose limited appeal we fully understand. After all, there are dog carriers that may be easier to crawl into.

That’s why the Evora is so much larger—21.9 inches longer, with a 10.9-inch stretch in the wheelbase—putting it on par with more mainstream sports cars such as Porsche’s 911 and Cayman. Roughly five inches shorter than a 911, the Evora still houses a similarly sized (i.e., tiny) back seat, which is optional and seems adequate for little people and children up to 10 years old.

Keep Reading: 2010 Lotus Evora - Second Drive

Hurst Announces Special-Edition Pontiac G8 and G6 Convertible

How’s this for unfortunate timing? Just two months after GM axed the Pontiac brand, Hurst Performance Vehicles announces modified versions of two Pontiac models.
The tuning company will hand-build 52 “H.O.” copies of the 2010 G8. Details are sketchy, but the cars will be supercharged and ride on stiffened suspension. Like past Hurst special editions, white-on-gold and black-on-gold paint schemes, as well as forged wheels and a Hurst shifter, will be obligatory. Hurst also plans to offer ten modified G6 convertibles to serve as “parade and special event cars.” Whatever that means.
Check back August 1, when we should have full details and pricing on the Hurst cars.
Read about Pontiac’s demise: Pontiac Killed by GM - Feature
Read about another Hurst special: Hurst Dodge Viper – Car News

Man drives Murcielago LP640 Roadster in rain, Lotus may return to F1

First of all, we’d like to apologize for the low number of posts today (we’ve been doing some back-end development work that’s been causing delays). Nonetheless, it’s now time for some of the random findings from around the internet.

Man drives Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 in the rain: Yes, there are people like that out there and we definitely agree with the title of the video “The dumbest rich man in the world.” - Autogespot

Lotus may return to F1: Team Lotus could return to Formula One in 2010. Formula Three racing team Litespeed said that it will revive the classic racing name if F1 gives it the go-ahead. - AutoCar

U.S. auto suppliers seek government aid:  U.S. auto suppliers plan to ask the Obama administration’s auto task force for $8-$10 billion in loan guarantees, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. - Reuters

Tesla’s former co-founder working on mobile chargers for the Tesla Roadster

Martin Eberhard, co-founder of Tesla Motors, is now one of the aftermarket entrepreneurs of Tesla electric-cars. When Eberhard left Tesla in January of 2008, he said that he planned to start another company entirely in the green tech field.

Eberhard now writes over at his blog at http://www.teslafounders.com. In a recent entry, Eberhard said that he is busy building mobile chargers for the Tesla Roadster.

“I originally intended to build one for myself,” Eberhard wrote. “Then for a few friends. Now I am swamped with requests from Roadster owners who want a more flexible mobile charging solution. I plan to write a blog about my little charger one of these days. But then there is my ‘real’ job that already takes 110 percent of my time!”

We’re excited to see what Eberhard comes up with.

BMW Z8 doing great on the used car market

The UK fellows at Mirror Motoring made an interesting analysis of the current used car market in the United Kingdom. Despite the monthly decline in overall sales, the used cars have actually been appreciating with more and more luxury cars being in great demand: BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF, Audi A4, Lexus GS and even the large Range Rover models.

Moving up the luxury scale a few notches, even the ultimate luxurious vehicles as the Bentley GT, Aston Martin or Lamborghini are seeing an increased demand. This brings us to the title of this article, the limited-edition BMW super-roadster Z8 is still valued quite high, priced between £60k-£70k. UK BMW dealer believes that the Z8 could actually reach the £100k mark.

As a comparison, in California, a 2002 BMW Z8 is listed on eBay with a Buy Now Price of $98,000.

According to Adrian Rushmore, editor of trade price oracle Glass’s Guide, the average price of a three-year-old car is actually higher in 2009 than it was in 2007. We mentioned this briefly in the past that the reduced number of vehicles built in the second half of 2008 might actually improve our odds to sell the cars we own at a higher price.

Now remember, this analysis was made on the UK auto market and might not entirely apply to rest of the world, but nonetheless it is still quite interesting to see how the used car market is reacting to the economy and what the future might bring.

[Source: Mirror Motoring ]

2009 LA Concours d'Elegance kicks off West Coast show season

2009 L.A. Concours d'Elegance - Now that it's almost officially summer, that means one thing: car shows. While those on the East Coast were treated to two days of fine automobiles at the Greenwich Concours this past weekend (photos from which are forthcoming), those of us on the West Coast headed over to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for the fourth annual LA Concours d'Elegance.
As in past years, there was something for every type of car nut, with classes ranging from Horseless Carriages to Supercars and everything in between. A muscle car fan? There were plenty to enjoy including a black-on-black AAR Cuda, and a genuine Superbird. Like Italian sports cars? There were several Ferrari classes plus a Lamborghini class with two beautiful Miuras and a pristine '89 Countach 25th Anniversary. Are classic British roadsters your thing? Morgans, Austin Healeys, MGs, Jaguars, and Triumphs all graced the lawn. And of course there were European Classics like this 1938 Delahaye Type 135 MS and 1939 Bugatti type 57C, plus a class dedicated to the 300SL Gullwing, Shelby Cobras, Aston Martins, Hot Rods, and more.

Lamborghini adding solar power to factory, vows to cut range CO2 35% by 2015

In the grand scheme of things, the facilities and products of Lamborghini don't really amount to a hill of beans. After all, the company only has one main factory that produces a few thousand cars a year. While those cars are high-powered and consume a lot of fuel per mile driven, Lamborghini owners tend to drive those cars far fewer miles than the mainstream autos the rest of us hop into on a daily basis. As such, the Lambos' total emissions don't add up to much.
Nonetheless, Lamborghini is still somewhat sensitive to both social and regulatory concerns and has an ambitious plan to reduce CO₂ emissions. The automaker is in the process of installing a 17,000 square meter solar array to its factory roof that, when completed later this year, will generate 1,582 MWh of electricity annually. In addition to that, changes are being made inside the plant to improve insulation, lighting, and climate control as part of a broader effort to lower factory-related CO₂ emissions 30 percent by 2010.
As for the products coming out of the factory, Lamborghini is pursuing several paths towards a goal of 35-percent CO₂ reduction by 2015. In addition to expanding the use of technology like the direct injection that debuted on the Gallardo LP560-4 last year, the engineers are working on improved combustion, weight reduction, auto start/stop systems, hybrid drive and biofuel use.

Ferrari CEO confirms hybrid concept car, may come to LA in Dec.

We’ve been hearing about Ferrari going green for some time now. Last month, it was reported that Ferrari filed for a patent application for a four-wheel-drive hybrid system. It is said that the system could be fitted to Ferrari’s future front and rear-engine models.

Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa today confirmed that the Italian automaker is working on a hybrid concept car in order to study how it can better meet stringent 2014 European emissions regulations. 

Felisa said that Ferrari continues to study turbocharging, but insisted that the engines would “still have that high-revving Ferrari feeling.” He said that biofuel is also being explored by the engineers in Maranello.

So when will we see this new Ferrari hybrid concept?

“Not at Frankfurt,” Felisa said, “but shortly thereafter, probably at an American show.” Meaning we can probably cross our fingers for the 2009 LA Auto Show in December.

Source: CARandDRIVER

Tesla Motors to open seven stores this summer

Tesla announced yesterday that it will open a total of seven regional sales and service centers this summer. In the United States, Tesla plans on opening a store in New York, Seattle and Chicago in June. Following those three stores Tesla will open up shop in Miami. 

Later this month, Tesla will open a store in London, followed by Munich and Monaco.

“Tesla takes its showroom cues from Apple, Starbucks and other customer-focused retailers,” Tesla said in a statement. “Tesla stores provide a welcoming spot to surf the Web, test drive cars and learn more about Tesla, the only production automaker selling highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe.”

“We are rethinking almost every aspect of the automobile - from the powertrain to the customer experience, both online and in our stores,” said Tesla CEO and Product Architect Elon Musk. 

Earlier this week, Tesla announced that it delivered its 500th Roadster in the United States. The California-based automaker will begin producing the $128,500 Roadster Sport later this month. 

It has also received over 1,000 reservations for the Model S sedan.

Congressional letter alleges Nardelli and Chrysler failed to disclose more lucrative offer for Viper

In a letter from California Congressman Darrell Issa to Chrysler's Bob Nardelli, the Auburn Hills executive is charged with failing to disclose information regarding the sale of the Dodge Viper line.
According to the letter obtained by Autoblog from a source close to the situation, the Republican congressman cites Nardelli's explanation as part of the automaker's bankruptcy proceeding that there was "a lack of 'purchaser interest in response to the offering of Chrysler's Connor Avenue Viper manufacturing plant for $10 million." And yet, the letter states, "The Committee has conducted interviews and reviewed materials that clearly show there was in fact one purchaser willing to pay $35 million to purchase the Viper line."
The communication indicates that discussions were held as early as February between Chrysler's emissaries and Joseph Moch Sr. and Joseph Moch Jr. to buy all of the company's Viper-related assets. Further, an oral agreement was reportedly reached in April, with an acquisition agreement drafted later that month for $35 million - substantially more than the $10 million Chrysler was reportedly seeking for the Connor Avenue plant.
Despite the offer from Moch and apparent interest from other companies, the letter notes that Chrysler only reported a single bid for its Viper business to the bankruptcy court's Judge Arthur Gonzalez - the much smaller $5.5 million offer from Devon Motor Works reported last week. In the letter, Congressman Issa warns Nardelli:

"Failure to make this disclosure may have been illegal if you knowingly made false statements in response to questions under oath."

Perhaps the central question is: Why would Nardelli and Co. fail to disclose the Moch offer? Issa's letter offers a theory:

As you know, the Fiat group includes Ferrari, a Viper competitor in the sports car market. If it is the case that Fiat used its "hard-fought" superior bargaining position to establish as a condition of the merger a requirement that Chrysler allow the Viper brand to disappear in order to reduce competition for Ferrari, this too must be presented to the court.

Issa goes on to urge Nardelli to "disclose all legiimate offers for Viper to the court at the hearing," (which is slated to occur today, June 5) as well as "all records and communications between Chrysler and its agents with Joseph Moch Sr., Joseph Moch Jr., and their legal representatives."
So... did Nardelli and Chrysler really fail to disclose more lucrative offers for the Viper - possibly because of pressure from new parent Fiat? Stay tuned.

Chrysler reported to be hiding bid for Viper, Fiat said to be threatened by Viper as Ferrari rival

Last month when Chrysler listed most of its $2 billion assets in bankruptcy court, the Auburn Hills automaker said that it didn’t have any firm offers for its Viper brand, which was put up for sale last August. The only offer that Chrysler listed was a $5.5 billion bid by Devon Motors Works.

Now there is a new twist to the Viper story. A California congressman asked former CEO Bob Nardelli to disclose information on a $35 million bid for Viper. He said that the offer hand been hidden from Chrysler’s bankruptcy filing.

In a letter to Bob Nardelli, Rep. Darrell Issa, Calif. said that the lack of disclosure about the information on the bid suggests that Chrysler’s bankruptcy was mishandled. He said that Chrysler must provide proof that Fiat SpA was not trying to get rid of Viper altogether in order to eliminate a rival to its Ferrari unit.

Issa said that a group of investors had been exploring to buy Chrysler’s Viper business in March and April. He said that the group had spoken to Louisiana officials and that the office has a record of a sales agreement that was never signed.

“If it is the case that Fiat used its ‘hard-fought’ superior bargaining position to establish as a condition of the merger a requirement that Chrysler allow the Viper brand to disappear in order to reduce competition for Ferrari, this too must be presented to the court, said Issa.”

All we can say is - Sergio Marchionne may have been threatened with the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR’s 7:22.1 Nurburgring lap.

Favre GTO: Good Enough to Die For?

But does it TASTE like the real thing?

Wired’s Autopia brings us the rivetingly interesting tale of one William Favre and his mission to build a Ferrari 250 GTO replica so authentic it was nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. At the peak of the Ferrari craze of the 1980s, where you could slap a prancing horse on a Cadillac Cimaron and it would sell for triple its worth, this ballsy guy was sticking it right to the Ferrari aficionado community by shamelessly copying the design of the most desirable Maranello creation ever. He wasn’t passing them off as real Ferraris, but it didn’t sit well with some folks. And quite possibly, he was murdered over it …

Real or fake? (Real)

The handmade body, crafted out of aluminum, covers up real Ferrari mechanicals, that have all been modified to be as close as possible to the original car. Of course, that means a Columbo V12 up front, and the Borrani wire wheels, as well as an accurate interior. Favre made a few - was it just 2, or as many as 11? The numbers don’t really matter - what matters is, Favre had made all the wrong people angry. What happened next is difficult to say. All we know is that Mr. Favre ended up dead due to an encounter with the business end of a .357 Magnum. Some say suicide, some say murder. It adds up to a mystery that we’ll leave to the Poirot fans.

In any event, this one’s available at The Classic Car Collection in Switzerland, for sale, price “upon demand.” How mysterious.

[Source: Autopia]

2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible pricing announced

Infiniti today announced the pricing details on the 2009 G37 Convertible. Scheduled to go on sale on June 19th, the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible will start at $43,850 for the 7-speed automatic model with paddle-shifters and $43,900 for the G37 Convertible Sport 6MT.

Buyers can opt for the Premium Package, which will cost $3,250 on the 7-speed automatic model and $3,050 on the Sport 6MT. The Navigation Package and the Technology Package are priced at $1,850 and $1,150 respectively. A Sport Package is also available for $1,350 ($1,550 when chosen without the Premium Package).

Illuminated kick plates will run you $330 while a rear deck spoiler will cost you $830. If you want to spice up the wheels, get ready to cash out an additional $2,200 for the 19-inch wheels and $370 for the R Spec High Friction brake pads.

Refresher: Power comes from a 3.7L V6 that produces 325-hp. The 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible folds its top in 30 seconds.

More Photos of the BMW E92 M3 “Darth Maul”

Last month, we gave some great exposure to the guys at MWDesign, by posting a photo of their latest project: “Darth Maul” BMW M3.

The general consensus was that their modded M3 was quite tasteful, not overly done and still keeping the M3 core design. Since many of you might wonder what mods have been used in the “Darth Maul” M3 project, the fellows at MWDesign provided us with the following list:

• Amuse Ericsson Front Bumper with custom Orange highlights
• Amuse Ericsson Trunk
• CF Rear Diffuser with custom Orange highlights
• CF Side Vents with custom Orange highlights
• CF Side Mirrors
• Modulare M6 20×9 F 20×10.5 R - Matte Black Centers/Gloss Black Lips + Custom Matte Black Center Caps with Orange Accents
• Falken tires FK452 245/30/20 F 285/25/20 R
• H&R Sports Springs

The previous photos we posted made their way all over the web, but we can’t decide yet if it was because of the gorgeous girls posing or the car.

Regardless, new photos were released today and yes, the girl is still in them.

Hartge new Aerodynamic kit for the BMW X6

The BMW tuner Hartge continues to surprise us by releasing a new aerodynamic kit for the BMW X6 Sports Activity Vehicle. Back in April, they released their original X6 kit and we weren’t overly impressed.

But the latest Hartge kit takes after the recently revealed X6 M, giving their X6 a far more aggressive stance which will turn heads.

The aero kits includes plenty of aerodynamic pieces, starting with the aggressive front bumper, a custom rear skirt and continuing with side sills, new rear difuser and stainless tailpipes.

For those of you interested in the actual parts used, Hartge released that earlier today:

51 71 0000 G
HARTGE aerodynamic kit in PUR-RIM, primed and with ABE homologation by the KBA consisting of:

HARTGE front spoiler
HARTGE rear skirt
HARTGE left and right side sills
(only in connection with standard aluminium running boards - no. 328)
HARTGE wheel arch extensions front * and rear
(* with air intakes)

for xDrive30d, xDrive35d and xDrive35i
(only in connection with HARTGE stainless steel tail pieces with quadrilateral tail pipes 18 71 0400) and

for xDrive50i
(only in connection with HARTGE stainless steel rear silencer with quadrilateral tail pipes 18 71 0495)

18 71 0400 F
HARTGE stainless steel tail pieces with quadrilateral tail pipes (large version) left and right for xDrive30d, xDrive35d and for xDrive35i (only in connection with
HARTGE adapter 18 71 0320)
(incl. connecting pipe for standard rear silencer)
(only in connection with HARTGE aerodynamic kit 51 71 0000)

18 71 0320 N
HARTGE adapter for xDrive35i

18 71 0495 F
HARTGE stainless steel rear silencer with quadrilateral tail pipes (large version) left and right for xDrive50i (export version / sound +) (only in connection with HARTGE aerodynamic kit 51 71 0000)

After seeing these photos, we’re definitely giving thumbs up to the new Hartge BMW X6, as long as the price is not higher than an X6 M.

[Source: Motor Authority ]

White BMW 5 Series GT spotted

After the official revealing, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is out in the open and cruising down the Munich streets. While the official marketing photos were all about the gold and blueish colors, the test car spotted by Carscoop is sporting the beautiful Alpine White paint.

We never thought we would say this, but the 5 Series GT looks better on public roads that in those marketing photos. The car definitely has an impressive stance, road presence and it absolutely stands out. Of course, some of us are just not cut for this car and it will be difficult to accept it, but it definitely has its place in the BMW line-up and we are willing to bet that it will do just fine.

Now what else is new with the GT? Well, beside the fact that it has a brand new engine, the N55, a twin-scroller turbocharger which features for the first time High Precision Injection and variable VALVETRONIC.

In the U.S., the first model launched will be the 550i GT and a few months behind it, an xDrive version will be offered as well. The 550i Gran Turismo will launch in the fourth quarter of this year as a 2010 model. The base price is expected to be between $65,000-$70,000.

The 5 Series Gran Turismo is also the first four-door/sedan BMW to have frameless doors, a feature available at this point only on the Coupe and Convertible models. The famous Hofmeister Kink gets a new form and it appears in “6-window” (3 windows per side) form in the rear quarter windows aft of the rear doors.

Inside, BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo supports variable seating accommodations where the 4-seater configuration can turned into a 5-passenger cabin. The entire instrument cluster is “in a high-resolution Black Panel display, in which four classic circular instruments are most prominent; other driving-relevant displays and readouts.

Many new other things developed recently by BMW made their way into the 5 GT, technologies like the Integrated Chassis Management and FlexRay. Other electronic equipment available on the new 7 Series, will also be found in the 5 Gran Turismo.

In conclusion, judging by the photos above, the GT might actually grow on us, but we will tell you more in about a month or so, after we will see it live.

[Source: Carscoop ]

What could have been the BMW M7 or 7 Series GT

Let me start first by explaining the ambiguous, double meaning title. First of all, in the past few years, there have been several reports pointing to an imminent BMW model: the M7. Even though BMW has never official spoken of this upscale Motorsport luxury sedan, fans across the world were hoping to see on in the future.

Even more recently, when a photo of a BMW 7 Series sporting a future M Sport Package appeared on the internet, many BMW fans and auto journalists jumped to the false conclusion that we are looking at the all-mighty M7. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Second, I will share a little secret with you. BMW indeed had some plans of building a more luxurious, sporty 7 Series, but the final product would have carried the Gran Turismo badge, a vehicle derived from the canceled CS Concept, a vehicle highly regretted by all of us.

The 7 Series GT would have been BMW’s flagship, the ONE model that many of the pessimistic BMW fans would have embraced it without a doubt. Unfortunately…again, BMW scrapped out that project in favor of a future 6 Series GT, a “progression” of a sports coupe vehicle which will be the first BMW coupe with a hatchback and four doors.

When Rendy Alfonso from Modtor contacted me to share with us his own interpretation of the BMW M7, I figured you might be interested in seeing it. While the overall size and shape of the car is the one of a 7 Series, the front-end reminds me of the CS mixed in with the Z4, so that’s when I decided to add the 7 Series GT portion to this article’s title. The idea was mostly to talk a bit about the “never born” 7 GT.

Overall, not a bad rendering, even though the front-end is almost identical with the new BMW Z4, wait…..it really is the same. But hey, let’s let Rendy share with us and see what you think.

P.S In my personal opinion, the front-end of the new 7 is perfect the way it is and the high-end performance model which will be added later this year, it really is beautiful.

Tesla delivers 500th roadster to NJ philanthropist

Tesla Motors announced today that a New Jersey (our home-base) philanthropist has taken delivery of the 500th Tesla Roadster. Martin Tuchman, former chairman and CEO of Interpool, plans on charging his Roadster partly with solar energy with photovoltaic panels he helped install throughout his hometown of Kingston, NJ.

“My Roadster drives like a dream — it’s amazing,” said Tuchman. He plans to use his twilight blue Roadster as his primary commuter car.

Tuchman will be taking advantage of the HOV commuter lanes on the NJ Turnpike while he enjoys a $7,500 federal tax credit.  Zero-emission vehicles are exempt from New Jersey sales, use and luxury taxes as well.

Press Release:

Tesla Motors Delivers 500th Roadster

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A New Jersey philanthropist was the 500th person to take ownership of a Tesla Roadster, an important milestone for the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer.

Martin Tuchman, former chairman and CEO of Interpool, is chairman of The Tuchman Foundation and a board member of The Parkinson’s Alliance and Parkinson’s Disease Foundation of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York. He plans to charge his Roadster partly with solar energy thanks to photovoltaic panels he helped install throughout his hometown of Kingston, NJ.

“My Roadster drives like a dream — it’s amazing,” said Tuchman, a former automotive engineer and owner of a 1967 Mercedes 250 and a 1993 Jaguar convertible. Tuchman converted his 1937 Chris-Craft into an electric boat so he could take it on nearby Lake Carnegie, which prohibits gas-powered boats. He plans to use his Roadster as his primary commuter car.

Tuchman took delivery of a Twilight Blue Roadster last weekend, a few weeks before the anticipated opening of a Tesla showroom in New York’s Chelsea Art District. Greater New York is Tesla’s largest market outside of California, and local EV owners enjoy numerous incentives.

Zero-emission vehicles are exempt from New Jersey sales, use and luxury taxes. Single occupants of alternative-fuel vehicles may also use the high-occupancy commuter lanes on the New Jersey Turnpike. These incentives are on top of a $7,500 US federal tax credit, which fully applies to all Tesla Roadsters.

Tesla will also soon be opening stores in Chicago, London, Seattle, Miami, Washington, Monaco and Munich. Tesla will begin deliveries in Europe this summer.

San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla is the only production automaker selling highway-capable EVs in the United States or Europe. The Roadster beats nearly every other car for acceleration yet is twice as energy efficient as a Toyota Prius. It costs roughly $4 to refuel and can be completely recharged in as little as 3.5 hours.

Michael van der Sande, Tesla Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Service and Marketing, called the 500th delivery an important symbol for the world’s newest production automaker.

“We now have more than 500 real-world customers providing valuable feedback on our cars and contributing to Tesla’s spirit of continuous improvement,” van der Sande said. “We intend to leverage our first-mover advantage and continue to build brand loyalty for years - from our 500th to our 500,000th delivery.”

Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition: More details and images released

Earlier this year, Gemballa released a couple of images and some details on its yet-to-be-completed Mirage GT Carbon Edition. While we’re already impressed with Porsche Carrera GT based Mirage GT - more power, lighter body weight and better performance is never a bad thing.

Power comes from Porsche’s V10 that has been modified to produce 670-hp with a maximum torque of 465 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph has been brought down to 3.7 seconds compared to the stock 3.9 seconds. 0 to 124 mph comes in just 9.7 seconds while top speed comes in at 208 mph.

Gemballa will only make 5 units of the Mirage GT Carbon Edition with prices starting at 298,000 euros ($420,725 USD).

Press Release:

The ultimate super sports car - GEMBALLA MIRAGE GT Carbon Edition

For more than 25 years, the automobile manufacturer GEMBALLA Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG builds exclusive sports cars which are based on the Porsche model range. Thereby, the company under the management of the founder Uwe Gemballa always sets standards regarding engine performance, innovative automobile design and exclusive interior. This is impressively confirmed by numerous lap records on the most difficult race track of the world, the Nürburgring Nordschleife. And also by winning many awards such as the renowned “red dot design award”. And last but not least by thrilled customers all over the world.

And also the latest super sports car - the GEMBALLA MIRAGE GT Carbon Edition - limited to only 5 pieces will conquer the motor sports hearts of its future owners in supersonic speed. Based on the Porsche Carrera GT the specialists from Leonberg near Stuttgart present an extremely attractive version of the MIRAGE GT. The eye-catching main evolutionary characteristic is the GEMBALLA body element production in carbon fibre. But that is not all: ultra-light aerodynamics components which have been optimised in the wind tunnel and a power engine with powerful 670 hp top performance render an impressive top speed of 335 km/h. A ground-breaking, hydraulic, height-adjustable coilover kit is especially adjusted to the GEMBALLA wheel-tyre combination GT SPORT Forged and this interplay provides perfect road handling. And also the interior is upgraded from the floor room to the roof lining. Perfectly processed and stylishly arranged leather and carbon turn every Mirage GT cockpit into an exclusive unique masterpiece.

Carbon - as far as the eye can see

Already the serial version of the Carrera GT presents itself with an abundance of ultra-light and high-strength carbon material. And GEMBALLA continues this trend in the MIRAGE GT Carbon Edition by using it as the main component of all body parts. Each single element of the GEMBALLA aerodynamics design is optimised in the wind tunnel, produced in perfect surface quality and accurately fitted into the automobile.

The core part of the newly designed MIRAGE GT front is the striking apron with the enhanced air inlets for an improved ventilation of the front coolers. In combination with the new front lip, GEMBALLA does not only achieve an aggressive look, but also generates additional downthrust. Also the front wings and the bonnet are replaced by proprietary development components. At the flanks, you find newly designed side skirts.

These calm down the air duct between the axles and send additional cooling air to the brake system through integrated passages. The new diffuser which is fitted into the new rear skirt stabilises the rear section at high speeds and in connection with the enlarged rear wing, it generates contact pressure at the rear axle. Further advancements are provided by the individually adjustable Gurney flap which is inserted in the wing profile. The body kit is perfected with the GEMBALLA roof channel as well as the air scoop of the engine compartment and the rear view camera casing.

3.7 seconds from zero to hundred km/h - accompanied by an incomparable exhaust sound

But the GEMBALLA MIRAGE GT Carbon Edition does not only impress with its fascinating design. As a result of an optimised engine management and a special exhaust system with sport catalysts and pneumatic valve control, not only the engine performance and the acceleration improve significantly. Due to its 670 hp / 493 kW at 8,000 rpm and 630 Newton metres at 5,700 rpm, the ten-cylinder accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in breath-taking 3.7 seconds. The top speed is 335 km/h and therefore also faster than the basic model. For an enhanced gas pedal response, the GEMBALLA technicians fit a sports clutch with special pads. Especially when driving stop and go in city traffic, this is an enormous advantage and allows a smooth and bucking-free take-off.

Innovative running gear technology for the race track and for everyday use

The running gear components in the MIRAGE are especially adjusted to the enhanced engine performance and sporty driving manner. They consist of four individually adjustable coilover dampers in a unit with progressively coiled double springs. For everyday use, the electro-hydraulic height-adjustment is extremely innovative and enormously helpful. By pushing a button in the passenger compartment, it is possible to lift the body by 45 millimetres at the front- and rear axle and therefore allows driving over obstacles such as underground car park entrances and traffic ramps. Also by pushing a button or by reaching 80 km/h, the MIRAGE lowers itself to its original level. As the perfect wheel-tyre combination, GEMBALLA gits the multi-part rims GT SPORT Forged in the dimension 9.5 x 19 and 12.5 x 20 with tyres in the serial measurement 265/35 ZR19 at the front axle and 335/30 ZR20 at the rear axle.

Exclusive interior design without limits

GEMBALLA presents the perfect symbiosis between sportive functionality and luxurious ambience. The interior designers combine the most precious materials such as fine leather, ultra-suede and carbon fibre in a very stylish way. The leather which is processed with expert hand is very resilient and yet extremely soft. The characteristic natural product with its individual grain and the masterly decorative stitching render an extravagant look around the newly designed centre console. The latter is entirely made of carbon fibre and contains the GEMBALLA Multimedia unit and the Data Control System.

The harmonically integrated display presents driving data such as acceleration, cross-acceleration and deceleration values. Another highlight in the GEMBALLA MIRAGE GT Carbon Edition is the full-size airbag sports steering wheel with a diameter of 340 millimetres.

GEMBALLA - the specialist for high end Porsche refinements and innovative engineering design offers the entire refining set for the GEMBALLA MIRAGE GT Carbon Edition which is only limited to 5 specimen from 298,000 euros (net price, without basic automobile).

Jaguar working on C-Type successor, new roadster coming in 2012

Word on the street is that Jaguar is working on the car every Jaguar fan is dying to see - a rival to the Porsche Boxster. According to AutoExpress, Jaguar is hard at work on a compact two-seat roadster, which will be a successor to the Jaguar C-Type.

Insiders say that Jaguar is looking to compete in a market mainly dominated by the Porsche Boxster, Audi TT, BMW Z4 and the Mercedes-Benz SLK.

Taking styling cues from the XF and driving dynamics from the XK, the new addition to Jaguar’s lineup will feature rear-wheel-drive, stunning design, a fabric roof and an impressive engine lineup.

The entry level model will feature a 3.0L V6 making 235-hp while the range-topper will feature a 5.0L V8 making 380-hp. Sources say that the European market will also get a 3.0L twin-turbo diesel making 272-hp.

You can look out for the new Jaguar roadster in 2012 at the earliest.

Source: AutoExpress

AutoCar interviews Ulrich Bez about the Aston Martin One-77

Dr. Ulrich Bez has the job every auto enthusiast can only dream of - being CEO of Aston Martin. Bez, 66, received his doctorate in engineering from the University of Stuttgart, but had to create a resume with other impressive credentials than that to become the boss of Aston.

He has previously held positions at Porsche, BMW and Daewoo Motors where he’s been responsible for product design and development. Even standing next to Bez is a privilege in itself (and we say that only because he’s the main man behind the idea of the Aston Martin One-77).

The folks over at AutoCar recently had the lucky opportunity to interview Bez about the new Aston Martin One-77 and even had him fire it up for the cameras. Of course, AutoCar did what every other auto journalist would do after hearing the sound coming from the 700-hp One-77 - they asked Bez if they could drive it. Did Bez say yes or no? Find out in the video posted after the jump.

Tesla delivers 500th Roadster to New Jersey man

From the first to the 100th and now to the 500th, the story of Tesla Motors and their first offering, the Roadster, has been pretty heavily documented. The trend is unlikely to stop any time soon and, in that vein, Tesla is making sure to note its latest milestone, the delivery of the 500th Roadster.
The lucky recipient is New Jersey's Martin Tuchman, who Tesla describes as chairman of The Tuchman Foundation and a board member of The Parkinson's Alliance and Parkinson's Disease Foundation of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York. Tuchman is apparently a car fan, with a 1967 Mercedes 250 and a 1993 Jaguar convertible in his stable. Those cars will get even less of a workout now that the Roadster is around, as it is scheduled to become Tuchman's main commuter car. Interestingly, Tuchman will reportedly use solar power to charge his new toy whenever possible, which ought to make for a clean getaway.

The Future of Hyundai Sports Cars - Car News

Over the past few years, Hyundai has marched upward with the all the drive, ambition, and brashness of Eva Peron. Since 2007, we have seen Hyundai augment its line of plebeian automobiles with the upscale Veracruz crossover, the impressive Genesis sedan, and the surprisingly talented Genesis Coupe.

As part of its second so-called “24/7” plan, during which Hyundai will launch seven new vehicles in 24 months, the company will revamp its line of core products. (The first 24/7 plan started in 2005 and ended in 2007.) Most interesting to us among those products is a compact sporty coupe based on the Accent platform and styled much in the vein of the well-received Veloster concept car that debuted in Frankfurt in 2007.

In a recent interview withCar and Driver, Hyundai product PR chief Miles Johnson confirmed that the little Honda CRX-like 2+2 is on track for launch sometime during the 24/7 2.0 program, which technically started with the introduction of the Genesis Coupe and continues late this year with the next-generation Tucson crossover. We imagine that it would be offered in the States with a range of four-pot engines ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 liters, possibly including the high-output (i.e. turbocharged) version of the 2.0-liter seen in the 210-hp Genesis Coupe 2.0T.

Keep Reading: The Future of Hyundai Sports Cars - Car News

Gaplin Auto Sports brings U.S. Air Force technology to the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger

Galpin Auto Sports (or GAS) is an automobile repair shop in Van Nuys, California. GAS is better known for its TV show on USA otherwise known as Pimp My Ride on MTV. The group responsible for KITT in the 2008 Knight Rider series (and for embedding in 7-inch TV screens into bumpers on MTV’s Pimp My Ride), has now teamed up with the United States Air Force to create two customized cars for the 2009 Super Car Tour.We have to say; both vehicles have blown us away - literally.

The first vehicle, known as the ‘X-1,’ is based on a Ford Mustang. It has been painted in matte-pearlescent and features a single-driver ejections seat in the center. It also features a short shift flight stick, an advanced instrument panel that will confuse the heck out of you, a motorizes steering wheel, a GPS transponder, and a touch screen monitor that displays night and thermal vision. Power comes from a 4.6L V8, which features 3-valve Ford Racing heads, a cold air intake, hot rod cams and long tube headers. All that gives the X-1 the ability to throttle 500-hp.

Click through for more info and the high-res image galleries.

Next up is the stealth-black Air Force ‘Vapor’ based on the Dodge Challenger. On the outside, Vapor features one-off carbon fiber wheels, shaker hood, radar-absorbing paint, proximity sensors and a 360- degree camera with a ¼ mile range. Open the vertical doors to the Vapor and you’ll see an interior complete with aircraft style controls, a passenger side steering wheel, GPS tracking, night and thermal vision on the front windshield.

The best part? The ‘Vapor’ actually features a custom stealth exhaust mode that allows you to drive the Challenger in complete silence. If that’s not enough to get you jumping out of your seat, the Vapor also carries an advanced computer system with remote control UAV-type access from anywhere in the world using the internet. The Vapor also comes with two custom flight helmets.

Both vehicles will be used during a marketing campaign by the U.S. Air Force to educate young people on the mechanical and technical career opportunities available within the Air Force.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport (Targa)

Hmm ... $2 million ... why not?

If you’ve been asking yourself, “what sort of convertible or targa-roof car can I get for this $2 million burning a hole in my wallet?” Have we got the car for you! It’ll do 224 MPH, and it probably won’t suck your face off at that velocity with the roof off. (Probably.) Bugatti’s long awaited (by the 2 people on earth who can afford it) targa is finally here, as the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport enters production in July.

Looks pretty nice. Fourth mortgage time?

But act now, as only 150 of the beauts will be produced … so head on over to Crazy Dan’s Auto Emporium for a low low low financing and the best deals in town, or my name ain’t Crazy Dan! (Press release from Bugatti below.)

PRESS RELEASE

Production start for the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport
Media and customers complete first test drives

Cannes, May 2009 - Last year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California was the setting for the very first public presentation of the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. The response was extremely positive and now production of this roadster – limited to 150 units – is to begin at Molsheim. At the same time, the media and customers are taking their first test drives.

The new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport confronted the marque renowned for impeccable automotive solutions, aesthetics and driving dynamics with a whole new set of challenges. In response to customer demand, significant modifications have been made to the vehicle’s complex structure so as to enable open-top driving, thereby adding a new dimension to this high-performance sports car. Incorporating a host of new and innovative safety and equipment features, it is the world’s fastest and most exciting roadster. It is immediately recognizable as a result of its slightly higher windscreen, stylized daytime running lights, and lightweight, transparent polycarbonate roof.

The main challenge in developing the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport with its removable roof resulted from the unique structure of the fixed-roof Bugatti Veyron. An optimum combination of rigidity and lightweight engineering ensures the monocoque passenger cell of the original model is extremely strong, while weighing an absolute minimum . As the roof is an integral part of the vehicle’s structure, removing it meant the load paths had to be completely redesigned to maintain the vehicle’s rigidity and crash safety, and to offer additional protection from side impacts and rolling.

As a result, the monocoque structure has been reinforced around the side skirts and the transmission tunnel. The B-pillars have been cross-stiffened using a carbon fibre support, and a central carbon plate has been positioned beneath the transmission tunnel to ensure the vehicle suffers from less torsional flexing
than any other roadster.

The doors of the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport are made of carbon fibre, and house an integrated longitudinal beam. In the event of an accident, this transfers the load from the A to the B-pillar, thereby dissipating impact energy. Furthermore, the two redesigned air intakes for the 16-cylinder mid-engine
now feature 10-centimetre wide carbon-fibre elements to offer protection in the event of a roll.

Along with moisture-resistant, backstitched leather, a range of new equipment features has been added to the interior, including a reversing camera with 2.7-inch monitor integrated in the rear-view-mirror, and the “Puccini” sound system with digital signal processor.

When the roof is closed, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport can reach 407 km/h, while speeds of up to 360 km/h are possible with the roof off. Should it rain, an innovative soft-top roof, like an umbrella, stored in the luggage compartment, can be opened up at any time. With this soft top in place, the car can
travel at up to 160 km/h.

More than just an open Veyron

“When I had the chance to test-drive the new Grand Sport for the first time myself, I was filled with excitement”, said Pierre Henri Raphanel, Bugatti’s Pilot official, “as soon I shifted into second gear, I knew this was a completely different car. I could immediately feel the difference. Even with the roof still on, in the tips of my fingers and at the base of my spine everything was more present, more intimate. More precise with less understeer, almost as if you had taken away some filters from the suspension and the steering.” The former Le Mans winner has probably driven more kilometres in a Veyron than anyone else, presenting the car to numerous customers and the press. Taking off the roof “the excitement comes directly from the engine – giving you the feeling that you had a horsepower factory just thirty centimetres behind your head, trying to suck you up and swallow you,” he raves.

Assembled by hand at the company’s headquarters in Molsheim, Alsace, the Grand Sport will be delivered from July 2009 onwards at a price of 1.4 million euros (excluding taxes and transportation). Just 150 units will be made, with the first 50 of these going exclusively to registered Bugatti customers. So far 30 Grand
Sports have been ordered. The Chassis Number one auctioned at the Pebble Beach Auction by Gooding and Company last summer and sold for 3.19 million Dollar. The additional revenues of 900.000 Dollar were donated by Bugatti to the Pebble Beach Company Foundation Charity.

[Source: Autoblog]

Supercar Features Air Force-Tuned Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger

Recruitment is at an all time low for the Air Force. But what to do? How do you embellish a job that involves flying multi-million dollar crater-makers for a living? Answer: You bring it down a notch, and put cockpits in muscle cars!

The USAF hired Galpin Auto Sports to transform a Mustang and a Challenger into two serious supercars in hopes of attracting gearheads to Air Force recruiting events. And boy did Galpin deliver. The “X-1″ Mustang and the “Vapor” Challenger are totally unique interpretations of two of the most widely popular tuner cars in the world.

The X-1 comes decked out with an ejection seat and a full instrument panel with enough gizmos to make the GT-R’s readouts seem restrained. We are curious about the joystick. I mean, we know it works on Gran Turismo but how does it work on the way to Costco? And the Vapor sports a two seat layout-a pilot and copilot sort of arrangement–complete with two steering wheels. We’re not sure we like the idea of our girlfriend’s or mom’s having potential control of the vehicle, but it would probably be ideal for Driver Training courses.

Which brings up the biggest issue: while these rides are totally sick, the Air Force isn’t any closer to getting me in a pilot’s seat than they were the last time I faked colorblindness. That is, unless I could obtain the keys to one of these sterling beauties. (Hint, hint: you hear that USAF? I can be bought!)

For those of you who have been swayed and intend on in enlisting, the Air Force would appreciate you showing your patriotism and reading the entire press release:

Galpin Auto Sports PARTNERS WITH U.S. Air Force TO CREATE

Two “SUPERCARS”

Built for the 2009 Recruiting Tour: the ‘X-1’ Ford Mustang and ‘Vapor’ Dodge Challenger Feature Hyper-Advanced Technology and Design

NORTH HILLS, Calif. (June 1, 2009) – Galpin Auto Sports collaborated with the United States Air Force to create two customized vehicles for its 2009 Super Car Tour – a new U.S. Air Force recruiting initiative that kicked off in May. The white Ford Mustang ‘X-1’ and black Dodge Challenger ‘VAPOR’ are Air Force-inspired designs that will travel across the country this year as part of a mobile marketing campaign to educate young people on the mechanical and technical career opportunities available within the Air Force.

Southern California based Galpin Auto Sports is widely known for its corporate and one-off vehicle designs, through its involvement with various movies and TV projects, including the 2008 “Knight Rider” series’ KITT car, the upcoming movie car in the thriller “The Red Mist” and the acting-home base of MTV’s “Pimp My Ride”.

“For Galpin Auto Sports to be commissioned by the most technologically advanced organization on Earth is truly an honor” said Beau Boeckmann, Chief Designer for Galpin Auto Sports. “This is one of the most extraordinary and important projects that we have ever done.”

The Air Force looked to Galpin Auto Sports to create two unique hyper-styled vehicles with the most technologically advanced features available. The vehicles are a combination of form, function and futuristic entertainment all fueled together. To see the entire build of the X-1 and Vapor, please visit: http://www.airforce.com/supercar/.

Representing the muscle of the Air Force, the ‘X-1’ Mustang is a heavenly matte-pearlescent painted supercar with a jet cockpit that includes a single-driver ejection seat in center of vehicle, short shifter, flight stick, and advanced instrumentation panel. The ‘X-1’ also has a concealed motorized steering wheel, custom foot pedals, GPS transponder and the innovative dash is equipped with a touch screen monitor and sensor pack that displays night and thermal vision. The 4.6 liter engine includes 3-valve Ford Racing heads, cold air intake, hot rod cams, and long tube headers creating 500hp and is maintained by a custom Ford Racing Tuning Program. The Vertical doors feature interior panel fabrication to complete the ‘jet-like’ feel of the ‘X-1’, which will appear on the East Coast portion of the Air Force recruiting tour.

The stealth-black Air Force Challenger ‘Vapor’ features a biometric access to open the Vertical doors, a custom Stealth body kit with Jet enhancements and a carbon fiber exterior trim. Other exterior components include one-off carbon fiber wheels, a custom stealth exhaust mode that allows the vehicle to run in complete silence or you can open up the headers to facilitate the aggressive sound of the engine, shaker hood, radar-absorbing paint, proximity sensors, and a 360-degree camera with ¼ mile range. The interior of the ‘Vapor’ is complete with aircraft style controls, a passenger side steering wheel, GPS tracking, night and thermal vision via a film on the front windshield, and the most technologically-advanced computer system with remote control UAV-type access from anywhere in the world utilizing the internet. The ‘Vapor’ also comes with two custom flight helmets in line with the Air Force theme of the vehicle.

The vehicles recently debuted in Austin, Texas under Brigadier General AJ Stewart, commander of Air Force Recruiting Service as well as 60 U.S. Air Force marketers and GSD&M Idea City. Galpin Auto Sport’s Lead Customizer, Mad Mike, was present for the unveiling and felt a personal connection to this project having started his career in the Air Force. “If it was not for the U.S. Air Force, I would not have the knowledge and skills that enables me to stand where I am today.” said Mad Mike.

“We’re looking for hands-on people to serve in critical Air Force jobs and we’re fortunate to be working with exactly those kinds of professionals at Galpin,” said Daniel Elkins, U.S. Air Force Recruiting Services. “The Super Car Tour is illustrative of the kinds of opportunities available in the Air Force where technology knows no limit.”

The 2009 Super Car Tour will primarily visit high schools and a variety of Air Force sponsored events including the DUB magazine auto show, Hot Import Nights, Battle of the Imports, Formula Drift, International Hot Rod Association and local community events.

About Galpin Auto Sports

Galpin Auto Sports, located at 15600 Roscoe Blvd. in Van Nuys offers customizing and personalizing services on all new and pre-owned vehicles including collector and classic cars and is the official garage for MTV’s Pimp My Ride. For more information on Galpin Auto Sports’ unique products and services, please contact G.A.S. General Manager, Steve McCord (smccord@galpin.com), at (877)-GO-GAS-GO or visit the website at www.galpinautosports.com.

About Galpin Motors

With over 60 years in business, Galpin Motors is the world’s largest volume Ford dealership for the 19th consecutive year. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, Galpin is comprised of a family of quality automobile brands including Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda, Honda, Saturn and Volvo.

About the U.S. Air Force

The mission of the U.S. Air Force is to fly, fight and win … in air, space and cyberspace. This is achieved through a vision of Global Vigilance, Reach and Power accomplished by extraordinary men and women coming together to make a difference in the world. To learn more about Air Force opportunities, visit www.airforce.com.