Autoblog

Bugatti honors Dubai with three special editions Veyrons

Chris Paukert — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Bugatti, Misc. Auto Shows, Middle East, Design/Style, Luxury

Bugatti at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

As with any other business, in the automotive sphere, it's mission critical to recognize on which side your bread is buttered - particularly in lean times like these. Bugatti may be losing money on each Veyron it builds, but that doesn't mean that company strategists don't know how to earn a crust. Need proof? This month's Dubai Motor Show finds the supercar builder unveiling a trio of special edition models in one of its most important markets.

The Middle East triumvirate will consist of the Veyron Nocturne, which features "galvanized side windows" that add continuity to the polished aluminum body panel accents, and there are also polished wheels and a "black nanocoated magnesium dashboard" with a center console rendered in galvanized platinum. Just five examples will be built.

Bugatti will also show its Veyron "Sang d'Argent" and a topless Grand Sport "Soliel de Nuit" model for those that like a little sun and sand in their hair. The former of which employs a silver metallic finish and alloys nicked from the Grand Sport and the latter incorporates "country coded" colors that include a silver metallic lower and an impossibly deep upper blue finish and a Havanna interior with quilted seats.

If you're interested, well, have your accountant's accountant ring up Bugatti, and summon your garage keeper to ensure you've got some extra room available in the first quarter of 2010 for when you take delivery. Oh, and you'll have to liberate anywhere from 1.45 million euro ($2.1M USD) to 1.65 million euro ($2.5M) from your chaise lounge cushions for the privilege. Not up for it? Well, you can at least check out our high-res images below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Bugatti at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show

[Source: Bugatti]

Continue reading Bugatti honors Dubai with three special editions Veyrons

Bugatti honors Dubai with three special editions Veyrons originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kepler Motors Motion supercar to debut at Dubai Motor Show

Drew Phillips — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Misc. Auto Shows

Kepler Motors Motion - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's hard not to be skeptical when a company that no one has ever heard of announces a brand-new supercar. A few have managed to last more than a few years, like Koenigsegg and Pagani, but most seem to disappear just as quickly as they appear. Russ Wicks, founder and CEO of Kepler Motors, is evidently undaunted by the statistics and is launching his new supercar, the Motion, this week at the Dubai International Motor Show.

To their credit, Kepler Motors seems to have all right pieces to the puzzle. The Motion features all the makings of a 21st century supercar like a carbon fiber composite monocoque chassis and body, active suspension and aerodynamics, and a seven-speed sequential transaxle. The all-important horsepower rating is an impressive 800 thanks to the combination of a modified Ford 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 that drives the rear wheels and a 250 hp electric motor that sends power to the front. Yes, it's a hybrid.

While we remain skeptical, we wish Kepler Motors the best of luck. They will surely have their hands full filling their proposed production limit of 50 cars that are set to be delivered to customers at the start of 2011. We will be sure to bring you any updates regarding the supercar startup, but until then check out the gallery below or read more about the Motion in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Kepler Motors MOTION Supercar

[Source: Kepler Motors]

Continue reading Kepler Motors Motion supercar to debut at Dubai Motor Show

Kepler Motors Motion supercar to debut at Dubai Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Lexus to lease - not sell - all U.S. LFA supercars in order to foil speculators

Chris Paukert — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Lexus

2011 Lexus LFA - Click above for high-res image gallery

In an interesting bid to foil exotic car speculators who drive up the prices of limited-availability models, Lexus will reportedly lease - not sell - its forthcoming LFA supercar when it hits the U.S. market in January of 2011. As Automotive News reports, Lexus will only offer two-year leases of its 552-horsepower supercar at a fixed price (which has not yet been disclosed). At the conclusion of the two year period, leaseholders will get the opportunity to purchase the vehicle outright, at which point the title would be handed over. As Lexus' vice president of sales and dealer development Brian Smith tells it, his company wants "people out driving the car and not just parking it in a museum or selling it at an inflated price."

As part of the gearing-up process to sell this markedly different kind of vehicle, Lexus will also reportedly train 15 LFA specialists that will be located at the company's four regional outposts, and the Japanese automaker will also pay for dealers to receive the special tools and training that will service the vehicles.

Despite being a lease, all cars will still be individually tailored to the customer and built-to-order beginning in December of 2010.

This is certainly an interesting and potentially very clever end-around on the speculator's market. If it works, look for other exotic car companies like Ferrari and Lamborghini to follow suit.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA

Photos copyright (C)2009 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Automotive News]

REPORT: Lexus to lease - not sell - all U.S. LFA supercars in order to foil speculators originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ferrari working on radical new door opening

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ferrari, Rumormill

As if scissor doors, gullwings, butterflies and those crazy Koenigsegg pivoters weren't enough to separate exotics from lesser cars, Ferrari is said to be working on another new door design that is both radical and practical. Go figure.

Autocar came across a patent filing showing a few diagrams depicting this unique door setup. What sets it apart is the fact that the new Ferrari door includes part of the front fender and hinges upward like the butterfly door from a LeMans racer. Apparently the opening is large enough and shaped in such a way that "occupants can place their foot directly behind the front wheel."

According to the patent application, that will make ingress and egress much easier for passengers in low-slung supercars, though the new door design is said to work just as well on front engined cars as it does for vehicles with their engines mounted aft or amidships. Even better, this design and its unique hinges are reported to be "easy and cost-effective to make," which should make it easier for the Dodge Chargers of SEMA circa 2012 to get in on the fun too.

We're still seeing an issue with the A-pillar and windscreen, but it looks interesting. We'll be sure to keep an eye out for any photos of these funky doors, but for now we're stuck wondering how hard it was for Ferrari engineers to use the supplied British sports car diagram in order to submit their application form.

Gallery: Ferrari's radical new doors

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Ferrari working on radical new door opening originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Chevrolet C5 Corvette-based Saleen S7 replica roadster

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Etc., Chevrolet, Specialty, Design/Style

C5 Corvette based Saleen S7 replica - click above image for hi-res gallery

Steve Saleen's Saleen S7 is a totally bespoke, hand built superduper hypercar that in twin-turbo, 750 horsepower, 700 pound-feet of torque form could go about 250 mph. And it was capable of generating enough downforce to (theoretically) drive upside down. In competition, the S7R has been one of the most dominant vehicles ever fielded, having been "raced in over 264 events, with 218 Top Tens, 166 Podiums, 105 Wins, 86 Poles, 78 Fastest Laps and 9 GT Championships." Price when new was about $600,000, give or take.

Which makes the above car all the more special. Sayeth the seller, "We thought long and hard as to what chassis we would use for our replica. First of all we knew the 80's [sic] Fiero was not an option. its [sic] too old, underpowered, and not a safe frame." Oh man - the replica world has really changed if a Pontiac Fiero chassis is not good enough. But the auctioneer does inadvertently raise a good point, as the S7 is in fact a mid-engined car, and you just got to have that if you're building a replica, don't you? Apparently not.

"So we went with a C5 Corvette chassis. It offers all the driving comforts, with great brakes, Power, and a super strong frame. and we could retail the car for a reasonable price." But not only is it Chevrolet Corvette based, they made it a roadster! See, all those boring old S7s were stuffy mid-engined hardtops - this is the world's first and only front-engined roadster S7. Replica. We've got to say we're a little amazed there are only two bids.

Oh wait, no - we said that wrong. What we meant is that we're a little amazed there are two bids. Currently, the "replica" is sitting at $20,100 and ~~humorously~~ oddly, the reserve has not been met. Did we mention that it's an automatic? Also, dude, your check engine light is on. Videos after the jump. Happy bidding!

Gallery: C5 Corvette based Saleen S7 replica

[Source: eBay Motors]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: Chevrolet C5 Corvette-based Saleen S7 replica roadster

eBay Find of the Day: Chevrolet C5 Corvette-based Saleen S7 replica roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Lexus reveals $375,000 LFA supercar...finally [w/VIDEO]

Drew Phillips — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:12:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus

2011 Lexus LFA - Click above for high-res image gallery

It seems like the Lexus LFA has been around forever. In reality, the first concept version was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 2005, but that's a long time in the automotive world. Additional concepts followed in 2007 and 2008, and the on-off rumors of a production version haven't help. Nevertheless, the production version of the LFA is finally here at the Tokyo Motor Show, and it is glorious. All of which makes it harder to stomach that the car shown here isn't expected to reach customer garages until early 2011.

The specifications of the new rear-drive Lexus supercar are impressive enough: a 4.8-liter V10 with 560 ps (552 bhp), 354 lb-ft torque, a zingy 9,000 rpm redline, six-speed sequential gearbox, 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds, and a top speed of 202 mph. It looks amazing too, both in pictures and in person.

Of course, we can't help but make comparisons to the current reigning Japanese supercar, the Nissan GT-R. At just 3,263 pounds, the LFA easily has a better power-to-weight ratio, but that hasn't seemed to stop the all-wheel drive juggernaut before. Then there is the small matter of cost to consider. Unlike the GT-R, which is considered a performance bargain, the LFA will be exclusive - and costly. Only 500 units will be produced at a cost of...drum roll please....$375,000. Despite the colossal price tag, we hear that Lexus expects to take a loss on each one.

Will the LFA be worth the high cost? We should be able to tell you soon, as our man Damon Lavrinc will be getting some time behind the wheel of a prototype later this week. Until then, you can check out some amazing video of the LFA after the jump and live photos in the high-res galleries below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2011 Lexus LFA

Gallery: Lexus LFA

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Lexus reveals $375,000 LFA supercar...finally [w/VIDEO]

Tokyo 2009: Lexus reveals $375,000 LFA supercar...finally [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VERITAS RS III Roadster ready for production

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Etc., BMW

2010 Veritas RS III - Click above for high-res image gallery

After an eight-year buildup, the Veritas RS III has finally slithered into series production in Grafschaft-Gelsdorf, Germany. Just like the Dutch firm Spyker, Vermot AG has resurrected the post-war German racing marque that sold a few road-going versions of their racers to a handful of lucky enthusiasts. Now, the new company is doing less racing and more street scorching, and the RS III is its first foray into the world of production cars.

In Monterey this past August, we caught our first glimpse of the finally-ready-for-production Veritas RS III. With its newly revised front end (now with 50 percent more serpent!) it looks even more like a BMW Z8 on acid. Which is totally appropriate, because this retro rocketsled is powered by the same 5.0-liter V10 engine found in the M5 supersedan. With 500 hp propelling a scant 2,400 pounds, the 30 ~~insane~~ lucky folks who plunk down a million bucks for one of these can look forward to a 0-100km/h dash of just 3.2 seconds and a top speed of more than 215 MPH.

That's Enzo-like performance for an Enzo-like price, but it offers ten times the exclusivity -- not to mention Veritas started operating the same year as Enzo Ferrari in 1947. The difference is that this serpent lay dormant for almost 50 years, getting ready to strike. Vermot has released a slew of new photos and additional details about the car, which you can find in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Veritas RS III

[Source: Veritas]

Continue reading VERITAS RS III Roadster ready for production

VERITAS RS III Roadster ready for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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200 mph supercars featured at the 2nd Annual Caruso Concours

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Audi, Bugatti, Dodge, Ford, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari

2nd Annual Caruso Concours - Click above for our high-res image gallery courtesy Greg Grudt

The 2nd Annual Caruso Concours was held this past weekend at The Americana at Brand shopping center in Glendale, California. Put off a bit by threatening skies, we didn't make it out there ourselves, but luckily, Autoblog friend and shutterbug Greg Grudt was there to capture all of the excitement for us. This sophomore outing was once again put on by The Petersen Automotive Museum, and as was the case last year, a brace of incredible vehicles showed up to this fitting but unorthodox locale. Showgoers could peruse the cars for a bit and then pick up a Tiffany necklace on their way out.

This year's gathering focused on supercars - in particular, supercars capable of 200 mph. Not meant to be an exhaustive showing of double-century barrier breakers, it nonetheless attracted an impressive array of cars capable of close to, if not over, the magic mark. The fun part was just seeing them all together in one place. Judging by Grudt's images, it looks like the Americana also happens to be hosting a few of those Toyota solar sunflowers, which made for an interesting juxtaposition.

Supercars right off the showroom floor mingled with old-timers from as far back as the Eighties. For instance, the display included not just the Bugatti Veyron, but also its forebearer, the EB110. The list of cars in attendance read like a roster of World's Fastest Cars contenders. Ferrari was represented by an Enzo, F50, F40, 288GTO, 16M, and a SuperAmerica. The Lamborghini cluster was comprised of an LP670-SV, LP640-4, LP560-4 and even a Countach. There was also a Mercedes-McLaren SLR, CLK DTM, Ford GT, Dodge Viper, Cizeta V16t, Maserati MC12, Nissan GT-R, Audi R8, and even a Jaguar XJ220, which complemented the long flowing bodywork of the adjacent Maser quite nicely. They even dragged out the AREX Concept which was supposed to be good for 214 mph.

All-in, it appears to have been a great way to bring exotics to the people. Be sure to check out Greg's pics in the gallery, and check out a larger gallery by clicking here.

Gallery: 2nd Annual Caruso Concours

Photos copyright (C)2009 Greg Grudt/Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: socalspeedzone.com]

200 mph supercars featured at the 2nd Annual Caruso Concours originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official Cash for Clunkers trade-in list reveals oddities too strange to believe

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Government/Legal, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Specialty, Luxury

Cash for Clunkers claimed some really interesting vehicles - Was a Buick GNX among them?

Mixed reaction has surrounded the government's Cash for Clunkers program, but after spending around $2.8 billion, some 700,000 new vehicles have found homes. But what got traded in? We've heard some horror stories, but now that the full list of executed vehicles has been released on the Cars.gov website and we've listed some of the oddities we found while snooping around. Many are down right hard to believe, suggesting either errors in the submission process, typos in the list or even some fudging by dealers who clunked a few vehicles that weren't eligible. After the jump is a list of "Clunkers" that stood out. We can't guarantee these all really went to the crusher, but they do appear on the list.

Follow the jump for a recap of the program's eligibility requirements for trade-in vehicles and our full list. And we'd suggest having a box of tissues nearby.

[Source: Cars.gov]

Continue reading Official Cash for Clunkers trade-in list reveals oddities too strange to believe

Official Cash for Clunkers trade-in list reveals oddities too strange to believe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Sultan of Michigan's car collection is one of nicest we've ever seen

Chris Paukert — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Videos, Supercars, Audi, BMW, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GM, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Saleen, Alfa Romeo, Callaway, AMG, Specialty

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We've been through a lot of great car collections and museums over the years, but even we have to admit that we've never seen a private collection like this. Assembled by a shadowy figure known only as "The Sultan of Michigan," this cache has something for car enthusiasts of most every stripe, although the focus is clearly on vintage and present-day muscle and Eighties-and-up supercars. Truck enthusiasts, vintage foreign guys and brass car enthusiasts will largely have to look elsewhere, but it's a magnificent collection, with the most flabbergasting thing being that it appears to be up-to-the-minute current.

The whereabouts and ownership of the collection are two things that the owner prefers to keep private - we actually have confirmation on both, but prefer to respect privacies. What we can confirm is that this treasure trove is, in fact, located in Michigan, which is both heartening (to know that such wealth and mechanical beauty still exists in the state) and somewhat confounding (as the area lacks truly great winding roads on which to exploit much of the machinery). In either case, the collection is generally kept under wraps, although periodically we understand that the owner invites in selected parties to share in the gorgeousness. Some of the folks at MidwestSSC.com are obviously part of the 'inner circle' judging by the video and this photo gallery. Follow the jump to take the tour for yourself. Thanks to Andrew Weber for use of his video, and we appreciate the tips, Justin and Evan!

[Sources: Andrew Weber; MidwestSCC.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sultan of Michigan's car collection is one of nicest we've ever seen

VIDEO: Sultan of Michigan's car collection is one of nicest we've ever seen originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 1350 HP Bugatti Veyron Centenaire headed for Geneva

Noah Joseph — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Bugatti

It may have only been ten years or so since the Volkswagen Group relaunched Bugatti, but anyone familiar with historic automobiles - or automotive history - will tell you that the stoic automaker has been around a lot longer than that. 100 years, to be exact. Although there were periods in between when the carmaker was dormant, it's been a century since the venerated Ettore Bugatti launched his company. Bugatti's patrons in the Volkswagen Group aren't about to miss that opportunity, and to that end, they are reportedly working on something special to present at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

Bugattis are special enough as they are, but special Veyrons are hardly uncommon in the scheme of things. Bugatti has launched a seemingly endless succession of special edition supercars with unique paint schemes and trim packages. If the latest rumors are to be believed, however, the new special Bugatti could be very special indeed. Supposedly called the Centenaire edition, reports suggest the special Veyron an increased power rating - word on the street has always been that the Veyron's quad-turbo W16 was always capable of more than the already astronomic 1000 horsepower rating it got - up to some 1350 horses, good enough to boost the top end up to 420 km/h (261 miles-per-hour) from the current benchmark of 400 km/h (253 mph). Special paint schemes and trim pieces will surely be part of the mix as well, but hitting the Willard Scott mark may prove enough to warrant a more substantial birthday gift if the rumors are to be believed. We'll know for sure soon as the Geneva show is just around the corner.

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir

[Source: Autoblog.nl]

REPORT: 1350 HP Bugatti Veyron Centenaire headed for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Gumpert Apollo Speed promises ludicrous velocities

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Supercars

Click above to view the Gumpert Apollo Speed rendering in high resolution

Despite economic conditions, the upcoming Geneva Motor Show promises to be a rip-roaring cacophony of high-end machinery, with independent German sportscar firm Gumpert taking its shot at the slowing economy with an even faster version of its Apollo supercar. Called the Apollo Speed, the revised supercar features a reduced ride height and revised aerodynamics to deliver blistering performance numbers.

The Gumpert Apollo Speed is capable of hitting 100 kilometers-per-hour (62 miles-per-hour) in three seconds flat and 200 km/h (124 mph) in just 8.9, en route to a claimed 360 km/h (224 miles-per-hour) top speed. And that's in 700 horsepower trim - the twin-turbo V8 is also available in 650 and 800 horsepower specifications, promising devastating performance at any level.

A new induction system delivers fresh air to the engine, while revised wheel arches, rear end and an adjustable spoiler direct the air over the slick body with increased efficiency. Inside, the cabin can be outfitted in leather or Alcantara trim, with a competition-style removable steering wheel and four-point harness securing the driver. So far, Gumpert has only released the teaser rendering you see above, but the new Apollo Speed, in a Bugatti Veyron-style two-tone paint scheme, will be unveiled in Geneva on March 4, so stay tuned. Full details are available in the meantime in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Gumpert Apollo Speed

[Source: Gumpert]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Gumpert Apollo Speed promises ludicrous velocities

Geneva Preview: Gumpert Apollo Speed promises ludicrous velocities originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini Miura No. 1 found, set for Cali restoration

Dan Roth — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Supercars

The chassis for Lamborghini Miura #1 is such a work of art, it'd be a shame to cover it up with that swoopy, classic bodywork. The Dallara-designed masterpiece first met the world in 1965 at the Turin Auto Salon and was apparently stored after that until Marios Kritkos fell in love with it in 1977. Kritkos, who handled the importation of Lamborghini cars for Cyprus, went to Sant'Agata in 1978 and dragged the chassis back to Cyprus. The chassis has recently been "discovered," not that it was ever really lost, and Los-Angeles based Joe Sackey (author of The Lamborghini Miura Bible) and Gary Bobileff (whose website has a sweet Ferrari-themed interface) now have Miura #1 at Gary's shop, where it will get a restoration to an astounding standard. Give us a pair of Snidely Whiplash goggles, and we'd drive that thing every day.

[Source: Hemmings]

Lamborghini Miura No. 1 found, set for Cali restoration originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Class warfare: Exotic car owners in MA got massive tax break

Chris Shunk — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:37:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Supercars

Owning a high-end car? Fun. Paying the hefty vehicle tax on it? Not so much -- that is, unless you live in the state of Massachusetts. From the late 1990s to 2007, the state's Registry of Motor Vehicles missed collecting $32 million a year in annual taxes because it used the NADA database to calculate them for some 131,000 exotics or otherwise premium vehicles. Unfortunately for the RMV, NADA's database excludes high-end luxury vehicles, so there was no proper way to tax those cars in the state. If, for instance, you purchased a Bugatti Veyron, instead of paying many thousands of dollars, you could have wound up paying no more than the owner of a Ford Focus.

This is going to suck for owners of affected cars, as the taxman comes to collect what he missed the first time around, right? Wrong. Folks who purchased an affected vehicle through 2007 are completely off the hook. The commonwealth has decided that trying to collect the over $300 million it missed over all those years would be an administrative and legal nightmare. That's a win-win situation for premium car owners in Mass. that's sure to torque off the regular guy, whom the government had no trouble finding and collecting from, as usual. What's scandalous is that no one at the RMV figured this out until now. Bay Staters, that's you're local government (and those tax dollars it collects) at work.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Class warfare: Exotic car owners in MA got massive tax break originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Old vs. New - Ferrari 599 shows F40 a thing or two

Dan Roth — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:38:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Supercars, Ferrari, First Drives

Click above to view video

It's always nice when money gets thrown at making epic videos of cars, and this one is so beautifully produced that it obviously cost a bundle. What could be more epic than a couple of Ferraris being treated like the rentals Rowdy and Cole duked it out with in Days Of Thunder? Okay, Ferrari and NASCAR, ne'er the twain shall meet, but what we do have here is a fantastically beautiful video of a Ferrari 599 showing the F40 what an old man it's become. Let's see, do we want to take the comfortable, easy-driving, fighter-jet fast GT, or would we prefer the raucous, painful, finicky throwback that's nearly as fast but is probably more exhilarating due simply to the cacophony behind your head? Either could be fun - follow the jump to see for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Johnny!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Old vs. New - Ferrari 599 shows F40 a thing or two

VIDEO: Old vs. New - Ferrari 599 shows F40 a thing or two originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starting 2007 off on the right foot

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

click on image above to see high resolution gallery with 50 pics

Now here's a New Year's resolution we can get behind: pledging to drive our classic or high performance cars more. We're not talking about street racing or anything illegal, mind you, just a little spirited motoring to hear and feel these great machines at speed. This particular drive was in Southern California and has been a staple for local residents going on a few years now. The event was the 4th Annual Tour d'Orange, and it kicked off another New Year for some of the car crazy residents of Orange County on Monday. Starting at the Auto Kennel and adjacent Newport Shelby Cobras, we looped around OC to rediscover our diverse landscape.

Winding our way from the heart of Orange County to the Pacific Coast Highway, we drove down along some of the most scenic coastline known to man, cutting back inland to the foothills and canyon roads before a lunch stop at In-N-Out. As you can see from the high-res gallery we've assembled for you, the assortment of cars that showed up this year was quite eclectic: Mercedes SLR to rat rod, 996 GT2 to VW GTI, a genuine aluminum Cobra, a Ferrari Daytona, Superformance SPF, and '69 soft top Porsche Targa. Similar events take place all over the world, and even around SoCal there are a few other drives like this one, but when offered a ride in a 600-hp Andial-massaged 993 Turbo, we jumped at the chance. Thanks to everybody involved for kicking off 2007 with the right foot.

Starting 2007 off on the right foot originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor4Toys reaches 10,000 toy goal

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Some of you may recall the Motor4Toys automotive toy drive we told you about a couple of weeks ago. Dustin Troyan and the Motor4Toys Foundation put out a call to all of the car clubs and enthusiasts in Southern California to collect toys and money for the needy. And the response was overwhelming. Now in its 3rd year, the event continues to grow and this year exceeded its goal. More than 10,000 toys have been donated so far! This very special event collects toys for the California Highway Patrol Chips For Kids Program. There are many needed causes this time of year and several notable fundraiser events, but this one is special.

Big clickable gallery after the jump.

Continue reading Motor4Toys reaches 10,000 toy goal

Motor4Toys reaches 10,000 toy goal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche GT1 development details

John Neff — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 10:09:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Bugatti, Porsche

Autocar has cobbled together what we know about the GT1 so far to create this rendering of what the Bugatti Veyron-beater might look like when it surfaces sometime in 2009. The info we already know hasn't changed much. The car will be a 950-bhp, street-legal version of Porsche's future Le Mans racer and use the Carrera GT's carbon fiber frame with a new nose and tail. The GT1's top speed will be 254 mph, 2 mph more than the Veyron.

Autocar's drawing is said to be inspired from leaked technical drawings, so this is more than an artist's best guess. The magazine also claims that Porsche has already begun testing 950-bhp engines, despite not knowing whether the GT1's powerplant will be a turbocharged version of the Carrera GT's V10 or a bored-out, twin-turbo version of the Cayenne S's V8. Regardless of which engine is chosen, the GT1 holds the promise of stealing the top podium spot away from the Bugatti Veyron.

[Source: Speed TV via GermanCarBlog]

Porsche GT1 development details originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Jul 2006 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche GT1 to emerge as Veyron-slayer

John Neff — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Supercars, Bugatti, Porsche

The Bugatti Veyron is the gold standard for supercars. There are but a few cars as fast and none as opulent or expensive as the seven-figure exotic. According to Autocar magazine, Porsche may be getting ready to go head to head with Bugatti using a roadgoing version of the Le Mans racer it is currently developing. Dubbed the GT1, the uber exotic will produce 950 bhp and hit a top speed of 254 mph, a couple clicks over the Veyron's best effort of 252 mph.

The GT1 could be view as a replacement to the recently cancelled Carrera GT, as it will use a modified version of that car's carbon fiber chassis but be skinned with a different body and feature a closed cockpit. The GT1's prodigious amount of power could be produced by either a modified version of the Carrera GT's V10 or a turbocharged version of the Cayenne's V8 with a larger displacement.

PistonHeads reports that Bugatti is already working on a faster Veyron, so Porsche better step on it before Bugatti moves the target.

[Source: Autocar via PistonHeads]

Porsche GT1 to emerge as Veyron-slayer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jun 2006 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Lotus Esprit

John Neff — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Lotus

Another mule has been caught lapping the Ring in Germany, and this time it's the forthcoming revival of the lightweight Lotus Esprit supercar. The new Esprit is expected use a BMW V8 for power, and while eight cylinders is no surprise, we have to admit that we enjoyed the old Esprit's identity as the "four-cylinder supercar".

Near the end of the Esprit's last run it was fitted with a Lotus-developed, compact twin-turbo 3.5L V8 that developed 350 hp, but it seemed out of place to us in a supercar that made its mark by chasing down more powerful cars with nothing more than a four-banger and a prayer. These days, however, the Lotus Elise is having no trouble filling its older brothers shoes as the company's resident "four-cylinder supercar".

[Source: Inside Line via Winding Road]

Spy Shots: 2008 Lotus Esprit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jun 2006 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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