Autoblog

McLaren P1 guru spills more info on his hypercar

Matt Davis — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, McLaren

We know the McLaren P1 is pretty much ready to fly into lucky US owners' underground bunkers by the latter part of fall 2013. We should get a go at an early production version by late June, we are told, and as you would imagine, we can't wait. The running number on the price for the United States remains pegged at $1.15 million.

The main facts remain the same: The P1 runs off a twin-power hybrid powerplant good for a combined 903 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque. Thrusting thrills are provided by both the push-button operated Drag Reduction System (or DRS), chopping drag by 23 percent by flattening the rear wing, and by the push-button operated Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) feeding instantaneous added electric-motor oomph through the gearbox straight to the drivetrain. The slingshot from 0 to 186 miles per hour (i.e. 300 kilometers per hour) happens in less than 17 seconds.

Shivers. While at the Geneva Motor Show where the P1 showed itself in full production trim and in screaming picture-hogging yellow, we chatted about further details with the P1's chief of engineering design, Dan Parry-Williams. To all the specification fodder we already have on the P1, Parry-Williams added some chum.

Continue reading McLaren P1 guru spills more info on his hypercar

McLaren P1 guru spills more info on his hypercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Quick Returns: Pagani Zondas trading over list

Noah Joseph — Thu, 07 May 2009 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Supercars, Earnings/Financials

Pagani Zonda F Roadster - Click above for a high-res image gallery

When times are good, it's not uncommon to see supercars trading hands at well above their retail price, especially for limited-production exotica. But you'd figure that with the economy in shambles such speculation would have been all but completely eliminated. After all, we've already brought you several reports of the owners of special-edition Bugatti Veyrons selling their limited-production hypercars to raise a little liquid capital. But according to the latest reports, one exclusive high-end supercar is being traded as a solid investment.

While the Pagani Zonda's price has risen dramatically over the years, its production numbers haven't. The original C12 launched in 2000 listed for £200k ($300k by today's money, but a lot more back then) and only four were made. The C12S was launched two years later with a £330k ($500k) price tag; coming in fixed-roof and roadster versions, 18 and 13 examples of each were built, respectively. By the time the Zonda F rolled around in 2005, prices had more than doubled over the original C12 to £470k ($700k), and over the past four years Pagani has built 25 coupes and 25 roadsters. The new Zonda R track special commands a huge £1.4m ($2m) price. But as much as the prices for new Zonda have skyrocketed, the trading price for used ones has defied the economy by shooting up, too. An original £200k C12 is now worth 150% more at £300k ($450k), while a £470k Zonda F recently sold for nearly a million pounds sterling (about $1.5 million at today's rates). Buyers reportedly see the Zonda, whose supply is far exceeded by demand, as a sound investment when more conventional choices have proven unreliable. So there you have it, Bernie Madoff has driven up the demand for exotic Italian supercars.

Gallery: Pagani Zonda F at Geneva 07

[Source: Croatian Times via Top Gear]

Quick Returns: Pagani Zondas trading over list originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Novitec gets ambitious, builds "own" supercar, the TuLesto

Chris Paukert — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Coupe, Europe, Supercars, Ferrari

Novitec TuLesto - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Novitec has long been regarded for their ability to produce streetable tuner Ferrari models with massive power and generally well-integrated aesthetic and aerodynamic modifications. And while this car, the Novitec TuLesto that see before you clearly has a lot of Ferrari 430 in it, this is a far more ambitious piece than what has come before it. Built in Bavaria by the German tuner, this mid-engined supercar is something of a celebratory affair, designed to mark the company's 20th anniversary.

Just 11 examples are planned, each brandishing 777 horsepower - enough to push the slippery carbon-fiber and aluminum shape to 60 mph in 3.4 ticks before topping out at more than 350 kmh (217 mph). Power comes from a 4.4-liter four-valve V8 (.10-liter larger than that of Ferrari's 430) with a pair of superchargers strapped on to yield the aforementioned 777 hp (at 8,200 rpm), along with a peak torque figure of 536 pound-feet at 6,300 rpm. The sole transmission choice is a six-speed semi-automatic paddleshift setup.

While probably a trackday monster, there is some streetability to the TuLesto, as well. The Luca Serafini Stile-designed front-end can be lifted four inches to accommodate speed bumps and aprons without incurring expensive scraping noise. Perhaps at full height you'll get a better look at the fully tweakable double-wishbone suspension, which includes adjustable dampers and swaybars.

The available 20- or 21-inch wheels are sinister-looking Novitec pieces that strike us as a bit Lamborghini-inspired, not necessarily a bad thing, and they house a set of ceramic composite brakes hatted by six-piston fixed calipers.

Funnily enough, our 20th celebrations weren't nearly as interesting as this. Happy Birthday, Novitec! Now... can we help you to blow out the candles?

Press release after the jump, high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Novitec TuLesto

[Source: Novitec]

Continue reading Novitec gets ambitious, builds "own" supercar, the TuLesto

Novitec gets ambitious, builds "own" supercar, the TuLesto originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva 2009: Apollo Oh, No - Latest Gumpert is one Raging Smurf

Chris Paukert — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Supercars

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Gumpert Apollo Speed

Despite its massive performance credentials, the Gumpert Apollo has endured more than a few knocks for its extreme function-over-form design. After seeing the new, more powerful Apollo Speed in the flesh, we can report that the naysayers are likely to keep jawing, particularly given this car's Raging Smurf two-tone paint.

The renovated Gumpert is lower and meaner, with the buyer's choice of 650-, 700-, or 800- horsepower specification, along with revised aerodynamics, new taillamps, and ultra-aerodynamic disc wheel covers. Inside, there are different four-point seat harnesses, a detachable steering wheel, and a two-tone interior loaded with blue Alcantara.

Given that the new Speed can run to 60 miles-per-hour in three seconds dead, hit 124 mph in 8.9 clicks, and storm to a top whack of 224 mph, however, we suspect that Gumpert owners will at least take a measure of comfort in knowing that they can outrun all hecklers.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Gumpert Apollo Speed

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Apollo Oh, No - Latest Gumpert is one Raging Smurf

Geneva 2009: Apollo Oh, No - Latest Gumpert is one Raging Smurf originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The valet's guide to driving exotic cars

Dan Roth — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Supercars

Don't screw it up -- the likely mantra of any conscientious valet. Beyond that imperative, what's a carhop to do when flipped the keys to something truly exotic? A Murcielago is, of course, impressive when parked, but sliding into the driver's seat for the first time can be intimidating. Where are all the controls? How the heck do you even put it into reverse? Exotics are not like other cars, and you'll certainly miss out on a tip if you crack up Michael Bolton's Lamborghini.

The Valet Spot is coming to the rescue of confused parkers everywhere. The site has launched a new resource section that offers instructions on how to wrangle various high-buck exclusive rides. So far there's not a lot of depth there, with instructions for driving the Bentley Continental, Rolls Royce Phantom and Lamborghini Gallardo, but we know the next time we get the chance to drive one of these cars, we'll have a place to turn so the auto transport guys don't laugh at us. Hat tip to Ian.

[Source: TheValetSpot, Photo by Paul Schreiber | CC2.0]

The valet's guide to driving exotic cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lamborghini delivers final Reventon to British customer

Noah Joseph — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Supercars, Lamborghini, UK, Specialty

Click above for high-res image gallery of the final Lamborghini Reventon

Lamborghini has cultivated an image for fast and exclusive supercars, but the Reventon broke the mold. Although rumors at one point suggested that the exotic automaker would increase the production run, Lamborghini stuck to its guns by producing just 20 examples as originally promised, all of which were spoken for almost immediately after the announcement was made despite a whopping million-euro price tag. Now the last one has rumbled out the factory gates in Sant'Agata Bolognese into the hands of one elated new owner.

Well, we'd be elated, but the car's owner was instead described as "understandably delighted". That's British understatement for you. The car was sold from a dealership in Birmingham, England, which had the honor of hocking the only Reventon to make it to the car-crazed UK. Fortunately for British supercars fans, the owner - whose identity was not disclosed and his face blurred out in the photo - pledges to drive the machine and will start by driving it across Europe from Italy to Engand.

Gallery: The Last Lamborghini Reventon

Gallery: 2008 Lamborghini Reventon

[Source: Lamborghini]

Continue reading Lamborghini delivers final Reventon to British customer

Lamborghini delivers final Reventon to British customer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

McLaren P11 supercar goes under the knife again before 2010

Michael Harley — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars

We reported ex-Fiat boss Frank Stephenson was tasked with a clean-sheet redesign of the upcoming McLaren supercar, codenamed the McLaren P11, just two months ago. Now we are hearing word that the exotic has been totally redesigned and is scheduled for a launch in 2010. Prototypes of the two-seat, mid-engined coupe (and convertible) are in testing as you read this.

Both body styles are reportedly built on a carbon fiber tub with aluminum front and rear subframes. Weight is expected to be less than 3,000 pounds, making it one of the lightest high-performance cars on the road (the current Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren coupe, more than a bit on the porky side, tips the scales about 750 pounds heavier). Power for the supercar is expected to come from a 550-hp V8 built by famed engine builder Mahle.

Now that the design of the P11 is theoretically set in stone, McLaren needs to find a factory in which to build it. Sites across Europe, including those in Italy, Austria, and Britain, are being considered. Insiders say the factory will announce their manufacturing decision next summer.

[Source: Autocar]

McLaren P11 supercar goes under the knife again before 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Maserati Quattroporte facelift spied sans camo

Noah Joseph — Tue, 27 May 2008 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Maserati

You've got about $130,000 to buy a luxury sedan. We know, it's a terrible situation to put yourself in, but bear with us. You could get the same Audi A8, BMW 760i or Mercedes S-Class as everyone else at the country club. The Jaguar XJ doesn't do it for you and the Bentley Continental Flying Spur is outside your range, so where do you look? The Maserati Quattroporte would be our choice over any of the above, holding down territory as the only four-door exotic on the market. But with newcomers like the Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera - both from sportscar-makers as reputed as Maserati - the Italians will be keen to hold down their territory. So with an all-new Quattroporte expected around 2012, Ferrari's kid brother is preparing a mid-cycle facelift for its four-door masterpiece.

We've brought you spy shots of camouflaged test mules accumulating development miles, but photos of the revised Maser have now surfaced in cyberspace. From the images - reportedly obtained right from the factory headquarters in Modena - we can see that the physical changes will be kept minimal, but side by side with the outgoing version we're expecting to see new headlights, bumper and grille up front, all subtly reshaped, along with similar revisions to the caboose. What we don't know at this point is whether this facelifted Quattroporte will stick with the same rev-happy engine or swap it out for either the GranTurismo S/Alfa 8C version or the direct-injected variant developed for the upcoming Ferrari California, or if the Trident marque will keep that card up its sleeve for the all-new version to follow. One way or another, the Italians aren't likely to give up to the Germans or the English without putting up a good fight.

[Source: Autospots.nl via World Car Fans]

Maserati Quattroporte facelift spied sans camo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 May 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Auto Erotic: How supercars get their groove on

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Safety, Supercars

l

Some of us here at Autoblog tend to avoid WreckedExotics.com. Don't get us wrong, it's a very well done site, but the images just make us cringe. And then cry. Knowing that hooligans with too much cash are regularly wrapping their supercars around poles is one thing, seeing it is another. But this one is just too funny to pass up.

Like something off of the Discovery Channel, the guys at Wrecked Exotics have assembled a collection of "wildlife" photography documenting the mating rituals of exotic supercars. Log on (alongside FIA president Max Mosley) and enjoy the close-up car-on-car action. Check out our faves below and visit the source for more photos from this odd safari

Gallery: The Mating Rituals of Exotic Supercars

[Source: Wrecked Exotics]

Auto Erotic: How supercars get their groove on originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Can't afford a Nissan GT-R? Lease it!

Michael Harley — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Supercars, Nissan

Click above for a high-res gallery of the U.S.-spec Nissan GT-R.

Nissan's upcoming supercar, the 2009 GT-R, has a base price of $69,850. It's a relative bargain when you consider the 911 Turbo, offering the same level of all-wheel-drive performance, will cost you at least $126,200. However, it's still far bit steeper than the average sales price of a new car in the United States (hovering just under $30,000 this year), not to mention the insane dealer markups that will likely put the sale price into the stratosphere. To help ease the financial burden, and put one of these turbocharged 473-hp monsters in your garage, Nissan North America has indicated that they will be offering a lease option on the all-new GT-R.

Don't print out your credit score and jog down to your local Nissan dealer just yet. There are about 1,400 Nissan dealerships in the States, and only 691 of them have begun to take pre-orders. Total sales volume allocated to the United States the first year will be just 1,500 units (to put that into perspective, consider that Nissan sold 284,762 Altimas last year).

While a lease program will be in place, Nissan expects most consumers to buy the vehicles. Purchase or lease, with high demand and low sales volumes you can be sure that each and every one of the GT-Rs will be fought over.

Gallery: Nissan GT-R (US-spec)

[Source: Inside Line]

Can't afford a Nissan GT-R? Lease it! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Field of Dreams: Exotics to gather in Florida for Supercar Weekend

Noah Joseph — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Misc. Auto Shows

If you live in South Florida, or can manage to get there, you may want to mark off the last weekend in January on your calendar. West Palm Beach is hosting what's being billed as the largest supercar show in the world, taking place along the waterfront from January 24-27, 2008.

The fouth annual Supercar Weekend invites collectors to showcase their own modern sportscars and classics along with a very Floridian array of mega-yachts docked along Flagler Drive in West Palm.

In previous years, the show included Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches and Aston Martins by the dozen. Organizers expect this year's to be highlighted by a Bugatti Veyron, Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, a 1971 Lamborghini Miura and a 1967 Ford GT40 J6 racer, along with such personalities as well-known collector Jim Glickenhaus (father of the Pininfarina P4/5) and designer Henrik Fisker. Given the exotic wheels you can see running down South Florida's boulevards and highways on any ordinary day, the Palm Beach Supercar Weekend ought to be a real Woodstock for gearheads.

Follow the jump for the press release and a promotional video of the event.

[Source: Supercar Weekend]

Continue reading Field of Dreams: Exotics to gather in Florida for Supercar Weekend

Field of Dreams: Exotics to gather in Florida for Supercar Weekend originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Run for the border: Mexico's 2008 Mastretta MXT mid-engine exotic

Dan Roth — Sat, 19 May 2007 10:19:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Misc. Auto Shows

check out the video after the jump, and click the above photo to view a gallery

The fact that we can't have it makes us want it more. This nicely aggressive coupe from Mexico's Mastretta Design is beautifully sculpted, with plenty of energy bottled up in its stance. The structure is bonded aluminum, just like a proper supercar, and with a production target of 150 units per year, the mid-engine MXT is appropriately exclusive, too. The styling may be writing checks that the powertrain can't cash, with 200 horsepower from the 2.3 liter four, performance numbers are in the realm of the Camry; but we don't think that's the point. This is one stylish car, and we wish we could get our hands on it here in the US. Even without big power, it releases all the proper neurotransmitters -- light weight, minimalist interior, spiffy shape -- too much power may turn it into a widowmaker, anyway.

Mastretta designs all sorts of stuff, from buses to oil bottles. Their vehicular expertise has been honed by producing a handsome Beetle-based coupe, as well as a dune buggy-esque "fun car." Moving off the old VW Type 1 architecture, a faux '62 'Vette was worked up with a custom chassis ready to accept GM components. Mastretta also pulled it all together on the nuts and bolts side and put the designs into series production, so they've also got the practical engineering chops to bring vehicles to fruition. This nectarine-hued creation will drop off the branch in Q1 of 2008, after its formal debut at the Mexico City Auto Show in December of this year.

[Source: Mastretta Design via Carscoop]

Gallery: Mastretta MXT

Continue reading Run for the border: Mexico's 2008 Mastretta MXT mid-engine exotic

Run for the border: Mexico's 2008 Mastretta MXT mid-engine exotic originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 May 2007 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York Auto Show: Exotics with wheels!

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Performance, Supercars, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari

Click on the Gallardo SuperLegerra for a high-res gallery of exotics at the NY Auto Show

One of the highlights of any auto show are the cars that most people rarely get to see on the road in real life, unless you happen to live someplace like Newport Beach or Monte Carlo. Even when you've seen them before, it never hurts to show them again. For your vehicular edification we present the exotic highlights of the New York Auto Show!

Gallery: NY Auto Show: Exotics With Wheels

New York Auto Show: Exotics with wheels! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

New Kid on the Block: the Vinci GT

Noah Joseph — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 12:52:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Europe, Supercars

Cottage-industry exotic sportscar ventures never fail to keep us entertained. The newest: the Vinci GT, a one-off concept, built by a collaboration between the Center for Excellence in Auto Engineering and the Auto Museu da Maia, in the Portuguese city of Porto.

Not much information is available at this point, but the builders want an engine capable of supplying between 350 and 400 horsepower, and are looking at either purchasing an engine from BMW's M division or building one from scratch. The dimensions would put it somewhere between a Lotus Elise and a Ferrari 360 Modena.

If the numbers add up and the car actually makes it to production, it should post some impressive performance figures. As for the styling, as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Post your impressions in the comments section.

For more pics, click here. Follow the link to follow the car's progress.

Thanks to Richard for the tip!

New Kid on the Block: the Vinci GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Oct 2006 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

OC Auto Show: SSC Aero

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Misc. Auto Shows

Tucked away in a corner of the OC Auto Show Underground, where tuners come out to play, we found an SSC Aero. Sitting amidst a Novitec Ferrari F430, a Superformance LeMans Coupe, a Mosler that still had Bullrun stickers on it, the SSC nonetheless managed to stand out. The car is still a bit of an enigma, but promises to be one of the world's fastest cars once it gets into the hands of testers. We volunteered to probe the claimed top speed of 260 mph, but were politely denied. Click the read link to find out more about the car from our friends at Fast-Autos.net who saw three of the SSCs up in Monterey last year.

This is another one of those worlds'-fastest-car contenders that has yet to prove its claims, but on paper it should be up to the challenge. With a Corvette-based 6.2 liter, turbocharged V-8 producing over 1,000 hp, 250 sounds like a breeze. The curb weight is about the same as the Koenigsegg CCX at 2,640 pounds, so the extra 200 hp should make it a bit quicker too. Hopefully SSC will invite us out to track test it like the Swedes did.

(more photos after the jump)

[Source: Fast-Autos.net]

Continue reading OC Auto Show: SSC Aero

OC Auto Show: SSC Aero originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Lamborghini Murcielago and Gallardo

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 19:36:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Lamborghini

This Lamborghini promotional video features some beautiful and artistic cinematography of Lamborghini's heart-pumping Gallardo and Murcielago exotic supercars.

See these bulls rampaging down country roads, through Manhattan and around a track. Unfortunately the exhaust notes from the V10 and V12 powerplants are dubbed over with bad dance music, but the three-and-a-half minute video is definately still worth watching.

Funny, I had the very same dream last night.

[Source: The German Car Blog]

VIDEO: Lamborghini Murcielago and Gallardo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments