Autoblog

Spartan V trackday racer finally ready for prime time [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Australia, Specialty, MISC, Racing

A few things have changed since the Spartan V track car was announced almost three years ago. Back in 2010, the red open-top sportscar from Australia was slated to be a 661-pound apex-hugger with 170 horsepower coming from a 1,200-cc Ducati engine. The slinky red bodywork remains, but the engine now comes from Honda: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turns the output wick up to 250 hp. Opt for the supercharger and benefit from 400 horsepower. Weight has predictably gone up as well, the Spartan V now clocking in at 1,100 pounds, while top speed has come down from 173 miles per hour to 149 mph.

With just enough of an interior to keep you on the paved bits, the Spartan V still shouldn't have any problem going fast, though, as the video below proves. There will be just 300 made, and the price quoted in Spartan's press release below is $95,000 - we'll assume that US dollars. The price in Australia is $79,000 AUD (about $82,000 US), so you can save yourself a few large if you already have a second home Down Under.

Continue reading Spartan V trackday racer finally ready for prime time [w/video]

Spartan V trackday racer finally ready for prime time [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ariel developing titanium Atom chassis

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Specialty, MISC

Just last week, we heard reports that the KTM X-Bow would be getting a substantial power increase thanks to a new model using the excellent engine from the Audi TT-RS, but now its rival, the Ariel Atom, could be going in another direction for improved track performance. AutoCar is reporting that the open-wheel, open-top sports car could be getting an available all-titanium tube frame for a substantial drop in curb weight.

The article indicates that the weight of the chassis alone could drop by about 40 percent, which would lead to an overall dip in curb weight of eight percent. This would mean that the Atom's already spindly 1,350-pound curb weight could drop to less than 1,250 pounds. A titanium-framed Ariel would likely be a limited edition, according to the report, but it sounds like there are no plans to move the Atom away from its high-revving 2.4-liter four-cylinder sourced from Honda.

Ariel developing titanium Atom chassis originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carbon monoxide nearly costs this track day racer his life

Zach Bowman — Mon, 21 May 2012 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Safety, Videos, Toyota

There are plenty of dangers to contend with at a track day. High speeds, inexperienced drivers, faulty equipment and foul weather can all play havoc on an otherwise friendly fender-to-fender weekend. We can now add carbon monoxide poisoning to the list of potential threats.

One Finnish Toyota MR2 owner took his machine out for a quick sprint at Ahvenisto just outside of Hameenlinna. After a few minutes behind the wheel, the driver begins struggling to keep control of his car, eventually spinning into the infield. He maneuvers back on track and pulls off, and it isn't long before he blacks out entirely. Later, he would have no recollection of anything after the car hit the grass.

He stays unconscious for nearly 11 minutes before rescue workers resort to smashing his passenger window to gain access. By the time he receives medical attention, his blood was packed with 67 percent carbon monoxide. Any longer in the vehicle's cabin and the day very well could have been his last. Check out the scariness for yourself.

Continue reading Carbon monoxide nearly costs this track day racer his life

Carbon monoxide nearly costs this track day racer his life originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Dragging a knee on a Honda... Gold Wing?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Honda, Motorcycle

Dragging a knee on a Honda Gold Wing - Click above to watch the video after the jump

It's not at all uncommon to see Honda two-wheelers at a local track day event. After all, the Japanese company is the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles, and its VFR, CB and CBR line of sport bikes have become synonymous with reliable performance. It's just as likely that you'll encounter one of Honda's motorcycles, in most cases a Gold Wing, when touring across the United States.

Naturally, it's significantly less common to see a CBR criss-crossing the country, and, perhaps even more so, a Gold Wing on the track. But that's not to say it can't be done. In fact, Honda's luxo-barge is well known to be a nice ride through the twistier bits that often connect those long, barren straightaways to the more sparsely populated cities across America.

That said, a rider scraping up his (or her, of course) knee pucks aboard a Honda Gold Wing isn't the kind of thing you expect to see every day. And that makes the video pasted after the break all the more impressive. Not too shabby, if we do say so ourselves.

[Source: Bikerpunks.com]

Continue reading Video: Dragging a knee on a Honda... Gold Wing?

Video: Dragging a knee on a Honda... Gold Wing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyper Pro Racer: Because the Ariel Atom really is a bit lardy, isn't it? [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Australia, Racing

The Hyper PRO Racer - Click above to view the video after the jump

Ah, those Aussies, they never quit, do they? Ten years in the making, a fellow by the name of Jon Crooke has developed the Hyper PRO Racer, a so-called "Superkart" delivering massive power and minimum weight. Using a Yamaha 450 WR four-stroke motorcycle engine that runs through a five-speed sequential gearbox, the Hyper PRO weighs just 352 pounds minus the weight of a person tucked into the cramped driving position. That isn't too much more than the enduro bike the engine is taken from.

The weight savings is courtesy of the superkart's spaceframe, which also acts as an FIA-approved roll cage. Instead of building a frame that accessories would be mounted to with brackets, the superkart's externals are mounted directly to a highly designed and minimalist chassis frame without additional hardware. Those externals include Ohlins aluminum-bodied race shocks, four-wheel cross-vented disc brakes with billet four-pot aluminum brake calipers.

The result, according to Hyper PRO, is a track runner that can lap a little faster than an Aussie racing car (not a V8 Supercar), a little slower than a GT Production car. But it beats them all for price: the track day Racer S is $29,500 Australian ($26,546 U.S.), the hillclimb Racer R is $35,500 ($31,947 U.S.). Follow the jump to check out video of the Hyper Pro Race in rather fast action, or have a slower look in the gallery below.

Gallery: Hyper Pro Racer

[Source: Hyper Pro Racer via Caradisiac (translated)]

Continue reading Hyper Pro Racer: Because the Ariel Atom really is a bit lardy, isn't it? [w/video]

Hyper Pro Racer: Because the Ariel Atom really is a bit lardy, isn't it? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 BMW 335is - Munich finally builds a special one for U.S.

Chris Paukert — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, BMW

2011 BMW 335is - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's fair to say that few automobiles have ridden atop their segment for as long as the BMW 3 Series has managed. Admittedly, there have been occasional frights from other German automakers or the odd Asian upstart, but it's as if Munich's engineers long ago brokered some sweetheart deal with the devil, so total has been the range's dominance. All of which has made it particularly tough for U.S. enthusiasts, as we've seen seemingly dozens of tempting higher performance specials and intriguingly efficient offerings pop up over in Europe and elsewhere, yet these models never seem to make their way into U.S. showrooms. Forgive us, then, for being slightly giddy at the prospect of this 335is, the first North American exclusive 3 Series in, well... eons.

Based on the freshly facelifted sixth-generation 3 Series, the 2011 335is will be available in both coupe and folding hardtop convertible forms beginning this spring - but we just couldn't wait that long to get behind the wheel. Thankfully, BMW was kind enough to slip us the keys to a pre-production example on Portugal's Estoril raceway as a dessert course of sorts at the launch of their new 5 Series sedan. Follow the jump to read our full slate of impressions.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 BMW 335is

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 BMW 335is - Munich finally builds a special one for U.S.

First Drive: 2011 BMW 335is - Munich finally builds a special one for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Donkervoort tweaks the D8 GT for 24-hour race debut in Dubai

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Audi, Specialty, Middle East, MISC, Racing

2010 Donkervoort D8 GT(4) endurance racer - Click above for high-res image gallery

While fanatics around the world debate the supremacy of one sportscar over another based on numbers alone, here at Autoblog we postulate that such exotic machinery is only as good as its capacity to transport you to another place, if not in body then in your mind. So bear with us and imagine the following scenario: You're based in Holland. You've created what could be the ultimate neo-Lotus 7, and with it you've already placed in a major racing series. So where do you go next? Why, to Dubai, of course!

We're talking about the Donkervoort D8 GT, undoubtedly one of the most futuristically phallic retro road rockets on the street or track today. We got our first glimpse three years ago, and took a closer look in Geneva back in 2007, before production began last year. The 1400-pound cab-rearward track tool packs an Audi-sourced 1.8-liter turbo four driving 270 horsepower to the rear wheels. That's enough power to sixty in less than four seconds.

With the D8 GT, the Dutch manufacturer has already taken second place in the FIA GT4 European Cup, and it is now heading to its first 24-hour race at the Dubai Autodrome on the shores of the Persian Gulf. To prepare for the event, Donkervoort has tweaked the fuel system, the brakes, the aerodynamics, the carbon-fiber sandwich panels and aluminum chassis to create the D8 GT(4). The results ought to be interesting as the 24 Hours of Dubai kicks off in mid-January, but you can check it out now in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Donkervoort D8 GT endurance racer

[Source: Donkervoort]

Continue reading Donkervoort tweaks the D8 GT for 24-hour race debut in Dubai

Donkervoort tweaks the D8 GT for 24-hour race debut in Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spanish supercar company working on infinitely adjustable vehicle settings?

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Technology

IFR Automotive Aspid - Click above for high-res gallery

Luddites, time to break out the coffee - this will be keeping you up nights. Now, we just reviewed the 2010 Nissan GT-R, which has lots and lots of driver selectable modes. You can control how quickly the transmission shifts, the smoothness of the ride and the level of computerized interference. That's just from the driver's seat. The car itself is constantly monitoring the wheels' traction and adjusting the suspension thousands of times per second. The torque is actively split by the all-wheel drive system, too.

Well, according to Autocar, there's a Spanish company called IFR Automotive that's claiming it's not good enough! You might remember IFR's featherweight closed-coupe Aspid. Well, imagine this alien-looking Se7en not only being able to hit 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, but being able to adjust every single one of its performance parameters whenever and whereever. Neat picture, huh? And we're not just talking shocks, but the throttle response, steering heft and even the ECU. How? With a touchscreen that looks works like an iPod.

But that's not all. IFR's system will have memory presets. Meaning that if one track requires more torque and a light steering while another needs instant high peak horsepower and rock hard shocks, you just toggle back and forth. Going home from track day? Just dial up low power and a cushy ride. Feel like polluting? No problem. It keeps getting better, too. Using GPS, the system can reportedly read the curves ahead and work out how to best set up the car for the next maneuver. And as a driver, you can let the car how fast you want to take a particular corner and it will adjust its stuff accordingly. IFR's claiming that a number of OEMs are interested in their upcoming system for high-end performance cars. All this super-duper hi tech stuff will either completely rule, or it'll be time to bust out the tin foil hat. Probably both.

Gallery: IFR Automotive Aspid

[Source: Autocar.co.uk]

Spanish supercar company working on infinitely adjustable vehicle settings? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tame That Bull: Lamborghini Academy opens

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Lamborghini, Lifestyle

Click above for a high-res gallery of a winter session of the Lamborghini Academy

Lamborghini has opened its Lamborghini Academy, and the only words we have for it are "crazy steal." For the practically Wal-Mart price of €3,900 (just under $5,000 USD) you get accommodations, two days on the track at Vallelunga or Adria Raceway in Italy, a chance to pilot the Gallardo LP 560-4 and Murcielago LP 640, and video footage of your driving.

There are three courses: Track Academy, Advance Academy, and Winter Academy. Of course, you have to get to the Academy on your own dime, but once there you'll be trained in the driving Jedi arts of over- and understeer, the racing line, and controlled drifting, guided by Lambo's own instructors. This is one of those rare academic situations where everyone's trying to be valedictorian. You can check out the press release after the jump, and the Winter Wonderland gallery of pics below.

Gallery: Lamborghini Academy 2009

[Source: Lamborghini]

Continue reading Tame That Bull: Lamborghini Academy opens

Tame That Bull: Lamborghini Academy opens originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Reynard talks about his bike-engined Inverter racer

Chris Paukert — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Videos, Motorcycle

Click above to watch video after the jump

Earlier this month, we told you how the motorsports gurus over at Reynard are preparing to market a bike-engined trackday special called the Inverter. The tube-frame racer promises lightweight thrills and face-contorting lateral Gs to take on the Radicals and Caterhams world.

Reynard has now released an official video teaser that gives us the backstory on the car's development, including an interesting interview with Dr. Adrian Reynard himself. Check out the gallery below after you watch the HD video after the jump.

Gallery: Reynard Inverter

[Source: Reynard]
http://www.reynardracingcars.com/videos.html

Continue reading VIDEO: Reynard talks about his bike-engined Inverter racer

VIDEO: Reynard talks about his bike-engined Inverter racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LusoMotors LM23 rolling prototype ready for its closeup

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Specialty

Click image for huge high-res gallery of the LusoMotors LM 23

Last July, we told you about the latest rolling homage introduced by Portuguese car design and development house LusoMotors. While our previous post featured a gallery of naked chassis and finished product renderings, we now have pics of the rolling prototype. Dubbed the LM23, this bathtub racer is nothing sort of an updated Lotus 23B for the street. Well, it is likely to spend more time on the track, but it is ostensibly streetable.

Set to go head-to-head with cars like the Ariel Atom, Radical SR3, KTM X-Bow, Brooks Double R, et al, this featherweight flyer features a steel tube frame chassis under its shapely foam-sandwich metal body. Track-ready details include inboard-mounted coilovers and brakes, plus an integrated roll bar.

This first roller is powered by a 150-horsepower, 1.0-liter Honda CBR1000 engine mated to a six-speed sequential transmission. Weighing just 881 pounds, 150 hp should be more than enough to get this thing around a track with alacrity, but LusoMotors founder Ernesto Freitas says customers can choose a number of different engines, including a Subaru turbo boxer. Kit prices are expected to start at €15,000 (around $23,600 USD) minus the engine. The line forms to the right.

Gallery: LusoMotors LM 23

[Source: Autoblog.nl via WorldCarFans]

LusoMotors LM23 rolling prototype ready for its closeup originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Short Circuit: Farbio releases GT350 Track Day Car

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, UK, Specialty

With increasing restrictions and constricting traffic hampering driver's good times, many are looking to organized track days as an outlet for speedy thrills. This is especially true in the UK, where independent supercar manufacturer Farbio is based. And with that growing niche market in mind, Farbio has taken some weight out of its GTS supercar to give birth to its own Track Day Car.

Yes, that is its official name, and no, it's not very imaginative. But we have a feeling anyone who gets their hands on the car's steering wheel won't particularly care what it's called. From the standard GTS350 Supercharged, with its forced-induction 350hp 3.0-liter V6, Farbio has stripped out the interior, replaced the fuel tank with a sack, and fitted a new transmission and limited-slip differential as well as semi-slick Toyo R888 racing rubber. The more powerful GTS450 can also be ordered in Track Day Car specification, but Farbio will only build 25 examples in all, starting at £73,500 (equivalent to $112k USD) before optional extras. Farbio released only the one photo you see above (along with a press release you'll find after the jump), but you can check out the standard GTS in the gallery below.

Gallery: Farbio GTS

[Source: Farbio]

Continue reading Short Circuit: Farbio releases GT350 Track Day Car

Short Circuit: Farbio releases GT350 Track Day Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GT-R Done: A gaggle of Nissan supercars take Buttonwillow

Dan Roth — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Supercars

Drop the needle on that old Blue Oyster Cult record, because Godzilla has come to Buttonwillow. More to the point, a a group of Nissan GT-R owners, enthusiasts, and tuners held a track day at the popular California road course on December 29th. The fastest lap of the day was 1:57, which is darned speedy. We'll let the videos posted after the jump do the talking. We're running a petition to get Autoblog staffers GT-Rs as official company cars, though it'll be tough to show up at the next one of these things with a scale model and try to turn laps. Thanks for the tip, Darin.

Gallery: GT-Rs at Buttonwillow

[Source: NAGTROC]

Continue reading GT-R Done: A gaggle of Nissan supercars take Buttonwillow

GT-R Done: A gaggle of Nissan supercars take Buttonwillow originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fuoss 01 track car coming in 2009

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Specialty

Click above for high-res shots of the Fuoss 01

Europeans track junkies have one more option vying for their hard-earned cash. Using the same philosophy as vehicles from Lotus, Caterham and KTM, the Fuoss 01 relies on its light weight for acceptable performance. But with only a 40-hp, 400cc Suzuki motorcycle engine motivating the 660-pound one-seater, V-Max is a very limited 90 mph. Regardless, the Fuoss should be an entertaining track tool, particularly with its five-speed sequential transmission cribbed from Suzuki keeping the motor on boil. The driver sits as low as possible and with no heavy roof overhead, mass is centralized down low. Only ten examples are planned for its first year of production in 2009, so if you want one of the €29,000 machines, you'd better act fast.

Gallery: Fuoss 01 track car

[Source: World Car Fans]

Fuoss 01 track car coming in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Insurance companies close track day and advanced training loopholes

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety

Click above for a high-res image

If you've taken your car to the track for either an open lapping session or an advanced driver education course, you're undoubtedly aware of the potential risks. While most insurance policies say that the car isn't covered if it's participating in a "timed event," that's all changing now that track time is becoming more common.

A report by The New York Times goes into detail about the loophole and how the big insurers are taking measures to include high-performance driving schools and track days. One interviewee has decided to stop his weekend excursions altogether after learning about the policy changes, and more disturbingly, when another player in the piece asked his insurance company if his Subaru WRX STI was covered during a track event, his policy was dropped six months later.

While the well-to-do are largely immune from the new terms, purchasing dedicated track-day toys or additional insurance, those of us with shallow pockets might have to think twice before we wring our rides out as God intended.

[Source: NYT via TTAC]

Insurance companies close track day and advanced training loopholes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan GT-R can't take aftermarket wheels, unapproved race tracks are out

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:34:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Performance, Japan, Supercars, Nissan

Motor Trend's Scott Kanemura sat down with Michizio Niikura, the president of MINE'S Motor Sports, the first aftermarket firm to get its hands on the new Nissan GT-R. The conversation centered on the roadblocks Nissan has put in place to stymie high speeds and limit modifications to the GT-R.

We've previously reported on how the GPS system fitted to the GT-R would remove the 111 mph (180 kph) speed limiter when the car arrives at a track, but according to Niikura, it will only work on pre-approved racetracks. However, the GPS sensor doesn't automatically remove the limiter by itself, it has to be manually changed by navigating through a series of menus on the GT-R's touch screen. While having to go to a Nissan-approved track is daft in its own right, it's even worse when you leave. After the track day, owners are required to head on over to a Nissan High Performance Center where a $1000 safety check is performed. Don't do it and the factory warranty is void.

Another rumor that began circulating after the Tokyo Auto Salon has also been confirmed: aftermarket wheels are out. Supposedly, all the GT-Rs on display at TAS had to be driven in on the stock rollers, jacked up and then fitted with the tuner's chosen wheels. Due to a sensor mounted on the valve stem, if the GT-R is driven with aftermarket rims, an error code is thrown on the dash. And although MINE'S has fitted a custom exhaust to their shop car, they've found that any modification to the intake system causes the ECU to go haywire.

While all these findings are ~~disturbing~~ draconian, GT-R owners here in the U.S. won't have to worry about the speed limiter/track day issue. Nissan has said that the GPS system won't be implemented here in the States, but the future of tuning the GT-R remains questionable. Top tip Zac!

[Source: Motor Trend]

Nissan GT-R can't take aftermarket wheels, unapproved race tracks are out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati drops $1.275 million MC12 Corsa in Madrid

Chris Paukert — Fri, 26 May 2006 07:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Supercars, Maserati, Misc. Auto Shows

Maserati is augmenting its Ferrari Enzo-based MC12 GTI with a new Corsa variant. The triton brand plans to build just a dozen examples on a "build to order" basis, and doesn't expect to go through the certification process to for either racing or road use, meaning that Corsa owners will essentially be limited to trackday outings, clandestine late-night runs, or rubbing the Maser's straked flanks with a diaper in hopes of having it appreciate.

With the $1.275 million price tag, comparisons to the Bugatti Veyron are to be expected, but the latter is a road-going street car with a luxurious interior, absurdly powerful W16 all-wheel-drive drivetrain, and the curb weight to match. The MC12 Corsa has a comparatively timid 755 horsepower, but it's also just 2,535 pounds. In other words, they're two markedly different, yet similarly pricy interpretations of the modern supercar.

[Sources: Inside Line; Maserati]

Maserati drops $1.275 million MC12 Corsa in Madrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 May 2006 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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