Audi R8 V8 4.2 FSI

The R8 is the car Audi has built to take on the Porsche 911. Naturally there are other reasons why Audi has chosen to make a mid-engined V8 supercar that costs £76,825 in 2007; and the fact that Audi now owns Lamborghini and has learned much from overseeing the creation of cars like the Gallardo and Murcielago must have had a big influence on its decision to make a machine like the 186mph R8. But be in no doubt, the key motivation behind this car was to upstage the 911 – to go one better than Porsche and, in theory, beat arguably the greatest sports car on earth at its own game.
The R8 was first shown at the Frankfurt motorshow in 2003. At the time it was called the Audi Le Mans. Back then it had a V10 engine and was unashamedly Audi’s way of patting itself on the back and celebrating its many wins at the famous 24 hour race.
But it was also a bold attempt to take Audi into a brand new market and in the process create a halo car to top its expanding range. Three and a half years later and the R8 has become reality. Not only does it look very similar to the original concept, it’ll even get a V10 engine ‘sometime next year.’
Even with this more modest V8 version though, it's clear that Audi has pulled out most of the available stops. The R8 4.2 uses the same thumping good 414bhp V8 as the RS4 saloon, and its mid-engined chassis is four-wheel drive, as you’d expect from Ingolstadt. But, says Audi, the R8 is also civilised enough to use everyday. Just like the 911. So let’s see how good it really is.

Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI

Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI

Base Price :$146,000
Drivetrain :All-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) :- TBD -
City (MPG) :- TBD -
Hwy (MPG) :- TBD -
Horsepower :525 @ - TBD -
Torque (lb-ft) :- TBD -
Wheelbase (in.) :104.3
Length (in.) :174.5
Width (in.) :75.0
Height (in.) :49.3


When the Audi R8 was first introduced in 2007, many observers argued a more powerful motor might be needed to unlock the true potential of the car. Fast-forward a few years, and a considerably more powerful R8 is a reality. Powered by a Lamborghini-sourced V10, the latest R8 sends 525 horsepower to all four wheels thanks to a sophisticated quattro all-wheel-drive system. The car was introduced to the public at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.Though sporting two more cylinders and a little more grunt mid-ship, V10-powered R8 doesn't feature too many visual differences from its V8 sibling. More air is fed to the ten-cylinder through larger side scoops, which jut out sharply from the body-side, adding a more aggressive stance to go with its increased power. The lower side sill also get an extra flare which runs along the wheelbase, adding further visual cues that this is the true uber-Audi. The changes are subtle enough to be obvious only to those in-the-know, thus keeping the R8's clean lines as uncluttered as possible.However, some subtle changes from the standard R8 will include dual oval exhaust outlets, bigger side air intakes, a revised front and rear fascias and larger brakes. The V10 version also sports unique LED headlights and a rear diffuser. Prior to the car's launch, rumors were swirling that Audi would name the V10-powered R8 the R10 or RS8, but the more technical "5.2 FSI" designation was used.The V10 is the same 5.2L FSI powerplant found in the new Lamorghini LP560-4, albeit detuned to 525 horsepower and 390 pound-feet or torque to keep the R8 out of the Gallardo's territory. But despite being down a bit on grunt, the R8 V10 can still rocket from zero to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 196 mph.

Ferrari California

Chassis

Wheelbase :N/A
Tires F/R :N/A
Curb :N/A

Engine

Type :4,300 cc /V8
Displacement cu in (cc) :4.30 L 262.4 cu in. 4300.7 cc.
Valves :32 valves. 4 valves per cylinder.
Horsepower :460.00 BHP (338.6 KW) @ 7500.00 RPM
HP/Liter :107.0 BHP / Liter
Fuel :Gasoline - Petrol
Transmission :7-speed dual clutch/ Semi-Automatic

Exterior

Length × Width × Height in :N/A
Weight lb (kg) :N/A

Performance

Speed 0 to 100 km/h :less than 4.0 seconds
Base Price: 2009 Ferrari California - Rumored to be just under $200,000

New Ferrari California revealed: a hugely versatile, innovation-packed GT
Maranello, May 13th 2008 - The first official photographs have been published of the Ferrari California, the latest addition to the new generation of Ferraris launched in 2004 with the 612 Scaglietti and added to more recently with the 430 Scuderia.
The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse's 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.
The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque's history in the mid-front position.
In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California's 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a "flat" crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.
As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car's performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.
In addition to sporting the marque's classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari's own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down.
The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris International Car Show. However, over the coming weeks, new photographs and further details about it will also be published.

Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione

Base Price                                 :$265,000 
Vehicle layout                           :Front engine, RWD, 2-pass, 2-door coupe 
Engine                                        :4.7L/450-hp/354-lb-ft DOHC 32-valve V-8 
Transmission                             :6-speed auto-clutch manual 
Curb weight                                :(dist f/r) 3500 lb (mfr) 
Wheelbase                                  :104.2 in 
Length x width x height           :172.4 x 74.5 x 52.8 in 
0-62 mph                                   :4.2 sec (mfr est) 
EPA city/hwy econ                   :Not yet rated 
On sale in                                    :U.S. Currently

Long before you see the new Alfa Romeo 8C, you'll hear it. The Ferrari-based, 450-horse, 4.7-liter V-8 (a bored-and-stroked version of the 4.2 that serves in the Quattroporte) revs with a deep, resonant bellow-a guttural offshore powerboat to the Ferrari F430's high-pitched hydroplane. As it amplifies, the sound will chomp into your ears and spin your head around. And then you'll see...those curves.

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If you were going to bail out of the U.S. auto market, taillights between your legs, and then brazenly reappear a dozen years later, you'd want the 8C Competizione as your comeback special. Say what you will about Alfa Romeo's past misfortunes (and what Alfa owner doesn't have a horror story to tell?), but for a chance to own and drive a sports GT this luscious, this quick (claimed 0 to 62 is just 4.2 seconds), what enthusiast wouldn't give the Quadrifoglio brand a second chance?

As Ferrari has done over the past two decades, of late Alfa Romeo is reinventing itself, upping its game. The 8C looks and feels like a premium piece (and, at $265,000, it is). The carbon-fiber bodywork rolls and creases like a Henry Moore, with cut lines minimal and tight. The cabin envelopes you in more carbon fiber, milled aluminum, and modish leather as only the Italians can do it. As couture alone, Alfa will sell all of the 500 or so 8Cs it intends to build over the next year (about one-fifth of which are heading stateside). Later, 500 convertible versions will follow.

Click to view Gallery

But the 8C is ready to wear and tear. The rear-drive chassis is a shortened version of the Maserati GranSport's. Large brakes (14.2 inches in front) lie under 20-inch alloys. The six gears in the rear-mounted transaxle (which helps balance the weight almost evenly front/rear) are manipulated via steering-wheel paddles; upshifts are sizzling quick, downshifts get an automatic engine blip. Hold your right foot down, flick the right paddle five times in a row, and you'll be navigating the earth at more than 180 mph.

And, yes, everyone will hear you coming.

SSC Ultimate Aero

Price                                 :USD $585,000  
Engine                              :Chevrolet V8
Position                            :Mid Longitudinal
Aspiration                         :Twin Turbos
Valvetrain                        :Pushrod OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl
Fuel feed                           :Electronic Sequential Port
Displacement                   :6345 cc / 387.2 in³
Bore                                  :104.77 mm / 4.125 in
Stroke                               :91.95 mm / 3.620 in
Compression                    :8.975:1
Power                               :882.2 kw / 1183 bhp
Specific output                 :186.45 bhp per litre
Bhp/Weight                      :931.5 bhp per tonne
Torque                               :1483.26 nm / 1094 ft lbs @ 6600 rpm
Redline                               :7200
Body / Frame                    :Carbon Fiber/Composite/Steel Space Frame
Wheel type                        :Forged 3-Piece Alloy
Front tires                          :235 35 (YR)19
Rear tires                           :335 30 (YR)20
Front brakes                      :Vented & Slotted Discs w/6-Piston Calipers
F brake size x                     :356 mm / x 14 in
Rear brakes                        :Vented & Slotted Discs w/6-Piston Calipers
R brake size x                     :356 mm / x 14 in
Front wheels F                    :48.3 x 22.9 cm / 19 x 9 in
Rear wheels R                     :50.8 x 31.8 cm / 20 x 12.5 in
Steering                               :Unassisted Rack & Pinion
F suspension                        :A Arms w/Coil-Over-Srpings, Cab Controlled Air Lift
R suspension                        :A Arms w/Coil-Over-Srpings, Anti-Roll Bar
Weight                                  :1270 kg / 2800 lbs
Wheelbase                            :2672 mm / 105.2 in
Length                                   :4475 mm / 176.2 in
Width                                    :2101 mm / 82.7 in
Height                                   :1092 mm / 43 in
Transmission                        :6-Speed Manual
Gear ratios                            :3.82:1, 2.15:1, 1.56:1, 1.212:1, 0.973:1, 0.656:1, :1
Final drive                             :3.44:1
Top speed                              :414.3 kph / 257.44 mph
0 - 60 mph                           :2.78 seconds
0 - 1/4 mile                          :9.9 seconds
Drag                                       :.367 Cd

WEST RICHLAND, WA (SEPT 13, 2007) - Shelby Supercars (SSC), manufacturer of the ultra high-performance Ultimate Aero Twin Turbo, set the new 'World's Fastest Production Car' record earlier today with an average top speed of 255.83 mph. Confident of the 1183 hp vehicle's abilities, SSC set out to validate their top speed claim in accordance with the strict guidelines set by Guinness World Records. Among other requirements, in order to meet Guinness’ approval, a vehicle testing for the top speed record must drive down the course, turn around, and make a second pass in the opposite direction within one hour. The vehicle's official top speed is calculated by averaging the top speeds of each pass in order to negate any favorable road or weather conditions. Today, on a temporarily-closed two lane stretch of public highway in Washington State, the Ultimate Aero posted a top speed of 257.11 mph (413.83 kph) on its first pass and 254.55 mph (409.71 kph) on its return pass, yielding a new top speed record: a staggering 255.83 mph (411.76 kph). The data, collected by Dewetron's world-renowned GPS tracking system, will be verified by Guinness before the Ultimate Aero is officially crowned the ''World's Fastest Production Car.'' This breaks the current official record held by the Koenigsegg CCR at 242 mph by 13.83 mph and the Bugatti Veyron's unofficial speed of 253 mph by 3.11 mph.

Story by SSC


March 26th, 2007-Just in are the results from SSC's first planned high speed run which they attempted on Nevada's Highway 93. Unfortunately, a snowstorm meant changing locations to an uneven road surface and the Areo was limited to 221 mph before its driver had to back off. Only using half throttle at that speed, the Aero's available 1183 bhp was massive and could spin the wheels at 190 in 6th gear! SSC's photographer reports that that they will try again for the production speed record at a better location in the near future.

October 31st 2006, Las Vegas - Using SCC's proprietary twin-turbo design, the Ultimate Aero TT's power plant has surpassed its original design specifications in all areas, producing a nasty 1180 bhp at 6750 rpm and 961 ft lbs of tarmac tearing torque while maintaining a paltry 2750 lbs of curb weight. The meticulously manufactured carbon fibre composite body harnesses a motor that has a wonderful idle, incredible daily drivability characteristics, runs on 91 octane pump fuel, easily handles the rigors of long term redline usage while delivering and incredible 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Further establishing its place among the supercars, the Ultimate Aero TT produces more emissions legal horsepower than any other production automobile in the world, thanks in the large part to the tireless efforts of the design team.

But the dedication to every small detail doesn't stop at excellent performance; the hand-stitched, custom leather interior will turn heads all by itself. Race-ready seats are designed to accommodate a driver up to 6'7'' and 300 lbs. Standard features include power windows, power locks, security system, DVD player, a backup camera, height adjustment, premium sounds system, five-light sequential shift indicator and a horsepower gauge.

SSC plans a limited run of only 25 cars with a distinctive number plate matching chassis numbers to protect its collector value.

Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita

The Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita

Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg's parent company is currently tangled up in the purchase of Saab, but in the midst of that Koenigsegg had time to prepare something for next week’s 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Koenigsegg will be unveiling the new Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita, which they say “sparkles like millions of silvery white diamonds infused inside the visible carbon fiber weave bodywork.”

The car is named from a Swedish contraction meaning "three whites," which signifies the unique silvered carbon fiber bodywork of the Trevita. The company's Diamond Weave exposed carbon fiber bodywork is the epitome of high-tech's marriage of form and function.

Koenigsegg will only produce three units of the CCXR Trevita, each sold at a premium price to be announced later. Each unit will be fitted with Koenigsegg’s Shimmering Diamond Weave bodywork, double carbon wing, paddle-shift, inconell exhaust system, carbon ceramic brakes with ABS, hydraulic lifting system, and a chrono instrument cluster.

Pricing for the Trevita hasn't been revealed, but expect it to be suitably super.

The Koenigsegg Trevita - The Shimmering Diamond 

When sunlight hits the car, it sparkles like millions of silvery white diamonds infused inside the visible carbon fiber weave bodywork. 

Trevita is an abbreviation in Swedish and translates into - three whites. The Koenigsegg visible carbon weave body work is renowned around the globe for its perfection and uniqueness. However, so far it has only been possible to utilize the classic black carbonfibres. 

As Koenigsegg always strives to create new unique technologies and solutions, we have now reached a new milestone -The Koenigsegg Proprietary Diamond Weave.

By utilising a new and unique method, Koenigsegg has managed to coat fibers with a diamond finish. The process was fully developed at Koenigsegg headquarters in Ängelholm Sweden , where the fiber treatment is conducted carefully in small quantities, prior to further processing the prepreg material.

Koenigsegg will only produce three Trevitas in total, hence the name. This makes the Trevita one of the most rare versions in the Koenigsegg family cars.

The three cars are fully equipped with Koenigsegg Shimmering Diamond Weave bodywork, double carbon wing, paddle-shift, inconell exhaust system, carbon ceramic brakes with ABS, hydraulic lifting system, infotainment system, tyre monitoring system, chrono instrument cluster and airbags.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4

Chassis

Brakes F/R                          : ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R                              : 265-680 ZR500A - 365-710 R540A (PAX System)
Driveline                               : All Wheel Drive

Engine

Type                                     : Quad-Turbocharged W16
Displacement cu in (cc)      : 488 (7993)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM   : 1001(736) / 6000
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 923(1250) / 2200-5500
Redline at RPM                   : 6500

Exterior

Length × Width × Height in: 174.2 × 77.9 × 47
Weight lb (kg)                       : 4162 (1888)

Performance

Acceleration 0-62 mph s     : 2.5
Top Speed mph (km/h)       : 253 (407)
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): n.a. (24.1)

Base Price                            :Bugatti Veyron 16.4 - Approx. $1,700,000

Bugatti Veyron 16.4: Superior in Every Sense

After four years of development, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, as it will now be called, is ready for series production. The most exclusive sports car of all time is following in the footsteps of the legendary Bugatti, those universally-coveted limousines and unbeatable racing cars of the 1920s and 1930s which today are among the most sought-after creations from the early days of automobile construction.

This brings to an end the era of design models and concept cars which since the late 1990s have signposted possible paths to the Bugattis of the future. Design and technological concept have finally become reality in the Veyron model's final form and will be available from the beginning of 2004 as a strictly limited edition of just 300 cars. Technologically futuristic and packed with creative engineering, the first Bugatti of the 21st century has arrived.

Merging the Past and the Future

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4's home is in Molsheim-Dorlisheim, the French town where, almost 100 years ago, Ettore Bugatti began to realize his lifelong dream of being a car manufacturer. The new workshop is not just where the engine and vehicle are assembled and tested, it is also the place where customers collect their Bugattis and drive them out onto the streets for the first time.

The aim is to turn Molsheim into an all-round Bugatti center once again. While up to 70 new vehicles a year are built by hand in the new facility, neighboring specially-equipped workshops are the scene of expert restoration work on historic Bugatti vehicles. Both past and future have found a new home here.

High Performance

The car's safety systems have been designed to cope with its extraordinary performance, acceleration and speed. The single-piece carbon-fiber monocoque alone scores maximum points in crash tests, while airbags give the driver and passenger additional protection. The high-speed tires designed specially for the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 (for vmax. > 350 km/h), sizes 265-680 ZR500A (front) and 365-710 R540A (rear), incorporate a further innovative safety feature in the form of the PAX System fitted to the wheels and tires, ensuring safe handling even after sudden pressure loss. Another Bugatti Veyron 16.4 component with a safety element is the rear spoiler. As well as providing the necessary downforce during high-speed travel, it acts as a kind of 'parachute brake' during emergency braking. Once precisely-defined deceleration forces are registered the spoiler tilts and the additional air resistance this generates reduces the braking distance to that of a lorry.

The Art of the Machine

The W16 alloy engine developed by Bugatti for the Veyron 16.4 will have a special and absolutely unique place in the history of sports car construction. Its design employs the space-saving VR principle with two particularly slender eight-cylinder blocks arranged at a 90° angle to each other.

1001 horsepower equip the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 with a level of acceleration unheard of in the sports car segment, propelling it from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds and past the 200 mph mark in a mere 24 seconds. Thanks to its 923 lb-ft, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4's enormous propulsive power is not exhausted until it reaches 252.3 mph (406 km/h): the maximum speed for which chassis and drive train have been designed. Any further performance escalation is limited by current design and construction.

Also unique is the power transmission via an innovative directshift gearbox. Without any interruption in the power flow, the sequential seven-speed gearbox transmits the engine's power to the wheels via permanent four-wheel drive. Put simply, this means uninterrupted acceleration from a standing start to maximum speed: a feeling previously known only to jet pilots.

Exclusive, Classical, Functional

Both exclusive and highly functional, the interior of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 will transport you to a world of your own. Superb leather, also two-tone if desired, quality metallic trim and beautifully designed and ergonomically laid-out controls characterize the Veyron cockpit.

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 instruments, with a large central rev counter surrounded by four smaller additional instruments also conjures up memories of the marque's legendary motor sport past. The deliberate avoidance of superfluous instruments and modern extras are an unmistakable statement of the car's uncompromising sportiness.

Unchanged on the series version of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the classical two-tone paintwork. The designers have selected five separate color combinations for the car: Each of the combinations features the bonnet, roof and rear in the darker of the two colors, with the sides and front wheel arches in the lighter color.