dimanche 14 août 2011

2012 Audi R8 facelift coming next year !


Some new details of next year’s facelifted Audi R8 have leaked out from Europe. The 2012 Audi R8 will get a number of subtle styling tweaks, higher output V8 and V10 engines and a new S tronic transmission.
Audi’s only supercar is getting a bit old now. After first being unveiled at the 2006 Paris Auto Show, it still cuts a near identical shape. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Car magazine in the UK is reporting that Audi is planning on releasing a facelifted version sometime next year.
The new model will receive a revised 4.2-litre FSI V8 similar to the unit used in the current Audi RS5, producing 331kW – up from the current R8 4.2 with 309kW. The 5.2-litre V10 variant will get its fair share of massaging as well, resulting in 397kW – up from 386kW.
Other changes are said to include the option of a dual-clutch S tronic transmission which will replace the somewhat criticised R tronic in place today. A normal, gated six-speed manual will continue as before.
As for the cosmetic changes, reports suggest there will be a number of subtle tweaks, such as LED placement and headlight revisions. The front and rear bumper bars are also expected to receive some alterations.
According to reports the 2012 Audi R8 will hit international markets during mid-2012, with the drop-top Spyder version following soon after.

The New Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG !


Normally a Mercedes-Benz isn't a car you get excited about. Sure, it might be impressive and even desirable. But when it comes time to get excited in the way that young boys get excited about red exotic sports cars from Italy, a Mercedes typically isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But now there's the 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG. (Get ready to fist pump.)

Despite its name, the SLS AMG is not some special version of the current Mercedes-Benz SL hardtop convertible, but rather a unique sports car designed and built by AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz. Inspired by the classic Mercedes 300SL (known as the "Gullwing") of the 1950s, the new SLS shares the iconic SL's proportions with its long hood and short rear deck as well as the SL's unique upward-opening doors. The SLS is meant to be Mercedes-Benz's ultimate automobile, but it's also meant to be more affordable and practical to drive than the now-discontinued Mercedes SLR McLaren.

Behind the SLS's classic-style grille is an exotic all-aluminum chassis and a potent, hand-built 6.2-liter V8. This engine is an upgraded version (it even has a racing-style dry-sump oil system) of the AMG engine in the SL63 and other AMG Benz models and it cranks out 563 horsepower here. A seven-speed, dual-clutch automated manual transaxle (a first for a Mercedes-Benz) sends the power to the rear wheels. At about 3,600 pounds, the SLS isn't a lightweight, but it's still got the goods to compete against the world's best sports cars like the Ferrari 458 Italia and Porsche 911 Turbo.

Throw a few options on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and you're looking at a $200,000-plus sports car. Considering the combination of high performance and superior practicality, the SLS actually seems like a good deal when compared to such weekend-only trinkets as the Lamborghini Gallardo. You might also see it as a step up from cars like the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Audi R8. Either way, the Mercedes SLS is bound to catch your imagination just like some red sports car from Italy.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 2012 !

The Lamborghini Gallardo is an Italian high-performance exotic supercar. Joining the all-wheel drive LP560-4 coupe and Spyder (convertible) and rear-wheel drive LP550-2 Valentino Balboni coupe are the all-wheel drive LP570-4 Superleggara and the rear-wheel drive base LP550-2.
The full-time all-wheel drive Gallardo LP560-4 is powered by a 552 horsepower direct-injected 5.2-liter V10 controlled by a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional sequential six-speed 'E-gear' transmission. The LP570-4 Superleggara uses the same engine but horsepower is bumped up to 562, and the E-gear transmission is standard. The base LP550-2 and Valentino Balboni have slightly less horsepower at 543, but the deletion of the all-wheel drive system saves almost 300 pounds, and the driveline and suspension are thoroughly tuned and revised for rear-wheel drive dynamics. With a focus on weight loss, LP570-4 Superleggara features exterior and interior carbon fiber body components, forged alloy wheels and Alcantara sport seats with carbon fiber shells, and exterior modifications, including a remodeled front bumper, are all directed at increasing aerodynamic effects and increasing the supply of cooling air. The LP550-2 Valentino Balboni features unique gray wheels, racing stripe, white leather-trimmed console, and leather-trimmed power seats with a white stripe. A navigation system and rear view parking camera are standard with the LP550-2 Valentino Balboni and available with the other trims. Optional light-weight carbon ceramic brakes offer superior durability and reduce brake fade, where the brakes become less effective due to overheating in extremely demanding conditions such as racing. An available clear glass engine cover allows the owner to display the engine. Other options include Alcantara interior trim and a variety of wheel designs and colors.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe 2012 !


The Phantom Drophead Coupe, with an exterior inspired by racing yachts of the 1930s and an interior design that emphasizes the airy openness of top-down motoring, retains Roll-Royces' traditional luxurious feel and comfort through the use of the finest leather and wood veneers. The Phantom Drophead Coupé offers owners an unparalleled convertible experience, combining compelling driveability with exceptional engineering, technology and design.
The four-passenger, rear-wheel drive Phantom Drophead Coupe is powered by a 6.75-liter direct-injected V-12 engine mated to an six-speed automatic transmission, producing 453 horsepower and 531 pounds-feet of torque. This ultra-luxury coupe features features reverse-opening doors, adaptive air suspension with automatic four-corner leveling, 21-inch alloy wheels, a 15-speaker sound system with navigation, and a handcrafted interior with flawless leather trim and a choice of wood veneers. The "picnic" trunk provides a seating platform for two and offers easy access to the luggage compartment. Optional equipment includes front and rear parking cameras and a wide array of paint colors and interior trim material choices. The Dynamic Package include sport suspension and transmission tuning. Two of the most visually stunning options are the teak decking for the rear hood cover and the brushed steel bonnet and A-pillar.

Maserati GranTurismo S Superior Black Edition by Anderson Germany


Anderson Germany has released a new program for the Maserati GranTurismo S, named the Superior Black Edition.
The exterior coating is silky matt black. Only the window frames, grill and the rear logo are made in shining black. Both front and tail lamps are tinted.
Anderson choose a proprietary glossy black exclusive rim with carbon framing in 21 inch all around, completed by sized 265 tires in front and 295 rear. They also lowered the sports car.
Next to the sports engine bonnet, the exterior packet includes carbon exterior mirrors, tailgate and roof ledges, as well as the lateral left and right air inlets. The German tuner has also given the car more sportive front and rear aprons, and a central exhaust system with a remote controllable valve command in two sound levels. The result is 13kg less weight and an increase of about 12hp. The total power increase by means of the exhaust, racing cats and software optimization climbs from 440 serial horsepower up to meanwhile 492hp.
The interior also has been refined with a carbon package, containing the air inlets, door knobs, the switch desk in the roof liner, the door sill panels, the steering wheel, the seat regulation levers, the shifting paddles, as well as the radio mask. The interior trim is a combination between black carbon leather and black Alcantara, keder piping and red rhombus seams.

Ferrari to add sportier version of best-selling 458 Italia in 2013 !


Ferrari will replace two of its five core models, the 430 Spider and the 599 GTB Fiorano, in the next two years, while adding a sportier variant to its best-selling model, the 458 Italia.
458 Italia: U.S. shipments of Ferrari's best-selling model began in June last year. A freshening is planned in 2014. Ferrari is adding a sportier variant, the 458 Scuderia, in 2013.
458 Spider: At the Frankfurt show in September, Ferrari will debut the 458 Spider, which will replace the 430 Spider. The powertrain will be unchanged, while a retractable hard top will replace the canvas top offered on the 430. Sales in Europe begin in September. U.S. shipments follow in the first quarter of 2012.
California: A freshening is planned for 2013.
599 GTB Fiorano: In 2012 Ferrari will replace the 599 GTB Fiorano with a redesigned model still known by its code-name, F152. The new car will remain a two-seat coupe with rear drive and a direct-injection V-12 longitudinal engine mounted in the front. The model will debut in March at the Geneva auto show, with European sales to begin in the summer and U.S. shipments by year end.
FF: The first all-wheel-drive Ferrari debuted in March at the Geneva show, went on sale in July in Europe and will arrive by year end in the States. Ferrari is building 800 units a year of the four-seat FF coupe; production is sold out until the end of 2012.
The FF, which stands for Ferrari Four, replaced the company's 612 Scaglietti flagship. The FF is marginally bigger and roomier but at 3,946 pounds weighs the same as the Scaglietti despite adding awd.
The FF is powered by a new 660-hp, 6.3-liter V-12 direct-injection engine that takes the car to 208 mph.


Bugatti unveils 1.65 million euro porcelain roadster !


BERLIN -- Bugatti, the maker of the world's fastest production car, has developed a 1.65 million euro ($2.4 million) one-off special edition of the Veyron Grand Sport model with porcelain accents, including a caviar tray.
The L'Or Blanc, the first vehicle equipped with porcelain, according to Bugatti, is a joint effort between Volkswagen AG's supercar brand and Berlin-based KPM, a 248-year-old porcelain maker that traces its roots back to King Frederick the Great of Prussia.
The roadster, which will be shown at the IAA in Frankfurt in September, was unveiled last week in Berlin.
"Installing porcelain in the world's fastest convertible car seems like a pretty odd idea," Stefan Brungs, the brand's sales chief, said at the June 30 event. "But Bugatti has made a name for itself by not shying away from extravagant ideas."
Story of Veyron 16.4 !
VW purchased Bugatti in 1998 along with the Lamborghini and Bentley ultra-luxury nameplates to compete with BMW AG's Rolls-Royce. Under VW's reign, the brand, which was founded by Italian-born car designer Ettore Bugatti, started production of the two-door Veyron 16.4 in 2005.
The last of 300 models of the limited series was sold last week to a European-based customer, Bugatti spokeswoman Emanuela Wilm said.
Bugatti, which makes about 50 cars a year from its headquarters in Molsheim, France, may also build a four-door 16C Galibier model after getting the go-head from VW, two people familiar with the matter said in April.
The Galibier model has a 1,000-horsepower engine and may cost about 1 million euros.