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Filed under: Convertible, Supercars, Alfa Romeo
Alfa Rome 8C Spider - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you're hoping to get your hands on an Alfa 8C Spider, well... take a number, because really - who doesn't? The open-air version of the highly coveted - and almost universally admired - 8C Competizione, the 8C Spider is a product of pure demand. But with only 500 examples set to be produced and just 35 of those destined for American shores, only a handful of eligible parties will get them. And those Yanks who are lucky enough to do so do will have to pay at least $299,000 for the privilege.
That list price alone - confirmed to Autoblog courtesy of Maserati North America (which is handling the model's distribution) - makes the 8C Spider the most expensive production Alfa ever. But with demand far outstripping supply, you can bet most of them will be trading hands at far higher prices than that - at least in the short term. That's is no mean feat considering present economic conditions.
Gallery: Alfa Romeo 8C Spider
[Source: Maserati]
$300k Alfa 8C Spider the most expensive Alfa Romeo in history? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Supercars, Bugatti, Rumormill, Luxury
Further evidence that Bugatti has a new product planned for its centenary celebration at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September comes by way of PistonHeads in the U.K., which offers up this image of the rear of what may or may not be a vehicle called the Bordeaux. Of course, before we pull this one completely out of the rumormill file, we'll need either official word from Bugatti or an actual picture of the party invitation that this car supposedly graces.
Assuming for a moment that this image is the real deal, we see some interesting tidbits from which to glean tantalizing details of the future car. While we're still not certain if this could be the World's Ultimate Sedan, some bizarre sort of shooting brake, or even a supercar to replace to Veyron (or none of the above), but the thin strip of brake light right down the center reminds us of the dorsal seam from the iconic Type 57SC Atlantic - certainly a fitting way to recollect the French automaker's first 100 years in business.
Note, too, the inclusion of eight rather obvious exhaust tips at the rear of the car, which reinforces speculation that this vehicle will be powered by Bugatti's current 8.0-liter W16 powerplant. If that's the case, we'd also expect the Veyron's all-wheel-drive system and active aerodynamics to keep the ridiculously powerful car from going airborne. As much fun as it is to speculate, we look forward to getting official word from Bugatti as Frankfurt draws nearer.
[Source: PistonHeads]
Octophonic Sound? Second teaser of Bugatti Bordeaux surfaces originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Supercars, Audi, Celebrities
The first Iron Man movie, which came out in May, 2008, turned out to be a very supercar friendly affair. Among the vehicles in Tony Stark's multi-million dollar garage were a Saleen S7, a Shelby Cobra, a Tesla Roadster and an Audi R8. Stark even worked on a 1932 Ford Flathead roadster when he wasn't killing bad guys.We were assuming the billionaire superhero genius will continue to have a great stable of rides in the next installment of the series, and spy photos taken on set confirm our suspicions. Robert Downey Jr. is seen driving in an Audi R8 V10 Spider during shooting of the film, which is scheduled to be released on May 7, 2010. In one of the spy photos, the V10 badging is clearly visible, confirming that Stark's drop-top R8 will be powered by VW's corporate 5.2-liter V10. With an expected 525 horsepower,the Audi R8 V10 Spider looks like our kind of Arc reactor.
[Source: Auto Express]
Spy Shots: Tony Stark snapped driving Audi R8 V10 Spider originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Performance, Supercars, Bugatti, Specialty, Luxury
Mansory Vincero - Click above for high-res image gallery
Bugatti always finds ways of making their Veyron more exclusive, with a seemingly endless procession of special edition models. But for some, that still ain't enough. Inherently, Bug customers also tend to be the same people for whom cost is no object. And for them, tuning house Mansory created the Vincero.
With updated aero, LED lighting, new wheels and carbon fiber galore, Mansory also managed to coax out an extra 108 horsepower from the Veyron's thousand-horse, quad-turbo W16. And the cost of these otherwise rather modest modifications? A whopping $985k - nearly a million dollars - on top of the price of a stock Veyron to begin with. At those kinds of prices, it's no wonder Mansory decided to build just three of 'em. Although we gave you a first glimpse at the Geneva Motor Show this past March, you can check out our massive updated gallery of images below and a video after the jump.
Gallery: Mansory Bugatti Veyron Vincero
[Sources: WCF; Nick Hall]
Continue reading PICS + VIDEO: Mansory Vincero costs $1 million... on top of the price of a Bugatti Veyron
PICS + VIDEO: Mansory Vincero costs $1 million... on top of the price of a Bugatti Veyron originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Car Buying, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG dealer order guide - Click above to view
var lwing_order_guide_revealed_has_10k_paint'; While we patiently await our turn to drive Mercedes-Benz's upcoming SLS AMG gullwing wundercar, we have a new way to occupy our time: the dealership ordering guide. Thanks to an anonymous tipster, we have the full document for your perusal, which includes all relevant details and estimated option prices for spec'ing out an SLS of your very own.
The guide doesn't provide us with many new images of the 563-horsepower production coupe, but we do see the options list and associated pricing, including lots of interesting tidbits like the model's available colors (including special $10,000 "ALU-BEAM liquid metal" paint); performance options including $12,000 carbon-ceramic brakes and a modestly priced $1,500 sport suspension kit; along with interior niceties on the order of various seat leathers, an $11k extended carbon fiber kit, a $6,400 Bang & Olufsen stereo upgrade, and so on.
What are you waiting for? Click on the gallery below to see how much money you'll need to liberate from the couch cushions before you can order the SLS of your dreams.
Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS Order Guide
Mercedes SLS AMG gullwing order guide revealed; includes optional $10,000 paint! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Car Buying, Supercars, Lamborghini
Lamborghini production pie chart - Click above for key
No news may be good news for most people, but it makes for some tiresome boredom and excess spare time to news jockeys like us. Fortunately, while the rest of us were playing xBox or configuring our fantasy cars online, our compatriots over at Inside Line were putting their slow news days to good use with the pie chart you see above. Yes, a pie chart.
Using official numbers furnished by the manufacturer, the staff at IL's Straightline blog charted Lamborghini's entire sales by model. That huge orange wedge you see there? That's the Gallardo, in all its iterations (the original coupe and roadster, Superleggera, special editions, LP560-4, etc.). Total production of the Gallardo range to date tops 9,900, and is well on course to shatter the 10,000 mark for the first time in Sant'Agata history. What's even more interesting, though, is that if you take out the gray wedge that represents the Gallardo's big brother, the Murcielago, you can see that Lamborghini has sold more Gallardos than it has all other models combined, which totaled 9,500 before the current pair was introduced. Talk about grabbing a bull by the horns.
[Source: Inside Line]
Pie in the Sky Perspective: Charting out Lamborghini production by model originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Supercars, Ferrari, Specialty
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano with HGTE package - Click above for high-res image galleryLife is tough, we know. You sit for months on a waiting list, drop six figures, order your Ferrari just the way you want it, and then bam! They come out with an even better version. What's a supercar owner to do? Well in the case of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and the Handling GTE package unveiled to go with it at the Geneva Motor Show just a few months ago (shown above in yellow for the first time), we've got good news as Ferrari has announced the availability of the package as a dealer-installable kit on existing 599s.
The package includes a host of enhancements to the GT's already superlative capabilities, grouped into four areas: handling, performance, exhaust and aesthetics. Handling includes a suspension lowered by 10mm, magnetorheologically re-calibrated and stiffened by over 15%; beefed up in anti-roll bars, and stickier tires mounted on upgraded modular wheels.
The performance enhancements include new exhaust silencers, upgrades to the transmission software that cut shift times down to 85 milliseconds, as well as new lines of code that summon improved throttle response. The performance kit can only be installed on post-2008 models with the sequential transmission, while pre-2008 or manual-equipped models can get the exhaust kit without the remapped throttle and transmission.
Finally, the aesthetic improvements consist of a new front grille and Prancing Horse emblems front and back in a burnished finish instead of the usual chrome. The only thing which the dealer-installed HGTE kit doesn't include from the factory-equipped models is the interior trim package. Released first for the British market, the kit costs £19,703 (~$32k USD), or £17,213 (~$28k) without the upgraded transmission and throttle calibrations. Check out the fresh gallery of images below and follow the jump for the full press release and an in-car video of the HGTE-equipped 599 pouring on the heat.
Gallery: Ferrari 599 HGTE in yellow
[Source: Ferrari]
Continue reading (Un)mellow Yellow: Upgrade your Ferrari 599 with dealer-installed HGTE package [w/VIDEO]
(Un)mellow Yellow: Upgrade your Ferrari 599 with dealer-installed HGTE package [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Green, Technology, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG
Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed the rumors that have been floating around in recent days - it will build an electrically powered version of its upcoming SLS gullwing coupe. The EV version of the SLS will drive all four wheels by means of an individual motor for each corner. It will not however use wheel hub motors, since those add too much unsprung mass. The motors will be mounted just inboard of the suspension components.
Energy will be stored in a 48 kWh liquid cooled lithium ion battery pack running down the central tunnel. The combined output of the electric drive system is 392 kW (526 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft), which compares to 420 kW (563 hp) and 649 Nm (479 lb-ft) for the 6.3-liter V8 in the conventional SLS. Mercedes claims it will accelerate to 62 mph in four seconds. No range is being quoted at this time, but given that the battery capacity is lower than the Tesla Roadster and the car is larger, it will likely be well under 200 miles. No timeline for the electric version is being quoted, although earlier rumors placed it at 2015.
One of the reasons that Daimler said it was investing $50 million in Tesla Motors was the upstart's ability to move quickly and develop systems faster than could be done at Daimler. Given that, we may well see the electric SLS sooner rather than later. Check out our high-res gallery of (internal combustion) Mercedes SLS prototypes below and the official press release after the jump.
Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
[Source: Daimler]
Continue reading Officially Official: Mercedes to produce electric SLS gullwing
Officially Official: Mercedes to produce electric SLS gullwing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Supercars, Lamborghini, Specialty
Lamborghini Gallardo Valentino Balboni - Click above for high-res image gallery
Autoblog friend David Kaiser, the same man who brought us images of the Tramontana F1 in full jet fighter camouflage regalia, has struck again with stunning pictures from Lamborghini's launch of the Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni in Zürich, Switzerland. According to Kaiser, this was the third stop of the car's initial European tour following appearances in Paris and Lyon in France. Next, the Italian crew will pack up and take their show on to various locations in the United Kingdom.
In case you your memory needs refreshed, the new Lambo was named in honor of the automaker's longtime test driver. Featuring a 550-horsepower version of the Gallardo's familiar V10 engine and a comparatively low 3,042-pound curb weight, the rear-drive LP550-2 is reportedly capable of scurrying to 60 in just 3.9 seconds and up to a top speed of 199 mph. Check out the photo gallery below and pay special attention to the unique black-and-white racing stripe, Scorpious wheels hiding bright yellow brake calipers and transparent engine cover. Thanks, David!
Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni Zurich unveil
[Source: DavidKaiser.ch]
Pics Aplenty: Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni gets its launch on originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Videos, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG
Click above to view the video after the jump
You know the stats. You've seen the leaks. Now, it's time for some video. The crew at MotorTrend were invited to the preview drive of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in Germany, and the buff book's Editor-At-Large, Arthur St. Antoine, enjoyed some passenger seat time with Bernd Schneider as the five-time DTM champion put Mercedes' new gullwing supercoupe through its paces. Make the jump to check out the full 13-mile hot-lap around the Nordschleife. Top tip Dan!
Continue reading VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG hot-laps the 'Ring
VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG hot-laps the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Coupe, Hybrid, Supercars, Bentley, Specialty, Electric
Bentley Continental Supersports - click above for high-res image gallery
At the Geneva Motor Show in March, Bentley unveiled its fastest most powerful road car in its 90 year history in the form of the Continental Supersports. Besides significantly reducing the weight of the existing Continental GT, the Supersports marked the first step of Bentley's move reduce its carbon dioxide emissions, in this case through the use of ethanol as a fuel for the 6.0-liter twelve-cylinder engine.
The Supersports is the first flex-fuel vehicle from the British luxury marque. At this month's Goodwood Festival of Speed, Bentley asked repeat Le Mans winner Derek Bell to spend the weekend ferrying lucky passengers up the hillclimb course in a prototype at elevated speeds. While we couldn't be there to experience the ride for ourselves, Bentley has just released the next best thing - a gallery of high-res images and a video that you can check out after the jump.
Gallery: Goodwood 2009: Bentley Continental Supersports
[Source: Bentley]
Continue reading Derek Bell runs the Bentley Continental Supersports at Goodwood [w/VIDEO]
Derek Bell runs the Bentley Continental Supersports at Goodwood [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, AMG
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren spun off more variants than you could shake a carbon-ceramic stick at, and and although its successor hasn't even reached the market, spy shots are already suggesting that the upcoming SLS could follow down the same path.What we have here are the first shots of what is being billed once again as the Mercedes-Benz SLC. The name was previously entertained as the tentative nameplate for Merc's upcoming gullwing supercar until it was replaced by the SLS nameplate. But if these shots from Auto Express are any indication, a roadster version is likely in the works as well.
Rather than a folding hard-top like the SL, the droptop SLS looks like it will follow the path of the SLR McLaren (not to mention the original 300SL) with a canvas roof, and presumably it will offer full automatic operation and a glass rear window. Aside from the roof, the mechanics are anticipated to carry over unchanged from the specs that just hit the web earlier today, while minimal weight gain should mean that performance will closely mirror that of its fixed-roof counterpart.
[Source: Auto Express]
Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG Roadster? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz
2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery
The recent spate of leaks surrounding the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG were a clear indication that a few select members of the press were invited to a pre-debut debut ahead of the gullwing's official unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show and that we could expect some initial driving impressions soon. Well, with the embargo dam critically injured, the first round of reviews have hit, revealing some critical details about Mercedes' all-new supercoupe.
Get the scoop after the jump.
Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG gets driven, details revealed
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG gets driven, details revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Supercars, Bugatti, Rumormill
Could a new über-sedan be in the offing from Bugatti? Rumors of a more practical model from the Volkswagen-owned supercar maker have been swirling ever since the Veyron was introduced back in 2005, and the idea has merit since it would likely allow VW to recoup some of the massive development costs that surely went into creating the Veyron. Now, a lone still shot from what is supposedly an invitation to a party celebrating the automaker's first 100 years in business has the interwebs speculating that a super sedan is on its way to an unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Previous rumors indicated that a new Bugatti sedan could share a platform with the next Bentley flagship - which we know is to debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance next month - and use the same all-wheel drive system and 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine as the Veyron. At this point, a Bugatti sedan is nothing but speculation and it's equally as possible that we could see either a successor the the four-year-old Veyron in Frankfurt - or nothing at all. In any case, we'll keep our eyes and ears open for more details in the coming months.
[Source: Ferrarichat]
New Bugatti model teased in anniversary party invitation? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Supercars, Dodge
2008 Dodge Viper ACR - Click above for a high-res image gallery
The future of the Dodge Viper has been in question since the summer of 2008, when it was reported Chrysler was considering selling the rights to their halo sports car instead of killing it all together. Initially, there seemed to be plenty of interested parties, including Roush and Saleen, but the dwindling economy led to just one lowball offer from Michigan-based Devon Motor Works. Even after the Viper's production facility re-opened last month, it was still assumed that the 600 horsepower sports car would up for grabs. Not anymore.
Today, Chrysler announced that the Viper program is no longer for sale and that it will be continued to be produced past the end of the year at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant. There was no mention as to why the decision was made or what will happen beyond 2010, but for now, the Viper is safe. The official press release doesn't offer much information, but you check it out after the jump, along with a video from Chrysler discussing the decision and giving brief history of the Viper.
Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Dodge Viper ACR
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading You Had Your Chance: Chrysler says Viper program is no longer for sale
You Had Your Chance: Chrysler says Viper program is no longer for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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