Audi R8 Spyder

EXTERIOR

Love for detail, the particular and the unique is an incentive for exceptional reconstructions. The company’s latest stroke of genius impressively proves that once again. The MANSORY interpretation of the Audi R8 Spyder with its exclusive and extensive refining programme does not let just the hearts of convertible fans beat faster.

Mansory Bentley Continental GTC 2013

MANSORY BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC

Technical data:

Car colour: Granite (D6D6) 

Mileage: 20 km 

Engine type: Twin-turbocharged W12 

Engine size: 5998 cm³ 

Power: 575 PS/ 423 KW 

Transmission: 8‑speed close-ratio

Netto Export Price: 238.900,00 €

SSC Tuatara Production May Finally Get Underway

Get ready for 1,350 horsepower.

It’s been a few months since we last heard anything from SSC, the company behind the upcoming Tuatara hypercar. Its previous insane creation was the Ultimate Aero. Although it’s taken some time to get off the ground, it’s being reported that SSC’s new production facility in West Richland, Washington is on schedule to begin construction this August. Completion should be done early next year. It will supposedly be a 40,000 square foot facility.

However, that doesn’t mean the company will be capable of mass production. As it stands now, just one Tuatara will be built per month. Output will likely increase over time. Overall this is very good news considering SSC had originally hoped to get the Tuatara on the road this year. It would be an outright shame if that 1,350 horsepower hypercar doesn’t get to see the light of day. All of that power comes from a 6.9-liter twin-turbo V8, allowing for a 0-60 mph time of just 2.5 seconds, a quarter-mile time in 9.75 seconds, and a top speed of 275 mph. SSC reportedly already has a few orders from anxious and wealthy customers.

Don’t Be Jealous of This Twenty-Something’s McLaren P1

First of eight P1s coming to Canada.

The first McLaren P1 has arrived in Canada and according to Marcel Lech Photography, provider of these awesome shots, the owner is in his early twenties. No, it is not Justin Bieber. #65 is the first of eight P1s destined for the Great White North, following #63 that went to Jay Leno and #64 that belongs to Ralph Lauren. Like the bulk of McLaren P1s, Mahidar Ah’s model went to McLaren Special Operations first, who added more carbon and finished the car in a stunning shade of blue-tinted white.

Heavyweights: Challenger SRT Hellcat Vs Camaro ZL1

Two somewhat overweight modern muscle cars are still going at it after all these years.

They’re both pretty heavy, especially when compared with the 2015 Ford Mustang. But that’s not really fair now, is it? The Mustang is all-new, while the Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro are built on aging platforms, both of which were originally designed for a sedan. Because of that, both cars are heavier than they should be. So let’s stick with the Challenger and Camaro here; they just have the most in common underneath. Both have been heavily updated since their initial debuts several years back.

Just this past week Dodge unveiled its newest Challenger SRT that’s powered by the new 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8, better known as the Hellcat. It pumps out more than 600 horsepower! Then there’s the Camaro ZL1, with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 of its own, with 580 ponies on tap. Is this a case of less is more, or simply more power rules no matter what? Which of these would you take home?

Boutique Supercars: Koenigsegg Agera

How one Swedish guy dreamed big and ended up building one of the world's fastest cars.

The Swedish hyper car maker Koenigsegg is another recent success story, owing much of this to their engineering work, which is at a level that would be impressive even for a much bigger company. Cars built by Koenigsegg hold a number of world records, and the company, which is already a major contender in the world of hyper cars, continues to gain momentum. Founded by Christian von Koenigsegg, it is now a publicly traded company, but his family crest still serves as the official logo.

Von Koenigsegg got his start in business as a food exporter, but it is said that he had dreamed of making his own supercar ever since he saw the Norwegian film "Flaklypa Grand Prix" at the age of five. So Koenigsegg was founded in 1994, and the first prototype was built in '96. This was the CC, and it underwent several years of testing and a number of new prototypes were built before the first production-ready prototype was unveiled in 2000. Taking so long to develop a hyper car isn't unusual, and when it's from a boutique company, it's even more normal. What's unusual about Koenigsegg is that they now use their own engines, built in-house.

Cars America Missed Out On: Pagani Zonda

Hard to believe, but it's true.

You can thank the EPA and DOT (Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation) for this one. In 1999, a nearly unknown boutique Italian car company launched a supercar that would change the automotive landscape forever. That company was Pagani and its debut model was the Zonda. Powered by an AMG-produced 6.0-liter V12, the C12 was the first of many Zonda variants built throughout its 14 year life cycle.

Displacement was soon increased to 7.0 liters, and later to 7.3 liters. A total of 206 Zondas were constructed at Pagani’s factory in Modena, Italy, most of which call Europe home. Approximately 10 Zondas have found their way to the US, but they can’t be driven any more than 2,500 miles per year. That’s because they’re under the EPA and DOT “Show and Display” title. Thankfully the Zonda’s replacement, the Huayra, is fully legal for sale in the US, but it’s still a damn shame the Zonda never had that same privilege.

Lamborghini Veneno Roadster

For those that just can’t get enough of Lamborghini’s most extreme open-top supercar.

Lamborghini unleashed the new Veneno Roadster with only a handful of images, but has now revealed more angles of its 3.3 million Euro supercar for your viewing pleasure. Dubbed by the carmaker as an “open racing prototype,” the 750-hp Veneno Roadster has a strong rollover bar in place of a roof, racing car aerodynamics, a carbon-fiber clad interior and a power-to-weight ratio of 1.99 kg/hp, enabling it to sprint from 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds and hit a 221 mph top speed. Production will start next year, limited to just nine units.

2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Review

The Bentley Continental GT is now in its second generation. The first new model released under ownership of the Volkswagen Group. If we look past the fact that Bentley placed the car on the platform of Volkswagen’s slow-selling Phaeton, we see a car that revitalised a limbing British brand, bringing with it a succession of youthful new customers. No longer a niche luxury brand, Bentley is now a major global brand!

The subject of our review today is the second generation Bentley Continental GT Speed. First announced back in 2012 and debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2012, the GT Speed is the current flagship Bentley Continental GT model.

The name is a nod back to the Bentley ‘Speed’ models that first appeared in 1923. Cars such as the Bentley 3 Litre Speed were top of the range, three out of Bentley’s six Le Mans winners have worn the badge. Our expectations were therefore that this Bentley would offer luxury, handling precision and, above all, buckets of performance. Keep reading to find out what we actually found!

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe

The 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe is the brand’s first two-door compact coupe and the first production model to adopt Cadillac’s new crest.

Despite sharing the platform with the ATS Sedan, the ATS Coupe gets a wider body while retaining the same wheelbase as the sedan. It gets two engine options, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine along with a 3.6-litre V6. While the 2.0-liter engine makes 272 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm, the bigger 3.6-litre engine makes 321 hp and 373 Nm.

A six-speed automatic helps put down the power in both versions and the 2.0-litre variant comes with a six-speed manual as well. Buyers can choose to go for an all-wheel drive variant if the standard rear-wheel drive model doesn’t cut it. 

The Cadillac ATS Coupe gets Brembo brakes as standard and on the options list is a FE3 sport suspension that includes Magnetic Ride Control, a mechanical limited-slip differential and upgraded engine cooling.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The 2015 Corvette Z06 is the first Z06 model to offer a supercharged engine, automatic transmission and a retractable roof. The engine comes with a host of technologies like direct injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing.

The Z06 also gets a carbon-fibre aero package that adds a carbon fibre front splitter with aviation-style winglers, carbon fibre rocker panels and a large rear spoiler with a fixed small vertical tab at the edge of the spoiler to enhance down force.

Notable features on the interior are the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The new Z06 will be available from early 2015.

BMW i8

BMW i8

The i8 will get its India debut at the upcoming 2014 Auto Expo in February for which BMW India has already started teasing the i8 on its websites.

It is the first plug-in hybrid from BMW and it retails at $135,700 (Rs 83,42,836) excluding any state and federal subsidies in the US.

The i8 is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that develops 231 hp and peak torque of 320 Nm, which is combined with a lithium-ion high-voltage battery with liquid cooling and usable capacity of 5kWh, giving it a combined output of 362 hp and peak torque of 570 Nm. When run solely on the electric motor, the i8 gets a range of 35 km.

The allocated production units for the i8 had already been sold out and we expect that India will get the i8 later this year or in 2015. Sources also say that BMW will allocate 7-8 i8 models for India.

2015 Audi Q3

2015 Audi Q3

The Q3 is powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI engine that produces 200 hp and peak torque of 281 Nm mated to a six-speed tiptronic gearbox.

Standard features of the Audi Q3 include a panaromic sunroof with power retractable sunshade, xenon front lights with daytime running lights and taillights, heated and powered front seats, and all-leather seats.

On the inside, there are standard LED lights to illuminate the doors, footwells, vanity mirrors, storage compartments, cup holders and air vent thumb wheels, apart from Bose speakers. 

An optional Audi drive-select system on the front-wheel drive Q3 allows the driver to shift between Comfort, Dynamic and Auto modes. It also gets electromechanical steering, ESC and hill-descent assist as standard. Various packages are provided as options including a 7-inch navigation screen.

2014 Porsche 911 Targa, 911 Targa 4S

2014 Porsche 911 Targa, 911 Targa 4S

The 2014 Porsche 911 Targa with a design impersonating the classic version, features a Targa roof bar, a movable front roof section, and a wraparound rear window (the roof segment can be closed and opened at the push of a button). The roof stows in a section behind the rear seat when activated.

Both models, the Targa and Targa 4S, are AWD versions, and feature a wider rear track and body compared to the regular 911. The Porsche Traction Management (PTM) seen in 911 AWD models is also available on the Targa.

Power for the Targa comes from a horizontally opposed 3.4L six-cylinder engine that outputs 350 hp. Mated to an optional PDK gearbox and Sport Chrono package, the 911 Targa can achieve a 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 280 km/h. In the standard version’s manual transmission, a speed of 281.6 km/h is achievable.

The 911 Targa 4S on the other hand gets a horizontally opposed 3.8L six-cylinder engine that generates 400 hp, and reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in 4.2 seconds when equipped with the optional PDK and Sport Chrono package. In this spec, a top speed of 292.9 km/h is possible, while 294.5 km/h is touchable with the manual gearbox.

The 911 Targa 4 will retail at $101,600 (Rs 62.5 lakh rupees) while the 911 Targa 4S model will carry a tag of $116,200 (Rs 71.48 lakh rupees).

BMW i8 U.K Pricing Revealed

Reports from a few months back indicated that the brand new and quite revolutionary 2014 BMW i8 would set U.K. buyers back around 150,000 pounds. However, the official price for the BMW i8 has finally been released and it is a lot cheaper than we were expecting.

Prices in the U.K. start at 99,845 pounds for the base model but as with all BMWs and cars of this prestige, add on a few options and that price will skyrocket. As it stands, BMW claims to have received 100 deposits for the sports car in the United Kingdom thus far.

Under the hood, BMW i8 features an aluminium Drive module incorporating a traditional internal combustion engine, two electric motors, a battery as well as all the electronics. That traditional engine is a mid-mounted 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder powertrain pumping out an impressive 231 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels.

However, BMW wasn’t entirely satisfied with those figures and also fitted an electric motor up front which on its own produces 131 hp and 184 lb-ft of instantly available torque. As a result, the BMW i8 produces a total of 362 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque and is good for a sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Fortunately, BMW didn’t focus all their energy on the powertrain and spent a considerable amount of time ensuring the BMW i8 is lightweight. This aim has been achieved thanks to a carbon fiber module making up part of the chassis and weighing 50% less than steel. As a result of this and BMW’s incredible engineers, the BMW i8 achieves a perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

Mercedes AMG Unveils a Vision to Behold

Teased online just a few days ago, Mercedes-Benz AMG has now officially unveiled its all-new Vision Gran Turismo Concept. Set to have its official live debut later this week at LA, the concept was designed specifically for the upcoming Gran Turismo 6, where gamers will have the chance to "get behind the wheel" of this gorgeous machine. Powered by an AMG bi-turbo V8 with 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, it weighs a total of just 3,053 lbs. partly thanks to its aluminum space frame. 

Designed at the automaker’s new R&D center in Sunnyvale, California, the styling influences from the SLS AMG GT are quite obvious. Along with its gullwing doors, it retains that long hood and short rear end, although with a major design twist. It features AMG ceramic high-performance brakes and an eight-pipe exhaust system. The F1-inspired interior is comprised of red sport seats, black flooring, rocker switches on the center stack, and a floating glass surface above the steering wheel. Will it ever see production? Not a chance. With the exception of this one-off concept, the Vision Gran Turismo will remain in virtual reality. But it does offer a glimpse into what Mercedes AMG has in mind design wise for the future. 

AMG Vision GT Looks Fantastic in the Metal

After seeing the gorgeous one-off Benz in some official snaps, we knew the Vision Gran Tusimo Concept needed to be seen up close to be fully appreciated. These live shots of the concept from the LA Auto Show reveal the 1:1-scale model of the virtual supercar created for GT6 that is supposed to offer some clue as to the carmaker’s future design language. The model comes without a powertrain, but in the game the Vision GT Concept gets a twin-turbo V8 rated at 577-hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.

The sexy yet aggressive design combines nods to classic Mercedes GT cars and plenty of futuristic styling. The Gullwing doors remained closed, hiding the interior, but the engineless model car does have working taillights, a motorized, moveable rear spoiler and fully functional Knight Rider-esque LED grille.

Frankfurt 2013: Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo iBusiness S-Class

Brabus have been working hard and for IAA Frankfurt Motor Show 2013 they already have an extreme version of the brand new S-Class to display! The Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo iBusiness S-Class is packed with power, luxury and gadgets, Brabus call it the fastest and most powerful luxury sedan in the world. We took a look at the package on display at the Brabus stand!

To start with the performance, the key aspect of the Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo iBusiness is of course its engine. With the Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG making its debut at the very same motor show, the Brabus we see here is most likely a lower S-Class (probably an S 500) fitted with the uprated engine from the 63 series AMG models. Engine capacity is increased to 6.0 litres from 5.5, engine block, cylinders and cylinder heads are thoroughly reworked. Power is now pegged at 850 hp and torque is limited to 1,150 Nm. 0-100 km/h is achieved in 3.5 seconds and the Brabus has a 350 km/h top speed.

The “iBusiness ” infotainment system is based on state-of-the-art components from Apple such as iPad, Mac mini, iPod touch and Apple TV, which are controlled and coordinated via the newly developed Brabus Remote app. In addition, the iBusiness system was designed to allow control of all functions of the COMAND system of the Mercedes S-Class from the rear seats using an iPad mini.

HWA Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing 6.0 V8 in Hong Kong

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is a timeless classic, a car that was drooled over when it was first unveiled way back in 1954 and still is to this very day. Today, the 300SL with its unique doors, technological firsts, and low production numbers is considered one of the most collectible Mercedes-Benz models, with prices generally in the US$700,000-$1,000,000 range, a car to be garaged and maintained to the highest standards, a driven on a crisp spring morning up a twisting mountain pass.

The last thing you would ever do to a gullwing is tear out 212hp V6 and lump in a huge 5,956cc V8 that features in the AMG range. Well brace yourselves, because its been done. Just three special editions by HWA AG in Germany have been created. That huge modern engine in the pretty delicate gullwing frame produces 381bhp via a 4-speed automatic gearbox.

We’re not sure what to think of this project. The purist within wants to scoff and shout in anger as the entire concept of tinkering with such a car seems plain wrong. But that’s just us, what do you think? Oh yes, one last thing. This car is now estimated to be worth a mind boggling $14,800,000 (no really, we haven’t added a zero!).

Range Rover Sport by SR Auto

SR Auto are at it again! The tuning company have worked on a number of car including the Lamborghini Aventador and made awesome supercars even more desirable. Now they are setting their sights on a car that is much more subtle and mundane. The 2014 Range Rover Sport. The latest iteration of the footballers favourite is a cracking all rounder, sublime comfort with a whiff of sporting abilities.

SR Auto have taken a standard Sport and transformed the look of it simply by fitting the impressive beast with Vossen CV1, 22×10.5 finished in Matte Graphite. These wheels suit the creases and lines of the latest Range Rover very well, the graphite wheels adding very welcome contrast to the SUVs white body.

Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Unveiled at January’s Detroit auto show, the update introduces ‘S-Model’ mechanical, equipment and styling enhancements to the high-performance CLS-Class ’four-door coupe’ sedan and Shooting Brake wagon variants, similar to those applied to the new E63 AMG S.

Power and torque from the 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 of the Mercedes CLS63 AMG S rise 44kW and 100Nm for peak outputs of 430kW at 5500rpm and 800Nm from 1750-5000rpm.

The power boost cuts the sedan’s 0-100km/h sprint by three-tenths to 4.1 seconds, while the wagon is just one-tenth off the pace at 4.2sec. Both are electronically limited to 250km/h, though an optional driver’s package unlocks a more potent 300km/h top speed.

Despite the performance increase, combined cycle fuel consumption remains at 10.0 litres per 100km for the sedan and 10.3L/100km in Shooting Brake guise.

Differentiating the CLS63 AMG S from the rest of the CLS-Class range is an AMG body kit comprising a unique bonnet, single-bar black and chrome grille, front bumper, rear diffuser and sports exhaust with quad outlets; wide-track front axle; 19-inch 10-spoke matt grey alloys; red brake calipers; and S-Model badging.

As before, the flagship CLS features a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with four drive modes and Race Start function, as well as ride control sports suspension with adjustable dampers, high-performance brake system, speed-sensitive sports steering, and a limited-slip differential.

The enhanced cabin comes standard with black nappa leather and alcantara upholstery, sports seats with AMG logos and silver seatbelts, performance steering wheel, instrument cluster with race timer, IWC analogue clock, illuminated doorsill panels, piano black trim and brushed stainless steel pedals.

Standard safety includes distronic plus adaptive cruise control, blind spot and lane keeping assist systems, Pre-safe brake and brake assist pre-emptive systems.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S sedan is priced from $262,645 while the Shooting Brake costs from $265,145.