Kimi Raikkonen is 2007 F1 World Champion

Congratulations to Kimi Raikkonen from Ferrari who had luck on his side today when he came from behind to clinch the 2007 F1 World Drivers Championship. Well deserved, and it confirms it to me that Kimi is the best F1 driver out there. Lewis Hamilton let it slip by making a few silly mistakes, and Ferrari simply out preformed McLaren today. Alonso came in 3rd behind Massa.

So
Kimi is Champ with 110 points followed by
Lewis Hamilton with 109 point, then
Fernando Alonso with 109 points.What a great year in F1. Now we have to wait to March next year for the beginning of the 2008 Championship.

2007 SSC ULTIMATE AERO

SCC (Shelby Super Cars) have manufactured a vehicle that Guiness themselves are yet to officialise as the worlds fastest production car. At first glimpse of the photo I thought I was looking at a Pagani or Koenigsegg however reading further I was pleasantly surprised to find the Shelby Corp were behind this remarkable acheivement.

The site chosen to test the speed was a stretch of road temporarily closed in Washington State where it posted a top speed of 413.83km/hr (257.31mph) on its first run and 409.71km/hr (254.55.83mph) on its return run giving it an average of 411.76km/hr (255.83mph) which makes it faster that the official record held by the Koenigsegg CCR and faster than the Bugatti Beyron's unofficial speed by 3.11mph.

Due the a specific S bend in the road, Shelby believe the car could have reached higher speeds

The engine is a twin turbo V8 with 1183bhp posting 0-60mph in 2.78 seconds
Price estimated at $654,500

Not surprising now that I think back to a previous post in regards to the Dodge Viper Hennessey which was 1/4 the price of a Bugatti Veyron and moderately faster as well, yet the luxury that comes with Bugatti is hard to beat.

2007 BMW Hamann Thunder

Still holding characteristics to that of the M3 the Hamann Thunder take's it to the next level at 560bhp from its V10 engine. Hamann have stepped up to the plate changing not only the exterior physique of the car but the interior as well and as for what lies beneath the hood, that's something truly mind blowing. To explain, BMW's production line for it's engines roll off a number of models for the 3 series where the M is the more powerful.

Hamann figured where a V8 would fit so would a V10 taking the production figures from a 4ltr at 420bhp up to 560bhp at 7750rpm's. It also boasts 424lb-ft of tourque at 6100rmp's where any passenger will be pinned back hoping the seat belt secures them fastly. The power is delivered via a 7 speed manual SMG transmission resulting in impressive acceleration and power of 0-100km's in 4.2 seconds where it can top out at 208mph where it's limitation output peaks.

The rear 4-pipe sports muffler not only look eye appealing but keeps with the Name 'Thunder' making sure you hear it coming from the next town. Four stailess steel pipe's at 76mm in diameter are enough to get your heart racing as the thunder pumping sound will make the hair on the back of your neck stand on end.

Carbon Fibre has taken over many facets of the design for max weight reduction, applied to the roof and interior panel's in a modified Hamann design of the M3. The interior also incorporates light weight racing sports seat to hold the driver in place around corners.

McLaren fined and wiped of constructor points for 2007.

Formula 1 team McLaren Mercedes has been stripped of all of their constructors points and fined $100 Million US less their loss of income from the FOM for 2007. This will allow drivers Lewis Hamilton and world Champ Fernando Alonso to continue and race for the drivers championship.

This is all because of the Stepneygate saga involving possibly using Ferrari information to modify the McLaren cars. This will be a blow for the team, but I guess they are lucky to not be totally banned. The fine was the largest in motor sport history.

McLaren will need to have their 2008 cars scrutinized by the FIA before the start of the race season next year to make sure no Ferrari type parts or intelligence has been used.
Ferrari are effectively now the 2007 Formula 1 constructor champions.

2007 Lamborghini Reventon

Lamborghini have released what looks to be a stealth vehicle on wheels with design implements to the shape that make it somewhat similar to that of a Stealth Raptor.

Based on the very succesfull Murcielago LP640 the reinvention to its exterior is very new where its made of composite carbon fibre so its not only extremely light but also bery stable and is glued/fixed to the body which is made of CFC and steel.

The Reventon is from the outset a ball breaker, taking its name after one of the most famous fighting bulls ever known. Owned by the Don Rodriguez family 'Reventon' was famed for killing famed bullfighter Felix Guzman in 1943.

Designed entirely at the original birthplace of lamborghini in Sant'Agata Bolognese the collaboration that went into this car is nothing short of extreme. The Arrowed face with huge forward facing air intakes that are crucial to cool the carbon brake disk and the 6-cylinder calipers from the 650bhp the Reventon can produce from its 6.5ltr V12 engine at an astonishing 8,000rpm's.

*The design aspect of this car has a historical fact to me similar to when the contach was first released giving a complete new design to what sports supercars should/could be. Every young boy had the contach pinned on their wall, and for the next generation it would be this.
*(performance will be another isssue, lets hope while it looks good like the contach did in its hayday, will it perform better?)

2008 Aston Martin DBS

Always at the pinnacle of luxury sports performance of hand built beauty the eagerly anticipated 2008 DBS released at the recent Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach last month was at the starring attraction.

Built with superb design elegance and interior the car performs with extreme prejudice on racing circuits to the open road without compromise and herald as a true thoroughbred amoung thoroughbreds. Performance in stability and handling is created by increased aerodynamics and a lower kerb weight for increased cornering via the extensive use of ultra-light carbon fiber through the body panels with near perfect weight distribution. The V12 6.0ltr engine delivers 510bhp and includes several power increasing enhancements such as a by-pass engine air intake port that will open when above 5500rpm's increasing a higher amount of airflow into the engine, and re-profiled air inlet ports for improved combustion.

Utilising the finest materials on the DBS both on the body, frame and interior the power, luxury and embodiment of Aston Martin stands for all time a true testament to hand built perfection.

2009 Jaguar XF

If the purchase of the Jaguar XK is in your price range yet can't fit the young family in, then the XF will be more suitable. This beautifully styled luxury saloon holds a strong body with albeit soft subtle lines running the flow of the car from head to toe.

The interior is set for a saloon with some sports comfort included, however the layout is not too disimilar to a BMW, at first glance, with a more luxurious finish to the worksmanship.

The engine is Supercharged V8 drawing bhp sprinting out to 60mph in 5.1 seconds. There are several egnine options available of four engines - 2.7-liter V6 turbodiesel, 3.0-liter V6 petrol, 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 petrol, and 4.2-liter supercharged V8 petrol.

There will be no manual gearbox option available as the 6-speed automatic transmission will be used across all the XF series production range as the unique adaptive gearbox proven in previous Jaguars utilising their reknowned transmission able to sense driving styles, road conditions whilst maintaining at all times the smoothest of gear transistions. The Sports mode will switch to drive by wire technology increasing driving sense whilst cruising down the road.

2008 Audi RS6 "610hp?"

It has recently been reported that leaked vehicle chassis codes for the new Audi RS6 had the output from its twin turbo V10 engine at 571hp, or 426kW, which certainly will give the M5 and M6 a run for their money. Recent information from a whistle blower at Audi, however, has put this figure in possible doubt. The supposed reliable source claims that the 571hp will only be the specified figure Audi will market the car with. True output will be upwards of 600hp, with 610hp (455kW) pegged as the most likely figure. BMW claim that the 335i has 300hp, when in fact it is much closer to 360hp. It is entirely likely that Audi is taking no chances with the new RS6 and even BMW’s excellent 500hp V10 motor will struggle to compete with this kind of power output.

If this is the case, then the 08 Audi RS6 will churn out more horse power than the BMW M6 and M5, the CL65 AMG +/-, The Ferrari F430 and the legendary Porsche Turbo.

I really love horse power wars. Bring it on Audi, bring it on.

2008 BMW 650i Coupe

I've held this on my desk for the past few weeks now with eyes often glancing over the picture trying to catch a glimpse of the cars design similarity to the Holden Monaro.
With the exception of the read boot and the obvious front grill the bonnet and mid-lines seem to immitate that of the Monaro.
Obviously the similarity would end there with all else being completely european from suspension and engine tunning to the trademark BMW interior.
The car for me doesn't jump out at me and wouldn't make me drool like Homer Simpson over pork spare ribs but would be interesting to view up close.
Naturally the 650i houses a V8 engine that produces 360bhp from 4.8ltr engine pushing outto 60mph in 5.3 seconds and again limited to 155mph atthe top end.

BMW 135i Coupe

Rob Good: This is going to be one fact little car. It is the coupe version on the already on the road hatch back and it is powered by a 300hp (some say 360hp) twin turbo inline 6 cylinder engine producing 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1400 rpm. This little rocket will propell itself from 0-100 kph (62mph) in 5.3 seconds according to BMW and will speed on to a top electronically limited speed of 155 mph or 250kph. It even has BMW's traditional Hofmeister kink.

The car is bing produced as a 2008 model and is expected in showrooms early in the new year. It is certainly going to bring back some memories for the 2002 Turbo owners out there.

Another cool car from BMW.

Formula one season update

Rob Good: What a phenomenal F1 season it has been so far up to the British Grand Prix in Silverstone England today.

Newcomer and rookie Lewis Hamilton with McLaren has been on all of the podiums (9) so far this year and is leading the championship in points with 70. He has won races and is re writing the record book. Ron Dennis made a wise decision in putting him in a McLaren this year.

This is what it looks like in the 2007 drivers championship so far:

01	Lewis Hamilton	70
02	Fernando Alonso	58
03	Kimi Räikkönen	52
04	Felipe Massa	51
05	Nick Heidfeld	33
06	Robert Kubica	22

It is impressive to see that BMW is 3rd in the championship points. They have some more work to do to be challenging the podium, but surely and steadily they are doing it. I'd think that by the end of the year they will be nipping at the heals of Ferrari and McLaren.

The race in Silverstone today was great. Lewis Hamilton was on pole slightly edging out Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari in qualifying. Felipe Massa was unable to keep his Ferrari running on the formation lap and was forced to start from LAST for the race finishing 5th behind Robert Kubica of Poland in the Sauber BMW who finished 4th.
Fernando Alonso looked like he was in with a shot for the win after the first pit stops, but the Ferrari crew and Kimi's spectacular driving knocked that on the head with Kimi winning, Fernando Alonso the current world champion of McLaren 2nd and England new super star Lewis Hamilton finishing the race in 3rd position.

I have to give it to Ferrari for this race. Kimi won and Felipe came 5th. I would expect that it would have been a Ferrari 1-2 if Felipe had of not had to have started from last place.

I still think Kimi is the best driver on the grid, so I am expecting the last half of the 2007 F1 season to be even better than the first. Will Lewis continue his podium streak? Will Kimi who has won the most races this year continue his pace? Will Fernando get upset by being overtaken by Lewis and switch teams next year? We will have to wait and see.

BMW Wins International Engine of the Year Award

BMW have been awarded as the outright winners for their 3ltr twin turbocharged petrol engine from their 335i models. This is a remarkable third year in succession that BMW has taken home this award for the Acclaimed International Engine of the Year.

The WinnersBest New Engine of 2007: BMW 3-liter Twin-Turbo (335i)

Best Fuel Economy: Toyota 1.5-liter Hybrid Synergy Drive (Prius)

Best Performance Engine: BMW 5-liter V10 (M5, M6)

Sub 1-liter: Toyota 1-liter (Aygo, Yaris, Peugeot 107, Citroën C1)

1-liter to 1.4-liter: Volkswagen 1.4-liter TSI Twincharger (Golf, Touran, Jetta)

1.4-liter to 1.8-liter: BMW-PSA 1.6-liter Turbo (MINI, Peugeot 207)

1.8-liter to 2-liter: Volkswagen 2-liter Turbo (Golf, Audi A3, A6, SEAT Leon, Skoda Octavia)

2-liter to 2.5-liter: BMW 2.5-liter (325, 525, X3, Z4)

2.5-liter to 3-liter: BMW 3-liter Twin-Turbo (335i)

3-liter to 4-liter: Porsche 3.6-liter Turbo(911)

Above 4-liter: BMW 5-liter V10 (M5, M6)

International Engine of the Year 2007: BMW 3-liter Twin-Turbo (335i)

General Motors: Autonomy Concept

GM envisage a future where a car's style, personality and performance would be as simple as downloading a MP3 music file off the internet much like an Ipod feature.

The focus here is that their is a singluar base for the car where a body, seating position and other interiors can be made to fit. Several young designers have submitted technical renderings of their proposed style of car's with various seating position changes and housing (bodies).

The platform (pictured above) operates where each of the four wheels have independant motorised power units that propell the car which in a nut shell means increased steering, balance and overall performance.

The car's limitations are only on the creativity of its owners therefore limitless. A cars braking and other systems can simply be downloaded off the net to accommodate even the most typical of drivers to the more advanced.

The car also produces zero emmissions meaning increased economy and mother earth friendly being hydrogen powered so the only emmission it produces is water.

2007 Audi TT CLubsport Quattro Concept

Looks like Audi have taken this one off the rails but proves just how forward thinking they are becoming in broadening their portfolio. The lowered windscreen, agreesive front end, easy slop of the bonnet making the TT a vastly more sports orientated vehicle.

Powered by a Turbochared inline4 engine it producess 300bhp (unfortunately spec's aren't available in full at this time) but the overall goal here was to develop a vehicle that could acheive the utmost A level purism. The front end is an aggressive design incorporating a single framed grille housing the Audi emplem and the entire cockpit holds no impedements to vision interuptions.

Not my cup of tea personally but interested to see where this design will take them.

Bmw CS Concept

Rob Good: This vehicle is said to be based on the next generation 7 series, so you can imagine how long it will be. It is also very wide at over 79 inches, but not very tall a-la Benz CLS. The new 7 is expected to have up to 700 HP in top performance trim and the CS concept is expected to have as much as 600 rubber melting hp to propel the vehicle from 0-60 in the 4 second range. Rumor is that it will be powered by a V12, although I am sure we will maybe see a diesel and or even hydrogen version of this exotic looking new concept.

I think the CS looks a little like the aggressive Dodge Charger with some BMW Z8 thrown in at the front of the vehicle. I am not to keen on the extra large holes in the rear bumper for the exhaust outlets though, they need to make them smaller so it doesn't look like a hopped up CRX. Good to see BMW coming up with exciting new vehicles.... Roll em out.

What do you think?

2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR

Rob Good:With the introduction of the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR model at the New York auto show, Ford and Shelby will have unveiled four Mustang variations in a little over one year. Bring it on I say.

The GT500KR will be easily the most powerful of them all which also includes the 500-horsepower GT500 and the 319-hp Shelby GT, as well as the limited-edition Shelby GT-H produced for use in Hertz rental fleets. Tried to reserve one for a trip I am taking to Hawaii in June, but they are already reserved for that time....

The GT500KR revives a name last used 40 years ago. It will be powered by a version of the standard GT500's supercharged 5.4-liter V8 that makes about 40 hp more. That would bring the total to 540 hp, although Ford is not yet ready to commit to that number officially. Lets make it 100 more HP to give the Viper a run for the money.

Whatever the specific increase turns out to be, it comes from the Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack, which includes a cold-air intake and a louder low-restriction exhaust. The KR should also feel a bit faster thanks to recalibrated ignition timing and electronic throttle settings, which promise quicker throttle response which is just what is needed.

The engine will be bolted to the same Tremec six-speed manual transmission as used for the regular GT500, although the KR version gets a shift linkage with 25 percent shorter throws and a big, white ball on the shift lever. The KR also gets a boost in acceleration from a shorter, 3.73:1 final-drive ratio (in place of GT500's final-drive ratio of 3.31:1).

More aggressive dampers and springs along with stiffer anti-roll bars and a strut-tower brace, all unique to the KR, should help provide for entertaining handling and a pretty hard-core ride. The production version will come with 18-inch wheels and not the shiny 20-inchers of the show car pictured here. Although the smaller wheels likely will have "Shelby" engraved on the rim, just as these show-car wheels do.

The shape of the bulging hood is a deliberate retro touch, with two long, narrow air intakes up front, just like the original '68 model. It's a decidedly modern interpretation, though. It's constructed of carbon composite (Ford expects that you'll be able to see the weave texture through the paint on production versions), and has two stainless-steel hood latches, where pins would have gone on a '68 GT500KR.

Only 1,000 KRs will be built (with final fitting done at Shelby's facility in Las Vegas), so collectors will surely be lining up, as well as ponying up a considerable amount of money. The KR should list for about $50,000, although we'd be shocked if you could get one for less than $70,000. Unlike the '68 model, no convertible version will be available.

One could also choose to simply build a KR for oneself. All of the mechanical upgrade parts will be available from Ford Racing or Shelby at the same time as the genuine KRs go on sale. The only piece currently not planned to be sold separately is the carbon hood, but with some imagination someone resourceful could probably get their hands on one.

This car looks good and is going to be one fast Stang.... I love the modern muscle car wars that are going on at the moment.... I will admit that even though it is a Ford, I want one.

Mercedes Benz AMG CLK63 Black series

Rob Good:The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series which has been unvieled at the New York motor show is based on the Official F1™ Safety Car. This is the road version of the high performance AMG vehicle that has been the Formula One safety since 2006. The coupe, optimized for the racing circuit, is powered by an in house AMG 6.3-liter V8 with its performance boosted to 373 kW/507 hp and 630 Newton meters of torque. A plus handling is assured by the sophisticated AMG threaded suspension with 19-inch AMG forged wheels, new steering and the generously dimensioned AMG high-performance brake system with composite disks. When you look at it, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series clearly shows its close similarities the Official F1™ Safety Car: its imposing front apron with large cooling intakes, flared wheel arches, diffusor-type rear apron and carbon-fiber airflow breakaway edge, all demonstrate the car’s sporting pedigree.

The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series output has been upgraded by 19 kW/26 hp over the standard CLK63 to 373 kW/507 hp, and the Black Series accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds which is 0.3 seconds faster than the standard model. The top speed (electronically limited) is 300 km/h. Fun fun.

Wonder if Mr Giltrap will be taking delivery of one?

2007 Caparo T1

When I first wrote about this car in April 2006 it was already an impressive performing vehicle able to from 0mph hit 60 in 2.5 seconds, continue to 150mph then brake back to 0mph all in a total time of 10 seconds. The 2007 model unveiled in Monaco at the Grimaldi Forum in Monte-Carlo, welknown for its motoring history and heritage, has completely once again redefined the breed of supercar available on todays market. The Caparo T1 is set to be launced in the summer of 07 sporting a new and more powerful engine than what was previously anticipated. The engine, an all aluminium V8 has a higher capcity of 3.5lts and a mass less than that of 200lbs with the ability to produce an output of up to 550bhp and able to maintain an ultralight kerb weight to around 1100lbs (noted to be 1/3 the mass of the standard family saloon). The weight of the Caparo T1 at 500kg makes it lighter than the Caterham and has twice the power to weight ratio of the Bugatti Veyron enforcing the cars lightweight design and aerodynamics to phenominal track performance. The car is in a total class of its own based on its class, price, safety, lightweight, fuel efficiency and overall performance.

2007 Audi Q7 V12 TDI

This SUV places Audi with the title of presenting the worlds first 12 cylinder diesel engine from a 6.0ltr V12 capable of producing 800bhp and 738lb-ft of torque.
What the Q7 TDi has accomplished is a milestone for diesel engines of the future with experience driven from their diesel powered R10 Le Mans race car.
Very small design changes have been incorporated from the standard Q7 with subtle underbody ammendments to its panels at the front and rear. The Chrome plated front grill forcing its visual appearance as an Audi, and unseen is the new and mighty braking system.

The TDI version also incorporates the already impressive techonology as in all their cars and supports the ability go from 0-60mph in 5.5seconds and reach a top speed of 155mph. The Q7 TDI also has a new sound provided by a piezo injection system to assist with not only the impressive sound but a superior performance and power.
The engine also conforms to the Euro 5 emmissions class expected to be enforced come 2010.

In addition the Q7 TDI is expected to start sales in America in 2008 showing an aggressive move on Audi's part and have already committed themselves to a Q7 Hybrid-electric valve version around the same time.

Both should make the California Governor very happy.

2007 BMW M5 by Currency Motor Cars

Marked as 'one of a kind' this little gem is a stunner. R20 tyres, $100k interior, Leather in the steering wheel to match the seats, only the finest suede and leathers have been used and customer hand stitched to boast.

It is notably a flagship M5 model with expected top speeds to be around 240mph and houses a 810bhp twin turbo V10 engine and estimated to do 0-60 in 3.6 seconds. Estimated value around USD$350,000.

2007 KTM X-Bow Concept

KTM better known for their motorcycles has now released its first engine to have 4 wheels. Much like the Ariel Atom, the X-bow includes bodywork...but not alot.
The front viser if any provides the driver much to the same sense of riding a motorbike where a helmet would be most applicable.
The engine is a turbocharged inline-4 fitted with FSI(for direct fuel injection), exhaust turbo charger and intercooler. The engine which draws 220bhp and 221lb-ft making 0-62mph in 3.9seconds

The idea of the x-bow is to create optimum driving dynamics and spent many hours in the wind tunnel with attention to the underbody where a diffuser has been attached at the rear. To increase the diffusers efficenncy the linking points to the rear suspension were raised to enable a downforce approx 200kgs when at speeds of 126mph which makes it 3x more than most other supercars.

Aston Martin & Prodrive

The car that is most synonomous with James Bond, Aston Martin, has been sold by the Ford Motor Company for NZD$1.3b to Prodrive thus placing it back into the hands of the British.

David Richards a former ralley driver and motorsport enthusiast along with financial backing from two Kuwaiti investment funds (Dar and Adeem) have taken ownership over Astin Marton after it was last sold to Ford in 1987. During its time with Ford we have seen the Vantage,Vanquish, the DB7 & DB9 the new DBS and the Rapide(still to be released). These are the flagship cars released over the past decade and have received much global interest and respect being listed by voters as the 'coolest brand' in Britain by the Superbrands organisation last year.

Aston Martin was set up in 1914 by Lionel Martin, later sold to it's more prominent owner in 1947 to David Brown (this is where the "DB" is derived from eg. DB5 which was used as the first James Bond car in the 1964 movie Goldfinger). Brown then sold up in 1972 where it dwindled until the early 80's when it was purchased by Victor Gauntlett whom then sold it to Ford in 1987 where it's spent the last 30 years. Today Aston Martin grosses 40 million pounds a year or operating profit and producing more cars than ever before with its state of the art facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire.

Richards whom left the WRC in 1981 formed Prodrive whom today employs staff around the world in excess of 1000 and in 1999 sold his 49% stake in the business to fund growth plans and along with his smile is absolutely pleased with his new acquisition. Prodrive also have 6 WRC titles to their name with Subaru and 5 british touring car championships with BMW, Alfa Romeo & Ford.

The growth at this point is to push the brand higher (not further...at this point) to put it along side the likes of Ferrari and Bentley. Most enthusists will say that they are already at that point.
They are continuing on the Ford initiative to push also in the more global markets opening in South Africa lastyear and in Melbourne just last week with another to open in Moscow in June 07. Also the concept 4-doorRapide is set now to go into production with production scheduled at 2000 a year over, and we still have the new Vanquish to be released where only 40 will be produced.

Aston Martin as when it was first founded, today still build each car by hand, Remarkable finishing touches and luxury only limited by imagination.

2008 Spyker C12 Zagato

This Dutch Supercar looks spectacular, however seems to carry some forward design form Ford and Maseratti as my initial eye rolls from front to rear. The nose resembles that of a Maserattie and the bonnet that of a Ford GT and the colour of an Aston Martin. Yet that is where it would seem to end as the rear is complete new and well balanced and I've taken to its design shown here

The car is an all aluminium rear wheel drive based on the C12 model powered by a 6.0ltr 12 cylinder 500bhp W12 engine from Volkswagon AG 0-62 in 3.8seconds equipped with a 6-speed manual or automatic gear box with F1 styled paddles, chronoswiss instruments and Zagato designed full leather interior and brushed aluminium panels.
Skyker have incorporated several F1 designs such as the nose, air scoop, chimneys, mirrors, rain light, fuel flap and diffuser. A typical element to the Zagato range is the double bubble panoramic roof meaning that the while the car is aluminium the roof is stainless steel with roof rails for strength in downforce and chassis alignment.

Aston Martin Celebrate the Vanquish

New and existing customers of the Flagship Vanquish S are in for two exciting developments.

The new Vanquish S Ultimate Edition like other AMs are each hand crafted at the Newport Pagnell production facility in Buckinghamshire will put 40 into production to celebrate the Vanquish and the team working at the Newport Pagnell facility. The launch expects all to be sold within weeks of release as reported by initial feedback.

Retaining all the performance capabilities and luxury as Aston Martin are reknowned for it is being billed as the fastest production model AM have ever produced with a top speed 'in excess' of 200mph.
For existing Vanquish owners the works service department are to offer a new transmission conversion showing a further example of the depth to unparralleled level of personalization they can serve. This underlines their commitment to adaption to customer requests being a new model or old.
SInce 2001 when the Vanquish was first released it was equipped with fingertip controlled F1 style paddles with impeccable gear changes in under 250 milliseconds and advanced electronics to premit close ratio 6-speed manual transmission, and the ability to be operated manually.
James Bond would be sure fire to get twice the number of 'Bond Girls' and get away from cars in its rear without the need for fancy gadgetry.

While the picture shown above is just a drawing, I discussed this with a colleague and it seems to feature similar colour and stylings to that of a killer whale/orca.
A most magestic creature of the ocean and serves well as this cars equal out of the water.

2007 Koenigsegg CCXR

When thinking about SUPERCARS, one doesn't often asssociate it being environmentally friendly. However with a move towards more eco-friendly cars the new Koenigsegg CCXR offers us new alternative's in its creation of a Bio-fuel powered design concept car. While low in its production numbers the volume of Koenigsegg vehildes out there hardly contribute much to the measurable impact on the rising green house gas effect of co2 levels however the long term strategy of Koenigsegg is that it can still make a difference and as part of their strategy will make all current and future CCX models with the ability to be converted by the factory to accept the biofuel option.
The CCXR Biofuel upgrade has been developed in-house on the factory's engine dyno by koenigsegg technicians and their research found that a move to a biofuel powered supercharged V8 engine is that the ethanol in biofuel also acts as a coolant in the combustion process of the chambers, with higher octane value. Using this method has increased the power up to 1018bhp at 7,200rpm and the torque to 740lb-ft at 6,100rpm.
Stats: 0-62mph 3.2seconds
Top Speed 250mph(400kmh)

UPDATE : 14/03/2007

Vital Statistics
Engine: Supercharged V8
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 1018(759) / 7200
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 740(1060) / 6100
Weight: 169 × 78.6 × 44.1
Acceleration 0-62 mph s: 3.2
Top Speed mph (km/h): > 250 (400)

2007 Koenigsegg CCGT

A new race car is born based on the production of the CC range and built to comply with the ACO and FIA GT1 regulations. The engine itself is based on the CCX production engine but enlarged to a 5.0tr and had the supercharges removed.
The expection in regards to reliability is set to be "Exceptional" using the history of the CC's strength and durability as a guideline for creation and projected performance.

CC cars are notably lightweight and considerably stiff on the road. The minimum weight for a GTI race car is 1.1kkg where most struggle to meet this weight the CCGT comes in at just under 1,000kg's allowing the designers to place at there will 100kg of ballast anywhere on the car to optimise efficiency. This creates an uncompromised advantage to the CCGT in race conditions. Also heralds the light of the John Britton racing motorbikes where its lightweight and design allowed its riders to be much faster that the competition, off the line, around corners and needless to say the open stretch of road.

2007 Pagani Zonda R

The Zonda F can do a lap time of 7minutes 32 seconds around the Burburgring so it will interesting to see how the R features.
This liberated design carrys only 10% of components over from the F and all else drafted from scratch. The wheelbase has been extended 2 inches and 5 inches in overall length still keeping within racing guidelines. Even though it's build for the track it's built to have the same quality and finish as the current Pagani road cars. The new suspension forged in Avional with a new Pagani 6-speed transversal gearbox, carbon-fiber monocoque and earonautical 4-pump fuel tank are only partical in its design from drawing that only started in September 06'.
With the support of Mercedes AMG to provid the high revving engine the Zonda R's target is to have the ultimate perfomance on the race track keeping one rule, Safety.

Bodywork has been designed to create the maximum downforce where possible even at low speed corners such was the intention for a longer front bonnet and flaps, closed underbody and adjustable rear overhang and wing. The car has an in-built digitek instrument pannel to provide the driver with amount of downforce, g-forces applied to allow the driver to create the optimum levels for driving

2007 BMW M3 Concept

The M3 concept car has a V8 engine capable of producing high-rev's and already picked to be the engine of choice for this particular series. Already the current 3-series has been critically acclaimed globally and is the basis for the M3 series.
Alot of the body panel work have been recreated to suit the modern driving enthusists matching luxury and race track performance to everyday on road driving.
The most noticable change is the bulge to the bonnet now being made aluminium to save on weight with an enhanced powerdome flanked by very large air vents. The V8 engine acts like a hoover and sucks in air at a higher rate than previous engines so larger air intakes are required. The size of the buldge indicates just how large a housing the engine will need.

Please stay tuned for futher specifications as they come to light

Aston Martin

The Ford Motor company are expected to announce as early as this week their intention to sell their ownership of Aston Martin the Luxury performance car most synonomous with James Bond. Under Fords wing they have brought us the Vantage, the Vanquish and the all to beautiful DB9 and DBS.

The sale is expected to be NZD$1.27b noted by a source to the NZ Herald. Motor racing firm Prodrive working in conjunction with Egypts Naeem investment bank are at this point the front runners to buy the British hand made luxury sports brand. Other bidder named is the Doughty Hanson whom are also still in the running.

2007 Lotus 2-Eleven

**A Fiery little buzzy bee**
This supercharged Inline-4 intercooled 1796 cc engine has a maximum power output of 252 bhp at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of approximately 179 lb-ft at 7000 rpm. Match this with the extra power and torque with the VVTL-i variable cam system ensures that there is a smooth and linear surge of power from low engine speeds all the way to the maximum 8000 rpm. The Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism meaning that it does not require the use of the engine's oil) is run from the crankshaft and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation. Four high capacity injectors and an up rated fuel pump add additional fuel under hard acceleration or high speed driving.
The car has a weight of 1477lbs keeping in line with the superlight designs of the Lotus design brand.

0-62 in 3.8 seconds AT 252bhp this little devil has a power to weight ratio similar to that of a 1960's F1 car. This car is centred at drive track enthusists

Rolls Royce Phantom Convertible

Rob Good:The long-awaited Phantom Drophead Coupé has been released. This Rolls-Royce’s first such car since the Corniche of 2002 and was formally unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show.

It’s no surprise that the Drophead Coupé is a spectacular feat of engineering and design. Clearly a development of the current Phantom, the new two-door, four-seat convertible nevertheless uses 1300 newly-developed parts, including a number of features first seen on 100EX, the experimental model shown by Rolls-Royce in 2004. Immediately noticeable are the brushed steel bonnet and A-pillar, plus the teak decking for the rear hood cover.

Front opening coach doors have been homologated for the new car and add considerably to the ease of access to the rear seat, as well as to the overall aesthetics. Unique to Rolls-Royce, the doors dramatically transform the Phantom Drophead Coupé’s looks, giving a side profile reminiscent of classic sports cars of the 1960s. They are also important in aiding the overall stiffness of the body, as the rear hinged doors allow for an uninterrupted A-pillar.

Power is supplied by the same 6.75-litre naturally-aspirated V12 found in the current Phantom, giving a 0-60mph time of 5.7 seconds.
Production of the new car will start in the summer of 2007, hand-built alongside the Phantom at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ manufacturing plant at Goodwood.

The car is a beauty. I particularly like the color they choose in these photos. I am guessing that the new Rolls Royce will be close to $400,000 when they arrive. Beverly Hills, Palm Springs and Miami are tipped to be the best markets in the US for this car.....
Now all they need is a turbo charger or two and close to 600 HP. :-)

Fisker Artega GT

Rob Good:This is the new Artega GT Coupe which has been showcased at the Geneva Motor Show. It is equipped with a VW-derived 3.6L V6 and power will be about 300 hp. That isn't very much HP, but this Fisker isn't very big. It is 13 feet long and 6 feet wide, the Artega is about the same size as a Mazda MX-5 Miata and at less than four feet tall it is about the same height as a Lamborghini Gallardo. Top speed of the Artega GT Coupe is estimated at 165 mph which is up there.

Henrik Fisker helped design many of the current Aston Martins on the road today which makes every future vehicle he pens worth mentioning. The Fisker Tramonto and Latigo CS are great looking vehicles, but their basic shape and stance were borrowed from the Mercedes Benz SL55 AMG and the BMW M6. The Artega GT Coupe is definitely a departure from what Fisker has done in the past, but it just isn't ground-breaking. Production is expected to reach 500 units per year and the price tag should be around $100,000.

Looking good...

BMW 7-Series

The latest 7 series still unreleased is to have an 8th gear added to the transmission with the theory it will increase fuel efficiency. No futher information known at this stage.

***Further Updates to follow as information comes to light***

Robotic Cars

Engineers at Stanford University have plans to have an unmanned robot car ready to hit the highways within the next year.
Dubbed as 'Junior' the 2006 VW Passat wagon is the latest vehicle in the race to develop the first official unmanned car on local roads.

A photo is posted above

2008 Audi S5 - Update

"Yummy yummy yummy I got love in my tummy...."


This is Audi's new launched model for a series expected to segment the market.
This elegant design incorporates the same initiatives taken on in the the A series and more importantly for a coupe is self distinquished from the TT models.
An extreamly sophisticated sporty style shows that Audi are pushing themselves into a new category of high performance coupes with all the technology and luxury synonomous with the Audi name.
The V8 drives its power from the FSI direct injection technology with high compression and optimum fuel mixture with a six speed manual gearbox.
354bhp and 0-62 in 5.1seconds.

The S design series 5 is due for release very shortly.

2007 Maserati Edo Competition MC12 XX

What can I say other than I'm at a loss for words. At first the colour scheme got my attention dropping my eye brows down with a curious frown in suggestion that this was an Italian Batmobile. How ever unlike the original bat mobile from the popular original TV series this has a 6.3ltr V12 engine and no afterburner. But can accelerate 0-62 in 3.2 seconds so who needs a rocket.

Stat's

**220 lbs reduced weight
**Tire pressure control system detailing pressure and temp for each wheel
**ceramic sport break system with 396mm brake disc fron and 360m rear to match the special break pads
**Exhaust volume adjustable with push button
**Power increase 170bhp from new steel sylinder and piston same as the Ferrari FXX
**New Cam shafts and Titan Valve Springs and connecting rods
**New oil cooling piston pipes
**new exhaust manifolds

2007 Audi S3 by MTM

"High Five" borat would scream from behind the wheel of this little monster.

Motoren Technik Mayer (MTM) of Wettstetten, Germany have taken this model to a whole new level internally within the corporation of VW and externally with other european cars. The Turbo charged inline 4 TFSI motor borrowed from VW (Parent Company)direct off the production line already holds an impressive 265bhp. Reports indicate that this is not much of a wow factor however with replaced motor electronics power is increased to 310bhp with 295lb-ft of torque. There are front and rear silencers which add several more bhp to the mix and run the car too 330bhp with a top speed of 164mph and 0-62 in 5.1 seconds with the ensurance of durability in all parts.

Experienece comes to light showing that simply implementing power upgrades alone would be irresponsible and total disregard to safety without installation of a specifically designed braking system. The S3 has 8-piston fixed clipers and 330x32mm diameter sized semi-perforated brake disks for as we know "Races are won on brakes".
These increase the performance of the small yet powerful car by allowing proper braking in, around and out of corners.

The bonnet looks a little plain but smoooooth, yet just love the grill and inlets.

2008 Audi S5

Rumoured to be unveiled at the Geneva car show next month as noted on several websites, speculation is rife as conflicting information denotes it'll be shown as smaller car fairs. Several photo's have already circulated the globe only moments after they were initially released.

The S5 is expected to house a V8 engine as a step up on the 4.2 ltr current to increase power output.

www.f1grandprixmanager.com

Rob Good:If you are into F1 and want to try your hand as a F1 boss, then join up now. I have played this game for the last 3 years and it is a lot of fun.