Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Exceptional design is an Aston Martin hallmark, proved once more with the V12 Zagato. This limited-production model salutes a long partnership with famed Italian coachbuilder Zagato and pays homage to the exquisite Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato. The V12 Zagato has distinctive bodywork that combines aluminum and carbon fiber, but it is no mere looker. Powered by Aston’s naturally aspirated 6.0-liter 510-horsepower V12 engine, prototypes have successfully competed in the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance classic. Only 150 will be produced and each takes about 2,000 hours to build. The price of such exclusivity: merely $532,000.

Bentley Continental GTC

The Continental GT coupe plays a crucial role in Bentley’s renaissance and so does the GTC, its convertible sibling. The second generation has sleeker looks and more space, with the choice of 17 leather colors and seven types of veneer, all hand-made. There’s more power, too, with a smooth, twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine that sends 567 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque to standard 20-inch wheels in a 40-60 split that favors the rear for better handling. The three-layer convertible top is offered in eight colors and folds in 25 seconds at up to 20 mph. Stunning looks, performance and sheer luxury have rarely if ever been as gloriously combined.

BMW M5

The ultra-sports sedan was invented by BMW in 1984 with the first M5, and the concept has been refined ever since. The fifth-generation M5 gets an all-new 4.4-liter V8 engine with a twin-chamber turbo that develops 560 horsepower and a massive 502 lb-ft of torque at only 1500 rpm. It’s good for zero to 60 mph in less than 4.4 seconds, with launch control and optimal traction provided by a multiplate limited-slip differential. Top track speed is 190 mph with the optional Driver’s Package. This new M5 is also 30 percent more frugal than the previous model, thanks to direct injection and auto start-stop.

Ducati 1199 Panigale S / Tricolore

You could get a Ducati 1199 Panigale superbike simply to admire the uniquely precise fit of its vital organs, but the point is to experience its epic performance, handling and sound. Suspension units designed in the name of lightness and agility bolt directly onto the fuel-injected Superquadro V-twin engine. With 195 horsepower at 10,750 rpm and with only 361 pounds to motivate, the power-to-weight ratio is almost equal to that of a Formula One car. It’s a laser sword and a 186-mph missile that blows a soul-ripping wail out of its center-mounted exhaust pipes. This 2-wheeled exotic is a steal even in top-line Panigale S Tricolore trim at $29,000.

Ferrari 458 Spider

By all credible accounts the world’s best sports car is the Ferrari 458. But we have to give the nod to the Spider convertible version over the hard-edged Italia coupe hardtop. Its retractable roof disappears in 14 seconds and lets you enjoy the 4.5-liter V8 engine’s wail in open air. With 570 horsepower on tap, the Spider’s zero-to-60 mph sprint is expedited in about three seconds at 199 mph, a touch less than the coupe. Steering-wheel-mounted controls let you pick among five driving programs, from progressive in the Rain setting to hair-trigger quick in track-only modes. Its exceptionally quick, precise steering and outstanding balance make it a pure joy to drive.

Ford Shelby GT500

Ford could call it the GT650 for the actual horsepower of its new 5.8-liter engine, the most powerful V8 in production. Aerodynamics, brakes and suspension have been upgraded to handle the additional 100 horsepower over the stock GT, and options packages featuring a Torsen limited-slip differential, launch control and Brembo brakes help you enjoy the car’s handling and performance further. And if this new 205-mph king of muscle cars is not fast or exclusive enough, send Carroll Shelby your GT500 with a check for $149,995 and his team will turn it into a Shelby 1000 that delivers 950 horsepower for street driving. Thrills and exclusivity guaranteed.

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

The stunning Lamborghini Sesto Elemento is named for carbon, the sixth element on the periodic table. Through the systematic use of carbon fiber, the radically styled exotic weighs only 2,202 pounds — 245 less than a Mazda Miata — yet is powered by a 570-horsepower V10 engine coupled to all-wheel drive. It reaches 60 mph in less than 2.5 seconds, matching the 1,183-horsepower Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, a car twice as powerful but also twice the weight. Lamborghini is building the Sesto Elemento in very small numbers, all destined exclusively for the track. All 20 have been sold for a touch less than $2 million each. Maybe you could find one on the used market?

Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

Rolls-Royce executives say that people with “old money” prefer S-Class sedans for their discreet blend of class and luxury. Fresh capital can indulge just as well. Sitting atop the range is the S65 AMG, dispensing a unique if slightly schizoid blend of ultimate luxury and mind-expanding performance. The cabin is replete with rich materials, and the air suspension lets you ride on a cloud, but the twin-turbo 6.0-liter 621-horsepower V12 engine can turn a short jaunt into the “Ride of the Valkyries.” With 738 lb-ft of torque dispensed at only 2000 rpm, you will hit 60 in 4.2 seconds and reach 186 mph on a track or the autobahn.

Porsche Cayenne GTS

People of means with a taste for action need trucks. For them, Porsche has just unveiled the second-generation Cayenne GTS, the sharpest-handling and most exhilarating of SUVs. Sitting 1.3 inches lower than its siblings, and with the fascia of the Cayenne Turbo and flared fenders draped over giant 275/45 R20 tires, it is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter 420-horsepower V8 engine with a wondrous growl, which is good for zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and 162 mph. The GTS is amazing on a track, its active all-wheel-drive system making full use of exceptional grip and balance. This decathlete will also tow up to 7,716 pounds without breaking a sweat.

Rolls-Royce Ghost

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is bigger and bolder, with its vintage locomotive looks, but the point is to drive the Ghost yourself, like most owners. And quite a drive it is, with the silky thrust of a twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter 563-horsepower V12 engine and strong German handling DNA. You can live it up while taking guests to the opera, or sit in the back seat yourself to revel in royal luxury while sipping champagne from the optional cooler. For the money you save over a Phantom you can go crazy with the Ghost’s options and the myriad custom touches on special order.

Source: MSN

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During the flying kilometer (0.62 mile), drivers get a small distance to gain speed before beginning the run. The standing kilometer is done from a stop. The Mean Green truck topped 95 mph in the standing kilometer.

The semi has a modified aerodynamic body but is composed mostly of Volvo production components. Mean Green gets power from a tuned Volvo D16 engine and a modified version of the company’s I-Shift gearbox. It has an electric motor providing 200 of the truck’s 2,100 hp and 885 of the truck’s 5,000 lb-ft of torque.

“We are very pleased with Mean Green’s performance, especially at such a high altitude,” said Boije Ovebrink, Mean Green’s driver and owner. “We knew Wendover would present challenges because it’s more than 4,200 feet above sea level.”

The speed records were verified by the United States Auto Club, which is a branch of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile. The new records should be recognized by the group in 30 to 60 days.

The truck’s previous records were 135.9 mph in the flying kilometer and 94.6 mph in the standing kilometer. The runs were completed in June 2011 at the Hultsfred Airport in Sweden.

Source:  AutoWeek

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For every sport or outdoor adventure, there’s a perfect vehicle for ferrying your gear and getting you where you need to go, be it your favorite surf break, a new backpacking route or the ideal stretch of pavement for pedaling your road bike. But a kite surfer has different transportation criteria than a mountain biker, and a fisherman’s needs are not the same as those of an all-terrain-vehicle enthusiast. Sometimes you need all-wheel drive; other times, all you care about is whether your cooler will fit in the trunk. Here are the best cars for various outdoor sports, factoring in cargo capacity, hauling capability, horsepower, maneuverability and, of course, aesthetics.

Surfing | Jeep Wrangler

The main benefit to the Wrangler is that your surfboard — long, short or anywhere in between — can fit in the vehicle when the top is off. If it hangs out a little bit, you’ll look all the more cool. When scoping out remote surf spots, the high ground clearance and 4-wheel drive come in handy. To keep valuables out of sight while you’re in the waves, the “add a trunk” feature creates a 3-cubic-foot mini trunk in the rear of the vehicle.

Mountain Biking | Honda Element

With enough space to fit three bikes and one rear-seat passenger, or two bikes and two friends in the back, the Element is ideal for mountain-bike outings. No need to hoist anything onto the roof of the car or to deal with a clunky rear-mounted bike rack. And you won’t have to remove your bikes’ front tires to fit them in, either. The vehicle’s all-wheel-drive capability helps get you to the trail. After your excursion, any dirt that collects on the Element’s urethane-coated floor is easy to sweep out.

Kite Surfing | Volvo XC70

This wagon’s minivan-size storage capacity lets you easily pack the bulky gear that kite surfing requires — boards, kites, harnesses and the like. But it’s also agile enough that you can negotiate winding coastal roads with power and ease. The XC70 is the longest of the Volvo models, making it easier to carry your quiver of boards inside the car without anything hanging out a window. Extra ground clearance and all-wheel drive keep you from getting stuck in any sand traps en route to the wind-whipped water. The optional plastic trunk liner keeps your wet gear from stinking up the car.

Road Cycling | Audi A3

If you’re a road cyclist, chances are you spend a lot of time on pavement that’s as fun to drive as it is to pedal, so you’ll want a car that handles well on twisting, curvy roads. The Audi A3 is turbocharged whether you buy the gasoline version or the diesel, and it has speed-sensitive power steering — helpful in hairpin turns. Roof rails make for easy installation of a bike rack, but because the A3 is a wagon, you could store your ride inside. Flip one seat down for one bike, or both to store two.

Backpacking | Ford Flex

To accommodate the bulky backpacks, tents and sleeping pads required for a backpacking trip, the Ford Flex has 83 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down. If you’re taking a day hike, sans gear, the Flex is perfect for ferrying a group of friends to the trailhead; its three rows of seats accommodate seven passengers. Four skylights on the roof let you take in the beauty of your wilderness surroundings before you even get out of the car. Opt for bucket seats in the second row and you can also get a refrigerated console to keep your water supply cold.

Kayaking | Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen

The Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen is watertight, thanks to a special hot-wax treatment that fills in the tiniest nooks and crannies, which means no rust, even if you routinely expose your car to saltwater and sea air while traveling to your favorite kayaking destinations. Heavy-duty floor mats and a trunk liner keep your wetsuit and other gear from wetting down the fabric or carpeting after a paddling session. Roof rails accommodate an aftermarket kayak rack, and the panoramic sunroof lets your passengers keep an eye on your boat while you drive.

ATV Riding | Ford F-250 Super Duty

Few pickup trucks have beds long enough to accommodate an all-terrain vehicle without the tailgate down. The F-250 Super Duty, with an 8-foot bed, is one such vehicle. This allows you to load your ATV with several inches of room to spare. The F-250′s V8 engine also makes it well-qualified for towing, if that’s your preference. Telescopic rearview mirrors let you keep an eye on your trailer. A 6-speed automatic transmission helps you navigate the diciest of terrain as you make your way to sand dunes or desert flats.

Rock Climbing | Subaru Forester

The Forester has just the right amount of room for ropes, carabiners, shoes and a cooler to store après-climb refreshments. The extra ground clearance is essential for when you tackle dry riverbeds or seemingly vertical mountain roads to get to the best climbing spots. The car’s symmetrical all-wheel drive (as opposed to a front-wheel-drive car with added rear-wheel capabilities, or vice versa) provides peace of mind along the way.

Sailing | GMC Yukon Denali XL

When you’re hauling boats, you need the extra horsepower of a vehicle such as the Yukon Denali XL. With a 6.2-liter V8 engine that provides 403 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque, you won’t have to worry about whether it can handle your diminutive Sunfish sailboat or a bigger yacht. With a cargo area that’s 81 inches long and that boasts 109 cubic feet of storage space, you’ll have plenty of room for your sailing gear and other accessories. An integrated trailer-brake controller helps you apply the appropriate amount of brake force when you have a boat in tow.

Fishing | Ram 1500

Fishing is dirty business. You need some serious cargo space for rods, tackle, buckets, bait and all the other gear for a day out on the water, and you want it to be ventilated — fish stink. And if you’re going fly-fishing in some remote locale, you’ll need something pretty rugged to find the most productive fishing holes and tackle the dirt roads leading to them. The Ram 1500 is perfect. It is one of the most versatile half-ton pickups on the market, with plenty of power from the all-new 305-horsepower Pentastar V6, which is 20 percent more efficient than previous engines, a smooth ride on or off road, and slick styling. Plus, Ram offers some cool truck-bed storage options.

Source: MSN

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After several years of a recession-induced drought, the automotive industry is once again fertile, spilling forth a cornucopia of great cars for buyers to feast on. And that’s perfect, because with Thanksgiving near, it’s the time of year to feast till you drop. Whether your budget is big or small, the caliber of new offerings is so impressive that it’s almost hard to go wrong, no matter what car you choose. But some vehicles stand out for one reason or another, whether for their looks, performance or what they represent. Here are 10 new vehicles we are glad exist. They’re not necessarily the absolute best in their respective categories, but life would be a lot worse without them. So we give thanks.

Ford Mustang Boss 302

This all-American badass proves that the modern-day muscle car is very much alive and kicking butt. What a relief, because just a few years ago its future looked bleak. Ford’s Boss 302 is the latest addition to the Mustang lineup. Its 5.0-liter 444-horsepower V8 engine sits right between the 412-horsepower engine in the Mustang GT and the supercharged 5.4-liter 550-horsepower V8 of the Shelby GT500. It’s $7,000 more than the GT and $8,000 less the Shelby — and worth every penny. With adjustable shock absorbers, beefed-up brakes, racing seats and other go-fast parts, the Boss is as close to a race-ready Mustang as you can get straight from the dealer.

Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima brings sporty flair to a vehicle category often dominated by blandness. Honda and Toyota might have more clout with the average consumer, but those who care about more than just getting from point A to point B will want an Altima 3.5 SR, with its 270-horspower V6 engine, taut suspension and 17-inch wheels. You don’t have to go all out to have fun in an Altima; the base 4-cylinder engine is plenty punchy. Heck, even the Altima Hybrid offers more fun than its competitors, albeit at the expense of being less fuel-efficient. Plus, the Altima has a clean, uncluttered cabin and cool looks that are sporty without being too aggressive.

Mazda 3

Mazda is like the BMW of Japan. Superb driving dynamics are at the core of every one of its cars, from the little MX-5 Miata roadster to the large CX-9 crossover. As other automakers bloat their small cars with more gadgets and fluff, Mazda continues to hone a simple formula: make quality cars that are a good value and fun to drive. This is immediately apparent from behind the wheel of a Mazda3. The seating position, steering wheel, pedals, controls and visibility are all good to go. The vehicle responds predictably and positively to every input. Its 4-cylinder engines are gutsier than most in its class; there’s even a 263-horsepower turbocharged version.

BMW M3

Nobody does sport sedans like BMW. Other automakers have come close to knocking the BMW 3-Series from its pedestal, but none has yet succeeded. The current BMW M3 only solidifies this domination. It sounds and acts like a supercar on the racetrack, yet it is eminently more practical, not to mention more affordable. It is uncanny how easy the M3 is to drive with abandon. It always turns in sharply, brakes immediately and changes gears instantaneously. In fact, the M3 lulls you into thinking you’re a better driver than you really are. BMW all but invented the performance-sedan segment decades ago. To this day it reigns supreme.

Cadillac CTS-V Wagon

A 556-horsepower wagon that laps a racetrack as well as it hauls groceries is so wrong that it’s just right. The Cadillac CTS-V wagon keeps hope alive for a future not entirely overrun with politically correct cars. So, soccer moms and dads, ditch the minivan or crossover and get one of these with a stick shift and Recaro racing seats. If you feel the need to rationalize the $63,215 price tag, rest assured that wagons are nearly as practical as crossovers of the same size. They’re just way more fun to drive and usually more fuel-efficient. We say usually, because the CTS-V’s 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine is actually a guzzler.

Jeep Wrangler

What kind of idiot would pick a Jeep, you ask? We would! Consider what the world would be like without one. Do you really want every so-called sport-utility vehicle on the road to be like a Nissan Juke or Toyota RAV4 — urban assault vehicles with no off-road capabilities whatsoever? That’s where things seem to be headed. But the Wrangler is an SUV that not only still lives up to the abbreviation’s definition, but one that helped create the category. You can drive it straight off the dealer’s lot and into the wilderness to crawl over boulders and wade through streams. Yes, there are things not to like, such as its Tonka Toy styling and coarse engines, but not much; plus, a new V6 engine is on tap for 2012.

Volkswagen Golf

Hybrids have hogged the spotlight as far as eco-friendly rides go. But the not-so-dirty secret among those in the know is that diesel-powered cars are a great alternative. This is particularly true of smaller diesels such as the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta TDI. Their exhaust emissions are clean enough to comply with federal regulations without the need for convoluted and costly exhaust-gas treatments required on larger diesel vehicles from Audi, BMW, Mercedes and others. The Golf and Jetta TDI are not only more fuel-efficient than their gas-powered equivalents, they also offer amazing torque, which makes them fast off the line and fun to drive. How many hybrids are actually fun to drive?

Audi A7

Audi calls it a “5-door coupe.” But coupes have two doors, not four doors plus a hatchback. Whatever you call it, the A7 is sexy, a big car with sultry lines that draws stares from everyone. The restrained and unadorned exterior is a departure from cars of other luxury brands. So is the signature huge front grille. This car is unique in an industry filled with things that look and feel the same. And with a supercharged V6 engine mated to a 7-speed transmission, it has the moves to back up the stunning good looks. There are two glaring faults, though: A car this big shouldn’t have only four seats, and the controls are overly complicated. Nobody’s perfect.

McLaren MP4-12C

As one of the most successful Formula One racing teams of all time, McLaren is no stranger to building fast cars. But it hasn’t built a road car of its own in years. Now here’s the MP4-12C to shake up the supercar establishment; it’s both faster and more fuel-efficient than some of the competition. It has the mind-boggling technology we’ve come to expect from McLaren, such as a rear wing that stands upright when the brakes are applied to help slow the car down. The best part is that the MP4-12C is just the opening shot of a larger salvo to follow.

Source: [MSN]

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Alfa Romeo Giulietta is undoubtedly one of the top occurrences ending year. The compact as expected from Alfa Romeo is coming on the market with an interesting design, which betrays both the connection with the history of Alfa Romeo, the Italian model and the adoption of the current lines mark models.

Alfa designers work was an intense in recent years, but it was somewhat relieved that they were given more time to achieve a truly special model. Alfa 147′s successor has been announced for release in 2007 in first phase, but Alfa Romeo problems and, later, financial problems of the entire auto industry led to successive postponements of the Giulietta.

Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, in-house design office of the Italian brand, has published a series of sketches made during the four years of development of Giulietta. The drawings and virtual replicas reveals different sides that took the Italian model to its market launch, the default period in which it went from a 147 evolved from a model somewhat reminiscent of the roots of the brand.

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The famous Opel Calibra will have a successor. The GTC will be inspired by the concept presented at the Geneva Motor Show 2007. Nick Reilly, head of GM Europe and Opel driver, confirmed that its engineers will perform a Calibra’s successor and that next model will be a model just like Gran Turismo Concept. That concept was the inspiration for Insignia and was equipped with a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 engine. As in the case of scale, the top version could be equipped with four-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine.

Calibra successor of the engines will have direct injection and will offer a mix of fuel economy and power. Chances are that the full range of engines to be turbocharged, and those from Opel will offer a diesel to meet customer wishes with coupes mid-range diesel engines. Those units could be offered only on the European market.

At launch, Calibra was based on the Vectra’s platform. The most likely successor to the famous coupe from Ruesselsheim will be made on Insignia’s platform and will take it’s propellant. The interior will also be taken to a certain extent, to reduce costs and integrate in the current range of Opel. We refer here at the wheel, watches from the board, board, center console, doors and even as the faces of the seats. This aspect is not condemned, because each manufacturer has adopted this solution for reasons of cost.

Calibra model was manufactured in 250,000 copies and sold globally in the same form for seven years. The top was equipped with C20LET engine offering 204 horsepower and was mated to a Getrag F26 six-speed transmission and all-wheel drive advantage. The tuners have made numerous packages for Calibra, one of which is a replica of his Ferrari 512 Testarossa, while others have made a convertible version. Moreover, the model has been popular among tuners and amateur, many owners making personal changes in one kit, more or less successful.

Source: Auto Express news

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Vehicle-Pedia community members vote this Mazda Shinari Concept Wallpaper, the wallpaper of the day [ WotD ].

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